Recap of the 2008 Centurion Boats at Watkins Glen Inter
August 12, 2008
Recap of the 2008 Centurion Boats at Watkins Glen video Read more
Austin Weather; A Study in Contrast
August 12, 2008
Austin and the surrounding Hill Country enjoy some of the most temperate weather in Texas. Summers are hot, winters are mild and spring and fall months are typically quite pleasant. Sun shines in the Austin area for 300 days or more and 90 degree plus temperatures occur on about 110 days out of the year. That means 200 sunny days in Texas are less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, more if you consider the fact that there are overcast days in the summer that can be very hot.
So why the oft-repeated truism about the sudden changes in climate Thats because of the nature of some of the more severe weather events that can affect the area. Flash floods are the most common and deadly type of weather-related disaster in Austin proper. Of course, the very name indicates the suddenness with which these kinds of floods strike. The storm systems that provide the massive amounts of rainfall that cause local rivers and creeks to flood can form suddenly as well, turning a hot, sunny afternoon into a wild, raging thunderstorm in a matter of minutes.
Most of the time, these storms merely provide excitement and welcome relief from summertime heat, although residents must take precautions against the threat of lightning strikes and rising streams at low water crossings. Occasionally however, massive super-storm systems, often the remnants of hurricanes that hit the Texas or Mexican coasts, will dump huge amounts of rain over short periods.
The greatest rainstorm in the continental United States occurred in 1921 when the towns of Taylor and Thrall, just northeast of Austin were hit with 23 inches and 36 inches of rain respectively in less than 24 hours. In all, seven Central Texas counties were severely affected and more than 200 people died. Over the years, severe flooding has occurred in the area about once every ten years on the average. Not only have many people been killed by these deadly floods, but damage to property and homes can climb into the millions of dollars. Federal flood insurance is available in Austin through the citys participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
The fact that such dramatic flood events precede or occur after significant droughts also lends weight to the perception that Texas weather is rather fickle. A deadly flood in 1915 was followed just two years later by what was the driest year of record in many parts of Texas and the third driest in Austins history. The great storm of 1957 that, according to the Austin American Statesman dumped "up to 10 inches of rain within a few minutes in a wide sweep of middle Texas.", struck at the end of a seven-year drought, one of the worst to ever hit the state.
One of Texas most deadly and unpredictable weather events, tornados, have only actually touched down rarely in Austin itself, although the surrounding countryside has been often hit with devastating results. The town of Jarrell to the north was virtually destroyed by an F-5 tornado on May 27, 1997. 27 people died in that storm. However, from 1953 until the spring of 2005, only 2 people died in tornados in Austin proper.
What about those mild winters It rarely snows in Austin. The heaviest snow of record occurred in 1937 on November 11 when 9.7 inches fell. The last snowfall of significance occurred on Valentines Day of 2004 and was completely melted by noon.
Freezing weather does hit the area most winters, although it doesnt usually last for long. In 1983, Austin set a record for the longest number of hours of sub-freezing weather, 140, from the 21st to the 27th of December. Although such cold temperatures rarely bring snow, they can cause freezing rain and sleet many winters.
About the Author
Ki works as a real estate agent in the Austin Texas real estate market. His site provides visitors a search for Austin homes along with a blog covering the Austin real estate market.
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This Time of Year
August 11, 2008
This is the time of year, well into the last half of summer, when you encounter this little orb weaver. The webs are invariably constructed, at eye level, directly across whatever path you care to take, and you don’t see the tiny things until you’ve blundered into them. Arachniphobes are a joy to behold as they deal with this sort of thing.
That’s Micrathena sagittata, or Arrow-shaped Micrathena, and besides the inevitability of the encounter, it’s the weird body shape that’s most obvious about it. It has greatly enlarged tubercles that have given its abdomen this shape.
It’s also capable of giving a tiny but noticeable nip, or so say I. But then I also say that if you let a lady bug prowl about on your arm long enough, it will give you a little bite too.
These spiders are also damn difficult to photograph. They’re generally deep in the shade, which almost demands the use of flash. But their abdomens are also highly reflective on the back, resulting in a photo that looks like this:
And speaking of time of year, it’s also about time for Year Six festivities to commence:
Large Scale Industrial Composting Techniques
August 10, 2008
There are industrial techniques that are larger counterparts of the simple residential techniques, while others employ technology and other methods unknown the the novices of composting. Whichever the method chosen, industrial composting is definitely operating on a large scale and may help a lot of production involving healthy soil.
1.ASP Method
ASP or Aerated Static Pile method of composting has both active and passive elements to it. The heap is placed on holed pipings that allow circulation without having to manipulate or turn the entire compost heap, as in other industrial composting techniques.It completely relies on air for the bulk of the operation, and is extremely helpful for making sure that the passive and active elements are both in play.
2.High Fiber Method
Wales invented this high fiber method of industrial composting and with great success so far. It involves rigorous stirring and even distribution of materials all throughout the pile. And then the aeration and surface area of the entire compost pile will improve with this symmetry. The compost pile consists of cardboard, newspapers and other forms of used paper.
It is also well-suited for household composting but then it is currently being performed on a laboratory in Wales for further monitoring. This solution was offered as a way of helping reduce pressure in waste landfills. If paper products are used as a material for composting, excluding the poisonous risk of colored ink, it really has a high potential of success.
3.In-Vessel Method
The in-vessel method, as suggested by its name, involves closed reactors. This is synonymous to closed bin composting method in residential scale, but instead of small bins, we are talking of metal tanks or concrete containers that are herculean in size. As a result, factors such as flow of air and temperature are controlled more effectively.
Some companies also put additional cover layers atop the metal tank or enclosed composting container to ensure complete isolation from external elements. Ventilation and insect infestation are often controlled by layering, constant cleaning and additional aeration processes on the affected layers.
4.MBS Method
MBS is the acronym for mechanical biological treatment system. It is a facility that helps sort materials using the composting technique. The scientific term for composting, in this case, is anaerobic digestion. This has instant practical applications in helping sort waste from residential abodes as opposed to industrial wastes which may be more hazardous and larger in number. This waste management technique is praised for its ability to help ensure biological safety of the environment.
5.Sheet Composting Method
The heap is often the method used for composting, but in the case of sheet composting, it the organix materials are placed directly on the soil you are intending to fertilize. Then it functions as a mulch when it decays there. The common materials used here are alfalfa and mustard. But the only downside is that it can rob off the nitrogen in the soil.
But adding green manure crops like clover can help sustain the lagging nitrogen supply in the roots. Most of the supporters of sheet composting claim that in the long run, this is more effective and able to retain more minerals in the soil than other techniques.
About the Author
Paul Hata is active in various community and social programs.Get the latest Gardening,Environment and Ecology information here - WorldGardenPages.com ,WorldEnvironmentPages.comand WorldEcologyPages.com
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Lord of the Flies
August 10, 2008
Mark mentioned in comments that it feels a lot like autumn here, and he’s right. It was a year ago today that the high temperatures last August peaked at 107 degF. Not so this August. Right now at 6AM the temperature is 61 degF, one degree above a record low, and for the rest of the week it looks like the temperatures won’t break 90, as they haven’t for the last couple of days. In fact, tomorrow looks like the high is 81 degF. Not a lot of rain in the forecast, at best a 20% chance for the remainder of the week beginning Tuesday, so the air is dry and the feeling is very comfortable.
Yesterday there were dozens of these guys lighting and zooming off low plants, all along the length of the small, now completely dry, SBS Creek.
They’re robber flies, of course, the pit bulls of the fly world. I discarded Laphria, Asilus, and finally settled on Red-footed Cannibal Fly, Promachus rufipes. They seem to be involved in mating, or maybe eating each other (hence the name), or more likely both. Probably at the same time.
Here’s a different individual of the same species, and both of these appear to be males.
Along the creek I found this more or less recent victim. I compared it to my gallery of discovered box turtles and was not able to match it up with any one of the 14 or 15 individuals I’ve cataloged. That was something of a consolation.
How To Survive A Festival This Summer
August 9, 2008
Festivals are now more popular then ever with new smaller sites setting up in local places, and with the new festivals come new festival goers. Daunted by the whole camping, not showering, drunken lifestyle - panicked people turn to the internet for guidance on what to expect and what to bring.
With this years most sort after festival steadily approaching thats Reading Festival just incase you didnt know, I thought Id share my festival hints and tips with any first time festival goers. Preparing for an occasion like this is like a military operation, come prepared and youll have an amazing time, come unprepared and the whole thing will fall apart. With these few tricks and some essential packing I believe that youll have a weekend to remember.
Purchase a trolly - trust me you will end with massive red welts on your hands from carrying things. Usually the car park/bus depo is quite walk away from the campsite and if you are just relying on your hands to get your belongings from A to B then you should think again. If you are clever you will also be bringing a travellers backpack - on which you can hang many an object from its straps and zips like a human bucking bronco. Carrying your belongings can really dampen the start of your festival and put you in a foul mood.
Wellies - rain or shine these are your best friends. Walking over uneven terrain in shoes or god forbid heels will cause serious damage. I find if you are wearing wellies 24/7 then you get the right amount of grip and stability in any condition.
Baby wipes - this will be your daily shower. Not the most luxurious wash youve ever had but it gets you clean nonetheless. Trust me you feel ten times better after using these.
Toilet roll - its actually amazing how many people dont bring toilet roll, yes it is supplied in the portaloos, but it runs out so quickly. People go into survival mode and instantly snatch whole rolls of paper if they are left in the loo. Its festival gold-dust.
A little point for the ladies - if you are going to use a sheepee/whiz then please do it in the toilet. I can understand its easier than hovering over a cess pit of a portaloo, but nobody wants to see you lined up with the rest of the male population against a fence - it makes you look weird.
Airbed - a bit of a luxury yes, but totally worth it. You can pick one up in Asda for a tenner. If youve ever slept on a roll mat or ground sheet then youll know what Im talking about, its hard, cold and will give you aching joints. You want to be at your festival best and not yawning - so invest because its well worth it. For the ultimate nights sleep get some earplugs as well.
A good sleeping bag - bringing a duvet is just a big no-no. It gets wet, they are hard to carry and to be honest you look like youve never been to a festival in your life. You can pick up festival sleeping bags from Millets which are specially designed for festival season, I brought one this year and they are spot on. For those who feel the cold I recommend bringing a jumper to wear to bed just incase.
A good tent - the best way to ruin your festival experience is to buy a poor tent. Two skin tents are a must, single skin tents will let in water and if you touch the sides when you stand prepare to get soaked. If you can afford a tent with a porch then buy one - it provides a nice shelter for your party when it pours. If you have a flag of some sort then attach it to the top of you tent so you can locate it within the hundreds.
A picnic blanket or ground sheet. There is nothing better than getting your friends to form a circle of tents around a central party point in which you can lay a ground sheet/blanket. A small patch in which you can all sit together is also a festival must, it forms the pre-party before you head off to enjoy the entertainment and a breakfast spot to laugh about the previous nights activities. Some people like to pop a gazebo up in this space - this is a brilliant idea however some campsites dont allow them. Be warned, if you are leaving a gathering space then make it small enough so someone cant put a tent up in it - lengthen guy ropes into the area.
Torch - walking, going to the loo, rummaging in the tent, sitting in a gathering spot outside the tent. A torch is a festival essential.
Basic clothes. Its not a fashion parade, although you can still look good. If you pack your best clothes prepare to say good-bye to them. You will get laughed out of the festival if you are dressed up to the nines, its just common sense to be comfortable in that environment. Besides you will stick out like a sore thumb and possibly be mocked. Fancy dress is always fun, so if you want to dress up then let it be costume.
Bin bags - a clean camp is a happy camp so just bring some bags to pop your rubbish in recycling and black sacks if possible. They also double up as seats protecting your derriere from the damp ground, keep your clothes nice and dry, and in the case of wet wellies - stick your foot in a bin bag before popping it in the wellie.
Hat and Rain Mack - your hair will get greasy unless you have dry shampoo so a hat helps to hide the embarrassment. Unless you want to get seriously ill then I suggest getting a rain mack. Ive been caught in a down pour with no rain mack and stayed soaked for many hours. Rain macks and festivals go hand in hand.
For those who cant live without their phones - get a portable charger. There are usually charging tents at festivals but they are damn expensive and who wants to waste time in a tent charging their phone
It goes without saying really but never leave anything in your tent that you dont mind losing. There will always be those sorts of people who steal things from tents, they will be in and out before you know it. Bumbag, handbag, backpack, pockets - keep your valuables on you.
Food and drink - festival food is notoriously expensive so bring your own. I know everyone will turn their noses up but pot noodles are excellent festival food - quick easy and warm. You dont even need a camping cooker - bring a flask, walk to the nearest tea/coffee stall and sweet talk them into giving you some hot water. Festival drinks are also expensive so take your own water and alcohol.
Last but no means least - music. It would seem odd to many that if you are going to a music festival that you would need to bring music of your own. But, after the main acts have finshed and youre not quite ready for bed - the music comes in handy and provides a great end to a fantastic night.
So there you have it, all the hints and tips for a perfect summer festival. Enjoy.
About the Author
Patrick is an expert Research and Travel consultant. His current interests are in Edinburgh Airport Parking, Edinburgh Airport Hotels.
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The Destructive Effects of Deforestation
August 9, 2008
What is even more appalling is mans desire for wider land areas, so they cut off more trees in order to convert the area into a housing community or subdivision; and an agricultural land or worse, a dump site,this perhaps can be the answer to what is deforestation.
By Definition
By definition, deforestation means the cutting or removal of trees from woodlands or forests in order to convert the land into commercial or logging reasons or for whatever purpose it may serve them. Generally, deforestation denotes the extraction of trees without sufficient reforestation or effort to replant a tree elsewhere to replace the one that has been cut.
Since time immemorial, man has been making the environment adapt to the civilizations growing needs. First it was cutting trees down to use for kindling, next it was for shelter, and then for paper and other products. Thousands of forests have been cleared all over the world to pave way for mans innovations and spatial requirements. It seems that forests are present to cater to mans needs and whims.
Raising Consciousness
It is human nature to be moved into action when our sense of well being becomes endangered. This is undoubtedly the reason why most people are becoming concerned over deforestation.
The easiest way to make people care is to emphasize the benefits of forests and woodland, and to show how its depletion will radically change our lives for the worst. First off, deforestation revolves around a number of issues but none as totally important as the two key subjects that we must be aware of: the primary concern is global warming or green house effect, the secondary matter is the question of whether the trees are utilized properly and if reforestation efforts are being made.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping reduce the amount of carbon released into our atmosphere. Deforestation kills the trees that help prevent greenhouse effect. Green house effect accounts for the Earths over all temperature rises, thus causing bizarre weather patterns. That is why the frequency of droughts, floods, tidal waves, and other natural disasters have risen.
The second concern is that the trees being cleared to pave way for metropolis are simply slashed and burned. Aside from the excessive emission of carbon dioxide brought about by burning wood, there is the apprehension that the trees would have been put to better use providing shelter for the homeless, building materials or other useful undertakings. The subsequent effects are truly devastating. Who knew that deforestation can cause so much head ache
Yes, who knew If only people have taken the time to inform themselves then they would have been able to make informed decisions and fight for what is right.
What Can You Do To Help
Since you are now knowledgeable of what is deforestation, it would be of much help to lead in the initial steps to change. Are you thinking what a lowly individual can do to help Well, small steps make a huge difference especially when everyone is working at the same goal. Armed with the knowledge of the disasters that deforestation can bring about will definitely make a person regulate his or her actions.
Start by conserving the most basic of household materials like paper towels, napkins and tissue papers. Recycling and knowing how to recycle materials will greatly help find a solution to green house emissions. Next is to be pro active and help educate other people by joining campaign groups who fight against deforestation.
Generally you dont have to be like a crazy person shouting at the streets and joining rallies, begin by changing your attitude and outlook and then you will see that little things do make a difference.
About the Author
Paul Hata is active in various community and social programs.Get the latest Environment,Ecology and Gardening information here - WorldEnvironmentPages.com ,WorldEcologyPages.comand WorldGardenPages.com
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The Global Deforestation Activities
August 9, 2008
Perhaps man is engaging in such battle for the mere purpose of sustaining his needs. Man resorts to activities where he can still get something of benefit to him. The basic necessities of life should be met on a daily basis, and meeting these needs would mean searching for ways to acquire it. One good place for probing is nature; but the more we draw something from it, the more it gets consumed and overly exhausted.
The Global Man Made Phenomenon
Forests are being stripped at an alarming rate since the 1900s, and both men and government made no aggressive moves to save the planet from total annihilation. Perhaps the reason why men cant simply take their hands off of nature is because of the need to live. Likewise, the government can see no further ways to stop the issues since it has been at a steadily increasing rate.
The first good reason why our lands are being wiped off with all the naturals is because of its values. The more viable products they see in nature, the more men become eager to penetrate the wild. Wherever there is money involved, there will always be humans hovering above it. Above all, forest depletion is for men consumption. Although its a terrible truth, people are all aware of it; but some would only let it pass their eyes for the sole purpose of profiting.
Apart from food, other resources can also be derived from nature. Among the most popular ones are the benefits which we get from trees such as paper, napkins, wood for home use, timber for constructing buildings and crafting furniture; and lastly; for heating purposes. With the wide use of lumber, it would be sure to have an impact on economic growth but with a death in forest values. The trend has become quite surprising because of the ongoing rise of the rates that reflect mans likelihood of parasitizing and demolishing nature.
Devastation Due To Deforestation
There are some experts who believe that deforestation is not evil in all ways. It has some good outcomes with nature too, but the matter of controlling and disciplining oneself becomes the biggest question. Take note, we are not only talking about the depletion of ecological life, but with the extinction of human life too.
Areas which are emptied of the green life, especially in tropical rainforests, can be very receptive to deforestation. Tropical rainforests consist of only a delicate layer of topsoil that is effortlessly worn away if there is no undergrowth grasping it in place.
The wildlife that is adapted to live in the jungle typically cannot continue to exist out in the open. Forests also act as the heat absorber of the planet, and it serves as the biggest recipients of carbon dioxide in the air. The rich green lands entrap moisture and augment clamminess; thereby creating a reserve for animal use. Without the plant life protecting moisture from seeping out into thin air, the animals can become endangered as well.
Why Does Deforestation Happen
So why does deforestation happen Perhaps, the answer to that is ourselves. We can never point fingers on anyone since we all contribute to the earths likely demise. From the small things that we do and from the biggest threats like major corporations, everyone realistically participates in the gradual killing of the earth.
About the Author
Paul Hata is active in various community and social programs.Get the latest Environment,Ecology and Gardening information here - WorldEnvironmentPages.com ,WorldEcologyPages.comand WorldGardenPages.com
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The History Of Deforestation
August 9, 2008
Fire was used deliberately and was started to be the first cause of bald forests since half a million years ago. Ever since the era of the ancient domain has processed, the ways to barren our lands have evolved and thereby discovered recent man made ideations to deplete our forests of its natural glow. The turn of the twentieth century has further paved way for more advanced knowledge on deforestation techniques that the number of destroyed forests has not stopped counting ever since.
Although it is a sad fact, deforestation has been used as a method of means to earn a living. From small to bigger profits, deforestation has been used by humans in all class types and races. For whichever ways it served them, there is truly no excuse of destroying the forest and harming the nature that brings a heap of better and bigger possibilities for the world. Our forests offer a permanent life source, and it shouldnt be exchanged for the temporary joys of human gain and profit.
Pre Historical Deforestation
Some 4000 years ago, evidences of man made plant and animal extinction actions have been seen. Fire was one of the popular methods of balding a forest to be turned into an agricultural area. Grazing animals also became a lead to major deforestation in area locales. The aborigines transferred form one location to another whenever the land becomes barren and of no further use to them.
Perhaps the only reason why there were no significant effects at that time is because of the population issue. If the present population has been born in the past, then extreme deforestation actions could have happened. The world could not have tolerated the effects some million years ago if this were the case. Luckily, the population now isnt the same in number than the people who used to inhabit the earth. If it so happened that the aborigines were wide in number, then the earth now could have been one of the dreadful places to live in.
The Industrial Times Of Deforestation
Since the advent of industrialization began, deforestation processes still continued and even rose to bigger numbers. None at that time was able to see the probable effects that we are experiencing right now. During those times, timber was in great popularity among shipbuilders; thus, the business of logging grew in astounding counts.
Also, woods were used in constructions and pottery; and whenever forests were depleted of these essential businesses, men flew from place to place in search of a new and fresh source of timber. On and on the process continued until visible barren land areas came to view. Since then, it became difficult to put a stop to deforestation, and men only grew with greed for their sole profits.
Present Deforestation Trends
Marginal soils are being used in a slash and burn method for creating short term goals. Over 200 million people are using this technique all over the world; and perhaps it is the main reason why gigantic land areas have been totally exhausted and eroded. Such lands are of no use for any form of cultivation at the present time. Beyond doubt, the demand of growing businesses have endangered the forests ever since.
If people try to go over the history of deforestation then and now, it can virtually be seen that our untouched land areas are slowly disappearing. The means of reversing could still be probable; but it needs great deal of human effort to finally bring a change into our world.
No matter how unreachable goals may seem, there can still be ways to achieve it if followed with utmost sincerity and unconditional love for nature.
About the Author
Paul Hata is active in various community and social programs.Get the latest Environment,Ecology and Gardening information here - WorldEnvironmentPages.com ,WorldEcologyPages.comand WorldGardenPages.com
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How To Control Pests In Your Organic Vegetable Garden
August 9, 2008
The very hard thing about pest control is the fact that there are so many types of pests that can invade your garden; it will really be quite a challenge to recall them in one sitting, so full immersion to your gardening activities is the only surefire way to inculcate ample knowledge on pests to watch out for.
One of the tried and tested tactics for pest control is by familiarizing yourself with the famous insects and animals. These enemies of the garden will really hamper the growth of your crop only if you let them.
Beetles
You have two options for beetles: manually remove them by hand or spray them with insecticide that is poisonous to them. If left untreated, beetles have the capacity to bore so much holes on your leaves and eat away at your vegetation over time, especially when their population has already burgeoned. Beetles comes in a variety of types, but the remedy for it is usually the two techniques mentioned above.
Aphids
You will often find sticky groups of insects that are invading your garden in hues of red if you have aphids in your garden. Fortunately, you can easily remedy this by spraying it with soap insecticide or any similar material. Aphids are common to almost every garden vegetable you can possibly imagine, so if you are growing vegetables, you are most likely to encounter these sticky organisms.
Cabbage Worms
Neem oil is the cabbage worms worst enemy, so if you spray them with it, they will be out of your garden in a jiffy. The thing is, you can determine whether cabbage worm are in the garden if you find green caterpillar and holes on the leaves of your plants. You can also pick them by hand if you are more courageous or maybe spray them with insecticide if you dont have neem oil handy at the time of infestation.
Cut Worms
If you see crawling, dull caterpillars that are brown in color, then you have found cutworms invading your territory Placing paper collars around plants after digging around the area may help prevent cutworms from taking up your precious soil and nutrients. Some chemicals may also work like insecticides, but this is a general cure. You also need to dig a lot because the cut worms have this tendency to snuggle up on your plants for shade and life.
Maggots
Maggots are extremely disgusting, and they tend to make your landscape ugly if you do not try to get rid of them. Bleaching is one of the best ways to get rid of maggots. If your organic garden is also situated beside a garbage bag, you may choose to transfer your garbage bag elsewhere because leftover meals like meat tend to attract these maggots and they might decide to branch out of the garbage bin and into your garden.
There are many other kinds of pests that you can control in your garden given the right handy tools and knowledge on how to best eliminate them from your organic garden.
About the Author
Paul Hata is active in various community and social programs.Get the latest Gardening,Environment and Ecology information here - WorldGardenPages.com ,WorldEnvironmentPages.comand WorldEcologyPages.com
