2012年6月26日 星期二

Air Conditioner Reviews - A Buyer's Guide


With the global warming that is very apparent around the world today, the demand for cooling systems has been increasing exponentially. Various types of products are offered from different companies. However, before you decide which one to buy, it is important to first take a look at the different types of products and read air conditioner reviews to be able to guide you to get the best and most efficient one.

The portable model is a movable unit that is used to cool a certain area of about twenty square meters. This unit can be plugged into the normal power source. Portable air conditioner units are very convenient, as there is no need for installation, and they do not look as bulky as the other models. However, these units might cost a little more than the others.

One of the most common types is the wall/window model, which sits in a small opening, usually a window, and has interior temperature controls. This type of air conditioner can cool rooms of up to fifty square meters. Interestingly, the interior air is cooled because a fan blows it over the evaporator. On the other hand, the air in the exterior is heated as a second fan blows it over the condenser. This process allows heat to be absorbed from the room and released into the environment.

Another type is the split-system model. The design of this unit is that the compressor and the evaporator are installed in a separate external packages. These two parts are connected by two detachable refrigerant pipes. The interior noise usually generated by the unit is reduced because the compressor is located externally. In addition, this type of design reduces the size of the internal unit. The split-system model can usually cool rooms of up to sixty square meters.

Evaporative coolers are extremely popular among areas with very hot weather. It contains a water reservoir or a wet pad, usually a large sponge soaked with water, where the hot air passes through. The heat of the incoming air is reduced and transformed into cooler air as it passes through the wet pad. The cooler air is then blown into the room. Evaporative coolers are a cheaper alternative to the traditional cooling systems; however, note that evaporative cooling works well only in dry inland climates, as temperatures with high humidity does not contain enough dry air for evaporative coolers to work effectively.

For larger and more spacious areas, a central air conditioning system is usually adapted. This type uses ducts to distribute cool air into more than one room. The compressor and the condenser are located in an outdoor unit, usually on the ground or at the roof. This type of set-up is more common in office buildings, malls, hotels, and other large establishments.

The various models mentioned above are just the basic cooling systems that are available in the market. So before you decide which one to buy, make sure you know what is best for you. Battle the heat with air conditioners that will cool the temperature and make you feel better.




Alice Angell understands the unbearable blazing heat of the hot summer. She enjoys research and writing on the various types of air conditioners. Come and get more Air Conditioner Reviews and Portable Air Conditioner Reviews today.





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A Shark Tale


Sweat erupted all over the fisherman's body. The strain of pulling against the as yet unseen force below rippled the muscles in his arms and torso. Blood ran in trickles down the opaque monofilament line cutting into his hands dripping into the open Pacific Ocean as if to some instinctive ritual rhythm. The Bull shark rose towards the surface slowly. There was no hurry. It spun the hand hewn dugout canoe in a lazy circle like the hand of clock running backwards. He could see it now. It looked nearly as long as the canoe. He got to his knees for better leverage. On the next pass a cold, unblinking left eye met his. Knowing it was hooked, it bolted for deeper water nearly capsizing the canoe. Warm bile-colored urine quietly ran down his leg in a soft stream to mix with the turquoise seawater that now half-filled the dugout. Minutes later it rose to just below the surface, still circling. Unafraid now, it stared at him pulling against the line. Salt water and tears stung his eyes. An eerie acrid smell assailed his nostrils. An icy grip clutched at his heart. He thought of his wife and children. Tomorrow would be Christmas. But today, one of them was going to die.

This was a three week fishing vacation on the Pacific Coast of the Choco Region of Colombia. I'd moved up to do some salt water big game fishing in addition to pursuit of other species in freshwater rivers, like the Chori, Jurubida and Tribuga that empty their tropical rain forest fed waters into the Pacific. Fifty-pound plus catfish species and monster Red Snapper often fed just outside these river mouths. Other bragging-size predator fish like Sierra, Aguja, Tuna, Albacore, Wahoo and Dorado also frequently feed in these areas. Sharks frequent the area too, lots of sharks.

A Bull Shark

Fishing guide Pepe Lopez and I caught a two meter long Bull Shark on Saturday, the 24th of December 2005 that was harassing a local fisherman in a three and a half meter long dugout canoe just outside of Utria Ensenada National Park. The shark had already swallowed the fisherman's bait: a whole, live 18-inch long Tuna and was circling the fisherman and his canoe. The shark still had the 120 pound test nylon line and double number four hook rig in its mouth and was spinning the canoe and fisherman in circles. The fisherman still had the other end of the line providing tension against the fish. The line could hold the fish but was no match for the razor-lined jaws. Soon the line would be bitten through or break from the strain and repeated abrasion of the shark's sandpaper-like skin. Now if you're thinking, "Just cut the line and the shark will go away", then you don't know Bull Sharks. No chance. It had just eaten a free, easy meal and was looking for the next course. That shark wasn't going anywhere, at least not just yet.

You Do the Math

If the fisherman won, he could look forward to a hefty payday. The shark's fins alone would command a tidy sum at regional markets, while the shark's meat, called "Toyo", is a highly-prized commodity on its own. The situation didn't look too good for the home team at the point we joined in though. Two meter long Bull shark, one of the three most dangerous and aggressive shark species in the world, three and a half meter long wooden dugout canoe with no motor, just single-paddle manpower. No stun gun. No machete. No knife. The shark had just swallowed a free, easy meal and was on the make for yet another. They were miles from shore on the shark's turf. You do the math.

If the Bull shark broke, capsized or sunk the canoe and won - well, the fisherman would never see home again. In this region of the world, "it happens all the time" said Doris Lopez a resident of Jurubida, a local fishing village. Fortunately, our boat was a seven meter long heavy wooden launch equipped with an outboard motor. We also happened to have a detachable head harpoon with 250 pound test braided line and a wooden float attached. As we approached the scene the fisherman frantically waved for help. The look of terror on his face spoke volumes. Salt spray stung our eyes and nostrils. Our lips tasted of brine. The wind-whipped, humid air reeked of death.

A Friendly Chat

Only an hour or so ago we had pulled alongside and chatted briefly with him. He was after Bravo and fished a single live-baited line with a double-hook rig weighted to a depth of about thirty feet. The live bait of choice was Tuna which run in schools of 40 or so and are from 14 to 20 inches long weighing six to ten pounds in these waters. Already he had two thirty-pound Bravo in his hand hewn dugout canoe and was going for the hat trick. A third Bravo had "just thrown the Tuna bait and broached the surface, apparently spooked by something else", the fisherman related. He wasn't sure what. The shark was worked up to a depth where he and it could see each other. That's when all hell broke loose. It then became a fight in earnest but the home team was losing ground.

The Final Battle

We circled the scene and decided to harpoon the beast to aid in the battle to first tire, then subdue it. Three of us took nearly an hour to vanquish and land the menace. The fisherman's original nylon line finally broke under the strain. I manned the gaff. Finally, we had to knock it out using an oar with repeated heavy blows to the gills and brain areas above and behind the eyes. We killed it and hauled the creature onboard our launch. The fisherman cut out his double-hook rig and took the shark's dorsal and front fins which were worth almost as much as all of the rest of the shark. He headed off in his battle scarred dugout to Bahia Solano. That was the last we saw him and never got his name. Pepe sold the shark carcass to a commercial fishing vessel, the "ARES", whose captain took it south along Colombia's Pacific coast to the port of Buenaventura for weighing and wholesale. Interestingly enough, my wife and I took this same boat ourselves back to Buenaventura on the return trip home the next day. On the same trip in fact, as the shark.




Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an English language teaching and learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. Now YOU too can live your dreams in paradise, find romance, high adventure and get paid while travelling for free.

For more information on entering or advancing in the fascinating field of teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language send for his no-cost PDF Ebook, "If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know", immediate delivery details and no-obligation information are available online now at: http://bettereflteacher.blogspot.com/

Need professional, original content or articles for your blog, newsletter or website? Have a question, request, or want to receive more information or to be added to his articles and teaching materials mailing list? Then contact the author at this website for a prompt response.





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Asthma Products Help Prevent Asthma Attacks


Asthma is a condition that is difficult to deal with. It is not a fatal condition, but people who have asthma have to use several methods to control their symptoms. Asthma is often caused by a variety of allergies, and asthma products help to reduce exposure to allergens that trigger attacks. In addition to medication, people with asthma need to arrange their lifestyles to avoid allergens. The good thing is that it is possible to have the right combination of medication and products to control asthma effectively.

Air Filters Remove Allergens From a Home Environment

The air in your home contains many things that trigger asthma attacks. Dust, mold spores, mites, chemical vapors, air pollutants from outdoors, pet dander and air fresheners are just a few of the triggers. When you have asthma, it is important to keep the air in your home as clean as possible. Air purifiers are one type of asthma products that do this. You want to get the best air purifier that you can rather than the cheapest one you can find. Your doctor can recommend types of filters that will work best. HEPA air purifiers are top-rated filters that remove various triggers from the air. They are usually placed in rooms that are occupied most frequently. The size and number of filters needed depends on the size of the home and the rooms in it.

Dehumidifiers Are a Weapon Against Allergen-Producing Molds

Mold spore are the most insidious triggers of asthma attacks. High levels of mold in a home are caused by excessive moisture in the air (humidity). You can't always see mold growth because it tends to hide in air vents, behind washers and driers, and in carpets. Basements have very high humidity and are a breeding ground for mold. Dehumidifiers are asthma products that prevent the growth of mold and mildew. They should be placed in basements, bathrooms and closets to remove moisture from the air and inhibit mold and mildew growth.

Anti-Allergen Sprays Destroy Allergens

Anti-allergen sprays are powerful asthma products that neutralize allergens in any environment. You can't get rid of everything that produces allergens, and you certainly do not want to get rid of your pets even though you're allergic to them and they can trigger attacks. These sprays are non-staining and destroy allergens from dust mites, pet dander, pollens, mold and mildew on contact. They are non-toxic and safe for pets and people.

Other Asthma Products

Masks can be used both indoors and particularly outdoors to prevent allergens from getting into the lungs to trigger asthma attacks. Peak-flow meters are devices that enable you to measure the pressure of your exhalation to see if it is diminishing, which is a sign that your condition is worsening. Peak-flow meters provide early detection so that you can intervene before the asthma becomes worse. There are many products available to lessen allergen exposure and improve the condition of people who suffer from asthma. Using these products can help you lead a normal breathing life.




Sophia Dillard is a researcher on products for households and a contributing writer on the subject of asthma products. Save time and money by getting a FREE in-depth review of this product, including discounts and best prices, at this blog: fastnaturalasthmarelief.com





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2012年6月25日 星期一

Black Mold Prevention Steps - How to Prevent Black Mold


Black mold, or toxic mold, is a dangerous fungus that often grows in damp or wet areas. It is not always easy to spot this mold because it is usually in hidden areas like between tiles, the corners of walls, or under carpets. This mold is extremely dangerous and can cause serious health problems for animals and humans. Mycotoxins found in black mold can be inhaled or absorbed by the skin, which can lead to symptoms such as skin irritations, diarrhea, fevers, and more.

Once mold has infected your home, it can be very time consuming and expensive to clean up. Worse yet, most home insurance agencies refuse to provide service for mold claims. It can also cause very serious allergic reactions for people, and is especially dangerous for children, elderly individuals and others with weaker immune systems. Mold can also cause the value of your home to drop significantly. To prevent mold from growing in your house, there are a series of black mold prevention steps you can follow.

The biggest cause of mold is humidity, so it is important to monitor the humidity rate of your house. If any room is exceeding or close to 55% of relative humidity, then the area will need to be aired out regularly. Areas with high humidity provide a breeding ground for mold and all other types of biological contaminants. Most communities have companies available who can take mold readings of your house, but you may also do the job yourself with a moisture meter or hygrometer.

Aside from humidity, leaks and other kinds of water intrusion are the next most common reason for black mold problems. Rusting or condensation around pipes is usually a sign of leaking. Cold water drainpipes and other cold surfaces should be covered with insulation material to prevent condensation from forming. The most complicated part of prevent leaking pipes is to determine whether or not they are leaking in the first place. Small leaks can be almost indiscernible and impossible to find without a thorough check. Although this is time consuming, it is certainly better than having a molding problem.

Water can seep into the house if your foundation is low or if the ground slopes towards a specific area. Also, make sure that the floor is properly ventilated and the walls are sealed to prevent water entry. Damp ground problems can be solved by sealing the cracks with polythene or another water sealant material.

Leaking roofs can also accumulate water and attract mold, so it is important to fix any problems as soon as they occur. Many roofing leaks are caused by damaged or cracked chimneys, try looking for cracked mortar joints or a loose brick in your chimney. Water stains in the interior ceiling is also a sign of a leakage problem on the outside.




Find out more about preventing black mold in the articles from the Black Mold Expert! This site deals with the problems and health effects that toxic black mold causes.





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Are You One of the Millions Whose Daily Life Includes the Struggles of Asthma?


For an asthmatic, the struggles of asthma includes the day to day management of the disease is vital if they are to stay healthy.

The struggles of asthma also mean that medicines must be taken regularly and the patient must do all they can to minimize contact with known triggers of an attack.

To make this self management possible the patient and doctor must work together to create an individual action plan.

Naturally, this involves taking the correct medicines and learning to use the inhalers properly as well as having regular check-ups.

A key part of the plan is that the asthmatic needs to identify and avoid the things that can worsen or trigger the asthma symptoms.

If you have a pet keep it out of your house. Their hair or skin may be a triggers for your asthma.

You shouldn't smoke and should stay away from smokers.

Stay indoors with the A/C on, where possible, when the air is dry or full of pollen.

Wash your bedding, sheets and blankets, weekly in hot water to clean the dust mites.

Prevent colds and the flu by washing your hands often, sneezing into your elbow, not you hands and think about getting a yearly flu shoot.

You should wear a scarf over your mouth and nose when it is cold outside, especially if the cold air triggers your asthma.

Physical activity is important to your general health and to your asthma. If exercise triggers asthma attacks, speak with your doctor(s) with the goal being to find you exercises that will not cause asthmatic problems.

If you are allergic to sulphites, avoid foods (some breads, canned fruits, cereals with dried fruit) or beverages (beer, wine, cocktail mixes and most drinks containing sugar) that contain them.

Humidity in the home can assist molds and fungi grow in the home and to produce and release millions of spores small enough to be airborne and that may trigger asthma attacks when much above 50%.

Open windows throughout the house, especially in the kitchen or bathroom areas allowing the hot humid air from the shower or dishwasher to escape and use a dehumidifier in your basement if you have the need.

Be careful with furnaces, stoves, space heaters and similar combustion units. They can produce gases and airborne particles that can be triggers for asthmatics.

Change filters in the furnace of your home monthly or at least as often as the manufacturer recommends.

Check them over on an annual basis, by yourself, or better yet by someone who is knowledgeable about these. Check with your local gas company, most perform this service for free.

Avoid airborne perfumes, deodorants, or air fresheners and when painting or doing crafts make sure you are in a well ventilated area.

Be aware of signs and symptoms of an asthma attack, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or any difficulty in breathing.

Take your medication as directed by your doctor and use your peak flow meter to monitor your asthma.

A healthy lifestyle is part of the management and treatment of your asthma.

A healthy lifestyle will not make you, me or anyone immune from colds or illnesses and may not get rid of all of problems with allergies and asthma, but it is likely to help.

Increase the fruits and vegetables you eat and decrease the fats and sugars you eat, exercise often, find ways to control the stress in your life, and, of course, don't smoke.

If your asthma gets worse then you should get help from your doctor to either bring it back under control or alter your medication.




Learn More About Symptoms and How You Can Treat and Live with Asthma at Treatment for Asthma [http://www.Asthma-Explained.com/asthma-treatment.html]





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Are You One of the Nearly 23 Million Americans Suffering from This Chronic Disease?


It's estimated that nearly 23 million Americans, and a staggering 300 million worldwide, suffer from asthma. Although asthma is in many cases hereditary, there are ways to help reduce and eliminate your suffering.

What Causes Asthma?

Respiratory viral infections and even the common cold can cause asthma. Heredity can also play a part. However, allergic reactions are the main cause of asthma. The most common allergens include:


Pollen


Cockroaches


Molds


Household dust mites


Pets

Asthma often results from a combination of allergic and non-allergic reactions. Some of the most common non-allergic reactions or "triggers" include:


Air pollutants and irritants


Smoke & second-hand smoke


Cold air


Exercise


Emotional upsets

The number of asthma cases has increased significantly in the past decade. Researchers believe the following risk factors are largely to blame:


Increasing populations in large urban areas with environmental pollutants


High exposure to asthma-causing chemicals used in farming and paint, electronics and steel manufacturing


Low birth weight and obesity

Do you have Asthma? I'm Not Sure. How Can I Tell?

This self-assessment test is a good start. Don't write off that nightly cough as "just a cold." And that gasping for air may not be a result of being "out of shape." If you're experiencing any of the following, you could have asthma:


Sometimes I have pain or tightening in my chest.


Sometimes I feel short of breath and/or have coughing spells.


I find myself waking up during the night due to shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing.


I cough or have trouble breathing while going about my daily activities.


When I exercise, I cough and have difficulty breathing.


A cold goes right to my chest, and it's hard to breathe.


Dust, pollen and pets can make it difficult for me to breathe.


Fumes, tobacco smoke, and strong odors make it hard for me to breathe.

This test is by no means a substitute for a full diagnosis of asthma. If you checked any of the above, contact your doctor and set up an appointment.

So you have Asthma, but is it under control?

If you've already been diagnosed with asthma, continue to touch base with your doctor to discuss ways to better manage your condition. Check any of the following if they apply to you:


I use my quick relief asthma inhaler more than once a day.


My quick relief inhaler has lasted for less than three months.


I've been to the emergency room or hospital because of my asthma in the last year.


My asthma medicine causes adverse side effects.


Coughing or wheezing wake me up during the night.


I'm short of breath in the morning.


I cough or wheeze in the morning.

If you checked any of the above, be sure to discuss your situation with your doctor. Don't try to treat asthma yourself and don't settle for feeling better you could feel your best with a different prescription, different dosage or new asthma management techniques.

Learn How To Take Control Of Asthma

Asthma doesn't discriminate. It's a chronic lung condition that affects people of any race, age and sex. At a moment's notice, the life-giving air that we take for granted can be taken away. Yet, thanks to scientists' and doctors' unyielding efforts to improve asthma medications and management techniques, people with asthma are breathing easier.

When Asthma Attacks...

The main passage of your lungs, your bronchial tubes, are inflamed. The muscles of the bronchial walls have tightened, making it difficult for air to move in and out. The result is any one or a combination of the following:

Symptoms:


Wheezing


Coughing


Excess Mucus


Chest Tightness


Breathlessness

Diagnosing Asthma

Diagnosing asthma is no easy task. Symptoms are often similar to other lung conditions and can range from mild to very severe. The good news is that when asthma is correctly diagnosed, it can be treated. The diagnosis of asthma by your doctor may include:


A family medical history evaluation


Any parent or relatives with asthma or persistent allergies?


Do you have a history of recurrent and persistent cough?

Physical examination


Listening to lungs with a stethoscope


Examination of nasal passages

Lung function tests


A peak flow meter measures the rate at which you can expel air

Chest x-ray


To exclude the possibilities of breathing problems caused by something other than asthma

Allergy prick test


A skin test that confirms the presence or absence of allergies

A trial use of asthma medication

Here are some great pieces of advice to Preventing Asthma Attacks


Devise an asthma action plan


Follow your doctor's advice for taking medications and handling acute attacks.


Monitor your breathing


Measure your peak air flow regularly


Learn to recognize your own signs of an impending attack.


Treat attacks early on


Quick action on your part can lessen the severity of an attack


Stop whatever may have triggered your attack and take your medication

Asthma Treatment

There are three types of medical treatments available for asthma:


Medications that acutely relieve symptoms or prevent flare-ups


Medications that suppress inflammation


Immunotherapy or allergy desensitization shots

The key to managing and treating your asthma is to work with your doctor as a team to determine the best course of action. While medication is key to controlling asthma, there are several things you can do to prevent attacks:


Exercise to strengthen your heart and lungs


Use your air conditioner to reduce airborn pollens


Use a dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity


Clean your home at least once a week to eliminate dust

Respiratory Glossary



Allergen: A substance that causes allergic reactions in people who are allergic to it. The allergens that cause asthma symptoms are typically airborne substances.



Asthma Action/Management Plan: A plan developed by the doctor and agreed to by the patient that outlines preventative and treatment measures for controlling the patient's asthma.



Bronchodilator: A type of drug that relaxes bronchial muscles resulting in expansion of the bronchial air passages.



Compliance: A patient's fulfillment to the health care provider's instructions.



Dose: The exact amount of medicine to be taken at one time or in stated intervals.



Episode: An event, attack, or flare of asthma.



Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI): An inhaler that delivers a pre-measured dose of medicine in mist form into the mouth to be breathed directly into the lungs.



Peak Flow Meter: A simple device that measures the peak flow of air being exhaled, also called the peak expiratory flow rate. It can detect small changes in the airways and forewarn of an impending asthma flare.



Trigger: Substances (dust, mold, pollen, chemicals, etc.) or conditions (colds, infections, gastric juice, etc.) that bother the air passages and cause asthma symptoms.




Visit http://www.QuickMedical.com for an extensive collection of health and fitness information designed to inform the consumer on many of today's most talked about health topics. Find nebulizers, asthma treatment tools as well as thousands of professional and home medical supplies, hospital supplies and more at guaranteed lowest prices.





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Black Mold Removal


House cleaning is one of the tasks we do not enjoy very much. It is long, laborious and well, dirty. However, it is something that you really have to do unless you are willing to settle in a house that is filthy and unorganized. When house cleaning, it is appropriate to set aside ample time for this task, say a whole day, especially if you have a large house. It is also great to enlist the help of other family members for this task.

It is extremely important for the whole house to be clean in order to avoid sickness, allergies or infections. Pests, another culprit, can be remedied by using Riddex and Pest Offense. Most ailments start from the house. Keep in mind that a clean house is a safe house.

Removing Black Growth

Black mold growth is one of the most common dirt found in the house. Mold is a problem that can stick around forever if not treated properly the first time. Black mold is very toxic and can cause sickness and even death in certain cases.

Removing mold completely is the only way to rid your home of the spores and dust. Learn how to remove black mold and keep your home safe. Black mold removal and mold and mildew removal can be a little difficult but there are tips and techniques you can apply to make the work faster and more efficient.

Removing Black Mold in the House

· It is very important to know the source of the water accumulation. Fixing it is the first step of the successful removal of black mold. If you have a high relative humidity in a room or area (55% or higher), then you should strongly consider a dehumidifier. To determine the relative humidity, you will need a relative humidity sensor, also known as a moisture meter or hygrometer. If there is a water leak or a severe flooding, use fans and humidifiers. Move wet items away from walls and off the floor. You have to address the problem quickly so that the damage will not go too fat. It only takes 24-48 hours for toxic mold to germinate and grow. Contaminated areas should be remedied quickly.

· Minimize dust and seal off affected areas. Before cleaning and removing the mold, take necessary measures to prevent the mold from spreading. Mold spores become airborne during the cleaning process so contain the area being cleaned.

Each room should be cleaned separately. Seal the room off before beginning the cleaning process. Cleaning, as mentioned earlier, can stir up the mold so it is vital to prevent them from disseminating. Once spores become airborne, they can quickly spread to other areas to germinate and colonize. A room can be properly sealed by using plastic sheeting with duct tape to cover various openings, such as doors and vents. Turn off all HVAC systems before cleaning.

· Toxic black mold removal on a dry area can be done by lightly misting the area with water before cleaning the mold. Dry mold has a much greater chance of becoming airborne when disturbed. After lightly misting the surface, clean the affected area with soap and then apply a disinfectant black mold remover. Mold spores are microscopic so make sure to clean all surfaces. After cleaning the area, it must be completely dried.

· Remove and discard mold-infected materials by throwing them into heavy-duty plastic bags. Get the bags outside a window or other openings accessible to the room being cleaned.

How to Protect Your Health during Mold Cleanup

It is of enormous importance to protect you and minimize exposure during the cleaning process. It is not recommended for a person who has asthma or other allergies to do the clean up for they are very vulnerable. Black mold removal cost need not be exacerbated by health risks.

Wear a respirator. Wear a dust mask to protect against inhalation of mold spores. Choose a respirator that is specifically designed for particle removal.

1. Clothing. Wear protective clothing that can be easily removed and cleaned. Use a suit that will cover the entire body to prevent any skin exposure. You should also wear rubber gloves and eye goggles.

2. Evacuate. Ask family members to leave the area during cleanup.

3. Rest in between cleaning. If the area to be cleaned is quite large, make sure to rest in an area where there is fresh air.




Keeping your home clear of vermin and germs is important for your family's health. Go learn more about black mold removal and mold and mildew removal in general to keep your children safe from these deadly microorganisms.





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2012年6月24日 星期日

Best Way to Lose Belly Fat and Stubborn Love Handles Fast


1. Doing a full sprint may sound like a good way to lose unwanted excess weight quickly. Doing this will strain muscles in your lower limbs.

Performing a stop-and-go exercise would be more efficient. Run, say, 30 meters with 80% of your effort, then slow to a jog for about 5 to 10 meters before running another 30 meters again. Do five repetitions.

2. Staying cool and hydrated is essential to prevent heatstroke. We must make sure that the temperature and humidity is below 160.

3. It is always wise to get and use good quality gears and equipment in order to avoid various injuries and additional bills.

4. Performing diverse exercises incorrectly is futile. To be successful in becoming fit and in shape, it is best to consult professional trainers.

5. If your sport involves making body movements in different directions, then it follows that your warm up should, too. This prepares your body for the strenuous activity you will be taking on.

6. Film yourself while performing your exercise routine and then show your video to a professional trainer for assessment of your practice.

7. Always include stretching for the protection of your rotator cuffs. You wouldn't want to disable your shoulder with a single wrong move.

8. It is advisable to go extra early for a brief swim. This way, you can enjoy your dip and avoid an overcrowded pool.

9. Smooth out your tendon. Ultrasound Needle Therapy involves a needle smoothening out the bone by breaking up calcifications and fixing scar tissue. Thirteen out of twenty people who have gone through the procedure report it as a success.

Give it a try. It'll only take 15 minutes of your time.

10. Do off road running. Running on uneven surfaces trains the ankles to be stable.

Know where you're headed before going down a particular path, whether it's biking or jogging, it's best to check it out first to avoid potential injuries or accidents.




If you really want to get rid of your belly fat and get a well-sculpted body, I know the perfect six pack workout for you? Find out more about getting fit and fab by visiting my blog http://www.sixpackabscode.com





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Adventure Travel Through Costa Rica


In the summer of 2007 I embarked on quite the expedition to one of the worlds adventure capitals- Costa Rica. We had waited and planned for this trip for months, and as August came to an end, (rainy season in Costa Rica) myself and 4 other fellow adventurers packed up our bags on a Friday after work and headed south for three hours to the Detroit airport.

After hours of driving, a connecting flight in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a flight amidst a hurricane, we landed in San Jose late in the afternoon. Our first order of business was to head to the car rental place where we rented a good SUV to last us through the trip (little did we know... it wouldn't). We got a quick bite to eat, got soaked in the torrential rains, and then started our drive.

Our first destination was Cerro Chirripo. However, looking back on it, the drive was just as much of an adrenaline rush as the upcoming climb. Driving in the late evening across the curvy and dangerous mountain roads gave us some great views of the valley below. We were crossing a mountain called "Cerro de la Muerte", which in Spanish means "The Mountain of Death". Soon our road came to an end in a small town called San Isidro. But this was not our destination. We had to make it to a place called "San Gerardo de Rivas". We pulled over to ask for directions and the first man we talked to seemed uninterested in helping us. Probably because he had a live duck quacking away in a sack that he had thrown over his shoulder. I bet he was in a rush to get home and make dinner. Finally we found two women who laughed at us but eventually helped us (through the little Spanish we know, we managed to make out the directions that they gave us). The single lane, gravel road eventually led us to our hostel.

We woke up at 5am to see the foreign country that we had just spent the night in. We were staying in a glorious hostel build right into the rocks, owned by an American from North Carolina that moved into the bush just to climb Cerro Chirripo as often as he wanted. We had the entire place to ourselves, kitchen and everything. We left some of our baggage in his hostel and our car in his parking lot and started our hike.

We began at the base of the park, and by the time we got to the first kilometre marker we were all seriously realizing what it meant to climb the tallest mountain in Costa Rica (second tallest in central America). At over 3,800 meters above sea level, this 14 kilometre hike was about to get the best of us. We hiked through humidity, rain, and two levels of clouds before we got to the half way point. Already tired, we ate some good healthy food and loaded up on water. The rain eventually subsided as we went on further. It began to get cold and the terrain started to get barren like a desert. Our fatigue was getting worse and worse, and the rest breaks started to happen more frequently. As the sun started to settle,, we knew that we had to make it to the base camp, as Cerro Chirripo is home to all 6 of Costa Rica's cats. After 9 hours of trekking, we putting on some warm clothing (it started to snow at this point) and went to sleep at the base camp. Early the next morning, we arose to see the sunrise over breakfast and then took a peak at the summit, before starting our trek back down. 4 hours later, our legs were shaky but we hopped in the car and drove on.

While driving through mostly farmland, and some closed roads, we took a break in Domincal for some seafood at an ocean side restaurant. The sun set as we watched the tide recede. Back into the car we drove to Manuel Antonio. Once again, arriving at night we reached our hostel. This hostel was a dump. It was in someone's garage and had stray dogs roaming around. We kept going until we found a great place on the main strip for a few dollars more. The next morning our adventure began. We went for a hike to Manuel Antonio Park where we hung out with some monkeys and went for a dip in the ocean. The waves were unreal. We checked out the town and then went to a pub. It was quite interesting hanging out with the Ticos, but nevertheless, it was fun. A few of the guys got cheated into some fake cigars, but we got over that fast and enjoyed the evening. In the morning we met up with a tour guide named Alex who took us into the mangroves. Interacting with the monkeys and the 'Jesus Christ Lizards' was something that doesn't happen in Canada so we enjoyed every minute of it. We saw some cool birds and other animals. But the cool part was the little caiman heads that we started to see popping up around our boat. On the way back, we stopped for some fresh Costa Rican fruit before making it back to our hostel. We got dressed up and went out on the town again. Dinner in an old airplane followed by dancing at a local club finished off the evening.

The next morning we all woke up late and sick. We had to book it over to Quepos for some scuba diving that we were doing. Although we got there almost an hour late, it was okay because we were the only bunch of tourists that were crazy enough to dive during this season. The boat took us out to some really cool reefs that we swam around. We got some good glimpses of the fish and lobster that inhabited the area. All in all the scuba diving was a blast but it was time to move on! We got back into the car and head to Jaco.

Arriving that evening in Jaco we enjoyed some dinner and hung around watching some surfing videos at the local pub. In case you didn't know, Jaco is the surfers Mecca of Costa Rica. While watching these videos we got approached by another American also from the Carolina's who invited us to check out a real UFC style fight at a local club. Naturally we accepted. Arriving at the club, security was tight, so we had to mention the surfers name to get in. While enjoying some Costa Rican beers we had the rare opportunity to watch an underground cage fight. Fighters from all over, but predominantly Brazil, were there. It was great to watch and experience, but as soon as the evening ended we headed back to our hostel for some REAL cigars before crashing for the night.

Early the next morning we took a cab to Herradura, a small beach north of Jaco were a power boat picked us up and taxied us across the bay to Montezuma. This is the first time where the rain impeded our plans. We had booked a boat ride over to Tortuga Island for some snorkelling, but the hurricane made this impossible. However our visit wasn't in vain. We had the opportunity to explore the town. Montezuma is a colourful but quaint town. It is absolutely amazing and probably my most favourite part of Costa Rica. We enjoyed an excellent meal and then headed to our cabins in the mountains were we reminisced on what we've been through and what is still to come. The next morning, while being accompanied by tuna and sea turtles for most of the way, we took the taxi boat back to Jaco where we picked up our car and went on our way.

Our next stop was Monteverde. The trip there was quite interesting. The roads became very bumpy and rocky and dangerous. And then it happened... we got a flat tire (later we'd find out that the roads also messed up the suspension and the alignment). This flat happened right on a gravel hill in the middle of a massive bend in the road. Two of us had to watch traffic from both sides down the road and ask them to slow down and not hit us, while the rest worked on replacing the tire in the rain and mud. Finally we made it to Monteverde. For the sake of interest we took a tour on the hanging bridges they had and got to see some amazing reptiles hanging around in their normal habitat. But once this was over we got geared up to zipline the tallest, longest, and fastest set of 11 ziplines that Costa Rica had to offer. Because we were in a cloud forest, once you left the platform and started your zipping, you could see everything for a bit and then you disappeared into the clouds. This was a very surreal and exhilarating feeling! Totally cool! This detour was well worth it, but we had to keep on going, for our final destination was La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano. We stopped for food in a restaurant INSIDE of a tree and then went on our way!

We got to La Fortuna late at night, booked out an entire room fitted for 11 backpackers (so we had room to hang our wet stuff in hopes of it drying) and went immediately to bed (after calling the car company to replace our vehicle). In the morning we ate an awesome Tico breakfast and were amazed at the hostel we scored. We had a diner, pub, internet cafe, swimming pool, and view of the Volcano right at our finger tips. We quickly headed into town and met up with our tour guides. They seated us up into the back of their pickup truck and took us deep into the jungle. This is where we started our canyoneering in the Lost Canyon. This was cool. This pristine hike through crystal clear and refreshing cool, waters would be interrupted frequently by HUGE waterfalls that we, of course, rappelled through. This was one of my favourite parts of the trip. The waterfalls were huge and so desolate that even fallen trees from the hurricanes were left where they lay.

We eventually made it back to our hostel where we met some cool people and spent the evening hanging out with them at the pub. In the morning the group split up. Three of us rented some motorbikes and headed to the famous "La Fortuna Waterfall" for some swimming and photo opportunities. Myself and another one of the travellers ventured off with a guide to the Venado Caves. This wasn't a very physically demanding caving experience. In fact it consisted mainly of hiking, crawling, squeezing and ducking. But it was still amazing. The caves were hot and humid volcano crevasses deep in the volcano territory. But there was a really cool, knee deep, stream of water we walked through the entire time. As expected, the caves were littered with enormous insects and spiders. The coolest part of this expedition was when the cave started to get smaller and tighter but the knee deep water remained. We ended up crawling through the water with only enough room for our heads to stay above. Then a noise disturbed a bunch of bats and they flew straight for our heads. After getting hit in the face a few times I just submerged until they passed.

Once we got back to the hostel, we met up with the other guys and found some guides to take us on a hike of the volcano. This lasted well into the night when we could see the hot lava flow from the cone! We lucked out, again, when the volcano exploded a little more than normal. The guides said that this doesn't happen often as they rushed for the cameras. It was definitely an experience of a life time.

We eventually made it back to our hostel were we did some more socializing with some people we met and then hit the sack. We knew in the morning that we were back in the car (which had now been replaced via flatbed truck) on our way to Limon.

We arrived in Limon mid afternoon and just briefly checked out the city. We didn't find anything to interesting so we headed off to Puerto Viejo on the south eastern coast of the country, right next to the Panama boarder. This place was Hot! And I mean really Hot! The Caribbean air was so dense and humid that we were all sweating all the time. We took a walk around the town and enjoyed some of the cultural music and food (the lobster there was so inexpensive! Yum!). At this point we headed back to our hostel. We stayed in a really cool, hippie style hostel. There were hammocks and tents all over the place. We hung out on the beach with some more travellers and then went to the sleep.

As a side story, while in Puerto Viejo, I found myself waking up in the middle of the night to see a bat fall from the ceiling onto my bed. As it hit the bed, instantly a house cat jumped through the window and slaughtered this bat right on my sheets! With the bat in its mouth, the cat jumped out another window and went on with its business. Interesting eh!?

The next morning, we went for breakfast and met up with a guy named Carl. Carl took us on a tour of the Costa Rican backcountry. We visited a banana plantation, a cocoa plantation, and even his own home where we ate fruit from the trees in his backyard. Carl took us to a wildlife refuge to take a look around. This is where we had some delicious fried plantains. Next came the boat ride. This boat floated on the Tortuguero River into Tortuguero National Park. This park is unreal. First of all it is huge. It is also completely untouched by humans. The park consists mainly of swamps and mangroves that we floated down. We encountered really cool monkeys and crocodiles just hanging out. It was very pleasant to say the least. However, once again, as soon as the trip ended we had to get on the road and head to our next destination; Siquirres!

In Siquirres we met up with a larger group of travellers and begun on white-water rafting trip down the Pacuare River. This was a good trip filled with funny and very skilled guides as well as great food for lunch. The river was gorgeous. It was very cool and refreshing in the Costa Rican heat, so we spent a lot of time jumping into the river. Given this, the white-water was relatively tame compared to what we had all previously experienced. There were some great photo opportunities of lush rainforest and amazing waterfalls. We had mentioned to the guides that the next day we were going to raft the Pascua section of the Reventazon River. There were amazed and actually quite worried for us. It was going to be quite vicious and packed with adrenaline. We were excited... naturally. Once this trip was over we were put up in a beautiful villa on a mountain overlooking the river. It was owned by a Belgian couple that prepared breakfast for us in the morning. As amazing and revitalizing as this was, bad news came during breakfast. The hurricane had raised water levels on the Reventazon River to a point where it was a little to dangerous to raft. This was quite disappointing, but we really had no option. So instead we went back into town and enjoyed some more roadside fruit and sat around downtown, once again looking back over out trip.

At this point we piled into the car and headed back towards San Jose. But first we stopped off at the Irazu volcano. This is a dormant volcano that we got a chance to walk around. The crater was pretty interesting to see and so were the solid lava fields all around. We found out that this is premium land to grow coffee on. Given this bit of information we had to go do the inevitable. The wind was cold, the air was dry and the temperature was low. So we went into the Volcano-top shop and had a cup of freshly brewed Irazu Volcano Coffee. This was an excellent ending to an unforgettable adventure. That night in San Jose, we met up with the friends we made in Arenal for one more night out before we caught a flight in the morning. But wait... it doesn't end here. When we got to the airport a few hours later, we found out that the hurricane that pestered us was gone, but yet a new hurricane was invading Costa Rica just in time for our flight!




Robert Bruski,
Adrenaline Junkie,
http://www.ChooseYourThrill.com





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Asthma Treatment


What is Asthma?

Asthma is a non-curable yet controllable disease, and the first step in asthma treatment is that of environmental control, as the environment is considered as being one of the most primary causes of asthma attacks. There are certain symptoms of asthma, including: tightness in the chest, wheezing sound, shortness of breath, persistent cough, and increased pulse or heart rate.

More on Asthma.

More on Natural Asthma Treatment.

What are the Available Methods of Asthma Treatment?

In regards to the asthma treatment that is available today, there are basic steps that are advised by most physicians in order to attempt to at least avoid attacks, which are: clean the house at least once a week, avoid any pets with fur or feathers, wash the bedding weekly in hot water, encase the mattress and pillows in dust-proof covers, consider replacing any upholstered furniture with leather or vinyl, consider replacing carpets in your home with hardwood floors or tile, and remember to keep the humidity in the house as low as you possibly can.

The most important form of asthma treatment if for asthmatics to take their proper medications properly and as prescribed. Asthma treatment in relation to this involves that of the monitoring of lung function, especially with the use of that of a peak flow meter, which is used to gauge lung function. This is incredibly important because lung function decreases dramatically before the actual symptoms of an asthma attack, and if the meter results in indicating that the peak flow is down by 20 percent or more from your usual best effort, then generally an asthma attack is on its way.

There are also anti-inflammatories which are often used, and which work by reducing the number of inflammatory cells in the airways and by preventing blood vessels from leaking any fluid into the airway tissues. However, the unfortunate part of this is that there are some people who cannot control the symptoms of asthma even when avoiding the triggers and using the proper medication, and for these people, there is the option of immunotherapy. This type of therapy involves the injection of allergen extracts in order to desensitize the person, and this asthma treatment in particular begins with injections of a solution of allergen given typically five times a week to start, and then the strength will be gradually increased as time goes on.

Herbal and homeopathic asthma treatment are also considered as being quite positive, and depending on the severity of the asthma itself in the person, herbal and homeopathic treatments can reduce or even eliminate the need for synthetic drugs, and even inhalers, and they can also safely be used to complement that of the more conventional asthma treatment.








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2012年6月23日 星期六

Anybody Can Own Property in Brazil


Foreigners (non-Brazilians) are permitted to own property outright in Brazil. Also, foreigners have the same property rights as Brazilians and will obtain a free & clear title to the property. It is no different than owning real estate in Europe or the U.S. Brazil is quickly becoming the world-leader in attracting foreign investment and immigration. There are literally millions of foreign nationals in Brazil who own property and businesses. There is no risk since property ownership is guaranteed by the Constitution for Brazilians and foreigners. Land ownership is in perpetuity and always includes full mineral and water rights, since these cannot be separated from the land in Brazil. Title insurance is available from a USA based title company.

OK, so you can own property in Brazil. Why would you want to?

Brazil is home to the largest rain forest on earth, the largest river on earth, and to "Carnival" which is like a super version of Mardi Gras.

Brazil has the sixth largest population in the world. Because of its size, there are only 15 people per sq. km, concentrated mainly along the coast and in the major cities, where two-thirds of the people now live: over 19 million in greater Sao Paulo and 10 million in greater Rio. Sao Paulo is arguably the most populous city on earth, having more than twice the population of New York City.

Few countries offer as great a variety of environments. Brazil has more land mass than any other country in South America. In terms of area, the nation is fifth in the world, exceeded only by Russia, Canada, the USA and China, occupying almost half of South America. Brazil has contrasting ecosystems such as the Amazon Forest and the Atlantic Forest with their incredibly luxuriant woodlands, the Cerrado (scrublands) and the Caatinga (arid lands), the Pantanal (marshland) with its flood plains teeming with an amazingly rich chain of animal reproduction.

Still not impressed? OK, would you be impressed if you could buy 50 acres of Brazilian Highlands for $15,000? Owner financing is available with no credit check and 10% down-payment.

Area Description

Unlike nearby Western Bahia state, SE Tocantins has seen little development. W. Bahia, with similar climatic and agronomic conditions as SE Tocantins, today (along with Matto Grosso) is the most developed agricultural area of frontier states, with highly productive farms, fertile soils (after correction) and conducive economic environment for agriculture. City of Louis Eduardo Manghales, center of farming activity of W. Bahia, is only about 120 km away from this farm. Farmers from south of Brazil, and American/Europeans discovered the area, and run very profitable farms, growing soybeans, beans, corn, rice, cotton, coffee. While climatic and agronomic prerequisites in SE Tocantins are similar with W. Bahia, uncleared land in W. Bahia is very expensive, while uncleared land in SE Tocantins is cheap and overlooked by prospective investors. Today SE Tocantins remains largely undeveloped. Ninety percent of land in my estimation is uncleared/unused. The rivers here are of exceptional natural beauty, and largely overlooked by Brazilians. Its only a matter of time before farmers and tourists discover the area and pave the way for a land boom of Matto Grosso and W. Bahia.

Description of town.....20km (12 miles) away, Rio do Conseicao (Conseption River), pop. 2000. Brand new highway was built to connect this town at the end of the line. There is very little traffic. Town has all the basic necessities: two schools, medical clinic,- school and clinic are free (Brazil has free national health care available to all residents regardless of income level); supermarket, a couple of restaurants and bars, land phone line, cell phone coverage; no landline internet though, nor is there a gas station. Satellite internet service is available in even the most remote locations in Brazil, but it is expensive. Satellite internet service costs about $100 a month. A simple home can be bought for about US$10,000. In center of town, there is a river, Manuel Alves, with a rock beach; water is shallow, clean, and fast; beautiful waterfalls are just behind the bridge. On Sundays the whole town comes to this riverfront plaza.

Dianopolis, a town of 20,000, is 40km (25 miles) from this farm. This town has everything, including modem and DSL internet access.

Farm description.....Brazilian owner made available this 7500 acre farm to be sold in smaller parcels, 50, 100, 200 acre interior parcels. Scenery is of gently undulating grassland/scrubland, with view of mesas, and of a distant W. Bahia escarpment. Scenery is not unlike that of Arizona, but with 1500mm annual precipitation. Vegetation, shrubs and sparse grasses. It seems as though, to clear this land, one would only need a pass with a disc.

Access.....A 12km wide sand road leads to this farm from a paved highway. To get to the farm you will need: 4x4, or...pick-up, high suspension FWD, motorbike, or horse/burro. Access to lots within the farm, a tractor or other farm vehicle will easily override the terrain/vegetation. All lots have passage easements. Riverfront lots have 8 meter passage easement, for all to enjoy. Unfortunately, you will not be able to drive or ship any of your cars, motorcycles, trucks, or farm tractors from the USA to Brazil. Brazil is a major manufacturer of motor vehicles. The world's largest Volkswagen production facility is located in Brazil, plus many other car, truck, and tractor companies are also located in Brazil. Brazil has strict import quotas and restrictive tariffs to discourage imported motor vehicles. If you buy property in Brazil and move here, you are allowed one household move, duty free and tariff free. It would be financially beneficial for you to take advantage of this generous allowance because normally all imported goods are subject to stiff import taxes. However, you may not include any motor vehicles in the household move. It would be best to just sell your motor vehicles where they are, and buy new ones in Brazil. The importation of your new or used motor vehicles into Brazil would be prohibitively expensive and problematic.

Soil, is acid, low PH, quartzenic; sandy soil requires much less lime application than clay soil; white color on top, then several inches of gray sand with some organic matter, undersoil has a peach color. To correct fertility of this soil, two tons of limestone added to a hectare, and 800kg of fertilizer. I have observed local ranchers growing in their gardens: bananas, cassava/manioc, lemons, oranges, papayas, coconuts, cashews, mango, -without any soil correction. A wide variety of tropical fruits, nuts, spices, and other crops can be grown in this tropical area.

This soil, as is, would be well suited for rice. Rice has a high domestic price. This soil is well suited to grow castor beans (mamona) with no soil correction. Mamona have 40% oil content and are used in Brazil for oil extraction to produce commercial grade bio-diesel fuel. These beans will grow in any soil, as is!

Reforestation. Eucalyptus trees, southern pine, teak, and bamboo, - will grow in this soil as is, and are fast growing, can be cut in as little as 5 years, an acre will yield about 500 trees, can be used locally for fence posts, and beams.

Grasses/cattle. Existing natural grasses are sparse and not liked much by cows. Seeded grass, one variety I saw in Tocantins, 'brachiaria', grows over 6 feet tall. Otherwise, land as is, can be grazed by sheep and goats.

By state law, 35% of this land needs to be left in native state. This rule though, seems to be widely disregarded.

Property taxes - Fortunately property taxes are very low in this area. Annual property taxes on a rural property here valued at $50,000 USD would be in the vicinity of $50 USD.

Altitude, about 750 meters at higher elevation of farm, allowing for coffee plantation.

Rivers in SE Tocantins, like I never seen before, are of exceptional natural beauty. River on this farm, Manuel Alvinho. About 10m wide, 1.5m deep; current, 5km/hour; small fish. One waterfall, several rapids. Water clarity, excellent. The river banks are of pink sand, and pink sandbars with palms, making for exceptionally attractive scenery. This farm has a waterfall, about 30 feet high, and several small rapids. You have to see the pictures, or visit, to believe. There are several springs along riverfront. Some riverfront spots are of waterlogged, but firm sand. Water from higher elevations percolates slowly down into the valley, feeding the river year-round. These perpetually wet sands would make for a unique irrigated field, making for unusual plantations. Well water, depending distance from the river, from 5m to 60m deep. Highest vs. lowest elevation on farm, I estimate about 150 feet difference.

There is a 'pion', farm worker, who lives nearby, and he keeps an eye on this farm.

Climate. Rains a lot for 5-6 months, October to April. Rains hard for about an hour every, every other day. Then sunny. Annual precipitation about 1500mm, which about the same amount of rainfall as Florida usually receives. Dry period, May to October, rains little or not at all. Temperature, no difference winter to summer. Daytime average highs, 29C (84F); nighttime average lows, 19C (66F). This land is located in the tropics, but is in the Brazilian Highlands so it is not so terribly hot and humid here. The year round temperature in SE Tocantins is similar to the temperature in Hawaii.

You may be asking "What is the catch?" This is good potential farm land. This land is natural grasslands but can easily be developed into productive farmland. Only 20% of the arable land in Brazil is being cultivated at present and less than 10% in the State of Tocantins. The soil and growing conditions are very similar to Southern Florida. Local farmers currently use nearby land for grazing, growing citrus fruit and row crops including soybeans, castor beans, corn and cotton. Local people grow many of the same vegetables in their gardens that we are familiar with in the USA. There is plenty of rainfall and a long growing season.

It is a simple matter to obtain permanent resident status in Brazil. You can keep your USA citizenship and U.S. passport and still obtain permanent resident status in Brazil. Permanent residents of Brazil are allowed to hold both USA and Brazilian passports. This bonus could come in handy some day. USA passport holders are sometimes targeted by terrorists, but Brazilians are not.

Finally, if you were to buy land in Brazil and become a permanent resident in Brazil you can ship your entire household to Brazil duty free. This would make the transition more comfortable and practical.




The author, Arthur Wyss is a resident of Beijing, China. He specializes in immigration assistance for those who wish to live in Brazil. He also operates Brazil Land Sales, which primarily sells land in the State of Tocantins, Brazil. He is the former President of Adventure Spa Cruise. His website is: [http://www.brazil-land-sales.com/index.htm]





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10 Questions to Ask Your Hardwood Flooring Supplier


10 Questions to Ask Your Hardwood Flooring Supplier Before Purchasing

1. If there are any problems, who do I call?

Most flooring stores will be buying the flooring they are selling to you from a distributor who purchases the flooring from the manufacturer. Sometime, especially with products coming from overseas there is more than one distributor involved. In many cases if you have an issue with your flooring and complain to the retailer they will call the distributor and let them know there is a complaint, the distributor will tell the manufacturer there has been a complaint. In most cases the manufacturer will deny the complaint and if you are lucky they will even send a representative to deny your claim in person. Most retailers would correct a manufacturing problem to make their customers happy because they are the ones dealing with the customers face to face but in reality they do not have the final say unless they want to replace the flooring out of their own pocket. The manufacturer is so far removed from the actual client that they know it is better for their bottom line to deny the claims and assume they will never have to deal with the issue because they are so protected by their warranties. Picture a person at a desk with a pile of hardwood flooring claims on their desk with a big stamp that says "denied".

2. How durable is the finish?

Durability is probably the most important things to consider when purchasing a prefinished hardwood floor. The finish is what you are actually walking on and must be very durable to have a beautiful lasting floor for years to come. Many imported prefinished floors have very little durability and the finish can be taken off with a few swipes of 150 grit sandpaper. When buying hardwood there are a few ways to test the finish: one would be to take 150 grit sandpaper and rub the finish to see if the finish will come off and two would be to firmly press the edge of a coin against the finish, a quality finish will dent but not come off. Quality manufacturers will have aluminum oxide or better yet titanium oxide hardeners in the finish. Many offshore manufactured products will say they have aluminum oxide in them but actually do not. To test if a hardwood floor has aluminum oxide in the finish simply put the sample in your microwave and if it sparks, it does indeed have aluminum oxide in the finish. I know that may seem a little strange but it's something worth checking because hardwood flooring is a big investment and you want to know the durability of the finish.

3. What is the structural and surface warranty?

This is a very important part of choosing a hardwood floor. Anyone can put a 25, 30, or 40 year warranty on the finish of their product but the real question is; will they stand behind their warranty. Many large hardwood flooring manufacturers have warranties that are up to ten pages. When you read through the entire warranty and all of the exclusions it really gives the client the impression that there is actually no warranty at all. The problem is most consumers don't take the time to read the warranty and are shocked when they find out the issue they are having with the flooring is one of the "exclusions". Most warranties will say that there is an industry standard of 5% margin for error which means that when your entire floor is complete the manufacturer is allowed to have 5% of the boards defective. That means a finished floor of 1000 square feet would be allowed roughly 100 boards with any kind of defect.

4. What is the waste factor of the flooring?

The waste factor of the flooring is an important issue as well. If 10-15% waste is what is suggested by the manufacturer than that means you will have to buy that much more to get enough to install your entire floor. The higher the recommended waste factor the lower quality the product. You may find when comparing products for price on may be more than the other but you must factor in the difference in waste to the price. A floor for $6 with 3% waste would cost you $6.18 which would be the same cost as a floor with 10% waste that is $5.62 and the product with 3% waste would definitely be a higher quality product. The bottom line is you shouldn't have to sort the waste out of the boxes; the manufacturers should be taking the waste out at the plant so you are only getting good quality pieces you can install in your floor.

5. What is the average length of the flooring boards?

The question of the average board lengths is one that is not commonly asked when it comes to hardwood flooring. It is something not a lot of people think about until it is brought up. The longer the average length of the floor the better the floor looks especially in large rooms. One foot and two foot lengths produce a very choppy and unattractive floor. The box size is not the only way to tell what the average length is; you can have an 8' box with all short pieces in it. Many offshore manufactured products are in four foot boxes with will definitely ensure you are getting a floor with very short lengths. It is not only offshore products that have short lengths but many North American made products as well. One very high end Canadian manufacturer has an average length of 27-29" in their 3-1/4" Select and Better Red Oak.

6. What is the moisture content of the flooring?

Moisture content is a very important factor when installing hardwood flooring. You need the flooring to be at a proper moisture level for your home/interior climate which is typically between 6-9% moisture content. Installing hardwood flooring with a moisture content that is too high will cause spaces in the floor when the flooring dries out, and installing a hardwood floor that is too dry will result in cupping when the flooring picks up moisture. If the retailer selling you flooring does not have a moisture meter and can check the moisture for you then I would suggest you run. The majority of people selling hardwood flooring know very little about wood and moisture, if they don't even have a moisture meter, that is a sign that they are not professional and know nothing or very little about hardwood flooring and shouldn't be selling it.

7. What does the supplier recommend for acclimation?

I know you must have heard someone say "the flooring must sit in your home for two weeks prior to installation". This is a very general statement and in most cases will do more harm than good for your hardwood floor. If you did this in a new home and it sat in the home while they were drywalling, painting, the wood would be so damp by the time you installed it that you would just be asking for trouble. The fact is a new home will have 1000 to 2000 gallons of water that will be oozing out of the home the first two years. If your flooring is sitting in the home before it is installed it will absorb all of that moisture. If you are having the flooring sit in your home you will want to make sure it is stored in normal living conditions to avoid it from drying out too much or picking up too much moisture. In some cases, a seasonal dwelling, you may want to have the hardwood flooring absorb the moisture before it is installed. If the home is always a high humidity environment then you want the wood to pick up moisture so it can be normal living conditions for that particular environment. You want to have a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home before the installation and monitor your humidity after to ensure your home is in the proper humidity range to avoid issues with your flooring.

8. What does the stain/finish look like?

Many large manufactures will finish all different woods at the same time without making adjustments for each wood because each time they make adjustments it effects the production. The fact is, each wood needs to be finished differently to achieve the nicest stain/finish. Oak requires more finish to "fill in" the grain or else it will appear very pitted which is not something desirable in an oak floor. You want to be able to hold a piece up to the light and see a perfect smooth finish. Maple requires more brushing than oak so the stain can penetrate into the wood and not appear "blotchy". Maple is a beautiful wood and with the proper staining you can really bring out features such as Birdseye and tiger tail. If not stained properly these features are hidden.

9. Does the supplier warrant the work done by their installers?

If you are purchasing flooring from a company and having your own contractor install the flooring you want to make sure your installer is a professional. In many cases if you use your own contractor and there is an issue you will have the installer blaming the issue on the hardwood and the manufacturer blaming the issue on the installer. When nobody takes the blame you won't have very good luck getting your issue resolved. If you are buying flooring on a supply and install basis you want to make sure the company warrants their installers work and the installers are qualified. Many stores will sub out their installations to contractors so they really don't have the ability to monitor their work unless they visit every jobsite. You can see a list of certified hardwood installers in your area by going to http://www.nwfa.org.

10. What grade is the flooring?

Comparing flooring by grades can be very confusing and misleading. Many large manufacturers have five or six different grades of flooring so just because brand A has a less expensive product than brand B they may not be the same or even a similar grade. There is really no standard grading system for prefinished flooring so just because the product is labelled "select and better" may not mean it is the best quality flooring.




Greg Gaylord is experienced in the manufacturing, prefinishing, installation, and inspection of hardwood flooring. His company Gaylord Hardwood Flooring is a small Canadian hardwood flooring manufacturer producing only the highest quality hardwood flooring products including wide plank engineered flooring up to 10" wide, exotic hardwoods such as Jatoba and Ipe, as well as all domestic hardwood flooring products such as maple and hickory. For more information visit the Gaylord Hardwood Flooring website: http://www.gaylordhardwoodflooring.com.





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Barramundi Fishing in Australia


Barramundi Fishing is one of the favorite past times of many Australian fishermen. Not only are Barramundi known for their spectacular aerobatics when hooked but they are one of the better table fish found in Australian waters.

Name                                     

Barramundi

Lates calcarifer

Other names                      

Barra, Silver Barramundi, Giant Perch, Palmer Perch

Habitat 

In Australian waters Barramundi Fishing is mainly on the north coast from the Pilbara through the Kimberley and the Northern Territory and Cape York and also down the Queensland coast as far south as Fraser Island. Barramundi Fishing is also popular in south East Asia, China and the Persian Gulf. The Barramundi can be found in creeks, rivers and estuaries in clear or turbid waters. It is listed as a freshwater fish but can commonly be found in estuarine waters.

Size                                        

Barramundi have been known to grow in excess of 60kg or 1.8 m but is more commonly caught in the 10-20kg and between 70cm to 1.2m range. It is illegal to catch Barramundi under 55 cm in the Northern Territory and 58cm in Queensland.

Feeding                                  

Barramundi eat a range of food including fishes, shrimp, crayfish, crab and aquatic insects and they are mainly but not exclusively nocturnal feeders.

Seasons                                 

Barramundi Fishing is most productive when the water is warmer in the north of Australia. From September to December the weather builds up when the air and water temperatures and humidity levels increase. The other best time of year for Barramundi Fishing is the run off when the wet season winds down from late March and the water is running off the flood plains. In some areas it is illegal to intentionally catch Barramundi over the wet season.

Breeding                                

Barramundi are born as males and then transform into female for breeding at around five years. They grow to maturity in the upper reaches of freshwater rivers then migrate downstream, often during flooding to estuaries and coastal waters for spawning.

Description                            

The Barramundi has a pointed head, concave forehead, a large jaw extending behind the eye and a rounded caudel fin. It has a first dorsal fin with seven or eight strong spines and a second soft-rayed dorsal fin with ten or eleven rays.

Adult Barramundi are blue to green-grey dorsally, silvery on the sides and white below. Juveniles are mottled brown with a distinct white strip from the dorsal fin to the snout.

How to catch them

Barramundi Fishing is held in high regard by recreational anglers as they are a strong and large fighting fish often known for its spectacular acrobatics and leaps when hooked.

They are also a splendid eating fish especially if they have spent the majority of their lives in flowing, clearer waters.

A favorite haunt for Barra is amongst mangroves and around submerged logs and other overhangs where it waits to ambush  pray. Barramundi prefer larger waters with a slow continuous flow and water temperatures above 20 C.

The Barra will hit the lure or fly hard and run for the snags and the fisherman is usually the loser if the fish gets there.

Barramundi are nocturnal feeders, but like most fish they are usually active at change of light or tide. Barramundi Fishing is also popular during the day when they are opportunistic feeders.

 

Hot Spots

The Kimberley Rivers such as the Fitzroy near Broome and the Pentecost and King rivers near Wyndham and the Ord, Victoria and Keep rivers near Kununurra are popular with Barramundi Fishing. The Ord in particular being known for big Barramundi in excess of one meter.

Most of the Northern Territory coastal rivers and estuaries are great for Barramundi Fishing. The Katherine and Daly rivers flowing to the west coast are popular with fishermen chasing big Barramundi. The Daly hosts two dedicated Barramundi Fishing festivals each year. The Mary, Wildman and Adelaide rivers and the South and East Alligator rivers flow to the north between Darwin and Kakadu and are easily accessible Barra fishing rivers.

                                               

Arnhemland is a huge Aboriginal owned area occupying the North East coastal area of the NT. A permit is required to enter Arnhemland which is difficult to obtain for free traveling. The Liverpool river coastal region at Maningrida is one of the best Barramundi Fishing areas in the country and a first class fishing lodge operates here giving anglers access to the incredible Barramundi fishing of the region.

                                               

The Tiwi Islands north of Darwin are also great for Barramundi Fishing. Again they are only accessible with a permit and an excellent fishing lodge operates on Melville Island. On the west coast the McArthur and the Roper River accessed from near Borroloola are excellent Barramundi Fishing locations but again are quite isolated.

Queensland is also a Barramundi Fishing heaven. The Albert and Leichardt rivers near Burktown and Karumba at the bottom of the Gulf of Carpentaria are excellent Barra rivers.

 

All the rivers of Cape York are also productive Barramundi rivers in particular the west coast rivers such as the Jackson, Cotterel, Skardon and Jardin.

At the Top of the Cape is the huge Jackey Jackey system which is quite simply Barramundi Fishing heaven. All of the rivers flowing east from the ranges to the Coral Sea north of the Tropic of Capricorn at Rockhampton are also great Barramundi rivers.

These are just a few of the many excellent Barramundi Fishing locations in the North of Australia. Just do not make the mistake of focusing solely on Barra as the rich tropical waters of the north are home to over 50 more commonly caught sports fish. Jewfish, Salmon, Cobia, Cod, Groper, Coral Trout, Giant and Golden Trevally, Snapper, Tuna and Mangove Jack just to name a few.

 

Equipment

Barramundi Fishing can be undertaken by casting lures to structure such as submerged logs, rock bars and overhanging banks. Barramundi are basically lazy fish and mostly will not put in too much effort to catch a feed so casting needs to be tight. Barramundi can also be caught by fly fishing and by trolling and they can be tough on gear so make sure you have the best.

                                               

Lure casting and trolling


Solid Baitcaster rod and reel
Up to 20lb braid line with up to 50lb leader
Lures to suite. There are literally hundreds of Barramundi Fishing lures on the market and everyone swears by a different type. Gold, brown, blue and red seem to be popular choices in colour and what ever you get should swim at least two meters deep if not deeper. Visit a local tackle shop before you set out and ask them what works best locally.

Fly fishing gear should include the following;


8/9 weight saltwater rod
Appropriate reel with at least 200m of 15-20kg backing. Braid is best.
Flyline- intermediate and/or floating weight forward.
Class leader 1-1.5m of 6-10 kilo
Shock tippet of .5 m of 20kg mono
Popular Flies include Leftys Deceivers (white, green, yellow), Clouser minnow  in white/red and black/gold, Pink Things, Poppers such as frog imitations, Polar Fiber Minnow, Gold Bomber, Crazy Charlie

Best Barramundi Fishing destinations


Arnhemland in the Northern Territory
The Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory  
Cape York in Northern Queensland  
The Kimberley Ord River region in Western Australia   




Paul Collery is a life long fishing enthusiast and writer based in Darwin, Australia.

He is a licensed travel agent specialising in the very best in fishing holidays in Australia, NZ and the Pacific. Paul saves his clients time and money with expert knowledge, experience and an extensive range of unique all inclusive fishing adventures.

Email: paul@sportsfishingadventures.com.au
http://www.sportsfishingadventures.com.au
http://www.flyfishingadventures.com.au





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2012年6月22日 星期五

Biodiversity of Mites in Dust of Poultry


Introduction

Around 20% population in India and abroad suffers from different allergy types like asthma etc. These mites are also of ecological importance. In the world 36 species of house dust Mite have been reported, out of which 29 have been reported from India. Some house dust mites found in the poultry dusts are allergens causing allergy in sensitive human beings. Some of them have also been found to cause diseases in poultry birds and poultry workers, and create ecological imbalance in nature. It may result into aerobio pollution problems. Hence this study was carried out at Pune. So far no work has been done in poultry mites and house dust mites in Pune district and the region around.

Material and Methods

Poultry Mites are the important materials found in poultry dusts, in atmosphere of the poultry farms at Ravet. The area is surrounded by agricultural land and very few houses. The site is located in Pimpri Chinchwad Corporation Pune. It is about 10 km away from PCMC area. The two poultry farms have been selected for the study, located about 100 meters apart.

Two methods were used for study of the mites.

Method # 1: Pick up method for isolation of mites from the poultry dust Fortnightly poultry dust was collected manually from different corners and central part of the poultry farms. The dust was sieved through a sieve with size of 300 mesh (Kashiram Maurya and Zafar Jamil). The sieved poultry dust sample was placed in Petri dish of 5.5cm diameter for microscopic examination. It was spread uniformly in thin layer. The mites were then picked up with the help of needle with its tip dipped in lactic acid. The picked mites were then stored in lactic acid in cavity blocks and were left overnight. Lactic acid was used for killing and clearing of mites and dissolution of cuticle thus making them transparent. The mites were then mounted on slides with ventral side up. It was mounted in the center over a clean slide in a drop of melted glycerin jelly. Total number of mites per gram of dust was determined fortnightly for one year and four months. Average number of mites per gram of dust was found out. Permanent slides were prepared and mites were observed under binocular research microscope for identification and to study biodiversity of mites in the poultry farms.

However quantification of mites and isolation by floatation technique after centrifugation could not be done during the course.

Method # 2: Determination of the number of mites in the poultry air Air sampling was carried out by volumetric Tilak Air Sampler continuously for one year and four months in both the poultry farms. Slides were prepared in melted glycerin jelly. These slides were then observed for quantification of mites in poultry atmosphere to carry out analysis of biodiversity of poultry mites.

Preparation of Glycerin Jelly:

• 300 ml distilled water was boiled in a beaker.

• 350 ml glycerin was added to it while boiling.

• 50 gm of gelatin powder was added in small portions with continuous stirring to avoid clump formation. The boiling was continued for 1 hour till the mixture became slightly yellowish color.

• 1 gm phenol was added to it, as a sterilizer. It was allowed to cool down for solidification at room temperature. It was used after melting whenever needed.

Observations and Results

The population pattern of various mites belonging to different Orders was observed. Six species of mites were observed in the poultry farms during these studies. About 200 specimens were screened to find out percentage contribution of each mite species. These studies revealed the incidence of Cheyletus eruditus (85%), Dermanyssus galinae(10%), Dermatophagoides farinae (05%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus(05%) and between June 2009 to November 2010. Subsequently few specimens of Pterolichus obtusus were reported in the poultry dusts which are under study.

Nutrition in Mites: It was found that species of Dermatophagoides feed by ingestion method on different fungal cultures. The mites were found to consume Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, and Rhizopus fungi in cultures.

Life cycle in poultry mites

The average span of life in mite is up to 2-4 months. The mature male and female mites undergo mating by copulation. The mated female poultry mite lays totally 75-100 eggs in her life span. It lays the eggs singly or in groups of up to five eggs. After the completion of egg laying process female usually dies. Eggs are laid in poultry dusts. The eggs are oval, slightly elongated or cylindrical in shape. They are sclerotized and are about 50 micron in length. The eggs may hatch into larvae immediately after egg laying process depending upon favorable environmental conditions, or under unfavorable conditions, the egg may undergo diapause or rest only to hatch in next favorable season.

The hatched egg show clear marking of the cells running in longitudinal direction. The hatched larva is minute, oval to elongated grayish in color having three pairs of legs present ventrally on either side. It measures approximately 100 micron in length and 20 micron in width. It moults into deutonymph. It is bigger in size than larva but smaller than the adult. The deutonymph shows all four pairs of legs, which are smaller in length and not well developed. They have jointed legs. Mouth parts are not well developed. Male and female genital organs are not yet developed hence male and female specimen cannot be differentiated.

After few days deutonymph moults into tritonymph which is bigger than deutonymph with four pairs of elongated well developed legs present on the ventral side. It shows

development and differentiation of mouth parts and chelicerae. Genital organs could not be clearly visualized, hence male and female specimen cannot be distinguished. After its life span tritonymph moults into adult male or female, depending upon inborne sex in tritonymph. The male specimen shows developed male genital organ and sometimes hypertrophied pair of legs in some poultry mites, either first or third pair or some other male character like two pairs of genital papillae adanal suckers. With its skin ornamentation, sculpturing and orientation of setae (setation) differing in accordance with the species of poultry mites.

The adult female has all the four pairs alike without any hypertrophy and well developed female genital organ with itsspecific sculpturing and sclerotization of the skin and definite orientation of setae depending on the species of mite.

The life cycle of mite consists of mating by copulation, egg laying, hatching of egg into larva, which moult into nymphal stages like deutonymph and tritonymph ultimately developing into adult male or female ready for next mating. Thus poultry mite completes its life cycle within 2-4 months depending upon species.

Impact of environment on incidence of mites of poultry dusts:

Observations made during these studies indicated clearly that mite incidence varies according to variations in temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. It is found that higher RH around 80%, moderate temperature around 25°C and frequent rainfall acted as favourable conditions for incidence of mites and increase in population density hence there is progressive increase in number of mites per gram of poultry dusts from June to October because these congenial conditions existed during these months showing highest population of poultry mites during September and October.

Our findings revealed that low RH, high temperature, extremely cold condition and rainless days act as adverse condition for the incidence and growth of mites. Under these conditions, the mite population was significantly decreased between November to May that is comprising winter and summer season.

Discussion:

Very little work has been done on poultry mites and house dust mites in Pune region concerning the types of mites found in the poultry dust mites. In this we performed identification and presence of different types of mites in the poultry farms. During these studies 06 mites species were reported in different concentration of which Cheyletus eruditus (85%) was dominant followed by Dermanyssus galinae(10%), Dermatophagoides farinae(05%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus(05%) The presence of hatched eggs and the large number of mites that were present in the sample collected during rainy season reflects the behaviors and ecology of the mites. It was found that moderate temperature, high relative humidity provided most congenial environment for maximum percentage contribution of mites in the poultry dust. Relative Humidity effects the population of mites. This observation is also supported by Spieksma (1997). Whereas low temperature and high temperature were found unfavorable for the survival of mites as is revealed in cold dry winter months and hot summers of April and May. It is in agreement with those of Jogdand (2007). In the present study Dermanyssus was also found, which is the actual chicken mite. Hughes (1976) has found its distribution as cosmopolitan. Cheyletus eruditus was found in highest percentage contribution. Work on this species has also been done by Choudhary & Mukherjee (1971), and have recorded it as a common predating mite. The population of mites varied in different seasons.








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