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Houseplant Diseases and How To Treat Them

Houseplants are living organisms and get attacked by other living things that produce diseases. Here are some common symptoms and tips on how to treat the diseases they indicate.

Your houseplant may be covered with a powdery substance that is easily removed with the hand or a cloth. That’s a sign of powder mildew, a very common houseplant disease. The powder may be white or brown and is usually on the top of the leaves. The condition occurs most often when the plant has received too little light or the soil is kept too dry.

The condition can be treated simply, just by physically removing the mildew with a cloth. But for a more thorough treatment and longer term protection, use a mildewcide. Then place the plant where it can get more sun and be sure to water properly.

Brown spots on your leaves may be a sign of incorrect watering, which may produce leaf spot fungus. Find out how much water and when to apply it is appropriate for your particular size and species of plant. Give the plant a little more sun or move it under a lamp. There’s rarely any need to treat this with fungicide.

Spots may be concentric rings, in which case the most likely culprit is a fungus. Remove any dead leaves and allow for good air circulation around the plant. Ensure that water spots don’t remain on the leaves for long periods. That promotes the growth of fungi. Use a fungicide.

But leaf spots can also be caused by bacteria.

Bacterial leaf spots will often appear as a yellow halo and the spots will enlarge to the point they form a blob when the plant is kept wet. Dryer conditions produce brown spots and the leaves become speckled. Keep your plants warm enough for their species and give them plenty of room to spread out. Treat with a bacteriacide.

Another common watering-induced problem is stem rot. The outer leaves will not hold tightly to the plant and practically fall off in your hand. The outer edges will start to yellow. You can apply a fungicide for quick results, but the long-term solution is to find out how much and when to water your plant.

Root rot is another common problem produced by excess moisture in the soil. Bacteria that live there all the time grow to harmful levels and invade the roots, working their way up the plant. The leaves will be discolored. You can try easing off the water, but few plants will recover.

To minimize the odds of plants becoming infected by any disease, start with disease free plants. The best way to do that is buy from a reputable source. Use sterilized soil, not just any old dirt from around the yard. Treat early and often. Don’t let problems go unattended.

               

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Scholarships Renamed in Honour of Canada’s Best and Brightest

The following is now available on the Canada News Agency site:

Ottawa, December 24, 2007
2007-110

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today announced the official renaming of the Canada Graduate Scholarships to honour Canadian innovators and researchers who changed the course of history.

The master’s and doctoral scholarships will be named after renowned pioneers of Canadian technology, medicine and entrepreneurship:

* students in the natural sciences and engineering will now receive the Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships;
* students in the health sciences will now receive the Sir Frederick Banting and Dr. Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships; and
* award winners in the social sciences and humanities will now receive the J. Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships.

Budget 2007 delivered $62 million in new funding over three years for graduate students. As a result, the three federal granting agencies–the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)–were able to name more than 600 additional award winners in 2007. The total number of scholarships awarded will stand at 5,000 by 2009.

“Canada has established a reputation for research excellence in many areas, and as laid out in our Science and Technology Strategy, the Government is committed to strengthening this country’s knowledge advantage,” said Minister Flaherty. “Through the Government’s extra investment in the Canada Graduate Scholarships Program, Budget 2007 is helping Canada sustain and expand research training in our universities and keep our brightest researchers at home.”

“Bell, Bombardier, Banting and Best are names that are associated with excellence,” the Minister continued. “I am certain Canadians today will do them proud as they pursue their studies, build their careers and contribute to Canada’s future prosperity.”

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

NSERC is a federal agency whose role is to make investments in people, discovery and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency invests in people by supporting some 23,000 university students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 11,000 university professors every year and helps make innovation happen by encouraging about 1,300 Canadian companies to invest in university research and training. Over the past 10 years, NSERC has invested $6 billion in basic research, university-industry projects and the training of Canada’s next generation of scientists and engineers.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

CIHR is the Government of Canada’s agency for health research. CIHR’s mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to catalyze its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to over 11,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)

SSHRC is an independent federal government agency that funds university-based research and graduate training through national peer-review competitions. SSHRC also partners with public and private sector organizations to focus research and aid the development of better policies and practices in key areas of Canada’s social, cultural and economic life.

____________________________________
For further information, media may contact:

Chisholm Pothier
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861

David Gamble
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080

Michael Dwyer
Media and Public Affairs Officer
NSERC
613-992-9001

Riley Denver
Communications Advisor
SSHRC
613-947-4629

David Coulombe
CIHR Media Specialist
613-941-4563

SOURCE: Canada Newsroom

               

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Exterior House Painting Preparation

Like it or not, most exterior house painting projects will be about 80% preparation. In those cases where the preparation can be almost entirely skipped, there’s usually no need to paint the house. It can just be cleaned.

Also, despite the existence of power tools that can be helpful, most of the job comes down to good old elbow grease. There’s no getting around that it requires a fair amount of tedious scraping, sanding and cleaning.

But the results will make the effort seem worthwhile in the end. A well-prepared house exterior will make paint go on quick and easy and produce a smooth, superior shine.

The amount and degree of effort depends, of course, on the condition of the house and the surface to be prepared.

Peeling paint will take longer to deal with. Scraping and sanding is a must. Any areas of mildew will need to be treated for removal, then treated again to protect the wood before painting. Aluminum siding, on the other hand, typically requires no more than a good wash followed by possibly a spot sanding.

Inspect the surface. Look for areas of peeling paint. A 6-8 inch scraper can usually take large areas off with a little bit of effort. Rarely is it necessary to remove every scrap of paint, just any sections that will continue to peel. For areas close to angles and smaller sections a smaller scraper will be needed.

Next comes sanding. It’s pointless to simply sand off layers of dirt. So, before beginning, give the surface a good wash. Power washers are available, but most are so powerful they can easily gouge wood. In many cases a bit of TSP (trisodium phosphate) and a garden hose can do the job. For areas beyond easy reach, a car washing tool with an extended arm can be a great aid.

Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before sanding. Sanding wet wood will rip the fibers, making for a very rough surface. Sanding wet aluminum siding will considerably shorten the useful lifespan of a rectangle of sandpaper. Drying may take a day or even two depending on the humidity, temperature and time of year which affects the number of hours of sunshine per day. To be completely sure, a moisture meter can measure the moisture content in the wood.

Sand any area thoroughly that needs it. Which are those? Areas where peeling paint was removed will usually have edges. Sand them down smooth. Areas where the surface contained mildew need it. Any section where a rough spot resides or putty was applied to a gouge. Anything that looks rough or sharp at that stage will appear magnified once the paint is applied.

For the final step, another good wash is essential. You don’t want to paint over the dust left by sanding. You need a clean, dry surface that will allow paint to be absorbed. Dust will hinder absorption and new paint will begin to shed or flake off soon after.

Now for the easy part. Painting.

               

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Canada makes it easier for children adopted overseas to become canadian citizens

The following was issued on the Citizen and Immigration Canada website …

Ottawa, December 20, 2007

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced that Bill C-14, an amendment to Canada’s citizenship laws passed earlier this year, will go into effect December 23, 2007. This means that within a week, Canadians who adopt children abroad will find it easier to have their newest family members become Canadian citizens.

The new legislation allows children adopted abroad by Canadian citizens to obtain Canadian citizenship without first having to become permanent residents. As a result, the difference in treatment between children adopted abroad and children born abroad to a Canadian parent is minimized.

“Canadian families open their hearts to adopt foreign-born children and we want to support them by making it easier for their adopted children to become Canadian citizens,” said Minister Finley. “Canadian families welcome foreign-born children into their homes and we want to welcome them into the country. The new citizenship process means that citizenship can be granted to adopted children after the adoption is complete.”

After December 23, 2007, citizenship may be granted to adopted children providing that an application for citizenship is submitted and the legislative requirements are met. These requirements aim to protect the best interests of the child and ensure that the adoption conforms with both the adoption laws of the province or the territory of residence of the adoptive parent and the country where the adoption took place.

Under the current system, a Canadian adopting a child born abroad must first apply to sponsor the child to come to Canada, then seek a permanent resident visa, then apply for citizenship. Now, Canadians will apply for their adopted child’s citizenship abroad rather than submit sponsorship and permanent resident applications. Parents will save time and have less paperwork as the steps are merged into one. Once the child has Canadian citizenship, the parent will be able to apply for a Canadian passport through the appropriate Canadian government office outside Canada.

Each international adoption experience is different and some adopted children will still be required to go through the immigration process. This would be the case if the adoption is to be completed in Canada or is a guardianship arrangement rather than a full adoption.
More information on international adoptions and citizenship can be found on CIC’s website at www.cic.gc.ca.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Tim Vail
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Douglas Kellam
Spokesperson, Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650

SOURCE: Canada Newsroom

               

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Retirement Health Planning Is Very Important

You plan to retire and you’ve saved up quite a nice bundle of money for when you finally do. But have you given a thought as to what kind of health you’re going to be in when that time comes? If you don’t take the proper precautions today, you’re not going to be able to enjoy your retirement years because you’ll be too busy being sick and feeble. Retirement health planning is just as important as retirement financial planning. You need to make sure you’re going to be in optimal health to be able to enjoy yourself when you finally do retire. You can do that by picking up an exercise program, eating healthily, as well as by quitting smoking, drinking and whatever else you engage in that may be damaging your health.

Visit Your Doctor

Before you begin retirement health planning, it may be wise to first visit your doctor. Let your doctor examine you to make sure you’re in good health and that you’re in good enough shape to begin whatever program you plan on beginning as part of your retirement health planning. Tell your doctor all about your plans to get healthy and see if he or she has any recommendations for you.

Beginning A Workout Regimen

When retirement health planning, you don’t want to go too heavy. Whatever workout regimen you choose, make sure you start off gradually. If you’ve never picked up a weight in your life, don’t plan on a heavy weight lifting program, for example. This can be the best way to get hurt. Instead, begin a program that starts off slow and make sure it’s something that you will no trouble continuing even as you get older. If you need help designing a workout program, talk to a personal trainer or again ask your doctor.

Diet

Diet is very important when it comes to retirement health planning. Your diet will depend on your goals. If your plan is to lose weight, make sure it’s gradual. Fad diets don’t work and you’ll usually end up gaining more weight than you lose. Again, make sure it’s a diet plan you can stick with for a long time, or possibly for the rest of your life. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and taking a multivitamin once a day certainly won’t hurt either.

When retirement health planning, make sure you find a routine that’s easy to stick with. You’ll soon get used to it and you’ll find that you actually enjoy it. Then, by the time retirement hits, you’ll be in great shape and you’ll be able to enjoy yourself to the fullest, knowing that you planned for your health as well as your finances.

               

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How To Diagnose Central Heating Systems

Home heating systems serve a simple purpose. But to achieve it they employ a surprisingly complicated set of components, some of which are prone to failure. Let’s start with the simple and obvious (and cheap!) things first.

If you’re getting no heat at all out the vent, check the pilot light and circuit breakers.

If your system isn’t delivering enough heat, check filters first. Filters gradually become blocked with dust, animal hair, etc. They’re cheap. Don’t bother to wash, which ruins them anyway. Replace.

Check that vents are open and unblocked. Don’t rely only on what you can see from a standing height. For high vents, get out the ladder and shine a flashlight into the vent. For low vents, get down to the cat’s eye level.

If the vents are open and unblocked, you’ll need to access the attic to check ducts. Many heating system ducts are in plain view on top of ceiling insulation. Check for obvious breaks. Turn on the system, then take a tissue and run it along any joints to check for air movement.

If you’ve ever had mice or rats (not unknown even in very well-to­do developments, especially when constructed near fields), you may have suffered damage. A mouse or rat can chew through a duct in a few minutes.

To repair breaks, paradoxically, don’t use duct tape. It breaks down rapidly from temperature and humidity changes causing air leaks. It’s also forbidden by building codes in some locales. Go figure. Obtain mastic (a paste, sometimes on tape) or similar sealing material.

Some systems can be improved by wrapping ducts with insulation. Many lose heat through conduction, even when there are no breaks. Check building codes and obtain the proper wrapping material.

If you hear squeaks or rattles there are several possible culprits.

Some heating systems are belt driven. Like the fan belt in your car they can stretch with age and temperature changes. Loose belts squeak because they slip along the pulley they ride on or help turn. Replacement is usually simple and inexpensive.

Rattles are usually the result of either loose screws connecting plates or ducts, or caused by metal expansion and air movement. There’s little you can do about the latter, except wrap or replace with a different material.

Sometimes it’s possible to make a small dent in the material. That edge helps make the surface more rigid. Take care not to break the part. Loose screws can be tightened, when they’re accessible, but take care not to puncture wires or insulation.

It’s possible that the heat pump on your system simply doesn’t produce enough output to warm the size home you have. You can often see the ratings on tags on the pump, or check the documentation online. Upgrading is a job best left to a professional.

Similarly, ductwork may not be large enough to handle the air flow needed. Flow ratings should be 50-60 liters per second per kilowatt-hour or 400-500 cubic feet per minute per ton. Replacement can be carried out by a do-it-yourself’er, but is often more trouble than it’s worth.

Obtain estimates from several sources. Go with someone trustworthy, not necessarily the cheapest. Cheap is always more expensive in the long run.

Remember that if you smell a gas leak, or have other heating problems, that utility companies will generally send a technician to the home for free. Take advantage of their services and have your system diagnosed. They have the skills and the tools to tell you whether you need to repair or upgrade your system.

               

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The Essentials of Estate Planning Retirement

Estate planning retirement helps you to preserve your wealth for you and your heirs. Estate planning retirement will allow you to leave an inheritance to your loved ones that will let them know your exact wishes and gives them some kind of legacy to remember you by. Without estate planning retirement, you would not be able to do that and you may leave your loved ones with unpaid estate taxes, legal issues and other financial burdens. Creating an estate planning retirement will allow your loved ones to pay minimal taxes and prevent your assets from going to the government.

Many people put off making an estate planning retirement plan because they may think it is too time consuming or too difficult. It certainly will take a little time and effort, but it will be worth it in the long run. Once you get started, it will be easy. You must put together your assets and liabilities. Gather relevant documents and inventory of belongings.

Putting a plan into action

The next step is to define your goals and objective for your estate planning retirement. Important things to think about when you are thinking about estate planning retirement are:

* Identify who your beneficiaries will be
* Decide how the assets will be divided between all beneficiaries
* Come to an decision on whether the assets will be distributed by a trust or in a lump sum
* Determine what you will do with a vacation home, second home or a business
* Gather your family together to discuss the details before making any decision

Create an action plan to secure your objectives. Seek professional advice if you have to. Some estate planning retirement can be very complex because of the kinds of assets involved. Regardless of the extent of your estate, it is advisable to create a will to include all your assets. A living will and an insurance policy can be executed initially until you finalize your decisions of your estate. Any type of estate planning is not necessarily only for the wealthy. Even though it is subject to changing laws, it is best to get everything in place soon and you can always make adjustments.

If you take time to add up the value of your assets, you may get quite an awakening experience. You might be surprised to find out that your assets are definitely over the one million mark and that is the required minimum recommended for create an estate plan. By the time you check all your investments, savings account, retirement savings and life insurance policies, you may just find out that your estate is in the taxable category. It may be then subject to federal taxation.

And You Will Retire - Are You Ready?

               

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New York - Brooklyn Bridge

IMAGE SOURCE: Wikipedia

Brooklyn Bridge

One of the world’s most famous bridges, who could think that a steel roadway could engender such controversy and passion? Yet, that’s the history of the Brooklyn Bridge since before its construction began to the present day.

Initiated by John A. Roebling, who by 1867 had already created other noted bridges, the project took years to even begin. As with most large-scale efforts, finance and politics struggled while the citizens of Brooklyn and Manhattan waited.

Finally, in 1870, construction began - sadly, without J.A. Roebling who by that time had died from an injury sustained earlier on the site. His son Washington, by now also an accomplished bridge engineer, immediately took over direction of the project.

He threw himself into the effort with such active participation that he too eventually suffered a debilitating injury. He became crippled from the bends. Excess nitrogen build-up in caissons, large airtight cylinders used to house men and equipment under the East River, produced the now-familiar ‘diving sickness’ when men moved back to the surface. At the time, the causes were poorly understood.

Though bedridden, after partial recovery Washington continued to supervise from his apartment. Active management of the project passed to his wife, Emily. Their joint efforts led - after many stalls from political interference and financial and construction difficulties - to the completed structure, in 1883.

On its first day the new roadway above the East River joining Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights hosted 150,000 people and 1,800 cars. Each person paid one cent to cross, vehicles five cents. The bridge was a success - artistically, financially, and technologically.

This National Historic landmark now provides a path for over 140,000 vehicles daily across its 1,595 foot (486m) span. The bridge is recognized the world over for the two Gothic towers 276 feet (84m) high, which support the at-the-time innovative suspension cables. The distinctive red paint and numerous designs add to the beauty that’s perfectly integrated into the brilliant engineering.

Still today thousands stand far away to get a breathtaking view, then walk the bridge to see both the view of Manhattan and to experience the structure itself.

The breezy walk can take as short as half an hour, to an hour or more. Along the way there are several plaques that provide interesting historical tidbits about the construction, the participants, and the views one might have seen in 1883.

They provide descriptions of Ellis Island, the first stopping point for many of the immigrants arriving in America at the time, as well as Governor’s Island (a former Coast Guard installation).

From the bridge, pedestrians can look out and see the Statue of Liberty off the southern tip of Manhattan as well as the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge connecting Brooklyn to Staten Island to the south.

Getting there is easy from either the Brooklyn or Manhattan side. In Manhattan, just take the 4,5,6 to Brooklyn Bridge or the J/M/Z to Chambers St. In Brooklyn just take the A to High St. The walkway entrance is near the Federal Court Building.

Be sure to take a jacket and guard your hat. The wind over the East River can be cold and strong.

               

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Hong Kong - Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb

IMAGE SOURCE: Wikipedia

Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb

Unearthed in 1955, the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb is a stellar example of a Han Dynasty burial chamber, nearly 2,000 years old.

Discovered while excavating for the present Lei Cheng Uk estate, the tomb has undergone extensive study and renovation since its opening to the public in 1957.

The tomb shows ample evidence of the influence of the Eastern Han Dynasty, including an inscription of Panyu on the tomb bricks. Panyu was a province of the period encompassing what is now Hong Kong. The design and other calligraphy establishes its age and history.

Now enclosed and visible through a large glass panel, the tomb contains four chambers in the shape of a cross. The design has no Christian religious significance, since Christianity was unknown in China at the time (Han Dynasty: 25AD-220AD).

Artifacts from the burial site, such as food storage, pottery and cooking vessels show the Chinese emphasis on food goes back millennia. Two of the recovered objects were bronze utensils and all are authentic. Also discovered were bronze bells, washing basins and mirrors, but oddly no human skeletal remains.

Next to the tomb is a large exhibit hall with photos, videos and other displays showing the history of the tomb and the excavation and conservation efforts.

A 3D digital animation video provides visitors with a detailed, 360 degree look inside the tomb. (There’s also a life-sized replica of the tomb at the Hong Kong Museum of History.) Since you can no longer enter the actual tomb, the video provides a ‘next-best’ view of the domed vault at the center and the four barrel-vaulted chambers.

Visitors will get a thorough explanation, through audio and text, of the efforts undertaken to preserve and understand the tomb. You can read all about how the inscriptions were deciphered and the means by which the artifacts were dated.

Next to the museum, you can stroll through the Han Garden. Completed in 1993, the Chinese garden follows the style of the Han Dynasty and adds to the re-creation of the atmosphere of the period. The garden includes pavilions, fishponds, terraces and rock sculptures typical of the times.

The tomb and grounds were once at the shore, but owing to modern land reclamations they are now over a mile inland. Don’t expect an Egyptian-style or ancient Scottish-style burial site, though. The tomb is surrounded by modern streets and buildings and covered with a modern protective canopy.

Getting to the museum and tomb site is easy. Simply take the West Rail to the Nam Cheong Station. Board bus No. 36A toward Lei Muk Shu and exit at Trade Square. Or, take the excellent MTR subway train to Cheung Sha Wan Station (A3) and walk along Tonkin Street to 41 Tonkin.

               

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Selecting the Perfect Wedding Reception Location

Choosing a wedding reception location involves more than just making sure all your guests can fit comfortably into the space. This location is where the majority of the wedding day festivities will take place so there needs to be enough room to accommodate eating, dancing, socializing, and all the other fun activities that happen at receptions like cutting the cake and throwing the wedding bouquet.

Many couples choose larger-sized hotels or function halls for their wedding receptions because typically, everything they need to pull off this memorable event is right there on-site. As an added bonus, these types of wedding reception locations usually include the services of a wedding coordinator who will work with the couple to meet their every need. And the great thing about having a reception in a hotel is that overnight accommodations don’t require any extra planning.

Selecting the wedding reception location as soon as possible is highly advisable, especially if you need to accommodate a large number of guests and especially if your wedding will be held during the busy season. Although you do not need a firm head count, you will need an estimate. A medieval castle on a lake may not accommodate 250+ guests. Also, determine your wedding reception budget beforehand as this likely will have an impact on your wedding reception location options. You may want to consider arranging your wedding off-season when rates on reception locations will typically be much lower.

You will be required to make a down payment to reserve the space and date and this typically will be non-refundable. You’ll want to make sure you understand the cancellation policy as it may involve more than losing your deposit. Also discuss arrival and departure times to make sure all the elements you have planned can be accommodated during this timeframe.

Besides the types of venues already mentioned, plenty of other wedding reception location options are available, and they’ll each vary in terms of space, price and amenities, so it’s important to pay close attention when visiting the ones you’re considering. Smaller gatherings can be held at places such as at home, a museum, a botanical garden, or a park. Although these may be smaller in size, the details will still need to be coordinated by someone so don’t forget to ask for help, even if that means hiring a wedding coordinator.

When you’re looking at wedding reception locations, try to plan out the space, much like you would if you were buying or renting a home. Where will dining and dancing take place? Where will the guest book and place cards be located? Is there a secure area for wedding gifts? Will you need a stage for your musicians? Are there electrical outlets for the DJ? Your photographer will want to know about the lighting and whether there’s a suitable location to take wedding party photos. Is there a way to control the temperature? If the reception will be outdoors, you’ll need a back-up in the event of uncooperative weather, which may add to your costs.

               

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