Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
CLICK HERE to download a free gift
No catch
Saturday 18 December 2010
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Rugby League
This article discusses a sport that many of you will be unfamiliar with. It is popular around the world but those from the United States are unlikely to have heard of it although the USA does have a national team.
History
Rugby League is a very popular spectator sport in England, Australia and New Zealand but is also played in many other nations. It is very similar to Rugby Union. In fact, the rules of Rugby League were created in 19th Century England as a split from the Rugby Football Union. Unlike in American Football, players do not wear protective gear and consequently rugby league is a highly dangerous game. This also makes it great fun to watch.
Rules
The aim of the game is to get the ball past the other side's goal line (similar to a touchdown zone in American Football). Instead of a touchdown this is called a try and is worth 4 points. 2 points are awarded if a goal is scored and after scoring a try, the team has the chance to convert a goal. Goals can also be scored in the normal run of play by half volleying the ball between the goal bars. Each game lasts for 80 minutes and each team has 6 tackles or downs to aim to score a try. Unlike in American Football, players can only pass backwards not forwards. Only the player holding the ball is allowed to be tackled by the defending team. If the ball is dropped onto the ground by the attacking team then play immediately switches known as a handover and the defending team gets to attack. Not only do fans like to watch the games but some punters also enjoy rugby league betting.
Competitions
Aside from the rugby league world cup, the rugby league four nations is probably the most famous international tournament.
Four Nations betting fever takes over Australia during the tournament. In 2011 the four teams competing will be Australia, England, New Zealand and Wales. Notable domestic competitions include the European Super League for club teams and the Austalian NRL.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Samson
History
Rugby League is a very popular spectator sport in England, Australia and New Zealand but is also played in many other nations. It is very similar to Rugby Union. In fact, the rules of Rugby League were created in 19th Century England as a split from the Rugby Football Union. Unlike in American Football, players do not wear protective gear and consequently rugby league is a highly dangerous game. This also makes it great fun to watch.
Rules
The aim of the game is to get the ball past the other side's goal line (similar to a touchdown zone in American Football). Instead of a touchdown this is called a try and is worth 4 points. 2 points are awarded if a goal is scored and after scoring a try, the team has the chance to convert a goal. Goals can also be scored in the normal run of play by half volleying the ball between the goal bars. Each game lasts for 80 minutes and each team has 6 tackles or downs to aim to score a try. Unlike in American Football, players can only pass backwards not forwards. Only the player holding the ball is allowed to be tackled by the defending team. If the ball is dropped onto the ground by the attacking team then play immediately switches known as a handover and the defending team gets to attack. Not only do fans like to watch the games but some punters also enjoy rugby league betting.
Competitions
Aside from the rugby league world cup, the rugby league four nations is probably the most famous international tournament.
Four Nations betting fever takes over Australia during the tournament. In 2011 the four teams competing will be Australia, England, New Zealand and Wales. Notable domestic competitions include the European Super League for club teams and the Austalian NRL.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Samson
Saturday 4 December 2010
Using Alternative Energy Sources to Combat Global Warming
One of the latest issues that has almost everybody concerned is global warming. The climate is changing and the prognosis doesn't look good. Global warming refers to the unabated rise in the average temperature of the planet as brought about by the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Many believe that the use of alternative energy sources will reduce carbon emissions and that will help hold back global warming.
Greenhouse gases are created by both natural processes and human activity. The major greenhouse gases are water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, ozone, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). There are many causes of greenhouse gases but the primary culprit is the consumption of fossil fuels that continued to release carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Deforestation compounded the problem because trees and plants are supposed to absorb the carbon dioxide but now there's not enough of them left to do the cleanup of the atmosphere
Scientists also blame the use of CFCs in refrigeration systems and in fire fighting, and other manufacturing practices in producing the greenhouse effect. Even the application of non-organic fertilizers in commercial farming operations also gives rise to another greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, the presence of greenhouse gases in the country can be traced primarily to the burning of fossil fuels. Official figures for 2006 place the contribution of using coal, natural gas and petroleum to local greenhouse gas emission at about 82%. On the other side of the globe, China is seen to add more than its fair share of greenhouse gases because of the many traditional power plants that were just built in the country's inner regions. Greenpeace, on the other hand, reports that the current levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are the highest within the last 150,000 years with the 1990s as the warmest decade and 1998 as the warmest year in recorded history.
If mankind will not keep in check the various activities that continuously discharge greenhouse gases, humans will experience a drastic climate change over the next century at a much faster rate than has been observed in history. All is not lost, however. There is still time, although it is very short, to undertake sweeping measures to rein in the emission of toxic gases that are bound to kill all of mankind.
The most critical step is the efficient use of energy through the reduced consumption of fossil fuel primarily oil, petroleum, and coal. Man should use energy that comes from renewable sources like the sun, wind, ocean, and biological material.
Energy that does not harm the environment when used is termed green energy. It usually comes from the renewable, natural sources. There are several methods to generate clean and safe energy from renewable sources. Electricity generated through wind turbines, solar panels, and from geothermal plants cost much less and emit little to no carbons compared to coal and gas-powered plants.
Cutting down global dependence on fossil fuel and increasing the use of alternative energy sources is said to be one of the more effective solutions to the threat of global warming. Per Greenpeace projections, the efficient utilization of renewable sources can supply half of the total energy requirements by the year 2050. Same projections also estimated a near 50% reduction in carbon dioxide emission within 43 years.
Governments around the world are instituting measures to shift energy sourcing from the traditional to the alternative sources. In March 2007, leaders from the European Union agreed to joint efforts in cutting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. To achieve this, they will need to obtain at least 20% of their power requirements from renewable sources. The deadline was set to 2020. Many governments provide tax credits and other incentives to businesses and private individuals who use green energy.
Resorting to alternative energy sources is only one way to cut down on toxic gases but there are many other ways that humans can help in the world wide effort to alleviate the greenhouse effect and curb global warming.
Sue James is an enthusiast of renewable energy efforts at the residential and government level, and very concerned with extensive pollution of our planet. http://www.easy-wind-energy.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sue_Elizabeth_James
Greenhouse gases are created by both natural processes and human activity. The major greenhouse gases are water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, ozone, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). There are many causes of greenhouse gases but the primary culprit is the consumption of fossil fuels that continued to release carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Deforestation compounded the problem because trees and plants are supposed to absorb the carbon dioxide but now there's not enough of them left to do the cleanup of the atmosphere
Scientists also blame the use of CFCs in refrigeration systems and in fire fighting, and other manufacturing practices in producing the greenhouse effect. Even the application of non-organic fertilizers in commercial farming operations also gives rise to another greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, the presence of greenhouse gases in the country can be traced primarily to the burning of fossil fuels. Official figures for 2006 place the contribution of using coal, natural gas and petroleum to local greenhouse gas emission at about 82%. On the other side of the globe, China is seen to add more than its fair share of greenhouse gases because of the many traditional power plants that were just built in the country's inner regions. Greenpeace, on the other hand, reports that the current levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are the highest within the last 150,000 years with the 1990s as the warmest decade and 1998 as the warmest year in recorded history.
If mankind will not keep in check the various activities that continuously discharge greenhouse gases, humans will experience a drastic climate change over the next century at a much faster rate than has been observed in history. All is not lost, however. There is still time, although it is very short, to undertake sweeping measures to rein in the emission of toxic gases that are bound to kill all of mankind.
The most critical step is the efficient use of energy through the reduced consumption of fossil fuel primarily oil, petroleum, and coal. Man should use energy that comes from renewable sources like the sun, wind, ocean, and biological material.
Energy that does not harm the environment when used is termed green energy. It usually comes from the renewable, natural sources. There are several methods to generate clean and safe energy from renewable sources. Electricity generated through wind turbines, solar panels, and from geothermal plants cost much less and emit little to no carbons compared to coal and gas-powered plants.
Cutting down global dependence on fossil fuel and increasing the use of alternative energy sources is said to be one of the more effective solutions to the threat of global warming. Per Greenpeace projections, the efficient utilization of renewable sources can supply half of the total energy requirements by the year 2050. Same projections also estimated a near 50% reduction in carbon dioxide emission within 43 years.
Governments around the world are instituting measures to shift energy sourcing from the traditional to the alternative sources. In March 2007, leaders from the European Union agreed to joint efforts in cutting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. To achieve this, they will need to obtain at least 20% of their power requirements from renewable sources. The deadline was set to 2020. Many governments provide tax credits and other incentives to businesses and private individuals who use green energy.
Resorting to alternative energy sources is only one way to cut down on toxic gases but there are many other ways that humans can help in the world wide effort to alleviate the greenhouse effect and curb global warming.
Sue James is an enthusiast of renewable energy efforts at the residential and government level, and very concerned with extensive pollution of our planet. http://www.easy-wind-energy.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sue_Elizabeth_James
Saturday 27 November 2010
Burning Waste has Great Potential as an Energy Source
The human race has used wood to make fire for a very long time. It has been our main source of energy for most of our existence and we have used it to cook food and provide heating.
Use is dwindling but burning waste to produce energy has great potential as an energy source. This is particularly important when you consider the amount of waste produced in the modern world, the problems faced with disposal and the effort being put into recycling.
A Biomass Power Station works in a similar way to a coal fired power station. Waste is burned and used to heat water, the steam produced is used to turn turbines, the turbines turn generators and generate electricity. Any solid waste can be used including animal manure, woodchip, seaweed, rubbish and any other waste.
Bio-conversion is a related process where plant/animal waste is used to produce bio-fuels such as methanol or natural gas. These bio-fuels can be burned to produce power and vehicles have been developed powered by bio-fuels
Sugar can be used in a similar way because it can be fermented to make alcohol which can be burned. Alternatively, the left over sugar cane pulp can be burned and often a biomass power station provides energy for a sugar mill as well as the surrounding area.
A Biomass Power Station is planned for Portbury near Bristol which would produce 150 MW of power and this is enough to provide power for two hundred thousand homes. It will burn wood materials brought to the plant by ship from sustainable sources and will annually offset about four hundred thousand tones of carbon dioxide emissions.
Another Biomass Power Station is planned for Longannet in Scotland which will produce 20 MW from wood and waste derived fuel and provide electricity for about thirty three thousand homes. It will also offset one hundred and thirty tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year and prevent one hundred and thirty five tonnes of waste material being disposed in landfill sites.
Bio-fuels could help us reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and most particularly the oil used for transport which is obviously a good thing.
Some people claim that it will take a huge amount of land to grow the bio-fuels needed and this will affect our capacity to grow food. Bio-fuel powered vehicles produce similar carbon emissions to petrol driven vehicles but scientists argue that the plants growing the bio-fuel will take in the extra carbon emissions produced as they respire. Time will tell on this argument.
We should definitely take the opportunity to burn waste materials whenever we can. It is a very cheap source of fuel and would help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. It also destroys waste and reduces the need to recycle. We collect waste anyway and have trouble with disposal.
However, growing bio-fuels could cause problems and some fuels may not always be available. Bio-fuels are burned and still produce greenhouse gases in the same way as fossil fuels.
Use is dwindling but burning waste to produce energy has great potential as an energy source. This is particularly important when you consider the amount of waste produced in the modern world, the problems faced with disposal and the effort being put into recycling.
A Biomass Power Station works in a similar way to a coal fired power station. Waste is burned and used to heat water, the steam produced is used to turn turbines, the turbines turn generators and generate electricity. Any solid waste can be used including animal manure, woodchip, seaweed, rubbish and any other waste.
Bio-conversion is a related process where plant/animal waste is used to produce bio-fuels such as methanol or natural gas. These bio-fuels can be burned to produce power and vehicles have been developed powered by bio-fuels
Sugar can be used in a similar way because it can be fermented to make alcohol which can be burned. Alternatively, the left over sugar cane pulp can be burned and often a biomass power station provides energy for a sugar mill as well as the surrounding area.
A Biomass Power Station is planned for Portbury near Bristol which would produce 150 MW of power and this is enough to provide power for two hundred thousand homes. It will burn wood materials brought to the plant by ship from sustainable sources and will annually offset about four hundred thousand tones of carbon dioxide emissions.
Another Biomass Power Station is planned for Longannet in Scotland which will produce 20 MW from wood and waste derived fuel and provide electricity for about thirty three thousand homes. It will also offset one hundred and thirty tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year and prevent one hundred and thirty five tonnes of waste material being disposed in landfill sites.
Bio-fuels could help us reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and most particularly the oil used for transport which is obviously a good thing.
Some people claim that it will take a huge amount of land to grow the bio-fuels needed and this will affect our capacity to grow food. Bio-fuel powered vehicles produce similar carbon emissions to petrol driven vehicles but scientists argue that the plants growing the bio-fuel will take in the extra carbon emissions produced as they respire. Time will tell on this argument.
We should definitely take the opportunity to burn waste materials whenever we can. It is a very cheap source of fuel and would help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. It also destroys waste and reduces the need to recycle. We collect waste anyway and have trouble with disposal.
However, growing bio-fuels could cause problems and some fuels may not always be available. Bio-fuels are burned and still produce greenhouse gases in the same way as fossil fuels.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Paul_M_Williams |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)