Monday 26 January 2009

Next Generation Fuels

Presently, biodiesel is one of the trends engulfing the gas guzzling and petrol-pouting consumers. For the former, the reason may lie heavily on the spiking prices posted by the oil industry. If you can save a few dollars by using an additive, why not use it, right? But for the latter, it is more than money saving---it is more on environment saving. Biodiesel is ideal because it is made without any sulfur and is biodegradable, truly a treehugger's fuel choice, not to mention the huge reduction in general emission.

The Process of Transesterification

This is the process where biodiesel comes into being. The procedure of transesterification literally allows for the extraction of glycerin by adding alcohol and lye to the waste vegetable oil or animal fats collected from various fast food stores and restaurants. Having biodiesel processors will enable you to harness what seems to be slop into an effective fuel alternative.

Note that the oil itself can be obtained from renewable sources like maize, peanuts, soybeans, or any oil-based product for that matter. With this said, if you can extract oil from an item, then most probably you can produce biodiesel out of it. Of course you need the proper biodiesel equipment to actually obtain liquid gold from a pile of sludge.

Varieties & Ratios

Biodiesel comes in a number of mixtures and combinations. This can be blended with different levels of oil or sometimes even used independently. If a biodiesel is mixed with oil, it will be identified as such, or you may look at the pump. It will reflect a letter (B) followed by a number. B, obviously stands for biodiesel then the number attached to it connotes the percentage of the biodiesel used. B20 means twenty percent of the mixture is bio while eighty percent is petro-diesel; same goes with B15 and B60.

If you plan to concoct your own environmentally friendly fuel in large batches, you may opt to buy a biodiesel expansion pack--bigger tanks, thicker hoses, and more bio-fuel for you.

Modification, supply and cost issues

Biodiesel can virtually make any vehicle that feeds on regular diesel run with little or no modification. But for those that require a little tweaking, it is advisable to check with your car manufacturer first before buying any Biodiesel equipment. Although most cars will work fine with biodiesel, it is better to address some warranty concerns.

You can either locate a local biodiesel station or purchase biodiesel processors. Pumping station can easily be found using the internet or let your fingers do the walking on the yellow pages. To be honest, some states have little bio-stations presently in business and the Midwest is paving the way in promoting this eco-friendly alternative.

The cost attached with purchasing biodiesel is fairly less as opposed to its pure petrol equivalent. It is safe to claim that a gallon of Biodiesel will only cost you $1 if you make it on your own. Now think about the pump price for diesel. No wonder why consumers are starting to shift to biodiesel.

While it is nowhere close to being capable of replacing standard fuels, it is certainly well on its way.



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Biodiesels safe environment

A biodiesel car is all the rage in today's environment conscious society, thanks to the awareness being raised by various advocates coming from all walks of life. Practically any automobile that runs on petro-diesel is an ideal candidate for biodiesel use.

Remember, cars that operate on regular diesel and those that use biodiesel function on the same principles. Ergo, a bio-car is pretty much like any other diesel-powered vehicle except for one teeny tiny detail, it is earth-friendly. Small difference, isn't it?

Biodiesel: The Scientific Approach

Science dictates that hydrocarbons play a crucial role in the production of fuel. And as mentioned in the preceding paragraph, a car with petrol-based fuel is similar to any other vehicle due to the manner of how their engines operate and that is the process of internal combustion.

Fuel compound like gasoline or diesel, when used as a fuel source, relies much on the process of combustion at varying temperatures. Since the dawn of cars, gasoline has been the favorite because of its ability ignite at fairly low temperatures. You only need a spark, that is it. Generally, a gasoline powered vehicle creates powerkick through the combo of vapor and oxygen, which is injected and explodes into the combustion chamber. Thus, making the piston turn the crankshaft that is distributed to the transmission and to the screeching tires.

Petro-Diesel Vs. Biodiesel

In an engine that runs on diesel, combustion is triggered by heat originating from compression. In here, the diesel fuel burns due to rapid compression. The downside is that diesel engines produce more nasty and noxious gases. One is carbon dioxide and the other is sulfur dioxide, not to mention nitrogen oxide and the list goes on.

By using biodiesel, you can take off the noxious gases from the equation and you have an environmentally-friendly vehicle.

The Repercussions of Petro-Diesel

Acid rain and green house effect, these two are rooted from the gases emitted by a car running on petro-diesel. Have you forgotten the high cost of gas nowadays? Talk about daylight robbery. The congestion in our highways may have subsided but our dependency on foreign oil providers may have just become a little tighter and a tad bit severe.

Biodiesel Equipment: Diminishing Harmful Gases

As for the bio-powered car, it functions like a petro-diesel vehicle devoid of the drawbacks. Some individuals opt to use B20 or mixture of twenty percent biodiesel to eighty percent regular diesel. This increases the mixture volatility while lessening the quantity of petrol used. And do not forget the absence of any fuel system modification.

Issues On Biodiesel

With the physical characteristics of biodiesel, it requires a higher temperature for it to burn and release power. That is why there are various ratios that can address this concern. A little tweaking in the engine plus a bit of help coming from heating coils then you are ready to drive.

Making your own alternative fuel may demand that you purchase biodiesel processors and kits. A regular kit can make a few gallons of biodiesel. But if you want to make more than a few gallons, you might need a biodiesel expansion kit.

Today, it is better to have biodiesel processors producing non-toxic fuel rather than visiting a gasoline station and filling you car with environmentally degrading liquid.


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zero polution energy

Solar technology involves the manufacturing of solar panels which gather and concentrate the power given off directly by the sun, and convert it into electricity. In other cases, hot water can be produced from the sun. As with wind energy, solar energy creates absolutely zero pollution.

One of these renewable energy resources is solar energy. Solar PV cells continue to be manufactured that are often more energy efficient and less costly than previous models from a few years ago. Solar energy plants have been developed in in many nations. They are now more strategically placed in order to improve the national electricity grid. Over time, they are not causing environmental issues as previous placement of solar panels may have caused.

The following sections provide a summary overview of many other renewable energy sources being researched, developed, and deployed throughout the world.

Ocean current energy is discussed by governments and investors as having untapped energy generating potential. A ocean electricity generator in Europe has been in operation for a long time. It is thought to be a great accomplishment. The Irish and Scots are also running pilot facilities.

Hydroelectric power has been with us for a while. At current hydro dams, it is a clean generator of electricity. Because water and gravity is used, it is more effecient than a grid powered by natural gas. There are restrictions to the availability of the right places to set up a large dam. Many river based, or small and localized, hydro generators where created in recently due to this limitation.

Geothermal energy is extremely abundant. Since it lies directly beneath us, we only need drill just a few miles below the earth's surface to find huge amounts of energy. This energy is produced by the heating of water, located within the Earth, through the actions of earth's fantastically hot molten core. The water turns to steam, which is then used to drive turbines that generate electricity. Great amounts of research and development should be put into geothermal energy tapping.

Biodiesel energy is created out of the oils contained in plants. Most commonly, the retail stockpiles of bio-diesel have been created using rapeseed and sunflower oils. At the time of this writing, biodiesel is typically produced by agricultural corporations or those who want to experiment with renewable energy. Venture interest from companies across the World is on the rise. It burns much better than fossil fuel diesel.

Another renewable energy resource is solar generated electricity. It is the one that becoming more cost effective every day. This involves the manufacturing of solar panels which gather and focus the sun's energy, and translate it into electricity. In some, hot water can be generated from the sun via a solar water heater. As with wind energy, solar energy creates absolutely zero pollution.


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process to biodiesels

On August 10 1893, an engine running on Biodiesel ran for the first time. This is why this day has been declared as 'International Biodiesel day'. This model was proposed by Rudolf Diesel. The transesterified oil that was used as source for the first run was Peanut oil. Biodiesel is a liquid produced form materials or biological origin unlike petrodiesel made from fossil fuel. Known previously as American Society for Testing and Materials, the ATSM has certified Biodiesel as confirming to the ATSM D 6751 standards.

The sources of biodiesel can be divided into: 1) Lipid accumulation in plants and algae 2) Hydrocarbons produced in algae or plants.

The lipid sources can be sunflower, linseed, Jatropha, safflower, peanut, rapeseed, olive seeds etc. These lipids have high energy value but are highly viscous. Hence they cannot be easily injected in the engine combustion chambers. This limitation is suggested to be solved by a process called pyrolysis or blending with solvents, emulsification with addition of water or fuels etc, but none proved fit. It was later decided that synthesizing esters of fatty acid was the solution to the viscosity problem. But production from edible oils commands a high price even in developed countries. Hence non-edible oils are the fresh sources for biodiesel. E.g.: Jatropha. These are now cultivated in large areas and researched for biodiesel production.

Certain algae accumulate large (about 60%) of Lipids in their cells when grown in a nutritionally suffucient medium. This property can be exploited to produce large amounts of lipids. Some freshwater algae and plants also store hydrocarbons (made of hydrogen and carbon atoms). E.g. in Botryococcus braunii, 75% of biomass is made of hydrocarbons. Other brown, red and green algae consist of varying amounts of Lipid content. USA, Austria, France, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Malaysia, Italy & other Asian countries have realized the benefits of Biodiesel. These countries are now competing in research on Biodiesel and its production.

The basic chemistry of biodiesel synthesis lies in transesterification process, where an ethyl ester reacts with methanol to form methyl ester and ethanol. Glycerol is a by - product developed in the process which ahs other industrial applications. Methyl esters are favoured for biodiesel production because of the cetane number.

Cetane number is a dimensionless value assigned to indicate the ignition quality of a liquid. This value is high, in case of long unbranched alkanes which are similar long chained compounds. High cetane numbers are related to compound that have low idle noise and easy starting even in cold weather. Though Biodiesel holds much promise for the future, its list of cons includes its properties as being a solvent, able to take up water from the atmosphere etc and sometimes providing reduced power in engines.

Many have patented the process of producing Biodiesel and one such patent is owned by DuPont and Colgate-Palmolove-Peet, and also by CLRI (India). Biodiesel is available nationwide. It can be purchased from the legalized biodiesel distributors, producers and marketers, or even at a public pump throughout any nation. Biodiesel does have its cons, however the pros outweigh them. From the looks of it, biodiesel is going to have a bright future ahead of us.

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wind and solar energy

Renewable Energy Solutions - Wind And Solar Power is more difficult to define than you might imagine. Since it is a catchall phrase for a variety of energy sources, any definition has to be broad. With this in mind, let's define renewable energy as any energy source that naturally occurs and is very abundant.

Ironically, almost all renewable energy sources rely on nuclear power. Fortunately, the nuclear power is in the form of the sun at the heart of our solar system. One giant nuclear reaction, the sun produces solar radiation and sunlight that is converted on our planet into energy through natural resources. In one form or another, sunlight is the basis for solar power, wind energy, biomass power, and so on. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, are a form of biomass energy, but an ancient one with resource limits and brutal side effects in the form of pollutants.

Renewable Energy Facts

Solar Energy is the most basic and direct form of renewable energy. Depending on the type of platform used, sunlight is converted directly into electricity or heat. Solar energy is considered a renewable energy because it will exist for as long as the sun, which should be over 4 billion years. Once the sun burns out, we will have much larger problems than energy!

Wind energy is another form of solar power. Wind is created when the sun heats up different areas of the surface of the Earth at different rates. You inherently are aware of this if you think about the temperature differences when standing on a black parking lot versus grass in a park. Heat rises and so does hot air. Air above a hot surface will rise and colder air from surrounding areas will rush into to fill the void. This temperature-induced movement creates wind in its most basic form.

To take advantage of the energy, man has produced windmills and turbines that convert the energy into electricity. Modern wind turbines are between 25 and 35 percent efficient at converting wind energy into electricity. Wind power is now the fastest growing energy platform in the world.

Wind is one of the cleanest, if not cleanest, renewable energy sources available to us. What most people don't know is it is also the fastest growing energy sector. Wind is an indirect version of solar power. Different surfaces on the Earth react differently to being hit by sunlight, particular in regards to heat. As sunlight heats up surfaces, they warm up at different rates. The surround air also warms up at different rates, fertilizing the wind process. Temperatures over a body of water like a lake will always be cooler than temperatures over rocky ground. Hot air rises and cool air rushes into fill such voids. As this process occurs, the rushing air manifests as wind and an incredibly cheap and clean energy source. Thank you for reading Renewable Energy Solutions - Wind And Solar Po



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potential energy in developing countries

Potential bioenergy options in developed countries and their possible impact.

1. Abstract This paper presents potential bioenergy options in developed countries. Key figures indicating the potential of biomass based solid fuels, gaseous and liquid fuels have been indicated. Technologies used to produce these fuels have been dealt with briefly. Economic, social and technical have been studied and potential solutions have been suggested. The impact on social, economical and on the environments forms utilization of these bioenergy options have been dealt in the context of developed countries.

3. INTRODUCTION

Bioenergy is physical energy extracted from biomass. It can be electricity produced from biomass, cooling or heating, biofuels such as biogas, bioethanol, biodiesel and so on. It is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective and locally available source of energy. Currently, energy from biomass accounts for 15 percent of energy consumed worldwide and for up to 90 percent in some developing countries. (Leena Fagernäs et.al, 2006) Developing countries can be benefited from these resources in creating income and labor opportunities, alleviating food security problems and poverty. In developed countries, bioenergy contributes a lot in reducing oil dependency and boosting their economy. The dependence of the EU on energy imports is already 50%. (Leena Fagernäs et.al, 2006) Some of the barriers to the utilization of these resources are lack of capital, lack of knowledge, misinformation on environmental impacts, wrong policy focus, technological limitations and cost of energy. Some solutions can be effective government leadership and incentives, knowledge transfer, research and development activities towards efficient low cost method of utilization.

3.1 What is Bioenergy?

Biomass, Biofuels and Bioenergy are commonly used terms. Biomass is defined as "an organic material which has stored sunlight in the form of chemical energy" (Aki Tilli, 2003,pp 4).It includes, woody biomass, the residues of the wood processing industry, energy crops, agricultural residues and agro-food effluents, manures as well as the organic fraction of municipal solid waste or source-separated household waste and sewage sludge. Biofuels are fuels produced from biomass. They can be in gaseous as biogas, liquid as biodiesel or solid state. Bioenergy is physical energy extracted from biomass. It can be electricity produced from biomass, cooling or heating, biofuels such as biogas, bioethanol, biodiesel and so on. Biomass can be converted to biofuels and the biofuels thus obtained is converted in to bioenergy, which is the usable form.

3.2 What is potential?

It may be perceived that potential bioenergy options are those that are abundantly available in a given location. Availability by itself is not enough. Some times resource utilization is hurdled by technical and economical barriers. Abundantly available resource may not be technically or economically viable to utilize. For instance, solar energy is potential resource as there is huge irradiation falling on the surface of the earth. But the world is not technologically well advanced to enable wide spread utilization of the resource. Also, in some countries the applications can be expensive as compared to other energy options. Hence potential resources are those that are abundantly available and technologically as well as economically viable to utilize in the current or near future technological or economical status of countries. Also the utilization of this resource should bring about substantial economic growth and sustainable development. It is also important to notice that these definitions may have different meanings in the context of developed and developing countries with different economical and technological status.

3.3 Problem formulation

Developing countries that lack fossil fuels are heavily dependant on imported fuel. Their economy is affected by increasing oil prices and price volatility. As a result their development activities are slowed. Developed countries are also dependant to a significant amount on import of energy. Increase use of fossil fuels also leads to problems of climate change and shortage of energy supply as these fuels are non renewable. There are also lack of committed government policies, lack of awareness, and ignorance of the environment and sustainability in the technological development.

3.4 Objectives

General objectives

The general objective of this project is to study potential bioenergy options in developing and developed countries indicating their potential in some representative countries. It is also the aim of this project to study the impact of harnessing these resources on economy, environment and other areas. Barriers are also indicated. Set of conclusions and recommendations end the project. Specific objectives

• Identify and quantify the bioenergy potentials of representative developed countries.

• Describe the technologies to used to harness these resources

• Study barriers to utilization of bioenergy resources in these countries and suggest some general solutions.

• Illustrate possible impacts on the economy, social life and the environment. 3.5 Scope

The scope of this project is to study potential bioenergy options in developed and developing countries and to study the ways of utilization. It also focuses on various barriers to utilization of Bioenergy both in developing and developed countries suggesting some general solutions. The study also includes possible positive and negative impacts of utilization of these resources in the economy, social life and environment of these countries. Expected out comes

The outcomes of the project are:

• Potential bioenergy options in developed countries are identified.

• Barriers and solutions to the utilization of these resources are explained

• Impacts on the economy, social life and environment of both developed and developing countries are illustrated.

4. METHODOLOGY

The main methodology used in this project is literature review. Data are collected and interpreted. The main sources are IEA website and publications form science direct and annual energy reviews.

5. POTENTIAL BIOENERGY OPTIONS IN DEVELOPED COUNTRIES.

5.1 Introduction

Energy security, dependence on energy import and increased consumption of energy are some of the drivers in utilization of renewable resources in developed countries. The main renewables are biomass, wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal energy. Wind, solar and biomass are the new renewables of major focus in these countries.

The figure below shows share of renewables in the production of primary energy.

Figure 3.1. Share of different renewable energy sources in the primary energy production (in ktoe) in the EU25 during the years 1996-2001 (Modified from Leena Fagernäs et.al, 2006, pp. 13)

Figure 1 shows that biomass contributes to the larger share of primary energy supply in the EU since 2001. Biomass and waste can be used as solid fuels, gaseous and liquid fuels.

The figure below shows the gross electricity generation in 2005 for US and Canada.

Figure 3.2 gross electricity productions in GWh in USA and Canada in 2005 form various renewables. (Source data are taken form international energy agency IEA website)

Similarly the figure shows biomass contributes a lot in gross electricity generation mean while solar and wind contribute to smaller fraction.

Therefore, in developed world biomass is the major contributor while renewables like solar, wind and geothermal are significantly untouched at least in the time frame considered.

5.2 Future targets

The above statistics have shown that the share of biomass has been very significant. The EU has set strategies like the white paper and the green paper in increase further the contribution of biomass, biofuels and others in the supply of primary energy.

5.1.1 The white paper The EU has adopted a paper that helps to promote renewable energy supply. It aimed at sustainable development, energy security and environmental protection. Specifically, the paper set a goal to double the contribution of renewables in the energy supply from 6% to 12% by 2010, tripling the share of biomass to 135Mtoe, 21% share of green electricity and biofuels supply 5.75% of transportation fuels. Also by the year 2020, 20% share of biofuels in the transport sector has been planned. (European commission, 1997) In order to reach these goals, Europe has to produce additional 52.7Mtoe form solid biofuels up to 2010. (Eija Alakangas et.al, 2003)

5.1.2 The green paper

The paper is concerned with energy supply security which aims at reducing the risks associated with dependence for energy on other nations. As a result its targets are diversifying the import of energy, improved energy efficiency to reduce consumption and increased used of renewable energy sources. With the implementation of these targets, biomass will be major contributors in the foreseeable time.

5.3 Potential bioenergy options

Regarding the future goals for bioenergy, a lot of questions can be envisioned. How much are the potentials of biomass and waste in developed countries especially in EU and North America? How can these potentials be utilized? What are the barriers and the solutions? What are the outcomes?

5.3.1 Biomass

Biomass energy sources are the agriculture, forestry, industry and wastes. Presently, biomass accounts for 14% of the world final energy consumption, 25% of which is consumed in developed countries. (Leena Fagernäs et.al, 2006). Among these counties are the Europe and North America.

5.3.1.1 Biomass energy in Europe

In the EU15, agriculture occupies 40% of the total land area and nearly 30% of the continent land is covered with forest. The total energy potential of waste, municipal, sewage gas sludge, landfill gas and demolition wood is estimated to be 18Mtoe for EU 15. In 1998, biomass contributed 3% of primary energy in EU most of which is wood and straw used for heating. (Dr.Ing.G. Grassi, 1998)

As shown in the table, EU production of biomass increases the potential available in the future and hence, there is still huge potential to be used as compared to the consumption. The biggest potential seems to lie in forest residues and agro biomass (Eija Alakangas et.al, 2007)

5.3.1.2 Biomass in North America

The total biomass energy potential in North America is 19.9EJ/annum.Woody biomass constitutes 12.8, energy crops.4.1, straw 2.2 and other 0.8EJ/a.The use has been estimated to 3.1Ej/a. which represents a huge potential still available. (Leena Fagernäs et.al, 2006)

The chart below shows the current use and potential of forest biomass in US.

Fig. 3.3 US forest biomass resource millions dry tons/year. Source: (S. Kent Hoekman, 2008)

As shown in the fig. forest biomass is has large potential in supply of energy in the US.

5.3.2 Biomass markets

The most traded biomass fuel is pellets. Pellets are the most compact form of solid biofuels, so the transport costs per energy unit is lowest. In addition, introducing pellets in an existing plant usually requires less modification at the plant compared with more heterogeneous fuels. The global annual pellet production is 4 million tons. (Eija Alakangas, et.al, 2007)

6.3 Waste to energy

Municipal solid waste can be fermented to produce biogas. Incineration is another option to produce heat. Wastes can also serve as feed for gasification, combustion and pyrolysis technologies. Mixed MSW has an average carbon content of 25 %. (Leena Fagernäs et.al, 2006). The production of biomass residues such as food by products, fiber and forest production exceeds 111EJ/year. (Eric D, Larson, 1993)

Cost like other bioenergy options is a major barrier. Additionally environmental concern is a key issue as energy conversion processes has to balance inertisation of waste streams, maximizing energy generation and restricting emissions. It was stated that some residues can not be used because of collection and transport would be prohibitive and agronomic conditions require recycling to the land. (Eric D, Larson, 1993)

Waste to energy conversion is technically constrained due to poor homogeneity of mixed waste hence waste incineration requires special waste fraction or sorting .While supply is not barrier; calorific value of the waste varies by season and region, making the design difficult. Lack of public acceptance is a non technical barrier and can be improved through public information on environmental data of plants in their regions.


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biofuels save environtment

It is predicted that 50 years from now, pressing environmental issues would slowly annihilate the human race into oblivion. It was predicted that there be big disasters like tsunamis, supertyphoons and earthquakes. The wanton use of resources and burning of fossil fuels caused a climactic change which affects the ecosystem and other things in the earth.

Alternative fuels are cleaner than crude oil which is derived from fossil fuels. It is thus called alternative fuel as they come from other sources like biogass and biomass, both of them derived from waste material of plants and animals. Some oil companies are considering ethanol, a chemical derived from biogass, E85, and electricity as alternative fuels for future cars.

Thus, before that time would arrive, intellectuals and scientists are now endorsing alternative fuels to the whole world. They speculated that these could be the answer of the earth's rejuvenation, a form of healing from man's exploitation in his environment. In fact, oil companies are now looking for ways to create alternative fuels for them to be competitive.

A new breed of technicians is now being trained to facilitate the promotion of fossil fuels. They are slowly learning other fuels like propane and biodiesel. Speaking of biodesil, some gas stations are now providing biodisels as an alternative section for car-owners. In the future, it is opted that there will be fuel stations that hopefully would sell cleaner and [cheaper] fuels. Imagine that we will be driving in our cool super cars powered by alternative batteries.

However, recently, some countries are still reluctant in accepting alternative fuels. Common reason is they want to preserve political ties with other oil-exporting countries like Middle Eastern countries. Hot debates stating the social upheavals caused by alternative fuels are common issues in world markets. Many will lost their jobs and will surely change their business equipment for the changing times.

Despite these things, we should always remember that alternative fuels would help our environment. The future of our children and their children should come first before other things.

Saturday 24 January 2009

smoke and your death

If you smoke, the likelihood of dying from smoking-related causes rises dramatically. Therefore, life insurance companies typically charge smokers higher rates than non smokers. This is to compensate them for the additional risk they incur when extending a policy to a smoker. However, even if you do smoke, or are an ex-smoker, there are things you can do to lower your costs.

When You Quit Smoking Matters to Your Life Insurance Provider

Because smoking can have such a significant impact on a policyholder's health, insurance companies use an assortment of classifications for smokers. These classifications are based upon the amount of time that has elapsed since the policyholder last smoked. If a person has not smoked for 5 years or longer, that person is classified as a "preferred plus" policyholder. For those who have avoided smoking for at least 3 years, they're awarded a "preferred" status. Finally, if a policyholder has not smoked for at least 12 months, they are given a "standard" designation.

Life insurance companies use these classifications because policyholders who have stayed away from cigarettes for a longer period of time are less likely to die from smoking-related illnesses. "Preferred plus" policyholders are rewarded with lower premiums than those who are classified as "preferred." People who have a "standard" status (i.e. having not smoked for at least 12 months) will typically have to pay higher premiums than the other 2 groups. This, of course, assumes that other factors such as blood pressure, weight and cholesterol levels remain equal.

What If You Lie About Your Smoking Habit?

Millions of smokers are tempted to lie about their habit to their life insurance company. With the intent of avoiding higher rates, some do so. However, it's risky and often ineffective. While providers will start by asking potential policyholders whether they smoke, they can also require a physical exam. They may even request recent medical records. Lying on an application is easy; trying to cover up traces of nicotine in a urine sample is far more difficult.

Be honest about your smoking habit. Life insurance companies consider smoking a serious issue. They're motivated to conduct due diligence to validate your claims.

Affordable Life Insurance For Smokers

While life insurance premiums can be substantial for smokers, there are affordable options. First, if you have quit smoking, ask your provider to reevaluate the status of your policy each year. Based upon the amount of time that has passed since you last smoked, they may be able to lower your rates. Second, consider term life insurance. You may still need to submit to a physical exam, but the premiums on a term life policy are usually lower than those on a whole life policy. And of course, get life insurance quotes from several different companies - it's often quite amazing how different prices can be for essentially the same policy.

The Realities Of Smoking And Life Insurance

The costs of smoking expand much further than the price of a pack of cigarettes. The premiums you can expect to pay on your life insurance policy will be higher than the premiums for a non-smoking policy. That being said, it's important to understand how your life insurance provider regards smokers. By being aware of the various classifications used, you may able to lower your premiums. Having your policy status updated after each year can help you graduate to a "preferred plus" classification. In the end, having life insurance is critical. Don't let your smoking habit prevent your securing a policy.

your body need salt

When it comes to health and fitness - the public is mostly focused on carbs, protein and fat. But there are other important elements of your daily diet that need to be managed for optimal health and fitness.

One of these elements, sodium (salt), should get more special attention. We'll do that here in this snappy Q&A article:

QUESTION: "I always hear that eating foods with too much salt is not good for my health and fitness levels, but is it also possible to suffer from not getting enough salt in my daily diet?"

ANSWER: "Absolutely. For your body to be firin on all cylinders, you need at least 500mgs of sodium/salt each day. It's required by the body for transmitting nerve impulses, helping muscles (including the heart) contract properly and sustaining the body's pH and fluid balance (both inside the cells and outside) at ideal levels.

However, considering you consume that much sodium from only a quarter teaspoon of salt, it's not surprising that a low salt intake is definitely not an issue in the U.S. Knowing the guesstimated average salt intake for Americans is about 4 - 6 thousand milligrams daily - there is a higher prevalence of too much sodium intake.

Authorities currently recommend a limit zone of under two thousand four hundred (2400) milligrams a day to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Some experts think it should be even lower.

So, what might we do?

It appears that some people are more likely to be affected by sodium intake than others, and since we don't know exactly who they are, keeping sodium in check, in general, is a good thing to do for your health and long term fitness.

An interesting note; There is new found interest in sodium's negative effect on bone health, adding another reason to keep salt intake levels at reasonable amounts(especially in women).

But, too little sodium?

Let's face it... that's likely not an issue for any American.

Here's what most fitness experts do. First and foremost - if we add salt to any of our dishes - it's Sea Salt - not regular table salt.

Second - We generally buy foods that have no added salt or - they have lower levels added - and we are happily discovering healthy pre-packaged, minimally processed foods that use SeaSalt instead of regular table salt.

Third - and very important - because we are active people, our sodium intake has much less ill effect on us than it would a sedentary, couch potato type person. We perspire more and we lose salt from our bodies electrolyte profile - so we don't give them an opportunity to build up in our systems.

So, if you are active, eat healthy, hydrate sensibly and exercise on a consistent basis - you should not have anything to worry about in terms of your sodium intake.

Special cases, such as family history (genetics) will have some influence on your sensitivity to salt intake. And, for women, your sensitivity to salt intake may vary throughout your cycle.

tips for organic gardening

organic gardening is a type of gardening that uses no synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. The whole idea of organic gardening is to create a healthy, balanced soil, which supports many benificial insects and organisms (worms, bacteria, fungi, aphids etc.)

The benificial insects and organisms break down the materials used as organic fertilizer(like compost). You also need to create an atmosphere for snakes, toads and birds. These guys will take care of most of your unwanted pests. Think of them as the guardian of the garden! This is a winning combination for healthy soil that will grow productive healthy organic plants.

TIP ON COMPOST: For a true organic garden be careful what you put in your compost pile! Example - If you hire a company to treat your lawn for weeds. They spray it with chemical herbicides and then you put your grass clippings into your compost pile. Guess what? You just contaminated your compost pile! This is one of the most common mistakes.

Healthy plants need many major nutrients and trace elements to survive. Organic fertilizers provide many trace elements, major nutrients, as well as organic matter. Synthetic fertilizers often cause a spurt of unhealthy growth. This makes your plants more susceptible to disease and insects. By using organic fertilizers, you can break this cycle. The organic matter helps hold the nutrients and water the plants need. It also provides food for soil organisms that recycle and hold nutrients. With all these good nutrients in the soil, your plant can grow at a steady, healthy rate.

Synthetic pesticides also harm more than their target insect. They can kill many of your benificial insects at one time. Synthetic pesticides work in a few ways. Some kill insects on contact. Example - The pesticide is sprayed directly onto the pest. Another way is when the pesticide is absorbed into the plant from the soil or threw its leaf tissue. Example - Now the pesticide is in the plant. So the insect takes a bite of the leaf and know it is eating the poision that will kill it. Synthetic herbicides can be harmful weeks after application. Organic gardeners work to control just the pest insects.

We can't forget weed control! In order to have strong healthy plants it is very important to control those nasty weeds. This is most important right after planting. Weeds can germinate before the seeds you planted. Weeds will strip much needed water and nutrients from your plants. You might not know this, there are millions of weed seeds in the soil. And you planted how many seeds? I'll guess it's not a million!

Weed control is pretty simple. Get out the rake and a cold glass of water. (The water is for you to drink!) Depending on the size of your garden, this works great. When you start to see little sprouts that aren't welcome, run the rake threw. If you do this regularly it is an easy task. If raking isn't for you, put mulch down. You are still going to have to rake, but not as much.

TIP: Mulch controls weeds very well while providing organic material as it breaks down over time. Stay away from the mulch with the dyes in it. Well, how do you know? Stay away from the red, black, and other none natural colors. I would find a tree service or stump removal company in your area and ask them if they have any they want to get rid of. Usually they will give it to you for free.

I hope you found these Great Organic Gardening Tips helpful. There is a publication with alot more info for you. Click Here! or here

small tips to be best parent

3 Tips To Better Parenting!

Discipline While They Are Young. Spend A Lot Of Quality Time With Them. Protect Them Throughout The Years.

Many people wonder what the secret is to raising good children. The truth is that there is no secret, but it does take a lot of effort on the parents end.

First tip is in the act of discipline. There must be some sort of discipline in the household and you have to start while they are young. If you give them everything they want when they are of the younger age it will ruin chances of guiding them when they get to their teens.

Second tip, you must spend plenty of time with them while they are at home. Family time is a very important key to good parenting. Read books together, sit down for a family game or maybe have a movie night. You don't always need to be with your children, but you do however need to spend the time with them to check up on their lives.

Third tip, protect them. One way you may be able to protect is the choice of schools. Public schools for example have higher rates of problems. Drugs, violence, gangs, and etc. tend to be more among public schools. Check into a private school. Preferably a christian one. Protect them in the manner of watching who they go out with and how late. You can give them some trust, but remember to follow-up on how wisely they spent their time out.

Those tips are only a start as I'm positive you will find many more. Always remember to love your children and live life with them.

guidelines for baby care

Babies are a precious creation - you must handle him/her with utmost care. Your baby lacks muscle control, so you have to take extra precautions while holding, bathing, feeding, and dressing the baby. Lift the baby slowly and don't rush when you carry her/him. Newborns are completely dependent on you.

If this is your first baby and have never handled any baby before, the baby's fragility may be overwhelming for you. For many parents, just holding the tiny baby is nerve-wracking. For more details go to: www.baby-care-book.com below are few guidelines to follow and within a couple of days, you can become an expert.

1. Holding the baby carefully-For a new parent, who has no experience with infants, simply picking up and holding the little one is scary. Take suggestion from older member in the family and friends. Your baby's head is big and heavy compared to other parts of the baby. Therefore, it is very important to support your baby's head and neck when you carry the baby up and lay down. A good way to pick the baby up and put him/her down is with your whole arm, which supports spine, neck and head at the same time. When you are going to wake up your baby, don't shake him/her, just tickle in the feet and the baby will be up. Some parents like to wrap their baby's legs and hands in a blanket until they are used to it.

2. Feeding the baby- Feeding the newborn is something that every new parent worries about at first. At this period, babies drink either breast milk or formula. If the mother is breastfeeding, then feeding will most likely occur in every few hours and if the baby is bottle fed, then the gap between feedings may go up to two to three hours. Don't forget to burp the baby after each feeding.

3. Diapering the baby-Everybody knows how to change a diaper, but when you have to do it yourself, it may get messy. You may feel awkward in first few times, but slowly with little practice, you will handle the newborn with ease. While changing diapers, use a waist-high table with safety straps. Lay the babe on the diaper, fold the front half of the diaper over the baby and tighten it with attached tapes. For can visit to: www.create-super-baby.com Check the diaper in 5 to 10 minutes to see whether it is wet or not. Do not allow the baby to be in wet diaper for a longer period, which may lead to skin infection.

4. dressing the baby-Excited parents spend enough money to buy good clothes for their newborn baby. Whichever clothing you prefer, look for garments that are easy for you to put on and takeoff the baby like large necklines are easy to slip baby's head. While dressing, support your baby's head in one hand until he/she is 3 months old.

5. Bathing your baby- Bath time can be enjoyable if you know how to handle the baby while bathing. Until 10 to 15 days after birth, the baby is generally given a sponge bath and after that a daily bath. While bathing in tub, make sure to hold the baby in one hand tightly, otherwise the baby may slip. Right after the bath, wrap your baby in a towel and cover the head.

6. Make yourself sure to fasten the car seat or stroller every time when you are going out. Avoid bouncy or rough roads as this may upset your baby's stomach.

It is better to ask for your family and friends to get through this time, which can be disturbing. Nurses can also show you how to hold, bath, change, and burp your baby. Though you may feel worried about handling a baby, within 2 to 3 months, you will get used to a daily routine and turn into a professional parent.

Tuesday 20 January 2009

What we can do for Palestinia?

What we can do for my Brothers Palestinian?
A simple question, but the answer of very difficult. Is severa! days attacked by clan of israel which didn't care about humanity at all, Forget Your Exellency not human right , killing civil citizen and children with no feeling guilty and pity compassion.
A question awakening human soul of angry,Crying and various different public opinions. A question of arising out some people hearth in the world that feel they are also human being too like them that massacred in gaza
A question generating to feel just if that attack befall us living in peaceful state, that death happened to our children, our wife, and our brothers, how likely?
A question generating strength of hearth various side which care human to look after good aid of energy, fund, food, and pray.
A question which confuse myself to answer because I cannot and have strength to direct assist therealthough wish, finally only I can answer with prayer " hopefully God give strength and manful to citizen of palestina, hopefully God give best way out for peace in Gaza, and hopefully God give forgivness to them who guilty...., Amen "

Barrack Obama in My Dream

In my dream Barrack Obama is a very simple man, even at the time when he merried was conducted with simple party.
In my dream Barrack Obama is someone owning high humannity, which advocate weak clan.
In my dream Barrack Obama is leader capable to give big enough share in world peace, and frown upon war though profit from commerce of weapon
In my dream Barrack Obama is figure loving humanity, do not grind weak state one way or another and hate war.
In my dream [of] Barrack Obama is a handsome man, very love his children and his wife, a realman who dare to say correctness to something right and say wrong to something wrong.
In my Dream...Sorry i forget, because my wife was woke me up to continue to make in love again , and I nor this Obama who is american president or Obama my neighbour next door...