Ecofill
For the perfection of a lawn mowing with a good machine is absolutely necessary and should be done frequently. To cut the grass fairly low down without the danger of biting and pulling it up by the roots, its knives should be made to pass so closely to the shoe-plate that they will cut paper at any point and until the proper method of setting it higher or lower, according to the exigencies of the moment, be thoroughly understood, it will be impossible to guarantee that it will work properly.
Sticks and stones should be swept off the grass before the mower is set upon it; and when being put away at night the machine should be cleaned and oiled , so that it may not rust. During the winter season when the machine is not in use it should be taken apart, each piece well oiled and stored away separately, taking particular care not to lose the bolts and screws.
To work it well it is better to cut the grass at least once a week at the height of the season, but less often in the beginning and end, as the grass does not then grow so rapidly. There is often an argument as to whether the cut grass should be left on the lawn or taken away in a box. If the grass is left on the lawn it will provide some measure of manure, whilst when allowed to become long before being cut and then left it will disfigure the lawn.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Your Choice of Lawns
Before we even get into the options available for you to start a new lawn, you first have to decide whether you want to go with a natural lawn or an artificial grass alternative, both options are perfectly valid and you might have to do a cost comparison of the two first.
However, if you want to go for the traditional natural grass, read on.
There are two different ways of forming a lawn – by laying down turfs and by sowing seed. Which of these two methods is better depends entirely on the requirements. If a lawn is wanted quickly, it can be got by using turfs; but if a good lawn is required at small expense, and there is sufficient patience to wait for it then by all means let seed be sown.
The disadvantage in laying down turf is that the defects of an old lawn are thus implanted, and gain renewed vigour on a new. With seed sowing we have, so to speak, a carte blanche to work upon.
The first thing to consider is whether the ground is drained. If not, then that work should at once be performed. In heavy soils the drains will need to be nearer the surface and nearer to each other than in a light soil. In no case should they be less than eighteen inches from the surface.
Next you need to dig and trench the ground to the depth of eighteen inches if possible, and in any case not less than one foot. In this work an eye should be kept to making the soil level by freeing the surface from lumps and hollows.
It is a good plan to work among the soil some well-decayed manure and some leaf soil and, if heavy, some lime. With a heavy soil should be incorporated some good loam, free from weeds; and an opportunity here presents itself of disposing of a good quantity of sifted coal ashes. The digging must be of a uniform depth, whatever that may be.
However, if you want to go for the traditional natural grass, read on.
There are two different ways of forming a lawn – by laying down turfs and by sowing seed. Which of these two methods is better depends entirely on the requirements. If a lawn is wanted quickly, it can be got by using turfs; but if a good lawn is required at small expense, and there is sufficient patience to wait for it then by all means let seed be sown.
The disadvantage in laying down turf is that the defects of an old lawn are thus implanted, and gain renewed vigour on a new. With seed sowing we have, so to speak, a carte blanche to work upon.
The first thing to consider is whether the ground is drained. If not, then that work should at once be performed. In heavy soils the drains will need to be nearer the surface and nearer to each other than in a light soil. In no case should they be less than eighteen inches from the surface.
Next you need to dig and trench the ground to the depth of eighteen inches if possible, and in any case not less than one foot. In this work an eye should be kept to making the soil level by freeing the surface from lumps and hollows.
It is a good plan to work among the soil some well-decayed manure and some leaf soil and, if heavy, some lime. With a heavy soil should be incorporated some good loam, free from weeds; and an opportunity here presents itself of disposing of a good quantity of sifted coal ashes. The digging must be of a uniform depth, whatever that may be.
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Best And Worst Of People
As with all stories of tragedy these days we hear the stories that display the generous spirit of humans but, inevitably it seems, we also get reminded that there are plenty of low-lifes out there too. The Victorian bushfires have been one such occasion where some despicable behaviour by the dregs of humanity have been displayed.
The start of many of the fires was the result of arson and that’s bad enough but then, some of the residents whose houses were burnt to the ground returned to find that their homes had been picked over by looters. When you’ve just lost almost every last possession you own in the world the last thing you need is heartless bastards taking the opportunity to steal the remainder.
Now we’re starting to hear stories of opportunists moving in and trying to buy land and houses in the area expecting massive price discounts. These sharks are basically trying to screw over the landowners, victims of the fires, in yet another way by taking advantage of their tragic circumstances.
Finally, there are also reports of some landlords who have jacked the price of rent in the area to double the price hoping to cash in on the need for displaced people to find somewhere to stay.
The start of many of the fires was the result of arson and that’s bad enough but then, some of the residents whose houses were burnt to the ground returned to find that their homes had been picked over by looters. When you’ve just lost almost every last possession you own in the world the last thing you need is heartless bastards taking the opportunity to steal the remainder.
Now we’re starting to hear stories of opportunists moving in and trying to buy land and houses in the area expecting massive price discounts. These sharks are basically trying to screw over the landowners, victims of the fires, in yet another way by taking advantage of their tragic circumstances.
Finally, there are also reports of some landlords who have jacked the price of rent in the area to double the price hoping to cash in on the need for displaced people to find somewhere to stay.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
How Does A Complete Loser Become Head of A Major Corporation?
Just a question I was asking myself when I read the email from Jerry Yang to the Yahoo employees announcing that 10% of them had lost their jobs. The fact that his job wasn't one of the ones to go is a complete injustice.
So here's his email:
yahoos,
i feel it’s important for me to reach out to you after our earnings announcement, and before our all hands meeting tomorrow.
we as a company have been through a tremendously challenging year; and managing the increasingly turbulent global advertising climate has been an important focus for the last three months.
throughout the first three quarters of 2008, we have been balancing between investing in our top priorities, and managing our cost structure. beginning in september, with the help of Bain & Co., we initiated a series of steps to determine how we can become more efficient and productive as an organization.
we heard from you through the YEES survey, and through your suggestions on backyard, and we’ve identified many areas that we all feel we can improve upon. our productivity efforts, based in part on what we heard from you, will involve initiatives such as streamlining our organizational structure through reducing layers and increasing spans of control, and eliminating redundancies. longer term structural efficiencies include consolidating facilities, improving procurement, and standardizing our global technology platforms.
today as part of our q3 earnings release, we said that our goal is to reduce our current annualized cost run rate of roughly $3.9 billion by more than $400 million before the end of 2008. we are targeting non-headcount expenses wherever possible, such as facilities and outside services. however, because compensation expenses are the single largest part of our costs, we anticipate a reduction of at least 10% of our global workforce by year-end.
affected employees will be notified of layoffs in the next several weeks. we understand that hearing this news now creates uncertainty, but we are moving ahead in a way that balances speed with a clear focus on accomplishing what is necessary to set the organization up for long term success. going forward it will continue to be important for us to make the right decisions to keep our business efficient and strong.
having layoffs is very difficult, particularly in light of all we’ve experienced this year. but we don’t take these decisions lightly, and are committed to treating affected employees fairly, offering severance and outplacement services.
the steps we are taking are not easy for us as a company, but as we become more fit as an organization, decision-making will be faster and it will be easier for us all to get more done and stay focused on our strategy. these changes will also prepare us to better deal with the macroeconomic downturn. as with previous downturns, yahoo! continues to be a place where consumers turn for information and communications, and is an integral part of their internet day. as the global economy improves in the future, i certainly believe that we will be stronger and benefit from the actions we are taking now.
as always, i thank you for all you do as yahoos.
best,
jerry
So here's his email:
yahoos,
i feel it’s important for me to reach out to you after our earnings announcement, and before our all hands meeting tomorrow.
we as a company have been through a tremendously challenging year; and managing the increasingly turbulent global advertising climate has been an important focus for the last three months.
throughout the first three quarters of 2008, we have been balancing between investing in our top priorities, and managing our cost structure. beginning in september, with the help of Bain & Co., we initiated a series of steps to determine how we can become more efficient and productive as an organization.
we heard from you through the YEES survey, and through your suggestions on backyard, and we’ve identified many areas that we all feel we can improve upon. our productivity efforts, based in part on what we heard from you, will involve initiatives such as streamlining our organizational structure through reducing layers and increasing spans of control, and eliminating redundancies. longer term structural efficiencies include consolidating facilities, improving procurement, and standardizing our global technology platforms.
today as part of our q3 earnings release, we said that our goal is to reduce our current annualized cost run rate of roughly $3.9 billion by more than $400 million before the end of 2008. we are targeting non-headcount expenses wherever possible, such as facilities and outside services. however, because compensation expenses are the single largest part of our costs, we anticipate a reduction of at least 10% of our global workforce by year-end.
affected employees will be notified of layoffs in the next several weeks. we understand that hearing this news now creates uncertainty, but we are moving ahead in a way that balances speed with a clear focus on accomplishing what is necessary to set the organization up for long term success. going forward it will continue to be important for us to make the right decisions to keep our business efficient and strong.
having layoffs is very difficult, particularly in light of all we’ve experienced this year. but we don’t take these decisions lightly, and are committed to treating affected employees fairly, offering severance and outplacement services.
the steps we are taking are not easy for us as a company, but as we become more fit as an organization, decision-making will be faster and it will be easier for us all to get more done and stay focused on our strategy. these changes will also prepare us to better deal with the macroeconomic downturn. as with previous downturns, yahoo! continues to be a place where consumers turn for information and communications, and is an integral part of their internet day. as the global economy improves in the future, i certainly believe that we will be stronger and benefit from the actions we are taking now.
as always, i thank you for all you do as yahoos.
best,
jerry
Friday, October 10, 2008
Some Article Marketing
I have embarked on an Article Marketing campaign in a bid to raise the profile of one of my websites. I haven’t done this sort of thing before so I am a little unsure of what benefits I will get from it, or how soon I might see the fruits of my labour.
So what I have done is that I’ve written a few articles and then submitted them to various article directories, such ArticleAlley.com. Then, after the article has been accepted, I have sent a few links to it from a selection of social bookmarking sites.
I have also promoted the article from a few of my other websites, using the rationale that the more exposure it gets the better chance that someone else will pick it up and use it. I typically say something like: Here is a useful article if you are planning on buying a new calligraphy pen.
As I said, I’m not 100% sure how much of a difference the articles will make to the number of visitors I get to my site, but I will be watching over the coming month to see if I can spot some rise in the traffic.
So what I have done is that I’ve written a few articles and then submitted them to various article directories, such ArticleAlley.com. Then, after the article has been accepted, I have sent a few links to it from a selection of social bookmarking sites.
I have also promoted the article from a few of my other websites, using the rationale that the more exposure it gets the better chance that someone else will pick it up and use it. I typically say something like: Here is a useful article if you are planning on buying a new calligraphy pen.
As I said, I’m not 100% sure how much of a difference the articles will make to the number of visitors I get to my site, but I will be watching over the coming month to see if I can spot some rise in the traffic.
Monday, September 22, 2008
AFL Grand Final Week
We’re up to the second half of the month of September and we all know what that means don’t we? That’s right, footy finals and to be more specific, AFL footy finals time.
The Grand Final combatants have been decided and Geelong are going to try to make it two in a row when they take on Hawthorn. I’m very pleased to point out that in our local tipping comp at the start of the season we were ask to nominate our two grand finalists and I picked them both. What I probably shouldn’t point out but will in the spirit of full disclosure is that the majority of tipsters also picked Geelong and Hawthorn as their Grand Finalists.
So after 22 rounds of AFL football this year plus 3 weeks of finals, we’ve reached the point that most people knew we’d be at half a year ago.
Each year you sort of get a feel for the teams that look as though they are building up to becoming forces in coming years. Hawthorn gave this impression way back when they were plumbing 12th – 14 places on the ladder. This year I reckon that team is Richmond. They were a little unlucky to miss the 8 and appear to have a team of young, talented footballers who are starting to display the ability they have only hinted at in previous years. It will all depend on how they fare during this year’s draft.
Apart from that little prediction I won’t do anything so crass as to give my own rating on each team’s performance during the year. All I will say is that I have enjoyed the way both Geelong and Hawthorn have gone about their games, both of them are highly entertaining teams that make the ground admission price more than worthwhile, which is more than I can say for some of the teams who made the final 8. The crowds during the final series reflected that, I think.
Tip for the grand final on Saturday is Geelong. (Surprise, surprise)
The Grand Final combatants have been decided and Geelong are going to try to make it two in a row when they take on Hawthorn. I’m very pleased to point out that in our local tipping comp at the start of the season we were ask to nominate our two grand finalists and I picked them both. What I probably shouldn’t point out but will in the spirit of full disclosure is that the majority of tipsters also picked Geelong and Hawthorn as their Grand Finalists.
So after 22 rounds of AFL football this year plus 3 weeks of finals, we’ve reached the point that most people knew we’d be at half a year ago.
Each year you sort of get a feel for the teams that look as though they are building up to becoming forces in coming years. Hawthorn gave this impression way back when they were plumbing 12th – 14 places on the ladder. This year I reckon that team is Richmond. They were a little unlucky to miss the 8 and appear to have a team of young, talented footballers who are starting to display the ability they have only hinted at in previous years. It will all depend on how they fare during this year’s draft.
Apart from that little prediction I won’t do anything so crass as to give my own rating on each team’s performance during the year. All I will say is that I have enjoyed the way both Geelong and Hawthorn have gone about their games, both of them are highly entertaining teams that make the ground admission price more than worthwhile, which is more than I can say for some of the teams who made the final 8. The crowds during the final series reflected that, I think.
Tip for the grand final on Saturday is Geelong. (Surprise, surprise)
Sunday, September 7, 2008
The Fathers Day Con
Today is Fathers Day here in Australia and there’s at least one positive thing that I have to say about the day. The wind and rain, that looked yesterday as though it had set in for the entire weekend, has given way to a beautiful clear day today.
As you may have picked up, my family and I don’t do Fathers Day. At least, my wife and I and our 3 kids don’t do Fathers Day. There are others in our extended family who insist on celebrating it with a family do. Now that’s all well and good for some, others not so much and quite frankly the fewer times I get put through the wringer that constitutes some of our dysfunctional family get togethers each year, the better.
To start things off Fathers Day and Mothers Day…and Valentines Day for that matter, are simply marketing ploys perpetrated by retail executives whose job it is to take as much of our money as they can. And there are any number of suckers out there. Surely you’ve noticed the number of hardware ads before Fathers Day, the jewelry store ads before Mothers Day and florist ads before Valentines Day. Retailers experience a lovely little spike in sales at strategically placed points throughout the year.
It’s not a coincidence that Valentines Day sits nicely between Christmas and Easter, Mothers Day sits between Easter and the mid-year sales (or clearance if you’re a brainwashed DJ’s devotee) and Fathers Day falls between mid-year sales and Christmas. Now they’re hanging guilt trips on those who don’t splash out the big bucks just because you splashed out some sperm.
So if you’re one of the suckers who have fallen for the commercial cons of Fathers Day, Mothers Day and Valentines Day, you seriously deserve everything you get. I mean it. You have been had and the retailers are laughing all the way to the bank.
As you may have picked up, my family and I don’t do Fathers Day. At least, my wife and I and our 3 kids don’t do Fathers Day. There are others in our extended family who insist on celebrating it with a family do. Now that’s all well and good for some, others not so much and quite frankly the fewer times I get put through the wringer that constitutes some of our dysfunctional family get togethers each year, the better.
To start things off Fathers Day and Mothers Day…and Valentines Day for that matter, are simply marketing ploys perpetrated by retail executives whose job it is to take as much of our money as they can. And there are any number of suckers out there. Surely you’ve noticed the number of hardware ads before Fathers Day, the jewelry store ads before Mothers Day and florist ads before Valentines Day. Retailers experience a lovely little spike in sales at strategically placed points throughout the year.
It’s not a coincidence that Valentines Day sits nicely between Christmas and Easter, Mothers Day sits between Easter and the mid-year sales (or clearance if you’re a brainwashed DJ’s devotee) and Fathers Day falls between mid-year sales and Christmas. Now they’re hanging guilt trips on those who don’t splash out the big bucks just because you splashed out some sperm.
So if you’re one of the suckers who have fallen for the commercial cons of Fathers Day, Mothers Day and Valentines Day, you seriously deserve everything you get. I mean it. You have been had and the retailers are laughing all the way to the bank.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)