Category Archives: Uncategorized

World’s giant trees are dying off rapidly, studies show

Posted on January 30, 2012 | Leave a comment

Ecological ‘kings of the jungle’ being toppled by forest fragmentation, severe drought and new pests and diseases.

The biggest trees in the world, known as the true ecological kings of the jungle, are dying off rapidly as roads, farms and settlements fragment forests and they come under prolonged attack from severe droughts and new pests and diseases.

Long-term studies in Amazonia, Africa and central America show that while these botanical behemoths may have adapted successfully to centuries of storms, pests and short-term climatic extremes, they are counterintuitively more vulnerable than other trees to today’s threats.

“Fragmentation of the forests is now disproportionately affecting the big trees,” said William Laurance, a research professor at James Cook University in Cairns, Australia. “Not only do many more trees die near forest edges, but a higher proportion of the trees dying were the big trees.”

Disclaimer: for information and education purposes only

Win a $2.2 Million Dollar Home in San Diego

Posted on January 13, 2012 | Leave a comment

8th annual Dream House Raffle to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

House Details: This 4,600 square foot custom home, with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, features an infinity pool with spa, gourmet kitchen, family room, and 3-car garage, situated on 2.5 acres. A stunning home with custom amenities throughout.

A Good Cause: Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® of San Diego, a nonprofit charitable organization, providing a “home away from home” for families with children in the hospital.

When you win contact the appraisers at www.socalappraisal.com to appraiser your new property for tax assessment. Good luck to everyone!!

More info at: http://www.sdraffle.com/Overview.aspx

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Going from Septic to Municipal Sewer System

Posted on January 11, 2012 | Leave a comment

Reprint from Holmes Magazine

Q: I’m looking to switch from a septic system to the municipal sewer system. How much will this cost me, and what’s involved in the process?

A: When sanitary sewers are available, a homeowner on a private septic system has the option to connect to it, but there are several steps that must be taken.

First, approval must be obtained from the municipal authority that has jurisdiction over connections to the sewer, likely the public works department. This fee is based on where the municipal sewer is located. Next, you must get a building permit for the connection from the dwelling to the street. Building permit and sewer connection fees vary across municipalities but the permit will likely cost about $100 to $150. Then you must hire a contractor to install the piping. Costs vary based on site conditions, depth of installation, and pipe materials, but expect an estimate around $10,000. This overall budget should include the street connection fee as well.

Once the piping is installed, an inspection from the local municipality is required to ensure that the work meets the building code. It’s the responsibility of the homeowner to make sure this is done before the piping is covered with backfill.

The existing septic tank must then be removed, filled with granular material or pumped by licensed waste hauler to prevent it from becoming a health and safety hazard and from contaminating the environment.