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Thursday, September 6, 2007
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   Thursday, September 6, 2007

Sheffield – Hilly and Cold?!
The city of Sheffield is an interesting one geographically speaking. It sits in a natural amphitheatre created by hills and rivers and is at the confluence of five rivers. The terrain ranges from about ten meters above sea level, to over five hundred meters above sea level. This can make for some pretty steep hills. On its western border is the Peak District National Park and about one third of the city is actually inside the National Parks borders. Sheffield is the only city in the U.K that has any National Park land within its borders. The city’s other borders are Rotherham to the North and Derbyshire to the south.
For decades the steel industry boomed in Sheffield, and pollution went unchecked with the River Don laying claim to the title of being one of Europe’s most polluted rivers. Sheffield showed great foresight by buying up land around the city to protect it as a greenbelt. In most places this type of conservation began in the 1960s or 1970s, but Sheffield’s plan began in the 1930s. This of course was a great idea, but the root problems were not addressed until twenty to thirty years later, when pollution from steel mills and coal mines elevated Sheffield to one of the most polluted cities in Europe in the 1960s.
Sheffield city government and residents have worked hard to minimize this problem. Green areas, recycling, and other steps have been taken, but it’s a tough problem to solve in a short period of time. Since the Industrial Revolution, Sheffield and most, if not all cities in the world have experienced air and groundwater pollution. A natural by product of progress, pollution has only been around on a large scale for less than a few hundred years.
Sheffield’s air pollution was at its peak between 1940 and 1945. The war years saw huge demand for the steel produced here. At that time in history pollution was look at as a small scale inconvenience
Today breathing the NOx (oxides of nitrogen) in Sheffield is the equivalent to the amount you’d get smoking 27 cigarettes a day according to studies done by Calor LP Gas Company. Not nearly the worst in U.K, as Oxford holds that title. The five rivers that run through Sheffield also fell victim to pollution during the steel boom, the hardest hit being the Don River.
Turning this problem around in the past couple of decades has become a priority in the city. A program called ‘Let’s Sort it Out Sheffield’, recycled 24,000 tons of waste in recent years. That amount is increasing at a rate of 3 % annually. Twelve percent of Sheffield residents now routinely recycle as compared to four percent only five years ago.
Sheffield Conservation Volunteers, Green Drinks, Green Fingers and other conservation groups have regular clean up projects and lobby for the environment. Sheffield now has 50 public parks and 150 woodlands, and is considered Europe’s greenest city. Half of the citizens of Sheffield can be in open countryside within 15 minutes. The city has some two million trees or four for every man, woman, and child in the city. Sixty-one percent of the City of Sheffield is considered greenspace.
In the Entente Florale international competition, Sheffield was voted best in the cities and villages category. The contest judges municipalities on several criteria. Floral displays, environmental management, park management, greenspaces, regeneration, education and training, and neighbourhood renewal are some categories cities, towns, and villages are judged on.
Sheffield has a wide range of bird and animal species and is now working to protect them and the ecosystems they depend on for their very lives. Bald Eagles, Osprey, Cormorants, and other various ducks and geese can be found in the marshy areas around the city.
The climate in Sheffield is much like jokes about weather in London and all of England. Frequent rain and overcast weather make it cool and damp much of the time. Average temperatures range from 39F. to 60F, so the four seasons occur, but without a big difference. The changing climate from global warming is already a concern for the Sheffield City Council. They are currently working on plans to adapt to a changing climate by projecting how this phenomenon will affect Sheffield. The direct and indirect implications could be serious, and the council is aware of this according to a report from the Chief Executive’s Directorate to environmental leaders, The Environmental Performance Working Party and the Head of Environmental and Regulatory Services. The report was titled, “Preparing for Climate Change”, and while vague in actions to be taken, it looks like a good first step in preparing for the inevitable.


Article by Susan Ashby of Sheffield Singles. To read more articles like this or for dating in Sheffield visit http://www.sheffield-singles.co.uk


A Better Mattress: Futons Versus Beds
Have small living quarters and trying to figure out where to sleep at night? If so, you aren't alone. There are many people who are living in cramped quarters, whether they are college students, have too many roommates, or just have more belongings than space available. So what do you choose to sleep on? A traditional bed, or a futon?
Choosing a Futon Bed
For these people, choosing a Futon bed is often a wise choice. The Futon bed has its origin in Japan, however the western style of Futons varies from the original version. In Japan, the bed mattress rests upon a Tatami mat and isn't set upon a bed frame, as is the norm in the west. The Futon mattress also is folded and stored away during the day in Japan.
In the western countries, a Futon bed mattress is typically set upon a bed frame and the futon is used as both a bed and a couch. This makes the Futon a suitable choice for those who have very little living space and would like for their couch to double as a bed.
The Futon Mattress: Springless Beauty
The Japanese Futons use environmentally friendly mattresses that are comprised of cotton batting. They air out their mattresses by placing them in direct sunlight then beating them with a bamboo stick or tool. This is actually a very healthy practice as science is just now releasing the facts regarding how many germs and bacteria thrive on mattresses and pillows.
In Western countries, the Futon and its mattress are often inseparable. The mattress is not taken outside for daily airings nor stored away in closets. Like any other bed, the futon mattress remains on the bed frame. However, one thing is similar, and that is that most Western Futon mattresses are eco-friendly as well and are made with foam style batting. Though thicker than their Japanese counterparts, they are often springless mattresses. However, if you absolutely prefer a mattress made with springs, you can purchase a spring-filled mattress.
There are many benefits for choosing a Futon, along with the ability to save space, you can also substitute a Futon in a small guest room and have a wonderfully decorated room making the most out of your limited space. You can purchase a Futon in a number of different patterns and styles, making the Futon suitable for any guest room’s décor.
Understanding the importance of health, most people prefer to choose the all natural 100% cotton Futon mattresses, for these are deemed to be much healthier and environmentally friendly then the other synthetic and spring based mattresses.
Chenille Bed Spreads can help you get a better sleep as can memory foam mattresses. Find out how at http://www.getabettersleep.com


How to apply concrete coatings like a pro
Concrete, it's practical, sturdy and has been used in the construction of buildings since the early Roman times. However, without a decorative or protective coating most concrete patios, driveways, walkways and garage floors are unattractive. In fact, more than likely, they're stained, drab, dull, possibly, even ugly.
Today many homeowners and do-it-yourselfers are discovering, through the use of Top Secret Coatings concrete coatings, those gray, cold outdoor slabs can take on a unique, stylish look that not only reflects homeowners particular tastes but are non skid, add color and texture to a new or older home.
A porch or patio can be one of the most useful exterior areas of your home if covered with an attractive concrete coating, cleared of all excess junk and with a little thought given to landscaping the area. Unfortunately these spaces are all too often covered with bland concrete which as well as looking rather dull and dreary, may have developed cracks or become stained with moss, grease, oil etc over time. Restoring such areas to a place you would be proud to use for entertaining, outdoor dining or just relaxing may seem like a mighty big job. If the concrete is badly cracked and the surface uneven, generally there is no other choice than to rip it up and re-lay it. Here are a few thoughts to consider before moving forward with your plans to apply concrete coatings.
1. If your floor is inside the house, do a little checking before you decide to coat your floor. Is the concrete damp? Is there any ponding water? (If so, then you have a larger problem than an ugly floor!) Let the concrete dry thoroughly before painting (this may take a while during the wet seasons!)
2. Thoroughly clean the concrete with TS 695 Rynolite Etching Cleaner. If there is any grease on the floor you will want to remove it before painting or the paint may not adhere. To remove grease, put down cat litter to absorb the majority of oil, then scrub again with TS 695 Rynolite Etching Cleaner. Rinse well and wait until the floor is thoroughly dry.
3. Sand off any loose or peeling paint or other residue with a sander or 80 grit sandpaper. Vacuum or sweep up the residue. Then go over the floor with a tack cloth (a sticky cheesecloth available at any hardware or home improvement store).
4. Use a paintable cement filler to repair any cracks and holes and allow it to dry completely before moving forward.
5. Now to begin the painting process. You will want to brush the edges and roll the rest of the floor surface. Let each coat dry between 12 and 24 hours before recoating. Repeat the process with the second or third coats as directed.
Now you have applied Top Secret quality concrete coatings that are beautiful, colorful and durable!
Peter Harrett
Top Secret Coatings
contact us at info@topsecretcoatings.com