Sundance Spa Covers

Global Warming, Natural Disasters, Climate Change & Health

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:00:23 +0000

December 26, 2011, 12:00 pm

By Professor Sanath P Lamabadusuriya MBE President, Sri Lanka Medical Association Emeritus Professor of Paediatrics University of Colombo

In the recent past there have been major natural disasters such as floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, Tsunamis, forest fires etc. affecting many countries. there is increasing evidence that global warming (GW) is directly linked to the increasing incidence of natural disasters, and climate change (CC). Natural disasters and CC have affected millions of lives globally; many epidemics of infectious diseases have occurred, new diseases have emerged, hundreds of thousands have perished and survivors have been left with a heavy burden of physical handicap and psychological problems.

The Industrial Revolution began in the 1800s with the discovery of the steam engine and later the internal combustion engine. the steam engines that are powered by coal and internal combustion engines that are powered by oil, led to an exponential increase in the usage of earth’s fossils during the last two centuries or so. As a result, vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) locked up below the earth were released. with the spread of agriculture and industrialisation, deforestation followed. Many green house gases (GHGs) such as CO2, methane, water vapour and nitrous oxide (N2O) occur naturally in the atmosphere. the synthetic (man made) GHGs that are released as a result of usage of fossil fuels are CO2, methane (CH4), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). These gases are considered to be at least partly responsible for GW, leading to a rise in temperature which may have catastrophic consequences for life on earth. although CO2 has the least GW potential of the 5 gases, it has a lifetime of almost 100 years. in the atmosphere, water vapour, CO2 and other GHGs absorb some of the thermal radiation leaving the earth’s surface. Plants have the capacity to absorb and trap CO2; but with deforestation there is less vegetation around to do so. thus with increasing production of CO2 through utilization of fossil fuels, more transmitted heat from the earth’s surface is trapped leading to GW. the average global temperature has increased gradually during the last two hundred years.

GW has resulted in the melting of the polar ice caps, and rise in the sea levels; this would eventually result in increase of ocean volume at the expense of land volume. GW has a major impact on CC such as increase in temperature, extremes of climate, changes in the quantity and distribution of rainfall (both spatial and temporal) and rise in sea levels. at present there is near unanimous scientific consensus regarding the hazards of GW, and the WHO estimates that CCs of the past 30 years claimed over 150,000 lives annually, obviously not all associated with communicable diseases.

Ecosystems are affected by GW. Higher temperatures enhance microbial proliferation which may ultimately result in outbreaks of food–borne epidemics. Extreme weather related disasters have been followed by food, water and vector–borne disease outbreaks. Climatic variations also have a profound effect on vectors, as they affect reproduction and survival rates. Temperature thresholds of pathogens and their vectors are well defined. a range of epidemics have been associated with CCs such as dengue (Sri Lanka, Pakistan) pulmonary hanta virus syndrome (USA), Rift valley fever (Kenya), meningococcal disease (Saudi Arabia) and leptospirosis (Sri Lanka). Regarding tick–borne encephalitis and Lyme disease, there is an ongoing debate on the precise role of climate influencing a detected increase. Malaria is now spreading to new regions and higher altitudes, however, it remains controversial whether GW is the major cause as such changes are determined by many other factors such as air travel as well.

Emerging infectious diseases are often zoonotic in origin (eg rodent populations may increase with CC). in Sri Lanka the vector of dengue viral fever, the Aedes mosquito, has been detected to breed at higher elevations. GW leads to migration of large communities. When they are displaced as a result of worsening weather patterns, inundations or desertification of cropland, they may import infections as environmental refugees to their often over-crowded home areas, as seen in the African continent. in the summer of 2003, due to an extreme heat wave in South West Europe, when the mean temperature was + 3.50 C above normal (hottest in 500 years), during a 2 week period in August, there were 22,500 to 45,000 deaths. Risk of such heat waves have doubled by 2003 due to human induced CC. there have been milder heat waves in Greece and Italy subsequently. India has experienced 18 heat waves between 1980 – 1998. in India there were 1300 deaths in 1998 and 3000 deaths in 2003. Bangladesh experienced a heat wave in 2001 which caused deaths among rickshaw pullers and metal workers. since 1850, the period between 1995 and 2007 have been the warmest 12 year period.

Changes in complex ecological systems are an indirect effect of CC. the ecology may change resulting in the range and activity of vectors of diseases such as dengue, malaria, avian flu, Chikungunya etc. there would be changes in the environment to facilitate transmission of water-borne diseases such as shigellosis and cholera. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to store information and integrate data analysis, so as to predict outbreaks of dengue fever and identify potential "hot spots" as was recently carried out in Mawanella.

Possibly there are also few beneficial effects of CC on communicable diseases such as decreased influenza infections in cold climates but data are not conclusive. the highest disease burden is expected to be in regions with the lowest capacity of adaptation according to all predictions and models.

What are the possible solutions to GW, CC and its consequences? the biggest producer of GHGs, which is the USA, is not a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol (KP), regarding it’s prevention. KP is an international agreement setting targets for industrialised countries to cut their GHG emissions. This protocol was agreed and ratified in 1997 by most countries except for USA and Australia. Signing of KP is symbolic and it’s ratification carries a legal obligation and effectively becomes a contractual agreement. the target was to cut their combined emissions by at least less than 5% by 2008 – 2012. Australia signed the agreement later; however, USA has not done so as yet. the main reason for abstinence is due to the potential damage to their national economy. the agreement acknowledges that most developing countries (except China and India) contribute least to climate change, but will quite likely suffer most from its effects. Countries are also able to gain credits for activities which boost the environment’s capacity to absorb carbon. These include tree planting and soil conservation, and can be carried out in their own country, or by that country working in a developing country.

It is heartening to note that in some industrialised countries which are environmentally conscious, Green Parties are emerging; in some parliaments there are elected members. If this movement gathers momentum, there may be a slowing down of GW. in some countries such as Australia, although fossil fuels such as coal are found in abundance, environmentally conscious individuals are using solar panels to generate electricity for their own needs; the excess power that is generated is sold to the national grid. Solar panels made in China are being exported to the USA at a very competitive price. at present generation of power through solar panels is expensive; however in the long run it is cost saving.

Other ways of reducing GW include less use of paper by encouraging communication on-line and re-cycling of paper. Re-cycling of garbage and production of biogas and fertilizer is another example of an environment friendly venture. Concept of minimalisation should be popularised so as to reduce the usage of fuel-powered personal items. As demonstrated in most Western countries and China, cycling should be encouraged by providing cycling lanes in urban areas. If public transport is improved, the need for the use of private motor vehicles would be reduced thereby consuming less fossil fuels. in Colombo, the results of terrible traffic jams during the rush hours is a good example of environmental pollution at it’s worst, reduction of work-hours and wastage of personal finances. Paris has recently introduced electric cars as self driven taxis to reduce environmental pollution.

There cars are powered by a new generation of longer lasting lithium- metal-polymer batteries and this concept is likely to be used in other cities such as London. One approach gaining increasing support is based on the principle that an equal quota of GHG emissions should be allocated for every person on the planet.

Originated by the Global Commons Institute, the proposal, dubbed "contraction and convergence", states that rich countries should "contract" their emissions with the aim that global emissions "converge" at equal levels based on the amount of pollution, scientists think the planet can accommodate. although many commentators say it is not realistic, its supporters include the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Parliament.

Depletion of the ozone layer is another major environmental issue that has received global attention. Stratospheric ozone protects the biosphere from potentially damaging doses of ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B). Recent depletion of stratospheric ozone could lead to significant increases in UV-B reaching the earth’s surface. UV-B radiation is responsible for a wide range of potentially damaging human and animal health effects, primarily related to the skin, eyes, and immune system. Human exposure to UV-B depends upon an individual’s location (latitude and altitude), the duration and timing of outdoor activities (time of day, season of the year), and precautionary behavior (use of sunscreen, sunglasses, or protective clothing). an individual’s skin colour and age can influence the occurrence and severity of some of the health effects from exposure to UV-B. the Montreal Protocol (MP) was formulated in 1987 to limit the production and consumption of compounds that deplete ozone in the stratosphere. These are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform. Scientific theory and evidence suggests that once emitted to the atmosphere, these compounds could significantly deplete stratospheric ozone that protects the planet from damaging UV-B radiation. MP decided to phase out these gases by 2000. (2005 for methyl chloroform).

Where does Sri Lanka stand in this scenario? We emit negligible amounts of GHGs but are affected by the consequences of GW as seen by the increase in natural disasters and the changes in the weather patterns during the last few decades resulting in many health related issues referred to earlier.. however we should be conscious about GW, act responsibly to prevent it and set an example to other countries. Harnessing other sources of energy such as hydro, wind, solar, ocean waves and dendro and becoming less dependent on coal and oil should be the way forward. the government could promote such ventures by offering tax incentives for such projects. Investment in nuclear energy remains controversial because of potential environmental hazards. in our country much publicity is given to an annual day of "Tree Planting". Such ventures should not only be symbolic but sustainable so as to increase the forest cover and greenery in general. Deforestation, if essential, should be properly planned and carried out with the involvement of environmentalists. Illegal felling (logging) of forest trees, which is rampant, should be curtailed immediately.

Movements of tectonic plates result in earthquakes and tsunamis. These disasters are probably not related to GW. however these disasters also result in thousands of deaths, spread of disease, physical and psychological problems as well. Earthquakes are associated with outbreaks of rabies in endemic countries due to dogs becoming more aggressive.

It is encouraging to note that global agreements such as KP and MP have been introduced to protect the planet’s inhabitants from environmental hazards. We sincerely hope that the planet’s biggest polluter (USA) would become more globally sensitive and become a signatory to KP before too long.

Global Warming, Natural Disasters, Climate Change & Health is a post from: Sundance Spa Covers

Tags: 100 cc, climate change, floods droughts

How busy is Lake Lure on Memorial Day Weekend?

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:26 +0000

I am planning a wedding on May 26, 2012 at 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa in North Carolina at the gazebo close to the Inn. I need to know if traffic and a crowded public beach in front of the inn or an overcrowded lake are normal on this weekend, and if they would significantly affect the ceremony

How busy is Lake Lure on Memorial Day Weekend?

How busy is Lake Lure on Memorial Day Weekend? is a post from: Sundance Spa Covers

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Tags: 1927 lake lure inn, lake lure inn, memorial day, north carolina, Spa, traffic

YubaNet.com – Page Not Found

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:08 +0000

The page you are looking for does not exist. please update your bookmarks with the new pages on YubaNet.com.

Check the links above and discover more of YubaNet, we have new features for you on most pages.

A few quick links:

Government Meeting Agendas

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Drop us a note, we’ll be glad to help.

YubaNet.com – Page Not Found is a post from: Sundance Spa Covers

Tags: google, lake tahoe recreation, meeting agendas, north lake tahoe, regional north

How come the jets in my sundance spa won't work?

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:16 +0000

I have a sundance 680 hot tub and the power comes on, but I have no idea if the heater works.

Also, when I push the buttons for the jets and air flow nothing happens. the lights come on but nothing else happens. the spa is about 6 years old. any ideas?

could be low water pressure , my elec shower has given up but the power is still there but bit says no water pressure

How come the jets in my sundance spa won't work?

How come the jets in my sundance spa won't work? is a post from: Sundance Spa Covers

Tags: 6 years, air flow, elec, Hot Tub, power 105, water pressure

Terna – Rete Elettrica Nazionale SpA : Torre Salsa regional reserve WWF and Terna for protecting a true biodiversity treasure chest

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:00:19 +0000

TORRE SALSA REGIONAL RESERVE

WWF AND TERNA FOR PROTECTING a TRUE BIODIVERSITY TREASURE CHEST

AS OF TODAY OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY AND RESEARCHERS: THE OBSERVATION DECK ON a SHEER CLIFF OVERLOOKING THE SEA AND DIRECTLY ALONG THE MIGRATION ROUTES, THE GREEN OUTDOOR CLASSROOM FOR SCHOOLS AND STRUCTURES THAT WILL PROTECT THE WWF OASIS FROM FIRES, POACHING, LITTERING AND CARELESS TOURISM a WWF-Terna project part of the collaboration for reducing the impact of the National Electricity Grid and improving the enjoyment of Italian nature the Nature Reserve WWF Oasis of Torre Salsa strengthened and improved its structures for protecting biodiversity, for didactic activities and scientific research, becoming an actual avant-garde site in which 26,000 visitors, including 2,000 students from schools that each year visit the Reserve, can immerse themselves in the extraordinary biodiversity, participate in the many activities offered by the Oasis and experience the white beaches surmounted by splendid cliffs. As part of the collaboration aiming at mitigating the impact of the National Electricity Grid on the environment and improving the use of the WWF Oasis, the WWF and Terna presented today to the community and the public authorities the new structures that will render the Torre Salsa Oasis even more protected and enjoyable: an impressive and fully equipped observation decks overlooking the sea, from where, under the shade of the pergolas, hundreds of little Egrets, herons, Eurasian spoonbills, European Honey Buzzards and cranes can be watched that in the autumn and in the spring travel one of the most important migration routes of the peninsula, but also peregrine falcons that nest on the impressive rock reefs along the coast; green outdoor classrooms, protected by a wooden and cotton canopy structure that is completely removable to allow didactic activities also during the very warm Sicilian summers; path with benches, book-rests and informative bulletin boards for allowing everyone to discover and enjoy the incredible variety of life in the Oasis; in addition to strengthening the physical andtechnological infrastructures – fences, gates and within a few weeks even a closed circuit system of cameras that will help protect the area from fires, poaching, littering or trespassing out of the marked path, all of which represent the principal threat factors for this delicate eco-system. the Torre Salsa Reserve is not only an area extraordinarily rich in biodiversity. its five different habitats offer safe refuge to rare species such as plovers, bluethroats, red-rumped swallows and Eurasian stone curlews and the reserve’s beaches are used by tortoises for laying their eggs. it is also a naturalistic point of reference for thousands of visitors, researchers, students and tourists that each year visit or return to the Reserve. the measures implemented together with Terna also have a significant cultural value and are capable of increasing the awareness of the value and beauty of nature, along with the need to protect it. the Riserva Naturale Orientata di Torre Salsa, in addition to having an extraordinary naturalistic importance, is crossed along the coastal zone toward the mountain, by an HV electricity line owned by Terna. Building the structures was possible thanks to the integrated work of a team of architects, ornithologists, engineers and agronomists that worked together for identifying the most efficient solutions that would respect the area’s environmental characteristics. the presentation was held today at 10:00 am at the “Silvia Pellegrino” Hall of the Province of Agrigento (Via Acrone, 25), and was attended by Sebastiano Di Betta, Councilor for the Territory and the Environment at Sicily’s Regional Authorities, Eugenio d’Orsi, President of the Provincial Authorities of Agrigento, Maria Giuseppa Bruno, Mayor of Siculiana, Raniero Maggini, Vice-President of WWF Italia, Gaetano Benedetto, Director of the WWF Italia’s environmental policies. the new structures were presented by Antonio Canu, president of the WWF Oasis, Alessandro Salemi, director of the Riserva Naturale Regionale Orientata Torre Salsa, together with Fulvio Rossi, head of Terna’s Corporate Social Responsibility Department. After the presentation, all those who attended visited the WWF Oasis to discover the wonders of the place and the new structures for the first time. IDENTIKIT OF THE OASIS About the Oasis: a treasure chest of biodiversity tucked between long beaches, 80 meter rocky cliffs and humid areas, also along one of the principal migration routes. a Riserva Naturale Orientata managed by the WWF Italia on the basis of an agreement with Sicily’s Regional Authorities that is mostly part of a Site of Community Importance (SCI) included in the Natura 2000 European network. Location: along the Sicilian coasts, between Siculiana and Eraclea Minoa, a few kilometers from Agrigento. Environment: a mosaic of different environments with over 761 hectares of protected nature that includes low and sandy coasts, cliffs and rocky headlands alternated with natural terraces and drops overlooking crystal clear waters. Animals: with its variety of natural habitats, the Oasis hosts many species, even rare ones such as the plover, the bluethroats, red-rumped swallows and Eurasian stone curlews. the humid zone hosts tens of bird species and the quagmire is used by birds for resting, spending the winter and nesting. the peregrine falcon is among the birds of prey that nest in the area, finding safe refuge in the cliffs. Other birds populating the humid zone include the buzzard, the kestrel, the owl and the barn owl. During the autumn and winter migrations, the sky becomes filled with birds such as herons, the Eurasian spoonbill, cranes and European Honey Buzzards. Mammals include the porcupine, the wild rabbit, the weasel, the hedgehog and the fox. the reptiles living in the Oasis are the Sicilian pond tortoise while its beaches are often chosen by the marine tortoise (Caretta caretta) as a nesting place. Plants: the European searocket, or “sea cabbage” grows along its dunes as well as the saltworts. Shrubs of Phoenician juniper and spontaneous orchids grow in the clearings. People: each year, over 25,000-26,000 people visit the Oasis attracted by the wealth of biodiversity and by the activities it offers. each summer many volunteers and vacationers are involved in monitoring day and night the nests of the Caretta caretta tortoises. THE WWF – TERNA AGREEMENT the collaboration between Terna, a strategic company for the country and a leading grid operator for energy transmission headed by Flavio Cattaneo, and the WWF, the largest world organization for Nature conservation, was created in January 2009 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, the first in Italy of its kind. This collaboration is aimed at promoting sustainability for developing the National Transmission Grid (NTG), minimizing the impact on biodiversity by placing the new electricity infrastructures fully respecting the environment. the agreement is implemented through a series of initiatives aimed at increasing the monitoring and the integration level of environmental criteria into the integrated planning process for the measures implemented on the NTG. the agreement also includes that for certain grid segments projects are implemented that harmonize as much as possible the NTG’s development process with the Eco-regional Conservation Strategy (ECS) promoted by the WWF for reducing biodiversity loss and for developing conservation projects capable of protecting all the different natural communities present in the Mediterranean Eco-region, particularly in the Parco Nazionale del Pollino and in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga. in addition to the Riserva Naturale Orientata Oasi WWF Torre Salsa, in Sicily the agreement also included measures to be implemented in the ANPIL (Area Naturale Protetta di Interesse Locale- Protected Nature Areas of Local Importance) Oasi WWF Stagni di Focognano and in the Riserva Naturale Provinciale Oasi WWF Padule di Orti-Bottagone. Press contacts WWF Italia: Francesca Mapelli, 06 84497213, 349 0514472, f.mapelli@wwf.it Terna: Salvo Butera ( salvobutera@libero.it – 339 3220822), Antonella Filippi (antonellafilippi18@gmail.com – 339 4242177)

Terna – Rete Elettrica Nazionale SpA : Torre Salsa regional reserve WWF and Terna for protecting a true biodiversity treasure chest is a post from: Sundance Spa Covers

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Tags: beaches, fires

Linkedin (LNKD) Downgraded by Global Equities Research to “Equal Weight”

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:00:09 +0000

Linkedin (NASDAQ: LNKD) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Global Equities Research to an “equal weight” rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday.

Separately, analysts at Barclays Capital (NYSE: BCS) initiated coverage on shares of Linkedin in a research note to investors on Friday, September 16th. they set an “overweight” rating and a $93.00 price target on the stock. Analysts at Argus initiated coverage on shares of Linkedin in a research note to investors on Thursday, September 15th. they set a “hold” rating on the stock. Also, analysts at Evercore Partners downgraded shares of Linkedin from an “equal weight” rating to an “underweight” rating in a research note to investors on Friday, August 5th. they noted that the move was a valuation call.

LinkedIn Corporation (LinkedIn) is a professional network on the Internet with more than 90 million members in over 200 countries and territories. Through the Companyâ€™s platform, members are able to create, manage and share their professional identity online, build and engage with their professional network, access shared knowledge and insights, and find business opportunities. Its members create profiles that serve as their professional profiles and are accessible by any other member, as well as anyone with an Internet connection. on July 29, 2010, LinkedIn completed the acquisition of mSpoke, Inc. (mSpoke), a provider of next generation personalization solutions. on September 22, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of ChoiceVendor, Inc. (ChoiceVendor), a provider of real-world ratings and reviews of business-to-business service providers in more than 70 categories across the United States.

Shares of Linkedin traded down 3.18% during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $75.60. Linkedin has a 52 week low of $60.14 and a 52 week high of $122.70. The stock’s 50-day moving average is $81.67 and its 200-day moving average is $85.7. The company has a market cap of $7.278 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 436.20.

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Linkedin (LNKD) Downgraded by Global Equities Research to “Equal Weight” is a post from: Sundance Spa Covers

Tags: evercore partners, linkedin, underweight

Unionville, CT Real Estate: Langdon’s Quarters As Picturesque As A Hollywood Set

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:00:09 +0000

October 14, 2011|By MARGARET DeMARINO

Nestled in the village of Unionville in Farmington, Langdon’s Quarters has mountain views and is surrounded by conservation land. You won’t find any Desperate Housewives here, but you might be tempted to look. “I’ve heard Langdon’s Quarters described as being like Wisteria Lane,” said broker George J. Santos, referring to the camaraderie and picturesque nature of the fictional street.

The subdivision’s layout is indeed striking. “We didn’t want to do a basic subdivision like everyone else does – cut a road in straight through and have the houses all face each other,” said Santos. instead, the homes are all built around one of three park areas. The center one even boasts a gazebo. “We wanted a place with a sense of community, with a safe area for kids to play,” he noted.

The layout of this By Carrier community is perfect for impromptu softball and soccer games, outdoor picnics and parties, for walking Fidos and felines or for just sitting back and gazing at the scenery. “There are beautiful mountain views,” said Santos. “Plus, the whole community is surrounded by natural conservation land. There are trees and woods all the way around.” best of all, maintenance of the large park-like spaces is included in the common fees. Homeowners need only to mow and maintain their individual properties.

The $92 monthly maintenance cost also includes snow removal, upkeep of the community’s private roads and sidewalks, and maintenance of each home’s irrigation sprinkler system. some of the homeowners even contract with the lawn care company that provides service for the common areas to maintain their individual properties for an extra fee of $30 to $60 a month.

It helps create a worry-free lifestyle, noted Santos, who added that many of the homeowners who have already bought into the first two phases of the development were attracted by another feature that keeps gray hairs at bay Ð By Carrier’s five-year warranty. This extended limited warranty covers HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roof leaks, basement leaks and structural defects. (See builder for additional details.)

“We’ve been in business for 40 years. The fact that we’ve been through good and bad economic times and offer a peace-of-mind warranty is a good selling point,” Santos said. “People feel more comfortable buying from us.”

The community has already sold 29 of its planned 45 homes, many of them to young families upgrading from starter homes. Santos credited quality craftsmanship and value for the company’s successful track record. Langdon’s Quarters received a prestigious Home Building Industry Award (HOBI) in 2011 for the best Small Lot Community in Connecticut and also for Hartford County’s Community of the Year.

Santos pointed out that all the homes in the community are custom homes. Buyers meet first with Santos, who provides them with concept designs and ideas. The homeowners also provide a wish list of their own and Santos brings the information to the company’s in-house architect, Johnny Carrier. as a professional engineer, Johnny Carrier then brings the buyers’ vision to life in the final design and plans for the home.

Nine-foot ceilings on the first floor are standard and cathedral ceilings can also be integrated into the layout. Open floor plans are one of the most requested features at Langdon’s Quarters, along with gourmet kitchens. The spa-like master bathrooms typically include a glass-enclosed, tiled “European style” shower and granite countertops. another popular request is a first-floor “drop zone,” a place between the garage and the main floor where kids can drop off backpacks and take off shoes and boots.

“We’ve had homeowners who want a first-floor bedroom for in-laws and people who want to have three full bedrooms on the second floor. we built another home with a ‘tavern’ on the first floor,” commented Santos. Other popular features include first-floor studies, four-season rooms and finished, walk-out basements used for family rooms and home theaters. several homeowners have even optioned for a “Romeo and Juliette” style balcony off the master bedroom.

Home models range from 2,200 to 3,300 square feet. The home designs are replete with detailing, noted Santos, with many architectural features such as crown molding, columns, tray ceilings and more. while designs vary, all the homes are Energy Star certified. “The average total utility cost for heat, electrical and air conditioning averages about $2,400 a year,” Santos said.

in addition to the setting, Langdon’s Quarters is a stone’s throw away from the village of Unionville, which historically was called Langdon’s Quarters. “There are a lot of little stores, little restaurants. It’s very picturesque, offering the charm of yesteryear.” Santos also noted that, “It’s within walking distance of the development.” and for those who like to hoof it, there’s a walking trail from the community to the Farmington River Trail.

Open houses at Langdon’s Quarters are held on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. and daily by appointment. For more information on the development, call George J. Santos of JFC Endeavors at 860-305-3256 and visit langdonsquarters.com.

Margaret DeMarino is a free-lance writer based in new Haven.

Langdon’s Quarters Unionville, CT

Unionville, CT Real Estate: Langdon’s Quarters As Picturesque As A Hollywood Set is a post from: Sundance Spa Covers

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Tags: demarino, large park, outdoor picnics, quarters, softball

Adhesives Research: More than meets the eye

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:00:09 +0000

York, PA – Adhesives Research likely isn’t a household name.

The company, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, sits nestled in Springfield Township farmland off the Interstate 83 exit for Glen Rock.

With a sign stamped “Adhesives Research,” the uneducated onlooker probably assumes the complex produces . . . well . . . adhesives.

True.

But it’s much more than just transparent tape or the paste you used to sniff in art class.

It’s complicated concoctions — secret recipes — like the ionically crosslinked water-absorbent graft polymer, a name stamped in a plaque on the company’s wall of patents.

“They are very unique and they’re confidential. It’s not something you can find in a cookbook,” said George Cramer, vice president of marketing and commercial development. “Basically, we make tape here, but it’s very specialized tape.”

Adhesives Research has come a long way, he said, since the garage in North York, where it was started in 1961 solely to support top Flight, a label manufacturer.

A decade later, the company expanded outside the label industry, manufacturing, among other products, foam bonding tape used to mount the original Dixie cup dispensers.

In the early 1980s, Adhesives Research creates a custom film used to stick vinyl tops on General Motors cars.

In recent years, the company has developed adhesives used in solar panels. They conduct electricity, insulate, and encapsulate, making sure the system is water-tight, Cramer said.

Here are some more sticky situations in which Adhesives Research may have lent a hand.

Pregnancy tests: Remember that pregnancy scare you had in college? You went to a local drugstore, bought a pregnancy test and crossed your fingers.

Then, that tiny stick delivered the news you’d been waiting for. somehow, you had dodged the parenthood bullet.

There’s a chance Adhesives Research participated in that reassuring moment. the company makes components used in diagnostic test strips like those in pregnancy tests and glucose monitors for diabetics.

Got gas? Adhesives Research’s ARx division, created in 2006, produces dissolvable films that deliver the flatulence-reducing drug Gasex. Theraflu and Triaminic also are placed into the company’s film, which is cut into tiny pieces resembling breath mint strips.

“With the Gasex,” Cramer said, “we’re not saving lives, but we’re making the world a much better place.”

Ever have a bedsore? The sticky stuff that held the gauze onto your keister might be an Adhesives Research product. the company works with makers of advanced wound care products to develop adhesives capable of having antimicrobial properties and holding bandages in place. Meanwhile. the company works to develop a “gentle adhesive” that hurts less when a bandage is removed.

Trying to quit smoking? That nicotine patch on your arm might be held in place by one of Adhesives Research’s polymers.

Trying to prevent fraud? The company makes microscopic tags used to prevent counterfeiting.

“I can’t tell you where they’re going,” Cramer said. “It sort of defeats the purpose.”

The covert markers can appear in everything from meat and pet food to designer watches and government documents.

“The image can be as detailed as a picture of you,” Cramer added. “That’s an invisible tag.”

Adhesives Research timeline 1961: Adhesives Research opens. the company works solely as an adhesive division for the label manufacturer top Flight.

1970s: the company expands its product offering and begans manufacturing foam bonding tape used to mount the original Dixie cup dispensers.

1974: the company moves to its current facility on Seaks Run Road in Springfield Township.

1984: Polymer reaction capabilities are installed at the plant, which is now able to develop its own adhesive polymers.

1987: A fire rips through the Adhesives Research plant. Workers were mixing chemicals Dec. 14 when a static spark set the solvents on fire. two firefighters and an employee were treated for injuries.

1993: the company opens a 13,000-square-foot building at its Springfield Township campus to develop pressure-sensitive adhesives. the new building doubles the size of company’s research and development laboratories.

1999: the manufacturer opens a facility in Limerick, Ireland, which serves as the company’s European headquarters.

2000: A sales office opens in Singapore to service Asian customers.

2006: A January fire that tears through an Adhesives Research storage building at the plant on Route 216. no injuries were reported, and the 30 to 40 workers inside got out safely.

2006: in April, the company breaks ground on its pharmaceutical manufacturing plant. the 25,000-square-foot plant, part of its ARx Division.

2007: Adhesives Research adds an office in Shanghai, China.

2011: the company employs 360 people at its Springfield Township location and 460 globally.

; 771-2062

Adhesives Research: More than meets the eye is a post from: Sundance Spa Covers

Tags: adhesives research, plaque, secret recipes

Hazardous chemical reaction scare at East End wastewater treatment plant

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 11:00:18 +0000

Emergency officials say the potential for a serious situation at the East End’s wastewater treatment plant was averted Tuesday after two chemicals, not meant to be combined, were accidentally mixed together.Fire Chief Fred LaMontagne said everything was safe and stabilized at the Portland Water District’s waste treatment plant Tuesday afternoon. his announcement came after 500 gallons of liquid sodium hypochlorite and sodium bisulfite were mixed in a 2,500 gallon container.Combining the chemicals used to treat wastewater generates heat and has the potential to be explosive. Firefighters from multiple departments responded to the plant following the report of a vapor cloud at about 7:30 a.m.”We were able to quickly identify the two substances that were combined,” LaMontagne said. “At no time was there a risk to the general public.”About 11 employees were evacuated from the plant and officials blocked off a neighboring section of the East End Trail. Some employees were permitted to gather their belongings by about 4 p.m. and LaMontagne expected the trail and surrounding area would reopen to the public sometime Tuesday evening.Neighboring businesses and the surrounding area was not evacuated as result of the accident. City officials said that air monitors were setup outside the plant to determine if there was any risk to the public — none was found.The inside of the plant was not burned and the tank’s safety backups functioned correctly, LaMontagne said.The facility is responsible for treating 20 million gallons of wastewater water everyday. Operations on Tuesday did not shutdown even after the building was evacuated.

The chemicals were accidentally combined during a delivery of the sodium bisulfite, Portland Water District officials said. However, details on how the mix up was allowed to occur was not immediately available.”At this point, we don’t know,” said Michelle Clements, a water district spokeswoman. “That’s something that we definitely need to investigate once we get over this hump and make sure the plant is safe.”Sodium hypochlorite, or bleach, is used to disinfect the wastewater and sodium bisulfite is then used to remove chlorine, she said.”It did not affect us treating the water,” said Clements, adding that she didn’t expect the accident to hinder future operation or slow down the water treatment process.Health officials say high concentrations of the two chemicals have the potential to be extremely hazardous.”There is an explosive risk,” said Tom Peredy, medical director of the Northern new England Poison Center. “If you don’t get burned and you’re standing near it, you can still breath in these fumes and it can cause lung damage.”"The real key is to look at whether these are industrial strengths, are these high concentrations, or are they watered down?” he said.The Portland Fire Department has 55 firefighters trained specifically in hazardous material operations.

Hazardous chemical reaction scare at East End wastewater treatment plant is a post from: Sundance Spa Covers

Tags: emergency officials, sodium bisulfite

Unique Happiness Retreat Means Serious Work For Wounded Warriors

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:01:56 +0000

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 19, 2011

National veteran awareness campaign Harvesting Happiness for Heroes (HH4Heroes.org) is aiding, educating and rebuilding personal happiness for veterans living with PTSD, TBI and/or physical wounds from combat trauma. As a contributor in the positive psychology field for veterans, HH4Heroes is collaborating with the prestigious Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP), to facilitate a unique four day therapeutic scholarship retreat, for fifteen special post combat veterans and their spouses. Held at Utah’s renowned Sundance Resort and Spa, the new partnership seeks to help wounded warriors and their spouses jointly reconstruct a base point for personal happiness in post combat life. Anna Freese, Director of the WWP Family Support Program states, “We are excited about working with Harvesting Happiness for Heroes! we are humbled to help our wounded warriors through their physical injuries but in working with HH4Heroes, we are expanding our efforts to continue assistance to the emotional well-being of our veterans and their spouses.”

Led by internationally respected Los Angeles based happiness expert, Lisa Cypers Kamen, HH4Heroes and WWP will provide unique, daily, introspective and creative happiness workshops for 30 retreat attendees. each workshop is tailored to introduce positive psychology coaching techniques for both veteran and spouse, to battle potential side effects of an active combat life such as; documented depression, substance abuse, anger management issues and suicide. Adding community support for the HH4Heroes and WWP mission, local Salt Lake City volunteers from Massage Envy of Utah and qualified Yoga for Vets™ instructors from the SLC Integrated School of Yoga will be providing optional massage and yoga therapy for attendees, accompanied with gifts from Gaiam and Aroma-Chick. “This is a great way to offer support and recognition, not only of our nation’s veterans, but Utah’s own wounded warriors that are healing invisible and physical wounds. we are pleased to be involved, offer gratitude for the men and women who have sacrificed so much and hopefully aid their healing process,” states Isabelle Barger, Director of the Integrated School of Yoga.

HH4Heroes is also partnering with Salt Lake City’s popular WWII themed happiness bakery, Ruby Snap Cookies, and will debut a one of a kind cookie for HH4Heroes named GI Ginger at the event reception. Ongoing retail sales will benefit national HH4Heroes outreach. in conjunction with the reception premiere of HH4Heroes theme song InBetween by songwriter Bekah Eden Tunnecliffe, Kamen will be screening her new film H-Factor. . .Where is Your Heart?, offering insight into the serious business of healing through happiness. Guitar Center of Salt Lake City is also contributing to the retreat, by donating 30 practice guitars for a music therapy session with national non-profit organization Guitars for Vets™ acclaimed musician, songwriter and instructor Miss Meaghan Owens. Guitars for Vets™ is offering new guitars by US Music Corp, parent company of Washburn, Oscar Schmidt, for event attendees interested in continuing lessons as combat trauma therapy after returning home. Laughter comes last but not least on the HH4Heroes program agenda! Offering some comic relief to the program includes a pro-bono performance by acclaimed stand-up comedian and motivational speaker Adam Ace-The Man in Red.

“We are so excited to bring our first retreat program to Utah’s Sundance Resort, as we raise awareness for the community support needs of our veterans and their spouses in the state of Utah and across the nation. we look forward to working with the Salt Lake City community and being empowered by WWP to make the upcoming program truly therapeutic. Rebuilding personal happiness is paramount in the healing of post combat wounds, and our veterans deserve to have the tools needed to readjust to a healthy state of well being,” states Program Director and Founder, Lisa Cypers Kamen. For more information on the HH4Heroes retreat program please visit harvestinghappiness.com.

About Harvesting Happiness for Heroes

Harvesting Happiness for Heroes is a pending 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with national outreach, working with wounded warriors, their family members and caregivers in rebuilding personal happiness throughout PTSD therapy management. Harvesting Happiness for Heroes workshops and seminar series are open to public and private sectors. HH4Heroes offers positive practice coaching to military outreach organizations to better and more consistently serve the military community and the public at large. please visit HH4Heroes.org for more information.

About Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org..

Read the full story at prweb.com/releases/HappinessforHeroesWWP/SundanceRetreat/prweb8799028.htm

Unique Happiness Retreat Means Serious Work For Wounded Warriors is a post from: Sundance Spa Covers

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Tags: positive psychology, salt lake city