LAST September we brought you the story of a Forfar woman who has been living in a bubble for over a year because of her struggle with extreme asthma and multiple allergies.
Maggie Balfour must wear a highly specified Moldex 8000 series gas mask, goggles and gloves as without these ‘protections’ her life would be quickly put in jeopardy.
Maggie and her husband Jim have struggled for over a year with no additional financial support above the state benefits they receive.
Back in late September 2011 the couple faced the added “nightmare” of Maggie becoming allergic to most man-made fibres used in her existing clothing. With winter fast approaching the couple scoured the globe for the help Maggie needed. Finally, a family in Kansas and another in Wisconsin agreed to help.
Including outerwear and footwear the final bill topped 600. Jim says it was “A huge draw on our very tight finances and ‘assets’ had to be sold to help pay for this unwelcome surprise. The whole process from ordering to delivery took four weeks.”
Maggie is very ‘cold sensitive’ which means she struggles to stay warm. Proper outerwear was vital and Raymond from Greenvale Trading, in Forfar, stepped in to help by providing access to clothing at wholesale prices. Jim added: “I would also like to thank Barry Greenhill Construction for the kindness and support they have shown throughout Maggie’s illness and also my friends at the Forfar Resource Centre who gifted us a small air purifier.
“Many others including Jim and Geoff have unknowingly kept me going with their good humour and concern for Maggie.”
Jim added that he would also like to thank specifically a man who had given him two pounds in a charity shop so that he would be able to buy a bag for Maggie to carry her gas mask in.
Under the expert care received from the Academy Street Surgery and other healthcare professionals Maggie’s body stubbornly refused to respond well to conventional treatments and her immune response to all but a few medicines has resulted in the most extreme side-effects.
The last attempt to introduce an anti-histamine was abandoned on March 10. Jim explains: “This drug was causing Maggie’s body temperature to vary by up to 4C each day. She felt very unwell whilst she was taking it and the side effects far outweighed the benefits.
“With a referral by her sympathetic GP to the NHS Homeopathic Hospital in Glasgow, it was hoped that we could find alternative medical solutions which could be tailor made to fit Maggie’s very unique circumstances and physiology.
“Unfortunately, the waiting time for a first appointment to see the most Senior Homeopath was going to be 12 to 13 weeks.
“That is a very long time in ‘Maggie’s world’ more so because her illness is causing her to loose weight.
“I reasoned that time was critical. Maggie was currently stable but there was no guarantee that she would remain so. After considerable research and taking opinion from others one name kept coming up and we took that collective advice.
“This man is a homeopathic doctor of considerable years of experience; highly respected both here and internationally. He is a compassionate, thoughtful and creative practitioner who is absolutely committed to his chosen profession. We are very glad to have him on board.”
A number of other companies have helped the couple. Jim said: “Scottish and Southern Energy PLC; (Hydro Electric); Blueair AB of Stockholm, Sweden, Moldex and George Henderson Electrical, are by technology or direct intervention ensuring that Maggie’s ‘Bubble’ does not slip or fail. Their help and gifts are very, very, welcome!”
None of these companies know of anyone else with such complex problems although a search of the internet will reveal others with individual components of her complex condition.
Jim says he is quite good with money but has found the last 15 months a challenge.
Maggie’s needs are so specific and complex that every detail must be micro managed with considerable care.
One of the main worries facing Jim right now is finding food that Maggie is safe and able to eat. He said: “Our budget for food is less than 45 a week. Maggie cannot have anything that has been processed with man made chemicals and so all her food must be organic.” Jim spends over two hours each day working the supermarkets for reduced price safe and Organic foods. He said: “Keeping Maggie’s environment safe is essential and so is keeping her well enough physically to face future treatments whatever they may be. A safe and cost effective food supply is absolutely essential.
“We’ve come a long way on our own financially but both of us are very battle weary, especially Maggie. It’s been a very challenging and frightening time.
“Would there be someone skilled, trustworthy and energetic enough to oversee the setting up and management of this process?
2012年5月2日星期三
2012年3月1日星期四
Aunt invites guests at host’s expense
For our recent baby christening, we invited our closest relatives to a home reception after church. A stranger arrived, saying she was invited by my aunt, and stayed eating and drinking.
There wasn’t extra room at the table, so dinner had to become a buffet. My grandmother then spilled her dinner on her dress and our sofa. My aunt said: “You should’ve planned a sit-down dinner! Old people can’t cope with a buffet!” My brother later told me she’d brought three friends to his corn roast.
She has a beautiful house, but never has her friends there. With baby number two on the way, how do we avoid a repeat of this problem? Most of the family makes a joke of it.
Family humour can be more memorable than perfect dinner parties, but still, there has to be a limit put on Auntie Dearest who likes to “entertain” at others’ expense. And, perhaps, these special invitations keep her friends’ attached to her.
Allot her one guest and be clear that there’ll be no room for more at the sit-down dinner she herself recommends.
Entertainment tip: keep an inexpensive fold-up card table tucked in a closet, that can be pulled out for unexpected “overflow” to whom you don’t want to be rude.
I have allergies to fragrances. Most of my co-workers refrained from using scented products when asked, but one doesn’t seem to care.
When I approached her about it, she complained to the assistant manager, who spoke to the manager, who’s asked me not to talk to her about it anymore because she “got upset.”
The manager won’t implement a fragrance-free policy but asked me to alert him so he can smell for himself and then talk to her. The assistant manager will have told her this, so she’s not upset anymore.
Now, the days the manager is in the office, she’s fragrance-free. When he’s not there, she’s heavily scented.
She knows that the manager won’t talk to her about it because she’s unscented when he’s there.
Others in the office who dislike her strong fragrances are afraid to say anything because she has the assistant manager wrapped around her little finger. I’m the only one not afraid to say something.
I’ve thought about working from home, but that’s not ideal for my job. I’ve already switched desks to be as far away as I can get from the fragrances.
My doctor isn’t too keen on helping me because my symptoms aren’t bad enough yet. But it’s getting worse because of the constant exposure.
For some immediate relief, set up a small fan or air purifier on your desk to alleviate the smell. And consider working from home on the days when the manager is not there, if this is doable.
Then, whatever your symptoms, your doctor should be willing to write a note listing them, and the likelihood of heavier reaction with increased exposure.
You should also get informed about labour relations policies in your jurisdiction. You are certainly within your rights to take this to a human resources department if your company or parent company has one.
This is regarding the parents who are worried about their son, age 14, going out publicly dressed up in furry costumes, and isolating himself :
Reader: “I myself have been in the furry fandom for many years, most of my friends locally are furry in some sort of way, and I also make costumes for myself and other people. “I even met my partner of 10 years through the furry groups.
There wasn’t extra room at the table, so dinner had to become a buffet. My grandmother then spilled her dinner on her dress and our sofa. My aunt said: “You should’ve planned a sit-down dinner! Old people can’t cope with a buffet!” My brother later told me she’d brought three friends to his corn roast.
She has a beautiful house, but never has her friends there. With baby number two on the way, how do we avoid a repeat of this problem? Most of the family makes a joke of it.
Family humour can be more memorable than perfect dinner parties, but still, there has to be a limit put on Auntie Dearest who likes to “entertain” at others’ expense. And, perhaps, these special invitations keep her friends’ attached to her.
Allot her one guest and be clear that there’ll be no room for more at the sit-down dinner she herself recommends.
Entertainment tip: keep an inexpensive fold-up card table tucked in a closet, that can be pulled out for unexpected “overflow” to whom you don’t want to be rude.
I have allergies to fragrances. Most of my co-workers refrained from using scented products when asked, but one doesn’t seem to care.
When I approached her about it, she complained to the assistant manager, who spoke to the manager, who’s asked me not to talk to her about it anymore because she “got upset.”
The manager won’t implement a fragrance-free policy but asked me to alert him so he can smell for himself and then talk to her. The assistant manager will have told her this, so she’s not upset anymore.
Now, the days the manager is in the office, she’s fragrance-free. When he’s not there, she’s heavily scented.
She knows that the manager won’t talk to her about it because she’s unscented when he’s there.
Others in the office who dislike her strong fragrances are afraid to say anything because she has the assistant manager wrapped around her little finger. I’m the only one not afraid to say something.
I’ve thought about working from home, but that’s not ideal for my job. I’ve already switched desks to be as far away as I can get from the fragrances.
My doctor isn’t too keen on helping me because my symptoms aren’t bad enough yet. But it’s getting worse because of the constant exposure.
For some immediate relief, set up a small fan or air purifier on your desk to alleviate the smell. And consider working from home on the days when the manager is not there, if this is doable.
Then, whatever your symptoms, your doctor should be willing to write a note listing them, and the likelihood of heavier reaction with increased exposure.
You should also get informed about labour relations policies in your jurisdiction. You are certainly within your rights to take this to a human resources department if your company or parent company has one.
This is regarding the parents who are worried about their son, age 14, going out publicly dressed up in furry costumes, and isolating himself :
Reader: “I myself have been in the furry fandom for many years, most of my friends locally are furry in some sort of way, and I also make costumes for myself and other people. “I even met my partner of 10 years through the furry groups.
2012年2月20日星期一
User:Jimmie820122
The importance of efficient air purifiers is actually higher than it has ever been. Today more people than ever before suffer from asthma along with other allergy symptoms. Usually these problems are caused by toxins and contaminants in the air. The usage of an air cleaner can often assist in improving the standard of life of people who have allergies. They allow you to breathe in air flow than may be cleaned by using a number of strategies, dependant upon the atmosphere purification system that you employ.Discovering the air purifier reviews will be easy to do if you follow the helpful hints in this post.
Electronic home air cleaners work by filtering air in a space. Dust, mildew, bacteria, cigarette smoke and plant pollen are captured by the air purifier and allow that you breathe the actual fresh and filtered breathable air. Modern-day machines can be very efficient and a few can easily cleanse the environment by as much as 97 percent. This can be a significant decline in the amount of flying contaminants which could reach your current airway and also lungs.
A new HEPA air purifier is among the most popular kind of machine available. A Honeywell purifier can capture and filter even the most basic of contaminants. These home air cleaners have turned out to be very useful in lessening exposure to allergens and other modest airborne contaminants which can help with a variety of respiratory system disorders and also illnesses.
When scouting for an air air purifier there are a few items that you need to think about. The ability of an air cleaner is very important. Make sure that the machine you are looking for is capable of cleansing the volume of air with your room or building.
Make sure you get an air purifier which has a minimal power usage. As you should not increase your power bills. You should also take into account the cost of substitution filters when they are required. Occasionally the less expensive units will certainly prove to be more expensive in the long run. If you want to keep buying filters as well as parts then you can wish you had bought a different machine.
The majority of air purifiers make use of an electric fan in order to filter the air. The actual fan may produce noises which some people may well not like. It is really an important issue should you be looking for an air purifier for usage inside a bedroom. Normally, the more powerful machines create the most sound.
To summarize, if you're considering getting an air purifier for your house, then consider the above mentioned items into account before making a decision. No matter what air cleaner you decide on be certain that it happens to be from a well known company who'll supply you a warrantee. If you stick to the good advice in this post you should be capable to drastically lessen the effect which air-borne pollution have on your daily life and enjoy inhaling cleansed and moreover filtrated breathable air for many years into the future.
Electronic home air cleaners work by filtering air in a space. Dust, mildew, bacteria, cigarette smoke and plant pollen are captured by the air purifier and allow that you breathe the actual fresh and filtered breathable air. Modern-day machines can be very efficient and a few can easily cleanse the environment by as much as 97 percent. This can be a significant decline in the amount of flying contaminants which could reach your current airway and also lungs.
A new HEPA air purifier is among the most popular kind of machine available. A Honeywell purifier can capture and filter even the most basic of contaminants. These home air cleaners have turned out to be very useful in lessening exposure to allergens and other modest airborne contaminants which can help with a variety of respiratory system disorders and also illnesses.
When scouting for an air air purifier there are a few items that you need to think about. The ability of an air cleaner is very important. Make sure that the machine you are looking for is capable of cleansing the volume of air with your room or building.
Make sure you get an air purifier which has a minimal power usage. As you should not increase your power bills. You should also take into account the cost of substitution filters when they are required. Occasionally the less expensive units will certainly prove to be more expensive in the long run. If you want to keep buying filters as well as parts then you can wish you had bought a different machine.
The majority of air purifiers make use of an electric fan in order to filter the air. The actual fan may produce noises which some people may well not like. It is really an important issue should you be looking for an air purifier for usage inside a bedroom. Normally, the more powerful machines create the most sound.
To summarize, if you're considering getting an air purifier for your house, then consider the above mentioned items into account before making a decision. No matter what air cleaner you decide on be certain that it happens to be from a well known company who'll supply you a warrantee. If you stick to the good advice in this post you should be capable to drastically lessen the effect which air-borne pollution have on your daily life and enjoy inhaling cleansed and moreover filtrated breathable air for many years into the future.
2012年2月19日星期日
Hotel guests want Wi-Fi, not a phone by the toilet
Do you remember those days when you were happy simply if your hotel room had clean sheets, a telephone with an outside line and no stains on the walls or floors?
We've come a long way since the days of tiny soap and two plastic glasses wrapped in plastic. But, I have to tell you, since reading about how accommodations are accommodating the changing needs of the modern traveler, I've recently had spasms of nostalgia for those simple days.
Consider that a hotel in Charlotte, N.C., now calls its housekeepers "room stylists."
That's kind of extreme, but you see where things are headed. In the crowded and competitive lodging industry, hoteliers are listening to their guests, and doing their best to keep up.
TripAdvisor recently published results of a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. travelers as well as 600-plus hotel professionals, asking each group which amenities were most and least important to them.
Wi-Fi Internet access topped the "most" list of both groups, while turn-down service topped the "least" list.
Amenities are a big deal, of course, since it's easy to click around on your device to compare what's being offered for what price. While a chocolate on the pillow won't scare anyone off, 54 percent of travelers surveyed said they have canceled a lodging reservation because they found better amenities at a different property, TripAdvisor reported.
The survey also reported that 45 percent of respondents said their favorite new food and drink amenities are happy hours, wine tastings or any other time with free food and drinks, and 31 percent wished more rooms would include free bottled water.
On the "who cares?" side of the ledger, 44 percent of women and 30 percent of men opined that luxury amenities were "not worth the hype."
The bathroom phone is the least-used fancy amenity, with 37 percent of respondents saying they never touch it.
When asked if they could stay celebrity-style, the top option for both men and women, at 36 percent, was to have the kitchen pre-stocked with their favorite food and beverages. A close second was the ability to have a private pool and hot tub in the room. These options beat out such diva-style demands as an in-room arcade, specific types of fresh flowers everywhere, private staff — even a movie screening room.
A recent story on hotels catering to the evolving tastes of travelers — particularly business travelers — was cited in the daily industry news brief for the American Hotel & Lodging Association. The story and accompanying video from an NBC affiliate in North Carolina noted the various "pretty dramatic changes" the industry is going through.
Among them are changes you never even imagined, as well as ones you were probably wishing for:
A hotel corridor bereft of a housekeeping cart. These bastions of the hotel biz apparently are on their last rattling wheels, to be replaced by smaller, more maneuverable caddies rolled right into the room.
That change will also eliminate the propped-open room doors, which means no more fears about passersby peeking in on your style of "spreading out" or — worse — someone wandering in to steal something.
Speaking of theft, the new system will thwart those who like to snag a few towels, toiletries or souvenirs from the unattended carts. And you won't be stocking up on the room toiletries as often either, as more and more companies are replacing them with refillable dispensers.
Other ways hotels are changing to accommodate the travel habits of today's traveler:
Hotels are rethinking their lobbies and other public areas to be more appealing for socializing, working and just relaxing outside the guest room. That's because more than a third of the business travelers these days are between 18 and 44, a group that doesn't like sitting in hotel rooms, said Adam Weissenberg of Deloitte & Touche, who specializes in the lodging industry.
More convenient places to plug in: Outlets are everywhere people hang out — check around your bar, lobby or restaurant table. It may be wired and ready for your power cord.
Tubs are dead: In a faster world, it's all about a quick shower — that is, if you can extricate yourself from those massage-and-waterfall experiences you'll find in hotel bathrooms.
We've come a long way since the days of tiny soap and two plastic glasses wrapped in plastic. But, I have to tell you, since reading about how accommodations are accommodating the changing needs of the modern traveler, I've recently had spasms of nostalgia for those simple days.
Consider that a hotel in Charlotte, N.C., now calls its housekeepers "room stylists."
That's kind of extreme, but you see where things are headed. In the crowded and competitive lodging industry, hoteliers are listening to their guests, and doing their best to keep up.
TripAdvisor recently published results of a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. travelers as well as 600-plus hotel professionals, asking each group which amenities were most and least important to them.
Wi-Fi Internet access topped the "most" list of both groups, while turn-down service topped the "least" list.
Amenities are a big deal, of course, since it's easy to click around on your device to compare what's being offered for what price. While a chocolate on the pillow won't scare anyone off, 54 percent of travelers surveyed said they have canceled a lodging reservation because they found better amenities at a different property, TripAdvisor reported.
The survey also reported that 45 percent of respondents said their favorite new food and drink amenities are happy hours, wine tastings or any other time with free food and drinks, and 31 percent wished more rooms would include free bottled water.
On the "who cares?" side of the ledger, 44 percent of women and 30 percent of men opined that luxury amenities were "not worth the hype."
The bathroom phone is the least-used fancy amenity, with 37 percent of respondents saying they never touch it.
When asked if they could stay celebrity-style, the top option for both men and women, at 36 percent, was to have the kitchen pre-stocked with their favorite food and beverages. A close second was the ability to have a private pool and hot tub in the room. These options beat out such diva-style demands as an in-room arcade, specific types of fresh flowers everywhere, private staff — even a movie screening room.
A recent story on hotels catering to the evolving tastes of travelers — particularly business travelers — was cited in the daily industry news brief for the American Hotel & Lodging Association. The story and accompanying video from an NBC affiliate in North Carolina noted the various "pretty dramatic changes" the industry is going through.
Among them are changes you never even imagined, as well as ones you were probably wishing for:
A hotel corridor bereft of a housekeeping cart. These bastions of the hotel biz apparently are on their last rattling wheels, to be replaced by smaller, more maneuverable caddies rolled right into the room.
That change will also eliminate the propped-open room doors, which means no more fears about passersby peeking in on your style of "spreading out" or — worse — someone wandering in to steal something.
Speaking of theft, the new system will thwart those who like to snag a few towels, toiletries or souvenirs from the unattended carts. And you won't be stocking up on the room toiletries as often either, as more and more companies are replacing them with refillable dispensers.
Other ways hotels are changing to accommodate the travel habits of today's traveler:
Hotels are rethinking their lobbies and other public areas to be more appealing for socializing, working and just relaxing outside the guest room. That's because more than a third of the business travelers these days are between 18 and 44, a group that doesn't like sitting in hotel rooms, said Adam Weissenberg of Deloitte & Touche, who specializes in the lodging industry.
More convenient places to plug in: Outlets are everywhere people hang out — check around your bar, lobby or restaurant table. It may be wired and ready for your power cord.
Tubs are dead: In a faster world, it's all about a quick shower — that is, if you can extricate yourself from those massage-and-waterfall experiences you'll find in hotel bathrooms.
2012年2月16日星期四
Review finds air purifier does almost nothing
The video spot for LightAir air cleaners promises that they can protect you from dangerous pollutants. Consumer Reports tested the $300 LightAir Ion Flow 50-F Surface, along with more than two dozen other portable air cleaners.
To evaluate how well they remove dust and smoke, testers place them in a special sealed room. The chamber is filled with fine, powdered clay dust, as well as cigarette smoke.
Testers use a particle analyzer to measure how well the air cleaners remove the contaminants. Testers found the LightAir about as effective at removing dust and smoke as using no air cleaner at all.
An air cleaner from Brookstone, the PureIon Pro, did far better removing dust and smoke. But it produces a small amount of ozone, which can aggravate asthma. The Brookstone meets voluntary standards on ozone levels. But Consumer Reports does not recommend any product that produces ozone.
Consumer Reports says even if you do have asthma or allergies, you probably don't need any air cleaner. To improve air quality, put dust-mite covers on your mattress and pillows. Don’t use a fireplace or let pets in your bedroom.
If you’ve taken those steps and still think you need an air purifier, Consumer Reports found some that are good at dust and smoke removal. The Holmes HAP756-U air cleaner for $150 is a good choice.
Consumer Reports says there’s another inexpensive way to improve the air in your home. If you heat and cool with forced air, you can replace the filter with better one -- something you need to do every couple of months.
Consumer Reports tests found that the $25 the 3M Filtrete Elite Allergen 2200 MPR filter does an excellent job removing dust and pollen.
To evaluate how well they remove dust and smoke, testers place them in a special sealed room. The chamber is filled with fine, powdered clay dust, as well as cigarette smoke.
Testers use a particle analyzer to measure how well the air cleaners remove the contaminants. Testers found the LightAir about as effective at removing dust and smoke as using no air cleaner at all.
An air cleaner from Brookstone, the PureIon Pro, did far better removing dust and smoke. But it produces a small amount of ozone, which can aggravate asthma. The Brookstone meets voluntary standards on ozone levels. But Consumer Reports does not recommend any product that produces ozone.
Consumer Reports says even if you do have asthma or allergies, you probably don't need any air cleaner. To improve air quality, put dust-mite covers on your mattress and pillows. Don’t use a fireplace or let pets in your bedroom.
If you’ve taken those steps and still think you need an air purifier, Consumer Reports found some that are good at dust and smoke removal. The Holmes HAP756-U air cleaner for $150 is a good choice.
Consumer Reports says there’s another inexpensive way to improve the air in your home. If you heat and cool with forced air, you can replace the filter with better one -- something you need to do every couple of months.
Consumer Reports tests found that the $25 the 3M Filtrete Elite Allergen 2200 MPR filter does an excellent job removing dust and pollen.
2012年2月15日星期三
Nitride Solutions finalizes Series A funding round at $2.5m
Nitride Solutions Inc of Wichita, KS, USA, which is developing substrates for LEDs, lasers and power electronics, has closed its Series A financing round (which was oversubscribed) at $2.5m. After already participating in the round last June, Nebraska Angels and Aurora UV Inc of Santa Barbara, CA (which makes ultraviolet LEDs for applications including air and water purification) have again joined lead investor Midwest Venture Alliance (MVA) in completing the round.
Founded in 2009, Nitride Solutions’ leadership has 30-plus years of experience in advanced materials businesses (both start-ups and Fortune 500 companies) and a total of 25 years in nitride crystal development. The firm maintains strong ties to Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, with key employees and advisors hailing from the university, as well as University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB).
The firm is now finishing commercialization of a high-volume manufacturing technology that aims to deliver high-volume, low-cost aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates. With projected defect rates 10 times lower than substrates currently on the market, the substrates will improve the performance, efficiency and cost of existing LED, laser and electronic products, while also making deep ultraviolet (UV) devices, the firm reckons. The result should be improved white lighting for consumer and industrial uses, more efficient power systems in hybrid vehicles, sharper color on flat-screen TVs, and better air and water purifiers. The firm will use the Series A funding to perfect the technology and begin sampling in first-quarter 2012.
“We are excited about the potential for this technology, and the strong demand for the Series A financing is a demonstration of our confidence in the company’s ability to execute on its business plan and deliver this revolutionary technology to market,” says Nebraska Angels’ president Bart Dillashaw.
“Fund raising in this economy is difficult,” notes Trish Brasted, managing member, MVA Capital Group. “All of us at the Midwest Venture Alliance are very excited to see the support from the regional investment community, as demonstrated by the oversubscribed Series A offering.”
Founded in 2009, Nitride Solutions’ leadership has 30-plus years of experience in advanced materials businesses (both start-ups and Fortune 500 companies) and a total of 25 years in nitride crystal development. The firm maintains strong ties to Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, with key employees and advisors hailing from the university, as well as University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB).
The firm is now finishing commercialization of a high-volume manufacturing technology that aims to deliver high-volume, low-cost aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates. With projected defect rates 10 times lower than substrates currently on the market, the substrates will improve the performance, efficiency and cost of existing LED, laser and electronic products, while also making deep ultraviolet (UV) devices, the firm reckons. The result should be improved white lighting for consumer and industrial uses, more efficient power systems in hybrid vehicles, sharper color on flat-screen TVs, and better air and water purifiers. The firm will use the Series A funding to perfect the technology and begin sampling in first-quarter 2012.
“We are excited about the potential for this technology, and the strong demand for the Series A financing is a demonstration of our confidence in the company’s ability to execute on its business plan and deliver this revolutionary technology to market,” says Nebraska Angels’ president Bart Dillashaw.
“Fund raising in this economy is difficult,” notes Trish Brasted, managing member, MVA Capital Group. “All of us at the Midwest Venture Alliance are very excited to see the support from the regional investment community, as demonstrated by the oversubscribed Series A offering.”
2012年2月14日星期二
Our partners at Consumer Reports put air purifiers to the test
Americans spend more than $500 million on air cleaners each year. But do they really purify the air like they promise? The video spot for LightAir air cleaners promises that they can protect you from dangerous pollutants. Consumer Reports tested the $300 LightAir Ion Flow 50-F Surface, along with more than two dozen other portable air cleaners.
To evaluate how well they remove dust and smoke, testers place them in a special sealed room. The chamber is filled with fine, powdered clay dust, as well as cigarette smoke. Testers use a particle analyzer to measure how well the air cleaners remove the contaminants. Testers found the LightAir about as effective at removing dust and smoke as using no air cleaner at all.
An air cleaner from Brookstone, the PureIon Pro, did far better removing dust and smoke. But it produces a small amount of ozone, which can aggravate asthma. The Brookstone meets voluntary standards on ozone levels. But Consumer Reports does not recommend any product that produces ozone.
Consumer Reportssays even if you do have asthma or allergies, you probably don't need any air cleaner. To improve air quality, put dust-mite covers on your mattress and pillows. Don’t use a fireplace or let pets in your bedroom.
If you’ve taken those steps and still think you need an air purifier, Consumer Reports found some that are good at dust and smoke removal. The Holmes HAP756-U air cleaner for $150 is a good choice.
Consumer Reports says there’s another inexpensive way to improve the air in your home. If you heat and cool with forced air, you can replace the filter with better one— something you need to do every couple of months. Consumer Reports tests found that the $25 the 3M Filtrete Elite Allergen 2200 MPR filter does an excellent job removing dust and pollen.
To evaluate how well they remove dust and smoke, testers place them in a special sealed room. The chamber is filled with fine, powdered clay dust, as well as cigarette smoke. Testers use a particle analyzer to measure how well the air cleaners remove the contaminants. Testers found the LightAir about as effective at removing dust and smoke as using no air cleaner at all.
An air cleaner from Brookstone, the PureIon Pro, did far better removing dust and smoke. But it produces a small amount of ozone, which can aggravate asthma. The Brookstone meets voluntary standards on ozone levels. But Consumer Reports does not recommend any product that produces ozone.
Consumer Reportssays even if you do have asthma or allergies, you probably don't need any air cleaner. To improve air quality, put dust-mite covers on your mattress and pillows. Don’t use a fireplace or let pets in your bedroom.
If you’ve taken those steps and still think you need an air purifier, Consumer Reports found some that are good at dust and smoke removal. The Holmes HAP756-U air cleaner for $150 is a good choice.
Consumer Reports says there’s another inexpensive way to improve the air in your home. If you heat and cool with forced air, you can replace the filter with better one— something you need to do every couple of months. Consumer Reports tests found that the $25 the 3M Filtrete Elite Allergen 2200 MPR filter does an excellent job removing dust and pollen.
2012年2月13日星期一
Pleather Lerner Arm Chairs
What does an Air Purifier from Sharper Image, 1980s David Bowie, and the pleathery chairs in Lerner have in common? They all look like they are from the future. Not a day goes by when I don’t pass by the rows of avant-garde arm chairs and feel like I am in the movie Tron and we are all but programs in the vast computer of life. What’s more is that sitting in these chairs provides the comfort to ponder such mysteries for hours.
Serving the Ferris post-mealtime crowd as well as students attempting to nab a mildly social study spot on the upper floors of Lerner, these retro recliners have a small, but loyal following. True Pleatherheads, as they are often called, must be able to enjoy the maximum comfort without falling asleep to maximize productivity— a task that deserves much applause. Early on my way to a meeting in the SGO, I decided to pop a squat in the perfectly square seat and see where it took me.
The cushion hit my bum with both rigidness and welcoming. Sort of like a troubled child coming home from military school. It let me sink in a bit, but I didn’t plunge into an abyss of sleek black textile. This probably accounts for students being able to work here without falling asleep. The lumbar support irked me a bit: one can slouch lazily, but if one desires to sit with proper posture, say a ballerina, or someone English, or someone with really good parents, it can be awkward because the horizontal of the chair is rather long, causing the knees to bend incompletely.
The pleather on the other hand was perfectly polished. I could almost see myself on it. It felt nothing of real leather, but rather of the reinforced plastic they make slip and slides with. This slipperiness should make for unreliable arm resting, but the chairs are arranged compactly side-by-side, so the double armchair action minimizes slippage. It smelt leathery, through you could tell this was the result of some polish or scent intentionally applied by the chair producer.
Extraneous to my evaluation, I must highlight one flaw that the chair will not be penalized on, but should be noted regardless. The accompanying coffee table set up is flawed. One has to crouch down to reach their belongings on it, and those who refuse to engage in such awkward behavior still can’t utilize it as a foot rest either: many people eat on these tables, so it is seen as a sort of party foul. Lerner is a social space, after all.
Serving the Ferris post-mealtime crowd as well as students attempting to nab a mildly social study spot on the upper floors of Lerner, these retro recliners have a small, but loyal following. True Pleatherheads, as they are often called, must be able to enjoy the maximum comfort without falling asleep to maximize productivity— a task that deserves much applause. Early on my way to a meeting in the SGO, I decided to pop a squat in the perfectly square seat and see where it took me.
The cushion hit my bum with both rigidness and welcoming. Sort of like a troubled child coming home from military school. It let me sink in a bit, but I didn’t plunge into an abyss of sleek black textile. This probably accounts for students being able to work here without falling asleep. The lumbar support irked me a bit: one can slouch lazily, but if one desires to sit with proper posture, say a ballerina, or someone English, or someone with really good parents, it can be awkward because the horizontal of the chair is rather long, causing the knees to bend incompletely.
The pleather on the other hand was perfectly polished. I could almost see myself on it. It felt nothing of real leather, but rather of the reinforced plastic they make slip and slides with. This slipperiness should make for unreliable arm resting, but the chairs are arranged compactly side-by-side, so the double armchair action minimizes slippage. It smelt leathery, through you could tell this was the result of some polish or scent intentionally applied by the chair producer.
Extraneous to my evaluation, I must highlight one flaw that the chair will not be penalized on, but should be noted regardless. The accompanying coffee table set up is flawed. One has to crouch down to reach their belongings on it, and those who refuse to engage in such awkward behavior still can’t utilize it as a foot rest either: many people eat on these tables, so it is seen as a sort of party foul. Lerner is a social space, after all.
2012年2月12日星期日
The Aromatic Plug-In Air Fresheners
An air freshener is a product designed to mask or remove unpleasant room ordors. These products typically deliver fragrance and other odor counteractants into the air.
Fragrance compounds have been used since antiquity to freshen air and mask odors, For example, the ancient Egyptians were known to use musks and other natural materials to scent their tombs. Over the last 2,000 years a variety of compounds, including numerous spices and floral extracts, have been used for their ability to impart a pleasant aroma. However, it was not until 1948 that the first modern air freshener was introduced. This product, using technology developed by the military to dispense insecticides, was a pressurized spray containing about 1% perfume, 24% alcohol or other solvents, and 75% chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellant. This was able to deliver a fine mist of fragrance that remained suspended in the air for a long period of time.
Today as the popularity of these scented air fresheners are on the rise, allergists are hearing more complaints about reactions to these toxic scented products.
Dr. Stanley Fineman is the president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACCAI). ” I’ve seen patients who say, ‘I go into somebody’s house who has one of these air fresheners and I just can’t stay there. I have increasing nasal symptoms, sneezing and coughing.’ There is no allergy skin test for air fresheners, but people can definitely have a physiologic response to it.”
“About 20 percent of the population and 34 percent of people with asthma report health problems from air fresheners. We know air freshener fragrance can trigger allergy symptoms, aggravate existing allergies and worsen asthma.”
Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) commonly found in air fresheners include: formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, limonene, esters and alcohols. Fineman says a study of plug-in deodorizers found more than 20 different VOC’s with more than one third of those classified as toxic or hazardous.
Fineman says consumers should be particularly concerned if someone in the household has respiratory issues. He says studies show that even VOC exposure levels below currently accepted standards increase risks in asthma children.
High concentrations of VOC’s can trigger eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even memory impairment.
Despite all this, the home fragrance industry is expected to see continued growth, reaching $8.3 billion in global sales by 2015, so, why the fondness for air fresheners?
The new trend is manufacturers are marketing products to be aromatherapy which implies health and mood boosting benefits although there are no scientific studies to support these claims.
Dr. Stanley Fineman wasn’t the first to warn us about these dangerous chemicals in air fresheners. A study in 2010 led by the University of Washington discovered that 2 commonly used scented products (like laundry detergent and air fresheners) emit and average of 17 chemicals each. Of the 133 different chemicals detected nearly a quarter are classified as toxic or hazardous under at least one federal law.
Only one emitted compound was listed on a product label, and only two were publicly disclosed anywhere. Even so-called “Green” products were not “safe.”
Gretchen Schaefer, vice president of communications for the Consumer Specialty Products Association, an industry group, said that VOCs aren’t necessarily harmful.
“Anything that emits a scent — flowers or the scent of pine if you walk through a forest or your Christmas tree– is emitting a VOC,” she said.
In the United States, air fresheners are subject to the Toxic Substance Control Act and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, which requires that manufacturers inform consumers of risks and ingredients that could contribute to that risk. But some expects say the requirements aren’t stringent enough.
“The Federal hazardous Substance Act requires that the manufacturer put the proper–use information on the label,”Schaefer said.”These products are safe if you use them according to the label instructions.”
If you are still adamant about purchasing plug -in air fresheners use caution. Read the labels to ensure the product does not contain harmful chemicals. Ventilate the room as much as possible. Be extra sensitive to the amount of air fresheners you are using around small children.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) suggests that you first try to reduce bad home odors by attacking the source, rather than masking the problem. Identify and remove bad odors. Keep windows open as much as possible. If troubling odors persist, invest in an air purifier with activated carbon filtration.
Air fresheners need not be synthetic to produce an appealing and pleasant scent. Try adding orange, lemon or lavender essential oils to cotton balls and place throughout the house. You can also simmer spices like cinnamon and cloves in a small saucepan on the stove. These tips will leave your home smelling fresh and give you peace of mind that no harmful pollutants are being ingested.
Fragrance compounds have been used since antiquity to freshen air and mask odors, For example, the ancient Egyptians were known to use musks and other natural materials to scent their tombs. Over the last 2,000 years a variety of compounds, including numerous spices and floral extracts, have been used for their ability to impart a pleasant aroma. However, it was not until 1948 that the first modern air freshener was introduced. This product, using technology developed by the military to dispense insecticides, was a pressurized spray containing about 1% perfume, 24% alcohol or other solvents, and 75% chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellant. This was able to deliver a fine mist of fragrance that remained suspended in the air for a long period of time.
Today as the popularity of these scented air fresheners are on the rise, allergists are hearing more complaints about reactions to these toxic scented products.
Dr. Stanley Fineman is the president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACCAI). ” I’ve seen patients who say, ‘I go into somebody’s house who has one of these air fresheners and I just can’t stay there. I have increasing nasal symptoms, sneezing and coughing.’ There is no allergy skin test for air fresheners, but people can definitely have a physiologic response to it.”
“About 20 percent of the population and 34 percent of people with asthma report health problems from air fresheners. We know air freshener fragrance can trigger allergy symptoms, aggravate existing allergies and worsen asthma.”
Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) commonly found in air fresheners include: formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, limonene, esters and alcohols. Fineman says a study of plug-in deodorizers found more than 20 different VOC’s with more than one third of those classified as toxic or hazardous.
Fineman says consumers should be particularly concerned if someone in the household has respiratory issues. He says studies show that even VOC exposure levels below currently accepted standards increase risks in asthma children.
High concentrations of VOC’s can trigger eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even memory impairment.
Despite all this, the home fragrance industry is expected to see continued growth, reaching $8.3 billion in global sales by 2015, so, why the fondness for air fresheners?
The new trend is manufacturers are marketing products to be aromatherapy which implies health and mood boosting benefits although there are no scientific studies to support these claims.
Dr. Stanley Fineman wasn’t the first to warn us about these dangerous chemicals in air fresheners. A study in 2010 led by the University of Washington discovered that 2 commonly used scented products (like laundry detergent and air fresheners) emit and average of 17 chemicals each. Of the 133 different chemicals detected nearly a quarter are classified as toxic or hazardous under at least one federal law.
Only one emitted compound was listed on a product label, and only two were publicly disclosed anywhere. Even so-called “Green” products were not “safe.”
Gretchen Schaefer, vice president of communications for the Consumer Specialty Products Association, an industry group, said that VOCs aren’t necessarily harmful.
“Anything that emits a scent — flowers or the scent of pine if you walk through a forest or your Christmas tree– is emitting a VOC,” she said.
In the United States, air fresheners are subject to the Toxic Substance Control Act and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, which requires that manufacturers inform consumers of risks and ingredients that could contribute to that risk. But some expects say the requirements aren’t stringent enough.
“The Federal hazardous Substance Act requires that the manufacturer put the proper–use information on the label,”Schaefer said.”These products are safe if you use them according to the label instructions.”
If you are still adamant about purchasing plug -in air fresheners use caution. Read the labels to ensure the product does not contain harmful chemicals. Ventilate the room as much as possible. Be extra sensitive to the amount of air fresheners you are using around small children.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) suggests that you first try to reduce bad home odors by attacking the source, rather than masking the problem. Identify and remove bad odors. Keep windows open as much as possible. If troubling odors persist, invest in an air purifier with activated carbon filtration.
Air fresheners need not be synthetic to produce an appealing and pleasant scent. Try adding orange, lemon or lavender essential oils to cotton balls and place throughout the house. You can also simmer spices like cinnamon and cloves in a small saucepan on the stove. These tips will leave your home smelling fresh and give you peace of mind that no harmful pollutants are being ingested.
2012年2月9日星期四
Japan Consumer Appliances Market
The March earthquake and subsequent shutdown of the nuclear power plant in Fukushima completely transformed the consumer mindset regarding energy use. Following the disaster the Japanese Government officially set the target of a 15% reduction in electricity consumption nationwide, and advertised the reduction of 50% in household electricity use by switching from air conditioners to fans. As a result sales volume of fans surged thereafter as consumers rushed to stores, with fans achieving the highest sales volume in 10 years.
Economic contraction encourages home dining and laundry
The continued economic downturn has put downwards pressure on consumer spending, with people spending an increasing amount of time at home. A trend of ‘uchishoku’ – home-cooked meals – continued to dominate the Japan consumer appliances market, and sales of premium food preparation and cooking appliances both increased in volume. The world’s first auto-rice mill breadmaker, Gopan, also became a huge hit, with home bakery another trend observed in 2011. In addition to home cooking, consumers are increasingly taking care of fashion items at home, and premium irons with a unique symmetrical base shape proved popular.
Increase in pollen allergy and multiple chemical sensitivity among consumers
Although the exact number of Japanese who are allergic to pollen is not known, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare cites research suggesting that approximately 29% of Japan’s population suffers from pollen allergy, with recognised symptoms including a runny nose and watery eyes. The population with pollen allergy is concentrated in urban areas, but the number has been rising, with indoor air quality a major concern among consumers. Air purifiers and humidifiers experienced a spike in sales volume as the news forecasts estimated pollen levels in 2011 to be five to 10 times the 2010 level. In order to maintain clean room air quality, ultra-fine filters are often used in premium vacuum cleaners to reduce dust emissions from the machine. Vacuum cleaners with high levels of filtration limit the release of dust, pollen, mould, bacteria and other particles back into the air.
Demand for larger appliances increases among family households
Larger fridge-freezers over 400 litres are growing rapidly in the refrigeration appliances environment. As more women stay longer in the workforce, family households are storing large quantities of food in refrigeration appliances to avoid frequent trips to grocery stores. Additionally, increasing awareness of cleanliness and health concerns have led to consumers placing items that do not require refrigeration into such units, including rice and flour. Larger laundry machines are also popular among family households. Furthermore, the continued economic downturn has put downward pressure on professional cleaning services, with an increasing propensity among consumers to clean fabric items at home, including thick winter jackets and large blankets.
Electrical goods retailers continue to show strong presence
Although the Eco-point system ended on March 2011, the Tohoku earthquake and the power shortage continued to spur demand for energy-efficient consumer appliances in 2011. The majority of consumer appliance sales are made through electrical goods retailer multiples, and they have benefited the most from the strong-performing consumer appliances market as a whole. Major electrical goods multiples reported sales increases, and further concentration of the industry was also observed. The share of multiple electrical goods retailers has increased over the past 10 years, with their competitive positioning and customer service appealing widely to consumers.
Economic contraction encourages home dining and laundry
The continued economic downturn has put downwards pressure on consumer spending, with people spending an increasing amount of time at home. A trend of ‘uchishoku’ – home-cooked meals – continued to dominate the Japan consumer appliances market, and sales of premium food preparation and cooking appliances both increased in volume. The world’s first auto-rice mill breadmaker, Gopan, also became a huge hit, with home bakery another trend observed in 2011. In addition to home cooking, consumers are increasingly taking care of fashion items at home, and premium irons with a unique symmetrical base shape proved popular.
Increase in pollen allergy and multiple chemical sensitivity among consumers
Although the exact number of Japanese who are allergic to pollen is not known, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare cites research suggesting that approximately 29% of Japan’s population suffers from pollen allergy, with recognised symptoms including a runny nose and watery eyes. The population with pollen allergy is concentrated in urban areas, but the number has been rising, with indoor air quality a major concern among consumers. Air purifiers and humidifiers experienced a spike in sales volume as the news forecasts estimated pollen levels in 2011 to be five to 10 times the 2010 level. In order to maintain clean room air quality, ultra-fine filters are often used in premium vacuum cleaners to reduce dust emissions from the machine. Vacuum cleaners with high levels of filtration limit the release of dust, pollen, mould, bacteria and other particles back into the air.
Demand for larger appliances increases among family households
Larger fridge-freezers over 400 litres are growing rapidly in the refrigeration appliances environment. As more women stay longer in the workforce, family households are storing large quantities of food in refrigeration appliances to avoid frequent trips to grocery stores. Additionally, increasing awareness of cleanliness and health concerns have led to consumers placing items that do not require refrigeration into such units, including rice and flour. Larger laundry machines are also popular among family households. Furthermore, the continued economic downturn has put downward pressure on professional cleaning services, with an increasing propensity among consumers to clean fabric items at home, including thick winter jackets and large blankets.
Electrical goods retailers continue to show strong presence
Although the Eco-point system ended on March 2011, the Tohoku earthquake and the power shortage continued to spur demand for energy-efficient consumer appliances in 2011. The majority of consumer appliance sales are made through electrical goods retailer multiples, and they have benefited the most from the strong-performing consumer appliances market as a whole. Major electrical goods multiples reported sales increases, and further concentration of the industry was also observed. The share of multiple electrical goods retailers has increased over the past 10 years, with their competitive positioning and customer service appealing widely to consumers.
2012年2月8日星期三
Air Purifiers Are They Worth It?
Air purifier filters can have a huge impact on the choice of air purifier we choose to buy, as many of us do not wish to incur the time and expense involved with regular replacement of these air cleaning filters. As the effectiveness of your air cleaner is dependent on keeping it well maintained and running smoothly, it is wise to consider whether you want to deal with air purifier filters before you buy.
One of the most effective air cleaning technologies available today is that used in the HEPA air purification systems, said to remove 99.97% of particulates from the air. This type of air cleaner, however, employs special air purifier filters, which must be changed on a regular basis in order to maintain the system’s efficiency.
In addition to that, bacteria and viruses as well as other types of microorganisms are constant threats. Due to these invisible creatures, people get pneumonia and tuberculosis, diseases that may lead to death if not treated properly. Unfortunately, there aren’t many things we can do in order to protect our family or our environment at work. We can’t prevent pollution, allergens or microorganisms from existing in the air that we breathe and we cannot stop breathing either.
The very job that air purifiers do – removing particles and dust from our air that we do not wish to breathe in – necessitates some maintenance, as these particles will gather within the cleaner and will need to be disposed of. But while both filterless systems and those that employ air purifier filters require some upkeep to remain effective, this is minimal in both cases. The job itself involves only the simple wiping down of collection plates, or quickly changing a filter – the problem is remembering to do it!
There are several techniques available for people who want to create a safe – or less dangerous – indoor environment with respect to the air. Some air purifiers use adsorbent techniques and electrostatic charges and ionizers. Some others include a germicidal UV light and the emission of ions into the air in order to react with the agents that may cause health problems and reduce or eliminate them. However, there isn’t an air purifier sold for homes able to create indoor conditions as clean as those found in hospitals.
Using an air purifier should not make you ignore medical advice and guidance that can lead to the removal of the irritant sources and allergen habitats in your house. At the same time, they are not a substitute for thorough and regular cleaning of the air. However, they can help you to diminish the number of air particles and to maintain a healthier environment inside your house.
One of the most effective air cleaning technologies available today is that used in the HEPA air purification systems, said to remove 99.97% of particulates from the air. This type of air cleaner, however, employs special air purifier filters, which must be changed on a regular basis in order to maintain the system’s efficiency.
In addition to that, bacteria and viruses as well as other types of microorganisms are constant threats. Due to these invisible creatures, people get pneumonia and tuberculosis, diseases that may lead to death if not treated properly. Unfortunately, there aren’t many things we can do in order to protect our family or our environment at work. We can’t prevent pollution, allergens or microorganisms from existing in the air that we breathe and we cannot stop breathing either.
The very job that air purifiers do – removing particles and dust from our air that we do not wish to breathe in – necessitates some maintenance, as these particles will gather within the cleaner and will need to be disposed of. But while both filterless systems and those that employ air purifier filters require some upkeep to remain effective, this is minimal in both cases. The job itself involves only the simple wiping down of collection plates, or quickly changing a filter – the problem is remembering to do it!
There are several techniques available for people who want to create a safe – or less dangerous – indoor environment with respect to the air. Some air purifiers use adsorbent techniques and electrostatic charges and ionizers. Some others include a germicidal UV light and the emission of ions into the air in order to react with the agents that may cause health problems and reduce or eliminate them. However, there isn’t an air purifier sold for homes able to create indoor conditions as clean as those found in hospitals.
Using an air purifier should not make you ignore medical advice and guidance that can lead to the removal of the irritant sources and allergen habitats in your house. At the same time, they are not a substitute for thorough and regular cleaning of the air. However, they can help you to diminish the number of air particles and to maintain a healthier environment inside your house.
2012年2月7日星期二
Howell Company Secures $465 Million Contract With Army
A company with only 40 employees in Howell is one of five that will share in a $465 million dollar contract with the U.S. Army. It's a contract that holds the opportunity to bring jobs and money to the area.
"We've been doing military work for over 20 years. They're a great customer," said Ralph Beebe, President of Highland Engineering.
Ralph Beebe and his crew at Highland Engineering work hard to provide our troops with what they need.
"When something leaves our facility, the people know where it's going…who's using it and we make sure it's right," said Beebe.
15 years ago they designed a water treatment purifier now used by the Air Force, NATO and FEMA. Recently, they've added on some new products to their list.
"It was a competitively bid contract. Highland Engineering was one of the winners and that's up to a $465 million contract over the next 5 years," said Beebe.
Beebe's company was one out of 5 companies across the country and the only one in Michigan chosen by the U.S. Army to build portable bathrooms, showers, laundry rooms and kitchens that will be shipped to troops all around the world.
The local company brings the comfort of home to our troops, the things we take for granted, like running water to wash your hands and to flush the toilet.
Not only is this one of the biggest contracts for Beebe's company, he says local suppliers will also feel the effects and when these units are in full production it will add about 40 to 50 jobs.
"The veteran unemployment rate right now is an issue and as new jobs come on that would certainly be our first stop...is hiring the vets," said Beebe.
The focus of their work is making the troops as comfortable as they possible.
"They're doing one of the hardest and most difficult jobs, a hot shower at the end of the day is great thing," said Beebe.
Beebe says they hope to be in full production of the units in 5 to 6 months. They plan to produce about 60 a month and ship more than 700 a year to troops.
"We've been doing military work for over 20 years. They're a great customer," said Ralph Beebe, President of Highland Engineering.
Ralph Beebe and his crew at Highland Engineering work hard to provide our troops with what they need.
"When something leaves our facility, the people know where it's going…who's using it and we make sure it's right," said Beebe.
15 years ago they designed a water treatment purifier now used by the Air Force, NATO and FEMA. Recently, they've added on some new products to their list.
"It was a competitively bid contract. Highland Engineering was one of the winners and that's up to a $465 million contract over the next 5 years," said Beebe.
Beebe's company was one out of 5 companies across the country and the only one in Michigan chosen by the U.S. Army to build portable bathrooms, showers, laundry rooms and kitchens that will be shipped to troops all around the world.
The local company brings the comfort of home to our troops, the things we take for granted, like running water to wash your hands and to flush the toilet.
Not only is this one of the biggest contracts for Beebe's company, he says local suppliers will also feel the effects and when these units are in full production it will add about 40 to 50 jobs.
"The veteran unemployment rate right now is an issue and as new jobs come on that would certainly be our first stop...is hiring the vets," said Beebe.
The focus of their work is making the troops as comfortable as they possible.
"They're doing one of the hardest and most difficult jobs, a hot shower at the end of the day is great thing," said Beebe.
Beebe says they hope to be in full production of the units in 5 to 6 months. They plan to produce about 60 a month and ship more than 700 a year to troops.
2012年2月6日星期一
Air quality in your home may cause headaches
When the weather report issues an air quality warning, some people stay indoors, but there's no guarantee that the air in the home is any healthier than the air outside. Common indoor air pollutants such as dust mite grime, pet dander, mold, tobacco smoke, and airborne allergens and germs may be lurking about without anyone ever noticing.
Adults spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors and inhale approximately 2,300 gallons of air a day. Given that, people face significant, ongoing exposure to a variety of unwelcome indoor air pollutants. Extended exposure to these pollutants can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, respiratory problems, headache, fatigue and even allergy symptoms. Asthmatics, the elderly and children are the most vulnerable to indoor air pollutants and can develop more serious symptoms. Prolonged exposure to some pollutants has even been linked to cancer or other serious diseases.
Homeowners do, however, have the power to combat indoor air pollutants and improve their home's air quality.
One common first line of defense is a home air filtration system. These devices filter pollutants from the air circulating throughout the home. The whole-home purifier, installed in line with the ductwork of a home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, re-purifies the air as many as eight times an hour, removing a majority of pathogens, allergens and pet dander.
But an air purifier shouldn't have to do all the work. Homeowners need to do their part by maintaining a clean household. Simple things like asking people to take off their shoes at the front door or preventing family and guests from smoking indoors go a long way toward clearing indoor air, allowing homeowners to breathe a fresh sigh of relief.
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Adults spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors and inhale approximately 2,300 gallons of air a day. Given that, people face significant, ongoing exposure to a variety of unwelcome indoor air pollutants. Extended exposure to these pollutants can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, respiratory problems, headache, fatigue and even allergy symptoms. Asthmatics, the elderly and children are the most vulnerable to indoor air pollutants and can develop more serious symptoms. Prolonged exposure to some pollutants has even been linked to cancer or other serious diseases.
Homeowners do, however, have the power to combat indoor air pollutants and improve their home's air quality.
One common first line of defense is a home air filtration system. These devices filter pollutants from the air circulating throughout the home. The whole-home purifier, installed in line with the ductwork of a home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, re-purifies the air as many as eight times an hour, removing a majority of pathogens, allergens and pet dander.
But an air purifier shouldn't have to do all the work. Homeowners need to do their part by maintaining a clean household. Simple things like asking people to take off their shoes at the front door or preventing family and guests from smoking indoors go a long way toward clearing indoor air, allowing homeowners to breathe a fresh sigh of relief.
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
2012年2月5日星期日
Automakers developing efficient engines that overturn fuel's dirty image
Diesel-powered vehicles used to get a bad rap for being noisy, dirty and slow. But they have been getting an image makeover thanks to "clean diesel" that emits less pollution--a change that could shake up the race with eco-friendly hybrid and electric vehicles.
At the Tokyo Motor Show in December, there were many "oohs" and "aahs" around the displays of two Mazda Motor Corp. vehicles powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine--a world first. The fuel-efficient engine can reduce emissions that cause air pollution, without an expensive purifier.
The CX-5 sport-utility vehicle, which will go on the market Feb. 16, runs 18.6 kilometers per liter of diesel oil, a fuel cheaper than gasoline. The CX-5 is the most fuel-efficient SUV, including minicar SUVs and hybrid SUVs, and packs as much power as a four-liter gasoline-powered vehicle.
The Takeri concept sedan stores energy generated during braking as electricity. According to Mazda, it can travel about 1,500 kilometers on a full tank of fuel.
"Diesel vehicles had the shortcomings of being dirty and slow. We've conquered those problems," Mazda President Takashi Yamanouchi said.
The diesel SUV market is becoming rather crowded. Germany's BMW AG will introduce a diesel model of its X5 in Japan this spring. Nissan Motor Co.'s X-Trail and Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s Pajero are already equipped with clean diesel engines.
With more diesel-powered vehicles arriving in showrooms, some drivers will likely be giving diesel vehicles a second look.
Diesel vehicles and gasoline vehicles produce their power quite differently. In gasoline vehicles, gas is mixed with air, and this mixture is injected into a combustion chamber and ignited. In diesel vehicles, air is compressed until it reaches a high temperature, and diesel oil is then injected into it and burned.
Diesel vehicles are powerful--and more fuel-efficient--even when driven at a low speed because their combustion efficiency is better than that of gasoline vehicles.
However, diesel vehicles emit nitrogen oxide and soot, and they need a big, tough body to handle the volume of air being compressed. They tended to be noisy and had poor acceleration.
Japan experienced a recreational vehicle boom in the latter half of the 1980s, and diesel vehicles accounted for 6 percent of total new car sales. However, their popularity waned and automakers stopped introducing new diesel models, except for buses and trucks.
In the latter 1990s, European automakers developed cleaner diesel engines that produce less exhaust gases by improving the fuel injection system and using filters.
In Europe, fuel-efficient, diesel-powered vehicles have become very popular, accounting for half of new car sales.
Diesel oil is obtained with gasoline during the process of refining crude oil. Because Japan cannot consume all the diesel produced here, some is exported. The spread of diesel vehicles in this country will lead to more efficient use of diesel oil.
At the Tokyo Motor Show in December, there were many "oohs" and "aahs" around the displays of two Mazda Motor Corp. vehicles powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine--a world first. The fuel-efficient engine can reduce emissions that cause air pollution, without an expensive purifier.
The CX-5 sport-utility vehicle, which will go on the market Feb. 16, runs 18.6 kilometers per liter of diesel oil, a fuel cheaper than gasoline. The CX-5 is the most fuel-efficient SUV, including minicar SUVs and hybrid SUVs, and packs as much power as a four-liter gasoline-powered vehicle.
The Takeri concept sedan stores energy generated during braking as electricity. According to Mazda, it can travel about 1,500 kilometers on a full tank of fuel.
"Diesel vehicles had the shortcomings of being dirty and slow. We've conquered those problems," Mazda President Takashi Yamanouchi said.
The diesel SUV market is becoming rather crowded. Germany's BMW AG will introduce a diesel model of its X5 in Japan this spring. Nissan Motor Co.'s X-Trail and Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s Pajero are already equipped with clean diesel engines.
With more diesel-powered vehicles arriving in showrooms, some drivers will likely be giving diesel vehicles a second look.
Diesel vehicles and gasoline vehicles produce their power quite differently. In gasoline vehicles, gas is mixed with air, and this mixture is injected into a combustion chamber and ignited. In diesel vehicles, air is compressed until it reaches a high temperature, and diesel oil is then injected into it and burned.
Diesel vehicles are powerful--and more fuel-efficient--even when driven at a low speed because their combustion efficiency is better than that of gasoline vehicles.
However, diesel vehicles emit nitrogen oxide and soot, and they need a big, tough body to handle the volume of air being compressed. They tended to be noisy and had poor acceleration.
Japan experienced a recreational vehicle boom in the latter half of the 1980s, and diesel vehicles accounted for 6 percent of total new car sales. However, their popularity waned and automakers stopped introducing new diesel models, except for buses and trucks.
In the latter 1990s, European automakers developed cleaner diesel engines that produce less exhaust gases by improving the fuel injection system and using filters.
In Europe, fuel-efficient, diesel-powered vehicles have become very popular, accounting for half of new car sales.
Diesel oil is obtained with gasoline during the process of refining crude oil. Because Japan cannot consume all the diesel produced here, some is exported. The spread of diesel vehicles in this country will lead to more efficient use of diesel oil.
2012年2月2日星期四
Why the Military Hates Fossil Fuels
A strange thing has happened in the politicization of climate change: Oil has become something conservatives must love, while things like energy efficiency and renewable energy have become stand-ins for liberal politics, government intervention, taxes, take your pick. So it is that people are always surprised to learn that one of the biggest proponents of green technology in the United States is that most conservative of organizations, the U.S. military. Reducing energy use, in particular this country’s dependence on fossil fuels, has become a priority amongst all branches of the military pretty much since we got involved in Iraq and Afghanistan, and given that the Department of Defense is the single largest consumer of energy in the country (spending about $4 billion per year on facility energy consumption), it has started with its own house.
Time and again top military leaders have spoken out against our dependence on oil as a matter of national security. The thing you need to remember about the military, though, is that it’s comprised more of doers than talkers. To wit, the Department of Defense has been making major investments of time and money in green technology of various kinds over the last several years, and has been executing plans to improve efficiency and reduce energy usage far faster than any of the countless state, local and federal programs we hear so much more about.
The work has begun, as any resource optimization plan should, with efficiency. In addition to the Air Force’s energy conservation program, the DoD is researching and testing several technologies through its Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). Concurrently, the Army and Navy have both kicked off net zero programs, aimed at reducing not only energy use on bases, but also water use and waste. The Navy is aiming for 50 percent of its bases to have net zero energy consumption by 2020. Compared to any states renewable energy portfolio standard or energy efficiency program that is extremely aggressive, but the Navy is confident it will get it done.
The Army, meanwhile, kicked off a net-zero base competition in 2010, selecting winners for its net-zero base pilot program in spring 2011. The Army identified six net zero pilot installations in each of the energy, water, and waste categories and two integrated installations striving towards net zero on all fronts by 2020. In its Vision for Net Zero, the Army states:
By all accounts, the competition was a huge success, with base commanders putting a lot of time and energy into their proposals, and now even those that were not selected are forging ahead with their plans.
Gensler cites Major General Dana Pittard, Commanding General of Fort Bliss, in west Texas, as an example of such a commander. Although the net zero program has set 2020 as the target date, Commanding General Pittard intends to get his base to net zero energy by 2015.
The net zero programs are fairly thinly funded at the Pentagon level, but the individual bases have thrown their full support behind it, finding funding not only through various government programs but also from the private sector. It turns out most renewable energy developers and cleantech manufacturers would love to have a military base installation to showcase, and banks see the military as a great, low-risk investment.
There are a lot of moving pieces and a variety of agencies, companies, and funding sources involved, but that doesn’t seem to be slowing the military’s progress at all.
Time and again top military leaders have spoken out against our dependence on oil as a matter of national security. The thing you need to remember about the military, though, is that it’s comprised more of doers than talkers. To wit, the Department of Defense has been making major investments of time and money in green technology of various kinds over the last several years, and has been executing plans to improve efficiency and reduce energy usage far faster than any of the countless state, local and federal programs we hear so much more about.
The work has begun, as any resource optimization plan should, with efficiency. In addition to the Air Force’s energy conservation program, the DoD is researching and testing several technologies through its Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). Concurrently, the Army and Navy have both kicked off net zero programs, aimed at reducing not only energy use on bases, but also water use and waste. The Navy is aiming for 50 percent of its bases to have net zero energy consumption by 2020. Compared to any states renewable energy portfolio standard or energy efficiency program that is extremely aggressive, but the Navy is confident it will get it done.
The Army, meanwhile, kicked off a net-zero base competition in 2010, selecting winners for its net-zero base pilot program in spring 2011. The Army identified six net zero pilot installations in each of the energy, water, and waste categories and two integrated installations striving towards net zero on all fronts by 2020. In its Vision for Net Zero, the Army states:
By all accounts, the competition was a huge success, with base commanders putting a lot of time and energy into their proposals, and now even those that were not selected are forging ahead with their plans.
Gensler cites Major General Dana Pittard, Commanding General of Fort Bliss, in west Texas, as an example of such a commander. Although the net zero program has set 2020 as the target date, Commanding General Pittard intends to get his base to net zero energy by 2015.
The net zero programs are fairly thinly funded at the Pentagon level, but the individual bases have thrown their full support behind it, finding funding not only through various government programs but also from the private sector. It turns out most renewable energy developers and cleantech manufacturers would love to have a military base installation to showcase, and banks see the military as a great, low-risk investment.
There are a lot of moving pieces and a variety of agencies, companies, and funding sources involved, but that doesn’t seem to be slowing the military’s progress at all.
2012年2月1日星期三
Vendors deem weekend show a great success
Many of the exhibitors at the annual Greater Portsmouth Home Show deemed the weekend event a great success as Saturday was great and Sunday was almost as well attended, was their joint agreement.
John and Mary Mirabella of Newfields have had a leaky basement for years and found several companies anxious to share their knowledge and potential solution to their long standing problem.
"I was impressed with the professionalism of the vendors I spoke with, and plan on doing business with one of them," said John.
The show offered one-stop shopping for people looking for solutions or suggestions, such as in-home vacuum systems or air purifiers, both available from Electrolux.
According to representative Nicole Bodzivch of Wales, Mass., Electrolux has more than 600 stores across the country and she does "an incredible" number of shows each year.
"This is a good one," said Bodzivch, "it is well attended and the people ask good questions. I have several good prospects and sign-ups this weekend."
A popular spot was the booth occupied by Urban Tree Service Of Rochester. According to Edward Roy, arborist for the company, the weekend was an opportunity to show the public that Urban Tree does more than take down trees.
"We do everything from transplanting trees to mosquito control, " said the UNH grad. "I enjoy expanding the public's image of our company."
Rich Guidice, a representative of the Portsmouth MetLife, enjoyed his time at the show.
"We are hooked up with WiFi," said Guidice, "and are able to give showgoers exact quotes on our very low rates."
Luncheon was available from the Frank Jones Center with scrumptious looking sandwiches and decadent brownies evident. A representative of the kitchen advised that their appropriately called homemade shepherd's pie was a big hit.
From basements to roofs pretty much anything home-oriented was available including an evaluation of your posture from Breakfast Hill Chiropractic of Rye.
As chiropractic assistant Carly Taylor put it: "You can't take care of your home if you can't move."
John and Mary Mirabella of Newfields have had a leaky basement for years and found several companies anxious to share their knowledge and potential solution to their long standing problem.
"I was impressed with the professionalism of the vendors I spoke with, and plan on doing business with one of them," said John.
The show offered one-stop shopping for people looking for solutions or suggestions, such as in-home vacuum systems or air purifiers, both available from Electrolux.
According to representative Nicole Bodzivch of Wales, Mass., Electrolux has more than 600 stores across the country and she does "an incredible" number of shows each year.
"This is a good one," said Bodzivch, "it is well attended and the people ask good questions. I have several good prospects and sign-ups this weekend."
A popular spot was the booth occupied by Urban Tree Service Of Rochester. According to Edward Roy, arborist for the company, the weekend was an opportunity to show the public that Urban Tree does more than take down trees.
"We do everything from transplanting trees to mosquito control, " said the UNH grad. "I enjoy expanding the public's image of our company."
Rich Guidice, a representative of the Portsmouth MetLife, enjoyed his time at the show.
"We are hooked up with WiFi," said Guidice, "and are able to give showgoers exact quotes on our very low rates."
Luncheon was available from the Frank Jones Center with scrumptious looking sandwiches and decadent brownies evident. A representative of the kitchen advised that their appropriately called homemade shepherd's pie was a big hit.
From basements to roofs pretty much anything home-oriented was available including an evaluation of your posture from Breakfast Hill Chiropractic of Rye.
As chiropractic assistant Carly Taylor put it: "You can't take care of your home if you can't move."
2012年1月31日星期二
Oxygen purifier fraud targets patients, cops say
A 90-year-old woman was among the area residents who fell victim to a Windsor man who police allege was fraudulently selling medical oxygen purifiers, warranties and service packages.
"Who knows what could have happened to these people if they didn't have their oxygen properly," Essex OPP Sgt. Rick Tonial said Monday.
"It isn't simple money here that we're talking. We're talking about health and welfare of our elderly here. It's serious."
Tonial said the man was using the company name Medair and, in the cases investigated by the OPP, told people he was taking over from a company that had gone out of business. Tonial said the victims were elderly or younger with respiratory problems.
"He would tell them they either had to sign a new warranty, ask them for some more money or he would actually exchange units, give them an old one and take a new one," Tonial said. "So we have people actually out there either they're missing their oxygen unit right now or they're out thousands of dollars."
Essex OPP have charged Dennis Lee, 33, with two counts of fraud over $5,000, four counts of fraud under $5,000 and four counts of theft under $5,000.
Lee faces about 20 charges in Windsor and Essex County, mostly for fraud.
In Amherstburg, Lee was arrested for two counts of fraud over $5,000 earlier this month after an 82-year-old Amherstburg man was allegedly defrauded of about $60,000. Det. Sgt. Don Brown of the Amherstburg Police Service said that case does not involve medical equipment and for the sake of the victim, police are not releasing details.
LaSalle police have charged Lee with two counts of fraud under $5,000 and one count of theft under $5,000 in connection with a December complaint over an air purification system.
Windsor police have laid four fraud under $5,000 charges and one mischief charge against Lee.
Windsor police Staff Sgt. Gerald Corriveau of the financial crimes unit said police believe Lee used a sales list from a company that went out of business to befriend seniors and take advantage of them. He said in one case Lee is alleged to have told one of the Windsor victims that he wished he had one of the machines for his sick mother. He is alleged to have borrowed money from the victim even though his mother was not sick and he did purchase a machine, Corriveau said. In other cases, Corriveau said, Lee was playing "musical air purifiers" by taking a unit from one person and selling it to another.
Victims ranged in age from their 40s to 90. Tonial is expecting others will come forward. "We believe there's more victims out there."
"Who knows what could have happened to these people if they didn't have their oxygen properly," Essex OPP Sgt. Rick Tonial said Monday.
"It isn't simple money here that we're talking. We're talking about health and welfare of our elderly here. It's serious."
Tonial said the man was using the company name Medair and, in the cases investigated by the OPP, told people he was taking over from a company that had gone out of business. Tonial said the victims were elderly or younger with respiratory problems.
"He would tell them they either had to sign a new warranty, ask them for some more money or he would actually exchange units, give them an old one and take a new one," Tonial said. "So we have people actually out there either they're missing their oxygen unit right now or they're out thousands of dollars."
Essex OPP have charged Dennis Lee, 33, with two counts of fraud over $5,000, four counts of fraud under $5,000 and four counts of theft under $5,000.
Lee faces about 20 charges in Windsor and Essex County, mostly for fraud.
In Amherstburg, Lee was arrested for two counts of fraud over $5,000 earlier this month after an 82-year-old Amherstburg man was allegedly defrauded of about $60,000. Det. Sgt. Don Brown of the Amherstburg Police Service said that case does not involve medical equipment and for the sake of the victim, police are not releasing details.
LaSalle police have charged Lee with two counts of fraud under $5,000 and one count of theft under $5,000 in connection with a December complaint over an air purification system.
Windsor police have laid four fraud under $5,000 charges and one mischief charge against Lee.
Windsor police Staff Sgt. Gerald Corriveau of the financial crimes unit said police believe Lee used a sales list from a company that went out of business to befriend seniors and take advantage of them. He said in one case Lee is alleged to have told one of the Windsor victims that he wished he had one of the machines for his sick mother. He is alleged to have borrowed money from the victim even though his mother was not sick and he did purchase a machine, Corriveau said. In other cases, Corriveau said, Lee was playing "musical air purifiers" by taking a unit from one person and selling it to another.
Victims ranged in age from their 40s to 90. Tonial is expecting others will come forward. "We believe there's more victims out there."
2012年1月30日星期一
Let it Grow: Breathe easy
Healthy houseplants are great air purifiers, filtering indoor air of pollutants that can cause a range of health problems. These health problems include headaches, asthma, respiratory diseases and even cancer.
Research shows that plants can reduce dust particles, mold spores and contaminants, like formaldehyde, ammonia and benzene. These contaminants are found in paint, furniture, carpet, building products and numerous other sources. In the process of making our homes more energy efficient, we have increased the level of these contaminants found in our homes.
Studies recommend one to two healthy plants per 200 square feet. The more leaf surface a plant has, the more air it can purify, so floor plants and leafy plants are good choices.
The following plants rank in the top 10 for overall ecological benefit. Plants were rated on removal of chemical vapors, ease of growth and maintenance, resistance to insect infestation, and transpiration rate.
Areca palm is a very popular indoor plant. It adapts easily to the surrounding environment and is relatively pest-free.
Its tropical-looking foliage resembles bamboo.
Areca palms tolerate heavy watering and temperatures down to 32 degrees.
English ivy is a vigorous plant with graceful trailing stems covered by distinctive leaves. Commonly grown as a hanging plant, it can be trained to grow on a trellis or topiary frame.
There are numerous cultivars available with different leaf shapes and sizes and green or variegated foliage.
Ficus Alii is a member of the Ficus family. ‘Alii’ is Hawaiian for chief, which is appropriate for one of the toughest members of the Ficus family.
This plant is more durable and easier to grow than the weeping fig . It lacks the finical habit and tendency to shed leaves. It tolerates lower light conditions and more erratic watering far better than the weeping fig.
The Peace lily is very easy to grow and has fantastic foliage and flowers. Peace lily is a great choice for areas with low light levels, although it is toxic to humans and animals.
Different plants remove different contaminants, so choose a variety of plants to combat a range of contaminants. For additional information on the research, visit Green Plants for Green Buildings.
Don’t forget to pick up a plant or two for the office and "Let it grow!"
Research shows that plants can reduce dust particles, mold spores and contaminants, like formaldehyde, ammonia and benzene. These contaminants are found in paint, furniture, carpet, building products and numerous other sources. In the process of making our homes more energy efficient, we have increased the level of these contaminants found in our homes.
Studies recommend one to two healthy plants per 200 square feet. The more leaf surface a plant has, the more air it can purify, so floor plants and leafy plants are good choices.
The following plants rank in the top 10 for overall ecological benefit. Plants were rated on removal of chemical vapors, ease of growth and maintenance, resistance to insect infestation, and transpiration rate.
Areca palm is a very popular indoor plant. It adapts easily to the surrounding environment and is relatively pest-free.
Its tropical-looking foliage resembles bamboo.
Areca palms tolerate heavy watering and temperatures down to 32 degrees.
English ivy is a vigorous plant with graceful trailing stems covered by distinctive leaves. Commonly grown as a hanging plant, it can be trained to grow on a trellis or topiary frame.
There are numerous cultivars available with different leaf shapes and sizes and green or variegated foliage.
Ficus Alii is a member of the Ficus family. ‘Alii’ is Hawaiian for chief, which is appropriate for one of the toughest members of the Ficus family.
This plant is more durable and easier to grow than the weeping fig . It lacks the finical habit and tendency to shed leaves. It tolerates lower light conditions and more erratic watering far better than the weeping fig.
The Peace lily is very easy to grow and has fantastic foliage and flowers. Peace lily is a great choice for areas with low light levels, although it is toxic to humans and animals.
Different plants remove different contaminants, so choose a variety of plants to combat a range of contaminants. For additional information on the research, visit Green Plants for Green Buildings.
Don’t forget to pick up a plant or two for the office and "Let it grow!"
2012年1月29日星期日
Dare to be kind
FOR most of us, it’s not second nature to be kind. We are, whether we admit it or not, all selfish -- in varying degrees. But there are some of us who are kind. There are some of us who fight valiantly to subdue our innate selfishness. There are some of us who DARE to be kind. And one of the kindest people I know is my husband. Many people tell me the same thing.
My husband turned 60 last September. Five years ago, while he was giving a talk, he suffered a stroke. But by God’s grace, he wasn’t paralyzed. His motor skills were intact. All his five senses were preserved. He didn’t slur. He didn’t drool. His face didn’t wilt to one side. But what got affected was his word retrieval system. He couldn’t find the right words for things -- for example, if you asked him what he was drinking, he would say "citrus" instead of "kalamansi." (The stroke re-wired his brain from Pinoy to Continental! That was our private joke.) But his physical recovery was fast. In six months, he was able to play tennis again.
Dr. Alran Bengzon, my husband’s neurologist at the time, was so kind to my husband. Both Ateneans, they somehow spoke a kindred language. They shared this wry, Ateneo sense of humor that was both cerebral and homespun. When Dr. Bengzon asked my husband some diagnostic questions, I couldn’t help but laugh:
The way Dr. Bengzon handled that first interview was crucial to my husband, to me, to our family. From a deep, dark abyss of uncertainty, foreboding and dread, he gave us hope. He was just so kind. His bedside manner was perfect -- paternal, professional, warm -- with just enough humor to lighten up a very tense situation. After talking to my husband and sharing a few more laughs with him, the good doctor gently led me to one side. He showed me Ito’s brain scans. He patiently and unhurriedly explained what had happened inside my husband’s brain, and what probably caused the stroke. All of a sudden, my fears died down. I felt this doctor’s kindness, his concern for my husband was palpable and real.
To all the doctors out there, I make this plea: Dare to be kind to your patients. Your sincere concern makes a whole world of difference to our emotional well-being in the midst of a medical crisis. Treat your patients as people, not just numbers or "cases." Don’t be cold or curt. Don’t be in such a hurry when you talk to us, skipping important details that you think we might not understand. I can’t forget how Dr. Bengzon explained things to me patiently, unhurriedly, in word pictures I could understand. Just as a father would to his daughter. And you know what? It was his first time to meet Ito and me. We weren’t VIPs. But he treated us like we were. A very dear friend, Tess, called Dr. Bengzon and asked him to be Ito’s attending physician. Our family will never, ever forget their kindness to us -- at a time when we needed it most. They dared to be kind.
When my husband was cleared to go back to work, I bought him a new office ref so he could have fruits within easy reach whenever he got hungry. One of our friends filled his ref with fresh fruits and juices. She did that for some time, so I didn’t even have to restock my husband’s ref. She dared to be kind. Another person put an air purifier right in front of my husband’s desk, and asked if there was anything else he needed. That person dared to be kind. Friends sent lots of food, books, DVDs, lent their drivers, offered to get our test results, recommended their doctors, texted me incessantly to ask how Ito was, prayed without ceasing for his fast recovery. We were inundated with kindness in all forms, shapes and sizes.
I particularly remember a dear friend who gave Ito six huge workbooks . She ordered the books from abroad. When we showed the workbooks to Ito’s therapist, she was in AWE. She said that these were very expensive, state-of-the-art workbooks which any therapist would die to have in her library! Along with the workbooks were two video iPods which our friend also gave us -- she had loaded it with Ito’s favorite TV series so that he wouldn’t get bored while waiting in doctors’ offices. She also gave me a video iPod for myself, to keep me entertained while waiting with Ito. Mine was loaded with thousands of songs, a couple of movies, and lots of TV shows that will probably last me till I’m 90! How thoughtful of her. How kind. Our friend knew that Ito and I are Jurassic, so she took the trouble of loading the iPods for us. She DARED to be kind.
When my husband went back to work, one of the things I was observing was how his colleagues would treat him when he went back to the office. Well, there were people who were kind (God bless their hearts.) And there were people who were very, very unkind. It was a shock to me how some stayed away from him like he was a social pariah. Before his stroke, my husband held a responsible position, so people would often crowd around his office, waiting to talk to him with documents and checks and what-nots that needed his perusal or approval. But all of a sudden, after his stroke, Ito’s office was like a barren, desolate wasteland. In his absence, his things were transferred. He was relocated to a smaller space. When I checked what he was going back to, I was flabbergasted: his things were in boxes, in total disarray. So I fixed my husband’s office to make it look presentable, welcoming, a pleasant work environment for him.
Unfortunately, more bad things were waiting for him at work. Much worse than the stroke, a series of "unfortunate incidents" hit him from left field. My husband was slowly but surely stripped of his responsibilities, his authority, and people were removed from his supervision without any explanation. Never mind about showing kindness. All that the situation called for was a semblance of professionalism -- especially since my husband had served with a sterling record for more than a decade. All it took was a modicum of decency to tell him, "Hey, Ito, we don’t want to stress you out with lots of work right now. We want you to rest for a while. You deserve a good rest, after all your hard work. So we decided to divide your work among us. Hope you won’t mind if we come to you for advice now and then!" (Or words to that effect.) It would’ve taken only 20 minutes to sit down with him in a meeting, to show him a little kindness. But, alas, no such kindness was shown to him.
By God’s grace, my husband is a fighter by nature. Maybe it’s because he has played in tennis tournaments since he was twelve. That way, he developed nerves of steel. He was one of Ateneo’s youngest varsity tennis captains. He was trained to show grace under pressure, to hang tough, to keep on playing against all odds, and not to choke when it was finally Match Point. It’s one of the reasons why I really look up to him.
So, when my husband was summarily shelved aside with no explanation, his nerves of steel and innate calmness surfaced . Instead of wallowing in self-pity or bitterness or frustration, he thought of other things to do for the organization -- without being asked. In a way, he reinvented himself. He said, "Well, I will do what I can do to contribute whatever good I can. There’s always something useful to do." Fighting words, all right. And a lot of it, I believe, comes from an Atenean’s indomitable spirit. After all, every blue-blooded Atenean’s rallying cry is "ONE BIG FIGHT!!!" But more than that, I know that Ito’s vast reserve of strength, his tenacity to overcome, came from one limitless source of hope, strength, and kindness: GOD.
I am writing this not because I’m bitter. Not to pillory those people who were unkind to my husband in his time of need. Maybe they just weren’t equipped to respond with compassion. Maybe they grew up not receiving any kindness. Maybe they were going through their own trials at the time. Or maybe they were just too dense and insensitive (as I am at times). At the end of the day, whatever our reasons are for being unkind, we are all answerable to God.
I’m writing this to remind myself (and you, as you’re reading this) that it takes so little to be kind. It takes so little to prop up someone’s sagging spirits. It takes so little to make people feel they’re valuable human beings. It takes so little to assure a person: "Hey, it’s going to be okay. We can do this together. We’re right here with you!" Well, thank goodness, there were many people who rallied around us and constantly showed us kindness, over the long haul. Many of our friends surprised us that way!
Now that our lives have gone back to normal, it doesn’t hurt anymore to recall such a disturbing lack of compassion. In fact, one of my best life lessons came out of that traumatic situation: in any circumstance, each of us has a choice -- to be kind, or to be unkind. Our family survived one of the worst crises in our lives because many, many people dared to be kind.
My husband turned 60 last September. Five years ago, while he was giving a talk, he suffered a stroke. But by God’s grace, he wasn’t paralyzed. His motor skills were intact. All his five senses were preserved. He didn’t slur. He didn’t drool. His face didn’t wilt to one side. But what got affected was his word retrieval system. He couldn’t find the right words for things -- for example, if you asked him what he was drinking, he would say "citrus" instead of "kalamansi." (The stroke re-wired his brain from Pinoy to Continental! That was our private joke.) But his physical recovery was fast. In six months, he was able to play tennis again.
Dr. Alran Bengzon, my husband’s neurologist at the time, was so kind to my husband. Both Ateneans, they somehow spoke a kindred language. They shared this wry, Ateneo sense of humor that was both cerebral and homespun. When Dr. Bengzon asked my husband some diagnostic questions, I couldn’t help but laugh:
The way Dr. Bengzon handled that first interview was crucial to my husband, to me, to our family. From a deep, dark abyss of uncertainty, foreboding and dread, he gave us hope. He was just so kind. His bedside manner was perfect -- paternal, professional, warm -- with just enough humor to lighten up a very tense situation. After talking to my husband and sharing a few more laughs with him, the good doctor gently led me to one side. He showed me Ito’s brain scans. He patiently and unhurriedly explained what had happened inside my husband’s brain, and what probably caused the stroke. All of a sudden, my fears died down. I felt this doctor’s kindness, his concern for my husband was palpable and real.
To all the doctors out there, I make this plea: Dare to be kind to your patients. Your sincere concern makes a whole world of difference to our emotional well-being in the midst of a medical crisis. Treat your patients as people, not just numbers or "cases." Don’t be cold or curt. Don’t be in such a hurry when you talk to us, skipping important details that you think we might not understand. I can’t forget how Dr. Bengzon explained things to me patiently, unhurriedly, in word pictures I could understand. Just as a father would to his daughter. And you know what? It was his first time to meet Ito and me. We weren’t VIPs. But he treated us like we were. A very dear friend, Tess, called Dr. Bengzon and asked him to be Ito’s attending physician. Our family will never, ever forget their kindness to us -- at a time when we needed it most. They dared to be kind.
When my husband was cleared to go back to work, I bought him a new office ref so he could have fruits within easy reach whenever he got hungry. One of our friends filled his ref with fresh fruits and juices. She did that for some time, so I didn’t even have to restock my husband’s ref. She dared to be kind. Another person put an air purifier right in front of my husband’s desk, and asked if there was anything else he needed. That person dared to be kind. Friends sent lots of food, books, DVDs, lent their drivers, offered to get our test results, recommended their doctors, texted me incessantly to ask how Ito was, prayed without ceasing for his fast recovery. We were inundated with kindness in all forms, shapes and sizes.
I particularly remember a dear friend who gave Ito six huge workbooks . She ordered the books from abroad. When we showed the workbooks to Ito’s therapist, she was in AWE. She said that these were very expensive, state-of-the-art workbooks which any therapist would die to have in her library! Along with the workbooks were two video iPods which our friend also gave us -- she had loaded it with Ito’s favorite TV series so that he wouldn’t get bored while waiting in doctors’ offices. She also gave me a video iPod for myself, to keep me entertained while waiting with Ito. Mine was loaded with thousands of songs, a couple of movies, and lots of TV shows that will probably last me till I’m 90! How thoughtful of her. How kind. Our friend knew that Ito and I are Jurassic, so she took the trouble of loading the iPods for us. She DARED to be kind.
When my husband went back to work, one of the things I was observing was how his colleagues would treat him when he went back to the office. Well, there were people who were kind (God bless their hearts.) And there were people who were very, very unkind. It was a shock to me how some stayed away from him like he was a social pariah. Before his stroke, my husband held a responsible position, so people would often crowd around his office, waiting to talk to him with documents and checks and what-nots that needed his perusal or approval. But all of a sudden, after his stroke, Ito’s office was like a barren, desolate wasteland. In his absence, his things were transferred. He was relocated to a smaller space. When I checked what he was going back to, I was flabbergasted: his things were in boxes, in total disarray. So I fixed my husband’s office to make it look presentable, welcoming, a pleasant work environment for him.
Unfortunately, more bad things were waiting for him at work. Much worse than the stroke, a series of "unfortunate incidents" hit him from left field. My husband was slowly but surely stripped of his responsibilities, his authority, and people were removed from his supervision without any explanation. Never mind about showing kindness. All that the situation called for was a semblance of professionalism -- especially since my husband had served with a sterling record for more than a decade. All it took was a modicum of decency to tell him, "Hey, Ito, we don’t want to stress you out with lots of work right now. We want you to rest for a while. You deserve a good rest, after all your hard work. So we decided to divide your work among us. Hope you won’t mind if we come to you for advice now and then!" (Or words to that effect.) It would’ve taken only 20 minutes to sit down with him in a meeting, to show him a little kindness. But, alas, no such kindness was shown to him.
By God’s grace, my husband is a fighter by nature. Maybe it’s because he has played in tennis tournaments since he was twelve. That way, he developed nerves of steel. He was one of Ateneo’s youngest varsity tennis captains. He was trained to show grace under pressure, to hang tough, to keep on playing against all odds, and not to choke when it was finally Match Point. It’s one of the reasons why I really look up to him.
So, when my husband was summarily shelved aside with no explanation, his nerves of steel and innate calmness surfaced . Instead of wallowing in self-pity or bitterness or frustration, he thought of other things to do for the organization -- without being asked. In a way, he reinvented himself. He said, "Well, I will do what I can do to contribute whatever good I can. There’s always something useful to do." Fighting words, all right. And a lot of it, I believe, comes from an Atenean’s indomitable spirit. After all, every blue-blooded Atenean’s rallying cry is "ONE BIG FIGHT!!!" But more than that, I know that Ito’s vast reserve of strength, his tenacity to overcome, came from one limitless source of hope, strength, and kindness: GOD.
I am writing this not because I’m bitter. Not to pillory those people who were unkind to my husband in his time of need. Maybe they just weren’t equipped to respond with compassion. Maybe they grew up not receiving any kindness. Maybe they were going through their own trials at the time. Or maybe they were just too dense and insensitive (as I am at times). At the end of the day, whatever our reasons are for being unkind, we are all answerable to God.
I’m writing this to remind myself (and you, as you’re reading this) that it takes so little to be kind. It takes so little to prop up someone’s sagging spirits. It takes so little to make people feel they’re valuable human beings. It takes so little to assure a person: "Hey, it’s going to be okay. We can do this together. We’re right here with you!" Well, thank goodness, there were many people who rallied around us and constantly showed us kindness, over the long haul. Many of our friends surprised us that way!
Now that our lives have gone back to normal, it doesn’t hurt anymore to recall such a disturbing lack of compassion. In fact, one of my best life lessons came out of that traumatic situation: in any circumstance, each of us has a choice -- to be kind, or to be unkind. Our family survived one of the worst crises in our lives because many, many people dared to be kind.
2012年1月19日星期四
Smoggy days spur surge in air filter sales
Sun Chenjing, a 28-year-old doctor from the PLA Navy General Hospital who is planning to have a baby, recently chose to spend more than 10,000 yuan ($1,580) on two air purifiers to refine the air indoors.
"I don't want my baby to fall prey to the city's pollution," she said.
Sun is just one of many Beijing residents who are buying air filters in droves. According to Gome Electrical Appliances Holding Ltd, China's second-biggest electronics retailer by revenue, the sales of its air purifiers in Beijing since June grew by 80 percent compared to the first half of the year, and it marked a 60 percent year-on-year increase.
Because of the lingering concern over smog and pollutants, the sales of air purifiers and other air cleaning products, including masks and humidifiers, have skyrocketed since November.
Zhai Lei, an agent who sells air purifiers for Amway in Beijing, said sales of the high-end model have doubled since November despite the fact that the price rose from 8,800 yuan to 9,300 yuan during that same period. The sales volume rose from 22 billion yuan in 2010 to 26 billion yuan in 2011.
Zhai said target clients are mainly white-collar workers and enterprise managers and executives, who attach great importance to quality of life and can afford what may be considered a luxury to some.
"Many people also purchase batches of machines as holiday gifts as Spring Festival approaches," Zhai said.
The upsurge of air purifier sales comes at a time when the capital has been persistently under a canopy of dense smog.
Sun said the two machines, which she placed in the bedroom and lounge, have been functioning pretty well.
"You can simply sense the fresher air you are breathing," Sun said. "And my husband, who has been suffering from the chronic pharyngitis and rhinitis, also felt much better when he came back home."
He Bing, deputy dean of the law school at China University of Political Science and Law, said he found ink-colored, dirty water after cleaning the soot-laden filters in his air purifier, which has only been working for 10 days.
And Bei Zhicheng, a software businessman in the capital, has recently spent more than 10,000 yuan installing a ventilation system and purchased seven air purifiers at home, in the office and the car. "The city's air is getting more soupy," Bei said.
However, not all people can afford the high-end machines, which can cost as much as 40,000 yuan, to clean up the air they breathe.
"I won't be buying the machine, some of which cost more than my monthly salary," said Wang Bao, 27, a primary school teacher of physical education in Beijing's Changping district. "It's too much a luxury for me."
The air purifiers can improve the air a little bit but only scratch at the surface of the problem, said Wang Qiuxia, a researcher at the Green Beagle, a non-governmental environmental protection organization based in the capital.
To solve the pollution problem, she said, "as citizens we should monitor the nearby polluting industries, drive less and stop setting off fireworks during the festival, instead of sealing ourselves up in a closed room."
Public concern over air quality has not been diminished by the claims of the Beijing municipal environmental protection bureau, which said that its monitoring data has shown a decline over the past decade in PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels, measures of harmful particulate matter in the air.
"I'm a little bit used to the bad air already," said Wang Yu, 26, a Beijing resident. "A rare clear day is a blessing to me."
Du Shaozhong, deputy director of the Beijing municipal environmental protection bureau, told the media recently that Beijing's actions to cut air pollution include shutting down coal-fired boilers in downtown and forcing polluting vehicles off the road.
"I don't want my baby to fall prey to the city's pollution," she said.
Sun is just one of many Beijing residents who are buying air filters in droves. According to Gome Electrical Appliances Holding Ltd, China's second-biggest electronics retailer by revenue, the sales of its air purifiers in Beijing since June grew by 80 percent compared to the first half of the year, and it marked a 60 percent year-on-year increase.
Because of the lingering concern over smog and pollutants, the sales of air purifiers and other air cleaning products, including masks and humidifiers, have skyrocketed since November.
Zhai Lei, an agent who sells air purifiers for Amway in Beijing, said sales of the high-end model have doubled since November despite the fact that the price rose from 8,800 yuan to 9,300 yuan during that same period. The sales volume rose from 22 billion yuan in 2010 to 26 billion yuan in 2011.
Zhai said target clients are mainly white-collar workers and enterprise managers and executives, who attach great importance to quality of life and can afford what may be considered a luxury to some.
"Many people also purchase batches of machines as holiday gifts as Spring Festival approaches," Zhai said.
The upsurge of air purifier sales comes at a time when the capital has been persistently under a canopy of dense smog.
Sun said the two machines, which she placed in the bedroom and lounge, have been functioning pretty well.
"You can simply sense the fresher air you are breathing," Sun said. "And my husband, who has been suffering from the chronic pharyngitis and rhinitis, also felt much better when he came back home."
He Bing, deputy dean of the law school at China University of Political Science and Law, said he found ink-colored, dirty water after cleaning the soot-laden filters in his air purifier, which has only been working for 10 days.
And Bei Zhicheng, a software businessman in the capital, has recently spent more than 10,000 yuan installing a ventilation system and purchased seven air purifiers at home, in the office and the car. "The city's air is getting more soupy," Bei said.
However, not all people can afford the high-end machines, which can cost as much as 40,000 yuan, to clean up the air they breathe.
"I won't be buying the machine, some of which cost more than my monthly salary," said Wang Bao, 27, a primary school teacher of physical education in Beijing's Changping district. "It's too much a luxury for me."
The air purifiers can improve the air a little bit but only scratch at the surface of the problem, said Wang Qiuxia, a researcher at the Green Beagle, a non-governmental environmental protection organization based in the capital.
To solve the pollution problem, she said, "as citizens we should monitor the nearby polluting industries, drive less and stop setting off fireworks during the festival, instead of sealing ourselves up in a closed room."
Public concern over air quality has not been diminished by the claims of the Beijing municipal environmental protection bureau, which said that its monitoring data has shown a decline over the past decade in PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels, measures of harmful particulate matter in the air.
"I'm a little bit used to the bad air already," said Wang Yu, 26, a Beijing resident. "A rare clear day is a blessing to me."
Du Shaozhong, deputy director of the Beijing municipal environmental protection bureau, told the media recently that Beijing's actions to cut air pollution include shutting down coal-fired boilers in downtown and forcing polluting vehicles off the road.
2012年1月18日星期三
Poor classroom air quality increases Medicaid costs
Poor classroom air quality may be a major factor driving children's respiratory illnesses which are costing Medicaid more than $27.1 billion annually. Stan Brannan, President of Purifan, explained, "On January 14, 2012, CNN published a comprehensive news story written by David S. Martin titled 'Are schools making kids sick?,' and at Purifan we believe strongly that this headline is true. We also believe poor classroom air quality is a major contributor to state Medicaid budgets." Brannan continued, "Medicaid budget directors might breathe easier when school-age children do, too, because high levels of airborne particulates found in many classrooms are triggering a wide variety of costly health problems for many children, their parents and their parents' employers."
Purifan, Inc. is a Kansas-based company that manufactures a super quiet, ceiling mounted air purifier called a Purifan, which converts an ordinary ceiling fan into a powerful air purifier. Purifans have been used in more than 100 schools since 2001 to reduce high particulate levels by capturing airborne particles like mold, dust, decaying skin cells, paper dust, chalk dust and pet dander. Teachers in classrooms with Purifans installed have reported noticeable improvements in absenteeism, use of medications like inhalers and in tests scores. All of these outcomes have been proven in numerous other scientific studies around the world using a variety of air purifier technology.
One fully equipped elementary school in Leavenworth, KS reported absenteeism in 2004 that averaged 18.23 sick days per child. After Purifans were installed in 2005, the average days missed per student dropped to 6.99, a reduction of more than 11.2 missed school days per child. Teacher sick days were also cut in half and student inhaler use logged at the nurse's station declined by 70%. Parents missed fewer work days, spent less on health costs and the school's No Child Left Behind test results improved significantly. Teachers reported children used less medication, kept up with class work, were more alert in class and achieved much higher scores on standardized tests.
Rising Medicaid costs for children are a major budget problem in every state. Purifan management believes that over the first five years, by aggressively and continuously filtering classroom air, the health costs savings for Medicaid alone could exceed 400% of the total cost. When all of the real out-of-pocket savings and costs are considered, including private insurance costs, teacher health cost impact, substitute teacher costs and the cost of parents missing work to care for sick children, the total savings of cleaner classroom air is projected by Purifan to be 25 times the cost.
Purifan, Inc. is a Kansas-based company that manufactures a super quiet, ceiling mounted air purifier called a Purifan, which converts an ordinary ceiling fan into a powerful air purifier. Purifans have been used in more than 100 schools since 2001 to reduce high particulate levels by capturing airborne particles like mold, dust, decaying skin cells, paper dust, chalk dust and pet dander. Teachers in classrooms with Purifans installed have reported noticeable improvements in absenteeism, use of medications like inhalers and in tests scores. All of these outcomes have been proven in numerous other scientific studies around the world using a variety of air purifier technology.
One fully equipped elementary school in Leavenworth, KS reported absenteeism in 2004 that averaged 18.23 sick days per child. After Purifans were installed in 2005, the average days missed per student dropped to 6.99, a reduction of more than 11.2 missed school days per child. Teacher sick days were also cut in half and student inhaler use logged at the nurse's station declined by 70%. Parents missed fewer work days, spent less on health costs and the school's No Child Left Behind test results improved significantly. Teachers reported children used less medication, kept up with class work, were more alert in class and achieved much higher scores on standardized tests.
Rising Medicaid costs for children are a major budget problem in every state. Purifan management believes that over the first five years, by aggressively and continuously filtering classroom air, the health costs savings for Medicaid alone could exceed 400% of the total cost. When all of the real out-of-pocket savings and costs are considered, including private insurance costs, teacher health cost impact, substitute teacher costs and the cost of parents missing work to care for sick children, the total savings of cleaner classroom air is projected by Purifan to be 25 times the cost.
2012年1月17日星期二
6 ways to cut down on household toxins
Few of us love to clean, but when we do, we do it with a vengeance, hauling out our heaviest-duty cleaners to disinfect every last inch.
Increasingly, experts are cautioning that having a house that’s too clean could actually be bad for your health.
“We don’t need to live in a sterile environment,” says Dr. Jeffrey Morrison, author of “Cleanse Your Body, Cleanse Your Mind.” “There’s a theory that people are having more allergies than ever before because they purify their homes so much that their bodies can’t properly create an immune response.”
So where is the balance between keeping your house free of germs and grime, and blasting them with the potentially harmful chemicals in many cleansers? We asked two experts for their healthy housecleaning tips — and the products they’ve banished from their own routines.
Take baby steps “Start with the least-aggressive cleaner, and work your way up,” Dellutri says. Sometimes plain old water can get the job done, especially paired with a microfiber cloth. If that doesn’t work, try a capful of vinegar or a few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket of water, Dellutri says. Bring out the heavy-duty cleaners or bleach only as a last resort. You may be surprised how little you need them.
Clean more often We know you don’t want to hear this, but think of it this way: If you make it a weekly habit, a five-minute cleaning session can go a long way. “I call it preventive maintenance,” says Dellutri. “If you haven’t cleaned your bathroom in three years, you’re going to need the big guns.” A good guideline for a basic cleaning routine is to do it once a month if you live alone, every other week if there are two of you, and weekly for a family of three or more.
Avoid antibacterial products A recent study at the University of Michigan School of Public Health found that antibacterial soaps may trigger allergies when overused by children. “In my opinion, there’s no reason to have any antibacterial soap in the house at all,” says Dr. Morrison. “It contains triclosan, which is a pesticide and an endocrine disruptor.” Replace your antibacterial hand soap with a glycerin- or castile-based variety.
Mix your own cleaning potions Why pay a premium for green cleaning products when it’s so easy to make your own? For a bathtub scrub, try 1 part borax to 4 parts baking soda. A mix of 2 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar can polish your furniture. And boiling a pot of cinnamon on the stove can safely rid your kitchen of odors.
Go fragrance-free “Any time you smell a fragrance in a cleaning product, that’s a chemical,” says Dr. Morrison. “And air fresheners are just sending chemicals into the air that disguise the original odor.” To freshen indoor air naturally, use an air purifier. An allergen reduction filter for your furnace will also help, provided you change it every season.
Don’t overspray. “In America, we think that more is better,” says “Healthy Housekeeper” Laura Dellutri, author of “The Overworked Mom’s Stress Free Homekeeping.” “It’s a whole mindset. So we go to clean a window, and we spray, spray, spray with cleaner.” Instead, start with the smallest possible amount of product, and add more as necessary.
Increasingly, experts are cautioning that having a house that’s too clean could actually be bad for your health.
“We don’t need to live in a sterile environment,” says Dr. Jeffrey Morrison, author of “Cleanse Your Body, Cleanse Your Mind.” “There’s a theory that people are having more allergies than ever before because they purify their homes so much that their bodies can’t properly create an immune response.”
So where is the balance between keeping your house free of germs and grime, and blasting them with the potentially harmful chemicals in many cleansers? We asked two experts for their healthy housecleaning tips — and the products they’ve banished from their own routines.
Take baby steps “Start with the least-aggressive cleaner, and work your way up,” Dellutri says. Sometimes plain old water can get the job done, especially paired with a microfiber cloth. If that doesn’t work, try a capful of vinegar or a few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket of water, Dellutri says. Bring out the heavy-duty cleaners or bleach only as a last resort. You may be surprised how little you need them.
Clean more often We know you don’t want to hear this, but think of it this way: If you make it a weekly habit, a five-minute cleaning session can go a long way. “I call it preventive maintenance,” says Dellutri. “If you haven’t cleaned your bathroom in three years, you’re going to need the big guns.” A good guideline for a basic cleaning routine is to do it once a month if you live alone, every other week if there are two of you, and weekly for a family of three or more.
Avoid antibacterial products A recent study at the University of Michigan School of Public Health found that antibacterial soaps may trigger allergies when overused by children. “In my opinion, there’s no reason to have any antibacterial soap in the house at all,” says Dr. Morrison. “It contains triclosan, which is a pesticide and an endocrine disruptor.” Replace your antibacterial hand soap with a glycerin- or castile-based variety.
Mix your own cleaning potions Why pay a premium for green cleaning products when it’s so easy to make your own? For a bathtub scrub, try 1 part borax to 4 parts baking soda. A mix of 2 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar can polish your furniture. And boiling a pot of cinnamon on the stove can safely rid your kitchen of odors.
Go fragrance-free “Any time you smell a fragrance in a cleaning product, that’s a chemical,” says Dr. Morrison. “And air fresheners are just sending chemicals into the air that disguise the original odor.” To freshen indoor air naturally, use an air purifier. An allergen reduction filter for your furnace will also help, provided you change it every season.
Don’t overspray. “In America, we think that more is better,” says “Healthy Housekeeper” Laura Dellutri, author of “The Overworked Mom’s Stress Free Homekeeping.” “It’s a whole mindset. So we go to clean a window, and we spray, spray, spray with cleaner.” Instead, start with the smallest possible amount of product, and add more as necessary.
2012年1月16日星期一
Condos and HOAs
Recently a member of my Condo and HOA Law & Living group on LinkedIn asked the following question of our approximately 2,400 nationwide members.
“What is a condominium owner’s rights when his or her unit is saturated in secondhand smoke from the unit above them and below them? Are there laws that address this issue and, if so, have they been enforced in Florida?”
This question kicked off some heated discussion and resulted in an extraordinarily large number of comments both from smokers and non-smokers alike. Some of the commentary ran a little afield of the original question and veered off into topics ranging from the science on secondhand smoke to civil liberties and everything in between.
However, for the benefit of Sun Sentinel blog readers, I will repost my response to the question here:
In that case, the court starts out saying that the case is “not a case about secondhand smoke, rather, as persuasively argued by the Plaintiff, it is about excessive secondhand smoke.” In 2003, the Plaintiff and her family purchased a unit at the Palm Aire Condominium in Pompano Beach. The Defendant was living in a unit one floor up and one unit over from the Plaintiff. The Defendant was a smoker who smoked about a pack a day. Initially, the Plainiff had no problems with the Defendant’s smoking but the Defendant later acquired a tenant who was also a smoker and that’s when the problems began. The Plaintiff acknowledged in her complaint that her family is “hypersensitive” to smoke due to a history of respiratory allergies.
The Plaintiff installed air purifiers in her unit to no avail and the association installed a mechanical fan to draw air from the common shafts up through the roof. This also did not resolve the problem. The smoke got so bad that on several occasions the family slept elsewhere and one time the smoke set the Plaintiff’’s smoke detector off.
The Plaintiff brought suit against the Defendant for damages based on the theories of trespass, common law nuisance and breach of contract. In Florida, the focus of the tort of trespass is the “disturbance of possession”. As it pertains to smoke, secondary authority has summarized the status of the law as it relates to trespass as follows: “A trespass need not be inflicted directly on another’s realty, but may be committed by discharging a foreign polluting matter at a point beyond the boundary of such realty.”
The Broward County Court found that the excessive nature of the smoke in this case did constitute a trespass. The Court also found that the excessive secondhand smoke had created an actionable nuisance for the Plaintiff. Florida courts have allowed a nuisance to also proceed based on odors created by another party. The Broward County Court also cited the Court of Appeals of Nebraska which had held that to have the use and enjoyment of one’s home interfered with by smoke, odor and similar attacks upon one’s senses is a serious harm.
Lastly, the Broward County Court addressed whether the excessive secondhand smoke constituted a breach of covenant of quiet enjoyment. The Court acknowledged that in Florida there was no case on point but relied on a Massachusetts Housing Court Ruling in 50-58 Gainsborough Street Realty Trust v. Halle. The Halle Court ruled that while smoking is legal, secondhand smoke can be considered a breach of covenant of quiet enjoyment. The only weakness in the Plaintiff’s case in Merrill v. Bosser is that she failed to provide competent evidence demonstrating the extent of her damages. The Court awarded her the sum of $1,000 plus costs in the amount of $275.00 to cover medical expenses, loss of use of the premises and remedial expenses.
It is important to note that this is a case where an owner sued an owner. It is not a case where an association sued an owner for violation of the covenants or for a nuisance. However, the arguments set forth in this case could, in my opinion, be used equally by a fellow owner or the association upon whom responsiblity to enforce the covenants rests.
“What is a condominium owner’s rights when his or her unit is saturated in secondhand smoke from the unit above them and below them? Are there laws that address this issue and, if so, have they been enforced in Florida?”
This question kicked off some heated discussion and resulted in an extraordinarily large number of comments both from smokers and non-smokers alike. Some of the commentary ran a little afield of the original question and veered off into topics ranging from the science on secondhand smoke to civil liberties and everything in between.
However, for the benefit of Sun Sentinel blog readers, I will repost my response to the question here:
In that case, the court starts out saying that the case is “not a case about secondhand smoke, rather, as persuasively argued by the Plaintiff, it is about excessive secondhand smoke.” In 2003, the Plaintiff and her family purchased a unit at the Palm Aire Condominium in Pompano Beach. The Defendant was living in a unit one floor up and one unit over from the Plaintiff. The Defendant was a smoker who smoked about a pack a day. Initially, the Plainiff had no problems with the Defendant’s smoking but the Defendant later acquired a tenant who was also a smoker and that’s when the problems began. The Plaintiff acknowledged in her complaint that her family is “hypersensitive” to smoke due to a history of respiratory allergies.
The Plaintiff installed air purifiers in her unit to no avail and the association installed a mechanical fan to draw air from the common shafts up through the roof. This also did not resolve the problem. The smoke got so bad that on several occasions the family slept elsewhere and one time the smoke set the Plaintiff’’s smoke detector off.
The Plaintiff brought suit against the Defendant for damages based on the theories of trespass, common law nuisance and breach of contract. In Florida, the focus of the tort of trespass is the “disturbance of possession”. As it pertains to smoke, secondary authority has summarized the status of the law as it relates to trespass as follows: “A trespass need not be inflicted directly on another’s realty, but may be committed by discharging a foreign polluting matter at a point beyond the boundary of such realty.”
The Broward County Court found that the excessive nature of the smoke in this case did constitute a trespass. The Court also found that the excessive secondhand smoke had created an actionable nuisance for the Plaintiff. Florida courts have allowed a nuisance to also proceed based on odors created by another party. The Broward County Court also cited the Court of Appeals of Nebraska which had held that to have the use and enjoyment of one’s home interfered with by smoke, odor and similar attacks upon one’s senses is a serious harm.
Lastly, the Broward County Court addressed whether the excessive secondhand smoke constituted a breach of covenant of quiet enjoyment. The Court acknowledged that in Florida there was no case on point but relied on a Massachusetts Housing Court Ruling in 50-58 Gainsborough Street Realty Trust v. Halle. The Halle Court ruled that while smoking is legal, secondhand smoke can be considered a breach of covenant of quiet enjoyment. The only weakness in the Plaintiff’s case in Merrill v. Bosser is that she failed to provide competent evidence demonstrating the extent of her damages. The Court awarded her the sum of $1,000 plus costs in the amount of $275.00 to cover medical expenses, loss of use of the premises and remedial expenses.
It is important to note that this is a case where an owner sued an owner. It is not a case where an association sued an owner for violation of the covenants or for a nuisance. However, the arguments set forth in this case could, in my opinion, be used equally by a fellow owner or the association upon whom responsiblity to enforce the covenants rests.
2012年1月15日星期日
The Advantages Of Proudly owning An Air Purifier
For those who watch television, take heed to the radio, or surf the web, there is a good chance that you have heard of air purifiers before. Air purifiers are digital machines that work to make indoor air healthier. That is finished by trapping dangerous air particles within the filters or collection grids. Essentially, which means your air is not going to solely be healthier, however simpler to breathe.
Even if you realize what an air air purifier is and what it does, have you learnt the benefits of proudly owning or utilizing one? If you don’t at the moment personal an air air purifier, additionally commonly referred to as an air cleaner, there’s a good probability that you will want one, after inspecting the benefits of using one. That’s right, air purifiers are that good.
As talked about above, air purifiers work to get rid of dangerous or unhealthy contaminants from the air. Doing this makes the air inside your home simpler to breathe. That is nice for young kids, the aged, as well as these with allergies. When breathing cleaner air, your health is likely to improve. There is a good probability that you could be find yourself getting ill less often.
Along with getting sick much less often, it has been stated that the air we breathe has an impact on our emotions and wellbeing. Therefore, this means that respiratory cleaner air, due to an air air purifier, it’s possible you’ll not solely be more healthy, however you might also enjoy life a bit bit more. When you consider it, it’s really wonderful what clear air can do for a person.
Another profit to owning an air purifier is the price of proudly owning one. Unfortunately, many people imagine that air purifiers cost too much money. It’s true that their prices might be high, however you must think about what you might be getting from them. Are you able to really put a price ticket on clear, wholesome, and breathable air? Even should you should put a price ticket on it, you will see that you have a number of totally different options. Air purifiers are available in quite a few different makes and models. Each of those makes and fashions costs a specific amount of money. This means that, with somewhat little bit of analysis, you must be capable of discover no less than one air purifier that’s within your price range.
As great as air purifiers are, it is important to remember one thing. You can not reap the numerous advantages of proudly owning an air air purifier if you don’t use it. There are a lot of individuals who make the purchase, but do not correctly use their air purifiers, in the event that they even use them at all. Usually, you’ll discover that air purifiers work best if you use them all the time. This will allow your air purifier to keep up with the entire air particles floating around inside your home or inside a selected room. Basically, which means in the event you make the choice to purchase an air air purifier, make sure you truly use it.
As you should simply be able to tell, air purifiers have a number of totally different benefits. Each of those benefits are probably that will help you out, in a method or another. Due to this fact, if you haven’t considered purchasing an air air purifier earlier than, it is about time that you give it some critical though. Chances are you’ll very properly find it to be among the best purchases that you just ever made.
Even if you realize what an air air purifier is and what it does, have you learnt the benefits of proudly owning or utilizing one? If you don’t at the moment personal an air air purifier, additionally commonly referred to as an air cleaner, there’s a good probability that you will want one, after inspecting the benefits of using one. That’s right, air purifiers are that good.
As talked about above, air purifiers work to get rid of dangerous or unhealthy contaminants from the air. Doing this makes the air inside your home simpler to breathe. That is nice for young kids, the aged, as well as these with allergies. When breathing cleaner air, your health is likely to improve. There is a good probability that you could be find yourself getting ill less often.
Along with getting sick much less often, it has been stated that the air we breathe has an impact on our emotions and wellbeing. Therefore, this means that respiratory cleaner air, due to an air air purifier, it’s possible you’ll not solely be more healthy, however you might also enjoy life a bit bit more. When you consider it, it’s really wonderful what clear air can do for a person.
Another profit to owning an air purifier is the price of proudly owning one. Unfortunately, many people imagine that air purifiers cost too much money. It’s true that their prices might be high, however you must think about what you might be getting from them. Are you able to really put a price ticket on clear, wholesome, and breathable air? Even should you should put a price ticket on it, you will see that you have a number of totally different options. Air purifiers are available in quite a few different makes and models. Each of those makes and fashions costs a specific amount of money. This means that, with somewhat little bit of analysis, you must be capable of discover no less than one air purifier that’s within your price range.
As great as air purifiers are, it is important to remember one thing. You can not reap the numerous advantages of proudly owning an air air purifier if you don’t use it. There are a lot of individuals who make the purchase, but do not correctly use their air purifiers, in the event that they even use them at all. Usually, you’ll discover that air purifiers work best if you use them all the time. This will allow your air purifier to keep up with the entire air particles floating around inside your home or inside a selected room. Basically, which means in the event you make the choice to purchase an air air purifier, make sure you truly use it.
As you should simply be able to tell, air purifiers have a number of totally different benefits. Each of those benefits are probably that will help you out, in a method or another. Due to this fact, if you haven’t considered purchasing an air air purifier earlier than, it is about time that you give it some critical though. Chances are you’ll very properly find it to be among the best purchases that you just ever made.
2012年1月12日星期四
The Privileges of China’s Elite Include Purified Air
The elite upper class members of the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing have always had special privileges over those without membership, ranging from organic produce to better medical institutions, causing envy amongst ordinary citizens.
The ordinary citizens of Beijing seem to be well-informed on what the elite have that they don’t; however, the idea that the elite breathe the same polluted air as everyone else might not be too accurate.
The Broad Group, a Chinese company, produces machines that filter the air, thus purifying it. The company advertises the presence of its purifiers in many places where many officials live and work, including the Great Hall of the People and the Chinese presidential office.
“Creating clean, healthy for our national leaders is a blessing to the people,” boasts the company’s government-endorsed advertising.
Despite the Chinese government’s support of it, the Broad Group’s advertising campaign has spurred much criticism from lower class Chinese citizens.
“They don’t have to eat gutter oil or drink poisoned milk powder and now they’re protected from filthy air,” said a post on Sina Webo, China’s most popular blogging service. “This shows their indifference to the lives of ordinary people.”
Many find the idea of purified air specifically for China’s elite outrageous, especially when pollution can cause so many health problems.
“Pollution affects the cells of the human body,” said Mrs. Martinez, a teacher in the health academy and a retired nurse. “Chemical substances in the air attack the DNA in cells, and when the DNA is under attack, the cell undergoes something called a mutation, which can be the beginning of cancer.”
The United States Embassy’s air monitoring device has reported extremely hazardous levels of pollution in the Chinese atmosphere, even though Chinese readings deem it only “slightly polluted.”
The readings released by the American Embassy are based on very small particulate matter, measuring less than 2.5 micrometers, because of its ability to enter the lungs so easily. Chinese readings are based on particulate matter at a minimum of more than 10 micrometers, which includes visible sand and dust.
Despite the government’s fear that releasing readings based on smaller particulate matter could potentially worsen the image of some cities, the government does seem to be moving towards releasing more detailed data on pollution to the public. The ordinary citizens of China have a right to know what they are breathing in.
It isn’t surprising that the lower class Chinese resent the elite for their purified air. Clean air is something to be envied, especially somewhere with extreme pollution like Beijing.
The ordinary citizens of Beijing seem to be well-informed on what the elite have that they don’t; however, the idea that the elite breathe the same polluted air as everyone else might not be too accurate.
The Broad Group, a Chinese company, produces machines that filter the air, thus purifying it. The company advertises the presence of its purifiers in many places where many officials live and work, including the Great Hall of the People and the Chinese presidential office.
“Creating clean, healthy for our national leaders is a blessing to the people,” boasts the company’s government-endorsed advertising.
Despite the Chinese government’s support of it, the Broad Group’s advertising campaign has spurred much criticism from lower class Chinese citizens.
“They don’t have to eat gutter oil or drink poisoned milk powder and now they’re protected from filthy air,” said a post on Sina Webo, China’s most popular blogging service. “This shows their indifference to the lives of ordinary people.”
Many find the idea of purified air specifically for China’s elite outrageous, especially when pollution can cause so many health problems.
“Pollution affects the cells of the human body,” said Mrs. Martinez, a teacher in the health academy and a retired nurse. “Chemical substances in the air attack the DNA in cells, and when the DNA is under attack, the cell undergoes something called a mutation, which can be the beginning of cancer.”
The United States Embassy’s air monitoring device has reported extremely hazardous levels of pollution in the Chinese atmosphere, even though Chinese readings deem it only “slightly polluted.”
The readings released by the American Embassy are based on very small particulate matter, measuring less than 2.5 micrometers, because of its ability to enter the lungs so easily. Chinese readings are based on particulate matter at a minimum of more than 10 micrometers, which includes visible sand and dust.
Despite the government’s fear that releasing readings based on smaller particulate matter could potentially worsen the image of some cities, the government does seem to be moving towards releasing more detailed data on pollution to the public. The ordinary citizens of China have a right to know what they are breathing in.
It isn’t surprising that the lower class Chinese resent the elite for their purified air. Clean air is something to be envied, especially somewhere with extreme pollution like Beijing.
2012年1月11日星期三
Clean, Efficient Wood Stoves Good for People and the Planet
A whole meal can be cooked on a Turbococina or "Turbostove", as he dubbed the device, using just five small pieces of wood around 13 cm long, which can be easily obtained from tree pruning.
The Turbococina is not a new invention. Nez developed a prototype 16 years ago, and since then, the professor, electrical engineer and inventor has continued to work on perfecting it. In 2010 he achieved a thermal efficiency rate of 93 percent and a 95 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Prior to that, he had already managed to eliminate nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide emissions.
The cook stove works on the principle of low-temperature combustion, resulting in a drastic decrease in consumption of firewood, a vital resource for poor families in El Salvador and many other developing countries.
"By replacing traditional wood stoves with Turbococinas, what families spend on firewood in one day would last them for a whole month," Nez stated in a presentation in his native El Salvador in 2005.
The stove is comprised of a stainless steel cylinder fitted with 10 air injectors, an internal fan that runs on electricity, and a steel plate that regulates the amount of air entering or leaving.
The Turbococina has earned numerous awards over the years. The most recent was in November, when it was selected along with nine other energy innovations from around the world to participate in LAUNCH 2011 Energy Innovators, an initiative sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. space agency NASA, and sportswear company Nike.
"For NASA to say that it is the best stove in the world is worth a great deal to me," Nez told Tierramerica.
Comparatively speaking, other "improved" wood stoves have not managed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 45 percent, he noted.
According to official statistics, almost 400,000 families in El Salvador cook with firewood or over open fires, representing 25 percent of the population of this Central American nation of six million people. Smoke-filled homes are an everyday reality in rural areas, where relatively few people have gas-powered or electric stoves.
The El Salvador Human Development Report 2010, published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reveals that the poorest 10 percent of Salvadoran households spend more on firewood (three percent of total household expenditure) than on electricity.
Over 55 percent of rural households cook with firewood, as compared to nine percent of urban households.
"Firewood consumption not only represents a considerable proportion of household expenditure, but in addition, many households devote a significant amount of their time to gathering it," the report says.
Added to this are the respiratory illnesses caused by smoke from burning wood. This is the cause of death for some 2,000 people every year in El Salvador, said Nez, based on figures from the Ministry of Health.
The inventor’s main goal is to decrease the use of conventional wood stoves in El Salvador, which is one of the most highly deforested countries in the hemisphere.
But low-temperature combustion also has a number of other potential uses, from industrial and domestic stoves and ovens to water heaters, water purifiers, milk pasteurisers, steam-powered generators and thermoelectric power plants.
Despite its many merits, however, the Turbococina faces a major obstacle in terms of widespread use in poor rural areas. The main problem is that it requires electricity to operate the internal fan, which moves air into the combustion chamber, explained environmentalist Ricardo Navarro of the Salvadoran Centre for Appropriate Technology, affiliated with the Friends of the Earth international network.
Figures from the Ministry of Economy show that only 65.5 percent of the rural population is connected to the electric power grid, as opposed to 88.9 percent of the urban population.
The government should actively promote not only the Turbococina but also other alternative cooking methods, like solar-powered stoves, Navarro commented to Tierramerica.
For his part, Mauricio Sermeo, coordinator of the Salvadoran Ecological Unit, told Tierramerica that the inventor himself should step up his efforts to popularise the device.
The Turbococina is not sold in any stores, because Nez has no interest in turning his invention into a business venture. He is looking for the best mechanism to distribute the stoves free of charge to the country’s poorest families and communities.
His goal is for 100,000 Turbococinas to be distributed under these conditions, and is negotiating the final details to determine which institution or mechanism is best suited for this purpose.
The Ministry of Education has purchased 1,050 of the stoves and distributed them to 800 schools as part of a program that provides students with a free snack every day.
But over the last 16 years, the successive governments that have held power in El Salvador have showed no interest in the widespread distribution of the Turbococina. "There is apparently no government support for alternative energy initiatives," concluded Sermeo.
The Turbococina is not a new invention. Nez developed a prototype 16 years ago, and since then, the professor, electrical engineer and inventor has continued to work on perfecting it. In 2010 he achieved a thermal efficiency rate of 93 percent and a 95 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Prior to that, he had already managed to eliminate nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide emissions.
The cook stove works on the principle of low-temperature combustion, resulting in a drastic decrease in consumption of firewood, a vital resource for poor families in El Salvador and many other developing countries.
"By replacing traditional wood stoves with Turbococinas, what families spend on firewood in one day would last them for a whole month," Nez stated in a presentation in his native El Salvador in 2005.
The stove is comprised of a stainless steel cylinder fitted with 10 air injectors, an internal fan that runs on electricity, and a steel plate that regulates the amount of air entering or leaving.
The Turbococina has earned numerous awards over the years. The most recent was in November, when it was selected along with nine other energy innovations from around the world to participate in LAUNCH 2011 Energy Innovators, an initiative sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. space agency NASA, and sportswear company Nike.
"For NASA to say that it is the best stove in the world is worth a great deal to me," Nez told Tierramerica.
Comparatively speaking, other "improved" wood stoves have not managed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 45 percent, he noted.
According to official statistics, almost 400,000 families in El Salvador cook with firewood or over open fires, representing 25 percent of the population of this Central American nation of six million people. Smoke-filled homes are an everyday reality in rural areas, where relatively few people have gas-powered or electric stoves.
The El Salvador Human Development Report 2010, published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reveals that the poorest 10 percent of Salvadoran households spend more on firewood (three percent of total household expenditure) than on electricity.
Over 55 percent of rural households cook with firewood, as compared to nine percent of urban households.
"Firewood consumption not only represents a considerable proportion of household expenditure, but in addition, many households devote a significant amount of their time to gathering it," the report says.
Added to this are the respiratory illnesses caused by smoke from burning wood. This is the cause of death for some 2,000 people every year in El Salvador, said Nez, based on figures from the Ministry of Health.
The inventor’s main goal is to decrease the use of conventional wood stoves in El Salvador, which is one of the most highly deforested countries in the hemisphere.
But low-temperature combustion also has a number of other potential uses, from industrial and domestic stoves and ovens to water heaters, water purifiers, milk pasteurisers, steam-powered generators and thermoelectric power plants.
Despite its many merits, however, the Turbococina faces a major obstacle in terms of widespread use in poor rural areas. The main problem is that it requires electricity to operate the internal fan, which moves air into the combustion chamber, explained environmentalist Ricardo Navarro of the Salvadoran Centre for Appropriate Technology, affiliated with the Friends of the Earth international network.
Figures from the Ministry of Economy show that only 65.5 percent of the rural population is connected to the electric power grid, as opposed to 88.9 percent of the urban population.
The government should actively promote not only the Turbococina but also other alternative cooking methods, like solar-powered stoves, Navarro commented to Tierramerica.
For his part, Mauricio Sermeo, coordinator of the Salvadoran Ecological Unit, told Tierramerica that the inventor himself should step up his efforts to popularise the device.
The Turbococina is not sold in any stores, because Nez has no interest in turning his invention into a business venture. He is looking for the best mechanism to distribute the stoves free of charge to the country’s poorest families and communities.
His goal is for 100,000 Turbococinas to be distributed under these conditions, and is negotiating the final details to determine which institution or mechanism is best suited for this purpose.
The Ministry of Education has purchased 1,050 of the stoves and distributed them to 800 schools as part of a program that provides students with a free snack every day.
But over the last 16 years, the successive governments that have held power in El Salvador have showed no interest in the widespread distribution of the Turbococina. "There is apparently no government support for alternative energy initiatives," concluded Sermeo.
2012年1月10日星期二
Nursing aide gets 10 years for abuse
A nursing assistant was sentenced Monday to more than 10 years in prison for abusing a 78-year-old Alzheimer's patient whose son recorded the mistreatment on a video camera hidden in an air purifier.
Virgen Caraballo, 45, of Cleveland, was sentenced to 10 1/2 years on her guilty plea to seven felony counts of patient abuse, the state attorney general's office said.
The video taken in April and May by Esther Piskor's son showed Caraballo roughly transferring Piskor to a wheelchair and tossing her on a bed, the state attorney general's office said. Authorities said the video also showed Caraballo pushing the patient's face into her bed while washing her.
"The way this woman was treated by those assigned to care for her was unbelievable," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine in a statement. "Families cannot tolerate such care and neither will we."
The Ohio attorney general's office conducted the investigation with help from the Cleveland police, the Cuyahoga County prosecutor's office and the state health department.
In December 2011, a second nursing assistant pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and faces up to six months in jail. Maria Karban, 26, of Cleveland, is to be sentenced later this month.
The two were charged with abusing the woman at a MetroHealth Medical Center facility. MetroHealth has fired the women and two other employees.
Caraballo's attorney did not immediately return calls Monday.
Caraballo also is required to give up her nursing aid license and cannot work in a facility that is a Medicaid provider.
Virgen Caraballo, 45, of Cleveland, was sentenced to 10 1/2 years on her guilty plea to seven felony counts of patient abuse, the state attorney general's office said.
The video taken in April and May by Esther Piskor's son showed Caraballo roughly transferring Piskor to a wheelchair and tossing her on a bed, the state attorney general's office said. Authorities said the video also showed Caraballo pushing the patient's face into her bed while washing her.
"The way this woman was treated by those assigned to care for her was unbelievable," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine in a statement. "Families cannot tolerate such care and neither will we."
The Ohio attorney general's office conducted the investigation with help from the Cleveland police, the Cuyahoga County prosecutor's office and the state health department.
In December 2011, a second nursing assistant pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and faces up to six months in jail. Maria Karban, 26, of Cleveland, is to be sentenced later this month.
The two were charged with abusing the woman at a MetroHealth Medical Center facility. MetroHealth has fired the women and two other employees.
Caraballo's attorney did not immediately return calls Monday.
Caraballo also is required to give up her nursing aid license and cannot work in a facility that is a Medicaid provider.
2012年1月9日星期一
Webley sells Petaluma tech startup
Petaluma tech startup Innovative Labs, which makes next-generation air purifiers, is being acquired by a Canadian private equity firm for more than $5.4 million, the two companies said Monday.
The cash-and-stock deal will help the Petaluma business grow, said John Webley, the Telecom Valley entrepreneur who founded Innovative Labs in 2007.
“That's the whole idea,” said Webley, a technology veteran who led Advanced Fibre Communications and Turin Networks. “The Canadians are getting very aggressive in acquiring green technology.”
Thoroughbred Capital, an Ontario-based company on Canada's TSX stock exchange, said it is buying the Petaluma business with about $3.5 million in stock and nearly $2 million in cash from a private placement.
Thoroughbred chief executive Michael Inskip said Monday he can't talk about the deal until it closes. But Webley said Innovative Labs will stay in Petaluma and keep its current staff of eight employees.
“This will let us ramp up the business,” he said.
Innovative Labs started shipping its “Sonoma Breeze” indoor air purifiers last year. They use ultraviolet light and photocatalytic technology to destroy airborne contaminants, including bacteria, viruses and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde.
The problem of formaldehyde and other chemical vapors drew attention after Hurricane Katrina, when displaced residents in government-issued trailers became sick from the fumes.
Last year, the federal government listed formaldehyde as a carcinogen, and said it can be found at unsafe levels in building materials, medical labs, hair salons and mortuaries.
Those are some of the markets for Innovative Labs' air purifiers, Webley said. The company's technology was a top performer in tests by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, NASA, FEMA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, he said.
The system doesn't produce ozone and uses sensors to monitor air quality, reporting real-time VOC concentrations on an LED display.
The Sonoma Breeze units range in size from a desktop model to larger ones that can purify spaces up to 1,000 square feet. They sell from about $200 to $2,000.
After a career in telecom, Webley turned his attention to green technology. He headed Novato green engineering startup PAX Streamline before launching Innovative Labs.
The deal with Thoroughbred Capital will help take Innovative Labs to the next level, Webley said.
“We showed the potential for the company,” he said.
The cash-and-stock deal will help the Petaluma business grow, said John Webley, the Telecom Valley entrepreneur who founded Innovative Labs in 2007.
“That's the whole idea,” said Webley, a technology veteran who led Advanced Fibre Communications and Turin Networks. “The Canadians are getting very aggressive in acquiring green technology.”
Thoroughbred Capital, an Ontario-based company on Canada's TSX stock exchange, said it is buying the Petaluma business with about $3.5 million in stock and nearly $2 million in cash from a private placement.
Thoroughbred chief executive Michael Inskip said Monday he can't talk about the deal until it closes. But Webley said Innovative Labs will stay in Petaluma and keep its current staff of eight employees.
“This will let us ramp up the business,” he said.
Innovative Labs started shipping its “Sonoma Breeze” indoor air purifiers last year. They use ultraviolet light and photocatalytic technology to destroy airborne contaminants, including bacteria, viruses and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde.
The problem of formaldehyde and other chemical vapors drew attention after Hurricane Katrina, when displaced residents in government-issued trailers became sick from the fumes.
Last year, the federal government listed formaldehyde as a carcinogen, and said it can be found at unsafe levels in building materials, medical labs, hair salons and mortuaries.
Those are some of the markets for Innovative Labs' air purifiers, Webley said. The company's technology was a top performer in tests by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, NASA, FEMA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, he said.
The system doesn't produce ozone and uses sensors to monitor air quality, reporting real-time VOC concentrations on an LED display.
The Sonoma Breeze units range in size from a desktop model to larger ones that can purify spaces up to 1,000 square feet. They sell from about $200 to $2,000.
After a career in telecom, Webley turned his attention to green technology. He headed Novato green engineering startup PAX Streamline before launching Innovative Labs.
The deal with Thoroughbred Capital will help take Innovative Labs to the next level, Webley said.
“We showed the potential for the company,” he said.
2012年1月8日星期日
7 Benefits That Anticipate Effectiveness
If you’re looking for an cleaner for ones bedroom, that you are probably blown away at what amount of choices along with features you will find. But for anyone who is ever to produce a confident conclusion, you need did you know the features they’ll insure advantages. Here are generally 7 that your particular bedroom cleaner needs to have, splendid well-known speaker Cedric Johns insisted.
Ability for you to Filter 24 Hours—Since pollution are always being introduced with your indoor discuss, your filtering method needs to operate just while constantly to stay the quality of air high from continuously filtering mid-air. This keeps mid-air fresh along with insures the fact that indoor quality of air is while fresh as you possibly can so that one can get for you to sleep all the time.
There are many different types of air cleanser purifier and as per air air cleaner reviews so that this machine to operate to the fullest, filters will need to likewise wear full mint illness.
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Almost all the houses, especially your rich ones select centralized air-conditioning system and also the centralized home heating. You might also install this particular home discuss cleanser without hiring somebody.
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These ions complement impurities (like dust) within the air, forcing your impurities for you to cling into a nearby surface area. Particles which have been lighter rather than air can include pollen, black mold spores, four-legged friend dander along with dust. Such, as good as more heavy dust mites along with dust mite particulate, can become effectively filtered from air in your house by running a quality air conditioner filter. One within the easiest particulates for you to filter from air is without a doubt dust. Air purifiers which tested from AHAM requires the AHAM Trained seal along with CADR quantities for two pollutants: strong tobacco smoke, pollen, along with dust.
Ability for you to Filter 24 Hours—Since pollution are always being introduced with your indoor discuss, your filtering method needs to operate just while constantly to stay the quality of air high from continuously filtering mid-air. This keeps mid-air fresh along with insures the fact that indoor quality of air is while fresh as you possibly can so that one can get for you to sleep all the time.
There are many different types of air cleanser purifier and as per air air cleaner reviews so that this machine to operate to the fullest, filters will need to likewise wear full mint illness.
These will filter are considered to be those the fact that sifts along with cleans discuss by selecting out debris particles within the air. There can be two different types of filter, people are the long lasting filter and also other Whirlpool Whispure review air air cleaner replacement will filter. Let’s relax and take a closer look within the difference between your two:
If you have this specific purifier, now you may filter your dusts and also allergens you could find inside the home. The discuss filtered because of the home discuss cleaners is without a doubt safe for ones health.
Almost all the houses, especially your rich ones select centralized air-conditioning system and also the centralized home heating. You might also install this particular home discuss cleanser without hiring somebody.
Airborne Dirt include dog or cat dander, dust particles mite allergen, pollen, place spores, fungus, mold, along with tobacco toxins, and they can be air purifier reviews cause with indoor allergy symptom and asthma violence. HEPA air cleanser are typically the most popular, and they can be perfect to get eliminating spouse and children allergens just like dust, four-legged friend dander, along with pollen, but they can be of low quality at taking ultra-fine allergens like infections or cutting out foul smells, organic formula, or chemical like fumes. Such as, our #1-selling Austin tx Air Health and wellness mate uses a HEPA filter plus a to assistance eliminate dust particles and smells. This air conditioner filter Company was basically originally put together by the Atomic Energy levels Commission for you to capture radioactive dust particles particles. Allergens just like pollen, four-legged friend dander, black mold spores, and dust particles get trapped within the filter.
These ions complement impurities (like dust) within the air, forcing your impurities for you to cling into a nearby surface area. Particles which have been lighter rather than air can include pollen, black mold spores, four-legged friend dander along with dust. Such, as good as more heavy dust mites along with dust mite particulate, can become effectively filtered from air in your house by running a quality air conditioner filter. One within the easiest particulates for you to filter from air is without a doubt dust. Air purifiers which tested from AHAM requires the AHAM Trained seal along with CADR quantities for two pollutants: strong tobacco smoke, pollen, along with dust.
2012年1月5日星期四
Hyundai Debuts Hexa Space Concept with Puzzle-Like Seats in New Delhi
Hyundai is looking to expand the notion of family mobility with its Hexa Space Concept, which it just revealed at the Auto Expo in New Delhi, India. The new concept has room for eight, fold-flat seats for camping, despite the fact it isn’t much bigger than a small hatchback.
Though only a concept, Hyundai is hoping to appeal to urban-dwellers in their 30s and 40s with young families in the world’s emerging economies. It’s also designed to provide a flexible interior space. The concept van is outfitted with eight hexagonal-shaped seats (hence the name) in three rows. The first two rows each have three seats, with the center seat placed aft from the outboard positions, maximizing shoulder room for three-abreast seating. The seats can be reconfigured in numerous ways, including having second-row seats recline, the middle seats folded for more space, or folding any of the seats flat into the floor for load space.
The automaker chose the hexagon because it is the best possible shape for packaging, as shown in nature with the honeycomb. Despite the large passenger load, the Hexa Space is quite small: it shares its platform with the Hyundai ix20 and Kia Soul, meaning it sits on a 108.3-inch wheelbase and is only 169.3 inches long overall. At 71.7 inches wide, it inhabits roughly the same footprint as a compact hatchback. Powering the concept is Hyundai’s Kappa 1.2-liter turbocharged I-4, which is bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Other innovative features of the Hexa Space include rear doors that lift out and then slide back, out of the way, a touch-screen center stack with push-button transmission, and a cluster ionizer air purifier.
Though only a concept, Hyundai is hoping to appeal to urban-dwellers in their 30s and 40s with young families in the world’s emerging economies. It’s also designed to provide a flexible interior space. The concept van is outfitted with eight hexagonal-shaped seats (hence the name) in three rows. The first two rows each have three seats, with the center seat placed aft from the outboard positions, maximizing shoulder room for three-abreast seating. The seats can be reconfigured in numerous ways, including having second-row seats recline, the middle seats folded for more space, or folding any of the seats flat into the floor for load space.
The automaker chose the hexagon because it is the best possible shape for packaging, as shown in nature with the honeycomb. Despite the large passenger load, the Hexa Space is quite small: it shares its platform with the Hyundai ix20 and Kia Soul, meaning it sits on a 108.3-inch wheelbase and is only 169.3 inches long overall. At 71.7 inches wide, it inhabits roughly the same footprint as a compact hatchback. Powering the concept is Hyundai’s Kappa 1.2-liter turbocharged I-4, which is bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Other innovative features of the Hexa Space include rear doors that lift out and then slide back, out of the way, a touch-screen center stack with push-button transmission, and a cluster ionizer air purifier.
2012年1月3日星期二
Helen of Troy completes PUR acquisition
Helen of Troy Ltd. has closed on its acquisition of the water-purifier business PUR from Procter & Gamble Co., the company said Tuesday.
"We expect to quickly integrate the PUR brands into our health care/home environment segment, where it is a natural fit. The category shares the segment's current customer base, target audience, and product focus areas," Helen of Troy Chairman, CEO and President Gerald Rubin said in a statement.
Helen of Troy's health care/home environment unit includes health care products such as thermometers, humidifiers and heating pads, and small domestic appliances such as air purifiers, portable heaters, fans, and bug zappers.
The deal, announced last month, includes all of PUR Water Purification Products Inc.'s outstanding stock and all assets related to making and selling products under the PUR trademark. It also involves PUR's current and future product line, manufacturing equipment and more than 200 patents.
The transaction does not include Procter & Gamble's Children's Safe Drinking Water corporate philanthropy program. The powder product and patents used in that program will remain with P&G and it will be transitioned to the Cincinnati company's corporate name.
Procter & Gamble purchased PUR in 1999. The company said last month that it decided to sell the business because it determined that water purification was not core to its long-term portfolio.
PUR products include faucet mount systems and filters, pitcher systems and filters and refrigerator filters. They are sold throughout the U.S.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal is expected to immediately add to Helen of Troy's earnings.
Helen of Troy said in December that it was buying the PUR business because demand for such products is growing in the U.S.
Helen of Troy, based in El Pas, Texas, makes Vidal Sassoon hair products and other personal care and housewares items. The company anticipates that the PUR brand will achieve sales of about $110 million on an annual basis.
"We expect to quickly integrate the PUR brands into our health care/home environment segment, where it is a natural fit. The category shares the segment's current customer base, target audience, and product focus areas," Helen of Troy Chairman, CEO and President Gerald Rubin said in a statement.
Helen of Troy's health care/home environment unit includes health care products such as thermometers, humidifiers and heating pads, and small domestic appliances such as air purifiers, portable heaters, fans, and bug zappers.
The deal, announced last month, includes all of PUR Water Purification Products Inc.'s outstanding stock and all assets related to making and selling products under the PUR trademark. It also involves PUR's current and future product line, manufacturing equipment and more than 200 patents.
The transaction does not include Procter & Gamble's Children's Safe Drinking Water corporate philanthropy program. The powder product and patents used in that program will remain with P&G and it will be transitioned to the Cincinnati company's corporate name.
Procter & Gamble purchased PUR in 1999. The company said last month that it decided to sell the business because it determined that water purification was not core to its long-term portfolio.
PUR products include faucet mount systems and filters, pitcher systems and filters and refrigerator filters. They are sold throughout the U.S.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal is expected to immediately add to Helen of Troy's earnings.
Helen of Troy said in December that it was buying the PUR business because demand for such products is growing in the U.S.
Helen of Troy, based in El Pas, Texas, makes Vidal Sassoon hair products and other personal care and housewares items. The company anticipates that the PUR brand will achieve sales of about $110 million on an annual basis.
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