Month: February 2012
Tropical Storm Maria - February 29, 2012 by dharkanjhel



Most of the Atlantic Basin remains quiet, with the exception of Tropical Storm Maria.
The storm is still anticipated to turn northward in the next day or so, keeping it well off the Florida coastline.
A long-period swell from Maria will keep elevated rip current threats at Central Florida’s beaches for the rest of the workweek.
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TROPICAL STORM MARIA ADVISORY

8 p.m. update – Maria continues moving northward. 

Watches and warnings

A tropical storm warning is in effect for:

  • Bermuda

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the warning area, generally within 36 hours.

48-hour outlook

At 8 p.m., the center of Tropical Storm Maria was located near latitude 23.1 north, longitude 68.0 west.
Maria is moving toward the north near 8 mph, and this general
motion is expected to continue for the next 24 to 36 hours with an
increase in forward speed. A turn toward the north-northeast is expected
on Thursday with a further increase in forward speed. On the forecast
track, the center of Maria will pass west of Bermuda on Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles, mainly to the east of the center.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 1006 mb or 29.71 inches.

Hazards affecting land

RAINFALL: Although rains over Puerto Rico
have diminished. Maria has likely produced rainfall totals of 4 to 8
inches over Puerto Rico, with isolated maximum amounts of 12 to 15
inches. These rains could still cause life-threatening flash floods and
mudslides over areas of steep terrain. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches
can be expected across Bermuda through Thursday morning.

WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected on Bermuda by Wednesday night or early Thursday.


Hurricane Prevention

Heroin Group Counseling Assists Patients Needing Recovery - February 29, 2012 by dharkanjhel

The heroin group counseling can help patients in need. Drug rehab centers can support addicts in their efforts to overcome their addiction and begin the long but rewarding journey to recovery. Rehabilitation from heroin addiction is not easy, but many centers are open to help clients struggling with the debilitating effects of drug dependency.

Dangers Of Addiction

Heroin is one of the more damaging illicit drugs in use, so withdrawal can be severe for patients trying to detoxify their systems. Several famous people have overdosed on the drug, so persons facing addiction to it need to be treated with care and caution. Counseling can serve as an important aspect of any recovery strategy. A good counselor can be a key element to any recovery program. Counseling coupled with medical treatment can effectively aid patients in recovering from heroin addiction.

Counseling

Most harm reduction models involve some form of therapy as being potentially beneficial to clients trying to overcome drug dependency. Overcoming dependency can be a steep uphill battle, so many patients rely upon counselors to help them climb the stairway to sobriety.

Rehab

Many addicts have recovered from addiction through the help they received at a drug rehab clinic. These facilities are designed to help patients overcome their challenges and go on to resume rewarding and productive lives. While not every patient ultimately recovers, many rehab centers have been instrumental in saving addicts and helping them rebuild their lives. These success stories can then be used to motivate other patients facing similar circumstances.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

There are many different methods of treatment. Some or effective for some people and not for others, so many times the process involves some trial and error. Cognitive Behavior Therapy is one model that is sometimes used to treat clients, but there are many other cognitive models that are used as well.

Withdrawal

Many people undergoing treatment may experience withdrawal symptoms if they have been addicted for a long time. These symptoms can be quite serious so it is often necessary for these patients to go through residential treatment, so that their health can be monitored on a daily or even an hourly basis. Around the clock support can also help keep patients from relapsing.

Dependency

Individuals who recover from addiction can go on to lead healthy and productive lives. Many people who have been through heroin addiction rehab facilities come out clean and rebuild their lives from the ground up. Residential treatment programs and outpatient programs enable these individuals to make life changing alterations that help them overcome the grip of drug dependency. Individuals who have recovered often are able to help other individuals begin their own recoveries.

Redhead & Performers Youth Dance Company in the Spotlight tonight - February 29, 2012 by dharkanjhel

Dance instructor Denise Cote adjusts a costume during the Performers Youth Dance Company ‘Spotlight’ dress rehersal.

The Spotlight will be turned on the Performers Youth Dance Company from … continued on BayToday.ca
BayToday.ca News

2011 Catastrophe Losses and Reinsurance Capital: Part IV - February 28, 2012 by dharkanjhel

Capital Levels Remain Resilient
The elevated loss activity and the catastrophe model changes during the past year put some pressure on reinsurance capital in 2011. At the end of the third quarter,…



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GCCapitalIdeas.com

Make Your Home with Me - February 27, 2012 by dharkanjhel

Lately, one of Jesus’ more cryptic phrases has been making laps inside my head. I came back across his words while reading the Passion accounts in the Gospels, this year quickly speeding toward the Lenten season as it is….

blogs – impact – nola.com

The Significance Of Relapse Prevention – Effective Rehabilitation - February 27, 2012 by dharkanjhel

Addiction to substances such as drugs and alcohol requires effective recovery programs in order to achieve a sober state of mind. Even after extended periods of abstinence, individuals may still fall into a state of relapse in which the addictive behavior and engagement in using the substance is resumed. This is the reason effective relapse prevention program are required, for sustaining abstinence and recovery.

Relapse

Relapse is the process whereby previous users are unable to effectively manage recovery and fall back into the repetitive behavior of addiction. This should not be criticized as being a failure for recovery, but instead the identification of a rehabilitation program which was simply not suitable for the requirements of the individual. This may be attributed to a number of reasons from co-morbid disorders which were not addressed to programs that were not created for an individualized plan.

Relapse Prevention

The importance of a relapse prevention program pertains to assisting individuals with the creation of resources to incorporate into daily living. Once previous addicts have completed a rehabilitation program, the integration process back into society can be considerably difficult. An effective plan should be designed based on available resources such as family, supportive groups, counseling and environmental changes.

Success

Effective plans should include a variety of components in order to ensure it is successful. The process begins by ensuring that one has constant access to the supportive contacts which were made during the recovery program. Family members and supportive groups are important to incorporate into these plans in order to serve as a strong sober living support mechanism.

Surrounding Environment

Relapse prevention plans are aimed at addressing the recovery environment as this presents the greatest trigger to serve as a maintaining factor in addictions. Individuals may be required to change their place of residency including community and friends who played a role in supporting the addiction. Possible environmental factors which may have resulted in the addiction in the first place are addressed for successful outcomes.

Skills

Plans should be centered around the guidelines and various skills which were taught during the rehabilitative process. This ensures that individuals are better equipped to deal with stress and difficulties instead of engaging in substance use. Establish appropriate support groups and networks so that one has increased access to support from those who are going through similar experiences.

Maintaining Sobriety

The process for recovery does not end once the individual has completed a rehabilitation program. This is the reason effective programs are important to assist others in maintaining sobriety and for the prevention of overwhelming emotions during difficult stages. This further contributes to a focus on personality and emotion matters for creating positive and strong belief systems.

2011 Catastrophe Losses and Reinsurance Capital: Part III - February 27, 2012 by dharkanjhel

Losses in United States
Significant weather-related losses also occurred in the United States in 2011 after one of the worst tornado seasons on record caused a combined insured loss of around USD20…



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GCCapitalIdeas.com

TD 27W [SENDONG] – Update #006 - February 26, 2012 by dharkanjhel

  for Thursday, 15 December 2011 [12:30 PM PhT] Typhoon2000 (T2K) NEWS (Wednesday Dec 14 2011): Currently issuing 6-hrly web, email, & iTyphoon app updates (except 12:00 Midnight) on 27W (SENDONG). 27W (SENDONG) MAX WIND SPEED PER AGENCY: + USA (JTWC/1-min avg): 55 km/hr+
Bushman’s Typhoon Blog

Another Brick in the Wall - February 25, 2012 by dharkanjhel

Janet Hagberg was the first person who defined the experience for me. I had lived through it, but I didn’t know what to call it. In a book entitled, “The Critical Journey,” Janet called the experience, simply, “The Wall.”…

blogs – impact – nola.com

Factors To Consider When Installing Exterior Louver - February 25, 2012 by dharkanjhel

Louvers are a ventilation system. They allow for air to pass through windows. At the same time as allowing for air flow, they also keep unwanted elements out, such as dirt and water. Exterior or architectural louvers are able to due this because of their design. A exterior architectural louver is a fixed or operable blade that is mounted to a frame, this structure allows for air flow. They are an important part of any residential or commercial property, providing protection from the elements, yet adding a flare to a building.

Factors

There are a variety of factors that must be taken into consideration when deciding on which louvers to install. Factors such as free area, water penetration, and air resistance must be properly determined to allow for the best louver solution.

Free Area

To determine the free area, it’s important to take the total open area of the louver. This is done by subtraction all the potential obstructions such as blades and the actual frame and then diving the overall wall opening. This then allows for a comparison of the louvered opening as opposed to an unobstructed opening. The common range for louver free areas is about 35% to 60% of the wall opening. Having a high percentage of free area is very beneficial. This will allow for more air to enter a smaller wall opening, this will therefore, reduce the cost of the wall opening as well as the louver.

Obstruction

Obstruction is needed in order to prevent water from entering. A fully obstructed opening allows for no water to enter. A completely unobstructed opening would let water enter unimpeded. However, a louver that is proper designed taking calculations into consideration will be able to maximize the free area while allowing for a minimal amount of water to enter.

Water Penetration

Water penetration is considered when figuring the velocity of air intake. The first point of water penetration is the exact point in which the louver will let water enter. By figuring the threshold measurement of the air intake velocity the water penetration point will be determined. This calculation will allow for the best louver installation.

Resistance to Air Flow

Any obstruction to the air stream will cause a resistance. This includes louvers, filters, coils, ductwork, and even the structure of the building. The actual resistance provided by the louver is calculated by measuring the air that run thought the louver while also calculating the pressure difference at any given free area velocity.

Aerodynamics

All sun control louvers will create a resistance to air flow. This is based on the frame of the louver and also considers the shape of the blade. Those blades that are of lower angles will have a more aerodynamic shape and will create less resistance. In order to full consider the resistance to airflow the free velocity allowed by the louver will have to be considered. It is important to factor in the resistance because it must be minimized. By minimizing the resistance the application of fans or other air moving equipment is not hindered.

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