Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Monday, January 30, 2017
Another Cold, Snowy, and Icy Period Will Portland AGAIN
You have to feel sorry for the folks living around Portland and the Columbia Gorge. They have suffered from snow, freezing rain, strong winds, and ice. And according to the latest models, their suffering is not over, with more wintry weather coming later this week. And yes, those cold-buffeted folks in eastern Washington should get ready for the chill as well.
If I was the Mayor of Portland I would order some salt and be ready so spread it BEFORE any snow hits.
Here is the latest high resolution forecasts (and yes, there is still considerable uncertainty in the forecast).
To get snow and freezing rain, one needs cold air. That is coming, starting tomorrow. The following are a series of forecast maps from the UW high resolution prediction system, showing sea level pressure (solid lines) and temperature (shading, blue is cold).
4 PM Monday: mild (green color) air over most of the region.
4 PM Tuesday, an influx of cold air is occurring in Washington, northern Idaho, and Montana.
Cold air is in place east of the Cascade crest and a very large difference in pressure have developed across the Cascades. Strong easterly winds would be occurring in the Columbia Gorge.
Thursday, 4 PM. Little change east of the Cascades but warmer air to the west.
So plenty cold for snow east of the Cascades. Cold air in the Gorge and over the eastern side of Portland. Windy and cold in the Washington Cascades passes.
On Thursday and early Friday an area of precipitation will move northward into the region (see the 24-h precipitation ending 4 AM Friday For most of the west, this will fall as rain, but in the Gorge and immediately downstream of it,there could be snow and freezing rain.
The 24h snowfall prediction ending 4 AM Friday suggests this...and if anything the model is probably underplaying the cold air coming through the Gorge. Substantial snow along the eastern slopes of the Oregon Cascades.
It is too early to have too much confidence in this snow forecast, but the cold air east of the Cascades is pretty much a sure thing, as is some frozen precipitation in the Gorge. Keep tuned and don't hold the salt if you are in Portland.
from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2kMuYhU
If I was the Mayor of Portland I would order some salt and be ready so spread it BEFORE any snow hits.
Portland Oregon Needs This
Here is the latest high resolution forecasts (and yes, there is still considerable uncertainty in the forecast).
To get snow and freezing rain, one needs cold air. That is coming, starting tomorrow. The following are a series of forecast maps from the UW high resolution prediction system, showing sea level pressure (solid lines) and temperature (shading, blue is cold).
4 PM Monday: mild (green color) air over most of the region.
On Thursday and early Friday an area of precipitation will move northward into the region (see the 24-h precipitation ending 4 AM Friday For most of the west, this will fall as rain, but in the Gorge and immediately downstream of it,there could be snow and freezing rain.
from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2kMuYhU
Another Cold, Snowy, and Icy Period Will Portland AGAIN
You have to feel sorry for the folks living around Portland and the Columbia Gorge. They have suffered from snow, freezing rain, strong winds, and ice. And according to the latest models, their suffering is not over, with more wintry weather coming later this week. And yes, those cold-buffeted folks in eastern Washington should get ready for the chill as well.
If I was the Mayor of Portland I would order some salt and be ready so spread it BEFORE any snow hits.
Here is the latest high resolution forecasts (and yes, there is still considerable uncertainty in the forecast).
To get snow and freezing rain, one needs cold air. That is coming, starting tomorrow. The following are a series of forecast maps from the UW high resolution prediction system, showing sea level pressure (solid lines) and temperature (shading, blue is cold).
4 PM Monday: mild (green color) air over most of the region.
4 PM Tuesday, an influx of cold air is occurring in Washington, northern Idaho, and Montana.
Cold air is in place east of the Cascade crest and a very large difference in pressure have developed across the Cascades. Strong easterly winds would be occurring in the Columbia Gorge.
Thursday, 4 PM. Little change east of the Cascades but warmer air to the west.
So plenty cold for snow east of the Cascades. Cold air in the Gorge and over the eastern side of Portland. Windy and cold in the Washington Cascades passes.
On Thursday and early Friday an area of precipitation will move northward into the region (see the 24-h precipitation ending 4 AM Friday For most of the west, this will fall as rain, but in the Gorge and immediately downstream of it,there could be snow and freezing rain.
The 24h snowfall prediction ending 4 AM Friday suggests this...and if anything the model is probably underplaying the cold air coming through the Gorge. Substantial snow along the eastern slopes of the Oregon Cascades.
It is too early to have too much confidence in this snow forecast, but the cold air east of the Cascades is pretty much a sure thing, as is some frozen precipitation in the Gorge. Keep tuned and don't hold the salt if you are in Portland.
from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2kMuYhU
If I was the Mayor of Portland I would order some salt and be ready so spread it BEFORE any snow hits.
Portland Oregon Needs This
Here is the latest high resolution forecasts (and yes, there is still considerable uncertainty in the forecast).
To get snow and freezing rain, one needs cold air. That is coming, starting tomorrow. The following are a series of forecast maps from the UW high resolution prediction system, showing sea level pressure (solid lines) and temperature (shading, blue is cold).
4 PM Monday: mild (green color) air over most of the region.
On Thursday and early Friday an area of precipitation will move northward into the region (see the 24-h precipitation ending 4 AM Friday For most of the west, this will fall as rain, but in the Gorge and immediately downstream of it,there could be snow and freezing rain.
from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2kMuYhU
NBA Team Partners with Technology Giant to Design New Arena
【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. count on / kaʊnt ɒn / (idiom) – to rely on someone or something
Example: You can count on her to finish her work on time.
2. steadfast /ˈstɛdˌfæst / (adj.) – loyal
Example: He was a steadfast friend throughout high school.
3. show a lot of promise / ʃoʊ ə lɒt uhv prɒm ɪs / (idiom) – demonstrates the possibility of becoming something good
Example: The plans for their new project show a lot of promise.
4. forward /ˈfɔr wərd / (v.) – to submit
Example: I’ll forward your recommendation to the committee.
5. no stranger to / noʊ ˈstreɪn dʒər tə / (idiom) – familiar with something
Example: He grew up in the Philippines, so he is no stranger to warm weather.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
|
The Golden State Warriors, one of the NBA’s most popular teams, partnered with technology consultancy firm Accenture to build the team’s new arena.
Chase Center, the team’s new home is slated to be completed by 2019. As the official technology innovation partner, Accenture will help in assembling the arena’s technological features. Although headquartered in Ireland, the tech company has facilities in Silicon Valley that will make it easy for them to improve the Chase Center in San Francisco. In addition, as an established company in its industry, the Warriors believe that Accenture can be counted on to remain steadfast in the partnership long after the Chase Center has opened.
While the Chase Center is still under construction, the Warriors and Accenture will ask fans to suggest new ideas for the arena’s technological features. Those that show a lot of promise may be tested at the Oracle Arena, the Warriors' current home in Oakland. The best ideas may even make it to Chase Center.
Some fan ideas have already been forwarded to the Warriors, which include suggestions on the fastest way to order food and drinks via smartphones. Others also suggested ways on how fans can easily move in and out of the parking lot.
The Warriors are no stranger to using technology to give both fans and players a better experience. Since the team was acquired by Joe Lacob, a major investor in technology companies, the team relied heavily on technology to improve their chances of winning in the NBA.
The Warriors were one of the first teams in the NBA to install SportVU in their home arena. The SportVU is a set of cameras that record important statistics of team members as they play. The data gathered by the SportVU helped the team improve its playing strategy and achieve its current success.
|
【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· For sports teams, what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of having corporate sponsors?
· Which do you think is a greater motivation for athletes: fan support or corporate sponsors? Why?
Discussion B
· What technological innovations would you like to see in places that hold live events (e.g. arenas, auditoriums)? Enumerate as many as you can.
· In your opinion, where should sports teams invest in more: technological innovations or improving the performance of athletes? Defend your answer.
from 英会話ニュース教材 Daily News Article | 英会話ならレアジョブ http://ift.tt/2kMA6i4
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Super High Pressure Hits the Western U.S.
Most of us feel a lot of pressure in our daily lives, but today it is for real: unusually high pressure has built over the western U.S., with some locations hitting monthly records. And for those of us living in the Pacific Northwest, the atmospheric pressure we are experiencing now is the highest we have felt in years.
As shown by the NWS analysis below, a huge area of very high sea level pressure is now parked over the western U.S. Meteorologists generally talk about sea level pressure (the pressure the atmosphere would have at sea level), because that gets rid of terrain effects. If we plotted station pressure, the pressure at the elevation of the observing station, altitude differences would dominate.
The more detailed NWS surface map shows that the highest pressures over the Rockies (exceeding 1050 hPa/mb), with values above 1040 hPa over eastern Washington and Oregon.
To give you some perspective, average sea level pressure is around 1013 hPa and we rarely get above 1030 hPa in a normal year. In fact, the pressure being experienced Saturday morning is the highest in over a year in our region. To show this, here are plots of sea level pressure at Seattle and Spokane, which is now around 1038 and 1043 hPa as I write this blog.
A number of locations in the west have or will exceed their January record sea level pressures. For example, San Diego and Bakersfield, CA have already beat their January pressure records.
At the periphery of the high pressure area there are regions of large horizontal pressure gradients (or differences in pressure over distance), which has produced some strong winds. Here is plot of the gusts over 34 mph during the past 24 hours. In the terrain behind San Diego winds are gusting to 50-80 mph, and strong westerly winds are descending along the eastern slopes of the Rockies and out into the Great Plains.
Closer to home, winds are gusts to 30-60 mph in the western portion of the Columbia Gorge, with the strongest winds at the wind Crown Point viewpoint (see map of Portland area gusts)
Enjoy the pressure and dry conditions today....tomorrow a weak frontal system will bring clouds and light rain during the afternoon and evening.
from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2keE3iL
As shown by the NWS analysis below, a huge area of very high sea level pressure is now parked over the western U.S. Meteorologists generally talk about sea level pressure (the pressure the atmosphere would have at sea level), because that gets rid of terrain effects. If we plotted station pressure, the pressure at the elevation of the observing station, altitude differences would dominate.
The more detailed NWS surface map shows that the highest pressures over the Rockies (exceeding 1050 hPa/mb), with values above 1040 hPa over eastern Washington and Oregon.
To give you some perspective, average sea level pressure is around 1013 hPa and we rarely get above 1030 hPa in a normal year. In fact, the pressure being experienced Saturday morning is the highest in over a year in our region. To show this, here are plots of sea level pressure at Seattle and Spokane, which is now around 1038 and 1043 hPa as I write this blog.
A number of locations in the west have or will exceed their January record sea level pressures. For example, San Diego and Bakersfield, CA have already beat their January pressure records.
At the periphery of the high pressure area there are regions of large horizontal pressure gradients (or differences in pressure over distance), which has produced some strong winds. Here is plot of the gusts over 34 mph during the past 24 hours. In the terrain behind San Diego winds are gusting to 50-80 mph, and strong westerly winds are descending along the eastern slopes of the Rockies and out into the Great Plains.
Closer to home, winds are gusts to 30-60 mph in the western portion of the Columbia Gorge, with the strongest winds at the wind Crown Point viewpoint (see map of Portland area gusts)
Enjoy the pressure and dry conditions today....tomorrow a weak frontal system will bring clouds and light rain during the afternoon and evening.
from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2keE3iL
Super High Pressure Hits the Western U.S.
Most of us feel a lot of pressure in our daily lives, but today it is for real: unusually high pressure has built over the western U.S., with some locations hitting monthly records. And for those of us living in the Pacific Northwest, the atmospheric pressure we are experiencing now is the highest we have felt in years.
As shown by the NWS analysis below, a huge area of very high sea level pressure is now parked over the western U.S. Meteorologists generally talk about sea level pressure (the pressure the atmosphere would have at sea level), because that gets rid of terrain effects. If we plotted station pressure, the pressure at the elevation of the observing station, altitude differences would dominate.
The more detailed NWS surface map shows that the highest pressures over the Rockies (exceeding 1050 hPa/mb), with values above 1040 hPa over eastern Washington and Oregon.
To give you some perspective, average sea level pressure is around 1013 hPa and we rarely get above 1030 hPa in a normal year. In fact, the pressure being experienced Saturday morning is the highest in over a year in our region. To show this, here are plots of sea level pressure at Seattle and Spokane, which is now around 1038 and 1043 hPa as I write this blog.
A number of locations in the west have or will exceed their January record sea level pressures. For example, San Diego and Bakersfield, CA have already beat their January pressure records.
At the periphery of the high pressure area there are regions of large horizontal pressure gradients (or differences in pressure over distance), which has produced some strong winds. Here is plot of the gusts over 34 mph during the past 24 hours. In the terrain behind San Diego winds are gusting to 50-80 mph, and strong westerly winds are descending along the eastern slopes of the Rockies and out into the Great Plains.
Closer to home, winds are gusts to 30-60 mph in the western portion of the Columbia Gorge, with the strongest winds at the wind Crown Point viewpoint (see map of Portland area gusts)
Enjoy the pressure and dry conditions today....tomorrow a weak frontal system will bring clouds and light rain during the afternoon and evening.
from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2keE3iL
As shown by the NWS analysis below, a huge area of very high sea level pressure is now parked over the western U.S. Meteorologists generally talk about sea level pressure (the pressure the atmosphere would have at sea level), because that gets rid of terrain effects. If we plotted station pressure, the pressure at the elevation of the observing station, altitude differences would dominate.
The more detailed NWS surface map shows that the highest pressures over the Rockies (exceeding 1050 hPa/mb), with values above 1040 hPa over eastern Washington and Oregon.
To give you some perspective, average sea level pressure is around 1013 hPa and we rarely get above 1030 hPa in a normal year. In fact, the pressure being experienced Saturday morning is the highest in over a year in our region. To show this, here are plots of sea level pressure at Seattle and Spokane, which is now around 1038 and 1043 hPa as I write this blog.
A number of locations in the west have or will exceed their January record sea level pressures. For example, San Diego and Bakersfield, CA have already beat their January pressure records.
At the periphery of the high pressure area there are regions of large horizontal pressure gradients (or differences in pressure over distance), which has produced some strong winds. Here is plot of the gusts over 34 mph during the past 24 hours. In the terrain behind San Diego winds are gusting to 50-80 mph, and strong westerly winds are descending along the eastern slopes of the Rockies and out into the Great Plains.
Closer to home, winds are gusts to 30-60 mph in the western portion of the Columbia Gorge, with the strongest winds at the wind Crown Point viewpoint (see map of Portland area gusts)
Enjoy the pressure and dry conditions today....tomorrow a weak frontal system will bring clouds and light rain during the afternoon and evening.
from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2keE3iL
Friday, January 27, 2017
Garage Door Materials To Consider Right Now
Most homeowners do not think much about their garages. They simply make mistakes in the sense that they choose the very first garage door that they find and that they like. That is not a good idea. Nowadays, you have access to many interesting options. It is normal to not know what to choose. Do you want to see what the best material is for your roller garage door or do you just want to see if the garage door you have is of a high quality? If so, read on to learn about the most common garage door materials at the moment.
Steel Panels
Many of the garage doors are made out of panels or sections of steels. The steel can be of different colors and can have various thicknesses and sizes. The common gauges we see in the residential garage doors are 24 to 26. A spring system will normally be utilized and torsion is added above the middle of the door. A spring is normally more than enough for the smaller garage doors. However, two will be needed when looking at a wide garage door.
Sectional steel garage doors requite high quality rollers that have 10 ball bearings in order to increase the door’s life expectancy. Hinge and bracket thickness should be also taken into account when a good choice is to be made.
A sectional garage steel door is built with steel backing, raised panels, flush panels, locks, windows, insulation and hardware upgrades being possible. The garage will have an impact on the home’s cooling and heating costs so it is normal to see proper isolation with the use of polystyrene with vinyl back. Insulation can also be added between interior and exterior stainless steel panels. The only problem in this case is that costs are much higher and there are more manufacturing steps that will be needed.
Wood
This is another highly popular option for garage doors. Many homeowners now focus on this since it will add a richer and warmer overall feeling to the home. The problem in this case is that it is really important to go through a proper maintenance schedule. When compared with the steel door there are so many different maintenance tasks that will be necessary. That is because wood is naturally prone to rotting and warping. A wooden garage door is also going to be more expensive when first bought when compared with the steel door.
Garage Door Windows
Generally speaking, the windows can be added in absolutely all the garage doors. That is why we should highlight this topic. While many garage owners do not think about adding windows to the doors, this is one opportunity you will want to take into account. There is a wealth of color and design options available right now. All is normally based on homeowner preferences and a coordination that is necessary with the color of the door. You can use the windows whenever you want to but you should make sure that the door is sturdy enough to withstand the extra weight.
from Home Design Ideas | Interior Design Ideas And Architcture http://ift.tt/2ka5gTj
Garage Door Materials To Consider Right Now
Most homeowners do not think much about their garages. They simply make mistakes in the sense that they choose the very first garage door that they find and that they like. That is not a good idea. Nowadays, you have access to many interesting options. It is normal to not know what to choose. Do you want to see what the best material is for your roller garage door or do you just want to see if the garage door you have is of a high quality? If so, read on to learn about the most common garage door materials at the moment.
Steel Panels
Many of the garage doors are made out of panels or sections of steels. The steel can be of different colors and can have various thicknesses and sizes. The common gauges we see in the residential garage doors are 24 to 26. A spring system will normally be utilized and torsion is added above the middle of the door. A spring is normally more than enough for the smaller garage doors. However, two will be needed when looking at a wide garage door.
Sectional steel garage doors requite high quality rollers that have 10 ball bearings in order to increase the door’s life expectancy. Hinge and bracket thickness should be also taken into account when a good choice is to be made.
A sectional garage steel door is built with steel backing, raised panels, flush panels, locks, windows, insulation and hardware upgrades being possible. The garage will have an impact on the home’s cooling and heating costs so it is normal to see proper isolation with the use of polystyrene with vinyl back. Insulation can also be added between interior and exterior stainless steel panels. The only problem in this case is that costs are much higher and there are more manufacturing steps that will be needed.
Wood
This is another highly popular option for garage doors. Many homeowners now focus on this since it will add a richer and warmer overall feeling to the home. The problem in this case is that it is really important to go through a proper maintenance schedule. When compared with the steel door there are so many different maintenance tasks that will be necessary. That is because wood is naturally prone to rotting and warping. A wooden garage door is also going to be more expensive when first bought when compared with the steel door.
Garage Door Windows
Generally speaking, the windows can be added in absolutely all the garage doors. That is why we should highlight this topic. While many garage owners do not think about adding windows to the doors, this is one opportunity you will want to take into account. There is a wealth of color and design options available right now. All is normally based on homeowner preferences and a coordination that is necessary with the color of the door. You can use the windows whenever you want to but you should make sure that the door is sturdy enough to withstand the extra weight.
from Home Design Ideas | Interior Design Ideas And Architcture http://ift.tt/2ka5gTj
Welding Curtains and Other Safety Gear You'll Need for a Home Construction Project
One of the problems that DIYers have at home is not having to hand the safety gear they need to do jobs safely. Whether you’ve had tons of experience welding or this is your very first go at it, you just may be one of the many who simply forget to use important items as welding curtains and an assortment of much needed safety gear. If you are going to do a home construction project, here are a few tips to keep you safe while you complete your project.
Welding Curtains
You might be thinking that you’ll be working alone and at no risk to anyone around you, but can you guarantee that no one will enter into your garage or shop you’ve set up in an outbuilding? Can you guarantee that sparks won’t fly about igniting anything nearby? Of course you can’t, and this is the main reason why you should buy welding curtain screens when doing a bit of DIY welding for a home construction project.
Helmets
Auto darkening Welding Helmets with a grinding facility serve multiple purposes. Masks protect the sensitive skin on your face from radiation burns, and head from flying sparks, and most importantly, offer protection for your eyes from those ultra-bright lights emitted during welding. Make sure your helmet also has a grinding mode, this stops you from having change your head top when switching between grinding & welding.
Clothing and Gloves
As for welders clothing and gloves, this are protective gear that protects your body and hands in much the same way as a helmet protects your head. Sparks and very red-hot metal can easily touch your skin, giving you third degree burns in an instant. While it does get hot with all this safety gear on, it’s better to be sweaty-hot than sustain painful skin damage. Make sure you procure a quality pair of welding gauntlets, some leather welding sleeves and a jacket & apron.
Grounding Clamps
When working with electric welders, you will want to use grounding clamps. Actually, any time you are working with bare metal it should be well earthed. Why? Because all it takes is one bare wire and you could be fried to a crisp. Remember, in the absence of an earth clamp you become the ground wire and all that electricity coursing through your body is simply not healthy! Do you know how many home hobbyists get electrocuted each and every year? Even one is too many, so don’t become a statistic. If you are working with metal, keep it well grounded.
There are just a few of the types of safety gear you are likely to need when starting a home welding project. Most likely you will be renting your equipment anyway, if you are not using the equipment you use on the job as a welder, so check your local supply store to make sure you are well protected before you strike that first arc with a welder. If not, you might not live to regret it.
from Home Design Ideas | Interior Design Ideas And Architcture http://ift.tt/2kb91bO
Welding Curtains and Other Safety Gear You'll Need for a Home Construction Project
One of the problems that DIYers have at home is not having to hand the safety gear they need to do jobs safely. Whether you’ve had tons of experience welding or this is your very first go at it, you just may be one of the many who simply forget to use important items as welding curtains and an assortment of much needed safety gear. If you are going to do a home construction project, here are a few tips to keep you safe while you complete your project.
Welding Curtains
You might be thinking that you’ll be working alone and at no risk to anyone around you, but can you guarantee that no one will enter into your garage or shop you’ve set up in an outbuilding? Can you guarantee that sparks won’t fly about igniting anything nearby? Of course you can’t, and this is the main reason why you should buy welding curtain screens when doing a bit of DIY welding for a home construction project.
Helmets
Auto darkening Welding Helmets with a grinding facility serve multiple purposes. Masks protect the sensitive skin on your face from radiation burns, and head from flying sparks, and most importantly, offer protection for your eyes from those ultra-bright lights emitted during welding. Make sure your helmet also has a grinding mode, this stops you from having change your head top when switching between grinding & welding.
Clothing and Gloves
As for welders clothing and gloves, this are protective gear that protects your body and hands in much the same way as a helmet protects your head. Sparks and very red-hot metal can easily touch your skin, giving you third degree burns in an instant. While it does get hot with all this safety gear on, it’s better to be sweaty-hot than sustain painful skin damage. Make sure you procure a quality pair of welding gauntlets, some leather welding sleeves and a jacket & apron.
Grounding Clamps
When working with electric welders, you will want to use grounding clamps. Actually, any time you are working with bare metal it should be well earthed. Why? Because all it takes is one bare wire and you could be fried to a crisp. Remember, in the absence of an earth clamp you become the ground wire and all that electricity coursing through your body is simply not healthy! Do you know how many home hobbyists get electrocuted each and every year? Even one is too many, so don’t become a statistic. If you are working with metal, keep it well grounded.
There are just a few of the types of safety gear you are likely to need when starting a home welding project. Most likely you will be renting your equipment anyway, if you are not using the equipment you use on the job as a welder, so check your local supply store to make sure you are well protected before you strike that first arc with a welder. If not, you might not live to regret it.
from Home Design Ideas | Interior Design Ideas And Architcture http://ift.tt/2kb91bO
Boost Employee Wellbeing With Outdoor Working
There is no better feeling than relaxing in the great outdoors, whether you live in a quiet suburban area or in the city, getting outdoors makes you feel great. If you have some outdoor living space and you’re not making the most of it then you are missing out on a great opportunity. If you have a tiny balcony, a roof space of a garden, or even an outdoor area at your business premises; there are lots of ways that you can easily add a bit of character and style to make your area somewhere that you love to kick back and relax.
Not only does being outdoors give you a vitamin D lift, you can enjoy scenic views or even dine outdoors to have a new experience. Now depending on what type of space you have, there will be various possibilities of changes that you can make. Of course you can tray and do the work yourself or if the job is a little larger you should call in a commercial landcape company like Schill Landscaping.
If you’re looking for ways to improve employee wellbeing and productivity, providing a comfortable outdoor space to work or take a break is a fantastic idea. Working outdoors is proven to boost productivity and happy employees are the best employees. Creating a space outdoors for people is not only going to make your existing employees happier to come to work each day, it will also be an attractive perk if you are looking to take on new staff.
You don’t have to spend an absolute fortune on transforming your space. Adding some furniture is all you need to get started. Decking can be installed at very reasonable prices and adding some plants and trees can make a huge difference. Your staff will soon feel rejuvenated and more motivated by their new outdoor freedom and this could turn to increased creativity, that great idea that you’re waiting for could be about to emerge. If you’re not really a believer in this type of psychological impact then that’s okay but research does show that working outdoors stimulates all kinds of productive effects.
A roof space that isn’t being used can soon become an area where colleagues bond at break time, a slab of concrete can become a picturesque landscape. If you start thinking about the art of the possible, there is no limit to what you can achieve through transforming your outdoor space.
If you have smokers at your company, they probably spend a fair bit of time going on a cigarette break but if they are already working outdoors, going to the smoking area won’t take up anywhere near as much time. Hopefully they will feel so happy in their new environment that they may be able to hold off that urge for a cigarette a little bit better.
Whatever you do with that outdoor space, you’re on to a winner when it comes to your employee happiness so it is a great investment.
from Home Design Ideas | Interior Design Ideas And Architcture http://ift.tt/2ktDMG0
Scaffolding-Three DIY Home Improvement Projects Where You May Need It
If you are a serial do it yourself type of person and you have some home improvement projects that you are planning to begin this year, you are going to need to assess what tools you have on hand to get the job done. Chances are you already have a well-stocked home improvement arsenal, but you can always add to it, right?
If you have a home improvement project that is going to take you outdoors let’s say to work on your siding, your roof, or maybe indoors on your vaulted ceilings you may need something more than just an average construction ladder.
Depending on your project, you may need to consider scaffolding.
If you project does in fact, require you to invest in some quality scaffolding you will have some work to do to figure out what the best options are for you. Here a few DIY home improvement projects that may be better suited to scaffolding than utilizing a ladder
Exterior Painting
If you are planning on giving your home exterior a new paintjob scaffolding may be a great way to go rather than relying on using a ladder. The benefits of a scaffold tower when painting is valuable to the job. Not only do you have a larger space to work with rather than standing on one rung of a ladder, you can save valuable time because you won’t have to move your tower as much as you would have to move a ladder. You also don’t have to constantly struggle with keeping your balance and instead focus on getting the job done quickly and efficiently.
Window Repairs-same thing goes for working on windows. You may have to reseal your windows, repair broken glass, or just give them a good cleaning. If you have second floor windows or you are working on an apartment building or condominium unit, scaffolding is much better option than utilising ladders. You can utilise the larger work space that the scaffold tower provides to get your job done faster than you would on a ladder.
Working on Ceilings-as any do it yourselfer or professional already knows, working on ceilings is one of the most taxing on your body. If you are working on a ladder, you not only need to control your balance, but you need to keep your focus by looking up at all times. This is not an easy task to do in addition to keeping focus on the actual ceiling work. Working on a scaffolding tower is not only easier on the person doing the job, but it is a much better option when it comes to safety on the job. You can prevent slips and falls, and damage to walls, and existing structures by not having a rusty old ladder leaning up against them.
Whatever home improvement project you are focusing on, the benefits to you and your project are worth checking into your options.
from Home Design Ideas | Interior Design Ideas And Architcture http://ift.tt/2kb9mLj
Boost Employee Wellbeing With Outdoor Working
There is no better feeling than relaxing in the great outdoors, whether you live in a quiet suburban area or in the city, getting outdoors makes you feel great. If you have some outdoor living space and you’re not making the most of it then you are missing out on a great opportunity. If you have a tiny balcony, a roof space of a garden, or even an outdoor area at your business premises; there are lots of ways that you can easily add a bit of character and style to make your area somewhere that you love to kick back and relax.
Not only does being outdoors give you a vitamin D lift, you can enjoy scenic views or even dine outdoors to have a new experience. Now depending on what type of space you have, there will be various possibilities of changes that you can make. Of course you can tray and do the work yourself or if the job is a little larger you should call in a commercial landcape company like Schill Landscaping.
If you’re looking for ways to improve employee wellbeing and productivity, providing a comfortable outdoor space to work or take a break is a fantastic idea. Working outdoors is proven to boost productivity and happy employees are the best employees. Creating a space outdoors for people is not only going to make your existing employees happier to come to work each day, it will also be an attractive perk if you are looking to take on new staff.
You don’t have to spend an absolute fortune on transforming your space. Adding some furniture is all you need to get started. Decking can be installed at very reasonable prices and adding some plants and trees can make a huge difference. Your staff will soon feel rejuvenated and more motivated by their new outdoor freedom and this could turn to increased creativity, that great idea that you’re waiting for could be about to emerge. If you’re not really a believer in this type of psychological impact then that’s okay but research does show that working outdoors stimulates all kinds of productive effects.
A roof space that isn’t being used can soon become an area where colleagues bond at break time, a slab of concrete can become a picturesque landscape. If you start thinking about the art of the possible, there is no limit to what you can achieve through transforming your outdoor space.
If you have smokers at your company, they probably spend a fair bit of time going on a cigarette break but if they are already working outdoors, going to the smoking area won’t take up anywhere near as much time. Hopefully they will feel so happy in their new environment that they may be able to hold off that urge for a cigarette a little bit better.
Whatever you do with that outdoor space, you’re on to a winner when it comes to your employee happiness so it is a great investment.
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Scaffolding-Three DIY Home Improvement Projects Where You May Need It
If you are a serial do it yourself type of person and you have some home improvement projects that you are planning to begin this year, you are going to need to assess what tools you have on hand to get the job done. Chances are you already have a well-stocked home improvement arsenal, but you can always add to it, right?
If you have a home improvement project that is going to take you outdoors let’s say to work on your siding, your roof, or maybe indoors on your vaulted ceilings you may need something more than just an average construction ladder.
Depending on your project, you may need to consider scaffolding.
If you project does in fact, require you to invest in some quality scaffolding you will have some work to do to figure out what the best options are for you. Here a few DIY home improvement projects that may be better suited to scaffolding than utilizing a ladder
Exterior Painting
If you are planning on giving your home exterior a new paintjob scaffolding may be a great way to go rather than relying on using a ladder. The benefits of a scaffold tower when painting is valuable to the job. Not only do you have a larger space to work with rather than standing on one rung of a ladder, you can save valuable time because you won’t have to move your tower as much as you would have to move a ladder. You also don’t have to constantly struggle with keeping your balance and instead focus on getting the job done quickly and efficiently.
Window Repairs-same thing goes for working on windows. You may have to reseal your windows, repair broken glass, or just give them a good cleaning. If you have second floor windows or you are working on an apartment building or condominium unit, scaffolding is much better option than utilising ladders. You can utilise the larger work space that the scaffold tower provides to get your job done faster than you would on a ladder.
Working on Ceilings-as any do it yourselfer or professional already knows, working on ceilings is one of the most taxing on your body. If you are working on a ladder, you not only need to control your balance, but you need to keep your focus by looking up at all times. This is not an easy task to do in addition to keeping focus on the actual ceiling work. Working on a scaffolding tower is not only easier on the person doing the job, but it is a much better option when it comes to safety on the job. You can prevent slips and falls, and damage to walls, and existing structures by not having a rusty old ladder leaning up against them.
Whatever home improvement project you are focusing on, the benefits to you and your project are worth checking into your options.
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Dry North, Wet South: The Expected Winter Precipitation Anomalies Are Reversed
The forecasts by the NOAA Climate Prediction Center and many modeling centers were fairly unanimous last fall, expecting that this winter would see above normal precipitation over the Northwest and below-normal precipitation over California (see example).
The reason for this prediction was clear--a weak to moderate La Nina would be be place for most of the cool season, which often leads to such a wet north/dry south pattern.
But reality turned out very different. The upper level flow pattern was dominated by a low-pressure anomaly (difference from normal) over the Pacific Northwest, that drove the jet stream into California and colder, but drier, air into the Northwest (see 500 hPa upper level height anomaly below, the purple area represents much lower than normal heights/pressures).
Lets look at the actual precipitation reaching the ground over the western U.S. The percentage of average precipitation for the last three months over the region (see below) clearly shows drier than normal conditions over Washington State and northern Oregon, but a way wet situation over California (150% and more!).
Looking at the actual difference in precipitation from normal (not percent, but inches), some parts of the Sierra Mountains and coastal range of California are more than 20 inches above normal---amazing. A real drought buster.
What about the next week? Over the next few days, a high-amplitude ridge of high pressure will build along the West Coast, drying out the entire region (see below).
But it won't last! A weak trough of low pressure will move through the Northwest on Sunday, bringing some light rain, followed by a return to the pesky troughing, which will again result in the jet stream heading into California (see below).
The result, as illustrated by the UW WRF model precipitation totals for the 72 h ending 4 AM Friday, is lots of rain to the south of Washington State. The saga continues.
Finally, this winter's busted long-range forecast is ANOTHER good illustration that my profession has only minimal skill for our seasonal predictions. Last year did not work out well either. Clearly, a subject suitable for lots of research.
from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2kAjcXS
The reason for this prediction was clear--a weak to moderate La Nina would be be place for most of the cool season, which often leads to such a wet north/dry south pattern.
But reality turned out very different. The upper level flow pattern was dominated by a low-pressure anomaly (difference from normal) over the Pacific Northwest, that drove the jet stream into California and colder, but drier, air into the Northwest (see 500 hPa upper level height anomaly below, the purple area represents much lower than normal heights/pressures).
Lets look at the actual precipitation reaching the ground over the western U.S. The percentage of average precipitation for the last three months over the region (see below) clearly shows drier than normal conditions over Washington State and northern Oregon, but a way wet situation over California (150% and more!).
Looking at the actual difference in precipitation from normal (not percent, but inches), some parts of the Sierra Mountains and coastal range of California are more than 20 inches above normal---amazing. A real drought buster.
What about the next week? Over the next few days, a high-amplitude ridge of high pressure will build along the West Coast, drying out the entire region (see below).
The result, as illustrated by the UW WRF model precipitation totals for the 72 h ending 4 AM Friday, is lots of rain to the south of Washington State. The saga continues.
Finally, this winter's busted long-range forecast is ANOTHER good illustration that my profession has only minimal skill for our seasonal predictions. Last year did not work out well either. Clearly, a subject suitable for lots of research.
from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2kAjcXS
Dry North, Wet South: The Expected Winter Precipitation Anomalies Are Reversed
The forecasts by the NOAA Climate Prediction Center and many modeling centers were fairly unanimous last fall, expecting that this winter would see above normal precipitation over the Northwest and below-normal precipitation over California (see example).
The reason for this prediction was clear--a weak to moderate La Nina would be be place for most of the cool season, which often leads to such a wet north/dry south pattern.
But reality turned out very different. The upper level flow pattern was dominated by a low-pressure anomaly (difference from normal) over the Pacific Northwest, that drove the jet stream into California and colder, but drier, air into the Northwest (see 500 hPa upper level height anomaly below, the purple area represents much lower than normal heights/pressures).
Lets look at the actual precipitation reaching the ground over the western U.S. The percentage of average precipitation for the last three months over the region (see below) clearly shows drier than normal conditions over Washington State and northern Oregon, but a way wet situation over California (150% and more!).
Looking at the actual difference in precipitation from normal (not percent, but inches), some parts of the Sierra Mountains and coastal range of California are more than 20 inches above normal---amazing. A real drought buster.
What about the next week? Over the next few days, a high-amplitude ridge of high pressure will build along the West Coast, drying out the entire region (see below).
But it won't last! A weak trough of low pressure will move through the Northwest on Sunday, bringing some light rain, followed by a return to the pesky troughing, which will again result in the jet stream heading into California (see below).
The result, as illustrated by the UW WRF model precipitation totals for the 72 h ending 4 AM Friday, is lots of rain to the south of Washington State. The saga continues.
Finally, this winter's busted long-range forecast is ANOTHER good illustration that my profession has only minimal skill for our seasonal predictions. Last year did not work out well either. Clearly, a subject suitable for lots of research.
from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2kAjcXS
The reason for this prediction was clear--a weak to moderate La Nina would be be place for most of the cool season, which often leads to such a wet north/dry south pattern.
But reality turned out very different. The upper level flow pattern was dominated by a low-pressure anomaly (difference from normal) over the Pacific Northwest, that drove the jet stream into California and colder, but drier, air into the Northwest (see 500 hPa upper level height anomaly below, the purple area represents much lower than normal heights/pressures).
Lets look at the actual precipitation reaching the ground over the western U.S. The percentage of average precipitation for the last three months over the region (see below) clearly shows drier than normal conditions over Washington State and northern Oregon, but a way wet situation over California (150% and more!).
Looking at the actual difference in precipitation from normal (not percent, but inches), some parts of the Sierra Mountains and coastal range of California are more than 20 inches above normal---amazing. A real drought buster.
What about the next week? Over the next few days, a high-amplitude ridge of high pressure will build along the West Coast, drying out the entire region (see below).
The result, as illustrated by the UW WRF model precipitation totals for the 72 h ending 4 AM Friday, is lots of rain to the south of Washington State. The saga continues.
Finally, this winter's busted long-range forecast is ANOTHER good illustration that my profession has only minimal skill for our seasonal predictions. Last year did not work out well either. Clearly, a subject suitable for lots of research.
from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2kAjcXS
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