Flashings

I need a favor ...

When you need to ask someone for a favor, it is important to know you are asking the right person. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:

• What's in it for them? Many people are not willing to take on extra work out of the kindness of their hearts. It often is easier to get help from someone if there is an incentive to provide the favor. If you want to ask someone for a favor and he can get something in return, that person could be a good choice.
  
  
• Do they have the means? Make sure the person you are asking for a favor has the means to help you. This could refer to various resources, such as budget, authority and staff. If the person does not have the means to help, find out who does.
  
  
• Why should they help you now? Find someone who also needs immediate help and feels some urgency. He will understand your needs and be happy to receive any help from you, as well.
  
  
• Are they willing to help? Finding someone to do a favor for you will be easier if it is a person who knows and trusts you. Having a trusting relationship with someone will make them more willing to help you.

Source: Adapted from The New Science of Selling and Persuasion cited by The Manager's Intelligence Report, November issue.

BASF product prices increase

BASF Corp., Hudson Falls, N.J., increased its prices for all acrylic and styrene-acrylic latex products by 5 cents per wet pound in the United States and Canada on Jan. 1. These products are supplied to industries such as construction, adhesives and architectural coatings and include brands such as Acronal,® Acronal Optive and Basonal.

In addition, BASF increased the prices for its Butanol high solids styrene butadiene latex products by 5 cents per dry pound on Jan. 1. Butanol products are supplied to industries such as the construction, foam and tire industries.

The American life

Life in the United States moves pretty quickly. We often don't have time to stop and notice our surroundings. For instance, did you know the United States has twice the number of shopping malls as it does high schools? Following are some other interesting facts about the United States:

• 1,637—Pounds of garbage the average American produces per year
  
  
• 18.3—The percentage of U.S. households with three or more vehicles
  
  
• 10—The average days of paid vacation an American worker receives. China averages 15; Japan averages 18; Australia, Britain and the Netherlands average 25; and Germany and Spain average 30.
  
  
• 3.11—The number of lawyers per thousand in the United States

Source: Adapted from U.S. News & World Report as cited by First Draft, January issue.

CertainTeed roof system on "This Old House"

Valley Forge, Pa.-based CertainTeed Corp.'s XT™ 30 AR fiberglass roof shingles were installed during a roofing project on the PBS Emmy Award-winning show, "This Old House,"® which aired Dec. 23, 2004. The shingles, selected in moiré black, were used when installing a roof system on the show's 25th anniversary project, a farmstead in Carlisle, Mass. Built in 1849, the farmstead was renovated and sold with some of the sale proceeds going to a scholarship for the building arts.

"Over the years, it has been a pleasure to build a relationship with 'This Old House' based on the philosophy that everything old can be new again," says Marcia Hannah, vice president of marketing for CertainTeed's Roofing Products Group. "Through our donation, we are delighted to help the series celebrate its silver anniversary as we, too, celebrate a milestone of our own—our 100th year of service."

Temporary employees have limited union involvement

The National Labor Relations Board has limited the ability of temporary employees to join labor unions. According to The Wall Street Journal, the board reversed the ruling that allows temporary workers hired through agencies to join permanent employees in bargaining for working conditions and benefits. It was determined temporary employees work for the hiring company and the temporary agency and therefore can't unite with workers employed only by the hiring company unless both employers give their consent to bargain.

A time for traditions

Around the world, people are celebrating the end of one year and the beginning of another. Although all recognize the same reason for celebration, they celebrate it in different ways. Following are some New Year's traditions from countries all around the world:

• At midnight, the Greeks serve a New Year's bread called vasilopita that hides a lucky coin or charm. Whoever receives the charm will have good luck all year.
  
  
• For many Europeans, eating cabbage or other greens will ensure prosperity for the new year.
  
  
• In Spain and Portugal, people gather together with 12 grapes in their hands. When the clock strikes midnight, they eat a grape for each strike of the clock. Peruvians also do this, but they sit under a table.
  
  
• In Asia, people eat dumplings, noodles and ricecakes, which symbolize long life, happiness, wealth and good fortune.
  
  
• In the southern United States, eating black-eyed peas is said to bring good luck.
  
  
• To celebrate, Neopolitans throw pots, pans and furniture out their windows and into the streets.
  
  
• Muscovites gather at Red Square, throwing empty vodka bottles in the air, often injuring themselves.
  
  
• Children in Puerto Rico throw water out of windows to get rid of evil spirits.
  
  
• For luck, Romanians wish their farm animals a happy New Year and wait to see if the animals talk back.
  
  
• In Switzerland, people let a drop of cream hit the floor on New Year's Day.
  
  
• Nepalese celebrate with a four-day parade.
  
  
• People gather at parties on the New Year because it is believed that what you do on the first day of the New Year foretells what you will do for the rest of the year.

Source: Adapted from Encyclopaedia Britannica and The New Statesman as cited by First Draft, January issue.