Flashings

Get a life

As an employer, you shoulder a lot of responsibility. However, have you let this responsibility and pressure take over your life to the point where you have become a workaholic? Following are some ways to tear yourself away from your desk and enjoy life:

• Recognizing the problem is the first step. Do you answer your work cell phone when you are on vacation? Do you take your laptop with you everywhere you go? Do you start itching to do work when you're supposed to be relaxing? Do your family and friends feel you are never really completely with them? If so, these could be signs that you are a workaholic.
  
  
• Look back at what your priorities used to be. What were your goals when you were beginning your career? Did you want to have a job you enjoyed? You most likely were not planning to have your life revolve around work. Re-evaluate your priorities, and figure out what should be No. 1 one in your life.
  
  
• Keep your body healthy. Burnout easily can get in the way of your goals. Eat healthy foods; exercise; and take the time to reflect—no matter how busy your day is.
  
  
• Take care of your relationships. Relationships with your kids, spouse, etc., need to be nurtured. Take at least an hour a day to spend quality time with your family (this does not include feeding the kids or paying the bills). Be sure you know what is most important.

Life is meant to be enjoyed. Recognize when you are taking life too seriously, and do something about it.

Source: Adapted from Avoiding workaholism as cited by The Motivational Manager, December 2004 issue.

Dow increases prices

The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich., increased its prices for VORANATE,™ toluene diisocyanate (TDI), by 8 cents per pound March 15. The price change applies to all market segments and end-use applications in the United States and Canada.

"Rising energy and raw-material costs continue to have a dramatic impact on our production costs and margins," says Chuck Reardon, North American product market manager for polyurethanes at The Dow Chemical Co. "This price increase is necessary to help restore margins for our TDI product offering to more sustainable levels."

Florida roofing contractors arrested

According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, several roofing contractors were accused and arrested in Volusia County, Fla., in January for various hurricane repair-related charges.

Edith Davis of Daytona Beach, Fla., accused All Coast Roofing Inc., Ormond Beach, Fla., of taking a $5,500 deposit for a roofing project and failing to complete the work. According to Davis, the roofing workers performed demolition and didn't return. A police report states that when she called the company, an employee said Brian Kowalcheck, president of All Coast Roofing, "was missing and had run away with other people's money." Kowalcheck later was found dead of an apparent suicide in an Ormond Beach hotel in January. The case still is under investigation.

After calling other roofing companies, Davis contacted NRCA member R&R Industries, Holly Hill, Fla., who agreed to install a new roof system on her home for free.

Adam and Cynthia Harvey, owners of Adam Harvey Home Solutions, Daytona Beach, Fla., were charged with one count of contracting without a license and one count of exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult, says the Volusia County State Attorney's Office. According to the state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Harveys accepted an $11,500 deposit but didn't perform the promised work.

In addition, Daniel Silva Querido and Amanda Fields, both of Oak Hill, Fla., were arrested and charged with contracting without a license after promising to repair a roof and then demanding an extra $490.

All four individuals were released on bail.

No more lagging

Business travel, especially to international destinations, can be physically and emotionally draining. Jet lag quickly can hit, leading to exhaustion and ruining your trip. Following are some tips to help deal with jet lag.

• If you are traveling east, be prepared. You will experience more severe jet lag because shortening your day is more difficult for your body to adjust to than lengthening your day.
  
  
• Travel stress can result in jet-lag effects. Try to reduce stress by meditating, relaxing or doing whatever you can to reduce stress.
  
  
• Adjust your meal times a day or two before you leave so they match the meal times of your destination.
  
  
• Sleeping pills can help you sleep for short periods of time and reduce jet lag. However, consult a physician before using any drugs for the first time because there can be serious side effects.
  
  
• Melatonin supplements can regulate your body to a new time frame if taken at the right time. Combining melatonin with the correct timing of exposure to natural light can be a good approach. Be sure to time it correctly with the number of time zones you are crossing and the direction you are traveling.
  
  
• Consuming ginseng can help relax and refresh you.
  
  
• Take a walk when you reach your destination to help alleviate the effects of sleep deprivation.

Source: Adapted from Natural Health as cited by First Draft, April issue.

Standard has new EPS material classification

ASTM C578-04a,"Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation," now includes a new high-density material Type XIV classification for expanded polystyrene (EPS). After the EPS Molders Association (EPSMA) presented test results, ASTM C16 Thermal Insulation Committee achieved consensus on the minimum performance properties for 2.4 pound-force per cubic foot EPS foam insulation.

The new classification offers design options that include lightweight insulation material with improved strength and will give architects and specifiers a consensus-based reference when working with EPS in construction projects. Because the density of EPS correlates with such factors as tensile and flexural strengths, the strength of these factors increases as EPS density increases.

EPSMA's testing included studying samples that ranged in density from 2.4 pound-force per cubic foot to 2.7 pound-force per cubic foot. All samples were manufactured using 100 percent virgin resin without additives and/or recycled content to ensure consistency.

Governor signs Helmets to Hardhats resolution

Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell; retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Caulfield, executive director of the national Helmets to Hardhats program; and Laborers' Training Academy General Secretary-Treasurer and New England Regional Manager Armand Sabitoni joined March 7 in a ceremony to sign a resolution for the Helmets to Hardhats program.

The national Helmets to Hardhats program connects National Guard, reserve and transitioning active-duty military members with quality career training and employment opportunities in the construction industry.

The ceremony was a show of support for the program's efforts to link former and active military personnel with civilian employment opportunities. Because the proclamation was signed, former military personnel now will have easier access to apprenticeship programs.

"The men and women who have served our country deserve the chance to have great careers after returning home from battle," Caulfield says."A [resolution] of this kind will help speed up the process to place our troops into quality construction careers in Connecticut."