Firefighting 101

Firefighting 101

 

By FireRescue 1 Staff

In learning how to fight fires, it’s important to be able to differentiate between different types of fire situations. Being able to do this requires a ‘reading’ of the fire, which is the method by which a firefighter determines the best way to approach it and the safest way to extinguish it.

Firefighters face considerable danger in their work, especially if they have to enter a burning building. Reading the fire to see if there are indications of a potential explosion or back draft is an important part of maintaining firefighting safety when learning how to fight fires. They also must determine if there are chemicals that may pose additional hazards to bystanders as well as firefighters. The things that firefighters look for when reading a fire are:

• Detection of hot zones. Checking a door temperature before opening it to prevent a flash. Detecting window soot to see if combustion is incomplete.
• Smoke movement out of a window or door frame.
• Spraying water on a surface to see if it hisses indicating extreme heat or if it drips off of the surface, which indicates less intense heat.

Learning how to fight fires also involves learning the elements that are involved in creating and sustaining a fire. These are fuel, heat, an oxidizing agent and a self-sustained chemical reaction.

The fuel in building fires is the materials used to construct it such as wood, sheetrock, paint. Another fuel component of these types of fires is the building contents, such as the furniture, carpeting and drapes. Heat comes from the fire itself. The self-sustained chemical chain reaction is the way the fire’s components react to each other. The oxidizing agent is a material or substance that when the proper conditions exist will release gases, including oxygen. These are all things that a firefighter studies when learning how to fight fires.

In order to fight a fire, you must take out any one of the fire elements. The most common method is to use water to put out the fire. The water takes away heat by cooling the fire. Water also smothers the fire, taking away oxygen. Some firefighters use foam as an alternative to water. Fire extinguishers also use foam to fight fires. Removing the fuel is another fire fighting method. In learning to fight a fire, you often have to let the fuel burn until the fire goes out. Another method of extinguishing fires is chemical flame inhibition. These fire retardant agents interrupt the combustion reaction put out the fire. This is especially effective on gas and liquid fuels, which are extremely difficult and dangerous to extinguish.

For professional firefighters, learning how to fight fires requires both education and experience. In firefighting training, they learn the science of fire, which tells them the causes and components of the fire, as well as the methods of extinguishing it. They also learn how to use the tools necessary for firefighting, such as hoses, chemicals, shovels and axes. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on firefighting exercises, firefighters become valuable safety and rescue officers of our communities.

The link to this article can be found at:  http://www.firerecruit.com/articles/1063921-How-to-fight-fires

Suggested other links to read are: 

            http://www.wikihow.com/Fight-a-Forest-Fire

            http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/07/14/hotter-and-faster-how-to-fight-a-modern-fire/

            http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefighting

            http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-put-out-kitchen-fires.html

            http://www.ehow.com/how_114403_kitchen-fire.html

There are many other links on this subject, too.

Panini (sandwich)

Panini (sandwich)

       A wiki link on the subject can be found at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panini_(sandwich)

Consider using a bacon press for other uses, too. For example consider using one for a clothes iron, or even a Panini press.

Hair and hairstyles over the years

Hair and hairstyles over the years

As long as there have been human beings, the hair on their heads has been cared for and arranged.

Hairstyles are not only an adornment, but they also tell us something about the personality of a man or a woman. They reveal details about the customs and peculiarities of different peoples, and sometimes also about a person's position or profession.

 

Antiquity

The Egyptians (4000 - 300 B.C.)

Based on grave finds we know that the Egyptians cared for their hair with knives, hairpins and combs since 4000 B.C. Around 3000 B.C., they wore artistic wigs for important events. At that time, the Egyptians even began to dye their own hair or wigs. Blue, green, blonde and sandy colors, as well as gold dust were most frequently used.

The Greeks (1500 - 150 B.C.)

Between 1500 and 650 B.C., Greek women mostly wore long and curly hair. On frescoes painters often depicted corkscrew curls flowing from in front of the ears down to the chest.

A bit later (500 - 300 B.C.), the woman had her hair swept together to a form a knot at the neck; this hairstyle is called "the Greek knot."

Artistic knots and buns characterized the hairstyles between 300 and 150 B.C. During those years Greek women, whose hair is dark by nature, tried to lighten their hair with saffron. Hairstyles were important for Greek men as well: First they chose to wear long hair and beards. Later on, short curly hair became fashionable. Between 1300 and 150 B.C. fashion-conscious villagers kept chin-length hairstyles and preferred curly or waved hair.

The Greek had already a special gadget to reshape their hair: a "calamistrum," which is a hollow stick made of bronze.

 

Middle Ages

The Romans (500 B.C. - 500 A.D.)

The Romans (men and women) had very plain hairstyles. There two main types were the short, curly hairstyles and the plaited hairstyles.

The Romans learned from the Greeks how to use the calamistrum (the curling tongs). The Romans, who were famous for their personal artistic touch, added to their hairstyles various decorations made of gold, silver and ivory.

Because Roman women were fascinated by the blonde hair of the Teutons, they often kept Tetonic slaves, whose blonde hair were cut and made into wigs. Besides that, wealthy Roman women sometimes had their hair lightened optically with gold dust.

Romanticism (900 - 1250 A.D.)

In the high Middle Ages, noble ladies and gentlemen enjoyed to wearing their hair in loose curls. Those who by nature had straight hair had it put into waves. Unlike the rich, the ordinary citizens kept their hair in a page-boy style, short or chin-length.

Noble women wore flat bonnets that covered the hair of their heads, but showed the plaits decorated with ribbons and gold threads.

Gothic period (1250 - 1500 A.D.)

The church ruled that married women were not allowed to show their hair in public. Therefore, in this period, women wore hats and bonnets that covered their heads partly with veils. Also during that time, a high forehead was considered as very beautiful. Many women shaved their forehead hair to move their hairline upwards.

 

Modern Age

Renaissance (1500 - 1600)

During the Renaissance, harmony and symmetry were at the front of fashionable style. The body (including the hair) was again allowed to be shown. The hairstyles became growing more imaginative, though sometimes they were simply a retake on Roman and Greek hairstyles. Light colors such as blonde and gold were fashionable. People often tried to duplicate those colors with natural dye. The hairstyles were sometimes decorated with precious stones, ribbons and pearls. Men were less imaginative than women; rich or poor, they all had similar haircuts.

Baroque (1600 - 1720)

In the beginning of the Baroque people wore "Spanish costumes" with very high collars, therefore men preferred short hair. Women still had long hair, but they combed it backwards or upwards where it was fixed with a wire frame.

After 1650, such hairstyles disappeared. Women mainly used a cross or a round parting in their hair. At that time, curly or plain fringes covered the forehead. Men also began to let their hair grow out after 1650. Curly hair and goatees became fashionable. Therefore the French king, Louis the 13^th, (who was getting bald very early) had a curly wig made.

At the end of the Baroque period, women combed their hair upwards again, some creating hair styles that reached up to 60 cm tall.

Biedermeier (1789 - 1848)

In the Biedermeier period, wigs disappeared and Romen and Greek hairstyles came to the forefront of fashion again. From 1804 onward, women again used ornamental combs, diadems, bonnets and silk ribbons more often. While men’s hairstyles changed little at that time, women had more imagination. Mainly T-, V-, Y- or U-shaped partings were fashionable. Ladies were "required" to wear headgear such as bonnets, hats or turbans. These head coverings were often used together with the high hairstyles, which was not really comfortable.

 

Art Nouveau (1850 - 1914)

From 1850 onward, more and more people could afford to go to a hairdresser. In the beginning of this period, most people had French hairstyles, the typical sign of which was a middle parting. In Austria, empress Elizabeth (Sissi) hit the headlines when she decorated her long hair with flowers. Around 1870, the hair was once more combed upwards and decorated. In 1872, crimping was invented. Hair was pulled over a hot iron and a wave was produced in that fashion. This hairstyle was called a "turned-up hairstyle." For quite a long time crimping was fashionable. Around 1890, there were hardly any high hairstyles left. Crimping also began to fade away as it became used less often than before. The new hairstyles turned out to be simple and practical. In the beginning of this period men had curly hair; around the end of the century short hairstyles were successful.

 

20^th century

Various styles (1914 - today)

An important invention in the beginning of the 20^th century was the permanent wave (known as the perm), that made it possible to remodel the hair permanently. The different types of curlers and gadgets that were used for the permanent waves were mostly uncomfortable and too complicated for customars.

The hairstyles of the 20^th century were influenced in part by technical possibilities; hairstyles were also influenced by the hairstyles of outstanding personalities and celebrities.

1^st World War

As the role of women changed more and more, their shifted position in society could also be observed through their new hairstyles. For the first time, a French star hairdresser allowed himself to make a woman happy with a short hairstyle. Bobbed hair then became the fashionable hairstyle.

 

The Thirties and the 2^nd World War

New technical gadgets such as the electric clippers and drying hoods made the hairdresser’s business easier.

Men continued to wear short hair until after the second World War.

After the second World War women, chose to decorate their faces with chin-length, naturally swinging hairstyles. Permanent waves, which could be applied in a cold form, were still important.

The Fifties

People particularly liked imitating the hairstyles of famous film stars and other important people. Through rock n’ roll, a lot of people began to turn into "different" people; Elvis Presley’s hairstyle actually became a model for many men!

The Sixties

With the enormous success of the Beatles and their famous Beatles' haircut, long hair hairstyles became fashionable for men. Millions of young men suddenly let their hair grow long.

The Seventies

What made the seventies stand out was total freedom in the hairstyles: Everything was allowed. New and shocking for many people were the colorful and cheekily cut "punk" hairstyles.

End of the 20^th century

While punk hairstyles still shocked most people during the seventies, only ten years later, this hairstyle could be seen in just about any disco!

Today, dyed and tinged hair are allowed everywhere: The hair is cheekily cut and colorfully dyed from the youngest to the oldest...

 

Old-time radio

Old-time radio

      A wiki link on the subject can be found at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old-time_radio

What is the meaning of the shape of your foot?

What is the meaning of the shape of your foot?

Submitted by Javababe



I just saw this photo “Based on these what are your roots?” being shared in my Facebook wall post. The shapes intrigued me and I looked down on my feet to see what it looks like and oh I got a Greek type of feet. So does that mean have Grecian roots? What they shared is just an image which is kind of disappointing; they should have at least put some caption about these feet types or the significance of feet types.

Wanting to learn more about it, I searched google and have found a lot related articles, from medicine to chinese belief. Some of the Chinese interpretation or belief I found is quite interesting.

1. Someone who walks with an inward splay suggests they are low profile, preferring the stable life rather than taking risks.
2. When your toes are sharp in shape, it suggests you are the black sheep of the family. You love to spend money but are lazy to work; it indicates a lack of great
achievement in life.
3. When your feet are meaty and smooth, it suggests you will become very prosperous and rich. It is also an indication that such a person’s family is very rich,
belonging to the privileged class.
4. When your feet are big, (size 8 and above for men and size 7 and above for women) this indicates you are a “survivor”. You can deal with any kinds of problems,
setbacks, obstacles or difficult people. You are decisive and can provide strong leadership.
5. When your middle toe is the longest among your toes, it is not a good indication as it suggests your destiny could turn irksome during middle age. You could suffer
from a perpetual shortage of money and face obstacles that block your success.
6. When your second toe is longer than your big toe, this suggests you will have plenty of food on the table and plenty of friends around you. You impress others with
your good heart, so many will speak well of you. But you need to work hard to maintain your increasingly extravagant lifestyle.

If you want to read more: www.wofs.com/index.php?option=com_content&;view=article&id=461:looking-for-signs-of..
www.wofs.com/index.php?option=com_content&;Itemid=38&task=view&id=633

+Shape
+Feet
+Chinese-belief
+Lifestyle
+Meaning
+Roots
+Wealth
+Chinese
+Feng-Shui

 

Geography Quiz

Geography Quiz

            http://lizardpoint.com/geography/

Pita

Pita

       A wiki link on this food subject can be found at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pita

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning

       A wiki link on the subject can be found at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_monoxide_poisoning

Chair

Chair

       A wiki link on the subject can be found at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chair

Wrinkle

Wrinkle

       A wiki link on the subject can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrinkle

            A wiki link on permanent press clothing can be found at:   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permanent_press

            There are many other links on wrinkles one can read about, too.

Function of ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE

Function of ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE

      Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice, or Aloe Vera as it is more commonly known, is extracted from the leaves of the plant Aloe. It has been used medicinally for several thousands of years in many cultures.

Skin Care Benefits

Scientists have discovered over 200 nutritional substances in Aloe Barbadensis leafs, including 20 minerals, 20 amino acids, 12 vitamins, and active enzymes.

Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice can soothe skin and serve as an anti-inflammatory. It can be efficiently used topically, because of its burn healing effects, scar reducing and wounds healing properties.

Aloe protects the skin from UV damage. The herb contains aloin, which can block up to 30 percent of the ultraviolet rays when applied to the skin’s surface.

This plant, which carry the status of super star, contains an impressive number of vitamins, including A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, E, Choline and Folic Acid. These vitamins are great for protecting the skin from free radicals, dangerous compounds that cause signs of premature aging due to damaging effects on the DNA and other cell structures.

The herb also contains enzymes, which are the life-principle in every live. These organic molecules rejuvenate aged tissues and promote healthy skin.

Scientists have shown that skin can absorb the key ingredients of Aloe up to 7 layers deep. Thanks to this capacity, Aloe effectively stimulates proteolytic enzyme action in skin tissue, stimulating fibroblast cells that manufacture collagen.

Moreover, because of the aforementioned enzymatic breakdown of dead skin cells from Aloe, it is an excellent cleansing and detoxifying agent, that has ability to remove dead skin cells and toxins while purifying the pores.

Aloe also acts as a moisturizing agent. The herb can be an effective humectant, increasing water retention in the skin. It moisturizes skin and also has antimicrobial properties against many common bacteria and fungi.

Safety Information

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the safety of Aloe Barbadensis and determined that they may be used as natural flavoring substance for direct addition to food.

Link to FDA Code of Federal Regulations for Aloe Barbadensis: Sec. 172.510 Natural flavoring substances and natural substances used in conjunction with flavors..

The safety of Aloe Barbadensis has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and based on the available information concluded that Aloe Barbadensis and the compounds containing Aloe Barbadensis were safe for use as cosmetic ingredients.

Aloe Barbadensis may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union.

Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive: Cosmetic ingredients database

Aloe Barbadensis may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union.

The World Health Organization has prepared a monograph on selected medicinal plants, including Aloe. Link to WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants

 

Mode of Action

Korean researchers from Seoul National University have been investigated Aloe to define whether it could reduce wrinkles. They described their findings in a study published in the journal “Annals of Dermatology.” In just 90 days a daily low dose of Aloe gel was enough to cause significant changes in facial wrinkles in women aged 45 years and over. Scientists have concluded that wrinkle depth decreased and skin elasticity improved due to increased collagen production.

Primary Nutrients Found in Aloe

Amino Acids

Our bodies use 22 amino acids to make more than 50,000 proteins we need to be healthy. The body itself can produce 14 amino acids and the remaining 8 are considered essential because our bodies can’t manufacture them. All of the eight essential amino acids can be found in Aloe Vera and they are Isoleucine, Tryptophan , Leucine, Phenylalanine , Lysine, Methionine, Threonine and Valine. Aloe Vera also contains 12 non-essential amino acids, including Glutamine, Glycine, Alanine, Cysteine, Arginine, Proline , Glutamic acid Asparagine, Serine, Histidine, , Tyrosine, and Aspartic acid.

Anthraquinones

Provides 12 anthraquinones: Aloe emodin, Aloetic Acid, Aloin, Anthracine, Antranol, Barbaloin, Chrysophanic Acid, Emodin, Ethereal Oil, Ester of Cinnamonic Acid, Isobarbaloin, Resistannol.

In relatively small concentrations they provide Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal & Antiviral activity.

Enzymes

Provides 8 enzymes: Aliiase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Amylase, Carboxypeptidase, Catalase, Cellulase, Lipase, Peroxidase

In relatively small concentrations they provide Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal & Antiviral activity.

Hormones

Provides 2 hormenes, Auxins & Gibberellins, that have wound healing & anti-inflammatory properties.

Lignin

Cellulose based substance, thought to provide penetrating power in Aloe Vera skin preparations and may act as a carrier for other components.

Minerals

20 minerals essential for good health and is known to work in certain combimation with each other, vitamins and other trace elements.

Salicylic Acid

Aspirin like compound that has analgesic properties.

Saponins

Soapy substance both cleansing and antiseptic.

Sterols

Provides 4 main plant steroids that act as anti-inflammatory agents: Cholesterol, Campesterol, Lupeol, and Sitosterol. Lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic properties.

Sugars

Monosaccharides: glucose & fructose; Polysaccarides: gluco-mannans / polymannose.

Vitamins

A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, E, Choline and Folic Acid. A, C and E act as antioxidants, B’s & Choline involved in amino acid metabolism, B12 required for production of red blood cells, Folic Acid in the development of blood cells.

 

Scientific evidence:

·        In-Vitro antibacterial activity of Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera)

·        Prevention of ultra violet radiation – induced suppression of contact and delayed hypersensitivity by Aloe barbadensis gel extract

·        Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques

·        Liposomes Encapsulating Aloe vera Leaf Gel Extract Significantly Enhance Proliferation and Collagen Synthesis in Human Skin Cell Lines

The original link to this article can be found at:  http://rg-cell.com/aloe-barbadensis/

A wiki link on aloe vera can be found at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_vera

There are many other links on this subject, too.