Tornadoes - Basic What-To-Dos

Tornadoes are the most violent storm and one of Earth's most dangerous catastrophes. Whirling winds usually exceed 100mph and can reach speeds of 300mph. An average of 1,000 tornadoes spin up beneath thunderstorms in the USA each year.

Tornadoes can occur any time of the year but they are most rampant during USA's spring season because spring brings favorable tornado conditions.

The National Weather Service's Glossary of Meteorology defines a tornado as "a violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and pendant from a thunderstorm." The thunderstorm is the first step in the formation of a tornado. If other weather conditions are right, the thunderstorm will spin out more tornadoes and cast catastrophe in land.

In the US, it damages the central and mountain state areas stretching from Texas to Nebraska. These states include Iowa, Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas (known as Tornado Alley). In fact, tornadoes have already occurred in other states in the East Coast and West Coast but not as violent as what is normally occurring in the central and mountain states.

The six-tiered Fujita Scale ranks the damage that tornadoes make. F0 and F1 tornadoes on the scale are considered "weak" causing minimal to moderate damage with winds from 40-12 mph. F2 and F3 tornadoes are considered strong, packing winds of 113-206 mph that can cause major, severe damage. F4 and F5 tornadoes are classified with winds exceeding 206 mph.

Weak tornadoes travel in short distances for 10 minutes or less. Violent tornadoes, however, lasts for hours and can travel more than 100 miles.

Tornadoes can come without warning but there is always a tornado warning. Tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted. If it is issued in your area, seek underground storm shelter immediately and bring emergency necessities like aid kits and important documents. Aid kits - first aid items, water, food, flashlight, transistor radio, batteries, and waterproof containers. Important documents - an inventory of your belongings, appliances, furniture, fixtures, for insurance purposes, and documents like birth certificates, etc.

BEFORE THE TORNADO...

Know the signs of a tornado: Weather forecasting science is not perfect and some tornadoes do occur without a tornado warning. There is no substitute for staying alert to the sky. Besides an obviously visible tornado, here are some things to look and listen for: strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base; whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base -- tornadoes sometimes have no funnel; Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can't be seen; Day or night - Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn't fade in a few seconds like thunder; Night - Small, bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level near a thunderstorm (as opposed to silvery lightning up in the clouds). These mean power lines are being snapped by very strong wind, maybe a tornado; Night - Persistent lowering from the cloud base, illuminated or silhouetted by lightning -- especially if it is on the ground or there is a blue-green-white power flash underneath.

And lastly, have a family tornado plan in place. Flying debris are an added danger along tornadoes. When a tornado watch is issued, think about the drill and check to make sure all your safety supplies are handy. Or immediately check your storm cellar if you have available supplies down there.

DURING THE TONADO...

Forget about the old notion of opening windows to equalize pressure; the tornado will blast open the windows for you!

The safest place to be during a tornado is underground. If there's hurricane safe room in your home, a small room in the middle of house -- like a bathroom or a closet -- is best. The more walls between you and the outside the better.

AFTER THE TORNADO...

Keep your family together and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Carefully render aid to those who are injured. Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them; they may still be carrying electricity! Watch your step to avoid broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects. Stay out of any heavily damaged houses or buildings; they could collapse at any time. Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby. Remain calm and alert, and listen for information and instructions from emergency crews or local officials.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

A Safe Drive Through Foggy Roads

In March 2008, 60 vehicles piled up in the Abu Dhabi highway, 25 of them caught fire following the pile up. Nearly 350 people were injured, with 6 of them seriously injured and the rest suffered minor injuries. Sadly, 3 people died from the horrific accident.

The reason: poor visibility due to heavy fog.

Although there's nobody to blame in this kind of accident, it's very unfortunate that most accidents result from heavy fogs. What's more alarming is that reckless drivers and careful drivers alike are at high risk of getting involved in this type of mishap. While careful drivers try to drive slowly in foggy roads, reckless drivers who are overconfident of their abilities drive at high speed despite the adverse weather condition. This puts everybody on the road in great danger.

Combined with the darkness of the road, heavy fog can result in an eerie driving experience if you don't drive carefully. Unfortunately though, there's no knowing when you will encounter fog on the road. So, the best thing you can do is prepare yourself and your car for any road eventuality.

Check the road worthiness of your car.

Are your tires ready to drive through rough roads? Is your brake system able to stop your car easily even when driving at high speed? Are the wheels ready to steer you away from danger even at the last minute? Well, if your answer to all questions is no, then maybe it's time to hitch a ride with your neighbor for a while and let your mechanic turn the pumpkin into a coach.

Waking up an hour early in the morning to hitch a ride is the least of your worries when you drive through foggy roads on your way to work every morning. After all, a fog crossing the road is much dangerous than a deer crossing.

Listen to weather conditions.

If you can't drive without music in your car, then maybe a few minutes of weather news won't hurt. What's a five minute sacrifice listening to the eerie voice of the weather man, when your safety depends on it?

But don't just solely depend on the weather man to give you the weather of the day. The weather can be very unpredictable. So, make your five senses work. Listen, watch, feel, smell, and taste the air around you. Listen to what you can't see and feel what you can't hear. There's nothing scarier than driving in utter silence on dark, foggy roads. So, let your senses help you through the drive.

Turn on your lights.

Let your auto lights be your guide-and your indicator. Every time you're driving through a foggy stretch, turn on your low beams, fog lights, and emergency lights. This will ensure motorists will see you. And never ever switch your headlight to high beam. If your drinking buddy told you it will let you see the road better, it's foolish of you to follow a drunken advice. Keep in mind that the stronger the light, the less you see on foggy roads. Instead of giving you greater visibility, the vapors will cause light to spring back and give you shorter field of vision. So, keep it low in foggy roads.

And if you think foggy roads are just a piece of cake to drive on, think again. You don't want to get caught in a messy pile-up like what happened in Dubai.

Francis Romaine, a journalism grad, is most adept in writing about cars which is among his interests. now, he's a freelance writer who's interests don't just concentrate on cars alone but also on other related topics such the how to's of a car, nifty info on different parts such as the aftermarket headlights, ac condenser, car mirror, and so on.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

The Poor People in USA

According to the report from United States Census Bureau, there are 4,360,000 in USA in 2009. It means 1/7 people in USA is poor. The number breaks the record in the history in USA. And the situation will be worse next year and some people predict the number will be increased to as high as 1/5 among the whole population. Do you know what the problems result in this phenomenon?

1.The poverty line is higher than other countries

In 2009, the poverty line in USA is annual income USD22,050 for a family with four members. If the annual income lower than USD22,050, the family will be considered to be poor people. But in fact, 46% of those people have private car and house and 30% of them own two cars. Obviously, the poverty line is much higher than other countries.

2.The effect of the economic crisis took place in 2008

The serious economic crisis took place in 2008 is another main reason to increase the number of poor people. The president Obama also admit the economy in USA is still difficult. The jobless rate reaches the peak.

Do you know what the poor people's life in USA look like? In fact, the welfare from government is too well-off to poor people.

1. Food.

They will be provided food stamp from government. It is a kind of card and government will deposit money to it monthly. And people can use it to purchase bread, fruit, and meat and so on.

2. Accommodation.

Government invest much money on providing low-rent housing to them. The cost is less than 30% of the poor families' income. Then they can use more than 70% of their income to purchase other daily necessities, like clothes, mobile...

3. Donation from charity organizations.

More and more rich people in USA are willing to donate their money to poor people. And it is very helpful to the poor.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Homemade Chocolate

It is easy to make impressive and delicious homemade chocolates for family and friends at Easter or anytime. You can purchase Easter chocolate molds at most specialty or discount stores and a wide variety of chocolate at your local supermarket. With a bit of time and patience you will soon be turning out gorgeous homemade chocolates.

Types of Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, sugar and vanilla. It is stronger and richer than milk or white chocolate and is usually the preferred choice for cooking.

Milk chocolate contains the same ingredients as dark chocolate but has added milk solids. It is sweeter, creamier, softer in texture and less intense than dark chocolate.

White chocolate doesn't contain cocoa solids, only cocoa butter blended with sugar, milk solids and flavourings, such as vanilla. It is rich, creamy and sweeter than milk chocolate.

Eating chocolate - dark, milk and white - can be used for cooking. Dark varieties include bitter, semi-sweet and sweet. Bitter chocolate has up to 80% cocoa liquor and butter with a minimal amount of sugar. Sweet chocolate has a higher proportion of sugar and vanilla to cocoa butter.

Good-quality cooking chocolate can be found in the baking aisle of supermarkets. It is similar in taste to eating chocolate, but a small amount of cocoa butter has been replaced with vegetable fat to make it easier to melt, able to set without tempering. Cheaper than normal eating chocolate.

Compound chocolate is sold in blocks or buttons and can be found in the baking aisle of supermarkets. The cocoa butter has been replaced with vegetable fat or oil, making it easier to melt and to set at room temperature without tempering. It lacks the flavour and texture of other chocolates, but is perfect for kids' cooking.

Melting Chocolate

Chocolate can be melted in several different ways including on the stove, in the microwave or in the oven.

Stove Top - put chocolate in a clean, dry, heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Make sure no water or steam enters the bowl of chocolate, or it the chocolate could seize. Stir constantly over medium to low heat until the chocolate has melted.

Microwave - put chocolate in a clean, dry, microwave-safe bowl. Cook for 1 minute on medium/high then stir. Cook for another 30 seconds then stir again, continue until chocolate has all melted.

Stove - preheat oven to 160 C. Put chocolate in a clean, dry, heatproof bowl. Turn oven off then place the bowl in the oven for 10 minutes minutes. Remove and stir, then place back in oven if required for several minutes, remove and stir again.

Tips for Melting Chocolate

* Break chocolate into even sizes pieces before melting.

* Use a metal spoon to stir chocolate; wooden and plastic spoons retain moisture that can cause the chocolate to seize.

* Always use a metal, glass or ceramic bowl to melt chocolate.

Making Homemade Chocolates

1. Melt your chocolate, (see above), then stir thoroughly to remove all lumps.

2. Pour melted chocolate into the moulds until they are filled to the top.

3. Tap the moulds with your fingertips to remove air bubbles from chocolate.

4. Let chocolates set, until hard.

5. After your chocolates have completely set and hardened, carefully pop them out of the mold.

6. Use a butter knife to trim off any excess chocolate around the edges.

Tips for using Chocolate Moulds

* Never wash your chocolate molds with soapy water. The soapy water will remove the shine of the mold, making it difficult to get the chocolate off. Just wash in hot water.

* Always dry your molds carefully after washing. Water spots can also cause spots where the chocolate won't release easily from the mould.

* If your molds are sticking, very lightly coat them with a thin layer of vegetable oil.

* If you make a mistake, or if extra chocolate dribbles in the wrong places - don't touch it while it's still wet. Place the chocolates in the fridge or freezer to harden, then you can easily just pick off the parts you don't want there.

How to Store Chocolate

Chocolate should be wrapped in alfoil and placed in an airtight container. Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not store in the refrigerator.

Unopened chocolate has a shelf life of 12 months and opened chocolate, properly wrapped and stored has a shelf life of 3 months. (However it would never last this long at my house!)

Chocolate Terms

Seize - Chocolate will seize up when small amounts of liquid mix with it, it becomes a thick grainy mass that cannot be remelted or used.

Chocolate Bloom - White spots that appear on chocolate, caused by the chocolate being heated and cooled too quickly. This can also occur when chocolate is refrigerated, it does not affect the quality and can still be eaten.

Tempering - A technique used to stabilize chocolate with a high cocoa butter content through a melting and cooling process so the chocolate will set firm and shiny at room temperature.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

Unsecured Personal Loans – A Finance For Your Personal Need

When individual's faces sudden monetary problems, they are required to be well furnished to face them. Moreover, when they do not have the needed funds, they turn to avail for a loan. Generally, if people want to get a huge amount, the lender will immediately tell them to place some or the other sort of assets to place as collateral. However, if the individual does not wish for such property or security to be placed, he can simply avail the unsecured personal loans.

Such unseured loans support to the personal requirements of people. The applicant is not needed to place any assets of his own such as his car, house or any such property as collateral against the loan to get it. The borrower can as well enjoy the yielding pay back duration and pay the funds back even on installments. The main benefit of this loans UK is that the applicant will not have to face any danger of losing possession of his assets if he is not able to pay the loan amount back within the time. Those who are suffering from a bad monetary background, they can even apply for this credit without any obligation. The applicant's can simply stay out of debt if he pays the complete sum back on time.

Nevertheless, due to this non - placement of security, the applicant's will have to face huge interest rates imposed on him by the lender. The lender performs this so that he can stay out of any danger. If the borrower does not pay back the complete amount on time, he will have to face a penalty and his credit status will immediately go down.

The applicant's can simply avail unsecured business loans by applying for it through Online. The borrower just has to follow some of the instructions such as just has to log on to the given website and fulfill the Online application form. There will be specific information required by you such as name, age, current bank account, identity proof, address proof and lot more. Thereafter, with the few click of a button, the form will get submitted to the lender. He will then clarify the information and if he is satisfied, he will be sanctioned the finance and then the wanted sum will be instantly and electronically deposited to the applicant's active bank account. So, get rid of all your worries by applying for such loans immediately.

SUMMARY – Unsecured personal loans can be a convenient monetary tool that can give you extreme harmony of mind when an surprising expenditure arises. Under such loans you need not require to place any collateral in exchange for the funds.

Varieties of Rice

Rice is one of the most widely consumed food crops of the world. This cereal foodstuff provides nourishment to over half of the world's population. In fact, this staple food provides more than one fifth of the calories consumed worldwide by humans. India is the second largest producer of rice after China, accounting for about 90 million tons of production in the world. Rice is cultivated during both winter and summer, and there are more than 4000 varieties of rice being grown every year.

Rice is defined as a cereal grain belonging to the grass family of 'Poaceae'. Rice belongs to two species of Poaceae crop, namely, 'Oryza Sativa' and 'Oryza.' The rice plant grows at 2-6 feet, with an upright stem and long, pointed and flat leaves. It has stalk bearing flowers from which the the rice grains are produced. The rice plant needs both warmth and moisture for its proper growth. Rice is typically grown as an annual plant, although in some tropical regions, it is also grown as a perennial plant. It is considered to be one of the few crops that is non-glutenous and non-allergic.

In third world nations and developing countries, rice is one of the most commonly grown cash crops. In fact, rice is one of the oldest cereal crops cultivated by humans. The earliest forms of rice were grown in China around 5000 years back. Since it is a major food supplement, it is commercially cultivated as a cash crop in many regions of the world.

Rice is very nutritious and contains loads of nutrients to give energy and vitality to our body. Rice is a rich source of carbohydrates as well as an important source of storing the energy inside the body for its proper growth. Rice is also low on fat, salt and cholesterol, and thus helps in keeping the heart healthy.

As pointed above, India is the second largest producer of rice in the world. The rich soil of India is known for producing some of the finest varieties of rice. Basmati rice is globally renowned for its unique smell and delicate flavour and Indian basmati rice is highly demanded in the worldwide market.

Following are the main varieties of rice produced in India:

Basmati Rice: Often termed as the king of all rice, basmati rice is an ideal choice for an every day meal. Its delicate flavour and distinctive aroma makes this long grain rice as the most wonderful rice among all varieties. The long grain rice is further classified as 'Long Grain Brown Rice' and 'Long Grain White Rice'. India is the largest cultivator and exporter of this rice.

Medium Grain Rice: This type of rice has a creamy color and a slightly chewy texture. The kernels of this kind of rice are shorter and wider as compared to that of long grain rice and also do not always remain fluffy. It can also be further classified as 'Medium Grain Brown Rice' and 'Medium Grain White Rice'.

Short Grain Rice: Belonging to the 'Japonica' (round grained) category of rice, the grains of this type of rice have short and plump kernels. This rice is identified as having a smooth, creamy texture, ideal for making rice pudding and other sweet dishes involving the use of rice.

Other Indian rice varieties include dubraj rice, champaa rice, clearfield rice, hasan serai, raja hansa, molakolukulu, Patna rice, ponni rice, to name a few.

Following is the list of varieties of rice produced in various regions of the world:

* Australian Varieties: Amaroo (semi-dwarf medium grain), Reiziq (semi-dwarf medium grain), Jarrah, Koshihikari, etc.
* Bangladeshi Varieties: Chinigura Rice, Kalijira Rice, Kataribhog Rice, Paijam Rice, Najirshail Rice, etc.
* Chinese Rice Varieties: Prosequisa 4, Prosequisa 5, Prosequisa 10, Juma 57, Juma 58, Juma 66, Yocahú CFX-18, etc.
* Iranian Varieties: Domsiah, Binam, Hasani, Salari, Ambarboo, etc.
* Italian Varieties : Arborio, Baldo, Carnaroli, Vialone Nano, etc.
* Japanese Varieties: Koshihikari, Hitomebore, Hinohikari, Kinuhikari, Nihonbare, Sasanishiki, etc.
* Pakistani Varieties: Basmati 2000 Rice, Super Kernel Basmati Rice, PK-385 Basmati Rice, PK-198 Basmati Rice, Supra Basmati Rice, etc.
* Philippine Varieties:Baysilanon, Dinorado, Milagrosa pino, Segadis Milagrosa, Kalinayan, Sinandomeng, etc.
* Spanish Varieties:Bahia, Bomba, Calasparra and Senia
* Thai Varieties:Jasmine Rice, White Rice, White Glutinous Rice, Black Glutinous Rice, Red Cargo Rice, Brown Rice,etc.
* United States Varieties: Akitakomachi Rice, California New Variety Rice, Calmochi Rice, Calrose Rice and Wehani Rice.

Rice is also a base material for producing many other items. It is an inseparable ingredient of many delicious desserts, snacks and other food items. A type of alcoholic beverage 'rice wine' is also produced from rice. In many regions of the world, rice wine is prepared for celebrating gala occasions.

If you are looking for exporters and suppliers of rice. you can visit tradeindia, which has extensive information on rice and other products.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

What Should I Pack When Traveling to Africa?

Millions of visitors flock to Africa, whether to get soaked in the mist of Victoria Falls or to experience the taste of Cape Town's world class cuisine and wine. Africa is a continent of contrasts, from its dramatic mountain peaks to its white beaches and heartbreakingly blue water. Travelers must be daring, adventurous, and have an expectation of meeting the unexpected - but when it comes to packing, they need to be methodical, organized, and practical. What can you really not afford to leave home without?

Beyond a passport and necessary travel documents, by far the most recommended item for any journey to the continent is sun protection. The sun can be relentless, and without protection, you will not get far on your search for the Big Five or strolling through intriguing souks. Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, light colored, loose fitting, long-sleeved pants and shirts. Dehydration is a risk as well, so bring a reusable water bottle, water purification tablets or compact filters, and stock up on bottled water at all of your stops.

Even if you do not visit a malarial country, you will still want bug and insect repellent. There are few things more irritating than having to swat flies while you're seeing a lion roaming in the wild for the first time. A heavy-duty, DEET-based repellent is best. Other items to load into your toiletry bag include: pain reliever, antiseptic cream or ointment, anti-diarrheal medication, bandages, and enough prescription medicine to last throughout your trip. You can buy basic toiletries like toothpaste and shampoo while in Africa if you want to conserve space in your suitcase.

Clothing is difficult; we don't want to under-pack so we end up over-packing, or vice versa. In general, it is better to travel light. The specific pieces that you choose will depend on where you are traveling and during which months. Cotton socks and underwear and comfortable walking boots are essentials.

Choose a few pairs of long, lightweight pants and shirts, a few t-shirts, a pair or two of shorts, a bathing suit, a sarong (which can be used as a towel or a skirt or a cover-up), and one dressy outfit if your vacation will encompass a more formal occasion. Pack lighter and wash your clothing when you have the opportunity. It's an African adventure - no one will care if you wear the same shorts a few times.

Another must: a camera. You will see some of the most gorgeous scenery and spectacular sites of your life. Capturing them will help you relive the excitement time and time again.

Resource: EzineArticles.com

Unsecured Cash Loans For Unemployed People - Jobless People Can Now Avail Cash Loans

Funds support to the people who do not have any collateral to pledge and is even very dangerous. No lender is prepared to offer loan to such individual's especially those who are not working anywhere or call them jobless. Such individual's find it hard to get timely support. To get their troubles resolved, there have been introduced amazing. Unsecured cash loans for unemployed are extraordinary and easy funds advances which are provided without any security.

These are completely unsecured loans. A borrower is not required to pledge any of his / her security with the lender to avail the loan approval. Even individual's who are not working in any company or are searching for some work can exploit for such loans. This is one of the important benefits of such loans. Another advantage is that you need not take tensions regarding your credit score as this is not the matter for which the lenders are concerned. The loan is even sanctioned to you even if you are suffering from bad credit history.

The complete loan application procedure is very fast and can also be achieved through Internet. Here the borrower just has to click on the website of the lender's institution and fill an Online application form which is available there. Very less time is taken to get the form filled. There are number of information which is required by the lender for the approval of the loan.

This includes the borrower's name, age, address proof, identity proof, current bank account details, account number and so on. As soon as it is filled, it is forwarded to the lender concerned for the credit verification. If all the information is satisfied as per the legal conditions, the loan will be given approval immediately. After the approval, the funds are instantly transferred into your current bank account within very limited time duration. After which you can enjoy all the benefits offered by the unsecured personal loans bad credit people.

SUMMARY - To meet the financial institutions, the way of borrowing funds is the best option in the eyes of unemployed people, as these troubled people address to avail unsecured cash loans for unemployed people from the banks.