Boston Brick and Stone Re-Defining Daycation

Meeting the needs of Realtors and Home buyers

LOS ANGELES-Boston Brick and Stone (http://www.bostonbrick.com), a Southern California leader in chimney inspections, chimney brick repair, brick restoration and landscape and hardscape design, announces simple outdoor solutions to improve your next Daycation.

Boston Brick & Stone offers a list of simple outdoor improvements on their new Twitter site.  As the economy begins to recover, many people are taking one day off for an adventure, a Daycation.  Boston Brick & Stone wants to help extend that Daycation by suggesting affordable improvements in outdoor living to extend that Daycation to a TwoDaycation or a Weekendcation.

Dave Laverdiere, owner of Boston Brick and Stone, stated “Our team works very hard during the week and looks forward to our time at home.  Because of our expertise in improving out door living, we pooled each of our successful affordable outdoor improvements that upgrade our home time to Daycations and beyond.  See our suggestions on Twitter, DacationatHome.”

Founded in 1993 by Don Hall and now owned and operated by Dave Laverdiere, Boston Brick & Stone is a business that has become a trusted name in chimney inspections and hardscape design amongst Southern California homeowners and real estate agents. The company has been a featured contractor on HGTV’s “Landscaper’s Challenge” and on “Backyard Brigade.” 

Located in Pasadena, Boston Brick & Stone serves all communities in Los Angeles County. For more information about Boston Brick and Stone, call 866-612-6786 (Toll-Free) or 626-296-7700 (Local). You can also visit the company’s website at www.bostonbrick.com. Masonry License (C-29); General Builder (B) #783578.

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California Contemporary Ballet Premieres “Saudade”

Los Angeles Dance Company Setting Its Stage for This Blend of Dance Influences

Los Angeles, CA: California Contemporary Ballet (http://www.ctyballet.org), will premier Saudade this summer, an original dance presentation. Three performances only will be held, June 10th, 11th and 12th at the California DanceArts Theatre in La Canada, CA.

Saudade (pronounced sow-da-jee) is a Portuguese word which describes a nostalgic longing or loss for experiences, all of which trigger the senses to make one live again.

Created by Erin Holt, the Company’s Artistic Director, the ballet will be performed to music by Gabriel Fauré, and features dancers from the California Contemporary Ballet in their 3rd year performing together as a professional dance company. The Company will be joined by members of the California Contemporary Youth Ballet as they perform excerpts from “Paquita” under the direction of Lynn Bryson Pittenger, former principal dancer of the New York City Ballet. 

Ms. Holt stated “It is always an honor to be presenting new ideas in the highest artistic forms to the Los Angeles area. Saudade is an exciting new dance, with a number of different influences and styles in combination, and the dancers really bring it to life. We’re very pleased to share it this year on the California DanceArts Theatre stage.”

Dedicated to the art of classical and contemporary dance, California Contemporary Ballet (CCBallet) was formed by Erin Holt in 1997. As Southern California’s break-through performing arts company, California Contemporary Ballet has been invited to perform in a number of local organizations, including the Pasadena Dance Festival 2009, the Celebrate Dance Festival 2009 at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, the premiere of Katie Cassidy’s first record single in Studio City, among others; and international organizations such as the Prague International Ballet in Ostrava, Czech Republic. CCBallet is located in La Canada, CA. More information about the company can be found at http://ctyballet.org/pages/271/California_Contemporary_Ballet.html

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Julian Construction Offers House Leveling In Los Angeles Area

Foundation Repair and Construction Specialist Announces House Leveling Services

LOS ANGELES: Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com/), a foundation construction and repair company in Southern California, is offering house leveling services to Los Angeles residents. House leveling is the process of getting the floor of a house level and stable under permanent reinforced supports, and is aimed at remedying cracked walls, doors scraping against the floor and other structural difficulties. Julian Construction has been at work in the Los Angeles area for more than ten years, headed by founder Julian De La Torre and his partner Shawn Kyles.

House leveling is a very precise procedure. Determining the exact location of the difficulty and extent of the problem, the floor of the house is then slowly raised and reinforced by temporary supports until the floor is completely level, at which time permanent supports are installed. Many homes can experience difficulty with unlevel floors, as foundations settle over time. Even new homes may experience some movement of the foundation. The house leveling process does involve using some heavy equipment, such as a hydraulic jack and steel beams for load distribution. Julian Construction has professional experience using this machinery and is overseen from start to finish by licensed and experienced managers.

Julian De La Torre stated “While house retrofitting is a science, house leveling is an art. Many homeowners live with sloping floors, doors that won’t open and cracking walls. Most floors can be leveled and returned to their original position. This work can be completed in a structurally sound manner, making yours a safer home.”

Julian De La Torre has been retrofitting buildings since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. He formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout the region. Julian’s partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting.

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home.  The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com

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Julian Construction Can Help Prepare You for Next Earthquake

Homeowners Should Ensure their Foundation is Ready for Next Major Earthquake

LOS ANGELES: Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com/), a professional foundation repair and retrofitting company in Southern California, is urging homeowners to get a free foundation inspection to ensure their home is prepared for the next earthquake. Julian’s staff are experts in earthquake retrofitting, also called house bolting, a process designed to ensure safety in the event of an earthquake.

Julian De La Torre founded foundation contractor company Julian Construction in 2001, though his experience in the field dates to prior to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The company is dedicated to preventing earthquake damage by securing a home to its foundation, among its other services.

Julian stated “Getting a free foundation inspection is an important first step in making sure your home is protected against the next earthquake. Earthquake retrofitting is sometimes needed. This is the process of attaching a house to its concrete foundation using foundation plates and anchor bolts. California is ‘earthquake country’ and we who live here should be aware that the up-and-down and side-to-side motion of an earthquake can shake an unbolted house off its foundation.”

He continued: “Julian Construction Inc. specializes in foundation bolting and the bracing of cripple walls (short stud walls between the floor and foundation of some houses) by using structural-grade plywood which, if needed, provides greater resistance to earthquakes. These steps, along with properly tying the floor system down with approved framing anchors, will make yours a safer home.”

One customer had the following to say regarding their experience with Julian Construction: “Julian Construction is the only company you should call to retrofit your house. Not only did they do a great job, but they made us feel like we could trust them to make our house safer for the next earthquake.”

Julian De La Torre has been retrofitting buildings since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. He formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout the region. Julian’s partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting.

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home.  The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website: http://www.julianconstruction.com.

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Aero & Marine Tax Professionals Obtains Sales Tax Exemption for Client’s Citation Sovereign Jet

Beverage Distribution Company Receives Aircraft Tax Exemption on Purchase of Citation Sovereign Jet

SACRAMENTO, CA: Aero & Marine Tax Professionals (http://www.aeromarinetaxpros.com) has helped a beverage distribution company reduce costs on the purchase a Citation Sovereign by obtaining a sales and use tax exemption from the California Board of Equalization. 

Josh P, an executive from the company stated: “This was my third transaction with Aero & Marine Tax Professionals. Our experience has been nothing but fantastic. They take care of all the government filing & tax filing. I just give them all the paperwork that they need, make sure it's on time, & give them the details that they need, and it's all taken care of. The organization and knowledge that Aero & Marine has - it's hard to find. They are organized, and they know what they're looking for. There are no questions. There are no problems. If I do the job that they ask me to do, they do the job we ask them to do.”

“We purchased the aircraft to go between our sites all through the United States and Mexico. We can meet in person, and that would not ordinarily be possible. I would absolutely recommend Aero & Marine Tax Professionals any day!” concluded Josh.

Aero & Marine Tax Professionals are the pre-eminent tax firm specializing in legally avoiding the payment of sales tax on aircraft and vessel purchases in California. Their unique knowledge and expertise has resulted in regular referrals from attorneys and accountants throughout California.

Tom Alston, President of Aero & Marine Tax Professionals, stated “When you are facing the problems and complexities of the California tax codes in purchasing an aircraft, it can be pretty overwhelming. When you have a firm with the know-how, familiarity and years of experience to expertly arrange the lowest amount of aircraft sales tax, perfectly within the law, it becomes very simple.”

Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers how to avoid sales tax, specifically how to avoid aircraft tax and vessel tax in California and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket--not the government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on sales and use tax.

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William D. Truax Offers Representation Before the IRS in Tax Matters

Tax Advisors Firm Has Excellent Reputation and Experience Representing Clients

 

LOS ANGELES: Professional tax advisor firm William D. Truax E.A., Inc. (http://www.truax.net/) offers representation before the IRS in matters of tax difficulties or disputes, in addition to their services of tax preparing, tax planning, accounting services, and business incorporation.

William D. Truax E.A., Inc. has been representing clients before the IRS and state tax agencies for over 20 years. In addition, its founder William D. Truax is one of only 300 non-attorneys nationwide ever to be admitted to practice before the U.S. Tax Court. The firm is licensed to represent clients before the IRS, and all other tax agencies, in addition to the Tax Court. They perform a constant review of the U.S. Tax Code, ensuring their up to date knowledge.

According to founder William D. Truax, “Our representation of clients before the IRS is aggressive and uncompromising. Combined, our representatives have in excess of 30 years experience dealing with the IRS in this field. This has given us the opportunity to establish excellent working relationships with many of the representatives that would be otherwise inaccessible and very difficult to deal with. We’re confident we can help our clients to arrive at solutions to what would otherwise be dauntless tasks. But in actuality, it’s really simple when you have the professionals on your side.”

Mr. Truax has been a tax preparer and financial consultant in private practice for over 30 years. He is admitted to practice before the IRS and all state tax agencies and is also a member of the bar of the United States Tax Court. As a fellow of the National Tax Practice Institute, he is an Accredited Tax Advisor and a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents. Mr. Truax was a founder and Director of Professional Business Bank in Pasadena, CA, and was chairman of the bank’s investment committee, responsible for control and oversight of over $100 million in bank assets. Mr. Truax has been active in numerous philanthropic endeavors and is currently a trustee or a board member of several active charitable organizations.

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Malone Editorial Services Helps Author Get First Book Published

KenKarta: Battle of the Onoxmon by Alison Kartevold (May 2011,The Artists’ Orchard Press

 

DALLAS: Developmental Editor Susan Mary Malone (http://www.maloneeditorial.com/) announced that a Young Adult Fantasy Novel by one of her clients has been published by The Artists' Orchard. KenKarta: Battle of the Onoxmon,  by Alison Kartevold, has already earned a 5-star review from Midwest Book Review.

Alison Kartevold stated, “Susan Malone is a master of developmental editing. She not only sees what your work needs to reach the next level, she gracefully provides the necessary guidance to get it there. She demands your best, but never belittles. She's there to make you better, not to put her thumbprint on your work. Susan's support got me published and I can't wait to work with her again on the sequel to “KenKarta: Battle of the Onoxmon!”

 “A book is simply more than the sum of its parts,” said Susan Mary Malone. “It's its own entity - a new being that is formed by those parts, and something more. Something intangible. To fashion a great book one must make sure all of the individual elements work together in a synergy of words and emotions, painting pictures and evoking senses in order to put the reader smack dab into the story. To accomplish that, a writer must first create, then rewrite, then revise. And nothing in the world helps one do that better than working with an accomplished developmental editor - one who knows the pitfalls and problems, and can help writers navigate around and through the turbulent seas.”

Over 40 books edited by Malone Editorial Services have recently sold to traditional publishers. Clients include NY Times Bestselling author Mary B. Morrison, and Essence Bestselling author Naleighna Kai. Other notable edited books include: “The Things I Could Tell You”  by Jeremy Woodson (nominated for an NAACP Literary Award); “O'Brien's Desk” (a Publishers Weekly Spring Pick to Watch); “Ida Mae Tutweiler and the Traveling Tea Party” (made into a Hallmark film), among many others. She is also an award winning author of fiction and non-fiction herself.  Susan participates as a speaker in literary conferences such as the Harriett Austin Writer's Conference (at the University of Georgia), the Blue Ridge Writer's Conference, the SouthWest Writer's Conference, and the upcoming East Texas Writer’s Conference, among others. Her full biography and featured list of published authors can be viewed at http://www.maloneeditorial.com/. Her blog can be viewed at http://www.maloneeditorial.com/blog/.

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Using Helical Piles to Repair Your Foundation

By Shawn Kyles

The purpose of a foundation is to support and spread the weight of the structure that sits on top of it. A foundation can become damaged due to poor soil conditions, moisture and foliage. Foundation problems can lead to cracks in walls and tiles, bowed walls and sloping floors. It can even become difficult to open and shut windows and doors. One solution to stabilizing foundations is the installation of helical piles, also referred to as screw piles. A helical pile is a steel shaft with blades attached in a spiral pattern. The pile is attached at the foundation on one end, and screwed into the ground on the other. Not only do they stabilize a structure, they can also increase load bearing capacities in a retrofit.

Helical piles were first used in the 1800’s for English lighthouse foundations. The first recording of their use was in 1836 by a blind brick maker and civil engineer named Alexander Mitchell. These days, helical piles are used all over the world on many kinds of projects, including excavation, anchoring pipelines and light poles, supporting transmission towers and tunnels, tiebacks for soil retaining walls, and tie downs for manufactured as well as residential and commercial buildings.

Helical piles are installed at intervals around the perimeter at affected locations. They are then extended to the depth needed for the load. Special brackets are used to secure the piles to the concrete foundation. The pile is then torqued into the soil and connected to each bracket. The nuts on the vertical bolts of the bracket are then tightened to lock off the load.

Some of the benefits of helical piles include fast and relatively easy installation, reduced costs compared to other forms of foundation repair, and extremely high load capacities. Other advantages include installation with minimal excavation and without heavy equipment, as well as low vibration. Helical piles can also be used with a variety of soil conditions. They are considered as an alternative to pressed pilings which are attached to concrete and steel blocks; and steel pilings, which are driven into solid rock.

If you have foundation damage, contact an experienced foundation repair company and request an inspection of your property. A foundation expert can give you useful feedback regarding the problems you are experiencing and their source. You can find out the best way to repair your foundation, and whether or not helical piles are the right solution for your situation.

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How to Maintain Your Foundation

Properly maintaining a home’s foundation will prevent structural damage such as cracks, slopping floors, broken tiles and bowed walls, as well as doors and windows that don’t open or shut properly. Foundation problems are typically caused by moisture, but can also occur due to variations in temperature, soil expansion and contraction, poor soil compaction and tree roots. Here are some tips that help you increase the longevity of your foundation and avoid costly repairs.

• Ensure proper drainage. Water should always be directed away from the house. Use gutters and drainspouts to prevent water from accumulating on the roof, running down walls or pooling near the building. Also make sure the ground around the house is graded to slope away from the structure. If necessary, install moisture barriers and drainage channels to prevent water from seeping into your home.

• Repair any plumbing problems. Moisture build-up from dripping faucets, toilets and pipes can also cause foundation problems. Periodically inspect your plumbing and immediately repair any leaks. Also check sprinkler systems and sewer lines.

 

• Keep soil moisture at a constant level. Soil can expand with moisture and contract when it dries, causing settlement problems. Water the soil around your home during dry periods to keep moisture levels consistent with soil under your foundation.

• Install a root barrier. If there are trees or shrubs planted near your home, install a barrier to prevent roots from growing under the foundation. Make sure any new trees or foliage is planted far enough away from the structure to avoid root problems in the future. Also remove any mulch that accumulates near the house.

• Weatherproof you home. Properly sealing your house will also prevent damage from moisture and air. This includes plugging any existing holes and cracks, caulking and weatherstripping.

If there are already cracks or other damage to your foundation, contact an experienced and knowledgeable foundation repair company to find out what is causing the damage. A skilled foundation expert can inspect your property and give you valuable advice regarding any repairs that may be needed to prevent further problems.

Keeping your foundation in good condition is extremely important. When a foundation is allowed to deteriorate, the building it supports will become unstable and will eventually collapse. Southern California homeowners in particular need to monitor the condition of their foundation due to the region’s regular seismic activity. Earthquakes can cause even more considerable damage to a home when the foundation is already damaged.

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SkinMD Natural’s Dry Skin Care Ingredients on FDA’s Most Safe List

As consumers become more aware of the dangers of toxic chemicals, skin care manufacturers across the nation have jumped on the natural dry skin care bandwagon. But many of these products contain so many potentially toxic chemicals, the term ‘natural’ is really misleading. SkinMD Natural’s dry skin care ingredients are among the safest available.

 

SkinMD Natural, a breakthrough skin care product that binds with the outer layer of the skin to form a new, protective layer, contains 93% natural ingredients. The other 7% are on the FDA’s most safe list.

 

If you go into a store for ‘natural’ dry skin care products and read the ingredients on the label, you may find a few that are actually natural. Some may have aloe vera, Vitamin E, or other substances that promote good health.

 

But alongside those ingredients, you may also find petroleum-derived substances such as isopropyl alcohol and propylene glycol – both of which are used in anti-freeze – or mineral oil, which coats the skin like plastic inhibiting its ability to breathe, absorb moisture and expel toxins.

Other potentially harmful ingredients include parabens - preservatives that have been linked to human breast cancer and have been shown to damage sperm formation in animal studies – and phthalates, commonly found in ‘fragrance’. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can interfere with the development of the reproductive system. Studies have shown that phthalates can also be passed from mother to baby.

“The FDA has no regulations regarding cosmetics or skin care products,” said Dan Mueller, developer of SkinMD Natural. “Consequently, manufacturers can use whatever they want in their products, regardless of whether or not those ingredients have been found to be toxic or even carcinogenic.”

Also, as there are no restrictions on labeling, products can contain just a tiny amount of a natural ingredient and pronounce the product ‘natural’ on the label.

“Unsuspecting consumers buy the product, thinking they’re buying something relatively free of harmful chemicals,” said Mueller.

“We’re aware of the potential dangers of many of the chemicals used in skin care products,” said Mr. Mueller. “We formulated our products to be effective, but safe. Our lotions are free of parabens, petrochemicals, dyes, and other irritating ingredients. They are also vegan, cruelty free, and eco-friendly.”

For more information on the potential dangers of dry skin care product ingredients, natural dry skin care, or SkinMD Natural, visit www.skinmdnatural.com.

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Big Trees Inc. Teams Up With Bartlett Tree Care Specialists

Big Trees Inc. and Bartlett Tree Experts Now Partnered in Seattle Area

Snohomish, WA: Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), a large tree nursery and professional planting service company, has just announced a partnership with Bartlett Tree Experts ( http://www.bartlett.com/index.cfm ), a tree care specialist. Big Trees Inc. is located in Snohomish, WA, 35 miles north of Seattle. Bartlett has 85 locations around the US, including one in Kenmore, WA, just north of Seattle.

 

Both companies have the purpose of helping homeowners and commercial property owners benefit from having healthy and aesthetic trees. Thus the partnership was born, with Big Trees Inc. installing trees, and Bartlett providing tree care.

 

Ross Latham, Owner of Big Tree Supply Inc., stated, “We’re very pleased with the partnership with Bartlett Tree Experts. Our priority is giving the highest level of service, resulting in beautiful tree installations. It is very important to us to ensure that those trees that are installed can survive despite any number of harmful circumstances that could arise. Bartlett can definitely help our customers accomplish that.”

 

Ross Latham is the owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), located in Snohomish, WA, in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only can deliver young trees but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including up to large trees. Their blog can be seen at http://www.bigtreeblog.com.

 

Bartlett is an accredited member of The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and has Arborists Representatives with membership in the International Soceity of Arboriculture (ISA), including some who are ISA Board-Certified Master Arborists. Bartlett’s company offers services in Cabling and Bracing, Drought Services, Emergency Tree Service, Fertilization and Soil Management, Insect and Disease Management, Lighting Protection, Plant Analysis and Diagnostics, Pruning, Storm Damage, Tree Inspections, Tree Inventory, Tree Removal and Tree Structure Evaluation.

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Spring Sale Announced For Northwest US Tree Supplier

Big Trees Inc. Has Announced Their Seasonal Sale of 20% Off on Flowering Cherry Trees

Snohomish, WA: Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), a tree sales, planting and transplanting company in the Seattle area has announced an extension on their Spring sale. All Flowering Cherries from their Nursery are now 20% off until the end of May. Big Trees Inc. is located in Snohomish, WA, 35 minutes north of Seattle and services the metro Seattle area.

The seasonal sale will cover all in-stock ornamental cherry trees in Big Tree Supply’s nursery. Professional planting service is also available, and the company has over 40 years experience in transplanting, both on and off site.

Ross Latham, Owner of the company, stated “Flowering cherry trees such as the Kwanzan Cherry are some of the most dramatically beautiful trees you can get, especially when they are in bloom in the spring. The seasonal sale is always a treat. These trees go absolutely great with almost any residential or commercial property. We can deliver not only young trees but mature trees as well. That was one of the points of this business and why I named it Big Trees.”

The company’s nursery specials shift with the seasons, and the sale for summer will be announced in the near future on the company’s blog. (http://www.bigtreeblog.com/)

Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), located in Snohomish, WA, is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only can deliver young trees but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, fall color, shade, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including up to large trees. Their blog can be seen at http://www.bigtreeblog.com.

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