Foundation Expert Speaks on Importance of Foundation Inspection for Slab Foundations

Slab Foundations Should Receive Regular Maintenance Inspection

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction (http://julianconstruction.com/) a home foundation inspection and foundation repair company in Southern California, is urging homeowners with a slab foundation to keep their home’s foundations regularly inspected for cracks and other indications of foundation problems.

The company’s safety inspection expert, Shawn Kyles, wrote an article addressed to homeowners about the need for regular inspection with a concrete slab foundation. The building inspection expert also pointed out several specific problems which can occur with slab foundations as opposed to other types of home foundations. Mr. Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures for damage in his career as a safety inspector.

The company has dealt with foundation problems and foundation inspection for over 10 years. Mr. Kyles pointed out that slab foundations are very commonly used, as they are sturdy and relatively inexpensive. Because of this, Mr. Kyles wrote the recent article on slab foundations, aiming to give homeowners more data on what one consists of and some data they will need in keeping one repaired. The full text of the article can be found here:
http://julianconstruction.com/slab-foundations/

Mr. Kyles stated: “A problem with slab foundations is foundation settlement. Most houses will settle over time. Too much settlement can cause foundation cracks and other structural issues. Soil that hasn’t been compacted properly can increase the amount of settlement and potential for foundation damage causing the need for home foundation repair. If your home was built on a slab foundation, it should be inspected on a regular basis. A foundation repair expert or foundation contractor will know if your foundation is in need of repair and can tell you how much does foundation repair cost. Keeping your foundation in good condition is important. It can help prevent more serious problems causing unnecessary foundation repair costs.”

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “Keeping your home’s foundation in good repair is so important, it’s the first thing we look at when we go to a home with structural problems. And maintaining the foundation will prevent more serious problems from occurring in the future. Always get your home inspected on a regular basis. It’s important for the safety of your home.”

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. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/

Earthquake Retrofitting a Must for Southern California Homes

Foundation Experts Speak on Keeping Home’s Safe From Earthquake Activity

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction (http://julianconstruction.com/) a foundation repair and general contractor company, is working to raise awareness and activity on earthquake preparedness in Southern California. The company has spoken many times on the effects of earthquake activity on a home’s foundation and how to prevent damage in a home. A specialty of the company is earthquake retrofitting, also known as seismic retrofitting, which reinforces a home’s foundation to resist the pressures of seismic activity. Julian Construction has over 10 years of experience in foundation construction and repair.

An executive at the company stated the following on earthquake retrofitting: “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. 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.”

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “Here in California, we’ve had to deal with earthquakes for years. One thing that not every homeowner may think with, is the effect on their home’s foundation. That could become a problem in time, because the seismic activity weakens a foundation. The worst part is when a foundation has been weakened so much that when a BIG earthquake comes, the structure collapses. Earthquake retrofitting ensures a home is strong enough to stay together and keep the structure safe no matter what happens.”

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. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/

Tree Preservation Project Planned for Historic Mercer Island

Transplanting Planned for the Trees on the Island as Reconstruction Begins

SEATTLE, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com) a tree transplanting and tree nursery company servicing the Seattle metropolitan area, has recently been contracted to perform the tree transplant project at the Coval House estate located on Mercer island. The property is scheduled for salvage, demolition and reconstruction as numerous residences, bringing into question the standing of many trees on the property.

The decision came that while some trees would remain in their original location, there are a number of trees and shrubs that would be moved to another location on the property. Big Trees, Inc. was chosen to head the project and properly transplant the trees to their new locations.

The Coval House on Mercer Island is a large estate which has been renowned for its beautiful and unique architecture, as well as its incredible gardens and expansive scale. When the 5 acre property changed hands, the new owner recognized the beauty and aesthetic value the existing trees brought to the land. Big Trees, Inc. was asked to step in to perform the transplanting process to ensure no harm came to the trees involved as they made their way to their new positions.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees, Inc., stated, “There will be some large Styrax, Japanese Maples and a number of evergreen shrubs being transitioned to new locations on the property, and we have been working with the current ownership to find good positions for these beautiful trees. We are very happy to see that these plants are going to get to coexist with the new development, and we’re looking forward to a smooth process.”

Nancy Penrose 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 large trees. Their blog can be seen at http://www.bigtreesupply.com/blog/

Developmental Editor Talks to Writers About Book Distribution in Publishing World

Susan Mary Malone Says Distribution Plays Huge Role in Traditional Vs Self-Publishing

DALLAS, TX: Susan Mary Malone, (http://www.maloneeditorial.com/) award winning book author and developmental editor, recently wrote to authors on the role distribution plays in the publishing world. Miss Malone examined many of the factors involved in distribution, with special attention to the differences between distribution available in the traditional publishing mold and in the self-publishing world. Miss Malone has helped over 40 authors get published to traditional publishers in her career.

In the article, Miss Malone stressed that while self-publishing may be tempting, looking to get self-published books distributed in major stores is a battle lost before it’s begun. “Here’s the deal: Traditionally published books are distributed through Ingram. And it’s through Ingram that brick-and-mortar stores stock their books. Baker & Taylor is another player, but small in comparison.

And Ingram doesn’t distribute self-published books. Period. See the dilemma? If you self-published your book and want to see it on the shelves at the local Barnes & Noble, you’re out of luck. There is no distribution method to get there. That door is closed before you even knew it existed.”

Malone went on to comment on the changes on the traditional publishing side: “In the ever-changing world of all aspects of publishing, because of the distribution model they’ve always used, the big publishers got caught with their pants down. Until the last few years, most books were still purchased through brick-and mortar stores. We all know what’s happened to that. Bookstores have folded right and left. Even the monolith of Barnes & Noble shut down 30% of their stores last year. With doubtless more to follow.”

“There are so many changes in the publishing world, it changes practically to the minute! I’ve been writing these articles to cover the aspects of it that I have run into in working with authors who have gotten published. If this field is going to keep changing (and it is!) then authors need to know what the changes are, preferably before they plunge into the wild world of literary publication,” Malone concluded.

The full text of the article can be found here: http://www.maloneeditorial.com/blog/lessons-from-the-traditional-publishing-model-part-four-distribution/

Susan Mary Malone has worked as a freelance book editor since 1993, with a BS in Political Science and minors in English and Journalism. Her client list includes NY Times Bestsellers, Essence Bestsellers and books featured in Publishers Weekly. She is also an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction herself. She 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, the East Texas Writer’s Guild, the Lexicon Conference, and the upcoming NETWO Spring Writer’s Conference among others. Her full biography and featured list of published authors can be viewed at http://www.maloneeditorial.com

MaloneEditorial.com: The Ebb And Flow Of Stories

By Susan Mary Malone


Don’t you just love a great book as it transports you to a different world. No matter what genre you love best, off on a journey you go.
But ever have that feeling (more and more these days!) of either feeling bogged down in a book as if drowning in quicksand, or, the converse, the rat-a-tat-a pace leaves you wishing to catch your breath?

And how many of those books have you actually finished?

Readers say all the time, “I love X author because he writes page turners.” And that indeed may be so. Or, “I love Literary because it gives me the chance to think.” And that may indeed be so as well.

But in each of those—if the author is proficient—readers love them because they’re a balance of ebb and flow. You have to have both.

Writers hear a lot these days (God save me from monitoring the Internet! LOL) to avoid at all costs that dreaded narrative voice. Where do people get these things? And while yes, a true balance must exist between creating the action part of the scene vs internal dialogue, without the latter you might as well just have 500 pages of special effects and no story. Any developmental editor worth his salt will tell you this.

Because the internal dialogue—the narrative—is an integral part of the scene. When something happens, consequences occur. And our hero has to sort through those consequences—with thoughts and feelings—before getting to the acting/reacting stage. Otherwise the whole dang thing is pointless.

Conversely, even in the most quiet of Literary novels, something has to happen. Big somethings. This is quite often a dam breaking within the character’s head, but something had to cause that.

One of my favorite books is Pat Conroy’s The Prince of Tides. You pretty much either love Conroy or hate him, and I’m obviously in the former group. But we spend hundreds of pages in Tom’s head, going ever deeper into his psyche as he deals with outer events that don’t seem to be about him. NOTE: if you don’t like narrative voice, don’t read this novel! LOL.

Only to find, in a critical part of the climax, that indeed, something had happened to him that formed the parameters of who he was. And that something was horrific indeed. We experience it in flashback, in all its gut-wrenching glory.

Great authors understand that you have to have both action and reaction in stories. This relates to the structure of the novel, and learning what needs to happen when, and what needs to be thought about, felt about, and then reacted to—in the exact right timing. Yes, depending upon what genre you’re writing, the balance is a bit different. Action adventure has more zag, and Literary, more zig. But you have to have both no matter what you’re writing—editing a novel carefully to ensure this balance.

Most writers need to study this, and that helps enormously. Lots of good guides exist and taking advantage of novel editing services or professional manuscript editing can make a big difference.

But once you do and begin to apply it, gaining ever and ever more proficiency, you just feel where we need to ebb, and where we need to flow, and how to join the two.

Then, you’re really writing!


Susan Mary Malone (http://www.maloneeditorial.com), book editor, has gotten many authors published, edited books featured in Publishers Weekly & won numerous awards. See more writing tips at http://www.maloneeditorial.com/blog/editorial-tips/ & see her latest video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSM6ifeJxS4&index=4&list=UU7Q8OdBNjpnfvVCwVyymIjw

Big Trees Inc to Save Rare Plants in Washington Area

Root Pruning and Tree Transplantation Efforts to Take Place in 2015

SEATTLE, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com) a tree installation and tree nursery company in Washington State, has recently been asked to undertake a project to help preserve some of the local trees on behalf of the Washington Park Arboretum. The trees would otherwise be in the path of a planned construction project, thus Big Trees is being asked to transplant the trees to other locations on the premises. Big Trees will also use root pruning to ensure the roots, in transit, remain healthy and able to take hold in their new location.

Todd Holmes, lead Project Manager for Big Trees Inc., stated the following about the upcoming project: “The goal is to ensure that a number of trees and plants will not get impacted negatively by some new construction that will take place over the coming year. There are a number of trees and plants that are in the footprint for the most logical pathway of a new trail that is being built. Many of these trees and plants are of rare cultivars and unusual species for our area. In an effort to preserve these special trees and plants, Big Trees was asked to help manage this material and move them out of the pathway, while root pruning and preparing other trees for transplanting later in the year. Once root pruned, a tree’s likelihood of bouncing back from a transplanting process is greatly enhanced.”

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees Inc., stated, ”We are very pleased to be asked to participate in these improvements in the Arboretum, and it’s always an honor to work with their exceptional staff and plant material. Everything we are involved in at the Arboretum has a wonderful focus on effective plant and tree management, and their processes are very effective. Thanks to their insights and our team’s abilities, many beautiful and unusual plants and trees are going to get an opportunity to continue their life patterns. It’s a wonderful project.”

Nancy Penrose 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 large trees. Their blog can be seen at http://www.bigtreesupply.com/blog/

The Ginkgo Tree

by Nancy Penrose

The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) is considered a living fossil and possibly the oldest living seed plant. It has remained unchanged for over 250 million years.

Initially thought to be extinct, the tree survived in China where it was cultivated by Buddhist monks and spread by seed to Japan and Korea. Engelbert Kaempfer, a German naturalist and physician, brought Gingko seeds to Europe in the early 1700s. It is viewed in the East as a symbol of peace, hope, longevity and resilience.

In the category of deciduous conifer trees, the deep-rooted ginkgo can grow over 100 feet tall. Some have been known to live as long as 3000 years. Young ginkgo trees are tall and slender. As the ginkgo grows, it develops an angular crown with irregular branching.

The tree’s green leaves, which turn golden or bright yellow during the fall, are fan-shaped with two lobes and radiating veins. Most leaves are 2 to 4 inches in diameter, although some can grow up to 6 inches long. Ginkos are often called maidenhair trees in reference to the maidenhair fern and leaf similarities.

Female trees produce fruit - seeds that emit a foul odor when they fall to the ground and split. For this reason, most big tree suppliers sell male trees, which are fruitless. It takes both a male and female tree to produce the fruit.

The Chinese name for gingko means “silver apricot” due to the appearance of the fruit which looks like apricots dipped in white flour. It is also called the grandfather-grandson tree. Grandfathers in China plant the tree for their grandsons. By the time the grandson is ready to marry, the tree will have started bearing fruit for the grandson to pick.

Despite the smell, the edible ginkgo nuts are considered extremely tasty. The jade green nut is used in soups and rice dishes. Gloves should be used when preparing the nuts to prevent allergic reactions due to Gingko biloba hypersensitivity. Only a small quantity of nuts should be eaten at one time.

Gingko also has medicinal uses. It has a long history of treating blood disorders and improving memory. It is also believed the nuts can help prevent degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Studies show that the leaves have antioxidant properties that fight free radicals. A free radical has at least one unpaired electron and is considered very unstable and extremely reactive. Free radicals damage cells and are believed to speed up the development of various age-related diseases as well as cancer.

Ginkgos grow well in sunny areas with sufficient water and drainage. Their deep root system makes them resistant to damage from wind and snow. They also have excellent resistance to pests and disease. A ginkgo tree will grow in almost any type of soil, including sand, loam and clay.

One of the best times to plant a ginkgo is in the spring. Growth during the first few years will be slow. Tree maintenance is fairly easy. Make sure your ginkgo has sufficient water and cut off any branches that cross each other. Pruning should be done during late winter or early spring.

The ginkgo is a beautiful ornamental tree with a rich history. If you want to plant a ginkgo, consult an expert in big trees or big trees specialist who can tell you more about the ginkgo and big tree maintenance.


Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com) in Snohomish, WA, one of the largest Seattle tree nurseries (see inventory at http://bigtreesupply.com/sales-inventory/), specializing in tree transplanting. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpactBDUPmQ

Slab Foundations

By Shawn Kyles

A slab foundation is a single layer of concrete that is put in place to support a structure. The concrete is usually several inches thick. Slab foundations are relatively inexpensive to build and extremely sturdy. They are frequently used in warm climates, especially areas with clay soil.

There are many different types of slab foundations. Most are built with footings which are thickened areas of slab located under load bearing walls. A load bearing wall is a wall that holds up the structure. If a wall isn’t load bearing, it is called a curtain wall. Most curtain walls are used for dividing rooms.

Foundation footings are wider than the foundation’s base and often reinforced with steel. They transfer the load of the building to the foundation and help distribute the weight of the building over the soil or rock.

How the foundation and footings are constructed depends on several factors, including soil and climate. In places where the ground freezes, footings are created first, below the frost line. After the footing has been placed, the building’s walls are constructed. Once the walls are in place, the slab is created.

A slab-on-grade foundation is used in locations where the ground doesn’t freeze. The slab, which oftentimes rests on gravel, is poured all at once. There is no space between the slab and the ground, and the edges of the slab are made thicker than the inside of the slab.

Some slab foundations have a portion of the foundation above the ground, also called a stem wall. Stem walls are usually made of cinder blocks that connect the building’s foundation with its vertical walls. In addition to increasing the structural integrity of the foundation, stem walls help protect the vertical walls from moisture and insects.

Before a slab foundation is put in place, the ground needs to be graded. Grading, which is done with heavy equipment, produces a level base. Grading is also used to create a slope that will ensure water drains away from the structure. Water can not only damage a foundation, but also weaken the building.

Many times, in addition to supporting the structure, a slab foundation will also serve as the building’s floor. Slab foundations also prevent pests, like termites, from getting under and into the house.

The downside of a slab foundation is loss of heat when the ground’s temperature becomes significantly lower than the temperature inside the building. There is also the potential for flood damage.

Another problem with slab foundations is foundation settlement. Most houses will settle over time. Too much settlement can cause foundation cracks and other structural issues. Soil that hasn’t been compacted properly can increase the amount of settlement and potential for foundation damage causing the need for home foundation repair.

If your home was built on a slab foundation, it should be inspected on a regular basis. A foundation repair expert or foundation contractor will know if your foundation is in need of repair and can tell you how much does foundation repair cost. Keeping your foundation in good condition is important. It can help prevent more serious problems causing unnecessary foundation repair costs.

Is Your Home Safe in an Earthquake?

Foundation Safety Specialist Talks Earthquake Preparation and Warning Signs

LOS ANGELES, CA : Julian Construction (http://julianconstruction.com/) a foundation repair and general contractor company in Southern California, is weighing in on what constitutes home safety and preparedness in the event of an earthquake. The company’s resident safety expert, Shawn Kyles, having inspected over 15,000 structures in his career, recently gave his professional advice on recognizing and handling home earthquake preparedness safety issues.

Mr. Kyles stated: “According to the California Seismic Safety Commission’s ‘The Homeowner’s Guide to Earthquake Safety,’ many homes have common weaknesses that can result in damage during a quake. These weaknesses include a home that isn’t anchored to its foundation, unbraced water heaters, weak cripple walls, homes built on pier and post foundations, unreinforced masonry foundations, or steep hillsides; and homes with unreinforced masonry walls or rooms over garages. When a home isn’t bolted to its foundation, it can slip off and even collapse during a quake. The damage can be so severe that the home needs to be torn down.”

Mr. Kyles went on to list specific indications of foundation damage for homeowners to watch for. He also gave handlings, as recommended by the California Seismic Safety Commission (CSSC), with notes on when and where to apply each handling. The full text of his statement can be found online: http://julianconstruction.com/is-your-home-safe/

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “We are very happy to provide data to the community on earthquake safety, and we consider it an important point of public awareness. There has been a lot of damage to homes over the years, with property damage running into the billions, which could have been prevented with proper attention to earthquake preparedness. We hope we can help homeowners be better ready in the event of an earthquake with minimized damages.”

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. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/

Julian Construction Offers Home Consultation for Homeowners with Foundation Problems

Julian Construction Offering Free Service for Homeowners Seeking Foundation Advice

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction (http://julianconstruction.com/) a foundation construction and foundation repair company in the Greater Los Angeles area, is conducting foundation inspection and consultations for homeowners unsure of the status of their home’s foundation. Homeowners who suspect or do not know if their home has foundation problems are being encouraged to call and schedule an appointment for a foundation safety specialist to inspect the home.

Shawn Kyles, Julian Construction’s resident home inspection foundation expert, had the following to say about the inspection process: “A foundation expert or foundation contractor will look at the interior and exterior of your home, including walls, windows, doors, floors, concrete slabs, crawl spaces and basements to determine if there are existing or potential foundation problems, if you need foundation bolting, or foundation repair. You’ll get a post-inspection report and a summary of the issues that need to be addressed. If any repairs are needed, get them done quickly! Foundation damage will only get worse over time.”

Julian De La Torre, owner and founder of Julian Construction, stated: “We think it important that inspections are kept up-to-date. You then know exactly what issues there are with your home before they develop into serious problems. That is why we are offering this consultation service. We hope homeowners in the Los Angeles area will take advantage of this opportunity to increase the safety of their home’s structure.”

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. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/

Building Cleaning Services Completes Environmental Deep Cleaning for LA Record Company

LOS ANGELES, CA: Building Cleaning Services (BCS), (http://buildingcleaningservices.net/) a Los Angeles mold remediation and building cleaning company, has completed an environmental deep cleaning for a Los Angeles area record company.

This cleaning was a highly specialized type of cleaning, using no chemicals, and involving scaffolding to get to hard to reach areas of the company’s facility. Building Cleaning Services used special HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuums and filters to clean the building. The HEPA acronym refers to a filter that is manufactured, tested, certified, and labeled in accordance with current HEPA filter standards.

Ms. Kathy Liverance, co-owner of BCS, stated: “Warehouses and offices with high ceilings and beams—hard to access areas—can accumulate dust, especially in Los Angeles or high traffic cities. The company was committed to ensuring that the health of their employees was protected and, secondly, it’s valuable equipment. We strongly believe that environmental deep cleaning, meaning not using chemicals and utilizing HEPA standards equipment, is the best way to ensure safeguards all round.”

Building Cleaning Services' reviews on Yelp can be seen at http://www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale

BCS provides environmental deep cleaning for companies, post construction cleaning, water damage handling, mold removal services, and commercial janitorial services for the Greater Los Angeles area, and other areas of Southern California. Established in 1997, they have over a decade of experience as a company with fast service, high professionalism and work ethic. BCS is certified by the Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration and Environmental Testing & Technology. To learn more, visit http://www.BuildingCleaningServices.net, or call 818-953-7100 or e-mail bcs@buildingcleaningservices.net.

Los Angeles Mold Remediation Company Warns of Dangers of Mold in Commercial Buildings

Company Points to EPA Website Info on Mold in Schools and Commercial Buildings

LOS ANGELES, CA: Building Cleaning Services, (http://buildingcleaningservices.net/) a Los Angeles mold remediation and building cleaning company, is warning the public of the dangers of mold in commercial buildings, and that mold can be an unsuspected problem. The company points to the EPA website which discusses mold problems in schools and commercial buildings.

According to the EPA: “Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors.

“Molds reproduce by making spores that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on.

“Many types of molds exist. All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants. Potential health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to remediate/clean up any existing indoor mold growth.”

The full article from the EPA can be found here: http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html

Kathy Liverance, co-owner of BCS, stated “Commercial building owners, managers and custodians have to be aware that mold can exist in their buildings, and that it can cause potential health risks. If any signs of mold exist, they should get an inspection by a qualified mold inspector, and if it is found, removal should be done by an experienced mold removal company.”

Building Cleaning Services is committed to cleaning mold infestations so that the situation is completely handled. The health of the building’s occupants is their first concern. Their procedures for mold remediation are rigorously applied so they can perform a uniform service of addressing mold. The company has been working with Los Angeles mold infestation for over 10 years.

One of Building Cleaning Services clients stated: “Recently, after the last hard driving rain, I noticed a bit of staining on the drywall over my front door. I know from past experience that this is a big red flag, even though there was no musty odor. Staining means that moisture is in the wall. Mold grows in 24 hours. A representative was out the next day with a moisture meter. He did a thorough examination of the walls, he climbed out on a balcony to identify sources of possible water intrusion, and scheduled an intrusive (small opening of the walls in a few places to get a closer look) the same day.”

Building Cleaning Services' other reviews on Yelp can be seen at http://www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale

BCS provides water damage handling and mold removal services for the Greater Los Angeles area, and other areas of Southern California. Established in 1997, they have over a decade of experience as a company with fast service, high professionalism and work ethic. BCS is certified by the Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration and Environmental Testing & Technology. To learn more, visit http://www.BuildingCleaningServices.net, or call 818-953-7100 or e-mail bcs@buildingcleaningservices.net.

Developmental Editor Speaks to Authors on Pacing

Editor Susan Mary Malone Writes New Article for Fiction Writers

DALLAS, TX: Susan Mary Malone, (http://www.maloneeditorial.com/) developmental editor and award winning book author, has released a new article counseling authors on the proper balance between action and narrative. The article, titled “The Ebb and Flow of Stories,” examines the point in all aspects, from how an author creates each to its effect on the reader.

The full text of the article can be found on Ms. Malone’s blog: http://www.maloneeditorial.com/blog/ebb-and-flow-of-stories/

A portion of the article reads: “Readers say all the time, ‘I love X author because he writes page turners.’ And that indeed may be so. Or, ‘I love Literary because it gives me the chance to think.’ And that may indeed be so as well. But in each of those—if the author is proficient—readers love them because they’re a balance of ebb and flow. You have to have both.”

Ms. Malone wrote the article to bring attention to a part of the book writing process which is often encountered by writers writing a novel, but often misinterpreted. She stated: “Many authors starting out don’t have a feel for this yet. They run into a stretch of their novel and are left wondering ‘How do I really make this part action packed?’ or ‘How much is enough?’. These are good questions to ask, and by looking at them you can get an idea of how to go about it. But you may need a bit of guidance, and that’s one of the reasons I wrote the article.”

Susan Mary Malone has worked as a freelance editor since 1993, with a BS in Political Science and minors in English and Journalism. Her client list includes NY Times Bestsellers, Essence Bestsellers and books featured in Publishers Weekly. She is also an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction herself. She 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, the East Texas Writer’s Guild, the Lexicon Conference, and the upcoming NETWO Spring Writer’s Conference among others. Her full biography and featured list of published authors can be viewed at http://www.maloneeditorial.com