Atkinson-Baker Court Reporters Becomes HIPAA Compliant

LOS ANGELES, CA: Atkinson-Baker, Inc. Court Reporters (http://depo.com) recently became HIPAA privacy and security compliant. Under HIPAA privacy rules, Atkinson-Baker, Inc., is considered a Business Associate, and they are compliant with all applicable rules and regulations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.

Atkinson-Baker handles and archives transcripts of legal hearings and depositions, and often some of the related documents to the transcripts are PHI-protected (Protected Health Information) documents. The documents can also include financial information of different companies, as well as other trade secrets information.

The process of becoming HIPAA compliant involved a number of steps, including:

• All Atkinson-Baker employees have been trained on HIPAA rules and procedures and are required to re-take this training every 2 years.
• All employees are required to sign a confidentiality agreement as a condition of employment.
• All policies and procedures related to information and physical security are frequently reviewed to ensure they are up to date and follow any new or revised regulation.
• The company implemented a number of upgraded Information Security procedures.

Atkinson-Baker President Ms. Sheila Atkinson-Baker stated “We are committed to keeping all PHI (Protected Health Information) and sensitive information secure, and to keeping our systems and procedures up to date and in compliance with all related regulations. We know that keeping our client’s information safe is of the utmost importance, and we take this very seriously when processing client transcripts, copying exhibits, or any other of the myriad of ways we come across this information while doing our job. Our company makes one promise to the legal world: one call to us and we’ll do the rest. We get the job done with a comprehensive dedication to meeting our client’s demands at any time and in any location, across town or across the country. And always at competitive local rates.”

Atkinson-Baker has a staff of over 170 and a court reporter base of over 1,200. The company’s headquarters are in Glendale, CA, with 17 branch offices around the country. The president of the company, Ms. Sheila Atkinson-Baker, has been a professional court reporter for over 35 years, five of which she served as a court reporter in the federal district court. She is a Registered Professional Reporter and has served on the Board of Directors of the California Court Reporters Association. The company tackles depositions throughout the US and in many other countries when the need arises. In fact, every hour of the business week they are doing an average of 18 depositions somewhere in the world. In 1992 and in 1993 the company made the prestigious Inc. 500 list as one of the 500 fastest growing companies in the US. They have also been listed four times in the annual Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States.

The company’s main website is http://depo.com, their blog can be seen at http://atkinsonbaker.com, and some of their branch websites include http://atkinsonbakermiami.com, http://atkinsonbakernewyork.com, and http://atkinsonbakerchicago.com. They can be reached at 800-288-3376.

Atkinson-Baker Court Reporters Announced as Sponsor for the 2017 CLM Annual Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (February 21, 2017) – The Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM) is pleased to announce Atkinson-Baker Court Reporters (http://depo.com) as sponsor for the 2017 CLM Annual Conference. CLM will host 2,000 claims professionals and outside counsel in Nashville on March 29-31, 2017, during the largest insurance claims conference in the country. In addition to the plentiful networking opportunities there will be three days of powerful programs tailored to the contemporary needs of claims and litigation management professionals and defense attorneys serving the insurance industry.

Atkinson-Baker President Ms. Sheila Atkinson-Baker stated “We are pleased to be a sponsor for the upcoming 2017 CLM Annual Conference in Nashville. We feel our court reporting services are a great fit with litigation management professionals serving the insurance industry.”

Atkinson-Baker has a staff of over 170 and a court reporter base of over 1,200. The company’s headquarters are in Glendale, CA, with 17 branch offices around the country. The president of the company, Ms. Sheila Atkinson-Baker, has been a professional court reporter for over 35 years, five of which she served as a court reporter in the federal district court.
She is a Registered Professional Reporter and has served on the Board of Directors of the California Court Reporters Association. The company tackles depositions throughout the US and in many other countries when the need arises. In fact, every hour of the business week they are doing an average of 18 depositions somewhere in the world. In 1992 and in 1993 the company made the prestigious Inc. 500 list as one of the 500 fastest growing companies in the US. They have also been listed four times in the annual Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States.

The company’s main website is http://depo.com, their blog can be seen at http://atkinsonbaker.com, and some of their branch websites include http://atkinsonbakerhouston.com, http://atkinsonbakerphiladelphia.com, and http://atkinsonbakersandiego.com. They can be reached at 800-288-3376.

Bill Keis Releases New Book “The Fundamentals of Music”

LOS ANGELES, CA: Music teacher, keyboardist and performer Bill Keis (http://billkeismusiclessons.com) has released a book entitled “The Fundamentals of Music.”

This book is presented in a simple, straightforward and concise manner along with practice routines that will result in real ability to read music, play songs, improvise and compose. The book answers such questions as:

* What is the difference between major and minor?
* What are the rules for naming notes in a scale?
* What are the three parts of music?
* What is the difference between a scale and a key?
* What is the secret of great improvisation and can it be learned?
* What are the two skills required to read music?
* What is a clef?
* What is a time signature?
* How important is rhythm?
* Is it true that some people have it and some don’t?
* How can one learn different styles of music quickly?

Author Bill Keis stated “If you want to ‘make music,’ there are definite things that need to be learned. There are many books on the subject of music. What makes this book different? It works. The data in this book applies to any musician at any level of expertise regardless of what instrument or style of music he or she plays. This is invaluable as a reference book for private lessons or as a textbook for classroom study.”

Mark Isham, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning, Academy Award-nominated Performer and Composer (Once Upon a Time, Crash, A River Runs Through It, Bobby, Rules of Engagement, and many more), stated “I enthusiastically endorse this book! It is a wonderful way to enter and explore the adventure that is music, each step expertly presented to ensure a pleasurable and productive experience for any reader!"

The book “The Fundamentals of Music” can be purchased from Amazon online for $9.99 here: https://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Music-Complete-Guide-learning/dp/1542371902/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1485904021&sr=8-5&keywords=bill+keis

Bill Keis is a pianist, keyboardist, composer, producer, musical director, and teacher.

He has performed and/or recorded with; Stanley Clarke, Chaka Khan, The Pointer Sisters, Mark Isham, Ronnie Spector, Michael Duff, Lilly Hayden, Billy Sheehan, MC Lyte, Alexander Markov, Chick Corea, Steve Oliver, Edgar Winter, David Campbell, Tony Newton, Donny Most, Judy Norton, Izzy Chait and many others.

One of Bill's compositions was used in the 2015 blockbuster movie, “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” which grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide.

Bill was educated in music starting at age 5 by numerous private teachers, public school music instructors and at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

His main site is http://billkeis.com, and his site for music lessons is http://billkeismusiclessons.com. He can be reached at 818-246-6858.

Building Cleaning Services Presented with “People Love Us on Yelp” Award for 2016

LOS ANGELES, CA: Building Cleaning Services, (http://buildingcleaningservices.net/), a Los Angeles mold remediation company, has just been presented with the "People Love Us on Yelp" award for 2016 - for having 4.5 out of 5.0 star reviews on Yelp with 22 reviews. This award is only given to the most highly rated and best reviewed businesses on Yelp.

In addition to providing mold removal services, Building Cleaning Services also offers water damage restoration, post construction cleaning, specialized environmental deep cleaning, and commercial office cleaning.

Kathy Liverance, co-owner of Building Cleaning Services, stated: “We are honored to receive this award from Yelp. BCS is often the company of choice because of our work ethic, trustworthiness and professionalism. We aim to ensure that the client is never upset by problems of poor quality or poor communication.”

A recent client, in a review on Yelp, stated: “We use Building Cleaning Services at the company where I work (and have been for the last few years). They are consistently great and professional. Alan still calls us regularly to make sure we are happy with the services. If there is ever anything that is an issue or needs special attention, they are accessible and make sure everything is taken care of.”

More reviews of the company’s work can be found on Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale?nb=1

BCS provides water damage dry out, mold removal services, environmental deep cleaning, post construction cleaning, 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 excellent 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.

Julian Construction Explains Why You May Need a Caisson Foundation for Your Hillside Property

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, explains why hillside properties will often need a special type of foundation called a caisson foundation.

Julian De La Torre, founder, and owner of Julian Construction explains “The foundation of your home is extremely important. Both Caissons and grade beams support your foundation and are constructed by putting reinforced steel and fresh concrete into a deep shaft in the ground. They are reinforced piles which are cast in holes that are drilled through enough soil and rock layers in order to reach the desired bedrock. The work of caissoning is a process that requires drilling 24” holes into the ground all the way down to a layer of bedrock, and it is particularly critical when houses are located on unstable soil or a hill in order to stop the house from sinking.

“You shouldn’t have to worry about whether your home will be safe in the event of an earthquake. You should rest easy, knowing your home rests on a structurally sound foundation. We can inspect your home to find out what steps are needed to get it there. We offer free foundation inspections for homeowners, and for those with a higher cripple wall, we can review plans or obtain the engineering necessary for your project.”

There are regulations and safety requirements that mandate grade beams and caissons, particularly in additions, new construction, or under circumstances where repair is recommended by soil or structural engineers.

Grade beams and caissons are usually used to set piers for bridges, tall concentrated loads, structural passes, and underpasses. But they are also an important solution to prevent slides for residential homes on hillsides. Caissons are looked at as economical, versatile, and reliable foundation solution for support in Los Angeles.

De La Torre states “If you own a home on a hillside, and particularly if you suspect the house is sliding downwards, it is vital to have the home inspected by a foundation repair expert. Otherwise, your house could slowly sink an inch at a time into the soil.”

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/ or http://quakeproofers.com/blog/.

by Julian De La Torre

Rain can seriously damage a home’s foundation. If it enters the crawl space, it can cause the wood to warp and decay.

Water can also cause the soil near a foundation to expand and contract. When the soil’s moisture content increases, it will start pressing against the foundation walls. This additional pressure can lead to cracking and bowing. As the water content decreases, it will leave spaces in the soil. Over time, the foundation will start to settle into these gaps. If the settlement is extensive or uneven, it will damage the foundation.

When rainwater collects and pools around a concrete foundation, it can start to penetrate the foundation and break down the concrete. As the concrete deteriorates, cracks will begin to appear. Foundation cracks will weaken a structure.

A heavy rain can wash away the soil around a building and underneath its foundation, which can cause the structure to sink.
Severe downpours can lead to flooding, one of most common types of natural disasters. Many areas throughout the United States, including Southern California, typically experience some type of annual flooding.

A flood will push against the sides of a building, weakening its structure and possibly even separating it from the foundation. The water will also penetrate deep into the ground, moving or breaking foundation pilings.

You should always check the condition of your foundation after a rainstorm. Look for foundation cracks or fissures. Other signs of foundation problems include doors and windows that don’t close properly, bowing walls; sloping, sagging or even floors, and gaps around window frames or exterior doors.

If you do find any indicators that your foundation has been damaged, contact a home foundation repair expert or foundation contractor immediately and request an inspection. Any foundation issues should be addressed quickly to avoid more serious problems and the need for expensive home foundation repairs.

Julian De La Torre, expert in Los Angeles foundation inspection, foundation contractors and foundation repair (Los Angeles) and founder of Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com) in Los Angeles, has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with engineering firms & local departments of building & safety. The company has done more foundation repair (Los Angeles) than any other company in the area over the last five years (http://julianconstruction.com/services/foundation-repair/). Julian Construction owns its own company and is a "no middlemen" model--no salesmen or subcontractors--you get the principals of the company & its workers under your home. Learn more about Julian Construction and Los Angeles foundation repair at http://losangelesfoundationrepair.us/. See their video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI6-SXw6Z1c

Gary Burkhart Dentistry Announces Same Day Service For Crowns

BARTONSVILLE, PA: Dr. Gary Burkhart, the founder of Gary Burkhart Dentistry in the Bartonsville, PA area, (http://garyburkhartdentistry.com), announces the availability of same day crowns which can be completed in one visit (about an hour), without requiring any follow-up visits or needed adjustments.

It sometimes occurs that a tooth becomes badly decayed or damaged, resulting in the need for a crown or cap to be installed. The purpose of the crown is to bring the tooth back to its original appearance and restore functionality. A crown starts at the gum line and covers the whole tooth and it is custom made for each patient.

Dr. Burkhart states “Because of new innovations that have occurred, a custom crown can be produced in one visit. It used to be that a patient had to make several trips to the dentist for a dental crown. It would involve getting a temporary crown and going through some uncomfortable procedures, while waiting a few weeks for the permanent crown to be made. Dental impressions or temporary crowns are no longer needed. The permanent crown is ready immediately. As before, the tooth is prepared for the crown by numbing the area and removing any decay. Then the tooth is shaped to fit inside the new crown. With new technology, the tooth has a reflective powder dusted over it, rather than the past procedure of using messy impression material. The reflective powder allows us to get pictures of the tooth using a special camera that reflects light from the powder, creating a 3D image of the prepared tooth that is then computerized and used in making the design for the new crown.”

“Any adjustments that need to be made to the crown are done before sending it to a special 3D carving “printer” for milling. This machine carves your cap from a ceramic block that has been made a shade as close as possible to your natural tooth color. The procedure only takes five minutes any additional adjustments in color are made to the cap. It is then installed and bonded to the old tooth. It is possible to do the entire process while you wait, usually taking only an hour or less,” concluded Dr. Burkhart.

Dr. Gary Burkhart graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia in 1983 and from Temple University Dental School in 1988. He began practicing dentistry in 1988, and opened his own dental practice in Tannersville, PA in 1989, and moved his practice to its current location in Bartonsville, PA in April 2000. Dr. Burkhart can be reached via his websites at http://garyburkhartdentistry.com, or http://garyburkhartdmd.com, or http://dentistgaryburkhart.com, or by calling 570-620-0440.

Big Trees Establishes Privacy for Mill Creek, Washington Property

SEATTLE, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree transplant and tree nursery company in the Seattle area, was recently involved in a project to enhance the privacy of a property in Mill Creek, Washington (in Puget Sound) with Emerald Green Arborvitaes trees.

When Big Trees was asked to help establish privacy to the property in Mill Creek, luckily Big Trees had just the right larger privacy trees for their needs.

After the client visited Big Trees’ nursery and became familiar with their inventory, they selected the Emerald Green Arborvitae for their situation. While these privacy trees are regularly used in screens through the western Washington area, it is unusual to find them in the larger sizes Big Trees offers. Once measurements of the screening effort were taken, it was determined that 13 of these trees were needed. The client felt that 12’-13’ tall Emeralds would be their choice for this project.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees, stated “The access to the property was limited and wouldn’t allow for a tractor to carry the 400 pound Emerald Green Arborvitaes to their location. But our crews are very capable and we came up with alternative methods to manage getting the trees to the proper location. This process involved plywood planking to mitigate the wet, squishy terrain, and a sturdy ball cart that can handle the significant weight of some of our privacy trees when conditions allow. The trees were planted into the row, and the client was thrilled with the results. The undesirable view was changed to the green. These clients were pretty surprised to have this option available to them. They were ready to settle for smaller trees and having to wait years and years for the result they got with our inventory in a day! It’s always fun to see the changes we can provide for people.”

Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), one of the largest Seattle tree nurseries, (see Big Trees planting services page at http://bigtreesupply.com/planting-service/), specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. For more tips on tree installation or care go to arboristblog.com. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEP1vudflm0 and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108

BigTreeSupply.com: Preventing Tree Damage During a Storm

By Nancy Penrose

Trees can become damaged by wind, ice and snow. A severe storm can break branches, rip a tree apart or even topple it. When big trees come down during harsh weather, they can cause significant property damage and even serious injury.

There are many preventative actions you can take to prevent or minimize storm damage. To start with, give your trees adequate room to grow. This includes sufficient space for the trunk and branches, as well as the roots. Trees that have strong trunks and branches, and a healthy, robust root system, are less likely to break or fall over during a storm.

If you are planting a young tree, protect its roots with mulching and by keeping foot traffic away from the area. Remove tree stakes as soon as possible so the young tree can build up strength by flexing in the wind.

Planting several trees or moving trees to the same location can also make them more resistant to storm damage. As the roots of the tree grow, they will start to interlock, which will increase the tree’s strength and stability.

Also make sure you regularly inspect your tree for any signs of decay or tree disease. Although decay is a natural process of degradation, decaying tree tissue is relatively weak. Keep an eye out for any leaning trees or trees with low hanging branches or cracks, which can increase the chances of damage or uprooting during a storm.

Issues like these can often be corrected with cables, braces and better or more frequent pruning. Regular pruning will prevent the tree’s canopy from becoming too heavy, and reduce wind resistance. Removing dead wood and weak limbs will stop branches from being torn from the tree during severe weather condition.

Still have questions about tree protection? Ask our big tree arborist or tree specialist for tips and advice. We’ll show you to keep your trees healthy, strong and storm-resistant.

Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys, specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. Learn more about tree preservation at http://bigtreesupply.com/tree-care-maintenance/ and for more tips on big trees care or installation go to arboristblog.com. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEP1vudflm0 and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108

Brite Smiles Shares 3 Important Reasons Why Regular Dental Checkups Are a Must

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley is urging the public to get regular dental care, and is listing out numerous articles showing the various benefits of regular dental care.

We can all recall a time when we felt apprehension with our next dentist appointment right around the corner. Whether it was because of our extremely busy schedules, the thought of the dentist and their assistant sticking all sorts of implements in our mouth, or the potential discomfort that comes naturally with sliding into that chair. However, the folks at Brite Smiles Dental Care point out that there are 3 extremely important reasons to keep your six month dental appointment.

1. Gum Disease
   Buildup of tarter and plaque can cause your tooth decay as well as erode your gum tissues. The buildup creates infections where the gum is touching the tooth, which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. The proper name for this disease is gingivitis. It is imperative to have an oral checkup in order to catch this disease to stop it from causing any more damage to your gums.
2. Detection of Oral Cancer
   There are several serious diseases like oral cancer that can manifest themselves in different ways. Without early detection this disease can progress quickly and become life threatening. It is easy to treat with the right dentist care and knowledge. Having a highly trained professional give you an oral checkup for early warning signs is the safest and most hygienic way to protect your teeth.
3. Cavities
   While we are aware that daily brushing and flossing are good for us and we can absolutely do this ourselves, there are some parts of our mouth that are more difficult to reach. This is where visiting the dentist for an oral checkup comes in handy. In order to prevent the dreaded cavities, which will result in having a filling permanently in your mouth for the rest of your life, it is easier, smarter, and less expensive to keep up your six month dental visit.

Dr. Dennis Simmons, founder of Brite Smiles Dental Care, stated “Gum disease is the single biggest reason why patients lose their teeth and its painless! Periodontal disease is the loss of bone associated with gum disease. Dentists are not solely concerned with fixing your teeth but also maintaining your oral health at your six month dental visit. We wish to ensure that your teeth do not end up requiring severe procedures like implants or dentures, by regular upkeep during your usual oral checkup. My purpose for getting into the profession, was to improve people’s lives by ensuring the healthiness of everyone’s teeth that sit in my chair. While it seems easy to skip a dental appointment for your oral checkup without thinking much of it, the severity of the diseases that can occur if you dismiss it are not worth your health and happiness. The discomfort and rearranging your schedule now could save you quite a bit of pain, money, and your future health in the long run.”

David A., a recent patient stated “Dr. Simmons is kind and compassionate and takes the time to answer all of my concerns.”

And from Ann R.: “Rachel and Dr. Edstrom are the best. Totally comfortable, trust them with any dental procedure or emergency.”

Dr. Dennis Simmons graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1976, receiving the Class Honor in prosthetics – dentures partial and full. Since then he has participated in over 3,000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, dental implants and implant-supported restorations, orthodontics, extractions, crown/bridge, root canals, bite and TMJ disorders and sleep apnea. For his studies, he has been honored with the status of “Diplomate” from the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the International Osseous (bone) Integration Society. For more information on orthodontics services and options from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.