Helical Piles a Potential Solution to Common Foundation Problems

Julian Construction Discusses A Proven Solution for Damaged Foundation

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/), a construction and foundation repair company in the Greater Los Angeles Area, recently issued a statement on the use of helical piles to repair a cement building foundation. Shawn Kyles, Building Safety Expert at Julian Construction, detailed the common usage of helical piles to ensure a home remains free of long term foundation damage. Mr. Kyles has inspected over 10,000 structures in his career as a structural safety inspector.

According to Mr. Kyles, a foundation’s purpose is to support and spread the weight of the structure it sits on. When it becomes damaged with foundation cracks or other damages, it becomes unable to support the weight, and the result can be structural collapse or simply decay. Helical piles can be used to repair a foundation fault. They are steel shafts with blades attached in a spiral pattern, similar to a large metal screw which is screwed into the ground below a foundation. The effect of these can be to stabilize a failing foundation, as well as increase load bearing capacities in a foundation retrofit. Mr. Kyles stressed that helical piles are a very good fix for a foundation, but may not be right for every case, and that a foundation inspection should be done by a qualified inspector.

More information on the use of helical piles on a home’s foundation can be found here: http://julianconstruction.com/services/helical-piles/

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction Inc., stated: “Helical piles are a good solution for a house needing more stability in its foundation. We use them very often at Julian Construction because they are a very versatile tool. If you have uneven floors, cracked walls or any other signs that your foundation may need repair, get your home inspected immediately.”

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.typepad.com.

Four Writing-Conflict Exercises SCENES PART 2

By Susan Mary Malone

Okay, so you’ve effectively set the scene, and are ready to really dive into the conflict. But what actually is conflict in a scene? And how do you write it effectively?

Conflict should comprise about ninety-five percent of the scene in novel development. Yikes, you say! That much? Yep.

We all know the five main themes of conflict: Man against himself. Man against man. Man against environment. Man against nature. Man against machine. But conflict has very little to do with guns firing. It is rather what blows apart within a character. However, this conflict has to be external. Something has to give. Something or someone has to get. Something has to be happening in your story. The protagonist is in conflict with an antagonist while enroute to a goal. The character must resolve his conflict—within, without—for the story to have meaning. This is very important in your book writing.

Ask yourself a few questions before you write the scene: How did the conflict come about? What were its roots? How is each person within it involved? How is the reader involved? Because of course, your reader must be involved or she’ll put down the book and not pick it back up.

Of vital importance to the conflict of the whole story, and for each scene:

• Establish the Story Question to begin the first scene of the book. This is your main point of the story, and contains the seeds of all conflict. Each and every scene has to have a piece of this main Story Question.
  
  
• Craft the incident to begin your story—the one that contains your Story Question—very carefully. This event (read, conflict) upsets your main character’s world, whether it be his wife leaving him because of his drinking, or aliens coming to attack the Earth. It causes him to want to restore balance. Most importantly, it creates a bond with the reader by arousing her curiosity as to whether the protagonist can achieve his goal (this is not the first time your reader should question your protagonist!).

Ask yourself: What is the worst thing that can happen to my hero? This should reveal to you his deepest desire and his greatest fear (his Achilles’ Heel, which will come to fruition later), both of which play into his story goal. In turn, this will help you construct a beginning incident of conflict that then carries the story through to the end–and provides the tension for readers to keep turning the pages.

• This question brings a significant change in the character’s reality—it challenges his status quo, and knocks him out of his comfort zone. No matter what he does from here, life isn’t going to stay the same. Nor, is he.
  
  
• It also accomplishes a huge goal—to give the reader something to worry about. That’s what keeps him reading. NOTE: the reader will lose interest with everything but the Story Question, so make sure every scene has a piece of that—something that relates to it, something the character has to manage in order to get to the Holy Grail at the end of the book.

Each conflict, plot point, scene leads to a disaster of some sort and keeps the central conflict at the core for our hero.

Tough work being the hero! And tough being the book author as well! How do you keep conflict going in your book development?

Mold Toxicity: A Real Problem in Homes and Offices

Building Cleaning Services Offers Effective Mold Remediation for Affected Areas

LOS ANGELES, CA: Building Cleaning Services (BCS) (http://buildingcleaningservices.net/), a Los Angeles mold removal and post-construction cleaning business, is warning homeowners and business owners about the different types of mold and their effects. The company has years of first-hand experience dealing with the effects of mold which can make a building unsafe due to potential health risks to the occupants.

According to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, in a statement published on the subject of indoor mold: “In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.” The full statement can be seen here: http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm

Molds can grow from any organic substance, provided only water and oxygen. Once an infestation has begun, mold spores float through the indoor and outdoor air continually as more spores are produced. There are different types of mold, some that produce dangerous toxins and must be handled with extreme caution. As soon as it’s recognized fast action must be taken to remedy the mold. The company urges homeowners and businee owners to contact a professional mold removal service to safely remediate the mold.

More information on the different types of mold can be found on the company’s website: http://buildingcleaningservices.net/mold-removal/types-of-mold/

BCS works as a Los Angeles mold removal company and has had excellent success working with homeowners to remedy mold infestations. The company has been helping homeowners for over 10 years with uniform success, such as this man from Pasadena, CA: “The entire crew from Building Cleaning Services was professional and highly skilled. We were in a very tough situation with the black water intrusion and mold situation in our house, but they helped to get our home back to normal. I can sleep better at night knowing that a good job was done in our home. I would highly recommend these folks to anyone. We received several quotes and some were lower than BCS, but no other company demonstrated the same depth of knowledge and that gave us confidence that they knew what they were doing.”

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.

New Novel by Susan Mary Malone Hits Bookshelves This Month

“I JUST CAME HERE TO DANCE” Is the Latest Novel by Award-Winning Author And Editor
 
DALLAS, TX: Susan Mary Malone, (http://www.maloneeditorial.com/), developmental editor and award-winning book author has just had a new novel published. “I Just Came Here To Dance” is now available in bookstores, as well as online. The book is Ms. Malone’s 6th book published to a traditional publisher. The book can be found on Amazon here:
 
http://www.amazon.com/Dance-desire-collide-prevail-ebook/dp/B00EO91C4Q/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1380123444
 
The novel is a multi-layered drama about life in a small town of Texas. The book has received universally positive reviews from readers and critics alike, as well as fellow authors in the industry.
 
In an online review of the book, reader Judy Peterson states: “A beautifully written story, more like a great work of art. The way the words go together in this book is like how the clouds float across the sky and how the rivers flow on. This is a story about a very small town and the people who live there. It's about love and being there for each other. It's about how life changes us as things change in our lives...This is a wonderful book. Pick up a copy today!”
 
Ms. Malone stated: “The book has been so well received, I’m really pleased by it. This story takes us along the line of the creative and crazy sides of life, in a modern allegory filled with a certain blend of mythology and realism. And in the end, it’s about finding your true self. I hope you enjoy reading!”
 
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, and the East Texas Writer’s Guild, among others. Her full biography and featured list of published authors can be viewed at http://www.maloneeditorial.com

Northbrook Court Dental Associates Offers Oral Cancer Screening

Northbrook, Illinois – Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com) has announced it now offers oral cancer screenings. Thousands of Americans are diagnosed each year with oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancer. Both are life-threatening diseases. Early detection can result in less aggressive surgical procedures and increase treatment success.

“Most oral cancers are slow growing squamous cell carcinomas,” says Dr. Michael Vold, founder of Northbrook Court Dental Associates. “If the tumor is discovered when it is still small, it can usually be surgically removed.”

Oral cancer is caused by viruses such as the Human papillomavirus (especially HPV-16), as well as UV exposure, toxins or a diet with very little fruits or vegetables. Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption over the age of 50 can also lead to oral cancer. Sometimes the disease is the result of cancer that has metastasized in another part of the body.

Common signs of the disease include lesions, ulcers, lumps and red or white patches in the mouth. Oral cancer often causes difficulty chewing and swallowing, earaches, facial numbness and may even affect a person’s ability to speak. As the disease progresses, it can become increasingly painful, and produce sensations such as tingling and burning in the mouth and on the tongue.

According to Vold, a dentist can usually see or feel the cancer. The diagnosis is then confirmed by a tissue biopsy. Oral cancer treatments range from various surgical procedures to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

“We look for indicators of oral cancer every time a patient comes in for an exam,” says Vold. “Patients are also advised to contact our office if a lump or lesion in the mouth doesn’t go away in two weeks.”

For more information on oral cancer, speak with a Northbrook dentist at Northbrook Court Dental Associates, or visit the Northbrook dentistry office's website at http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com. To make an appointment for an oral cancer screening, call the office today at 847-272-2900.

About

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

Oral Cancer

By Dr. Michael Vold

Regular dental exams are an important part of oral health care. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year can prevent many future problems, including gum disease and tooth loss. During your visit, both your teeth and gums will be examined. Your dentist will also check the tissues in your mouth for signs of oral cancer. More than 42,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with oral or pharyngeal (throat) cancer.

Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cells form the main part of the outer layer of the skin. They can also be found in the lips, mouth and other types of body tissue.

Bodies have built-in processes that normally destroy any cancer cells that are created. When there is a breakdown in certain types of internal communications, it can result in DNA mutations. These changes can not only impact the cell’s ability to control its behavior, but also impede the body’s ability to get rid of the cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the result of uncontrolled cell growth. It can be caused by many factors, including viruses, radiation, UV exposure and toxins, in addition to excessive tobacco and alcohol use, and a diet that consists of very little fruits or vegetables. The disease can also occur due to metastasis from another cancer site in the body.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), version 16 has been determined to increase the risk of oral cancer. There are hundreds of papillomaviruses that produce skin warts. The virus is transmitted through sexual intercourse, and is considered the most frequently sexually transmitted disease. It can take many years from the time of infection for the virus to be clinically detected.

Signs of oral cancer include lesions, ulcers or lumps that do not heal within a few weeks. The cancer is usually small and pale colored. It can appear as white or red patches in the tissue of the mouth, behind wisdom teeth or the ear, as well as on the lip, tongue and inside the mouth.

Oral cancer symptoms typically involve tongue problems and difficulty swallowing, speaking or chewing, along with a persistent earache, facial numbness or hoarseness. In early stages of the disease, there is usually little to no pain. However, as the cancer progresses, it can cause sensations in the mouth and on the tongue, such as prickling, tickling, tingling and burning, as well as increased discomfort in the mouth.

Most lesions can be seen or felt by your dentist. A tissue biopsy is used to confirm the presence of cancer.

If the tumor is small, it will usually be surgically removed. Treatment can also include radiation and chemotherapy. There are several other types of oral cancer surgeries that can be performed depending on the extent of the cancer.

If you have lesions, lumps or skin discoloration on your tongue or in your mouth, schedule a dental exam with a Northbrook dentist who is skilled in oral dental surgery. Early detection of this life threatening disease can increase your chances of successful treatment.

Your Stem Cell Success Stories Can Help Bring Hope to Others

HopeCell.org Founders Invite Stem Cell Patients to Share Their Experiences and Successes

Los Angeles – HopeCell (http://www.hopecell.org), a connecting point for patients and free informational guide to stem cell therapy, is inviting patients to share their experiences with the benefits of stem cells. The website founders are interested in new or even old stories of stem cell benefits, which they will feature on their site to inspire patients with similar medical problems to continue to hope.

Stem cells are the basic building blocks of the human body and have the special characteristic of being able to divide and renew themselves for very long periods. In fact, stem cells were what originally grew all of your organs and body tissues before you were born. Beyond the treatments which are presently tried and proven (although not broadly known), ongoing research on stem cells is opening up still more vistas of possibility.

What can stem cells do? As an example, HopeCell.org co-founder Cass was herself on kidney dialysis and was told she would need a kidney transplant. After a short treatment using adult stem cells (taken from her own body), she successfully weaned off the dialysis and reports, “I continue to feel energetic...most important of all, I have my life back.” Her story can be read in full at http://www.hopecell.org/my-story/

“Historically, when major discoveries have occurred in medicine, it has sometimes taken many decades or even longer before they were widely implemented and became common knowledge,” says Cass. “We want to help overcome that cultural inertia both in the case of kidney stem cell therapy, which I have undergone so successfully, and in the case of other stem cell procedures as they are developed and tested. By sharing your own stem cell therapy review with other patients, through us, you will help raise awareness of these new possibilities.”

To contact Cass at HopeCell.org with your own success story or to ask her any questions, visit http://www.hopecell.org/contact-me/ To see a glossary of terms (stem cell definition and related words), visit http://www.hopecell.org/what-stem-cell/stem-cell-glossary/