Burglars ransack offices

THIEVES stole computer equipment worth thousands of pounds from a Kirklees firm.

And staff at The Howarth Partnership in Cleckheaton are also counting the cost of the damage the burglars caused in the raid.The thieves used two large bricks to smash their way through a glass door, ripping ceiling tiles from two training rooms where they also stole two overhead projectors.Police are asking members of the public to report any incidents where they are offered computers, projectors and computer monitors for sale.The firm's premises in Brooke Street were targeted by thieves who stole five computers, four laptops and petty cash.They urged any witnesses to contact them on 01924 295357.

They urged any witnesses to contact them on 01924 295357.

How to Clean Walls

Cleaning the walls on a daily basis isn't necessary, but light cleaning of the walls on a regular basis will help to keep them fresh and will at least put off the need for a major cleaning of the walls and give you longer between long cleanings. How to clean your walls to refresh them and keep the wall lasting longer between washings is a fairly simple task.

How to clean walls isnt' rocket science of course, but there are some things that the books don't tell you. When washing your walls, don't use anything abrasive, particularly with painted walls, as you can of course erode the paint. Use a mild detergent or a solution of vinegar and water to wash down your walls, which will also have the added advantage of cutting through a certain amount of grease or discoloration from cooking or furnace buildup.Cleaning your walls correctly can save you a year or more on the life of your paint. Taking the time to learn how to clean walls correctly can save you headaches and the cost of the paint into the bargain.How to clean walls that are made of stucco or brick will differ slightly, since interior walls of these surfaces will benefit from a little bit stiffer brush in order to take the dust and debris from the small cracks and surface texture of the materials.Ceilings of painted or acoustic tiles will also benefit from a brushing on a regular basis which will prevent their having to be washed quite so frequently. How to clean walls of acoustic tiles is quite the same as the ceiling tiles, using a soft bristled wall brush, brush over them thoroughly on a regular basis. When you will be doing both walls and ceilings, as common sense implies, brush down the ceilings first so that the dirt and dust falls and does not fall on those walls you've already brushed down.

Cleaning your walls correctly can save you a year or more on the life of your paint. Taking the time to learn how to clean walls correctly can save you headaches and the cost of the paint into the bargain.

Author: Vince P. Platania, Jr.

A Description Of Acoustic Foam

Do you need to know how acoustic foam works? It is used by most audio studios and professional and amateur musicians. Get the details on why you should use acoustic foam for your music room. Check out what material is used for this foam, by reading this article.

The cheapest material is polyurethane. However, most products made from polyurethane have the lowest rating for fire safety like a class 3 rating. In some areas in the United States, products made of polyurethane fail the safety inspections. If you use this material, you have to ensure that you have sufficient fire exits. Better yet, you can save your money and wait until you can afford to buy better acoustic products.Thicker foams are more absorbent and more efficient for a wider range of sound waves.Acoustic foam is used to control the echo of sound by breaking the direction of the sound waves and causing them to go in consistently different directions until the sound waves stop. Through this action, the effect of the echo is reduced. In addition to controlling the echo, the sound waves are also absorbed by the acoustic foams.Also, the price of foam is affected by its thickness mainly because of the material used and the production costs. There are different materials used in making acoustic foam, however, the most common are polyurethane, melamine and fiberglass.Acoustic foam is rated for fire safety. Some materials are not fireproof; worse yet, they can impair the health of people around during a fire incident. These materials emit hazardous chemicals which are more dangerous than the chemicals emitted from the fire itself.To effectively prevent unnecessary noise from entering or exiting a home studio or home theatre, use objects with mass. Sound absorption objects are essential to dampen the sound waves and suspend their transmission. Examples of objects used are heavy curtains, fabrics like wool, installing a second wall or soundproof windows. There are even acoustic blankets attached to the walls to achieve the same effect.Depending on the products, acoustic foam can be used in a several ways. The most common and easiest is to use foam in sheet form. The foam sheets can be cut into the size you need using scissors. Some products can be sprayed or blown in between, ceiling tiles, flooring or walls.The acoustic foam works best in absorbing high and mid frequency sound waves. The low frequency sounds are harder to absorb. Acoustic products are rated according to the lowest frequency they can absorb, and the range is based on the thickness of foam.The thickness of the foam can range from one to four inches. Thicker foam works better with lower frequencies. This basic specification is important in buying the foam.The foam panels seen inside any music or recording studio are not exactly to let the music in or out of the room. Rather, they are installed to make the music sound natural and neutral as possible.The compressed fiberglass is commonly used by professionals. It has a class 1 rating for fire safety. The higher the safety rating of the materials, the more expensive is the product. But if you can afford the best quality products, then go for them. They are worth your peace of mind.

Acoustic foam is rated for fire safety. Some materials are not fireproof; worse yet, they can impair the health of people around during a fire incident. These materials emit hazardous chemicals which are more dangerous than the chemicals emitted from the fire itself.

Author: Rudy Silva

Tips Before Buying A House Deadly Asbestos Maybe Present

Do you have Asbestos in your Domestic home?

and more�� Thermal & Acoustic insulation� Soffit boardsIncreasing numbers of mortgage lenders and conveyance solicitors are advising prospective buyers to obtain Specialist Reports on Asbestos prior to exchange of contracts.� Toilet cisterns & water tanks� Flue pipes & chimneysOriginal source: The Health and Safety BlogLandlords have legal obligations under current legislation to identify and manage asbestos in the common parts of multi-occupation dwellings; failure to do so may lead to prosecution.Did you know that over 70% of UK homes potentially contain asbestos in some form.So what are the Financial Risks?The cost of employing the required Specialist Contractors licensed by the HSE to remove and dispose of Asbestos-Containing Materials is very high due to the strict legislative controls. It is vital therefore to determine the location, extent and type of Asbestos in the home prior to purchase or undertaking any refurbishment.How can surveyors help?DIY activities or building works which involve drilling, sanding, sawing or removal of any Asbestos-Containing Materials will almost certainly release asbestos fibres into the air.� Cement roofing, drainpipesFor a fixed fee asbestos surveyors will undertake a comprehensive physical asbestos survey of the property and produce an Asbestos Survey Report in accordance with HSE Document MDHS100; they will include a detailed Material risk Assessment on any Asbestos material identified.They will provide practical and impartial recommendations on any actions that may be necessary to ensure that you are not put at risk through exposure to deadly asbestos fibres.When buying or selling a house, or even contemplating renovation or DIY tasks, you should be fully aware of the potential harm ful risks posed by any deadly Asbestos-Containing materials that may be present.� Thermo plastic floor tiles� Decorative coatings such as artex� Ceiling tiles� Electrical fuse boards & switch gearAsbestos in the home does not pose a health risk unless the material is broken, deteriorating, or disturbed in such a way that asbestos dust is produced.If you are a buyer or seller, the presence of Asbestos-Containing material has the potential to substantially adversely affect the value of the property.So what are the Health risks from Asbestos?� Stud walls & partitionsIf inhaled, asbestos fibres may be deposited in the airways and lung tissue which can cause irreversible scarring and render sections of the lungs unusable.Veritas Consulting Safety Services is an independent company with specialist knowledge to undertake asbestos surveys. In most cases, the building surveyors who undertake pre-sale surveys do not have this specialist knowledge and their reports will usually carry a disclaimer in respect of asbestos.Although not covered by legislation, commissioning an Asbestos Survey is desirable, especially when considering the likely devaluation affect on the future price of the property.Because deadly Asbestos materials can be found in the following places.

Original source: The Health and Safety Blog

Author: David Cant

Binswanger Named Exclusive Agent for the Lease of a Class A Office Building in East Syracuse, New York

Binswanger has been named exclusive agent by Merrem Properties, LLC to represent them with the lease-up of their Class A office building totaling 115,617 sq. ft. on 9.7 acres located at 6333 Route 298, East Syracuse, New York.

Originally built in 1980, with an expansion in 1999, the spectacular, three-story building is the premier Class A office building in the Syracuse suburbs. Key features include: ceiling heights to 10'; three elevators; granite, marble and ceramic tile finishes; wiring for cable television and high-speed internet capable of supporting T-1 lines; 90-seat, state-of-the-art conference theater; parking for approximately 500 cars with land reserved for additional parking, and an ideal location that is less than 1 mile from Exit 35 of the New York State Thruway.Binswanger, and lead broker Jim Panczykowski, is aggressively marketing the property to a variety of users in the information; finance & insurance; professional, scientific & technical services; educational services; and public administration industries. For additional information please contact Jim Panczykowski at: (716) 866-2902 or via email at: jpanczykowski@binswanger.com .Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineHeadquartered in Philadelphia, PA, Binswanger is an international full-service real estate organization with offices worldwide throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.CONTACT: Laurie Goldstein 215-448-6014 Email Contact

CONTACT: Laurie Goldstein 215-448-6014 Email Contact

Is There a Fungus Among Us?

Mold has taken hold! Not that the microbes have reached out and grabbed us, but rather they have captured our attention. A rash of recent high profile media stories have petrified many people with concerns for both their health and finances. While it is true in some situations that variations and concentrations of mold can kill us both physically and financially, in the vast majority of cases mold problems can be remedied simply and economically.

So what is a reasonable person to do? Much like a physical exam is the first step in a plan for personal health, a home inspection is the first step in a mold survey. The intent of the inspection is to seek out all sources of moisture that may contribute to an environment that is attractive to mold and to visually identify any existing mold colonies. Roof leaks, plumbing leaks, and improper sprinkler positioning are among the more common sources of mold-causing moisture problems. After identification of the moisture source, a reasonable and practical remedy can be prescribed.With a basic understanding of the management of moisture, household mold maintenance is simple. Molds have been around forever and will never be gone, and it is good that they are here. But like so many things, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Stay informed, but don't get caught up in the hype. Remember, it's about knowing!Wipe the surface dry then make sure that the floor underneath the linoleum and tiles is also dry. If necessary remove the linoleum covering and use fans hasten the drying process.Upholstery or leather furnishings that have water damage may not be dried immediately. Leather should not be dried using heat. Instead, dry leather slowly by using fans or by just wiping it with a dry cotton cloth. If furniture is too valuable, hire the services of a water damage restoration expert.All molds need two basic ingredients to grow, food and water. The favorite food of mold is cellulose. In our home, cellulose is a common constituent. Wood, paper, cotton, and drywall are plentiful in construction and are great sources of cellulose. Water is everywhere in our homes, both on the surfaces and in the air.Hard Surfaces with Linoleum and TilesFabrics

Copyright � Florida HomePro, Inc. and Wallace J. Conway. All rights in all media reserved.

Author: Wallace Conway

How To Identify Your Own Depression

Depression. What is it? Why would a normally healthy, optomistic person get depressed? If things go wrong, don't you just talk yourself out of feeling sorry for yourself? So what if your 23 year marriage ends, and your soon-to-be ex-husband moves in with your best friend; you are left to cope with 2 devestated teenagers; you loose your father and father-in-law to cancer; you have extreme job challenges; and, your new condo, purchased without REALLY knowing what to look for (just don't buy a home with a laundry room upstairs over the living room!) and you develop a roof leak, and a laundry leak into the living room. AND, you are the primary care giver for a very needy Mother.

You can handle all of this, right? And, when, the next year, you loose your Mother and Grandmother to cancer too, it doesn't send you over the edge, does it? Particularly when you also have Multiple Sclerosis, which has been misdiagnosed for over 35 years, and the worst thing for MS is stress and anxiety. You can handle everything, right?

Well, I found that I couldn't. Consider the following list of symptoms that one should review if you think that you might be suffering from depression. OR, if you, like me, are convinced that you CAN HANDLE IT, if the rain would just stop; or, if the roof would just stop leaking (I've already tried to get it fixed 2 times, and it hasn't yet worked; I now have a gallon bucket sitting in the front hallway to catch the water leaking from the hole in the roof); or, if the kids would just stop being "normal" teenagers, when you no longer have a husband to help you in the day-to-day coping with teenagers.

Here is a checklist of symptoms of depressive illness:
1) Loss of energy and interest.
2) Diminished ability to enjoy oneself.
3) Decreased -- or increased -- sleeping or appetite.
4) Difficulty in concentrating; indecisiveness; slowed or fuzzy thinking.
5) Exaggerated feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety.
6) Feelings of worthlessness.
7) Recurring thoughts about death and suicide.

I remember clearly my "last straw". I read the list, above, and was sure that these 7 symptoms did NOT describe me. Then, with all of my water problems at home, I went to work in my 4th (top) floor office that just happened to have a flat roof. While on the phone arguing with the roofer who claimed that my roof shouldn't be leaking, and my telling him that it still was leaking, and if he didn't believe me, he could just come over and see my bucket full of water in my entry way, when I heard the familiar "pitter-patt" noise that freaked me out at home. I looked up at my office ceiling just in time to see water beginning to gush out of the ceiling tiles, around the hanging lights, and pour into my office. That did it. I went home. That night, I awoke thinking that I heard the "pitter-patt" in the upstairs laundry room, dripping water into my living room. I got up, turned off the water to the washing machine; stuffed all of my towels around the washer, and stood with my back against the wall in my first ever anxiety attack, thinking that if this was what my life had become, why would I even want to continue living it?

This event scared me into going to my Doctor. He had a great little "depression" test for me. Knowing my fragile state, he asked me the statements, and, based both on my answers and on the detailed symptom impairment document that I had started preparing for him, prescribed an antidepression medication for me.

I learned two critical things that day - three, really. The first one is that it is critical to have a Doctor that you trust, that knows you, and that LISTENS to what you are saying. Secondly, since he knew about my MS, he told me that Depression was a frequent secondary symptom of MS. (At that time, I hadn't done my MS symptom research yet; the Disabilitykey Workbook, found at www.disabilitykey.com is the ultimate result of all of my symptom and system - Long Term Disability and Social Security Disability Insurance - research for myself.) Third, I learned that no matter how strong your personality is, and no matter how positive a person you are, Depression is NOT something you can get over by just "thinking positive thoughts"; by "keeping a stiff upper lip". If you truely think that you are suffering from Depression, there is nothing wrong from talking to your Doctor, and seeking his advice.

All that I have discussed so far happened over a dozen years ago. I am still taking antidepression medication, and it does help. I have searched high and low for the original test that my Doctor used on me, and finally found one at one of my favorite resources, called the "Institute for Algorithmic Medicine" (that's academic talk for medical condition tests). The test is "The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale". As you read the following questions, ask yourself where the statement ranks on the following scale:

1) A little of the time for me.
2) Some of the time for me.
3) A good part of the time for me.
4) Most of the time for me.

I fell down-hearted and blue.
Morning is when I feel the best.
I have crying spells or feel like it.
I have trouble sleeping at night.
I eat as much as I used to.
I still enjoy sex.
I notice that I am losing weight.
I have trouble with constipation.
My heart beats faster than usual.
I get tired for no reason.
My mind is as clear as it used to be.
I find it easy to do the things I used to.
I am restless and can't keep still.
I feel hopeful about the future.
I am more irritable than usual.
I find it easy to make decisions.
I feel that I am useful and needed.
My life is pretty full.
I feel that others would be better off if I were dead.
I still enjoy the things I used to do.

This little test, with your self rating for each statement, and with your symptom impairment documentation, so that your Doctor knows more about you and what is going on in your life, s/he can best decide what to do to help you better achieve a higher quality of life. Perhaps antidepression medication isn't what you need, something else would be better for you. But, if you don't learn, document, seek help, and discuss with your Doctor, s/he can't help you help yourself.

Many of you are probably asking yourselves how I can just put myself out there; just put into these bloggs what is going on in my life. I'm doing this, sharing these experiences so that you can know that I have been there; I've done that; I've got the t-shirts! For more about me, check out the "about us" section in the website: www.disabilitykey.com.

Author: Carolyn Magura