Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) February 17, 2012

As the spring approaches, Maryland’s Best Roofing and Siding, Inc. encourages homeowners to get their houses ready for the rainy season starting with the roof.

Spring, just like fall, comes with rainy weather for the most part of the continental U.S. According to the National Climatic Data Center, in the period between March and May 2011 most states experienced higher than normal precipitation levels, while nine states saw their heaviest rains in 117 years.

Climate change and global warming make it difficult to predict the exact weather for the upcoming spring, but no matter what the forecasts say, being prepared is the least homeowners can do.

Experienced provider of roof installation and roof repair services in Baltimore area, Maryland’s Best Roofing and Siding, Inc. recommends starting the preparation by examining the inside of the house.

“If you notice discoloration, mold, water damage or peeling paint on your ceiling, walls or attic, it means the roof is already leaking and needs to be repaired in time before the first rains,” says Mike Criddle, the Vice President of Maryland’s Best Roofing and Siding, Inc.

He goes on to explain that although minor leaks could be handled without hiring a roofer, in many cases detecting a leaking spot is tricky and requires professional help. “Our Baltimore roofers are versed in construction and have assisted many homeowners in getting rid of annoying leaks,” added Criddle.

If the inside has passed the inspection, the next step is to examine the roof itself. Criddle reminded all DIY experts to follow safety rules or invite an experienced contractor to take a look at the roof. Things to look out for include cracks, damaged, missing or loose shingles, tree branches and foreign object on the roof surface.

Houses in the areas of heavy snowfall require special attention. “The last year’s massive East coast snow storms kept our Baltimore roofers busy,” commented Criddle. “In many cases, the snow damage is not evident, and only a careful inspection could indicate if a repair or a complete replacement is needed.”

Checking on the gutters and snow guards is another way to get prepared for the spring. Gutters bent by snow and winds or clogged with leaves, branches or dead animals may cause many problems. “When the rainfall is not directed away from the house, it leads to foundation cracks, leaky basements, destroyed landscaping, etc.,” said Criddle

Having the roof inspected and fixed before the leaks establish themselves is a proactive approach. Even if no problems are found, the homeowners still gain a piece of mind and a sense of security.

About Maryland’s Best Roofing and Siding, Inc.

Headquartered in Columbia, Md., Maryland’s Best Roofing and Siding, Inc. serves residential and commercial customers within Baltimore, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Harford County, and many other areas in Maryland. The company offers a variety of roof repair and replacement services. For more information, please visit http://www.roofrepairsbaltimore.com.

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Rigaku NEX QC EDXRF

Austin, TX (PRWEB) February 07, 2012

Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc. today announced a new empirical method for the analysis of finished cement. Application Note #1157 demonstrates the efficacy of the Rigaku NEX QC energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (EDXRF) for quality control during the cement production process.

Portland cement is the most common type of cement in general use worldwide and is a basic ingredient of concrete, mortar, stucco and most non-specialty grout. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is an established technique used in cement plants around the world for quality control (QA/QC) throughout the manufacturing process. During the entire production and processing cycle, oxide composition of the cement material must be reliably monitored to ensure optimal process control, monitor physical characteristics of the cement and enable profitability.

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry is a routinely employed screening and quality control tool employed to ensure proper composition of incoming feedstocks, raw meal mixture balances, addition of gypsum and throughout the manufacturing process. EDXRF analyzers are also commonly deployed as backup instruments for WDXRF spectrometers used for final QC and certification.

For this method, each sample is prepared by grinding the material to a fine, dry, homogeneous powder and producing a 5 gram hydraulically pressed pellet using 20 tons pressure for 30 seconds. Empirical calibrations were built using a set of 8 NIST SRM certified standards. Using the empirical approach, “alpha corrections” are then employed to automatically compensate for variations in X-ray absorption and enhancement effects within the sample due to the independent variations in element concentration, thereby yielding an accurate model characterizing the cement type. The method shows how the Rigaku NEX QC analyzer’s rapid quantitative elemental analysis capabilities give cement plants a reliable and rugged low-cost system for QC measurements.

A copy of this report may be requested at:

http://www.rigakuedxrf.com/edxrf/app-notes.html?id=1157_AppNote

About Rigaku

Since its inception in Japan in 1951, Rigaku has been at the forefront of analytical and industrial instrumentation technology. Rigaku and its subsidiaries form a global group focused on life sciences and general purpose analytical instrumentation. With hundreds of major innovations to its credit, Rigaku and its subsidiary companies are world leaders in the fields of small molecule and protein crystallography, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray spectrometry and diffraction, X-ray optics, as well as semiconductor metrology. Rigaku employs over 1,100 people globally and its products are in use in more than 70 countries – supporting research, development, production control and quality assurance activities. Throughout the world, Rigaku continuously promotes partnerships, dialog, and innovation within the global scientific and industrial community.

For further information, contact:     

Scott Fess

Product Manager

Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc.

tel: +1. 512-225-1796

info(at)RigakuEDXRF(dot)com

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Darwen, Lancashire (PRWEB) August 10, 2007

Following months of hard work, Concept Coverings Ltd is thrilled that finally the new range of wallpapers that have been painful to finalise are ready for release. Wallpaper has been around for hundreds of years, and yet people claim that there has been very little advancement in wallpaper. Group Managing Director Conrad McKee says to these critics, “Wallpaper is fighting back and at Concept Coverings we are seeing a big trend in customers coming back to wallpaper as feature walls and one wall concepts.”

The online designs are a good mix of contemporary and traditional designs with colours that can be changed to match any room scheme.

The company was formed in 2005 seeing a hole in the decorative market for this type of digitally printed product. Since then many successful wallpaper collections have been released. The latest collections are available to view online as well as customers being able to upload their own photos and have them made into a wallpaper.

Today wallpaper is classified based on the commercial application, and is divided into two categories: commercial and home use wallpaper

About our wallpapers

Commercial Wallpaper

Commercial wallpaper is usually printed on thicker, and more resistant paper. Since commercial wallpaper (as the name suggests) is used in retail outlets, hotels, discos, etc. The wallpaper has certain health and safety specifications that it must meet like being fire resistant, etc. Apart from the health and safety requirements, there are additional requirements like being easy to clean, dust and dirt resistant, etc. What has made commercial wallpaper making an entirely different section, is that more often than not commercial wallpaper involves customization like having a company logo printed or having custom designs, this is where having a digitally printed wallpaper comes in handy, as the imagery that is produced using digitally printed wallpaper is far superior when compared to wallpaper printed using traditional methods.

Wallpaper for home use

The earliest and oldest application of wallpaper is for home use, wallpaper for home use is by no way inferior to commercial wallpaper, as it too has to meet strict quality control guidelines, however the added advantage that wallpaper for home use has is that, it is easier to apply when compared to commercial wallpaper, and in addition you can have multiple wallpaper in the same home (compare this to commercial establishments where the wallpaper is uniform throughout). Just like commercial wallpaper, digitally printed wallpaper is available for home users also, the biggest benefactors of digitally printed wall paper have been home owners, who can now either get custom wallpaper with a particular design built, or can choose to adorn their home walls with some of the greatest works of art ever made. The choices that wallpaper today has bought to home owners is just mind boggling, and all it takes to get customized wallpaper made is a photograph or image of your design.

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Miami, FL (PRWEB) September 16, 2004

Over the last year, sales for Travel Sentry™ Certified locks, luggage locks recognized and accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), have been so high that Travel Sentry has licensed many new distributors of the products to meet the demand. Some of these new distributors include important luggage brands like Tumi, Briggs & Riley, Kenneth Cole and Sunco of Japan.

Less than one year ago, John Vermilye and Joel Blumenthal of Travel Sentry, Inc, a security solutions organization, introduced Travel Sentry™ Certified locks. It was the first time since 9-11 that the baggage screeners would allow travelers to lock checked bags. Identified by a red diamond logo on the lock body, Travel Sentry locks allows TSA to use a series of codes and secured tools to access and search bags as needed, then re-lock them. Today, there are more than 2.5 million locks in circulation and the demand is still growing.

“Travelers want to protect their belongings and the TSA wants to protect travelers. Travel Sentry™ Certified locks allow both goals to be achieved,” stated John Vermilye, Founder and Chairman of Travel Sentry.

Demand was so high last year for the luggage locks that many stores ran out. “With eight new licensed distributors, we should not have that issue this year,” said Vermilye who explained that the locks are also used as corporate gifts or stocking stuffers.

New manufacturers and distributors include, but are not limited to:

•Aegis Brands

•Briggs & Riley Luggage

•Delsey

•Kenneth Cole Luggage    

•Outpac accessories

•Restoration Hardware

•Sunco Luggage (Japan)

•Tumi Luggage

Travel Sentry™ Certified locks are available online, at many specialty luggage and travel retailers as well as at national chains such as Target, Wal-Mart, Brookstone and The Sharper Image There are several luggage manufacturers that are supplying, or shortly will be, luggage pieces featuring Travel Sentry™ Certified locks. Some manufacturers will soon be introducing integrated Travel Sentry locks on their hardside cases as well. For a complete list of suppliers, visit http://www.travelsentry.org.

Travel Sentry is an organization that provides security solutions for the traveling public and works closely with the Transportation Security Administration and luggage, lock and travel accessory manufacturers. The company recently created the Travel Sentry™ Certified lock standard that enables the traveling public to lock their checked baggage during travel while still allowing the TSA to search the bags as needed and then re-lock them. More information can be found at http://www.travelsentry.org.

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Birmingham, MI (PRWEB) February 09, 2012

Tricyclekids.com, retailers of kid’s bikes and bike accessories, recently announced a sale on Italtrike tricycles. According to the site’s spokesperson, Bob Smith, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy sale prices on these unique tricycle styles from Italy, “Italtrike tricycles are so unique because the company actually studied the way kid’s play in order to create one of a kind styles that are extremely rugged and durable. These popular tricycles can stand up to your kid’s active play time.” For a limited time, shoppers can enjoy discounted pricing on several styles from Italtrike tricycles, including the ABC Taxi Tricycles, the Outside Scooter and the bestselling Trike for two, at tricyclekids.com.

As reported by Smith, Italtrike tricycles don’t just look great, with bright primary colors and fun details, they are also designed to last. “Parent’s can rest easy when they purchase Italtrike tricycles – these kids bikes are made from high grade steel construction and come with a 5 year warranty. A tricycle from Italtrike will last for generations of use – not just a few months.”

Along with sales similar to this most recent announcement, Tricyclekids.com sells a large variety of tricycles from the best tricycle brands, including Fisher Price, Little Tike and Kettler. The site offers fast shipping and an easy purchase process that is perfect for busy parents who are looking for the safest and most fun tricycle design for their favorite toddler. In addition to the latest sale prices on Italtrike tricycles, the site also sells a wide variety of kids bike accessories, including bells and horns, helmets, and decorative streamers. Parents can put together the perfect tricycle package for their favorite little one quickly and easily, all without having to leave the house.

Tricylekids.com specializes in bicycle options for children ages 1-5 years old, including push trikes, tricycles and balance bikes. Offering in-depth product reviews and detailed product information, tricyclekids.com is a valuable resource for parents, family and friends who are interested in finding the safest bicycle style and accessories for their new little rider. For more information, please visit http://tricyclekids.com.

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

(PRWEB) August 15, 2005

Steve’s Auto Care (744 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, California 94706; http://www.StevesAutoCare.net) achieved the coveted top rating for quality and price from Bay Area Consumers’ CHECKBOOK magazine, an independent, non-profit consumer information and service resource.

In a survey of 477 Bay Area auto repair shops (blind service appointments and consumer interviews), Steve’s Auto Care scored 100 percent “Superior” ratings for low price, prompt and timely service, quality of service, fees as quoted, overall performance and customer convenience. Survey results are featured in the Summer/Fall 2005 issue of the magazine, which provides consumers information to help them find high quality products and services at the best possible prices.

Steve’s Auto Care, located in Albany since 2001, received “Superior” ratings for the number of models the shop services, its California Certified Smog Center designation and its ASE, Automotive Service Excellence, certification.

Additionally, Steve’s Auto Care received top rating in the Price Index category. When compared to other shops for a sample repair (CV boot replacements on a 1997 Nissan), Steve’s Auto Care was the low price leader, coming in $ 99 below the average, and a full $ 184 below the highest estimate.

Recently, KRON Contact 4 aired a segment about auto repairs and identified Steve’s Auto Care as one of the best of the Bay Area’s auto repair facilities, based on CHECKBOOK’s findings.

“It’s the accumulative efforts of the make-up of the shop,” says Kahn, referring to the Consumers’ CHECKBOOK rating. “We didn’t ask for it – this was how we placed in relation to 476 other shops. That’s what we strive for every day, even without the rating. We truly appreciate our customers, down to the very last detail. We respect that they’ve chosen us for their auto repairs, and the best possible technical expertise and customer service are what they get in return – that’s what they deserve.”

Steve’s Auto Care maintains its status as an ASE Blue Seal recognized business; AAA repair facility; Bay Area Green Business facility; State of California licensed brake & lamp inspection, adjustment and repair station; and State of California licensed Gold Shield smog check station.

Contact: Steve Kahn, Steve’s Auto Care, 744 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, California 94706; (510) 526-3906; http://www.StevesAutoCare.net.

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Intricate exterior painting by Bobby The Painter

Hayward, CA (PRWEB) August 03, 2011

Bobby the Painter, the Bay Area house painter is a small, locally-owned business serving the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in both interior and exterior painting. The company is now using three environmentally friendly paints from the Kelly-Moore Paint Company.

Bobby the Painter uses the Green Coat interior paint system, an interior acrylic coating with no VOC (volatile organic compounds), providing a virtually odorless and environmentally friendly coating system. Another product which the company relies on is Enviro Coat, an interior paint which also contains no VOCs and prevents mildew growth. Rounding out the three “green” paints is Enviro Coat Reflective, used for exteriors. This is also an environmentally friendly paint that is solar reflective so that the sun’s rays are reflected away from the painted exterior.

“Everyone is starting to realize that we need to be concerned about the environment and our health, and my company also cares,” says Bobby Piwowarski, the man behind Bobby the Painter. “We are now emphasizing using environmentally friendly paints.”

Bobby the Painter serves customers from the Bay Area, East Bay, Peninsula, San Jose, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Menlo Park, San Francisco, Millbrae, Burlingame, Redwood City, San Carlos, Belmont, and Sunnyvale.

For more information on Bobby the Painter and the company’s services, contact them at (510) 250-3646 or visit them on the web at http://www.bobbythepainter-bayarea.com.

About Bobby the Painter

Bay Area exterior painting company, Bobby the Painter is a small, locally owned business offering services in interior painting, lighting, carpentry, sheetrock, and texturing. They have experienced and affordable house painters with more than 10 years of experience. Bobby the Painter does not subcontract any work and can easily be reached. The company constantly tries to provide the best service to Bay Area customers. They are keenly aware of the economic troubles that their clients may be facing, and it’s with that mindset that Bobby the Painter will strive to do quality work for a reasonable price.

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

TIPS FOR DRIVING GREEN

Torrance, CA (PRWEB) January 31, 2012

autoMedia, a premier provider of do-it-yourself car care and auto maintenance advice, breaks down the simple steps consumers can take to help reduce a vehicle’s carbon footprint and long-term maintenance and repair costs. Good driving habits and vehicle performance are vital to helping preserve the environment and the pocketbook. A clean engine improves performance as well as reduces emissions and the frequency of a fill-up according to autoMedia’s 12 Tips to Be Green, Drive Green, Save Green.

autoMedia’s first step of advice—vehicle maintenance. Performance can improve with proper vehicle maintenance. Tips like buying the right gas and replacing fluids and filters are high on the list. Accordingly, using premium grade fuel in a vehicle that calls for regular grade not only costs more but doesn’t improve performance. Likewise, neglecting to change filters and fluids doesn’t do much to boost performance either. And then there are auto maintenance mistakes to avoid, like low tire pressure or even choosing the wrong tires—both of which contribute to poor performance and ultimately higher fuel costs.

Maintenance adjustments are vital, but an attitude adjustment might be required—driving attitude, that is. According to autoMedia, by simply slowing down and observing the speed limits, and coasting to a stop instead of racing to a red, drivers can improve fuel-efficiency and extend brake life. Even so much as driving with the windows rolled up can increase gas mileage by as much as 10 percent because of increased aerodynamics. These tips and more, like an at-home eco-friendly car washing can be found among the pages in the car care section of autoMedia.com.

About autoMedia.com: The auto website was launched in September 2000 by a team of automotive editorial, design, and publishing professionals, with the goal to be the premier provider of quality automotive content on and for the Web. Today it features over 92,500 pages of original articles, including over 2,500 features researched and written by leading automotive experts, covering new and used car buying, new vehicle previews, road test reviews, car care maintenance, professional driving advice, and technology. Automotive enthusiasts and new car shoppers can read about the latest industry news, pricing, rebates and incentives, view photo galleries and research details on all makes and models. For more information visit autoMedia.com.

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

UniqueClassicAccents.com

Buenos Aires, Argentina (PRWEB) January 26, 2009

After a year and a half of intense dedication, Unique Classic Accents is pleased to announce the official launch of its online catalog of luxury home decor accents and antique reproductions.

Unique Classic Accents, which specializes in exclusive Empire and Neoclassical-style luxury decor accents, is an original and polished online environment where one will find a vast variety of one of a kind classic accents for the home. From a bronze discus thrower statuette to a hand-carved solid wood urn gilt in 22k gold leaf, UniqueClassicAccents.com boasts over 180 exclusive, hand-crafted creations. Each item is individually manufactured in noble materials and produced in limited quantities in Unique Classic Accents’ very own workshop in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Marble, bronze, crystal, precious stones and fine wood veneers are only an example of the many materials used in their luxury home decor accents and antique reproductions.

Unique Classic Accents’ Neoclassical and Empire-style pieces, which have been inspired principally by the Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilizations, fit perfectly into virtually any modern decor setting, as well as in any sophisticated and classical decor.

After having run a successful decor accent shop in Buenos Aires for over 20 years and creating one of a kind classic accents and antique reproductions for discriminating clientele, the store owners have now made the hand-crafted classic home accessories available exclusively through the Unique Classic Accents catalog.

“The most difficult challenge and our main concern about going online,” explains Unique Classic Accents’ Master Designer, Joseph Golszmidt, “was to be able to transmit our ‘spirit’ through the web.”

The e-commerce site features state-of-the-art technology, and has been designed with refined taste and enhanced with plenty of special features and high quality, quick-loading images. The Unique Classic Accents website accepts online payment with major credit cards, as to give customers a “unique” shopping experience from the comfort of their couch.

Unique Classic Accents ships door-to-door worldwide and offers Free Shipping to the U.S. and Canada.

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Oakland, CA (PRWEB) February 06, 2012

Take your sweetie on a date night to the Zoo. On Friday, February 10, Oakland Zoo invites the public to attend an evening event featuring a “Hands on Fire Percussion Experience.” Guests will walk into a room filled with soulful and dynamic rhythms of Africa, delectable foods, delightful desserts, and dreamy drinks to celebrate the season of love. The evening will feature interactive drumming, a wild array of silent auction items, and powerful information about primates. Percussionist James Henry will lead participants into a musical encounter they are sure to never forget: Attend the Oakland Zoo’s “For the Love of Primates” evening event.

All proceeds from the night will support the Budongo Snare Removal Project in Uganda. This Oakland Zoo supported conservation program protects wild chimpanzees, assists in snare removal, and strives to turn poachers into chimp supporters. Admission price for this event is $ 20 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the door. RSVP is appreciated. Please email: amy(at)oaklandzoo(dot)org for more details.

ABOUT OAKLAND ZOO:

The Bay Area’s award-winning Oakland Zoo is home to more than 660 native and exotic animals. The Zoo offers many educational programs and kid’s activities perfect for science field trips, family day trips and exciting birthday parties. Nestled in the Oakland Hills, in 500-acre Knowland Park, the Zoo is located at 9777 Golf Links Road, off Highway 580. The East Bay Zoological Society (Oakland Zoo) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization supported in part by members, contributions, the City of Oakland and the East Bay Regional Parks. For more information please visit our website at http://www.oaklandzoo.org.

The East Bay Zoological Society has managed and operated both the Zoo and surrounding Knowland Park for the City of Oakland since 1982. Under its management, the Oakland Zoo presents an award-winning experience for visitors, fosters knowledge and understanding of animals and the environment through educational programs, and has earned national awards and international acclaim for its animal management and endangered species programs. Over the years, exhibit by exhibit, the Oakland Zoo has been reinvigorated and revitalized, making it a place where animals thrive and visitors enjoy. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.oaklandzoo.org.

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Attachments

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.