Dentists and dental clinics are pivotal in today's society just as much as doctors and hospitals are. They take care of our dental hygiene and more. They help us smile better. They help us look better and they very well help boost our personal health and lifestyles. As much as they are taking care of us, they are not taking care of themselves, to be precise, their business. We are talking about marketing here. Yup!
Digital marketing has the capacity to improve every organization, regardless of the nature. To get more clients and build up the brand, companies must use the latest proven strategies to reach out to their prospects and clients so as to ensure they stay ahead of the game and keep competitors at bay. Unfortunately, we don't see it happening as much as we want to, thus we want to give some free tips on how dentists and their organizations, can improve their businesses by trying to inculcate these few steps into their overall marketing game plan.
Since everything is online, potential clients want to see what you are made of. This is typical today as everyone wants to go to your website to see your services and what kind of clinic you are running. To have a site which is not user friendly or with tabs which does not work or even worse, an ugly looking site, will just be a BIG NO NO! Ensure your site is coded well and looks aesthetically pleasing just like how we want our teeth done as well. Test that it loads fast and that it is view-able in all browsers. You can use nice pictures of your clinics and also have testimonials of clients flashing their pearly whites too. They could be even glorifying your services.
Don't use "WELCOME TO OUR WEBSITE" tag lines as they are so useless. Use special offers, promos and enticing propositions to ensure that you get their attention. A website can do wonders if you know how to market it. Sadly, it is not done right. Some just place promotions without showing the value of it and it gets diluted. Promos have to be done properly otherwise it may be construed as being too aggressive or as another form of cheap marketing. A Brand must pull and push properly to ensure it maximizes its impact.
We still see websites which are not responsive which means it does not turn out well in smart phones. Remember that everyone carries a Smartphone and if they want to go for a quick clean, they will either ask a friend or Google you. If your friend refers you because you are a client and this potential client goes to your website and it looks bad, it will have an adverse effect on him/her and it will put the potential client off because your website does not show the details properly as compared to your competitors who have mobile ready website which adapts to mobiles and tablets easily. So instead of winning them over, you lose them.
My tooth feels bad or perhaps I want to go for some teeth whitening because I want to have a million dollar smile ala Tom Cruise. I immediately GOOGLE and look for dentists on the first few pages. I look through them and choose one and book an appointment. Where is your clinic? Oops! You did not optimize your website so you are nowhere to be found, while your competitors did and are in the 1st page and are getting a huge clean bite(no pun intended) of your market share. SEO is crucial and companies are spending thousands of dollars every month to ensure they rank highly so that whenever people look for dental services, their website comes up and they get easy sales from those searching them on search engines. Forget yellow pages because it is dead and dusted. SEO is a must have ammo in your marketing arsenal.
Search engine marketing is similar to SEO. SEM is a paid search or otherwise known as PPC ( pay per click) . It is like an ad which appears on the top of search engines when you search on certain keywords like "dental clinic" or "dentists". So, whenever someone clicks on your ad you pay a few dollars depending on a few factors like competition, quality scores etc. So companies like Google, Yahoo and Bing etc have systems which allow companies like yours to advertise and book a spot for visibility. It is a fast method to actually get clients. The problem is that SEM agencies or dental agencies that do it are doing it in a wrong fashion. They create ads and do not have a proper messaging or proposition and send their clients to their home page or an inner page or worse still, we have seen clicks which lead to an invalid page! Even certain landing pages which we have seen created by these so called "experts" are atrocious hence the conversion is bad which means out of every 10 or 20 persons who click on your ad, only 1 or 2 of them will book an appointment or make a call. This is traffic wastage and it can be rectified if they just knew the psychology of people. It is not just paying for ads and hoping and praying someone clicks on them. There is more to it in doing adwords or any other form of ads on Search engines. So what will work?
One needs to have a good copy as well as some neat tools and a proper landing page to ensure the conversion increases for you to get more leads. Certain scrupulous agencies are unaware of these methods yet they pass off as great SEM agencies and milk money from their clients. These clients are kept happy because they get something rather than nothing. 3 customers are better than no customer. The truth is they could have got more clients if their strategies are in place. However, being conditioned with their marketing agency they will stay with them rather than switch to another who can assure them more leads. Sentiment has no place in business. Choose what works.
A booking system will aid in boosting your productivity and customer loyalty. An application can help send reminders to prospects as well as send them birthday cards, offers and promos. It is far cheaper to market to an existing client than to get a new one. But more often than not, this is not being done. It will be good to have an online booking system where your clients can come and chat with you as well as book an appointment for an array of service which they are keen in. It automates and increases productivity and helps in customer satisfaction. This will reduce operating costs and you can channel those funds to other areas to improve your business. Management software can help in boosting customer satisfaction. It can be in the form of mobile app or even an online booking system. Statistics have shown that if clients have downloaded your mobile app, chances of them switching to a rival company is slim because they will be quite comfortable in using your app. Thus, it will prevent them from switching to another provider just because of the inconvenience the whole process takes, unless your app does not serve the client's purpose and is just a pure crappy one. Apps can send reminders and also promos and dental tips via push notifications which can help keep your Brand in your client's head and increase customer loyalty.
Everyone now knows more about a lot of things than 20 years ago due to the availability of free information online. People understand more about dentistry than ever before because of the boom of the internet. People love to consume information and a very important tool for your marketing is to have lots of relevant content in your website. It can be in the form of a blog or even just white papers and articles. Ensure that you give away very good amount of information which can help your potential client. This will give them the impression that you know better than anyone else and they will come to you because they may see you as an authority. If you can share information which can help them, they will want to use your services because you have made them feel a bit more comfortable than a guy just showcasing his services and sticking promos all over. "Stickiness" as what we call it is a huge factor. Have content that sticks and get your marketer to write relevant articles. Google loves content heavy sites, hence will boost your SEO rankings too. You must have at least a minimum of 500 words for good impact. So go do some writing…but don't rattle about the whole experience that goes into pulling that molar off though. Ouch!!!
Content is part of an overall strategy and in today's world, you need to be social because that is where the crowd is. Your potential clients are out there. They are waiting for you to touch base with them and to pull them in with your special unique services. You may have the best product or a great team of dentists but if they don't know you, then it is as good as you dreaming of hiring Bill Gates as your office boy. You must have a strong presence in social media platforms like FB, Twitter, LinkedIN, Instagram,Youtube etc. The more you share, the more you gain. Running contests, promos, special offers and giveaways are some examples which you can use to gain a loyal following. You can create special content on your channels and share it with your audience. Remember that giving is gaining. If you do it right, you can definitely boost your business and build a great Brand. Many great brands use social media to gain more audience and to build their brand. To not do digital marketing is suicide in today's context.
We recently spoke to a dental clinic's marketing manager recently and she doesn't know which their best source of ROI is. They are unable to know which marketing campaigns they did and which gave them the most success and the worst results. So how can they possibly improve? They are also unable to tell if they have optimized their strategies and did any A/B testing. Ignorance is bliss but it can be fatal when you are running a business. A business can truly improve only if we know how to test and analyze properly. The onus is on the company or agency to keep on testing to see what works and what can work better. There are a myriad of strategies which can be deployed on social and online marketing and the results can come but which are the winning ones are what we need to find out so that we can bank more on that. This will help reduce the expenditure on those ineffective channels so as to reduce your marketing costs whilst boosting ROI.
These are just 8 tip of the iceberg techniques and there are many more which can be implemented to boost your dental practice's revenue and brand equity. Any dental agency can get more clients by implementing the above strategies as these are proven methods. We wish more companies can adopt digital marketing to get more clients for their business and not stagnate because your rivals are working with marketing agencies and consultants to get more clients which means they are stealing your market share. The digital era is here to stay and to say that "we are comfortable with our marketing efforts "is tantamount to being negligent and we all know what happened to Blackberry, Nokia, Palm and Kodak don't we? They did not know what hit them and you won't too if you are not keeping up with the changes of the tech world.
Visiting the dentist every year constantly helps keep our gums and teeth in great shape and so does constantly working on your marketing strategies. Leave it alone or think that you are doing a great job and you will see it rot…and I am not talking about our teeth here. Get an expert in to assess your marketing strategies and you will have a bigger and brighter smile.
Great article..learnt quite a bit. Thanks!


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Q: Using subreports with Microsoft's ReportViewer control in local mode Does anyone have a recommendation for an excellent reference on Microsoft's ReportViewer (VS 2008 flavour) when used in local mode? I'm currently using it but parts of it are a bit of a black box so I'd like to read up on the entire subject.
Especially want to start using sub-reports to display more complex parent-child reports. I'm assuming they work in a similar mode to Crystal Reports with which I'm reasonably familar.
Thanks, Rob.

A: I worked with the ReportViewer control at one point and was able to find some good information at http://www.gotreportviewer.com

A: The link to http://www.gotreportviewer.com is a good once but it does look like material on local sub reports and ReportViewer 2008 is a little sparse and spreadout across the net. It would be a subject worth blogging about so I will :-)
Here are a few headlines:

*

*A subreport is a completely separate report but is linked to the master report using the standard report parameter mechanism. The master report is configured to pass one or more of it's fields (e.g. the primary key) to the subreport. The subreport typically then uses this parameter as a parameter to it's own query to load a dataset

*Even though you may have defined a data source against the subreport when designing it, this isn't used when used in a master report. Instead you have to implement a handler for the SubreportProcessing event. The same handler is called for each subreport you add to your master report so you can query the parameters passed to the handler to determine the dataset to load.

*The event handler is called once for each record in master report. For example, if the master report displays 200 records, the event handler is called 200 times but with a different parameter each time.

*Because of this, you have to be wary of performance. The first report I ran had 2,000 records (perfectly okay for a flat report) but each of those 2,000 records fetched 20 child records for the subreport. It did run but took several minutes before the report was rendered

*If you can structure your data so that a single dataset can be used containing data for both the master and subreport, then nested data regions have better performance - only one query to return 2,000 records not 2,000 individual queries. See http://www.gotreportviewer.com/masterdetail/index.html
Cheers, Rob.

A: Was the documentation insufficient? In what way?

*

*Reporting Services and ReportViewer Controls in Visual Studio

*Samples and Walkthroughs

*ReportViewer Controls (Visual Studio)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


You are here: Home » Antichrist » Could 2015 Be the Year the Identity of the Antichrist is Revealed?
Could 2015 Be the Year the Identity of the Antichrist is Revealed?
Today I saw what could be a prophetic sign regarding the identity of the antichrist. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the day (August 25) at 15,666.44.
In other words, 2015 could be the year the antichrist is revealed to be the 44th President of the United States.
The Bible tells us his identity will be revealed when he takes his seat in the temple in Jerusalem (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4), but it also tells us about another important sign that will reveal his identity to those who are watching for it. It is an event found in Revelation 13:3.
I believe this event will cause many to recognize the identity of the antichrist, and will also mark the transformation of the current White House occupant into a vessel that fully manifests Lucifer.
One of the heads of the beast appeared to be fatally wounded. But the mortal wound was healed, and the whole world was astonished and followed the beast.
Amazing dreams there. I had a little difficulty reading the post, but I think I got the gist of it. I don't know about you, but as the days go by and the Holy Spirit is helping me learn things I didn't know about, it gets "wierder and wierder" by the moment. I'm GRATEFUL for the LORD Jesus, because I'm also seeing the absolute NEED for a very close relationship with Him.
To clarify . . . ALL need a very close relationship with the LORD Jesus, but with the dire times that continue to unfold, ONLY in Him is there peace.
Thank you, Glen and another oops. I just saw this post as well. I missed that one, but very interesting.
"Based on our numerical analysis of the Quran and Hadith, the official beginning of the End of Time and the coming of the Imam Mahdi will most likely be in 2015 (or 2016) and Jesus Christ (p) will come down from Heaven to Earth in 2022, in-sha Allah (if Allah is willing)," the website reported.
Read more at http://mobile.wnd.com/2015/03/mahdi-to-return-by-2016-followed-by-jesus/#4IXUytuvlyMtTgqK.99 Of course, their Mahdi is the antichrist.
Interesting info, Laurie and oops, I just saw this post. Thank you for sharing.
So we agree 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 refers to the rapture, which means we also agree about the sequence of events as listed by Paul. First comes the apostasy and the revelation of the man of lawlessness. After that comes the rapture. Therefore, the following verses about the restrainer cannot refer to the church because we just established the church is still here when the man of lawlessness is revealed. There is no way around that because Paul listed the sequence of events very clearly. The restrainer cannot be the Holy Spirit either because He lives in us and we are still here. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. The restrainer is the archangel Michael because he is the prince or chief of the angels assigned to protect God's people (Daniel 12:1). I never claimed that he operates alone. His title as prince or chief reveals to us he oversees many angels. He holds a similar position as the beast spirit, which is the prince or chief over many demonic spirits.
I do think Obama is currently the prime candidate, Erdogan is another possibility.
~~~~~"There are some among us teaching there will be no tribulation, that the Christians will be able to escape all this. These are the false teachers that Jesus was warning us to expect in the latter days. Most of them have little knowledge of what is already going on across the world. I have been in countries where the saints are already suffering terrible persecution.
The foundation of our faith is not on other people, no matter who they are. The foundation is always the word of God given to us in the scriptures.
Your statement contradicts 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, which tells us the church will not be raptured until after the antichrist is revealed. The sequence of events could not be stated any clearer. So that completely blows your interpretation of verses 6-8. Therefore the one who is taken out of the way cannot be the church. Based on Daniel 12:1 I believe it is the chief angel Michael. Scripture always interprets scripture.
It is just one more thing to add to the list of many that seems to point him out as the son of perdition. I say "seems" because we aren't sure until he has been completely revealed. I have said this here before, the odds of someone else fitting this many signs would be astronomical and in fact, all the signs pointing at obama at the moment are so astronomical that I can't image someone else ever hitting this cosmic lottery of ominous signs. This also leads me to one of only two reasonable conclusions, 1) He is indeed the son of perdition and we are being supernaturally warned or 2) Someone has gone through a lot of trouble causing numbers and events to line up with this deceiver. I'm leaning toward #1 at the moment.
One thing is absolutely true: this "event" has to happen in order to fulfill Biblical prophecy.
I agree, especially considering the return of the Lord is coming soon. It would take a long time to come up with another candidate that meets all of the antichrist requirements.
I picked up on the " it will appear as though" years ago. No one wants to believe the obvious. The obvious being Nobama IS the LIE. All these "events" (9/11, Sandy Hook, Boston bombing, Colorado movie theatre)have been lies but it's too hard for the public to get out of their comfort zone…….. They except them because THEY WANT TO. This time will be no different…….. We really do live in the Matrix.
That's amazing, Jeff. The Holy Spirit highlighted that to me just this year. Sadly, I think the only thing that will unplug a greater number of "Matrix" dwellers is when the economy crashes. . . the bank bail-ins occur and there is no more food/water on the shelves. THEN hello "Fema Sanctuary", except those who had "eyes to see" and "ears to hear" and prepared as the Holy Spirit led (which is specific for each person/family). Lord have mercy upon us all.
Amen and thank you for this, Linda. God is definitely in the details. And if we have the faith to believe His signs – He can speak to us through ANYTHING. God bless you, and God please find us pure and holy before you – all the days of our (maybe short) lives.
You are welcome, Jolie. If we are open to hearing/seeing what the LORD wants to reveal to us, and don't limit Him, He will use whatever He wants. May the LORD help us all to have sharper "eyes that see" and "ears that hear", with the courage to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit . . . our very lives may depend on it, so we can fulfil the calling on our life as we serve JESUS and those He puts in our lives.
For those who don't know, "The Mahdi" or "the 12th Imam" is the Iranian Muslim long-awaited "Messiah". According to that prophecy, he will be a son rising in the West. Also, that individual will help usher in the global caliphate. I have been warning since last year, for people to keep their eyes on the interaction/development between the obama-nation and Iran.
"The Mahdi" and the antichrist are one and the same.
When I first became aware of the Muslim prophesy, I noticed how their messiah parallels the ac in the bible. It struck me that the two were probably one and the same.


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School workshop spreads Mirpuri message on sustainability
In a bid to spread its important message on sustainability, a delegation from the Mirpuri Foundation visited Gil Vicente school in Lisbon to explore with the children there the growing problems associated with plastic pollution.
Foundation Founder and Medical Adviser, Dr. Luíza Mirpuri, was joined by Foundation Public Relations Ana Agostinho, on the visit to the school, where the pair led a Sustainability Workshop presented to round around 100, mainly 11 and 12 year-old pupils.
In opening the session, Ana sought to establish the level of the children's awareness of sustainability issues and explained to them the serious pollution problems now arising from the often single use of plastic items, not only in Portugal but across the world.
"I spoke to the children about the growing levels of pollution that our oceans in particular are currently facing, and emphasised that each of us has a part to play in tackling this problem " said Ana.
"These children are the decision and policy-makers of the future. It's important then that they are left in no doubt about environmental hazards that previous generations have failed to recognise and address.
"It's important also for them to have the facts at their fingertips as they grow into adulthood and start thinking seriously about what is important for their futures."
Ana illustrated her presentation by describing some of the initiatives being taken by the Foundation, and encouraged the children to consider environmental alternatives to single-use plastic items forming part of their own everyday lives.
The children were given the chance to examine alternative products such as bamboo toothbrushes and cutlery, which were passed around to be discussed as the children offered their own ideas for possible substitute materials.
The children were also given information on how plastics begin to break down into microplastics over the years, and they were shown how these tiny polluting particles are fed into the oceans and spread around the planet.
One statistic which proved to be an eye-opener to the assembled pupils was how long it takes for plastic to disappear after it has been produced, with youngsters surprised to discover that it never fully disappears at all.
The second part of the Mirpuri presentation was given by Doctor Luíza, a respected international voice on the negative impact of microplastics on human health.
Dr Luiza warned the pupils that plastic is slowly "killing the human race".
She told them that the world is already registering an increase in the number of individuals suffering from cancer, allergies and infertility, and asked the children if they were willing to stand by as their generation suffered and became susceptible to new diseases arising from the little-understood effects of plastic as a contaminant.
Pupils were shocked to hear how microplastics affect the urinary tracts of human babies, and how, notwithstanding these effects, plastic is continuing to find its way into every aspect of their young lives, including the food on their plates and the clothes they wear each day.
Dr. Luíza also spoke to them about research showing how the growing use plastics was linked to diseases such as asthma and cancers.
As the Workshop drew to an end, 15 of the children volunteered to be interviewed and to say what they had learned from the Foundation presentations and what they may change in their lives as a result of what they had discovered.
As pupils left for the day, each was presented with a reusable bag for school use; a bookmark made entirely of recycled paper, and information and tips on how to reduce their plastic footprint.
This initiative of the Mirpuri Foundation is part of the Annual Conference Cycle powered by the School Library (À Conversa com), where the Science teachers were invited partners of the Library. The Mirpuri Foundation thanks the School Library and the Science Teachers of Gil Vicente School, that made this workshop possible.
Another workshop is already scheduled to the 9th graders students and will try to coincide the school curriculum to plastic as an endocrine disruptor.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Arc length $y = \frac{1}{4} x^2 - \frac{1}{2} \ln x$ $$y = \frac{1}{4} x^2 - \frac{1}{2} \ln x$$
$$\int_1^{2e} \sqrt{1 + (y')^2}$$
$$y' = \frac{x}{2} - \frac{1}{2x}$$
$$y' = \frac{2x^2-1}{2x}$$
$$\left(\frac{2x^2-1}{2x}\right)^2$$
$$\frac{4x^4-4x^2+1}{4x^2}$$
$$\int_1^{2e} \sqrt{1 + \frac{4x^4-4x^2+1}{4x^2} }$$
The 1 cancels out the negative term in the numerator
$$\int_1^{2e} \sqrt{ \frac{4x^4+1}{4x^2} }$$
So now if i have done this right I have now idea how to integrate this, subsitution doesn't seem to help. What is the trick here?

A: $$1+y'^2=1+\frac14\left(x^2-2+\frac1{x^2}\right)=\frac14\left(x+\frac1x\right)^2\implies$$
$$\int\limits_1^{2e}\sqrt{1+y'^2}dx=\frac12\int\limits_1^{2e}\left(x+\frac1x\right)dx=\ldots$$

A: $$y' = \frac{x}{2} - \frac{1}{2x}$$
The only problem I can see in your work is the fact that you slipped when finding a common denominator for the fractions above. Doing so correctly gives us:
$$y' = \frac{x^2-1}{2x};\quad (y')^2 = \dfrac{x^4 - 2x^2 + 1}{4x^2}$$
Now, back to the integral:
$$\begin{align} \int_1^{2e} \sqrt{1 + (y')^2} \,dx & = \int_1^{2e} \sqrt{1 +  \frac{x^4 - 2x^2 + 1}{4x^2} }\,dx \\ \\
& = \int_1^{2e} \sqrt{\frac{x^4 + 2x^2 + 1}{4x^2} }\,dx \\ \\
& = \int_1^{2e} \sqrt{\frac{x^2 + 2 +\frac 1{x^2}}{4} }\,dx\\ \\
& =  \int_1^{2e} \sqrt{\dfrac{1}{4}\left(x^2 + 2 +\frac 1{x^2}\right) }\,dx\\ \\
& = \int_1^{2e} \frac 12\sqrt{(x + \dfrac 1x)^2}\,dx\tag{factored}\\ \\
& = \dfrac 12\int_1^{2e} \left(x + \dfrac 1x\right)\,dx \\ \\
& = \left.\dfrac 12\left(\frac{x^2}{2} + \ln x\right)\right|_1^{2e}\end{align}$$


The ACT Government has installed new Self Check Out machines in the ACT Library at Belconnen. While the machines work well mechanically, the printed instructions on the units do not match the actual operation. I asked the library staff member on duty and they explained that they were not permitted to change the instructions without permission from senior management. I suggest the senior management needs to visit the Belconnen Library, be briefed by the staff, authorise a change and have it done promptly. If the management can't do this, then Jon Stanhope, Minister for Territory and Municipal Services needs to replace the management.


Get your mates together and spend the weekend in Newcastle. This accommodation has multiple occupancy rooms and is a great place to rest your weary head between the pubs closing and opening again!!!!
Satelite TV and laundry service to name a few.
Even though there are many hotels and b & b's (bed and breakfasts) in the Newcastle and Gateshead area, none are as cheap or budget friendly. The rooms are clean, spacious, and the staff are dedicated and very friendly, there is also a no curfew no lockout rule, which is great for those late nights.
A BOND is required to be paid when you arrive in cash they do not have the facility for a card payment - this will be returned when you leave as long as no damage has been caused.
On arrival one member of the group must act as group leader and present a valid form of photo ID such as driver's license or passport. This person will have to sign a code of conduct on behalf of the group leaving credit/debit card details as security - should there be any damage caused by the group or breaches in the code of conduct. Individuals within the group must pay a £5 cash key deposit upon check-in and a £20 cash bond both of which are refunded upon checkout, provided that the key is returned and there have been no breaches of the Code of Conduct.


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 Category Services
NHP Foundation Case Study:
Cleme Manor Apartments
The area an individual resides in contributes significantly to their overall mental health and quality of life. Everything from education, job options, and financial standing can be impacted, directly or indirectly, by where a person lives. These considerations were at the forefront of the Cleme Manor Apartments in Houston's Greater Fifth Ward neighborhood. The project's goal was to revitalize and redevelop the housing complex and nearby community park to provide a reprieve from rising crime rates and low academic achievement. Cleme Manor accounted for roughly half of the students enrolled at Nathaniel Q. Henderson Elementary school, which was functioning at half capacity and facing the threat of closure.
In late 2014, The NHP Foundation (NHPF) received $41 million to fund the Cleme Manor redevelopment project. Since that time, The NHPF completed a five-year study to track the success of the redevelopment and its impact on residents and the community. The results were significant.
Some of the top concerns shared among many Cleme Manor residents were a sense of safety and lack of security. Families spent long periods indoors to avoid the more unsavory activities happening around the apartment complex. These behaviors had negative impacts on residents' mental and physical well-being. For students living at Cleme Manor, feelings of isolation, fear, and abandonment contributed to Nathaniel Q. Henderson Elementary school's poor student performance and low enrollment.
Taking on a comprehensive redevelopment planning approach, a team of partners, residents, and stakeholders engaged educators, law enforcement, and council members to build a sustainable and innovative vision for Cleme Manor residents. This vision included supportive community programs like after-school and summer youth programs, in addition to an NFL Youth Education Town - a chain of educational and recreational centers established by the NFL. NHPF's Asset Management Team worked closely with local law enforcement to eliminate neighborhood crime, conducting several sting operations in the area, introducing security surveillance systems, and increasing police presence around the property.
In addition to the redevelopment of the physical property, these community programs and security measures applied post-renovation considerably impacted resident needs. Cleme Manor saw a 27% drop in overall crime in the last four years.
There were 65 security/police calls in 2018, a 69% decrease from 2014
Aggravated Assaults dropped by 81%, Property Crimes fell by 72%, and Drugs or Suspicious Activities decreased by 40%
Nathaniel Q. Henderson Elementary school has remained open with an attendance rate of up to 95.4%
There has been a 12% decrease in disadvantaged children
A 9% decrease in At-Risk children
Disciplinary actions have dropped by 98%
A 15% increase in students approaching grade-level in mathematics
D3G was one of the many organizations involved in the project, alongside the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City of Houston, and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Working directly with the NHP Foundation, D3G produced the Environmental and Engineering due diligence studies to evaluate the property's current condition and future needs. Included in the evaluation was an inspection of the major building components, carried out through a high-level study that included:
Capital Needs Assessment
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
Tier II Environmental Review
Noise studies
Materials Testing for lead-based paint, asbestos, radon, and mold.
This testing gave D3G all the information needed to produce a scope of work tailored to the area and findings that addressed the most effective ways to revitalize the property. After plans were developed, D3G was brought back in to review the architectural blueprints and contractor's cost (AEC Review) for the upcoming HUD submission. D3G's primary focus was to ensure that the property's needs were adequately addressed and that the new and improved version of the property complied with local and federal building codes.
In addition to the HUD AEC Review, D3G also prepared the due diligence reporting for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) tax credit application. Our comprehensive understanding of the renovation process, HUD financing, and TDHCA's tax credit program secured a successful transaction, landing the property with millions of dollars in support for affordable housing.
Kim Dingledine, D3G's Hazardous Materials Manager, who worked very closely on this project, expressed the importance and impact of the redevelopment process in underserved communities.
"Investing in a community, not only to provide affordable housing, but to make residents feel safe and revitalize neighborhood schools, speaks to the very important work we play a part in. It's so nice to see a successful project demonstrate what reinvesting in a community can do and how many people it can impact."
-Kim Dingledine, D3G's Hazardous Materials Manager
As housing professionals, we are always proud to play a part in success stories like Cleme Manor. Providing healthy and safe places that better residents' quality of life is the cornerstone of our work. Alongside a dedicated project team, D3G will lead you through the due diligence process with ease, taking complicated concepts and bringing projects to a successful closing.
We are the nation's leading full-service environmental, engineering, and energy due diligence firm. We innovate solutions to our nation's largest challenges with affordable housing.
Follow D3G for more industry updates.
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D3G Community Engagement CommitteeThe Drafting Table – Episode 12


Paragliding has been proactively developing in recent years in Armenia, specially that the Country has the necessary technical - high and convenient mountains for repulsion, safe areas for landing, winds and air flows - and also attractive conditions to glide high.
Paragliding Sport Federation is actively taking steps towards well-development of the field by tutoring and organizing tours and events for paragliding and tandem flights.
You will find take-off places recommended by the Federation in this page.
Mountain range stretching from outskirts of Aparan town to Dzoraglukh village.
Is a relatively newly discovered flying site, with beautiful scenery, and is beloved site of all Armenian paragliding pilots.
The mountain range, has a long ridge, good for dynamic soaring, with practically unlimited, free, flat fields for landings. You can reach take off area via 4WD vehicles (there is no asphalt-based road). Predictable micrometeorology.
Mount Armaghan is a volcanic mountain in the outskirts of Madina village of Martuni region with a beautiful little volcanic lake at the top.
Simple relief and predictable aerology, smooth & clear slopes with practically unlimited, free, flat fields for landings. Predictable micrometeorology.
Take off area can be reached by 4WD. For more information check out this link.
The site is located next to Vank village in Artsakh, the scenic place with unique landscapes of Gandzasar. Amazing scenes with mild microclimate.
Mount Hatis (2528m) is located in Kotayk Province, less than 30 minutes from yerevan. It is the "birthplace" of Armenian paraglider and hangglider pilots.
Simple relief and predictable aerology, with practically unlimited, free, flat fields for landings. Take-off area can be reached by 4WD.
Predictable micrometeorology. Good XC potential, thermals are relatively high, thermal cycles are long-lasting. For more information check out this link.
The site is consisted of low-altitude hills next to Nubarashen region in Yerevan.
The first practical lessons of the Federation were organized in Sovetashen. The soil is soft (red clay soil) and the vegetation is scarce. Different orientation hills and take off areas with winds blowing from different directions.
Teghenis is the highest Summit in Teghenyats Mountain range. It is about 45 minutes from Yerevan. The Summit is accessible by off-road vehicles. An amazing view of the Armenian Highland opens up from the top.
Tsovagyugh is located next to Lake Sevan in Gegharkunik Province. It will take around an hour to get there from Yerevan. It is the beloved "belveder" of Armenian paragliding pilots, with beautiful views of the lake.
The Mountain range, has long straight ridges, good for dynamic soaring. You can find the convergence phenomenon allowing to soar not only in the dynamics near the slopes but also in the entire territory even to novice pilots.
Smooth, soft, grass-covered fields for landings. Take off areas can be reached via ropeway and also by 4WD.
Relatively new-discovered flying site, beloved by experienced paragliding pilots.
Predictable micrometeorology, with with relatively scarce precipitations.
Long stretch of mountain range that allows to fly great distances. Take off areas can be reached by 4WD.
Contact us on +374 93 58 08 48 or info@hikers.am to organize your trip.


Fresh flowers and greenery arranged for the lapel with a handy magnet attachment. Available for delivery in town or pick up in store. Please order 48 hours ahead. Why not order a matching wrist corsage for her?


In celebration of love this Valentine's Day, The Langham, Shenzhen has specially prepared a series of festive offerings to give you and your loved one the most unforgettable night. With exclusive privileges, delicious food and meticulous service you and your special someone will share many romantic memories.
Enjoy a romantic evening with your special someone at Duke's where the chefs have prepared a special menu using premium ingredients from around the world to present the journey of love. From starters such as Venison and foie gras terrine to main courses like Australian Angus beef tenderloin and Sea bass fillet to dessert Peach raspberry tart, the Valentine's Day menu is filled with delicious flavours. The romantic atmosphere is further enhanced by a live performance by renowned jazz musician Natasha Rogers on that special night.
Inclusive of a six-course menu, one glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne and lucky draw.
Indulge your loved one with a premium lobster buffet dinner at Silk. Be enchanted by delicious continental cuisine to the tunes of romantic music with classic fare such as lobster sashimi, salads and over a dozen other lobster and seafood dishes that are prepared by chefs on the spot.
Inclusive of two glasses of Perrier-Jouët champagne, a special gift and a pink rose for ladies.
Head over to Palm Court this Valentine's Day for a romantic British afternoon tea. Relax on a vintage-inspired sofa and enjoy an afternoon tea filled with traditional and contemporary flavours. Besides classics such as scones with Devonshire cream and homemade jam, the afternoon tea includes many other sweet offerings such as delicate Black swan cake, indulgent Chocolate and passion fruit tart named "Tart I love you" and Rose macaroons. Served with a selection of Wedgwood teas and with graceful piano tunes in the background, you and your special someone will have the loveliest afternoon.
In one of China's most vibrant and fastest-growing cities, The Langham, Shenzhen is a haven of refined sophistication. Continuing the Langham legacy of delivering refined service and luxurious comfort, The Langham, Shenzhen comprises 352 elegant rooms and suites, from the elegant Deluxe Room to the grand Royal Suite. An enchanting landmark in Shenzhen's premium Futian district, guests are centrally located within the city's commercial and retail hub. The Langham, Shenzhen invites guests to indulge in a wonderland of dining options.


text:
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The Sado's Estuary, is known to be the natural habitat of dolphins (bottlenose dolphins), that chose this estuary to feed, rest and socialize. In recent years many are the visitors looking to see this dolphins community in their natural habitat. This community can be observed along the coast of the Capuchin Convent, especially in the colder months. This activity is performed between Sado and Sesimbra. During this activity may also be possible to observe many other animals as common dolphin's and minke whales. The activity is carried out with an expert guide who also has an educational component on the marine environment and biodiversity of the shoreline, as well as on the geology and local points of archaeological importance.
On this program, we will stop at strategic points for snorkeling in calm and crystalline waters (glasses for snorkelling can be provided).
Tour starts at 10 a.m. and it lasts between 2 till 4 hours, it depends on how long it takes to find the dolphins.
Espadarte Pier, Sesimbra Harbour; You must be present at the schedule time in the "Espadarte" Pier, located nearby the Sesimbra's Navy Club, in Sesimbra's Harbour.
Wear appropriate clothes and footwear, slippers, sweater or water and wind proof jacket and a towel.
Sunscreen, light snack and water.


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You're probably familiar with the top national brands in the heating and cooling industry. But whether you need Bryant air conditioning service or Trane heat pump repair, if there's one name you really want to keep in mind for your HVAC services, it's Jimmy Gusky Heating & Air LLC. Catering to property owners in Rockville and nearby communities, we're an HVAC company built on 30 years of quality HVAC repair service and tireless dedication to our trade. For in-depth experience in HVAC repair and HVAC installation, get to know our team. We tackle it all from gas furnace repair to air conditioning installation and air duct services. Phone or e-mail us today to get started!
You'll be happy to hear you can get great HVAC service these days. The pros at Jimmy Gusky Heating & Air LLC make sure of it! Whether you need routine heat pump repairs or emergency gas boiler replacement, all you have to do is pick up the phone and call our HVAC repair specialists. We're equally well versed in home and commercial HVAC services, so you can trust us for safe, effective solutions to heat pump problems, gas furnace repairs, ductwork leaks, and numerous other issues. If it's a task that requires the expertise of an HVAC contractor, then it's a job for our heating and air conditioning service. Simply contact us the first chance you get!
Located in Rockville, MD, Jimmy Gusky Heating & Air LLC is proud to support residents and business owners throughout the area with our diverse array of professional HVAC services. The next time you need an HVAC technician to repair, replace, or install central air conditioning or heating systems, head straight for our nearby HVAC company. Our service area stretches through Aspen Hill, Gaithersburg, North Potomac, Olney, Potomac, Wheaton-Glenmont, and points all around. We also provide plumbing services in addition to our HVAC maintenance and installation work, including leak detection assistance and faucet repair.
To thank you for choosing us as your heating and air conditioning contractor, Jimmy Gusky Heating & Air LLC backs all of our major HVAC repair work and HVAC installation services with a one-year warranty on labor. You'll also receive a 90-day warranty on our other plumbing and HVAC services. That's just our way of making certain you're satisfied with the outcome of your HVAC services today, tomorrow, and for many months to come. Not all HVAC companies are willing to protect customers with 12 months of coverage on business and home HVAC installation. We are. Your comfort is our top concern!
For your added assurance, Jimmy Gusky Heating & Air LLC is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Established in 1990, our family-owned company is committed to maintaining our A+ rating in HVAC contractor services. We're also licensed, bonded, and insured for your complete security.
From Bryant and Carrier air conditioner repair to Lennox and Trane furnace replacement, the only name to know for your local Rockville-area home or business is Jimmy Gusky Heating & Air LLC. No team works harder for you!


Niche marketing is focusing your product or service on a well-defined group of people. Business Plus Baby guest blogger Frances Weir of Big Book Little Book Cardboard Box sells boxes to keep toddlers' books tidy and easy to reach. She could sell boxes to help people store their DVDs or move house too, but she's chosen to focus on boxes for children's books.
Why is a niche is a good idea for a (very!) small business?
You don't have the time or the money to reach out to a wide range of buyers, so you need your promotional activities to be focused in one place.
'Niching' can be scary, though. It's tempting to try to be all things to all people because you don't want to lose customers. The trouble with this is that if you don't know exactly who your customers are, you can't go to the places they hang out. And you can't explain to them that you've got a fab new widget that will solve a pressing problem of theirs.
You don't have the time or the money to reach a wide range of buyers.
Having a niche doesn't mean you have to turn other people away. Lets say a craft shop owner discovered that Frances' boxes happened to be perfect for storing model-making paint pots and brushes and they wanted to buy twenty to sell in their shop. Frances wouldn't say "No, my niche is just children's books so you can't have them!" In fact, she'd probably be delighted! Your niche is the focus of your promotional efforts rather than a strict rule about who you can sell to.
Here's another big advantage: if you've got a niche, you can become an expert in your chosen area much faster than you would otherwise. Given the choice, wouldn't you go to the expert first?
How should I pick my niche?
When I was training to be a coach, most of my tutors told me how important it was to pick a niche. But they didn't fully explain how to do it, other than to pick one where I had some interest and experience. This is a good place to start, but I was missing something. The trick is to find a group of people that a) already hang out together and b) really want something that you have (or can get for them).
Why? Well it's a lot easier to find your customers and talk to them as a group if they are already meeting up, reading the same websites or buying the same magazines. Plus it's easier to sell to them if you have a solution to one of their problems than if you think you've got something they might like.
I picked 'solopreneurs' as my niche, one-person businesses. I'd been freelance for a few years so I knew the problems this group faced very well – ups and downs in workload and cashflow, being let down by clients, struggling to stay motivated and the Government taking an outrageous amount of tax out of your pay packet (IR35, if you're interested!). I have always been fascinated by tiny businesses, the type where someone says "Right, I'm sick of being a cog in someone else's machine, I'm going to do my own thing instead". So I had both experience and a passion for this niche.
My problem was that this was actually several niches, rather than just the one. An IT engineer working on 3 month contracts was entirely different from a self-employed complementary therapist, for example. Yes, they had similar problems, but they lived in different worlds, thought in different ways and hung around with different people. Self-employment wasn't bringing them together at all.
If I'd picked IT contractors or complementary therapists or journalists or one (wo)man craft businesses or plumbers I might have got somewhere.
Interestingly, Naomi Dunford of Ittybiz.com has succeeded where I didn't, but I think the secret of her success is being, well, Naomi Dunford! If you read just one of her blog posts you'll see that she has a full-on style all of her own. It takes a lot of personality, confidence and hard work to pull that off, though.
I've got a niche. What should I do next?
So you tell everyone you know about your niche, you send mailings to the places where your niche gets together, you set up a Facebook page and you expect the orders to come rolling in.
All good steps, but don't stop there. Now go and immerse yourself in that community. Get to know what's on their minds, where they shop, what they really want from a product or service like yours. Tell them what you're doing and ask what they think. If your product or service is slightly off track, this is where you'll be able to realign it. Plus, you'll become the person this community go to when they need that product or service.
Instead of being the person whose phone number is on a leaflet on the coffee table, you need to become a little bit famous in that community. Good examples of this are Amy Taylor who is the mumpreneur's accountant and Suzanne Dibble who is the mumpreneur's lawyer. Now neither are going to be mobbed by fans as they walk down the street. At least I doubt it! But if you have a legal problem as a mumpreneur, Suzanne's is the first name that pops into your mind. If you're a mumpreneur who is baffled by your tax return, Amy is the first accountant you'll find.
That's the position you want to have in your niche.
You could become a bit famous in your niche by getting articles published in the magazines or websites that your niche reads, public speaking at their events, partnering with someone else who is already an expert in that niche, starting a blog, arranging events for this community, networking at their events and many more.
Now you might be thinking "how am I ever going to be a minor celeb in such a clever/talented/good looking group of people?" Yes, this is going to take little self-confidence. But once you get out there and start talking to people, you find they are just people. People like you. And if you've picked your niche well, you will have something valuable to offer that community. You just need to keep listening to them, giving them what they want and giving them great customer service along the way. Take it one step at a time.
So there you go, a beginners guide to niche marketing. Why not drop me a comment and tell me about your niche?
Wonderful advice and so very true. Self confidence really is the key for forging ahead in your niche!
Great advice says the woman who is so niched. You must have one!!!!!
hi there I have a niche but a lot lol, Im a qualified early years specialist with staff that are also qualified nursery nurses, I run a premature baby clothes superstore.i also have a baby bereavement section for mums who's tiny babies dont make it. We sell tiny burial clothes from 5 inches in length with all the assessories to match.
Fabulous as usual Helen. I have been thinking of concentrating on a niche within HypnoBirthing (2nd time-around parents) and Baby Massage (Dads). The fear is that I'll restrict my business but it is about having the confidence to the local expert in this field.
It's really hard to face that fear, isn't it? Although I think that a second pregnancy and birth is so different from your first that this specialism really makes sense. Especially as so much of the advice around pregnancy and birth is aimed at first-timers. I certainly had a completely different set of concerns (OK, fears!) the second time.
Hi Helen, thanks for your article. I'm a mum for one daughter, I'm planning to start a own business to have flexible time. After reading this article, this really a good start for me, self-confidence is really important.


BACK ON MARKET!!! BANK APPROVED PRICE! Magnificent, unique direct oceanfront condo on a non-driving beach, with a floor plan that feels like a house - an elegant house, totally remodeled, designer decorated and furnished! It is located on the ninth floor, high enough for a spectacular view of the ocean and miles of white sandy beach, yet low enough to hear the sound of the rolling surf. Brand new sliders from both the living room and master bedroom open out to a spacious balcony. As an end unit there are lots of windows providing lots of light, great views of the river and beautiful sunsets. Enjoy your wide open kitchen with wood cabinets tile counters and a long breakfast counter. Oceanfront dining for 6 or 8 around the huge glass top table, and when you are done, move your guests to the leather comfort of the living room � oceanfront of course! Each of the three bedrooms is lavishly appointed including their own bathrooms. Inside laundry, lots of closets and storage space completes your wish list. The Shores Club has been completely remodeled too, including stormproof sliders and windows, club room, library, fitness room and heated pool and deck. Other amenities include sauna, card room, tennis courts and a secured garage. It is also a great vacation rental building, allowing weekly rentals and great revenue. You can even bring your pets on your vacation - 2 pets up to 20 lbs. Your home away from home!


Precisamos de programadores com vivencia nessa ferramenta para manutenção de software instalado e customizado.
Email encryption advice requir...email accounts. I am looking for someone to provide me with advice on how to setup email encryption and which is the best email client program to use. I have previously used Newton Mail as our email program, which i find very easy to use and setup, however as i understand it does not support email encryption standards.
We have a large number of outlook calendar appointments that need to be...calendar appointments that need to be copied to the relevant user;s calendar in Dynamics CRM - this includes adding the company details to CRM and adding all appointment for that company to the calendar. We will provide remote access to both the users calendars and Dynamics CRM.
LOOKING FOR A FIXED PRICE PROPOSALS I have a need for a resource to help with building customization to Dynamics 365 CRM. Should have experience adding records to entities and plug-in development if needed. I estimated around 60 hours of work, but I will share more information to get a better estimate.
we have a lit of tasks that need to be done. this will be ongoing work of about 40-60 hours a month for a year. we would like someone that has lots of Dynamic CRM experience to send tasks to.
Looking for Software Developer to build ERP and integrate with CRM on a later stage. Preferably built from Microsoft Dynamic or other scalable tools. 2 year phased development project and potential on-site deployment. Contact me for further details.
I need a website like as [fazer login para ver a URL] and [fazer login para ver a URL] fully compatible with tablet and mobile based on Microsoft sitco or any platform can connect to Microsoft [fazer login para ver a URL] robot to chat.
Create: 1) Catching graphics for an iOS/An...1) Catching graphics for an iOS/Android application; 2) Develop a gaming component for iOS/Android application. The component will be a fortune wheel interactive game with dynamics and inertial effects. This component will be plugged into another application. Source code needed. Native development required.


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Nothing is sacred, much is profane in 'Book of Mormon'
Courtesy PhotoOn a mission: From left
Hilarious, relevant, blasphemous, filled with hummable tunes and still somehow sweet. That's "The Book of Mormon." Could anyone ask anything more of a musical about proselytizing, poverty and plague in which the sanctity of the clitoris is celebrated in song?
The national tour of 2011's red-hot Broadway smash, winner of nine Tony Awards, opened Wednesday at the Curran Theatre to a refreshingly young (and old) audience. The crowd lapped up the brilliant book and score by Matt Stone and Trey Parker of TV's "South Park" and Robert Lopez, co-creator of the musical "Avenue Q," the spot-on sendup of "Sesame Street."
Here, their lyrics are even naughtier, such as in the rousing "Lion King"-"Hakuna Matata" spoof with words not fit to print in a family newspaper. Google "Hasa Diga Eebowai" for a handy translation.
The delightfully straightforward plot describes the journey of hunky Elder Price (Ryan Reynolds lookalike Gavin Creel) and nerdy Elder Cunningham (Jared Gertner), young Mormons whose mission takes them not to France ("land of turtlenecks") or Norway ("land of gnomes"), but to Uganda. There, they find AIDS, a warlord terrorizing young women and threatening to circumcise them, and fellow missionaries who have yet to baptize one single lost soul.
The giddy ensemble features power-packed "American Idol"-style vocals by Creel and Gertner; Kevin Mambo as Mafala Hatimbi, the village leader; and Samantha Marie Ware as Nabulungi, his daughter who yearns for a better life in "Sal Tlay Ka Siti" and dazzles with Gertner in the tender, sly, double-entendre duet "Baptize Me."
Clearly musical theater fans, the show's creators — including choreographer-director Casey Nicholaw and music director Stephen Oremus — pay homage to the form in every perfect number. Closeted Elder McKinley (Grey Henson) advises repression and sets off a tap-dancing storm in "Turn It Off"; the bouncy penultimate "Tomorrow Is a Latter Day" adorably resembles "Hairspray"; and "Spooky Mormon Hell Dream," complete with Adolf Hitler, Jeffrey Dahmer, Johnnie Cochran and Starbucks coffee, recalls the nightmare sequence in "Fiddler on the Roof."
An equal opportunity offender, "The Book of Mormon" is great on all levels, with insults and pop references for all, and even some fine points about the danger of religion when it loses sight of humanity.
Great gift ideas when money is no object
'Wonderful Life' hits airwaves


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(Above) The slave named Pona.
(Above) The slave girl named Marqu.
(Above) The slave named Little Kale.
(Above) The slave named Kimbo.
(Above) The slave named Kezzuza.
(Above) The slave named Grabo.
(Above) The slave named Saby.
(Above) The slave named Bar.
(Above) The slave named Bana.
(Above) The slave named Suma.
IN 1839, THE SPANISH SLAVE SHIP AMISTAD SET SAIL FROM HAVANA to Puerto Principe, Cuba. The ship was carrying 53 Africans who, a few months earlier, had been abducted from their homeland to be sold as slaves. The captives revolted against the ships crew, killing the captain and others, but sparing the life of the ships navigator so that he could set them on a course back to Africa. Instead, the navigator surreptitiously directed the ship north and west. After several weeks, the Amistad was seized by the U.S. Navy off the coast of Long Island and the Africans were transported to New Haven to await trial for mutiny, murder, and piracy.
Slavery advocates held that the Amistad prisoners were slaves and thus they should be punished for their uprising and immediately returned to Cuba. Abolitionists, on the other hand, argued that though slavery was legal in Cuba, the importation of slaves from Africa had been outlawed; thus, they claimed, the prisoners were not slaves, but freemen who had been kidnapped and thus had every right to escape their captors and even to use violence to do so. The case was important to the proslavery-abolitionist debates that were raging in the U.S., and to the international debates about treaty obligations with regard to slavery and the legality of the international slave trade.
After two years of legal battles, their case was successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1841 by former President John Quincy Adams and the Amistad captives were freed. They returned to Sierra Leone in 1842.
New Haven resident William H. Townsend made pen-and-ink sketches of the Amistad captives while they were awaiting trial. Twenty-two of these drawings were given to Yale in 1934 by Asa G. Dickerman, whose grandmother was the artists cousin. Townsend, who was about 18 years old when he made the drawings, is buried in the Grove Street Cemetery.
The Collection includes 22 pencil drawings by William H. Townsend (1822-1851), varying in size, 18.3 x 14 cm. and smaller
© All images copyright Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.
Labels: Armistad, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Freed Negroes, Sketches of the Amistad Captives, slaves, William H. Townsend, Yale University
What is remarkable is how African they look, a lot of the artwork by Caucasians of the Negro features got whitened up until very recently. And they're beautiful drawings as well.
You are so right Maureen.I love the insight these drawings give us... these were human beings, kidnapped, and sold. These drawings show their humanity. How "civilized" people could participate in this is beyond imagination.
C. Rae White said...
It is fact that during and after the US slave trade, Africans and Negros (yes there is a difference) were usually depicted as grotesque caricatures in White art, entertainment, advertising, literature, childrens cartoons and product design.
It is only a twisted perception that all Africans and African Americans have extreemly large liver lips, big bulging eyes, unkempt hair and vastly wide bulbous noses. The attached terms coon, uncle, mammy, zip coon, darky and pickaninny conjour the negative, outrageous and degrading images of white hatred toward Africans and African American slave ancestors.
It is erroneous to say "Negro features got whitened up until very recently", study the history of slavery and racisim in the US and you'll come to understand how the image of the African was shaped and molded in the hands of the White race.
By the way, my slave ancestors escaped slavery in the fall of 1836 (a family of 15 from 2 differnt plantations in Kentucky). They escaped to Canada over a six day period and went on to live in Buffalo New York, Kent County and Buxton Ontario and Detroit Michigan as fugitive slaves for 30 years as abolitionists, church pastors, school founders, and entrepreneurs (barbers, income property owners, physicians, poets, inventors, bank owners and more).
The fact of the matter is that Black is beautiful, intelligent and worthy no matter how degrading and distorted the historical images of African Slaves and American Negros are.
Ignorance won't erase the hate. There is nothing accidental or mysterious about it.
Beautiful drawings that I think portray these slaves with some small measure of dignity. How different the artist's intention was from JT Zealy's now well-known photographs of naked and half-naked slaves in support of Louis Agassiz's theory that the races stemmed from different ancestors. (A theory thankfully proved very wrong by Darwin.)
Differentiating the tribal "us" from the "them" in terms of language is the first step toward debasing and oppressing a people. Regrettably, racial stereotyping isn't solely the province of Caucausian Americans. The words "barbarian" and "barbaric" originated from the Latin root word, barbarus, which means "foreigner," which itself derives from the Latin word "barba" or beard. Gauls (and other non-Romans) were often bearded, thus the distinction. BTW, not even we left-handers were exempt from ridicule in Roman times—the word for left in Latin is "sinister."
Liz Hager
Venetian Red


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Home page >> publication >> Social Inclusion
Community Service Program for Youth Offenders: A Summative Evaluation Study
Research Staff: Emilia Kapranov, Dr. Shakked Lubotzky-Gete, Zohar Sharvit, Dori Rivkin
Categories: Social Inclusion , Children and Youth
Status: Research Report
Target Population: Youth
RR-853-20
library_books Summary
library_books Full report (Hebrew)
Community Service is a therapeutic-educational program for youth offenders treated by the Youth Probation Service. The youth are referred to community service to repair the damage caused to society by their offense. Since 2011, the Youth Probation Service has been outsourcing the program to a company, by tender. The company employs community service coordinators who are responsible for placing the youth at various service sites – public, governmental, municipal or non-profits – and for monitoring their work. At these sites, the participants perform such work as maintenance, gardening, instruction, preparing food packages and office work.
After six years of outsourcing the program and towards the end of the current tender in 2020, the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services asked the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute to evaluate the Community Service Program to examine its modes of operation and its contribution to participants.
The study had two main goals:
To provide the Youth Probation Service and MOLSA with information on how the program was implemented within the organization and as an intervention with the participants
To learn about the program's benefit to the participants
The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and was based on retrospective reports by and about the participants, at the end of their community service. The study population consisted of subjects referred to the program by court order, and who finished their community service between the end of November 2019 and March 2020 or failed to complete the hours required of them. The quantitative findings were based on 208 questionnaires completed by the participants' probation officers, on 50 self-report questionnaires filled out by the participants, and on administrative data received from the Youth Probation Service. The qualitative data were based on 15 semi-structured interviews with senior officials of the Youth Probation Service, probation officers, the management of the operating company, community service coordinators, and six participants who had completed the program.
Duration of community service. The number of community work hours sentenced by the court ranged from 20 to 400 (84 hours on average). The participants carried out these hours over one month to 2.5 years (6.2 months on average). Among participants who were sentenced to a large number of hours, a higher percentage did not complete the Community Service Program.
Preparation for community service and job placement. Some 90% of the participants attended the preparation for community work offered by probation officers or community service coordinators. Yet 37% did not attend their first scheduled job-placement meeting or start working at the scheduled time. In 93% of the cases, the participant was offered more than one option for placement, and in 88% of the cases the placement site was within a half-hour walk or bus ride from the participants' homes. It is the position of the probation service that, whenever possible, the participants should be placed at a job that will give them an opportunity to understand the damage they caused and to repair it. However, according to the probation officers, the type of community work assigned to the participants was consistent with the nature of the offence in only 40% of the cases. The coordinators and probation officers agreed that the participants' work at social non-profits alongside volunteers was especially beneficial to the rehabilitation process, yet the most common placement jobs were community centers rather than social nonprofit organizations.
The participants received only partial support. In many cases, there was no regular weekly contact between the coordinators and the participants as required. Forty-two percent of the participants were not visited by their coordinators at their job sites, as required. In the case of 37% of the participants, the coordinators did not discuss the participant's performance in the program with his probation officer. For 28% of the participants, the coordinators did not report to the probation officers regularly. In most cases, the probation officers were involved only when a problem arose with a participant's functioning.
Main outcomes of community service, as evaluated by the probation officers:
77% of the participants regarded the community service as correcting the wrong they had done society
48% of the participants felt that they had contributed to the community
84% acquired soft work skills
A statistically significant correlation was found between the quality of the service provided to the participants by the community service coordinator (as perceived by the probation officer) and each of the main outcomes. In addition, in cases where the type of community service was relevant to the type of offence, the participants were more likely to perceive the community service as repairing the damage they had caused, to feel that they contributed to society, and to acquire soft work skills.
The program succeeds in achieving its goals on most of its outcome measures. However, in many cases, the potential for rehabilitation is not sufficiently realized: The coordinators are not sufficiently involved in the process that the participants go through, nor is there adequate contact between the coordinators and the probation officers or between the latter and the participants during the community service. There is a need for greater continuity and coordination of care, including the exchange of information between the probation officers and the community service coordinators, for prioritizing job placements of a social nature, and for greater involvement of the Youth Probation Service in the participant's community service process. Before a participant enters the program, it is recommended that he and the probation officer choose two goals as his personal focus, to be conveyed to the community service coordinator and borne in mind through all the stages of treatment.
Tags juvenile delinquency juvenile justice Youth Probation Service
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Typically, an online interview is a face-to-face interview conducted over the Internet using some form of communications software (Skype is a popular example) that provides real-time audio-video conferencing. All videoconferencing software systems are VoIP solutions. This stands for "Voice Over Internet Protocol" and is a means of transmitting both voice and video over the Internet; the interviewer(s) as well as the interviewee see and hear one another. Whereas the dedicated hardware videophone, called the Picturephone when it debuted to the public back in 1970, failed to gain widespread acceptance, PC- and Mac-based videoconferencing has become commonplace.


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Patients' safety in intensive care units in an academic hospital in Gauteng
MSc_NURSING_TlHOLA_2016 final corrected.pdf(2.03 MB)
Tlhola, Mphofu Agnes
The purpose of this study was to assess any deviations from protocols and standards of patients' care in different constructs of nursing care and to compare the deviations with the level of nursing expertise in five ICUs of one Academic hospital in Gauteng in order to make recommendations for nursing practice, education and future research. The study was conducted at one university-affiliated, public sector tertiary hospital in Johannesburg in Gauteng Province. A quantitative, prospective non-experimental design by random application of Critical Nursing Situation Index (CNSI) was used to assess adherence to nursing protocols. This Instrument was developed and validated by Binnekade in 2001 to assess the rate of occurrence of observable nursing errors in Intensive Care Units in the Netherlands. Data was analysed with the use of descriptive and inferential and results were presented as frequencies, graphs, means and standard deviations. Kruskal-Wallis and Cronbach's reliability coefficient were also used to test the reliability of the tool and relationship between various variables respectively. The statistical significance level was 0.05 (p<0.05). Regarding the 100 patients whose care was assessed, and out of the eight domains of care, basic ICU nursing care was found to be associated with most deviations in relation to recording of patient's length and body weight (100%, n=100), risk of pressure sore assessment (77%, n=77) and keeping patient's relatives records (55%, n=55). Six hourly fluid assessment (100%, n=100) and adequate adjustment of alarms for cardiac rhythm (60%, n=60) were also among the areas of care with more than half of the deviations. These two fall under fluid administration and care of the cardiac rhythm and circulation respectively. Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in occurrence of deviations in fluid administration and nurse's qualifications. Recommendations were made to address these deviations in relation to patient assessment, risk identification and record keeping all to ensure patient's safety.
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nursing Johannesburg, 2016


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Department of Political and Social Sciences/
Kolleg-Forschergruppe "The Transformative Power of Europe"
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Working Paper No. 90 Published! Read Jolyon Howorth's Paper on EU-NATO Cooperation and Strategic Autonomy here
News from Aug 09, 2018
EU-NATO Cooperation and Strategic Autonomy - Logical Contradiction or Ariadne's Thread?
Jolyon Howorth - August 2018 Download
The EU's common security and defence policy (CSDP) was launched in the 1990s as a quest for "autonomy." Fifteen years of efforts failed to deliver that objective. The coherence of the EU member states in their security dealings with the US was always vulnerable to the potentially incompatible objectives of the UK and France. But as EU leaders post-Brexit re-launch the CSDP, as the 2016 European Global Strategy rediscovers the virtues of "strategic autonomy," and as the world juggles with a US president who appears to question the basis of the Atlantic Alliance, it is time to radically re-think the relations between the EU and NATO. This paper argues that, in the longer term, it is through the strengthening of the EU-NATO relationship that EU strategic autonomy will become possible, and that a consolidation of the transatlantic bond will emerge.


A library is a set of instructions for how extensions, data elements, and rules will interact with one another once they've been deployed.
When creating a library, you will specify the changes you want to make to your library.
At build time, these changes are combined with everything that has been submitted, approved, or published in previous libraries.
Libraries must be assigned to an environment before they can be compiled into a build.
Libraries are approved or rejected as a whole. You cannot approve or reject individual items within a library.
A library moves between several environments as it makes its way through the publishing workflow.
The Publishing page lists the Dev libraries and provides the means to submit them for approval, move them to staging, or publish them to production.
Assign the library to a Dev environment.
Add a change to the library. To add an item, click Add a Change, then choose the items you want to add. Any item that has been edited or deleted is available to add to the chosen library.
To add any resources that have changed, click Add All Changed Resources.
Click Save or Save and Build for Development.
Deploying compiles a build and deploys it to the assigned environment.
Compiles a build and deploy it to the assigned environment.
Remove that library from the publishing process.
Install the extensions you want to add.
Create the data elements and rules you want to add.
Select the library you want to change, then click Edit.
Use the rules, data elements, and extensions buttons to select the items you want to add to the library.
Changes to the library are shown in the Library Contents change log.
Note: Data elements can depend upon extensions. Rules can depend on both data elements and extensions. If you do not include all the necessary components in your library, the build will fail at build time and you'll need to add the necessary components before you complete a successful build. A future release will check dependencies when making changes to a library.
To remove something from a library, you must deactivate it and then publish the deactivated state.
Disable the extensions you want to remove, along with any data elements and rules that depend on those extensions.
Disable the data elements and rules you want to remove.
Select the library you want to change.
Use the rules, data elements, and extensions buttons to select the disabled items you want to remove from the library.
Click on a library and select Edit to view library changes. All changes are shown in the Library Contents list.
Click a change to view and select a revision.
Select whether to show all items or changed items.
Click the revision, then click Select Revision.
Click either Add a Change or Add All Changed Resources.
Libraries encapsulate a set of changes you'd like to make to your deployed code. Active Library makes this easier, allowing you to rapidly iterate through changes and see the impact.
You can save new and existing extensions, rules, and data elements directly to the library you're working on and, if desired, immediately kick off a build. You can also create a new library from the Active Library drop down.
Go to Rules, Data Elements, or Extensions.
Make your changes, then save and build the library.
Test your changes, and repeat these steps as needed.


All prices are without of Berlin City tax for accommodation of 5% of the price.
Since 01.01.2014 the State of Berlin raises the accommodation tax (city tax) in the amount of 5% on the room accommodation rate (excl. Added tax and is payable by the accommodation facility. Vocational nights are excluded from the accommodation tax. If the guest does not provide a professional initiative of the stay, the accommodation tax is transferred from the accommodation facility to the tax office. However, the guest has in this case the possibility within four months to request reimbursement of accommodation tax to the tax office. The application is a proof of the occupational or professional initiative of the stay and the bill or certificate of the lodging establishment, stating the accommodation tax to be enclosed.


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Mark Dowie and the Haida Gwaii Lesson
By Editor Filed in News February 24th, 2015 @ 11:29 am
If you know the history of corporate crime, you know the name Mark Dowie.
In 1977, Dowie wrote an article for Mother Jones magazine titled Pinto Madness, outlining the designed-in dangers of Ford Motor Company's Pinto automobile.
Mark Dowie on Inkshares from Inkshares on Vimeo.
The article led to the criminal homicide prosecution of Ford Motor Company for the deaths of three teenaged girls who were burned to death when their Pinto was rear-ended. The company was found not guilty.
But Dowie's name was made as an investigative journalist. He has since written seven books, more than 200 investigative reports, and won numerous journalism awards.
What's Dowie up to now?
Writing a book titled — The Haida Gwaii Lesson.
"It's a history of an archipelago of islands south of Alaska that has been the homeland to the same native tribe, the Haida, for somewhere between 10,000 and 13,000 years," Dowie told Corporate Crime Reporter in an interview last week.
"Like so many other parts of the world, those islands became enveloped by an imperial power — Britain. And they then became part of the dominion of Canada. And then the extractive industries discovered the islands, which were rich in fur, fish and timber. And they decided to take what they wanted."
"The Haida fought back. It took them 50 years, but they won tenure and sovereignty and autonomy. And I think the way they did it is a lesson for any indigenous tribe that has been enveloped by a colonial or an imperial power and that is still fighting against that power. And there are about 4,000 communities around the world that are doing that."
"I wanted to do this as a sort of playbook that can be used by any small nation of people caught up in this huge globalization that's been going on for the last 500 years — with colonizers going around claiming territory because they have guns."
"I wanted to provide a step by step tactical guide that can be applied anywhere — a handbook for people fighting for autonomy."
What does Haida Gwaii mean?
"Haida Gwaii is the name of the islands," Dowie says.
How many islands are there?
"One hundred and thirty that have some form of human habitation on them."
How many people live there?
"A bit fewer than 5,000," Dowie says. "And more than half of them are Haida people.
What are the Haida known for?
"They are one of the few indigenous tribes that have a written language. It's a very sophisticated language. They all have spoken languages. People are attempting to preserve many of the spoken languages. But the Haida have a written language and a body of literature."
"They are also absolute master carvers," Dowie says. "Their totems and other carvings are in every great museum of the world. Their artistry is incredible. Many native communities around the world have wonderful artistry. The Haida just outperform them all."
"They were a pretty ferocious people. They were a warrior tribe. They defended their islands against other invasive natives, before the British discovered it."
"They are independent. The thing I like most about them is that they don't like anything that has ever been written about them. The books and articles that have been written about them is almost all heroic profile stuff. But the Haida are profoundly anti-narcissistic. That's part of their culture. That's why I'm not going to do a heroic profile of the leaders that worked on this. I'm going to do a playbook. They are all behind it. They love the idea that their experience is going to be used as a useful example to other native people in the world."
What got you involved with the Haida?
"My previous book — Conservation Refugees:The Hundred Year Conflict Between Global Conservation and Native Peoples (MIT Press, 2009) — took me all over the world, visiting communities that had lost their homelands to global conservation.
Global conservation has been very aggressive in creating protective areas around the world, many of them on native land. They have kicked the natives out, created national parks and other ecological reserves and ecotourism resorts. Over the last 100 years, somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 million people have become what I call conservation refugees. They have lost their homelands to global conservation. Right now the planet has under conservation protection a land mass larger than Africa. That is the homeland of a lot of native people who have lost their lands, their ways of life, their claim to their nation."
Which corporations have they historically been feuding with?
"Most recently with big timber. MacMillan Bloedel — Weyerhaeuser. All those big timber companies discovered a species of spruce and red cedar found almost nowhere else. It's almost grain free — beautiful wood that can be used to finish the interior of expensive homes. Really good guitars are made from this spruce up there. The companies just came in and started taking what they wanted, with the permission granted from the Province of British Columbia and the Dominion of Canada. It was the Canadian Supreme Court that actually reversed this whole process after 40 years of litigation and gave the Haida what they had asked for — sovereignty."
In what sense is it sovereignty?
"They now have their own democratically elected government. They created a national park in the southern part of the island which is managed by the Haida."
Dowie wants to raise $30,000 before he begins writing the book.
He's raised about half that amount via a web site called Inkshares.
People pledge different amounts of money and are promised copies of the book if Dowie reaches his goal.
How did Dowie get involved with Inkshares?
"A former editor of mine happens to be an editor at Inkshares," Dowie says. "She came to me and said — how would you like to do a book together? I really liked her. I worked with her over the years. She is one of a handful of editors of the 50 or so I have worked with that I ever want to see again. I like her and I like the idea of this book."
"She is working for this company — Inkshares. It's a new start up. It's like Kickstarter meets Random House. You submit a book to them. Like any book publisher, they say no or yes. If they like your book idea, they say — how much money do you need? And you tell them how much you need in the way of an advance and expenses. And then you design the book — you say it's going to be 170 page book with twenty pages of illustration. I'd like it to be ten by twelve."
"They put together a budget — which includes advance, expenses, cost of editing, design, printing and distribution. And it's a one of a kind. There was a similar company in Britain. But they didn't last very long because they were too snooty. They would only do very high end literary books by authors who didn't need crowdfunding."
"Inkshares right now is the only company of its kind. It's less than a year old. They have 17 or 18 books in print right now and many funded and are being written. As a writer I like it because they pay 50 percent royalties on paper books and 70 percent on ebooks."
[For complete Interview with Mark Dowie, see 29 Corporate Crime Reporter 8(12), February 23, 2015, print edition only.]
Goodyear to Pay $16 Million to Settle FCPA Case
Corporate Criminal as Scapegoat


"But a note to the fans of the Weekly Shounen Jump series, as this week is a so-called 'double' issue, and so that means they are on break for next week. So NO WSJ next week (so ie. NO Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, D.Grayman, Eyeshield21, etc)"


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Past Quizzes
On This Day 13th January
by Vincent Rainey | Jan 12, 2021 | On This Day
Gustav I was crowned King of _______? On this day 1528 and became known as the "father of the nation"
On this day 1968 who recorded an album in front of some 2000 inmates at California's Foslom Prison?
On this day 1929 which legendary frontiersman, gambler, gunslinger, and former Deputy Marshall in Tombstone died? Most famous for his gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
Paddy McAuley	on January 13, 2021 at 7:40 pm
Vincent Rainey	on January 14, 2021 at 12:45 pm
Hard luck Paddy 2 out of 3 ain't bad ! Wyatt Earp for No3
Vincent's Kitchen Quiz
Vincent's Kitchen Quiz was commenced in March 2020 in response to the authors concern about COVID lockdown and the basic human need to engage with our people and particularly friends and family. Since March at least twice weekly there have been continuous live broadcasts.
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Understanding the fire resistance of structural steel
Structural steel is one of the most common materials used in building construction, owing to its high strength and ductility. Whilst structural steel is noncombustible, its integrity can be compromised at high temperatures. Reinforced concrete, on the other hand, can actually resist the spread of a fire as well as bear higher temperatures.
How does fire affect structural steel?
It can be highly beneficial for construction managers and contractors to better understand the unique way in which structural steel acts and maintains its integrity in the event of a fire. This will hopefully empower them to recommend the most effective and compliant fire protection solution.
Yield temperature of steel
Structural steel can withstand approximately 425°C before it begins to soften. Between 600°C and 650°C, the steel will lose half of its strength, and will pose a risk of failing (depending on the load it bears).
Unsurprisingly, even a house fire will reach very high temperatures of around 600°C or just under. Of course, it depends on what the material being combusted is. A simple candle will often burn at 600°C or more, whilst propane can cause a fire to reach almost 2000°C.
As you can imagine, there are very few large-scale fires that won't seriously threaten the structural integrity of structural steel. If a simple candle flame can reach a high enough temperature to half the strength factor of steel, the steel is in desperate need of some extra treatment.
Colour of steel at different temperatures
In the event of a fire, the material properties of steel change, and it undergoes a process known as thermal expansion. During this process, its colour changes according to its temperature. It goes from pale yellow (220°C) to a wide range of purple shades (260°C to 285°C), to blue (290°C to 330°C) and eventually to red, yellow and a white sparkle at 1400°C.
After the fire has been extinguished or naturally comes to an end, the steel will endeavour to contract back to its original shape, presuming the deformations are elastic. Otherwise, a permanent set may occur, which is another factor that threatens its integrity, along with its original and residual loads.
Effect of fire on steel structures
Structural steel is one of the first things that will be assessed after a fire. Understanding how long the fire was and what temperature it reached are crucial, because the deformations that we see are extremely unreliable ways to measure its structural damage.
Moreover, the yield temperature of steel is crucial. It's considered critical (i.e cannot support its load) if the yield stress is reduced to around 60% compared to when at room temperature. The critical temperature will usually be established during construction as part of regulation.
If a fire remains below 700°C and for under 20 minutes, the reduction in both its stiffness and strength will only be temporary. This means that whilst the steel may appear deformed, it will go back to the same properties before the fire, and will not be permanently compromised. Buckling could potentially still occur if the steel is deformed, however.
The melting point of structural steel
The lowest point at which carbon steel will melt is 1130°C, though 0% carbon steel won't melt until 1492°C. Regardless of the type of steel, it will usually be completely liquid by approximately 1550°C.
How is the fire resistance of steel calculated?
Fire resistance is calculated using three main criteria, all of which are integral to limiting the risk of fire damage to a building. A structural element or product's 'fire resistance period' is dependent on the time (measured in minutes) it takes for any of the below criteria to be compromised.
Load-bearing capacity – whether or not the steel can support a required load without collapsing
Integrity – the steel's ability to prevent the passage of heat, flames and smoke
Insulation – the steel's capability to withstand exposure to rising temperature
What are the industry regulations for the fire resistance of steel?
Fire resistance requirements can vary widely, based on the purpose and height of the building. These standards are set by two main pieces of legislation: Fire safety: Approved Document B, which is generally accepted as the main set of regulations for passive fire protection and BS 9999 which are the requirements set by the British Standards Institution for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings.
Approved Document B provides a range of guidelines on minimum periods of structural fire resistance, primarily for multi-storey non-residential buildings:
An office building that is up to 30m in height (and does not have a sprinkler system) has a minimum fire resistance period of 90 minutes
A commercial building (such as a shop) that is up to 19m in above-ground height has a minimum fire resistance period of 60 minutes.
BS 9999 was published in 2008, and offers a more flexible and holistic approach to codes of practice in comparison to Approved Document B. This approach aims to accommodate as many factors as possible, no matter how small, such as the size of fire doors or new fire protection technologies like mist suppression systems. While BS 9999 is not meant to act as an oppositional approach to Approved Document B, it acknowledges that each building has a unique 'risk profile' based on occupancy, ventilation and an array of other circumstances.
While the above regulations do not mention steel directly in their specifications for fire resistance, they provide ample context for contractors, managers and site teams to decide on the most effective solution for structural steel fire protection.
How to increase the fire resistance of steel
Given that structural steel is such a common element in construction projects, both old and new, there are multiple ways to increase its fire resistance. These methods will belong to one of two categories: reactive and non-reactive. This is based on whether or not their ability to protect against fire damage is 'reactive' to high temperatures. For example, intumescent paint is a reactive solution for protecting steel, as it expands when exposed to extreme heat, whereas cementitious coatings protect steel beams in all conditions.
Spray applied intumescent paint
Intumescent paint for steel is one of the most commonly -used and cost-effective solutions in a passive fire protection project. This special type of paint works by swelling up into a layer of carbonaceous char when exposed to heat, forming a protective layer around steel structures. This layer slows down the transfer of heat to the steel, delaying the time it takes to reach its critical temperature.
As well as spray-applied fireproofing, there is also the option to protect steel using solvent and water-based film coatings. These work in the same way as intumescent paints, in that they expand dramatically when subjected to high temperatures. Thin film intumescent coatings are the industry standard, there is also the option to apply more heavy-duty thick film coatings, but these tend to be reserved for industrial settings such as hydrocarbon plants where extreme temperatures are the norm.
Intumescent board systems
During the construction process, steel erectors can apply intumescent boards to beams, columns and decking. These boards are made of a highly robust, mineral-based wood. Intumescent board systems are a particularly cost-effective solution for increasing the fire resistance of steel, as unlike spray-applied fireproofing there is not a need for additional tarping or increased ventilation. This also means there is less chance of disruption to ongoing construction works.
Cementitious coatings
Cementitious coatings were the default method for protecting steel beams from fire damage until around the 1970s when the market began to diversify to fulfil demands for more lightweight and versatile products.
Unlike intumescent paint, cementitious coatings do not expand when exposed to heat. They work simply by providing a thick, layered barrier to fire, and delaying the transfer of heat to the underlying steel. Cementitious is well-suited to dry environments, where its structural integrity is not threatened by high levels of moisture in the air.
CLM Fireproofing are the UK's leading experts in passive fire protection. We are on-hand to provide specialist installation and consulting services. Our operatives are fully compliant with the latest industry regulations, so our clients can feel confident that their building is protected from fire. To speak to one of our passive fire protection specialists, contact CLM Fireproofing today.
Structural steel is one of the most common materials used in building construction, owing to its high strength and ductility. Whilst structural steel is noncombustible, its integrity can be...