Damp Crawlspace And Damp Or Wet Basement, Causes Mold And Mildew

Water under the crawlspace or in the basement is usually due to incorrect building. We will begin with methods of fixing a damp crawlspace or a damp and wet basement.

Number one: make sure the house has rain gutters and downspouts, and that the downspouts direct water away from the base of the house. One way to do this is to have the downspouts go into underground perforated tubes that lead water at least 20 feet away from the house. Another way is to have the rollup frog tongues, as some people call them, connected to the downspouts. When it rains and water fills the rain gutters and goes down. The downspouts, the fraud tongues rollout and direct water away from the house.

Number two: ensure that good ventilation is occurring in the crawlspace or the basement. This can be done by making a small outlet in the heating and air-conditioning system or by installing a small fan to create a continuous airflow and the crawlspace or basement.

Number three: look carefully outside, around the entire crawlspace or basement and make sure that the soil is slanting away from the base of the house at all places. This slant or slope insures that all rainwater is draining away from the crawlspace or basement. Some soil may need to be brought in, to even this up and make sure the water runs away from the basement or crawlspace in all areas.

Number four: inside a crawlspace, one should make sure that the crawlspace is level and clean and then covered with a few inches of dry sand. Next two layers of overlapping five mil plastic and that plastic should be covered with another two or 3 inches of dry sand. This will keep the moisture in the soil from evaporating up into the crawlspace and eventually going up into the insulation of the house.

A damp crawlspace or wet basement creates conditions suitable for mold and mildew. Mold and mildew are bad for your health, and bad for resale of your home.

Soon sellers and realtors will be required to have mold and mildew tests for homes before they can be sold or as part of a home inspection. In some areas a home inspection includes dampness, mold, and mildew inspection now.

Copyright 2004 by Jody Hudson. www.JodyHudson.com and www.Kate-Jody.com

The Monthly Ritual

Right arm raised,

languid wrist drooped in a Bob Fosse pose

belies my inner tension

I lean in close.

Rough, garden stained fingers probe

is that a lump or a new lesion?

The mirror allows no illusions

hands slide over matron's belly, shiny scars

maps of babies swelling

Next I lift an empty, sagging breast

translucent globe

a blue veined atlas.

I shed my fatalistic coat of armor,

embrace the sweet reprieve --

the monthly ritual complete.

I am currently in remission from a stage 3 melanoma. Four years ago I found a lesion which I showed my doctor who told me it was a wart. After a few months of treating it with wart remover, I insisted he look at it again. This time he sent me to a surgeon for excision when I found out it was over 6 mm deep and considered quite deadly. I was admitted to an experimental vaccine program, took Interferon three shots a week for a year, and received vaccine injections every two weeks. I just celebrated my fourth cancer free year.

Although I am a writer, my genre is usually prose memoir, but the urge to express and share the experience of cancer seemed to find outlet in poetry. No matter how long my remission, it seems the monthly chore will always result in a bit of fear and a reminder of my vulnerability.

South Africa Tenders - Opportunities Knocking At Your Door

South Africa is one the most developed countries in the world. Advanced economic development can be seen in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Pretoria -Johannesburg. The country is blessed with natural resources and minerals, and has a well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors. Its stock exchange ranks among the top twenty in the world. The country is growing at a fast pace, throwing many latest business opportunities to buyers and sellers across the globe. Entrepreneurs can take advantage of the economic development in the country through the tendering process.

Business Opportunities in South Africa South Africa is regarded as a newly industrialized country. The Government has shown keenness in open market policy. It favors privatization and foreign investment. Hence, the economic atmosphere of the country is favorable for entrepreneurs seeking to gain business entry in Africa. One of the best ways to gain high entry in the market is to respond to its government and non-government tenders.

How to find South Africa Tenders World Wide Web has helped made world a global village. Thanks to the high-speed internet facility today you can respond to South Africa tenders as soon as they are posted from any where in the world. Global tenders portals such as Hello Trade Tenders has facilitated international tendering process, bids, notices, procurements. Now, buyers and sellers can search for tenders at a click of a mouse.

Responding to Tenders Reputable international tenders websites such offers the opportunity to post and respond to the various tenders for free. Entrepreneurs can search for tenders in South Africa in their preferred industry sector and respond to them to expand their business. Searching for tenders as well as responding to public tenders is extremely easy because of the user-friendly design of the website.

Good global tenders portal analyze the authenticity of the tenders to safeguard the interests of entrepreneurs responding to those tenders. Tender information is updated frequently so that buyers and sellers take advantage of the business opportunity at the earliest.

Buyers and sellers keen on expanding their business globally should grab the immense business opportunities lying in the country. One of the easiest ways to expand business is to respond to the tenders, public tenders, private tenders, RFQs, RFPs and RFIs posted by the government and private sector companies. So get set, and respond to South Africa tenders in your preferred industry sector before anybody else seizes the opportunity.

Don't Hate Your Performance Appraisal Evaluation - Take Charge, Make It Work for You!

Let's face it, as much as we say, "I want feedback about my job performance," many dread the annually scheduled discussion time with our supervisors. As an HR professional for over 20 years, I have always been amazed at how I had to herd, harass and seemingly threaten supervisors and employees to complete their portion of the performance appraisal evaluation process. Why do we all make this such a hard exercise?

Is it because we think it won't make a difference in our pay? Many employers allow the overall employee performance evaluation score to influence pay increases. If there is no pay increase, the conversation has less value to some employees. Could it be that we think no one reads the employee evaluations after they make it to our HR file? New managers like to pull their new team's views to see not only past performance, but how engaged was the employee with their future in the company. What would your past employee evaluation forms tell a new manager about your engagement with the organization?

I think the real reason is the annual, "Do I have a successful career or am I just going through the motions" discussion we have with ourselves. Ah, ha! Now that's getting closer to the real conversation going on in our head! What really matters is not what your supervisor thinks about your contribution to the company, it's what You think about your contribution. Follow this thought...

Society has told us that defining career success depends upon three things:

1. How much money we make 2. Are we in a management role 3. Are we indispensable?

These are not always the only indicators of success, if you don't believe me, ask some CEOs who were on top of the world one day and fired the next. Job security is not in what we have, it's in who we are. The real indicators are, what is happening to make you happy with your career?

1. Have you developed a level of skill or expertise which allows you to make an acceptable wage? 2. Are you able to influence others towards accomplishing company goals, as a formal or informal leader? 3. Do you look for others to develop and be promoted so you can move on to new things? 4. When you wake up, are you generally glad to go to work?

Now that's getting closer to defining career success. My son posted a quote on his Facebook, "If you wake up in the morning knowing you have to go to work and are perfectly okay with it, you are in the right place." Very simple, but so telling. Back to the dreaded discussion. It's up to you to make that time with your supervisor something valuable. Take an interest in where you are and how you are going to develop your career. Try these three things:

• Summarize Your Successes -You need to recognize how you made a difference and don't be shy about telling your own story. Don't forget the lessons you have also learned. None of us are perfect. That's just real.

• Prepare for the Discussion - Send your supervisor a brief, bulleted summary of what you handled before the meeting. They don't remember everything, nor should they. It's your career, drive it.

• Commit to Some Career Goals - You have to plan for success. Your employer doesn't owe you anything. Separate yourself from the masses and figure out how you can draw from your experiences and take on new challenges at work.

Step out of the assembly line of negative self-talk and low expectations. Use your discussion as a positive element to gain better understanding, develop a plan that is valued by the company and show your supervisor that your head is in the game.

Do you have a chance to do an employee self evaluation? Is yours completed in five minutes or do you take time to use specific examples and take the process seriously? Be the one different employee. Better performance appraisal conversations begin with you!

Best Brands For a Handheld Marine GPS Device

GPS devices are quickly making their way towards the mainstream digital market because they can now be used by people that traverse long distances using their cars. These devices ensure safety and convenience to the driver throughout the entire trip, making these devices a tempting offer.

Several manufacturers worldwide are trying to get users to use their devices by making them as accurate and as user-friendly as possible. However, not all people need a device that helps them navigate through roads and intersections. Other travellers still prefer the traditional GPS devices used for exploring off-road areas while others may need a device that helps them navigate in open sea. A special handheld marine GPS device is needed for that and the same familiar manufacturers are bringing these technologies to these people as well. Here are some of the best brands along with their models to consider.

Garmin

Garmin has been making GPS devices for years and received even more attention when they released the Garmin Nuvi devices. These devices were best known for their simple interface and outstanding hardware, making them one of the most accurate GPS devices. The Garmin handheld marine GPS also share these good qualities with high-end devices with the Oregon 400i and GPSMAP 76CSx leading the pack.

Oregon devices which look like touch-screen phones are best for those that prefer larger displays to get better map views and see more useful statistics. These devices look stylish and delicate, but also have rugged properties withstanding harmful elements like dirt, humidity, and water. GPSMAP models are better for those not used to touchscreens and still want reliable navigation accuracy and controls.

Lowrance

Lowrance's main product lineup consists of devices that are fully optimized for marine usage. Many of their best devices are quite large and meant to be mounted on boats. While they do not offer any handheld marine GPS solution, they do offer a fine selection of compact fishfinders that can also mount on boats or be picked up to use with ease. These fish finder devices still use GPS+WAAS technologies so they can be used as standard marine GPS devices as well.

Magellan

Magellan devices are known for their RoadMate and Maestro series which are geared towards drivers. Their Triton devices are handheld, but are best for campers and explorers that prefer modernized versions of the early GPS devices. These handhelds can be used by boaters as well since they are waterproof, but the eXplorist GC is the only device that purely focuses on geocaching so these people that travel across the sea have an advantage in finding geocaches for fun.

Manufacturers are trying to add more value to their best products by adding features to make these GPS devices useful for boaters. However, a handheld marine GPS is still necessary if you want something that is more compact and easier to handle while still being effective in performing some key tasks. Choose a device from these three makers and see if the features are sufficient enough for its price.

Improving Reception With a Sirius Radio Antenna

With a Sirius radio antenna, you will never again experience poor radio reception. You will always have a smile on your face as you listen to your favorite radio programs, jazz music, or your favorite newscaster and commentators deliver their news and comments.

You will no longer suffer the inconvenience of constantly repositioning and repairing your twisted or damaged radio antennas. Once installed, it will provide you with uninterrupted radio service that no common antenna can provide you. This radio reception service will not only benefit you but your loved ones as well.

With one of these antennas you are assured that you have a better radio service, improved radio reception, and absolutely no more headaches.

There are also roof magnetic mounds that ensure excellent reception. With a Sirius radio antenna you are assured that you get products that are made using advanced technology and ensure better performance.

How can you maximize the benefits you can get from your Sirius radio antenna? First, know what you need. Do you need an antenna for your home? Or is it for your office, car, or boat? Then shop for models that are most appropriate for each location or use.

Study product manuals and installation manuals and make sure you follow the manufacturer's instruction carefully installing your antenna.

There are antenna screens provided (depending on the model), so place them in locations where they are not blocked by buildings, trees, and screens. Avoid placing your antenna screens where there are objects that would deflect radio receptions, so you are always assured of excellent radio service.

For satellite radio reception, position your antenna screens towards the sky facing the south, as most satellites are located here.

When installing the antenna on your car, the best place to position it is on the trunk or on the roof of the car. This will ensure good radio reception.

Sirius radio antennas are safe and easy to install. When installed as instructed by the manufacturers it could give optimum radio service.

The Sirius radio antenna includes a variety of products that are practical, easy to install and use.

For information regarding Sirius radio antenna products and pricing visit their website. You can also search the Internet for local distributors.

3 Mind Control Tricks To Make Sure You're Always The Controller

OK, so to get you started with the right alpha sub-communications, one of the first things I want you to start to notice about your self is how you use your eyes. Because when it comes to doing any of the mind control ticks you will learn your eyes are really important and they're one of the main parts of this whole thing that will let people know that you're the alpha.

A person who is in control and a person who's the alpha is not afraid to look directly into someone's eyes and command attention, so the first of the mind control tricks I want to share with you is when you're the one talking the more eye contact you make with a person the more dominant they'll perceive you to be...

I mean think about it like this, if you're having a conversation with anyone even if it's the person behind the checkout at the store then there's always an alpha and a beta and chances are now that you know this stuff you'll begin to notice the dynamics of almost all social situations you're in and you'll begin to recognise if you're naturally the alpha or not.

And what do you want to be, the beta or the alpha?

Of course you want to be the alpha, So the next time you're talking to someone I want you to really begin to notice how much eye contact you naturally give, because if you're constantly looking down or constantly looking away then you're sub communicating that you're submissive and that you have a low social status.

And as well as that, another one of my favourite mind control tricks and what I believe to be the most important thing in all of this is your voice, the biggest predictor of how good someone is going to be when they're just starting out using mind control tricks is their voice, and it all comes down to the clarity and the volume in which they speak.

So as an example, the next time you see two people having a conversation...you can see who's the more alpha just by taking the time to notice how they're projecting their voice, nine times out of ten the most alpha person will be the one with the loudest and the clearest voice.

Go look in any social situation and you'll see that the person with the best voice is always the one with the higher value and once you learn how to use your voice in the right way to sub-communicate high value you'll start to notice that when you talk people will be sucked into your reality because they find you interesting and this makes people feel comfortable around you.

So as you work on these sub communications, another one of the mind control tricks I have learnt is you also want to adopt the mindset of an alpha and the first thing that I can say anyone who is an alpha has in common is we assume people will follow our lead, so if I'm talking I'm leading the conversation, I'm the one who's coming up with the interesting topics of conversation, or I'm the one with the funny story.

You need to lead every interaction, and I know at first this may seem foreign to you at the start, but you just need to push past this feeling until leading becomes a part of you because leading demonstrates confidence and leading demonstrates dominance which are both traits of an alpha.

So as an alpha one of the mind control tricks you can use is you want to lead every interaction that you're in, and you need to lead physically as well as verbally.

So an example of physical leading would be... "hey... let's go for lunch at that Italian place." because you're physically leading by saying "hey... come on let's go here, let's go to this place".

An example of verbal leading is just leading the conversation, so when you're talking to people one on one or in group situations you are the one who is bringing up the interesting conversation topics, you are the one who is talking about the movie you just saw, you are the one who is telling the jokes or the funny stories and if you watch closely, this is exactly what the controller of a group always does.

Looking Down At KL From Top Of The World

The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur apart from being Malaysia's tallest building and the World's tallest building till 2004 offers visitors a day of fun filled wholesome enjoyment. Apart form the awe of visiting the world's second largest building and walking across the sky-bridge on the 41st and 42nd floor, the twin towers are full of activities that will keep the traveler occupied.

Perhaps the most well known attraction is the crescent shaped Suria KLCC shopping mall that features six stories of stores, cafés and food courts. Most Malaysians will tell that it is the most hi and happening up-market shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur. Another crowd puller is the Aquaria KLCC; it is a world class aquatic exhibition spanning over 60,000 square feet and features more than 150 species.

Galeri PETRONAS is chic art gallery that exhibits paintings, sculptures, and works of art on paper, fabric and other medium throughout the year. For those who prefer a bit of cultural stimulus, a world-class concert hall known as the Dewan Filharmonik. The architectural design of the hall incorporates Malaysian motifs one of the most acoustically sound in the world. It regularly hosts concerts of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra as well as traditional and jazz musical shows.

Strategically located amongst other Kuala Lumpur Hotels, The Petronas Towers are only two kilometers to the north east of the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur It is a Kuala Lumpur luxury hotel that offers guests five star amenities with easy access to sights and sounds of Kuala Lumpur top enjoy an unforgettable experience in Malaysia.