Friday, July 27, 2012

The Legacy of Prince Albert

Albert, Prince Consort 15 May 1860 J.J.E. Maya...
Albert, Prince Consort 15 May 1860 J.J.E. Mayall Printed in carbon c.1889-91 by Hughes & Mullins 40 x 28.5 cm Commissioned by Queen Victoria (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Prince Albert may well be one of the most memorable British royals. Married to Queen Victoria in 1840, Albert, Prince Consort fathered nine children and was adored by his Queen, in fact following his death in 1861 , Queen Victoria was overwhelmed by grief and stayed in mourning for the remainder of her own life (an impressive 40 years during which she wore nothing but black and was rarely seen in public). Albert was said to struggle with being 
only the husband, not the master in the house" 
and as a result threw himself into various causes. He was a huge supporter of such public cause as educational reform and worldwide abolition of slavery. He also took on responsibility of managing the Queen's estates and household. In many ways he was a forerunner of the socialite wife we see in Manhattan! However, despite all of the good he achieved in his lifetime, none of this is his most well known achievement. The majority of people, on hearing 'Prince Albert' will refer to the body piercing of the same name!

The Prince Albert piercing is a male genital piercing extending along the underside of the glans from the urethral opening to where the glans meets the shaft of the penis. So what does that have to do with the Prince Consort? Well, while originally dismissed as urban myth, there as since been evidence to suggest that around the time of Albert's marriage to Queen Victoria, there was a fashion for tight men's trousers. However, this created an 'unsightly' bulge especially in the more well endowed man. Prince Albert thought this unseemly for a man of his position and had his penis pierced to allow it to be held to one side by a hook inside the trousers known as a dressing ring'. Tailors would at the time ask if you dressed to the let or right to allow them to tailor pants accordingly and today, traditional tailors will still ask! I doubt Prince Albert invented the piercing, it was probably, like so many other body modifications, discovered in other cultures – but as the most prominent wearer of such a piercing it will forever bear his name.

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Monday, July 23, 2012

What Is Water Damage?


Water damage is not always visible, but is often a costly problem, and one of the most common causes of water damage is faulty plumbing. Water damage is not a problem where you will want to cut corners or wait to address. Water damage is usually classified into three different categories depending on the type of water that has caused the damage. Water damage is a common fear all homeowners have, especially in areas where there is a great deal of wet weather.

Water damage is any damage done by water like floods, but could also be a domestic crisis. Water damage is curable , despite what so many forums like to say. Water damage is the second leading category of property damage reported in houses of worship after only wind and hail. Water damage is a fairly common subject and often not taken as seriously as it should be. Water damage is a big threat that can cause multiple problems to your house.
Water damage can also cause mold problems and these issues often occur simultaneously. Water damage that is left untreated is the number one cause for mold contamination. Water damage is one of the most common forms of damage to both residential and commercial properties. Water damage is not always easy to figure out. Water damage can also occur from broken or leaking appliances that use water.

Water damage restoration can be very frustrating. Water damage restoration can help lessen or remove the problems associated with flooding. Water damage restoration can be a very lengthy process and affect your life entirely. Water damage will affect nearly every home and business on some level at some point. Water damage is one of the most common reasons people make claims on their home insurance .

Water damage is responsible for more homeowner’s insurance claims than fire, storms and theft. Water damage can often be avoided with routine maintenance and assistance from qualified contractors. Water damage can pose danger to one’s health especially when not given proper remedy.

Water damage can also create mold and other fungal spores that are harmful to the health of inhabitants living nearby. Water damage can bring about molds which are microscopic organisms that produce enzymes and digest organic matter to reproduce spores. Water damage may also cause wood structures to rot if the area around its roof wasn't drained properly. Water damage may be brought about by a burst pipe, a heavy storm, or a roof leak. Water damage restoration is evolving every day with new technologies and innovations.

Friday, July 13, 2012

What Is External Auditing?


In a company, the person who is responsible of auditing standards and procedures is called an auditor. He is aware and responsible for all the financial statements of the company. He must know how to evaluate and offer all the supervision in his field. In some countries, it is mandatory that a council should have an external audit. Usually, they are appointed by the audit commission.

The main aim of an external audit is to investigate the accuracy level of the finances in that organization. Some audits are done to know if the records are 100 percent accurate and if they have been completed, they are prepared in the correct manner recommended by GAAP, if the financial position of the company at that time fits the accounts and statements that have been provided etc. Those are mainly the reason why they have to counter check the companies financial records.

  1. Audit object: It is mainly done in public institutions, large scale companies and any government based institution or company.
  2. The best external audits in businesses are the financial, operational and compliance. Usually the commission sets aside millions of dollars for external audit programs although this happens in most institutions and companies. One can use the designed external auditing method to internally audit.
  3. The main reason why it is done is to have to be done is to provide good management of finances and give the company a guarantee that the financial records are accurate and correct. It does not favour any side and it presents the findings as they are.
  4. They are able to maintain 100 percent confidentiality. Furthermore they are not paid to inform the rest of the public the findings of a company. That is reason enough as to how they are able to audit even the government and also trade secrets.
  5. A balance sheet is able to show the analysis of the financial record. This is because several things are recorded such as the money getting in, changes made etc. When it is being done, it has to be provided since it has information concerning finances. An important point to remember is that all the audits are supposed to be done according to GAAS.

All we need to know is that the coordination between internal and external audit is that their aim is to provide information that will help in improving the efficiency of the audit. Any profit making organization should ensure they conduct this once in awhile. 

Monday, July 9, 2012

Why Mold Remediation Is Important


For mold remediation you need the best professional services available. You also require a fast service and a safe process for you and other occupants of the premises or home. These are things you will only find by contacting a recognized expert immediately. This is because such professionals can do the job with full understanding of the seriousness of a mold infestation in the home.

Why should you be really concerned about the molds growing in your premises? Well, there are various reasons why mold remediation should be carried out the moment you notice mold growth. The lesser concerns about mold growth include the damaged aesthetics of the house or premises, the unpleasant musty smell in the house and also the rotting of wood infected by the molds. But the biggest concern is about the effect that the molds may have on the occupants of the building. Molds do produce spores that are suspended in the and hence the musty odor. The smell is however not the real concern but the fact that when inhaled, the molds have the capacity to cause illnesses or aggravate already existing conditions such as asthma. The concern is more if the occupants include small children, elderly persons, and sick or recovering individual. This is due to their weaker immune systems.

Prevention of mold growth may is the best action in avoiding the problems. However it often happens that the growth has already began to an unnoticed moisture leakage. This is when you may require getting help in mold remediation. A reputable supplier of mold remediation will always ensure that they do a thorough job that is safe for you and also ensures mitigation against future mold infestation and growth. The latest technology involves the use of negative pressure for mold removal and also HEPA technology to prevent escape of spore into the air. Air scrubbers are also use to trap any airborne spore to prevent spread and risk to occupants. EPA approved chemicals are also use to kill any remaining spores in the air and also prevent future germination of spores. For the job to be complete, the source of moisture has to be rectified. This is a part of the mold remediation process. It is useless to remove the molds and leave the damp conditions uncorrected.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Single By Choice



Often people joke about me being a confirmed bachelor. The thing is – I'm single by choice. It's not because I can't find a girlfriend, I just don't want one. I really cannot understand the pressure that society puts on individuals right now to find a partner. I'm not against marriage and the chances are that some day soon I will decide it's time and I'll start dating, but until then I am happy being my own man. So I ask that my single friends, my mom and my sister please stop trying to match make for me! Single does not always equal available. So what's so great about being single? Here are ten reason's why I am glad to be a bachelor!

  1. I get to focus on my career. I've seen so many of my co-workers fall behind in the promotion race because they can't work late or hang at a strip club with clients.
  2. You can make plans without consulting someone else. Last minute trip to Vegas? Stopping for beer and burgers on the way home from work? Go for it!
  3. I am healthier. I know statistically married men live longer, but I've found that when I am dating I let my diet and workout plan fall by the way side.
  4. Weddings are enjoyable. Take a date to the wedding and you feel awkward and under pressure to commit – fly solo and it's a big party!
  5. Personal space! No finding girly stuff lying around the apartment, no having to pick up my underwear!
  6. It saves money, I don't feel obliged to buy gifts or go on expensive dates.
  7. The sex life of the bachelor is great. Sure familiarity can be good, but nothing beats the thrill of a one night stand!
  8. I can watch whatever I like – no more missing football for sex in the city!
  9. I can hangout with my friends any time I like without anyone telling me they are a bad influence
  10. You get the space you need to learn who you are as an individual so when the time is right you know exactly what you need form a relationship.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Salvage Wet Carpet


When your home gets flooded, you will almost certainly need carpet drying services. The carpet is always one of the greatest casualties of flooding. This is due to the fact that the carpet is highly absorbent and will be already soaked before the water polls off. Quick action is therefore required to ensure that your carpet is salvaged. Otherwise it may be necessary to replace the carpet altogether if action is not taken within 72 hours. It is actually recommended that the carpet be dried within 24-48 hours.

The need to urgently dry the carpet is mainly twofold: the need to prevent loss of the carpet and prevent growth and proliferation of harmful microorganisms including molds and pathogenic bacteria which are harmful to the health of humans.

Once your home has been flooded, it is important to call in professional help immediately, whatever the time it is; most reliable companies are on call any time of day or night and will respond within an hour of your contact as they fully understand how time is crucial to salvaging your carpet.

Specialized carpet drying technology is designed to ensure thorough and fast drying of the carpet. Professionals employ high capacity suction pumps to extract the water. Powerful air driers ensure fast drying of the fibers. This is aided by air de-humidification to encourage quick drying and prevent mold growth. Steam cleaning is also employed to ensure thorough cleaning of the carpet. The carpet drying also involves deodorization to remove any odor that may have developed due to dampness. The process is not complete without the chemical treatment of the carpet. This is mainly aimed at preventing the growth of molds on the carpet for the obvious reasons of potential harm to occupants’ health. Of great concern is the black mold which produces toxins that are capable of causing illnesses such as lung complication, worsening conditions such as asthma and causing memory loss.

The things you have to put in mind whenever you have flooding and are concerned about your carpet include the fact that quick action is necessary to salvage the carpet (carpet cleanup need be done within 24-48 hrs), you also need to understand that professional cleanup is what you need and not inexperienced cleanup. 

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Clever Tips to Inspire You to Carry out Kitchen Renovation


Often it is assumed that household refurbishments are left in the preserve of people who can afford to dish out massive amounts of money. This is simply not accurate mainly because with proper budgeting, any one should be able to pay for home reconstruction. In particular, just about anyone can now easily afford to pay for kitchen renovating simply because you can find now so many websites offering inexpensive kitchen accesories. Compared with how it was a couple of years in the past, nowadays it is easy to discover skilled tradesmen who are prepared to handle small kitchen redevelopment work. A great kitchen renovation provider is able to handle a massive remodelling task that can cost as much as $500, 000 but their professional contractors can also tackle a task which is valued at about $15, 000. This simply means that everyone should have an opportunity to renovate their kitchen area as it can be reasonably priced.

Yet another reason for taking on kitchen remodeling is that it's not always essential for the whole kitchen to be spruced up. Redesigning can be done in parts to make the entire kitchen a new place. Consulting with the contractors at your choosen retail store can certainly help a home owner to spot kitchen furnishing and home appliances or perhaps areas that need the most renovation. For instance a kitchen area could only need a new set of cabinetry for it to appear brand new. A brand new coat of paint and some maintenance on kitchen fixtures might also make a kitchen to look fresh. All this could certainly be achieved with a substantially lower price.

There are several do-it-yourself hints that can be used in the course of kitchen renovating. A home owner won't always have to use builders any time he / she would like to upgrade a kitchen. Little tasks like purchasing new and elegant cabinet handles and swapping them with worn out handles needs hardly any expertise. Putting on a fresh coat of fresh paint to a kitchen can also apply as renovating and it can also be completed for very reasonable prices without hiring a company.

Dealing With Basement Floods


A basement is a room in the house that can really help you out if you want to store things that you no longer use or placing a washer and laundry items. If your basement is flooded, you need to find out the cause and how to deal with it. Several issues could result in the flooding of your basement. It could be caused by water pipes damage or even floods. If this happens, you will have to deal with the problem of basement flooding. The floor or carpet could easily be destroyed if it is wet and mild. You can consult a company that deals with flooded basements or even work out the problem on your own. If you do it soon, you are going to prevent items in the basement from being destroyed by water.

First check the drains, sewage backup system and locate the exact place the problem is emanating. After you have found out, open up all the drains to avoid basement flooding and drain excess water. Then use a broom or a rag to take the remaining water out using the drain. You can even decide on pumping out the water. Take out any items that are in the basement and are now wet then dry them up. In case there are any electronic appliances, make sure you do not plug them for some days until you are completely sure that they have dried up.

You can even make use of the vacuum to eliminate excess water. It can later be laid down after it has dried and the basement is also dry. After that, opt on buying a dehumidifier and fans to get rid of any moisture. Moisture can really be dangerous and needs to be reduced to prevent mould from growing.
Here is the process of cleaning a wet carpet in your basement.
  • First open the windows if there are any and then remove the items that could be lying on your wet carpet or the floor.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner and remove excess water or dirt from your carpet. Do not forget to empty your vacuum cleaner after doing this for some time.
  • Then raise your carpet using something high like crates and put on the dehumidifier. Allow it to run overnight so that your carpet can dry off the remaining water. Do not forget to re- fill the dehumidifier with water if need arises.
  • You can now rerun the vacuum cleaner and ensure that the carpet is completely dry.
After building a house, one of the things you should do is to select your basement floor covering. You could opt to use the carpet tiles which can not be affected by moisture. They are good especially if your basement is prone to flooding. Since they are easily cleaned, it will be easy to clean up and drain the water to avoid basement flooding. It will certainly cost you less inthe future.

Why Do Men Get Ear Piercings?


A friend of mine was talking about body piercing the other day and said to me, 'I don't understand why men get their ears pierced – that's just for girls!' I'll admit, it did shock me! I myself prefer not to force foreign metal objects through my body parts, but for someone in today's body modification tolerant society to indicate that ear piercing is only for women seemed really strange! So just for fun, here are ten reasons why a man might want to pierce his ears! Some are true, others are just silly reasons me and my buddy added to make it a nice even ten.

  1. Fashion. Body modification is often about enhancing the way you look or following the latest trend. Many men feel piercings are attractive and/or stylish.
  2. Culture. Piercing originated as a custom or tradition in many religions. Some men are merely following tradition in having a ritual piercing.
  3. Status/Wealth. Some people like to show their wealth and a flashy gold or diamond earing is a perfect way to say 'look at me! I'm rich!'
  4. To fit the role. If a man is playing a certain part he will get his ears pierced to get the look. I don't just mean actors! Even men who just want to present a certain image to the world will do this because it is expected of them.
  5. For Love! Some girls find piercings sexy, and guys will often do anything to get the girl of their dreams!
  6. To keep the peace! Say your girlfriend buys you an earring assuming ou have a pierced ear – it's sometimes easier to just go with it and have a piercing dne to make her happy!
  7. As a symbol of homosexuality. I'm not sure how true it is, but supposedly wearing a single earing on the right lobe indicates to others that you are homosexual.
  8. Acupunture. There is a point of vision in the centre of the earlobe. Many believe wearing earrings permanently stimulates this and can be theraputic.
  9. Status/Power. A different type of status symbol here – some cultures, for example Buddhists – believe long lobes signify spirtual superiorty, so they stretch the lobes.
  10. Rebellion. Someties it's just an act of rebellion, although its so common now it's more like an act of blending in.

Whatever, the reason if you want to get pierced then do it!