A skateboard is a type of sports equipment used primarily for the activity of skateboarding. It usually consists of a specially designed maplewood board combined with a polyurethane coating used for making smoother slides and stronger durability.

A skateboard is propelled by pushing with one foot while the other remains on the board, or by pumping one's legs in structures such as a bowl or half pipe. A skateboard can also be used by simply standing on the deck while on a downward slope and allowing gravity to propel the board and rider. If the rider positions their right foot forward, he/she is said to ride "goofy;" if the rider positions their left foot forward, he/she is said to ride "regular." If the rider is normally regular but chooses to ride goofy, he/she is said to be riding in "switch," and vice versa. A skater is typically more comfortable pushing with their back foot; choosing to push with the front foot is commonly referred to as riding "mongo".

Recently, electric skateboards have also appeared. These no longer require the propelling of the skateboard by means of the feet; rather an electric motor propels the board, fed by an electric battery.

There is no governing body that declares any regulations on what constitutes a skateboard or the parts from which it is assembled. Historically, the skateboard has conformed both to contemporary trends and to the ever-evolving array of stunts performed by riders/users, who require a certain functionality from the board. Of course, the board shape depends largely upon its desired function. Longboards are a type of skateboard with a longer wheelbase and larger, softer wheels.

Skateboards have three axes. The tail axis (running from nose to tail), the central axis (running straight down through the center of the board), and the short axis (running from the width of the board, perpendicular to the tail axis).

The two main types of skateboards are the longboard and the shortboard. The shape of the board is also important: the skateboard must be concave to perform difficult tricks.[1]

The following descriptions cover skateboard parts that are most prevalent in popular, modern forms of skateboarding. Many parts exist with exotic or alternative constructions. A traditional complete skateboard consists of the deck (often with griptape applied on top to enhance traction), trucks (with urethane bushings), wheels (with sealed bearings), bushings and nuts and bolts to fasten the truck and wheel assembly to the bottom of the deck. Older decks also included plastic parts such as side, tail, and nose guards.

Modern decks vary in size, but most are 7 to 10.5inches (17.78 to 26.67 centimeters) wide. Wider decks can be used for greater stability when transition or ramp skating. Skateboard decks are usually between 28 and 33inches (71.12 and 83.82 centimetres) long. The underside of the deck can be printed with a design by the manufacturer, blank, or decorated by any other means.

The longboard, a common variant of the skateboard, has a longer deck. One of the first deck companies was called "Drapped" taken from Jonny's second name. "Old school" boards (those made in the 1970s80s or modern boards that mimic their shape) are generally wider and often have only one kicktail. Variants of the 1970s often have little or no concavity, whereas 1980s models have deeper concavities and steeper kicktails.[citation needed]

Grip tape is a sheet of paper or fabric with adhesive on one side and a surface similar to fine sand paper on the other. Grip tape is applied to the top surface of a board to allow the rider's feet to grip the surface and help the skater stay on the board while doing tricks. Grip tape is usually black, but is also available in many different colors such as pink, yellow, checkered, camo, and even clear. Often, they have designs die-cut to show the color of the board, or to display the board's company logo.

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Skateboard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In business since 1998, Sunset Decks Inc. specializes in custom decks and pergolas for the home, patio and pool. Weve helped many people with their outdoor projects, and have lots of ideas to help you with yours! With one call we will meet with you at your home to explore the many possibilities for your backyard, including pergolas, benches and privacy walls.

We discuss exactly what dreams you have for your yard and then we send you a quote complete with 3D drawings to help you picture the project in your own backyard - ALL FOR FREE!

How Do I Get Started?

1. Call us today at (318) 752-1763 for a free estimate. We'll come out, discuss your dreams, and provide you with a computerized 3D picture of your deck

2. Review the pictures and make any changes you'd like. This gives you the opportunity to fine tune the plans before we build your deck.

3. Decide the payment method that best suits you and then enjoy your deck!

Contact us in Bossier City, Louisiana, for custom decks, including patio, mobile home, and pool decks. See our deck display at our office at: 3935 E Texas St. in Bossier City

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Sunset Decks, Bossier City, LA - Custom Decks for Pool ...

Why chose Woodworks?

Dear valued customer,

I have been in various fields in the construction industry for 20 years, with many of those years building outdoor structures. Building is a passion for me and I take great pride in delivering the best possible product to you. Since we a small company I personally oversee every job ensuring that the job gets done right. The key to a professional job is in the details. Some of these details include routering all deck boards so that the edges are not hard on your feet, sanding the mill markings off of the deck boards, and making sure that the joints and miters are tight to give your deck clean look. On our pergolas we sand all of our rafter tails to insure a uniform appearance or router the rafter tails if that is the style that you desire. I enjoy working with my customers to come up withunique designs that fit their lifestyle and budget. We ensure you get what you want and do it right the first time.

We Build:

Patio Covers Fences Composite Decks

Woodworks is a custom builder in Houston TX. We specialize in unique outdoor living spaces such as pergolas, decks, arbors, patio covers, and more that fit within your budget. Free Design Consultations.

Wood decks give your home a relaxed elegance. For a free estimate and design consultation on arbors, decks, pergolas, patio covers,and more contact us today at (832) 489-7418.

Pergolas Decks Wood Decks, Patio Covers, Fences Sugarland SW Houston

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Sugarland & Katy Pergolas, Decks & Patio Covers Builder, TX

The City of Dearborn is transitioning away from a user-paid parking system in the west downtown business district to encourage greater interest from real estate developers and to boost customer activity.

The decommissioning of the user-paid parking system addresses the perception that paid parking is an obstacle to redevelopment.

It also addresses a popular sentiment that paying for parking in public lots, decks and on-street spaces discourages customers who would otherwise patronize west Dearborn businesses.

It is expected that the decommissioning of the user-paid parking system will take place in January 2015. The City Council voted on Oct. 21 to phase out the user-paid system, based on a recommendation from the Mayor and the Parking Advisory Commission.

Mayor John B. OReilly, Jr. stated in advocating the change: This is a very positive step that will help us achieve our goal of promoting more investment and activity in the west downtown. To get the best results for our local economy, we need to be realistic and remove anything that is perceived as an impediment to recreating a robust and vibrant business district.

The user-paid system will be replaced with an enforced time-limit parking system. That means spaces will be designated for 2-, 3-, 8- or 12-hour timeframes. Vehicles remaining beyond those timeframes may receive parking tickets.

The closest spots will continue to have the most limited times, to encourage turnover. Employees in the district will still be able to match their work shifts with parking spaces that are farther away, but designated for more hours.

The same system eventually will be in place in the east downtown area.

The possibility of retaining meters at some prime on-street parking spots in west Dearborn to encourage turnover is also under consideration. These are along Howard, from West Village Drive to Garrison; Mason, from West Village Drive to Michigan Avenue; and West Village Drive, along Mason to Howard.

The public parking system will continue to be financed with money from the West Dearborn Downtown Development Authority and the citys general fund at a lesser amount than in previous years. Continued...

Originally posted here:
City decommissions user-paid parking system in public lots, decks in west Dearborn

Nate Swanner

Apples CArPlay sounds great, but the official offerings straight form car manufacturers are slim right now. Unless you want a 2015 Sonata, or like Pioneer decks, there isnt an easy way to get involved with Apples new in-car system. If you like Alpine decks, weve got good news. The company has released their first CarPlay deck, the iLX-007. With the iLX-007, youll have the power of Siri in your car, as well as apps like Rdio, Messages, and Maps at your fingertips.

Youll also need to shell out $800.

The iLX-007 is a full-fledged CarPlay deck, but checks in at a full $200 more than the base model Pioneer NEX. The Alpine option sports a full 7-inch screen, though, which rivals the top-end Pioneer NEX deck. That Pioneer deck runs $1,400, suddenly making the Alpine offering priced fairly.

The big sell here is CarPlay, though. Alpine doesnt seem to have toyed with the interface much, but they also cant with CarPlay.

The iLX-007 does have TuneIt capability, though, making you an EQ champ via an app. The app links with your deck via your iPhone, making adjusting settings easy. the Alpine iLX-007 also supports Drive Assist cameras to make backing into or out of parking spots simple.

Alpine isnt the first to offer CarPlay, but they are the latest. It also brings another heavy hitter into the CarPlay arena as we wait for Androids CarPlay challenger to hit the market.

Source: Alpine

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Alpine iLX-007 is CarPlay ready, shipping now

Mold Remediation Service
Promotional video for mold remediation and mold removal service. For more information and pricing visit http://pacificrimdigital.com/

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In these trying financial times, there is a strong urge to do everything you can to save money. But cutting too many corners when it comes to mold removal could end up costing you far more in the long run but in some cases, the cost of mold remediation can be quite manageable.

The most economical way of tackling the problem is, of course, to do the job yourself. So long as the mold covers a modestly sized area (no more than about 3 x 3), it is easily accessible and you are able to locate the source of the moisture that allowed the mold to grow in the first place, you should have no problem.

After paying for protective gear including a breathing mask, gloves and goggles, the only other expense is the cost of the cleaning materials that you will use if you dont count the cost of your time that you will spend scrubbing and disinfecting the moldy surfaces.

However, if the amount of mold you can see is more extensive or much of it is located somewhere inaccessible to you, its time to bite the bullet and call in the professionals.

The first stage in accessing the cost of mold remediation for your home is to arrange for your home to be inspected in order to identify the full extent of the problem. While some mold removal companies will offer to do this for free, it is usually contingent upon hiring them to do the subsequent work and many people feel quite rightly uncomfortable with this. If only a small amount of mold is present, the company will lose out financially so the less scrupulous firms will tell you there is a major problem, regardless of whether or not this is actually true.

In order to address these concerns, many companies have sprung up in recent years that specialize in mold inspection and nothing else. Because they are being paid a set fee to examine a home, they are free to report their findings honestly regardless of whether or not theres a fat paycheck coming when the remediation bill gets paid.

A detailed inspection will include the use of specialist equipment which can detect mold spores in the air and detect areas of infestation in cavities or crawl spaces. The cost varies from one city to the next but will usually be in the region of $300. This should include the cost of a follow-up visit after remediation to ensure the problem has been properly dealt with.

The mold remediation cost itself is subject to a number of factors. Moldy crawl spaces can cost anything from a few hundred dollars to several thousand to rectify. If the mold is present in several areas of the house, the cost can easily exceed $5,000. If the mold has been around for some time and caused structural damage to the building, then you could easily be looking at between $10,000 and $30,000 or more.

Although some contractors may offer to do the work more cheaply, this too can be a false economy. Certified remediators have been properly trained in how to ensure the problem does not spread beyond where it already exists. They will also guarantee the work they do. Although they may have good intentions, untrained contractors may be far less competent.

From the outset, it is important to realize that the actual mold removal is only part of the overall cost of mold remediation. For example, in cases where mold in a crawl space is being caused by pools of standing water, additional costs will be incurred to pay to pump out the area, clean it and seal it against future flooding. If the mold has been caused by faulty pipes or poorly maintained air conditioning units, these may have to be repaired or replaced. If tests show that the mold in your home is one of the toxic varieties, then you and your family will have to move out while the remediation process takes place. This may involve a significant additional cost.

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Mold Removal | Mold Removal Resources

Mold Allergies

If your family has allergies like mine does all year round, you could be allergic to mold spores. And unfortunately molds are everywhere, so youll need to take the necessary steps to get rid of mold in your home in order to minimize your familys allergies. The first thing you should do however is identify whether you are dealing with an allergy caused by mold or if its something else.

Mold, also known as fungus, generally causes an allergic reaction when the spores of it are inhaled. Most of us who are allergic to mold often experience allergy symptoms during the summer months. However, if your home has a serious mold problem allergies can occur year round. There are literally thousands of different types of mold growing around us but, there are basically 12 types that can cause allergies. They are, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Helmin thosporium, Penicillium, Mucor, and Rhizopus.

Most people who are allergic to mold are also allergic to other substances like animal dander and pollen. However, there are also people who are only allergic to specific types of mold. And those who experience allergies often have a family history of them. However, you can also be at risk if youve been exposed to mold whether at your work or at home.

Those who are allergic to the fungi may experience symptoms such as dry skin, congestion, itching, nasal discharge, sneezing and watery eyes. Everyones allergy symptoms will vary and they may range from mild to severe. Allergy symptoms may only flare up during certain times of the year or they may be present year-round.

When allergies are severe they may also cause asthma. And in some cases mold may cause a severe asthma attack. But they can also cause a serious illness known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. When an allergy such as this or a severe asthma attack happens, a doctor should be seen immediately.

The allergy symptoms can easily be treated as long as they are not severe. In general allergy sufferers should avoid contact with the mold spores. Always wear some form of protection such as a dust mask and goggles if you must be near mold. For most allergy sufferers a simple decongestant or antihistamine can relieve many of the symptoms. For our household, we use a nasal spray and sometimes an over the counter allergy medication when our symptoms flare up. However, for some allergy sufferers this simply isnt enough.

In order to reduce the allergy symptoms, you need to remove the mold that is causing the problem in your home. If you live in a home that has excess amounts of moisture or you live in an area where the humidity is high you most likely have mold growing somewhere in your home. And just because you cannot see it doesnt mean its not there. This type of fungi can grow almost anywhere including in the attic, behind walls, wallpaper and even under your carpet.

To reduce a mold outbreak, look for sources where growth may occur. Check for leaky faucets, pipes, and other moisture prone areas, and repair them. Remove mold growth from drywall, carpet, crawl space areas, attics and other areas were molds may be a problem. Remove carpet for moisture problem areas such as your bathroom and kitchen. Consider paint in your bathroom and kitchen wall rather than applying wallpaper.

Install exhaust fans whenever possible or open windows when you plan to do a lot of cooking and when showering. Consider investing in dehumidifiers to minimize moisture in the air. A dehumidifier is especially helpful in basements.

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Mold Removal Review

EnviroFry Serves Our Residential and

Commercial Mold and Environmental and

Industrial Hygienist Clients Anywhere

in USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Asia, South

& Central America, and Middle East

EnviroFry provides professional and effective mold and environmental inspection, testing, clearance mold testing, and remediation services, plus effective HVAC air duct cleaning and decontamination service in Southwestern USA (Arizona, California, and Nevada), Midwestern USA (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin & beyond), Eastern USA (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, New England, & beyond), Southern USA (e.g., Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, & beyond), Ontario Province of Canada, UK, Europe-wide, and Asia-wide. If you suspect you have a mold problem, you should consult a professional mold inspector.----recommends the American Industrial Hygienist Association

Please recent mold and environmental news releases and articles written by Phillip and Divine Fry---

Ebola, Germ, & Mold Building Decontamination Oct. 21, 2014 "Global Do-Your-Own Mould Tests with Scotch Tape Lift Sampling, Pictures, & Lab Report" $200 Special that begins Oct. 6, 2014 Environmental Assessment Association Certifies Phillip and Divine Fry as Environmental Inspectors & Remediation Specialists Oct. 2, 2014 65 Ft. Long Cable Video Camera To Inspect Inside HVAC Ducts and Buildings Sept. 29, 2014 Get Second Opinion or Bid for Toxic Mold Work Sept. 26, 2014 Vehicle Detoxification & Deodorization Sept 7, 2014 10 Ways To Solve Home and Workplace Mould Problems Everywhere in the World Low Cost Bacteria & Mold Killing & Prevention on Per Square Foot Basis Aug. 13, 2014 Enzyme-Based Mold Killer Neutralizes & Prevents Mold & Bacteria Aug. 10, 2014 Does Ozone Kill Mold? Answers To Concerns About Use of High Output Ozone Gas in Mold Remediation Aug. 2, 2014 Medical Lab Testing for Internal Mold Growth June 19, 2014 Flat Roofs Cause Toxic Mold June 8, 2014 Mold Inspection and Remediation for Mansions and Luxury Homes June 8, 2014 Drought Causes Unexpected Mold Problems for Arizona & California Homeowners May 8, 2014 Mold Victims in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tucson May 7, 2014 Dont Wait for Insurance Payment To Start Water Damage & Mold Remediation May 6, 2014 2d Opinion of Mold Inspection, Tests Remediation Reports, and Bids May 3, 2014 Dont Pay Too Much for Toxic Mold Removal April 18, 2014 Dumpster Mold Remediation April 21, 2014 Toxic Mold Causes Multiple Sclerosis April 19, 2014 Read ALL mold diseases with reference footnotes April 18, 2014 Mold Clearance Testing April 15, 2014 Environmental & Industrial Hygienist Training Seminars Available Worldwide April 7, 2014 Sewage Line Leaks and Mold April 4, 2014 Top Six Mold Testing Mistakes To Avoid April 1, 2014 Protocol To Kill & Remove Mold Growth in HVAC Air Ducts & Equipment March 15, 2014 Quarterly Air Duct Cleaning Recommended Feb. 28, 2014 Dont Buy a Home Having Any of Top 12 Toxic Mold Makers Feb. 16, 2014 Turning Off House Water Supply While Away To Prevent Water Break Flooding Feb. 12, 2014 Protect Against and Prevent Fraudulent Mold Testing by Insurance Companies, Sellers, Landlords, & Employers Toxic Mold Public Health Warning Feb. 7, 2014 San Diego Home Seller Fails To Disclose Big Toxic Mold Problems To Texas Buyers Jan. 31, 2014 Top 10 Causes of New Home Built-In Toxic Mold Top 29 Home Health Hazards 10 Proven Ways To Kill and Remove Toxic Mold Clean Up Mold 10 Steps Recommended by Industrial Hygienist Phillip Fry 12 Health Reasons To Get Rid of Carpeting Top 10 Questions that Mold Victims Ask Phillip Fry FREE Mold Advice Hotline, How To Do Your Own Mold Testing Ten Mold Inspection Steps Before Buying a Home or Commercial Building Mold Clearance Testing Top 100 Mold Health Symptoms and Illnesses 10 Things Mold Inspectors Wont Tell You 12 Things Your Mold Removal Company Wont Tell You Ten 2014 New Year's Mold Health Resolutions

Email phil@moldinspector.com or Phone Toll-Free 1-866-300-1616 USA/Canada, or Phil's cell phone is 1-480-310-7970 (also good for your calling internationally from outside of USA/Canada)

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A mold (US) or mould (UK / NZ / AU / ZA / CA) is a fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae.[1][2] In contrast, fungi that can adopt a single celled growth habit are called yeasts.

Molds are a large and taxonomically diverse number of fungal species where the growth of hyphae results in discoloration and a fuzzy appearance, especially on food.[3] The network of these tubular branching hyphae, called a mycelium, is considered a single organism. The hyphae are generally transparent, so the mycelium appears like very fine, fluffy white threads over the surface. Cross-walls (septa) may delimit connected compartments along the hyphae, each containing one or multiple, genetically identical nuclei. The dusty texture of many molds is caused by profuse production of asexual spores (conidia) formed by differentiation at the ends of hyphae. The mode of formation and shape of these spores is traditionally used to classify molds.[4] Many of these spores are colored, making the fungus much more obvious to the human eye at this stage in its life-cycle.

Molds are considered to be microbes and do not form a specific taxonomic or phylogenetic grouping, but can be found in the divisions Zygomycota and Ascomycota. In the past, most molds were classified within the Deuteromycota.[5]

Molds cause biodegradation of natural materials, which can be unwanted when it becomes food spoilage or damage to property. They also play important roles in biotechnology and food science in the production of various foods, beverages, antibiotics, pharmaceuticals and enzymes. Some diseases of animals and humans can be caused by certain molds: disease may result from allergic sensitivity to mold spores, from growth of pathogenic molds within the body, or from the effects of ingested or inhaled toxic compounds (mycotoxins) produced by molds.[1]

There are thousands of known species of molds, which have diverse life-styles including saprotrophs, mesophiles, psychrophiles and thermophiles and a very few opportunistic pathogens of humans.[6] They all require moisture for growth and some live in aquatic environments. Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter on which they live, utilising heterotrophy. Typically, molds secrete hydrolytic enzymes, mainly from the hyphal tips. These enzymes degrade complex biopolymers such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler substances which can be absorbed by the hyphae. In this way molds play a major role in causing decomposition of organic material, enabling the recycling of nutrients throughout ecosystems. Many molds also synthesise mycotoxins and siderophores which, together with lytic enzymes, inhibit the growth of competing microorganisms. Molds can also grow on stored food for animals and humans, making the food unpalatable or toxic and are thus a major source of food losses and illness.[7] Many strategies for food preservation (salting, pickling, jams, bottling, freezing, drying) are to prevent or slow mold growth as well as growth of other microbes.

Molds reproduce by producing large numbers of small spores,[6] which may contain a single nucleus or be multinucleate. Mold spores can be asexual (the products of mitosis) or sexual (the products of meiosis); many species can produce both types. Some molds produce small, hydrophobic spores that are adapted for wind dispersal and may remain airborne for long periods; in some the cell walls are darkly pigmented, providing resistance to damage by ultraviolet radiation. Other mold spores have slimy sheaths and are more suited to water dispersal. Mold spores are often spherical or ovoid single cells, but can be multicellular and variously shaped. Spores may cling to clothing or fur; some are able to survive extremes of temperature and pressure.

Although molds can grow on dead organic matter everywhere in nature, their presence is visible to the unaided eye only when they form large colonies. A mold colony does not consist of discrete organisms but is an interconnected network of hyphae called a mycelium. All growth occurs at hyphal tips, with cytoplasm and organelles flowing forwards as the hyphae advance over or through new food sources. Nutrients are absorbed at the hyphal tip. In artificial environments such as buildings, humidity and temperature are often stable enough to foster the growth of mold colonies, commonly seen as a downy or furry coating growing on food or other surfaces.

Few molds can begin growing at temperatures of 4C (39F) or below, so food is typically refrigerated at this temperature. When conditions do not enable growth to take place, molds may remain alive in a dormant state depending on the species, within a large range of temperatures. The many different mold species vary enormously in their tolerance to temperature and humidity extremes. Certain molds can survive harsh conditions such as the snow-covered soils of Antarctica, refrigeration, highly acidic solvents, anti-bacterial soap and even petroleum products such as jet fuel.[8]:22

Xerophilic molds are able to grow in relatively dry, salty, or sugary environments, where water activity (aw) is less than 0.85; other molds need more moisture.[9]

The Kji (?) molds are a group of Aspergillus species, notably Aspergillus oryzae, and secondarily A. sojae, that have been cultured in eastern Asia for many centuries. They are used to ferment a soybean and wheat mixture to make soybean paste and soy sauce. Koji molds break down the starch in rice, barley, sweet potatoes, etc., a process called saccharification, in the production of sake, shch and other distilled spirits. Koji molds are also used in the preparation of Katsuobushi.

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Mold - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia