The New Fluke Ti9 Puts the Power of Thermal Imaging in the Hands of Electricians and Technicians

Fluke Corporation, the global leader in portable electronic test and measurement technology, introduces the Fluke® Ti9, a high-performance, affordable thermal imager that is ideal for troubleshooting electrical installations as well as electro-mechanical, process, and HVAC/R equipment. The Ti9 delivers Fluke rugged, reliable performance in an imager that is so affordable and easy to use that every electrician and technician can now put the power of thermal imaging to use.

About Fluke Founded in 1948, Fluke Corporation is the world leader in compact, professional electronic test tools. Fluke tools deliver the testing and troubleshooting capabilities that are critical to keep commerce and industry running smoothly. Fluke customers are technicians, engineers, electricians, metrologists and building diagnostic professionals who install, troubleshoot and manage industrial, electrical and electronic equipment and calibration processes for quality control and building restoration. In the past five years, Fluke tools won more than 50 industry awards, including Test and Measurement World Best in Test , Control Engineering Engineer's Choice and Plant Engineering Product of the Year . Fluke is a registered trademark of Fluke Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. For more information, visit the Fluke website.Fluke SmartView® professional IR analysis and reporting software is included with the Ti9. The suite of tools for viewing, annotating, editing and analyzing infrared images enables users to edit images and generate customized professional reports in a few steps using its report wizard.A virtual demo of the Ti9 is available at www.fluke.com/ti9virtualdemo and full product information available at www.fluke.com/ti9 .The Ti9 is built to work in the harshest industrial environments. It has an IP54 rating for withstanding dust and water, and is designed to survive drops of up to two meters. The built-in cover and lens guard protects the lens when not in use.Follow Fluke on Facebook , Twitter , YouTube or LinkedIn .Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1703322The thermal imager is easy to use, with an intuitive three-button menu that allows users to navigate with the push of a thumb. Simply point, focus, and shoot to capture an image.For more information: Leah Friberg Public Relations Manager (425) 446-5905 Email ContactThe Fluke Ti9 Thermal Imager comes complete with a 2GB SD memory card, multi-function memory card reader, rechargeable internal battery, AC charger/power supply, adjustable hand strap, soft carrying case, and a rugged hard carrying case.Pricing and Availability The Fluke Ti9 Thermal Imager is available now at a U.S. list price of $2,495.The Fluke Ti9 delivers crisp, clear images on a large widescreen full-VGA-color LCD display that allows technicians to get the full picture instantly. It features a thermal sensitivity of ≤ 0.20 °C at 30 °C target temperature (200 mK) to identify even small temperature differences that could indicate problems.

For more information: Leah Friberg Public Relations Manager (425) 446-5905 Email Contact

Young people get paid to prepare in summer jobs program

The students pepper electrician Francis Vigil with questions: Is being an electrician dangerous? Is it hard? How much does the job pay? What do apprentices do?

"They've got to be decent at math and they have to have a good work ethic," said Vigil, who is the training director for the Colorado Springs Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, which trains the city's electricians.The class spends three hours each morning on school work, a mix of science, technology, engineering and math. After lunch, the students visit a different business each day. The employers range from AspenPointe, a behavioral health provider, to Sturman Industries, which designs electronic valves for engines, to Chico Basin Ranch, a working cattle ranch.Vigil said one student from the Industrial Revolution applied and was accepted as an apprentice - the union interviews 150 to 200 people a year and accepts only 10 to 20.Anthony Williams, a 19-year-old who wants to become a chef, said the job market is very tough for young people."It lets you talk with people and find out what they're looking for with employment," he said."If it could go through a full year, that would be amazing.""I was on the hunt for a job and there's none, really, or they're just minimum wage," the 21-year-old said. "This is like a one-stop shop. They really care about you and want you to succeed.""I wasn't really getting anywhere finding a job," he said. "I've applied for over 70, at least."The 4-year-old program is funded by the federal Workforce Investment Act. Students take an assessment test before and after the program and generally show improvements in their academic performance, said Jeanne Cotter, spokeswoman for the Pikes Peak Workforce Center."I think that young people get a lot out of it, tying academics to the real world," Cotter said.For instance, you need to know a fair amount of math to be an electrician.All in all, it's a pretty good summer job, said Tiffany Gavaldon.The Industrial Revolution program, he said, "answered my prayers."

Vigil said one student from the Industrial Revolution applied and was accepted as an apprentice - the union interviews 150 to 200 people a year and accepts only 10 to 20.

Electricians on strike

TWENTY Tyneside electricians and heating engineers were striking today in an escalating dispute over "bullying" claims.

In a statement Royal Mail said: "There are robust contingency plans in place aimed at ensuring no impact on our customers from planned industrial action.''He added: "The information is passed back. They want to know why you are idling in traffic, they want to know how long who stayed at the wholesalers to pick up stuff for a job. If they don't like the answer you can be disciplined."The Communications Workers Union formed a picket outside the Royal Mail centre in Gateshead this morning and will do again on Monday.Mr Dickson said that the engineers had tracking sensors in vans that allowed Romec to follow them from the moment they start the engine to clocking off time.It will be followed by a call out ban.CWU regional spokesman Frank Dickson said: "This is not about money. It's about the Big Brother attitude of management who have broken national agreements."

In a statement Royal Mail said: "There are robust contingency plans in place aimed at ensuring no impact on our customers from planned industrial action.''

Bringing power to the people

SPARKS may fly at a special event this week.

The talk, titled The Bringer of Electricity: Charles Hesterman Merz 1874-1940, will highlight the work of the Gateshead-born electrician.The talk on Wednesday begins at 2pm.Educated at Bootham School in York, and Armstrong College, Newcastle, he served his apprenticeship with the Newcastle Electric Supply Company. He was well known as the co-founder of the firm of consulting engineers, Merz and McLellan, established in 1902.He pioneered rail electrification, power stations and introduced the concept of a national grid at first locally and subsequently within the British Empire and beyond. He was known affectionately within the electricity industry as the Grid King.

The talk on Wednesday begins at 2pm.

Devastated family pays tribute to Dad; Outgoing family man had heart problems

Byline: EMMA KING

CAPTION(S):TRIBUTES have been paid to a dad-of-three who suddenly collapsed and died. It is understood that 43-year-old Mark Johnston died as a result of an enlarged heart - a problem he was unaware of.WITH HIS BOYS Mark with sons Liam, left, and Mark FAMILY MAN Mark Johnston, who collapsed and died, pictured with his daughter LeanneMark's funeral was held at West Road Crematorium on May 31."He was the first up on the dancefloor at a party. He lived life to the full. Nobody expected him to be taken from us at such a young age. I just can't believe he's gone. Life will never be the same.""Around Christmas time he decided to join the gym. It was something he'd wanted to do for a while and he really enjoyed it. I don't know if the exercise was what triggered his collapse.Mark, who was known by his friends as "Johnna" trained as an electrician after leaving school and worked for Newcastle City Council."He was so down to earth and straightforward. Mark would tell you it how it was. He was so friendly. He didn't have a bad bone in his body."But apparently you don't get any symptoms with an enlarged heart. Mark had been relatively healthy and he hadn't been unwell. That's why his death was so unexpected."The electrician passed away on May 22 at his mam's house in Walker, just round the corner from the house he shared with Dawn White, his partner of 21 years, and their three children."He was a popular man. He had a lot of friends who he went out drinking with often to the Crocketts Hotel, The Stack and The Jubilee in Walker.Dawn, who works as a cleaner at the Lightfoot Centre in Walker, said: "Mark was loud, boisterous, outgoing. He just loved having a laugh and a joke."He loved watching football and was a huge Newcastle United fan. He used to take our youngest son Liam to some games. He doted on his kids, Liam, 11, Mark, 14 and Leanne, 18.Dawn said: "Everyone has been devastated by his death. It feels like he's just gone away somewhere for a few days and I'm waiting for him to walk back through the door.

WITH HIS BOYS Mark with sons Liam, left, and Mark FAMILY MAN Mark Johnston, who collapsed and died, pictured with his daughter Leanne

Fluke Introduces Low Voltage, Indoor IR Window

Fluke Corporation, the global leader in portable electronic test and measurement technology, introduces the CLV IR Window, an affordable 3-inch indoor IR window that allows electricians to perform NFPA 70E compliant infrared inspections without opening panel doors or powering down equipment. The CLV, the latest in the series of Fluke IR windows, allows infrared measurements on equipment up to 600 V in industrial, plant, power generation, hospital, petrochemical and commercial building environments.

All Fluke IR Windows are supplied complete, assembled and ready for installation. Each carton contains an installation CD with an installation video, self-adhesive drilling template, security access key and warranty statement.Pricing and Availability The U.S. list price for the Fluke CLV IR Window is $225. For more information, visit the Fluke IR Windows website.The UL 50V and 1558-certified CLV features CLIRVU® technology, which provides clear, unobstructed visual and IR inspections. The Kwik Twist cover magnetically sticks to the panel when removed and the window's identification plate provides unique, onsite numbering for rapid location confirmation and faster repairs.Fluke IR Windows also make NFPA 70E compliance easier because measurements can be taken much more quickly and easily -- as well as more frequently -- without compromising worker safety.Follow Fluke on Facebook , Twitter , YouTube or LinkedIn .Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1647233Fluke Thermography Fluke offers a full range of thermal imagers for industrial/electrical, process and building diagnostic applications. For more on Fluke thermal imaging products, contact Fluke Corporation, P.O. Box 9090, Everett, WA USA 98206-9090, call 800-760-4523, fax 763-551-0038, e-mail thermography@fluke.com , or visit http://www.fluke.com/thermography . Also visit the Fluke Thermography blog at www.thermal-imaging-blog.com , on Twitter and on Facebook .About Fluke Founded in 1948, Fluke Corporation is the world leader in compact, professional electronic test tools. Fluke tools deliver the testing and troubleshooting capabilities that are critical to keep commerce and industry running smoothly. Fluke customers are technicians, engineers, electricians, metrologists and building diagnostic professionals who install, troubleshoot and manage industrial, electrical and electronic equipment and calibration processes for quality control and building restoration. In the past five years, Fluke tools have won more than 50 industry awards, including Test and Measurement World Best in Test , Control Engineering Engineer's Choice and Plant Engineering Product of the Year . Fluke is a registered trademark of Fluke Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. For more information, visit the Fluke website.For more information: Leah Friberg Public Relations Manager (425) 446-5905 Email Contact

For more information: Leah Friberg Public Relations Manager (425) 446-5905 Email Contact

Celebration for golden charity pair

A COUPLE who raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for Chernobyl victims have celebrated their golden wedding.

The pair became an item within days and married at Woodhouse Church, Sheepridge, on June 17, 1961, after David had completed his national service in Germany.CAPTION(S):* HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: David and Marjorie Heaton, of Lindley, and, far left, on their wedding day in 1961 (JH160611Gheaton-01)David, an electrician, had come to rewire the mill when he met Marjorie who worked there winding electric motors.David said: "We work together - that's the main thing. We do lots together rather than separately."The couple, who have two children, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren, met at Brook and Woodhouse Motors in Lockwood.The couple say their common interests and views have kept them happy for over 50 years.David and Marjorie Heaton, both 74, from Lindley, marked 50 years of marriage with family and friends at the Durker Roods Hotel, Meltham.David continued his role as an electrician for the Post Office and eventually became director of Romec, which managed building and engineering services for Royal Mail.

* HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: David and Marjorie Heaton, of Lindley, and, far left, on their wedding day in 1961 (JH160611Gheaton-01)

Subcontractors grow tired of waiting on delayed job payments

Good Work Network Executive Director Phyllis Cassidy unsheathed a double-edged sword last week at a small business forum at Xavier University. Cassidy, whose nonprofit helps minority and women-owned firms, said small subcontractors are "bearing the working capital load" of federally funded projects, which often receive credit for bolstering the local economy.

"I think it's very, very common for subcontractors to get bullied around," Wolfe said. "The more money the general contractor has, the more often their payment provisions in their contract are going to be stricter."Cassidy wasn't referring specifically to the standard legal principle known as "pay when paid," which allows general contractors to wait for payments from developers, including public entities, before compensating subcontractors. But one of her clients, Colmex Construction CEO Angelica Rivera, said "pay when paid" is part of the reason she no longer works as a subcontractor.But sophisticated construction firms increasingly favor "pay if paid" contracts that punt developers' credit risks to subcontractors, Wolfe said."Are you going to decide the hours in which (subcontractors) can work? The number of staffers they can have?" Thomas asked. "We go back to things that have hindered the growth of the city of New Orleans for generations, which is the payolas and the idea that you are going to do this work and my cousin is going to work for you."Still, small contractors are increasingly seeking expensive loans of less than $35,000 to make payroll, said Cassidy, who estimates the loans are fulfilling only about 50 percent of the firms' working capital needs. A government-funded "draw pool" to guarantee subcontractor payments makes more sense than multiple loans being taken out on a given project, she said.Risks taken by subcontractors are no greater than their portions of projects, while general contractors assume total responsibility, said Rob Wooderson, president of Gibbs Construction, the prime contractor on recent jobs such as the new exterior of the Superdome and Hynes Middle School in Lakeview.The experience points to what Wolfe considers a fundamental societal problem, which he says is bigger than New Orleans and the construction industry: access to justice."Pay when paid" does not absolve general contractors of their debts, said Scott Wolfe, a New Orleans-based construction attorney who represents contractors of all sizes in four states. Louisiana courts usually require general contractors to pay within a reasonable amount of time, Wolfe said, but that can vary case by case.Wolfe said "pay when paid" is critical to most general contractors' financial viability and the success of projects. Without it, he said, "You would need Wal-Mart to build every project."Pearlina Thomas, area manager for the Louisiana Associated General Contractors, said she is hearing similar suggestions to wipe out "pay when paid," which she said could open the door to abusive government meddling.Wooderson, however, summarized his feelings about "pay if paid" in three words: "Capricious, unfair, arbitrary.""You are financing the project for whoever the ultimate owner is because you've done the work already," Cole said.He added: "That's just the way it is.""The smallest guy on the totem pole is floating the deal," said Cassidy, drawing applause. "There's something wrong with that."Everyone agrees that payment delays have been a problem, but not everyone concurs on a solution, or with the notion that the weakest members of the construction community are shouldering more than their share of the burden.Cassidy was referring to months-long payment delays that commonly occur when state and local governments struggle to adhere to strict administrative guidelines attached to federal dollars. Inevitably, the burden falls to plumbers, electricians and other tradesmen and women, said Jerry Cole, owner of Cole Construction, a concrete pouring company."Say (the subcontractor) gave me a $100,000 price and we thought it was fair and reasonable, yet it costs $150,000 to do the work," Wooderson said. "If he chooses to walk away, guess who puts up the extra 50 (thousand)?"The government should require general contractors to pay from a line of credit just as it requires bonding capacity, Rivera said. That's how the New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative pays contractors, including Rivera, to work on a federal homebuilding project in which the NONDC is acting as a nonprofit developer, she said."You have people who aren't getting paid because of a misapplication of funds," Wolfe said. "Then you have other people getting paid because people are just taking advantage of the positions they are in."General contractors should instead pressure public entities by preparing to stop work if necessary, even if it results in work delays, Wooderson said. Some government contracts don't even include payment time frames because officials simply can't predict when funds will be available, he said.Rivera's experience suggests that the subcontractor's chances of going unpaid increase with the complexity of the contract. One of her first contracts was to provide framing services under a subcontractor on a Housing Authority of New Orleans project three years ago. The out-of-state subcontractor stiffed Rivera on $3,000 and left town, she said. That's a relatively small amount and not nearly enough to make litigation worthwhile."We have to pay our employees weekly," Rivera said. "They don't have to pay us until they get paid."

He added: "That's just the way it is."

Unkindest cuts of all

CUTTING corners is a potentially dangerous practice whatever home improvements or repairs you need to arrange. When it comes to electrical work, many homeowners are taking a huge risk by not checking that the person doing the job is a qualified and registered electrician.

The ESC is encouraging householders to make their homes safer by installing RCDs - residual current devices - which instantaneously cut off the current when there is an electrical malfunction. They are potential life-savers especially when using mowersand hedge trimmersMore than 50 per cent of those questioned were unaware that there was any kind of regulation relating to common electrical jobs around the home, such as fitting a new power shower, adding new sockets or installing garden lights.

The ESC is encouraging householders to make their homes safer by installing RCDs - residual current devices - which instantaneously cut off the current when there is an electrical malfunction. They are potential life-savers especially when using mowersand hedge trimmers

Time to get real; Your shout

MAY I ask if anyone saw on the BBC News, a striking woman teacher of the NUT who commented: "Do you really want a 68-year-old teacher teaching your children?'' This shows how out of touch these pampered people are.

It's time all civil servants had a reality check and realised we are all sick to death of funding their early retirement schemes and that they too should not be able to draw upon their pensions until they reach the legal retirement age.LINDA, Tyne and Wear The Evening Chronicle reserves the right to edit readers' letters

LINDA, Tyne and Wear The Evening Chronicle reserves the right to edit readers' letters

It's a Living: Airfield maintenance electrician at Will Rogers World

Jim True is responsible for ensuring thousands of people safely arrive in Oklahoma City every day. And that they leave the same way.

"When I started working here, I told them it wasn't their airfield anymore; it was mine," he said. "I spent part of my second honeymoon out here ... coming in every morning to turn the lights off and going out every night to turn them back on. So that should tell you something about how I feel about my job.""If you make a mistake around here, you don't get to tell anyone about it," he said. "Because you're dead."The airfield operations are fed by two power sources through OG&E, which normally provide self-redundancy, able to switch from one to the other as necessary.The airfield's generator is a 350,000-watt monster producing 2,400 single-line volt output. Depending on the weather and time of day - a night blizzard, for example - the maximum system load for the day would be about the equivalent of powering a small town such as Meeker."Now expand the power consumption and the voltages of that scenario by miles," he said. "It seems very simple with one wire in and one wire out, but when you take it to that scale it can get very confusing very quickly."When asked about accidentally zapping himself at work, True laughed."And then there's the cost," he said. "A lot of the lamps we use are specially made and run as high as $60 apiece. We running about 1,500-1,800 taxiway lights, about 300 runway lights, 288 guide signs with a minimum of three lamps per sign."With plenty of light to guide them."What we do out here is quite a bit different than what your typical electrician might deal with," he said. "I'd estimate there's about half a million feet of wire out there that I've replaced myself."And if something happens to the computer system operating the generators, the system default is designed to turn on all the lights instead of going dark. Better to be too safe, True said.True, who lives in Shawnee about 40 miles away, is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He's made the trip from home to work in about 30 minutes - "Just don't tell the cops that," True said.Take tracing out a burned circuit, for example, one of his most dreaded tasks. When True tries to explain the complexity of the problem to someone unfamiliar with the job, he suggests imagining what it takes to find a burned-out Christmas tree light bulb, painstakingly replacing each light one by one until the string finally comes back on.True is the airfield maintenance electrician, one of two men responsible for all the runways, taxiways and outlying buildings at Will Rogers World Airport. When a traveler is waiting for a flight to arrive at the terminal, looking out over the airfield at all the bright blue markers and spotlights that guide planes to the ground, he or she is actually appreciating True's work.The airport is working on upgrading much of its infrastructure to sustainable, energy-efficient materials. The blue taxiway luminaries, for example, are being converted to LEDs, light- emitting diodes, which are better at producing bright light in that part of the spectrum than traditional incandescent lamps. And less electricity means less wear on the lines and generators, which means greater safety for travelers.

"When I started working here, I told them it wasn't their airfield anymore; it was mine," he said. "I spent part of my second honeymoon out here ... coming in every morning to turn the lights off and going out every night to turn them back on. So that should tell you something about how I feel about my job."

Fluke Introduces 434/PWR Power Quality Analyzer

Fluke® Corporation, the global leader in portable electronic test and measurement technology, introduces the Fluke 434/PWR power analyzer for easy energy analysis. The instrument helps electricians, field service engineers and maintenance technicians uncover energy waste in commercial and factory buildings as well as in equipment and machines.

AutoTrend gives quick insight into changes over time. With a single push of a button, the System Monitor gives an overview of power system performance. It also checks that incoming power complies with standard limits or custom specifications. Trend analysis is made easier by automatic scaling of the vertical axis, so the waveforms can always be shown on a full display.Load studies and energy assessments The 434/PWR is a complete three-phase troubleshooting tool that measures virtually every power system parameter: voltage, current, frequency, power, energy consumption, cos φ or power factor, unbalance and harmonics and inter-harmonics. The instrument captures events like dips and swells, interruptions and rapid voltage changes based upon ½ cycle rms values. Two groups of four channels simultaneously measure voltage and current on all three phases and neutral. The 434/PWR meets 600 V CAT IV, 1000 V CAT III safety standards required for measurements at service entrance.A logging function allows users to customize measurement selections and provides analysis to find intermittent problems or relate power quality issues to other phenomena/events. The logger provides detailed and user-configurable long-term recording. It gives MIN, MAX and AVG readings of up to 100 parameters on all four phases. Averaging time can be selected down to 0.5 seconds (or 1 minute for one day's recording, 10 minutes for one week, 30 minutes for one month or more).The instrument measures harmonic distortion caused by electronic loads, and analyzes reliability problems by capturing voltage dips and swells from load switching. A full-color display uses industry-standard, user-selectable color coding to correlate measurements with actual wiring. It logs incoming data with a unique AutoTrend function that highlights changes of data over time. The data can then be analyzed with Fluke's Power Log software, which is included with the 434/PWR.For information on Fluke tools and applications, or to find the location of your nearest distributor, contact Fluke Corporation, P.O. Box 9090, Everett, WA USA 98206, call (800) 44-FLUKE (800-443-5853), fax (425) 446-5116, e-mail fluke-info@fluke.com or visit the Fluke Web site at http://www.fluke.com .Extensive data analysis The 434/PWR can perform extensive data analysis. Cursors and zoom can be used "live" while taking the measurements, or "offline" on stored measurement data. The stored measurements can also be transferred to Power Log software.Pricing and Availability The Fluke 434/PWR model has a U.S. list price of $5,343 and is available for order now. For more information about Fluke power quality tools, visit: www.fluke.com/pq.The 434/PWR can be used to conduct energy consumption studies and electrical load analysis, and to perform power quality logging and analysis surveys. The power analyzer can also help technicians demonstrate the benefits of efficiency improvements by testing energy consumption.About Fluke Founded in 1948, Fluke Corporation is the world leader in compact, professional electronic test tools. Fluke tools deliver the testing and troubleshooting capabilities that are critical to keep commerce and industry running smoothly. Fluke customers are technicians, engineers, electricians, metrologists and building diagnostic professionals who install, troubleshoot and manage industrial, electrical and electronic equipment and calibration processes for quality control and building restoration. In the past five years, Fluke tools won more than 50 industry awards, including Test and Measurement World Best in Test , Control Engineering Engineer's Choice and Plant Engineering Product of the Year . Fluke is a registered trademark of Fluke Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.Designed to quickly view recorded data, the built-in Power Log software displays all recorded parameters on interactive trends. Users can generate professional-looking, customized reports using the report generator, or copy and paste images into reports manually.For more information: Leah Friberg Public Relations Manager (425) 446-5905 Email ContactFollow Fluke on Facebook , Twitter , YouTube or LinkedIn .

For more information: Leah Friberg Public Relations Manager (425) 446-5905 Email Contact

Angie's List Says Know Your State Licensing

Although navigating the ins and outs of finding a licensed contractor can be tricky, it is essential to take your time to do your research: Granting an electrical novice access to your home's AC/DC currents could end in a smoky ruin.

In Maryland, a license is required for any home improvement work as well as any asbestos and lead abatement work. However, general construction contractors do not require a license. Typically, general construction contractors oversee or provide materials for the renovation, but don't perform the work themselves. The individuals actually working on your home improvements should, however, be licensed. Maryland HVACR contractors must also be licensed, with the "R" standing for refrigeration -- a slight variation from just the HVAC requirements in D.C. and Virginia.In the nation's capital, a license is required for any work contract exceeding $300 in cost. In addition, if you're having trouble with asbestos poisoning and/or a flighty fridge, you want to make sure your contractor is licensed to properly deal with that too. Angie's List has trusted consumer reviews in more than 500 service categories. Visit Angie's List for information on highly rated service providers in the Washington, D.C. area.Media contact: Cheryl Reed cherylr@angieslist.com 317-396-9134 Angie's List 1030 E. Washington Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46202If you decide to gather estimates from different companies in two or more of the states, it's important to know the laws governing contractors in each one.Here's the breakdown on basic qualifications for contracting work in the three different states:In Virginia , a contractor who performs any work over $1,000 must be licensed by the state. Licensing also is required for individuals and businesses working with asbestos and lead abatement as well as gas fitting.

Media contact: Cheryl Reed cherylr@angieslist.com 317-396-9134 Angie's List 1030 E. Washington Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

Worldwide Hand Surgery Tour Brings Innovative Procedure to U.S

New Hope for Wrist Patients at the Curtis National Hand Center

Wrist fractures count for one-sixth of all fractures seen in U.S. emergency rooms. One of the most commonly broken wrist bones is the scaphoid bone at the base of the thumb. For many patients, poor circulation at the injury site prevents the bones from healing. Over time, the impaired healing process can lead to arthritis and loss of wrist function."Transferring not only the bone, but the bone and cartilage on the same blood vessel may be the most exciting new development in our field," said Dr. Higgins. "Keith is the first person in the U.S. to have this procedure and can uniquely compare his current outcome to the other wrist where he underwent conventional procedure.""This technique is great news for patients with previously unresolved problems such as end stage Kienbock's disease and non unions. Our clinical and experimental results thus far are extraordinarily promising," Dr. Higgins said. "Wrist patients have new hope for what had been previously hopeless to many."BALTIMORE, Aug. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. James Higgins, Chief of Union Memorial Hospital's Curtis National Hand Center, was honored by the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery with the prestigious Godina Traveling Fellowship last year. After completing a clinical and research tour of hand centers worldwide, he applied his knowledge gained to a procedure never performed in the U.S. before. He returned function to a patient's wrist, using parts taken from his knee.Dr. Higgins and his team dissected a wafer thin piece of cartilage-bearing bone from the patient's own knee and shaped it to fit exactly into the gap created in the wrist bones by the damage ligaments. Dr. Higgins then transferred the bone with its own small blood vessels and its own cartilage into Keith's joint to solidly fuse the unstable wrist segment. The procedure preserves the cartilage surface and promotes greater opportunity for a healthy wrist motion.(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110812/DC51713)"At only six weeks out it already felt better than my left hand," Keith said. "The strength in my right hand is already up to where the other hand is, so it's promising. Very promising."As an electrician, Keith Brown put very strenuous demands on his hands and wrists, resulting in chronic ligament tears and disassociation of the tiny carpal bones in his wrist joint. In 2008 he underwent a conventional ligament reconstruction surgery to the left wrist, but it did little to alleviate his constant pain. When he sustained the same injury to his right wrist, he discussed his options with Dr. Higgins and agreed this innovative new procedure could be the solution.

SOURCE Union Memorial Hospital

The Benefits Of Hiring A Skilled Electrician In Atlanta

Facing electrical issues is a common thing, but not something which doesn�t require immediate attention! The need to find professional electricians in Atlanta is on the rise these days. Beyond anything else, Atlanta based electricians are reputed for their courtesy and versatility. They possess methodical knowledge about their tools and appliances � at times even better than the manufacturers themselves!

Today, all of the top electricians in Atlanta have their own websites. You can easily locate one in your area by �google-ing� it. Not only do these professional electricians work individually but also provide contractor services to anyone in need.Based in Atlanta, McCall Enterprises Inc., offers its electrical repair services to all those who wish to hire a professional electrician in Atlanta. Call now to get your electrical repair jobs done by a skilled electrician professionally!� Expertise par excellenceElectricians in Atlanta are highly skilled in terms of restoring dysfunctional equipment and fixing any electrical issues. The best part is that they use environment friendly equipment. They have the capability to work on everything from loose wires, burnt fuses, worn out and dangling wires that cause black outs and can ever fix important residential and commercial electrical equipment. Some of the major advantages of taking on the services of a professional electrician in Atlanta are:Now, fixing a previously wrecked cable line, the aftermath of renovation or setting up a plush home theater system is just a call away. Mostly, top class and registered Electricians Atlanta offer the functionality of a help desk. Such help desks operate day and night with mobile services where the professionals move about localities day and night and can reach your doorstep within minutes!� After installation support� Timely completion of the electrical repair taskThese professional electricians Atlanta receive intense training and carry years of experience in their line of work. They have the skills required to install new cable lines in under construction structures and upgrade the existing material. The best part is that they adhere to all necessary safety standards, for which reason they only make use of the best electrical equipment in the industry.Being accessible 24x7 make them a safe bet as it guarantees that you can acquire their help in case of an emergency. Dealing with a short circuit or breached alarm is child's play for these versatile electronic masterminds. There are many instances where these professionals have shown a lot of versatility and ingenuity while helping in emergency evacuations around incidences of flooding and power failure. The referrals they receive from thousands of satisfied customers are enough to verify their credibility.� Usage of industry approved equipment and materials� 24x7 online and offline accessibility

Based in Atlanta, McCall Enterprises Inc., offers its electrical repair services to all those who wish to hire a professional electrician in Atlanta. Call now to get your electrical repair jobs done by a skilled electrician professionally!

Dextre, Space Electrician: Canadian Robot Repairs Components on the Space Station

Dextre, the Canadian Space Agency's robotic handyman aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has successfully replaced a faulty circuit-breaker box on the orbiting lab. The robot swapped the failed component for a fresh one, thereby restoring part of the orbiting lab's backup electrical systems. The maneuver marks the first time Dextre replaces defective equipment on the Station.

Established in 1989, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) coordinates all civil, space-related policies and programs on behalf of the Government of Canada. CSA directs its resources and activities through four key thrusts: Earth Observation, Space Science and Exploration, Satellite Communications, and Space Awareness and Learning. By leveraging international cooperation, the CSA generates world-class scientific research and industrial development for the benefit of humanity.Contacts: Media Relations Canadian Space Agency (450) 926-4370 www.asc-csa.gc.caAbout the CSAWhile the robotic handyman remains on-call for duty if any issues arise, Dextre also has a full list of scheduled tasks. Later this week, the Canadian-built robot will relocate two small storage pallets from their current location the robot's workbench to the Express Logistics Carrier 4 on the ISS. One of the pallets carries the equipment for the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM), Dextre's first research and development project to test the technologies and techniques necessary to refuel satellites in flight.Canadarm2 supported Dextre during the entire operation, which took place on August 28-29. Dextre was operated from the ground by robotics flight controllers at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and supported by several teams of engineers both in Houston and at the Canadian Space Agency's headquarters in Saint-Hubert, Quebec.

Contacts: Media Relations Canadian Space Agency (450) 926-4370 www.asc-csa.gc.ca

Hiring A Good Electrician

Hiring a company to do electrical contracting work for your home or business can be a very stressful decision. What if the costs soar half way the job and you can't afford to continue? This article attempts to provide a good step-by-step guide for choosing the right electrician for the job. Just follow the simple steps below and you will be well on your way.

A good local electrician Always arrives at your door in a sparkling uniform. The top companies insist that their employees carry enough clean uniforms for every new job.We sincerely hope that this article helps to find the right electrician for the project!STEP SIX: Hiring your electricianDon't be shy to ask for and check their references! You want to make sure that the company has a good reputation.A stellar electricianwill have business cards with their telephone, company name, license number printed somewhere.A great electrician will always call you back within 24 - hours or less, provide a through written estimate outlining all labor and materials, and put a deadline on the estimate as well.A stellar local electrician will consider all of the extra things that you might not think about, explain them, and give you options on which direction you want to go.EXPERT TIP: Don't let price alone determine which company is awarded the project. Trust with a company that you feel comfortable with, has good online references, and has open communication with you about the job. Good communication from an electrician is the best sign that they will do the job right, and that they can be trusted.STEP ONE: Get Appropriate CredentialsTIP: What if the project unexpectedly gets out of hand at some point, and through no fault on anyone's part you have to dig into the wallet to get it done. A A great electrician company will stop and provide an written addendum to the original estimate so that you know all new costs before commencing..TIP: See if the company is on any "best places to work" lists in your region. A great place to work means that the employees are treated well and respected.Before the project begins that you have a signed an official estimate approved by you and the contractor. Be sure that you have estimated enough time for the work to take place (major electrical projects the evening before a big party is not wise!) Be sure that all correct permits are in hand and posted appropriately.A good local electrician will NEVER start a job without getting the appropriate permits. Yes, you can usually get someone to do a job less expensively and faster by not pulling permits, but it puts you and yours at great risk when you do so. What happens if you don't acquire permits and something goes wrong, like an electrical fire? Usually your insurance company will investigate to make sure that the required permits were in place, and, if not, you may not be covered!A stellar electrician company will install parts that are designed for long-term use and wear. Any time you have electrical work done, you should also keep in mind the resale value. Good contractor grade electrical materials will only add to the value of your home/office, and will insure a passing inspection report before you sell.An excellent electrician company will always wear those sanitary shoe covers when on the project. They also won���t ever leave a mess of dust and debris once they are done.A stellar local electrician will always listen to what you want to have done, and then make recommendations based on their expert opinion. There are many things that need to be taken into account for a rewiring job, such as: (total amperage usage, dedicated circuits for computers, high wattage kitchen work lights, vacuum cleaner usage, types of bulbs needed, existing wiring, etc etc)STEP FOUR: Getting a Price Up FrontSome of the more reputable electricians insist all of their electricians are regularly background checked and drug tested. This is a good indication that the electrician has your interests in mind before theirs. This process is quite an investment on their part, and it tells you right away that they have invested a great deal in their own employees.STEP THREE: Their EmployeesElectrician services companies working in your home must always be licensed and insured in case of problems. Every electrical worker you consider hiring should be bonded, licensed, and insured. They should be willing to let you know their individual state license number. Also, check to see if they have the appropriate insurance for workers comp and general liability.TIP: The potential dangers of hiring an uninsured electrical contractor are enormous. What would happen if that acquaintance" of yours who has "watched a lot of tv remodeling shows" gets really injured while under your house or in the crawl space? Well, more often than not, it's you who would be held completely accountable for any injuries that they incurred while on your property.STEP TWO: Check ReferencesTIP: You want to develop a good, long lasting relationship with an trusted electrician. The odds are that you will call them more than once during your time in your home.STEP FIVE: Knowing you called the right one.Look out for the following when that electrician comes to your door for the first job:

We sincerely hope that this article helps to find the right electrician for the project!

Poor sauce material

DAYTIME nightmares on Let's Do Lunch With Gino & Mel when it all went wrong... and the whole shambolic show descended into farce. Live!

On a more serious note ...I have a question for the food fans who sent in pictures of themselves making Gino's recipes: Are you absolutely sure you had nothing better to do?Then the manic Italian cook unveiled his latest culinary masterpiece... beans on toast.As a hidden team of electricians crawled around under the counter trying to fix the kitchen, the sticky situation called for calm professionalism. Unfortunately, ITV's odd couple did it their way.Adopting a different approach, Chef D'Acampo hauled a red-faced man to his feet and yelled: "That's the technical guy, by the way.""Who wants to taste Gino's beans?" shrieked doubleentendre specialist Mel. She's a saucy one.Her face a picture of panic, Ms Sykes started giggling like a nervous schoolgirl."Ooh!" cried the easily pleased studio audience.

On a more serious note ...I have a question for the food fans who sent in pictures of themselves making Gino's recipes: Are you absolutely sure you had nothing better to do?

City of Baltimore set to pay $200K for alleged harassment

After a five-year legal battle waged against her employer, the city of Baltimore, a female electrician who claimed she had to work in an environment punctuated with dirty pictures and profanity is set to wrap up the case.

Harris appealed the decision and, setting the stage for the settlement, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in May reversed the lower court's decision regarding a hostile work environment.Regarding the photographs, Gauvey said they too were not directed at Harris and were not enough to demonstrate discrimination."Harris could not help but view these images on a daily basis," Duncan wrote in the May opinion. "And even after instructed by the City's EEO to remove the offending pictures, a shop supervisor did not comply and was suspended."According to court records, Harris was repeatedly exposed to explicit language and was referred to as a "bitch" by her co- workers, who were not reprimanded. She also claimed that offensive language and descriptions of women and sexual acts were commonplace.The Baltimore Board of Estimates will vote Wednesday to approve the $200,000 payout to settle the September 2006 lawsuit brought by Lynette Harris against the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore. Harris, a 23-year employee of the city's Department of Public Works, will get $65,000 of the settlement and the remaining $135,000 will go toward legal fees and expenses.Gauvey said the "locker room" talk in the shop was objectionable, but there were only two specific instances where the explicit language was directed at Harris, and she made no claims of unwanted physical contact."The new, heightened standard the district court created not only is contrary to the law; it is overly burdensome and defies common sense, as well as the years of practical experience that the EEOC and federal courts have evaluating hostile environment cases," the groups wrote in the brief.In 2008, U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan K. Gauvey granted summary judgment to the city on all counts, including hostile work environment and negligent supervision, except one dealing with why Harris had not been promoted. The court then ruled in favor of the city on that count the following year.Baltimore City Solicitor George A. Nilson, whose office handled the original trial and the appeal, said the settlement includes a mutual non-disparagement clause and he declined to comment on the specifics of the case."As to Harris' complaints about pictures of partially clothed or nude women in the workplace, she offers no fact nor reason to believe that the photographs and pictures were aimed at her to embarrass or humiliate her," Gauvey wrote in the order granting summary judgment. "Some courts find such sexually explicit pictures if directed to the plaintiff, actionable sex harassment, but only if directed at her.""Although conduct need not be physical to be 'severe,' in its absence courts have required an extreme level of verbal inappropriateness directed specifically at the plaintiff, which Harris has simply failed to demonstrate," Gauvey wrote.The criticism of the lower court ruling was that a reasonable jury could have found the harassment in the workplace to be severe or pervasive if it went to trial. 4th Circuit Judge Allyson K. Duncan wrote in the May 6 opinion that, looking at the evidence in favor of Harris, a claim for hostile workplace could be made.The groups monitoring the case said the lower court's ruling, if left standing, could have made it too difficult for some victims to prove harassment or prevented them from filing hostile workplace complaints."It was an overly strict standard that would have precluded a lot of legitimate claims of sexual harassment," ACLU of Maryland Legal Director Deborah Jeon said. "It was clear to the court that reasonable jurors could see that a reasonable claim of harassment could have been made in this case."Harris alleged that the workplace was strewn with a number of provocative photos of women either scantily clad or fully naked. Harris was also excluded from daily safety meetings her boss held with other workers and had to sit at a table in the shop that had explicit photos of women underneath the glass, she claimed.Harris' case attracted a lot of attention from civil rights organizations. The American Civil Liberties Union, the Anti- Defamation League, the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport and the National Women's Law Center were just some of the organizations that signed an amicus brief asking the 4th Circuit to overturn the lower court's decision. A lot of the criticism of the lower court's decision dealt with what was seen as a change to the standard of what makes a hostile workplace.Nilson said the 4th Circuit's decision and some other cases coming out of that court seemed to indicate the standard used in sexual discrimination cases was changing."Generally speaking, that area of law used to be quite favorable to employers," Nilson said. "Some people would say the law was too restrictive and it was difficult to make those cases.Joyce E. Smithey, with Rifkin, Livingston, Levitan & Silver LLC's Annapolis office, is one of the lawyers representing Harris. Citing the confidentiality agreement, Smithey declined to comment on the case."And, now, I'd say the law in the appellate courts, the 4th Circuit, has gotten more favorable for those bringing these kinds of cases," he added. "As lawyers, when we see new standards coming out of the appeals courts, we respond to them and sometimes that leads to settlements."

"And, now, I'd say the law in the appellate courts, the 4th Circuit, has gotten more favorable for those bringing these kinds of cases," he added. "As lawyers, when we see new standards coming out of the appeals courts, we respond to them and sometimes that leads to settlements."

Author: Ben Mook

Poor sauce material

DAYTIME nightmares on Let's Do Lunch With Gino & Mel when it all went wrong... and the whole shambolic show descended into farce. Live!

"Ooh!" cried the easily pleased studio audience.Her face a picture of panic, Ms Sykes started giggling like a nervous schoolgirl.Then the manic Italian cook unveiled his latest culinary masterpiece... beans on toast."Who wants to taste Gino's beans?" shrieked doubleentendre specialist Mel. She's a saucy one.As a hidden team of electricians crawled around under the counter trying to fix the kitchen, the sticky situation called for calm professionalism. Unfortunately, ITV's odd couple did it their way.Adopting a different approach, Chef D'Acampo hauled a red-faced man to his feet and yelled: "That's the technical guy, by the way."On a more serious note ...I have a question for the food fans who sent in pictures of themselves making Gino's recipes: Are you absolutely sure you had nothing better to do?

On a more serious note ...I have a question for the food fans who sent in pictures of themselves making Gino's recipes: Are you absolutely sure you had nothing better to do?

Author: Kevin O'sullivan

A Quick Look into the Careers in Electrical Sector

These days, everyone's attention is focused on energy conservation and finding more effective sources of energy. A lot of research is conducted in the electrical sector today to minimize the exploitation of non-renewable resources for generating electricity. The research includes harnessing the power of renewable resources such as solar power, wind and water for the generation of clean electricity.

Residential wiring involves wiring homes and installing electrical devices such as air conditioning units. As the electrical appliances require regular maintenance, the career opportunities for the skilled electricians are virtually unlimited. As new technologies emerge every day, the skilled electricians are in more demand to install and maintain the sophisticated electrical units. A solid Electrical Education is needed in order to pursue this kind of career.Skilled electricians can go after great careers in both commercial and residential sectors. The needed skills for an electrician can be learned by taking enrolling in a training program at an accredited electrical school. You should always remember that, by enrolling in an electrical training course, you are stepping in to a very interesting sector that will be beneficial to the millions of people worldwide. You may be aware of the fact that the electrical and electronics field is rapidly advancing so working as an electrician is a very popular occupation.The Career Opportunities for Skilled ElectriciansCareers in Residential WiringWhile generation of electricity is of great importance, maintenance of the existing electrical appliances to insure that energy is efficiency used is also a matter of great importance. Electricians handle all aspects of electrical work, from the plants that generate power to the electrical infrastructure of homes, large buildings, schools and anywhere else that a light comes on or heat flows. The demand for skilled electricians is very high today, in this energy conscious world.Careers in Commercial Wiring

It is a well known fact that the electrical industry is rapidly growing and is not affected by the recession as much as other industries. The demand for the skilled commercial electricians is a steady one. This field offers great opportunities for getting into one of the most secure careers available today. Commercial Electricians are the first ones on the jobs ite of a new building and the last to leave, and are often required simply to maintain the electrical systems in big buildings.

Author: William Hauselberg

The New Fluke Ti9 Puts the Power of Thermal Imaging in the Hands of Electricians and Technicians

Fluke Corporation, the global leader in portable electronic test and measurement technology, introduces the Fluke® Ti9, a high-performance, affordable thermal imager that is ideal for troubleshooting electrical installations as well as electro-mechanical, process, and HVAC/R equipment. The Ti9 delivers Fluke rugged, reliable performance in an imager that is so affordable and easy to use that every electrician and technician can now put the power of thermal imaging to use.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1703322Pricing and Availability The Fluke Ti9 Thermal Imager is available now at a U.S. list price of $2,495.The Fluke Ti9 Thermal Imager comes complete with a 2GB SD memory card, multi-function memory card reader, rechargeable internal battery, AC charger/power supply, adjustable hand strap, soft carrying case, and a rugged hard carrying case.The Fluke Ti9 delivers crisp, clear images on a large widescreen full-VGA-color LCD display that allows technicians to get the full picture instantly. It features a thermal sensitivity of ≤ 0.20 °C at 30 °C target temperature (200 mK) to identify even small temperature differences that could indicate problems.A virtual demo of the Ti9 is available at www.fluke.com/ti9virtualdemo and full product information available at www.fluke.com/ti9 .The Ti9 is built to work in the harshest industrial environments. It has an IP54 rating for withstanding dust and water, and is designed to survive drops of up to two meters. The built-in cover and lens guard protects the lens when not in use.Follow Fluke on Facebook , Twitter , YouTube or LinkedIn .For more information: Leah Friberg Public Relations Manager (425) 446-5905 Email ContactFluke Thermography Fluke offers a full range of thermal imagers for industrial/electrical, process and building diagnostic applications. For more on Fluke thermal imaging products, contact Fluke Corporation, P.O. Box 9090, Everett, WA USA 98206-9090, call 800-760-4523, fax 763-551-0038, e-mail thermography@fluke.com , or visit http://www.fluke.com/thermography . Also visit the Fluke Thermography blog at www.thermal-imaging-blog.com , on Twitter and Facebook .Fluke SmartView® professional IR analysis and reporting software is included with the Ti9. The suite of tools for viewing, annotating, editing and analyzing infrared images enables users to edit images and generate customized professional reports in a few steps using its report wizard.The thermal imager is easy to use, with an intuitive three-button menu that allows users to navigate with the push of a thumb. Simply point, focus, and shoot to capture an image.

For more information: Leah Friberg Public Relations Manager (425) 446-5905 Email Contact

Recessed Lighting Improves The Look Of Your Home

Lighting is an important component for a home. In addition to serving practical purposes, lighting also provides decor to your home. It can even affect the mood of you and your family. Therefore, your lighting goes a long way in the overall appeal of your home. One of the best lighting systems you can look in to is recessed lighting. Recessed lighting offers many benefits that come in many varieties and offer several benefits.

1. Access controlsAfter then it should all run like clockwork they will give you an installation date that is suitable for you and you are up and running.Nevertheless not to be to negative, the primary assignment is to make a plan of the places you want your units and appliances to be, and this is not to be taken lightly it is a skilled job; think this through very carefully a poorly planned kitchen can cause a lot of stress.After you place an order and are happy with the design and choice of units and worktops, the next stage is the survey; this is to check that the kitchen plan will work.If you want to look in to recessed lighting, contact an electrical contractor. They will be able to look at your home and determine which rooms can have recessed lighting. In general, any room you have will be eligible as long as you have flat surfaces and the capability for electricity. You can install lighting fixtures in any room in areas such as ceilings, walls, or stairs.

Clearly, recessed lighting is definitely something you should consider for your home. It is easy to install and provides a lot of decorative and functional advantages. You can dictate your own layout for the lighting and control how you want it to look. Consult an electrical contractor to ask about the best options for recessed lighting in your home.

Author: Nick Messe