Udipi Charlotte

Archive for November, 2010

In a knowledge based global economy where your educational qualifications will invariably decide your social and economic status in life, it’s not surprising that such importance is attached to categorizing schools based on high school rankings. This is the reason why parents and students scan websites and pour through literature, searching for that dream educational institution that’s placed on the top rung of the ladder for high school rankings. In fact, better education is one of the reasons people choose to move every year, looking to build a better educational foundation for their kids. You might think that while looking for schools it’s best to base your selection on a predetermined listing for high school rankings. You might not always be right though. Here’s why.

Are High School Rankings the Only Factor?

Advocates of high school rankings argue that in a situation where the public education system in the country is in a sorry state of affairs at best, parents need tools to base their decisions on. High school rankings provide parents with that tool so they can make an informed decision. While this is true to a large extent, the fact is that these high school rankings don’t always take all factors into consideration while deciding a school’s place in the scheme of things.

For instance, schools might sometimes place lower on the high school rankings largely because of their location and student demographics. Unfortunately, schools with large minority student populations have a tougher time making it to the elite top positions in high school rankings. This is also true for schools that have large or majority African American populations. Education authorities will argue that the test scores in these schools are so dismal because the students aren’t motivated enough to succeed. Well, you wouldn’t be motivated either if you had parents who worked two jobs to support your family.

The uncomfortable truth is that in lower income communities, parents might not always have the time or resources to expend on monitoring their children’s education or motivating them. Managing to pay the bills and stay afloat takes enough energy. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that schools with larger levels of such student populations will rank lower. The quality of education or the level of effort put in by teachers (who work diligently to goad their students to rise beyond any perceived limitations) is beyond reproach. One of the major reasons why such schools constantly place low on high school rankings is because of the low motivation levels of students.

And what about the success stories of disadvantaged children from such low ranked schools who go on to enjoy successful careers? They alone are enough proof that high school rankings need not always be taken as an open and shut categorization.

There are now new laws enacted in the State of New York requiring that all construction that is taking place in the City must provide some sort of noise abatement for construction equipment that can be heard by the receptor (the general public in the City).

This Ordinance section 28-101 through Section 28-108 and has been revised for the year 2008. The law requires that every construction site in the city be equipped with noise blocking or noise abatement material. Whether it is a soundproof fence structure or concrete barriers or a sound-mitigating curtain. No matter what type of barrier is used it must meet an STC (Sound Transmission Class) of 30 or better.

Section 28-100 Provides the general requirements for compliance of the NYC Noise Mitigation Ordinance.

Section 28-101 Required Noise Mitigation measures for General Construction.

Section 28-102 Describes various construction devices and activities (Impact equipment, Pile Drivers Jack Hammers etc)

Section 28-103 Breakdown of Authorized hours where in construction can take place

Section 28-104 Alternative Noise Mitigation Plan

Section 28-105 Utility Noise Mitigation Plan

Section 28-106 Required Noise Mitigation Plan for Utilities

Section 28-107 Perimeter Noise Barriers

Section 28-108 Temporary or portable noise barriers

You can find the complete ordinance by going to www.nyc.gov/dep where you can procure a copy of this ordinance in its entirety.

If a Construction fence is utilized, it can be lined with the 2 LB American mass loaded vinyl from www.soundproofingamerica.com and will meet the city’s requirement for a 30 STC noise barrier that blocks the line of sight to the receptor. The construction fence cannot extent in height above 15 feet and must block the line of sight from the receptor. The 2LB American mass loaded vinyl is perfect for lining the inside of such a fence structure and meets all of the State and city requirements for such a fence including providing a 32 STC for the fence structure. These barriers can be either permanent or temporary, but either way the American mass loaded vinyl can be re-used to meet the noise mitigation regulations in other areas of the City.

If a chain link fence were utilized, then the 2LB American mass loaded vinyl would be wired to the fence using baling wire or aircraft safety wire and a pair of safety wire pliers. The mass loaded vinyl or MLV for short is a very stout and dense material but it can be drilled or punctured to allow for the wire fasteners to be used. It is recommended that all holed made in the MLV be caulked with an acoustical caulk such as the OSI-175 SC sound caulk.

Now as far as the temporary or portable barriers the requirement is the Sound Seal model BBC-13-2 rolled sound blanket or the equivalent. At Soundproofing America we do carry the equivalent of the BBC-13-2 rolled sound blanket and it will meet all of the requirements for the New York State Ordinance Section 28-108 for the temporary/portable noise abatement barrier. Please contact one of the knowledgeable technicians at www.soundproofingamerica.com and ask about their heavy-duty American sound blanket roll. Lets all work together to keep New York a quieter place for all. Thanks for reading…Dr. Bob….out!!

After arriving at the airport you sure will need some rental car service if you are out of town and there is no one to pick you up to take you to your destination place. If you look around you may find many car rental services to take you to your destination at reasonable rates. One of the options among many is Charlotte North Carolina, where you have many choices for hiring a luxurious limousine or a town car.

Driven by highly trained drivers the car rental service providers offer a wide range of vehicles such as, Sedans, town cars, and luxurious limousines. Drivers are well trained for maintaining a style for their clients.

For a business man a rental car service is just a blessing, as they need to travel a lot for business purposes. When you hire a rental car service you make sure of your safe journey to your destination while doing your own work on your laptop or iPhone. There is no need to worry about traffic or parking spaces just sit back and relax while your chauffer takes you to your destination. 

Limousines and town cars can be best and most preferable vehicles for special events like wedding. One another major benefit of a car rental service is that it’s easy to go or come from the airport to your destination without any worry. You may book for a car rental service one like Charlottes online. Even the airport transport may be a bit expensive but it offers you luxury and comfort. It won’t be a big deal for you if you are a businessman. If you don’t have cash for payment, you need not to worry these car rental services also accept your credit cards.

All the car rental companies across the US are licensed and fully specialized in personal care. These companies even offer some special business rates which make it ideal for businessman.