A Window Washer 3x Quicker - Makes Debut In NZ

Jimmy Haugen, JT Property Wash's business partner, was very happy with how the demo of a robotic window washer went.

Lower Hutt company demonstrates robotic window washer in Wellington: A Lower Hutt company's robotic window washer has been demonstrated in Wellington. The idea by JT Property Wash was to create a machine that could clean the entire facade of appropriate buildings including mullions, seals, facade and windows about three times quicker than traditional abseilers.

The SkyPro Building Wash machine with its automated cleaning technology meant the machines could be remotely controlled and operated safely from the roof and the ground. The machine's brush and spray system did not need chemicals and used water which had been stripped of ions, leaving windows streak free. 

Business partner Jimmy Haugen said that to go up and down a 22-storey building would take 18 minutes. "The main advantages we know this SkyPro machine will deliver are a total building clean done in less time, with more privacy and less intrusion for tenants, giving a much better overall result with increased ease, efficiency, and most importantly safety by reducing the need for abseiling."

The robot, which was imported from America, was weather dependent.  A planned earlier demonstration had to be cancelled because of high winds. The company, which worked all around the country, would use the robot around Wellington.

JT Property Wash account manager Robin Kennedy-Moffat said giving a figure on how much the machine cost was commercially sensitive. "It is a long term investment and partnership with VIU Global that we are very confident will provide many benefits to our customers and our business," Kennedy-Moffat said. 

The machine was very portable and setting up and running the machine could be completed by a team of two people. "We set up a suitable rigging system on the top of the building and at the bottom, if required for added stability, utilising existing features on the building." The rigging system is generally portable unless a building owner invests in a rig that can then stay on the roof of that building. 

Set up time could vary depending on the features present on the roof and the variables we need to work with. "As a general rule the whole rigging system and getting the machine ready to start washing takes less than half a day to set up. If we have the appropriate rigging infrastructure on the roof it can take less than an hour to set up."

JT Property Wash started in 1985 as a division of J.Tomlinson & Co. Ltd, which was a painting company. The washing company had ten gangs as they had had to take on more workers to operate the robot.

Window Cleaning News From The Week

Washing windows: Top picture - Jeremy Wilken of G and M Window Service squeegees the cleaning solution away from the window his partner J. R. Elkins cleaned on the walkway that goes from the Embassy Suites Lincoln to the parking garage on Friday afternoon. Bottom picture: Jeremy Wilken (left) and J. R. Elkins of G and M Window Service look south down 10th Street as northbound traffic passes underneath their cherry picker on Friday afternoon, April 8, 2011. The pair were cleaning the windows of the walkway that goes from the Embassy Suites Lincoln to the parking garage. Click to enlarge.

Window Washer Creates Scare in Downtown Richmond: Did you see a man hanging from a red rope on the side of the Suntrust building downtown Wednesday afternoon? It was a window washer that appeared to be stranded and in need of rescue. It happened sometime between 4:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. on 9th and Main Streets and prompted a call to the Richmond Fire Department for rescue. Lt. Shawn Jones, a spokesman for the fire department, says a ladder truck was dispatched to the scene but when they spoke to the window washer, he refused rescue.

Cleaning the windows on the box seats at O'Brien Field is made a whole lot easier with special tools as Michael Webb of Fish Window Cleaning reaches up with a custom pole system that allows him to clean windows up to four stories high. Click to enlarge.

Schedule window washing: April's usually a good time to wash windows. Ryan McPheters of Virginia Window Cleaners has three tips for DIYers: Use a squeegee, not rags. Overlap passes, and wipe off the blade after each one. If you’d rather have a professional do the job, prices range from $100 for humble digs to $2,000 for estates. McPheters's company typically charges $6.50 per double-hung window, plus $2.50 if it has a storm window.

On the same cruise, our riverboat had to go through a couple of locks. That was an opportunity for the cruise line to get the boat's windows washed from the outside. The window washer could stand on the top of the concrete lock wall and wash windows on both sides of the boat without using a ladder and without having to find a way to wash windows on the side away from a dock. One of our fellow travelers, a young woman, didn't know that. She thought no one could be looking in through the windows of a riverboat from the outside and was surprised when she saw the window washer doing his job while she was running around her cabin in her underwear.

Region's MPs claim £150,000 for two months expenses: Greater Manchester's MPs claimed almost £150,000 in two months, the latest round of House of Commons expenses show. The records – which relate to claims in November and December last year - suggest politicians are continuing to show restraint since 'Expensesgate' struck in 2009. How much your MP claimed: David Crausby, Bolton North East, £14,019.22 Claims included £5 window cleaning and £170 for a fridge and kettle for his office. He claimed the maximum £1,450 in accommodation.

Window Cleaner takes battle against red-light ticket to Kitsap Superior Court: PORT ORCHARD - A quarter-second after the traffic lights at Wheaton Way and Sylvan Way flashed from yellow to red, Sky Steimle's white van coasted right through. Digital cameras installed in March 2008 to deter red-light runners caught Steimle in the act, snapping photos and capturing video footage of the violation. But instead of paying his $124 ticket to the city of Bremerton, Steimle has contested the citation and appealed an earlier Bremerton Municipal Court decision. So far, it's cost him $520 in fees to fight the ticket. Steimle doesn't deny running the red light. But he questions the legality of the city's photo enforcement system, calling it "corrupt and fraudulent."

Appearing before Kitsap Superior Court Judge Anna Laurie on Monday without a lawyer, Steimle became the first person to appeal a Bremerton Municipal Court ruling for red-light infractions to Superior Court. Bremerton contracts with the Arizona-based company Redflex for its nine red-light cameras, paying the company $4,850 a month per camera to administer the program. The cameras are at six intersections. "I feel it's my duty to shed some light on this matter," said Steimle, who lives in Port Townsend and owns a window-cleaning business.

Steimle alleges that sensors in the pavement trigger red lights as drivers approach on yellow. He said he filmed cars passing through the intersection for three hours to back his claim, but he lost the footage when his laptop died. Among a host of complaints brought to court Monday, Steimle challenged Hill's authority to have presided over the case. Hill is a commissioner certified by the Washington Supreme Court, but she isn't a licensed attorney. She serves as a judge pro tem and deals only with traffic and parking infractions. Steimle cites a pair of statutes requiring that municipal court judges take an oath of office and have the same qualifications as other judges. Records requests show Hill isn't an attorney and has no oath on file, he said.

Lawsuit: Woman hit by window washing equipment in Libertyville: A woman is suing a window cleaning company for negligence, claiming she was hit by equipment while walking near a Libertyville Walgreens store last summer. Judy Roberts claims that on Aug. 17, 2010, she was at a Walgreens store in Libertyville when she was struck by a piece of equipment being used to clean the windows, according to a lawsuit filed in Cook County Court. The suit claims that Crystal Clear MSM, Inc., which does business as Fish Window Cleaning North Shore were cleaning the outer windows of the store when Roberts was injured. Fish carelessly and negligently handled the cleaning equipment and failed to train its employees, who were allowed to wear headphones while working, according to the lawsuit. The three-count lawsuit also names Walgreens Company, Bond Drug Company of Illinois, and Blanca Allocco, who owned, operated or managed the Walgreens store. The lawsuit claims negligence and negligent hiring and seeks unspecified damages. A spokesman for Crystal Clear refused to comment and spokesmen for Walgreens and Bond Drug were unavailable for comment.

Jason P. Michael has served for about three years as a member of the Holts Summit Board of Aldermen. He became a member of the board one year earlier after he was appointed to fill an office after a resignation from the board. He won the next election for a two-year term and is now seeking his second full two-year term. He is unopposed in Ward 1. For the last five years, Michael and his wife have owned and operated three businesses in Holts Summit. They include 2 BM Inc. Services, a window washing, pressure washing, lawn care, and air duct cleaning service; Servant Professional Janitorial Services, which provides commercial cleaning services; and Where Ya Headin’ Christian Books & Gifts in the Summit Plaza in Holts Summit. “I also am working toward ordination to become an ordained non-denominational minister. I am one of about 15 or so people who travel around the nation and do street preaching at large events such as Mardi Gras, Super Bowl, presidential inaugural speeches, and when the Pope comes to a city,” Michael said.

It's a seemingly mundane scene. Five buckets, a couple of sodden mops, a squeegee and small pools of water behind a rough cordon. But this is not a cleaning site, it is an art installation by renowned glass artist Wendy Fairclough commissioned for the Smokestack Gallery space at the Canberra Glassworks. In Breach, Fairclough combines cast and blown glass and aluminium objects with a soundtrack of rain falling on a roof as she explores the aftermath of trauma and what happens to our perception of the world when all that we have assumed to be permanent, stable and safe is suddenly wrenched away. Breach is one of two displays that opened at the Canberra Glassworks yesterday. The other is Drink!, a salute to the humble cup by 30 artists from around Australia. Click to enlarge the art!

Dodgy window cleaner warning: Dodgy window cleaners are being targeted in a fresh crackdown in Dumfries and Galloway. Householders and traders are being reminded to check the credentials of window cleaners in a bid to protect themselves against unlicensed cowboys. PC Audrey Johnstone told the Standard: “Licensed window cleaners are required to carry a photographic licence at all times when working and people should verify this.” All licensed window cleaners must have Public Liability Insurance and be licensed with the council under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. If they fail to do so they could face prosecution. Licensing Standards officer Richard Graham said: “The aim of licensing is to safeguard the public and ensure that anyone working as a window cleaner is a fit and proper person to do so.” For more information or to check licensed window cleaners in your area, contact Dumfries and Galloway Council on 01387 24922

We had a daft wee rescue dog in Easterhouse, a bearded collie called Squeegee. When I took Squeegee for walks, the kids would run up to speak to her. One time when I was walking along to the shops on my own, I overheard one little girl say to her friend: “That’s Squeegee’s dad.” Squeegee’s dad – quite a title.

Police Offer Tips to Identify Potential Burglars: Capt. J. Martin Lurz urges residents to stay alert for suspicious activity. Previously, I have described how some burglars use "door-to-door" sales pitches as a ruse for casing a home to see if it is occupied. There are many legitimate folks that go door-to-door as well, but they are more likely to have some type of credentials, a huckster's permit, etc. Here's what I need the residents to be particularly alert for in their neighborhoods if a solicitor comes to your door with a sales pitch of "just starting a new landscaping company" or selling some sort of "window cleaning spray."

Protestors against a new superstore in Dean Road marched through Scarborough town centre yesterday afternoon. Organisers said more than 100 people turned out for the march, which began on Dean Road and progressed to the Town Hall. A petition against Tesco plans for the site, containing 2,700 signatures, was handed to the council. Protesters remained outside the Town Hall for around half an hour, under the watchful eye of PCSOs, but there were no signs of any disorder. Neil Price, a committee member of the Scarborough Town Against Tesco Store group and owner of Kingsway Guest House, said the event had been a success. “It’s a great day, and we’re really happy with the turnout,” he said. “The town is speaking up for itself,” Mr Price added. “People are starting to realise that this is a huge superstore and not just a normal supermarket. “We believe it will decimate small businesses and all the little stores, and another main concern is traffic congestion. “If this goes ahead, in four or five years people will be saying ‘why did we let that happen?’ “This isn’t only a protest against Tesco, we are not in favour of any supermarket on that site.” The decision over whether to grant planning permission will be taken in the summer. Yorkshire Coast College student and window cleaner Matt Witty, 17, said he was worried about the impact a store would have on businesses.

ACE program deals graduates another chance at life: ACE offers a four-to-six-month vocational program of individual counseling and paid street-cleaning work to homeless people from around the city. Many ACE members are simultaneously enrolled in drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs so they can overcome their addictions.“I have a warm spot in my heart for them, ’cause I’ve been in their shoes,” said Steve Martin, who was homeless for 28 years before starting substance abuse treatment in 2006. “If I can do it, I know they can do it.” In 2007, Steve Martin joined ACE, where today as crew supervisor, he assigns members their work shifts and periodically checks on them while they’re on their routes. In addition, ACE provides window washing, snow removal and furniture moving for local businesses.

Question: The sash windows in our attic are stuck with paint, so we can't clean the outside easily. I have heard that a sponge attached to a magnet can be controlled from inside by a sponge and magnet. Is this true?

Answer: "Feedback on magnetic window cleaners hasn't been good," Stephanie Zia says. "The outside part can drop off, and they sometimes leave streaks or, worse, damage the glass. If you can't un-stick the paint (try a putty knife and WD-40), use a Squeegee with a telescopic pole. If you have access via a lower window, a 3.5m pole might work (£14.99, from tooltime.co.uk). For more elaborate systems, including the Mr Longarm Hydrasoar Pole.

Even the NZ governor-general eats leftovers – especially when the country is belt-tightening. "He does not lead a lavish lifestyle. Food is recycled," a government official said of 66-year-old Sir Anand Satyanand's expenses, which show the former district court judge and his aides spent $4.12 million in the last year. Tens of thousands have gone on VIP transport, security, drycleaning, photography, flowers, newspapers, pest control and window washing. Between 2009 and 2010, $410,510 went on horticultural expenses, almost $50,000 on printing, stationery and couriers, and $107,322 on rubbish removal and cleaning. Republican Movement chairman Lewis Holden said the figures were "staggering during a time of austerity", that there were too many staff, and it was absurd to pay people to advise him on legal issues when he was a lawyer. Staff and contractors associated with the office are paid more than $1.56m a year, and the role comes with an annual salary of $191,645.

Fuelling business with incentive scheme: Shopping in Bargo (Australia) now has a few added advantages. Business owners have united in an attempt to promote the town, with seven businesses taking part in the inaugural Shop Locally promotion. Friendly Store owner Barry Evans said the promotion was about giving customers something back. “If local businesses don’t get local support they won’t survive,” Mr Evans said. Each week for 10 weeks, customers who use the participating businesses will go into a draw for a chance to win $100 worth of fuel. Businesses included in the promotion are Budget Window Cleaning.

One tall order - First Canadian Place, designed by Edward Durell Stone, opened in 1975. In 2007, a slab of marble fell off the building's 54th floor, forcing police to close King Street. Workers have hung 14 suspended elevated platforms around the circumference of the building, attached to the roof by cables that run through the window-washer channels. These platforms are three storeys high.  On the top platform -the 56th floor, on Thursday -workers with Sota Glazing Inc. use huge steel arms with electric suction cups to affix new 8-foot by 10-foot sheets of triple-layer glass on brackets that steelworkers have attached to the building. Each sheet replaces eight pieces of marble. "The guys are happy. Morale is a big thing," says a smiling Nino Pastore, general foreman for Sota. He has 26 guys working the day shift, 13 at night, and now four for the midnight shift. Another challenge, Mr. Pastore says, is fostering "harmony" between two unions -glaziers and ironworkers -on this deck, especially since "sometimes we're under the gun for time, to make sure we're on time." Still, he says, "We're doing pretty well." In nine months, workers replaced the marble on 16 storeys.

On the First Canadian Place makeover: 54,000 Number of slabs of Italian Carrera marble that workers will remove from the building. Each slab measures 3-foot-11 by 2-foot-6, is about one-and-a-half inches thick and weighs about 100 kg. 5,986 The number of glass panels that Sota Glazing Inc. is baking in Brampton to cover the building. They measure eight feet by 10 feet and are known as "unitized spandrel panels." They are made from a laminate consisting of five layers which, sandwiched together, make the panel 7/8 of an inch thick. Most are white, though the panels in the tower's corners will be bronze. Each panel weighs about 500 kg and replaces eight marble slabs. 70 Number of winches on the tower roof to hold the 14 suspended elevated platforms on which more than 100 workers are toiling to replace the skin of the tower. 900 Height, in feet, the First Canadian Place, unrivalled since it opened in 1975 as Canada's tallest office tower.

Picture of the Day + Window Cleaning News

Above: SQUEAKY CLEAN: A window washer cleaned the windows of a building along Bishop Street in downtown Honolulu yesterday.

Window dressing for Christmas/New Zealand: If you're feeling the pinch as we head into Christmas, spare a thought for Santa. A week before the big day, he and his elves set about earning a bit of extra cash for gifts by taking on a window cleaning job at the Holiday Inn in Featherston St, Wellington. Hotel general manager Heather Idoine-Riley said the hotel's windows were always cleaned about this time of year, when the equinox gales were over, so summer guests could enjoy the views. This year, the crew from Bright Sparks suggested they do it in costume. The hotel was full, and guests were warned there were window cleaners outside, but they were all surprised to see Santa and his elves abseiling down the building. "People in conference rooms were coming out and saying, 'Hey, did you know Santa's outside?'," she said. "Everyone was just tickled pink. It's the spirit of Christmas."

PORTLAND, Oregon: No matter where you go in Oregon or Southwest Washington, people are talking about the weather. And they're making the best of the blustery conditions. Some jobs require their workers to be out in the cold, from gas station attendants to tree farm workers. So on days like this, "the hands and toes get real cold," said David Hein, a worker at a Christmas tree lot. Mike Long also is familiar with working in the elements. He's a window cleaner. "We also do high-rise window cleaning and you definitely can't do that in the high winds," Long said. KATU's cameras caught up with Long as he gassed up his business rig - after it had some trouble getting to Portland through the Columbia Gorge winds. "I was goin' down Interstate 84, and I thought I had the ladders tied down," Long said, "but my 40-foot ladder come off the top of the van." He was able to tie it back, with no accidents or property damage. It's all part of living in the Northwest, and working with the wind.

Don't forget to subscribe to Don's site to receive news of when the videos come out! Don says "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone! I’m really busy right now, and I haven’t had to discount my prices at all, in spite of continuing bad economic news…"

Cat helps window cleaner Jay clean up: Window cleaner Jay Gardner had a clear vision of his aims when he made his debut in this year’s Caterham Academy Championship. After making it to the finals of a single-seater scholarship, the 28-year-old former motocross rider knew he had the ability. And after building his own Caterham sports car, Gardner, who lives in Barrowford, is celebrating after mopping up in the seven-round series. “The scheme involves you buying a Caterham off the factory in kit form, which you then build yourself, and included in the price is the race licence, a track day to set-up the car and entry into the championship. “That comprises seven rounds, with three sprint meetings at Curborough, Pembrey and Lydden Hill and then four races at Anglesey, Rockingham, Brands Hatch and Mallory Park.” And Gardner proved to be the class of the 30-stong field, winning four rounds on his way to the title and taking the lap record at Rockingham and Mallory. “The points table is designed to ensure a close-run championship, and it certainly works. I won it by just one point in the final at Mallory Park,” he explained. After collecting his trophy at a gala dinner in London, Gardner is now looking ahead to 2010. “The Academy is for first-timers only, so I’m looking to move up to the next level, which is the Caterham Roadsports Championship.

Potential Strike Update: Broadway House Staff Union and League Meet Today - Negotiations for the new union contract (the current one expires on December 31) that covers over 240 theatre service workers began on December 3, 2009 and resumes today between 32BJ SEIU and The Broadway League. Variety reported on Tuesday that the members of SEIU 32BJ have now voted to authorize a strike should the union's bargaining committee decide that one is necessary. While this doesn't mean that they will strike, it does bring the threat of a strike closer to reality.
Discussions with other unions including Equity who might also then honor a strike are also said to be underway. Earlier today, Stephanie Gaskell of the New York Daily News reported that Broadway may be acing yet another stagehand strike, as a group of about 150 cleaning workers who tend to many of Broadway's houses - members of 32BJ SEIU - are threatening a strike if dissatisfied with their current contract negotiations. The demands of the workers include a $1.50-an-hour pay raise and and no health insurance cuts. Says 32BJ's secretary-treasurer: "In this environment, every employer is complaining. Broadway is doing far better than anybody."
With more than 110,000 members in eight states and Washington, DC, 32BJ is the largest property service workers union in the country. 32BJ is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), an organization of over 2 million members united by a belief in the dignity and worth of workers and the services they provide. To raise industry standards and improve lives, SEIU and 32BJ focuses its resources on organizing new members into the union. The union consists of security officers; doormen, porters, and maintenance workers; bus drivers and aides; window cleaners and food service workers.

Partners In Grime: Two of London's leading windows cleaning firms merge to offer what could be the UK's most reliable window cleaning services available. Ncpm247.com, London's most prestigious residential window cleaning company today announced a rock solid partnership with the very well known and trusted commercial window cleaning firm, All Clean Services. Ncpm247.com, established in 1985, offers high quality window cleaning with award winning customer services to domestic and residential clients across London, with clients ranging from members of the Royal Family to other well known celebrities, while All Clean Services, an equally reputable and long standing window cleaning firm, performs commercial window cleaning with clients such as Selfridges and many other well known landmark buildings across the Southeast. According to Ncpm247.com's general manager, Mr. Sean Sheen, the partnership will provide both residential and commercial clients with a one-stop shop for all window cleaning solutions. "It is going to make life much easier for our customers since they won’t have to deal with two different companies, and it means that our companies partnership creates a real force to be reckoned with for our competitors."

Essex Police urge residents to contact them about conman: A bogus window cleaner has been targeting elderly people in a village. Police say the con-man struck twice in Theydon Bois, on Sunday, December 13 at the homes of women in their 80s. At one address he claimed that he had cleaned the windows and charged £5. But the windows had not been touched. At a second address he charged £3 but is thought to have taken about £15 by tricking the woman out of change from a £20 note. Again the windows were not cleaned. Police have urged residents to be vigilant and to call them if they are approached by a stranger claiming to be their window cleaner. The man involved was white, aged about 40 to 50, about 5ft 10ins tall, and had short dark hair. He was wearing a grey jacket. Anyone with information should contact Epping police station on 0300 333 4444.

Window Cleaning Tips, Videos & News

Chris Dawber aka "Wagga" & his fridge-freezer starts a series of how to make a cheap introduction backpack for water fed pole use. Chris says "Follow me in my learning curve while I construct a trolley system out of a backpack from what Iv'e learnt from others and forums." The second video deals with the Unger clamp & the 3rd & 4th video talks about adapting the Wagtails.

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Join today by setting up your free profile and take your business to the next level.

Maurice Clemmons, the 37-year-old man wanted for questioning in the killing of four Lakewood police officers Sunday morning, has a long criminal record punctuated by violence, erratic behavior and concerns about his mental health. His criminal history includes at least five felony convictions in Arkansas and at least eight felony charges in Washington. That record also stands out for the number of times Clemmons has been released from custody despite questions about the danger he posed.
Mike Huckabee, while governor of Arkansas, granted clemency to Clemmons nine years ago, commuting his lengthy prison sentence over the protests of prosecutors. "This is the day I've been dreading for a long time," Larry Jegley, prosecuting attorney for Arkansas' Pulaski County, said Sunday night when informed that Clemmons was being sought in connection after four Lakewood police officers were shot dead in what authorities call an ambush. In Pierce County, Clemmons had been in jail for the past several months on a child-rape charge that carries a possible life sentence. He was released from custody one week ago, even though he was staring at eight felony charges in all.
Clemmons posted $15,000 with a Chehalis company called Jail Sucks Bail Bonds. The bondsman, in turn, put up $150,000, securing Clemmons' release on the child-rape charge. Clemmons moved to Washington from Arkansas in 2004. He was placed under the supervision of the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) for an Arkansas conviction, according to a department spokesman. The DOC classified him as "high risk to reoffend." His supervision was to continue until October 2015, the spokesman said.
He lives in Tacoma, where he has run a landscaping and power-washing business out of his house. He is married, but the relationship has been tumultuous, with accounts of his unpredictable behavior leading to at least two run-ins with police this year. Read more..

Display creative director Chris Parker puts the finishing touches on the annual Ballantynes Christmas window in Christchurch, NZ. In spite of the recession, Ballantynes would be putting on a great show, Parker said. "The frontage is worth $70,000 to $80,000, but in terms of world standards that is chicken feed. "Bloomingdale's [in New York] spends US$300,000 (NZ$413,000) on a frontage. What we can produce here in Christchurch is every bit as good for the money spent," he said.
The Christmas window has been popular since it began in 2002 and about 2000 people were expected to attend today's unveiling. "I just love seeing all the fingerprints on the glass at the end of the day – the number of kids who've pressed their little noses up," Parker said. In past years the window has needed cleaning up to four times a day – "a sure sign of success".

Tampa Bay Contest Seeking Young Inventors: Elementary and middle school students in the Tampa Bay area are vying for a chance to be named top inventor and take home a $1,000 cash prize. Last year’s finalist inventors created interchangeable shoe covers, a new insulin pump, edible taco tape and an automatic window washer. The contest was the brainchild of Anna Hopen, 10 whose father, Anton Hopen, is a patent attorney. “If a toy broke or an appliance didn’t work right, Anna would have a sketch of an improved product waiting for me when I got home from work,” Hopen noted. “At some point we both realized what a great opportunity this would be to motivate kids towards science and technology.”

Mark Strange of "Beautiful View" from Toronto, Canada gives us another installment with a few more unbiased reviews of products from Window Cleaning Resource in the window cleaners workplace, this week he is examining the opti-loc extension pole from Unger.

Mark's a glass act on the oche: Window cleaner Mark Petchey is preparing to step up to the oche at darts’ most prestigious venue after reaching the quarter-finals of a national competition. The 45-year-old, who lives in June Drive, Winklebury, Basingstoke, got through seven matches to win the south-east section of the John Smiths People’s Darts competition. He will now play on the main stage at Lakeside, Frimley Green, hours before the final of the World Professional Darts Championship. “Playing at Lakeside is a dream come true for me and I am really looking forward to it,” said Petchey. “I have only ever played in pub leagues and never done anything like this before. “I am practising every day now, putting in a couple of hours every night to prepare for the big day.”

If you have looked around for life insurance and have applied for term insurance quotes, you may have noticed that they may differ among the providers. So how do the providers reach their figures? Do they just make a haphazard guess and choose the first figure that comes into heads? Actually, they make the decision based on several different factors concerning you. Factors that may contribute towards your quotes. Usually when applying for term life insurance you are given a general quote based on your age, sex and general health. However if you are interested in the quote, the insurance provider typically then goes into further detail and wants to know a great deal more about you, so they can charge your premiums based on how much of a 'risk' there is of you dying! What you do for a living may be a consideration that determines how much you pay for your term insurance quotes. If you are a window cleaner and clean high-rise tower blocks from platforms, then you may be considered as being a bigger risk than if you have an office job.

And finally...

Window Cleaning News

Window washer rescued from outside skyscraper: DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO — A window washer stuck in a basket between the ninth and 10th floors of the Omni Hotel in downtown San Diego was lowered to safety yesterday afternoon with the help of firefighters. Jimmy Zapien, 27, was washing windows outside the skyscraper about 1:50 p.m. when the basket's cable became jammed in the pulley system, preventing the basket from moving up or down, said Maurice Luque, a spokesman for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. A firefighter rappelled from the roof of the building to the basket and strapped the window washer into a harness. Zapien was then safely lowered. Zapien's co-workers from Southland Exterior Building Services, as well as hotel employees and passers-by, craned their necks to watch the rescue unfold. Applause broke out as soon as he touched ground. The ordeal lasted less than an hour.

Westlake Boys take top honours, NZ: An ingenious mathematics based computer game and a user-friendly magnetic window washer saw Westlake Boys High School take out the two top honours at the annual Smales Farm North Shore Regional Awards as part of the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES). The student companies, made up of year 12 and 13 students, were presented with awards at a ceremony at North Harbour Stadium last night in front of an audience of dignitaries, sponsors, mentors, parents and fellow students who participated in this year’s Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme. Fellow Westlake student company ProDG won the Smales Farm North Shore YES Company of the Year Runner Up with their pragmatic magnetic window washer.

Have you seen stolen window cleaner's van? A window cleaner’s van was stolen from a driveway in Crowthorne overnight between Monday and Tuesday. The white, LA53 plate Ford Transit van has the words ‘Town and Country window cleaning services’ written on the side and was taken from the owner’s drive in New Wokingham Road sometime between 9pm on Monday and 8am the following morning. Anyone with information can call police on 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

MANAMA: The Labour Ministry launched an investigation into two worksite accidents yesterday that killed one worker and left another seriously injured, reports ANIQA HAIDER. Indian Pokkillatha Ali Sulaiman, 51, fell to his death from the second floor of a building in Isa Town. The accident took place at 10am when he was cleaning a window at the Traffic Directorate. Mr Su-laiman worked for a cleaning company and leaves behind wife and two children.

Dust haze blankets coast: The Coffs Coast again held its breath again yesterday as another dust haze blanketed much of the east coast. While it wasn't of the same magnitude as the dust storm a couple of weeks ago, paramedics again treated people for breathing difficulties and local air traffic was again affected. By mid morning, the visibility was reduced to 5000 metres adding to the difficulty of pilots and the tower at Coffs Harbour Regional Airport. “The dust that's blowing over from South Australia and western NSW is being lifted by strong winds caused by the combination of a cold front and a low pressure system moving across Bass Strait,” said Mr Crow.
“Here in Coffs Harbour, there's been a layer of dust sitting at about 2300 feet. The bureau has forecast the likelihood of further hazes or storms in coming weeks, but it's hoped the inland dust will finally be settled by rains forecast around Christmas. The dust is proving a boon for some at least. Local house-washers and automatic carwashes are predictably flat out - and then there are the window washers! “I just can't keep up,” said Bayden Hogan of Coffs Window Cleaning. “While the dust isn't as noticeable on vertical surfaces like windows, there's a fine film on the windows so when it rains it turns to mud. We are very, very busy.”

Dougherty County School System; The board also approved the recommendation from its Buildings & Grounds Committee to award the Administration Building pressure washing/window cleaning project to Albany's Akridge Interiors, the lowest qualified bidder at $22,000. Minority businesses Robie Thompson and Tandem Contracting turned in bids of $7,990 and $8,400, respectively. Akridge is a women-owned business. The board voted 5-2 for the bid. Board members Velvet Riggins of District 3 and Anita Williams-Brown, at-large, voted against it. "I would like to talk to the (Building & Grounds) Committee about the process in which these people were selected," Riggins said. "There's still people being eliminated, but we're pleased with what the (Building & Grounds) committee has done with including more minority businesses. But, there's still more work to be done." Maschke said the pressure washing/window cleaning project received seven bids, which he said, "was good participation on a small project." He said the large participation follows the Building & Grounds Committee directing school system staff to solicit proposals from local, small and minority firms.

Cleaning up on windows is just the start for Everest chief: At 1,732ft above sea level, it is the UK’s highest pub. But the cosy hostelry is well-known for another reason. It was the setting of a memorable television ad in the 1980s for the Everest double glazing firm. In the ad Ted Moult, the farmer-cum-TV personality, dropped a feather in front of a window and watched the feather fall vertically onto the sill. “Fit the best. Everest,” said Moult. It was one of those ad slogans that stuck in the public’s consciousness. Although Moult shot himself in 1986 after a period of depression, the ad lives on. Everest recently remade the promo with TV presenter Craig Doyle in the Moult role. As well showing the double-glazing, the ad revealed that the pub’s roof was fitted with solar panels.
It is a neat snapshot of where Everest is today; solar panels are a growing part of Everest’s business as consumers look to “green up” their lifestyles. Simon Jarman, Everest’s managing director, believes that there is a “big opportunity” in energy efficiency as some 20pc of a house’s heat is lost through its windows. And he says that the TV ads still resonate. “There is not one person who doesn’t remember that ad campaign. Most companies would do anything to have that brand awareness,” he says. Business is going well, despite the downturn. The doors and windows market fell by 12pc last year and is down 14pc this year. Everest’s sales of doors and windows, however, have grown by 13pc this year. Overall it is seeing 2.5pc sales growth. This is due to what Mr Jarman describes as a “flight to brand”. Everest pitches itself at the top of the market, which has attracted customers. Everest’s average customer is 55 years old. Eighty per cent of its clientele do not have a mortgage. Most are in the A and B demographics. “We don’t compete on price and we haven’t reduced our prices at all. Our customers are savers rather than borrowers, which has made them more resilient in a downturn,” he says.

A company that has revolutionised the window business with it’s custom designed safety windows has just scooped an international award. Britplas, based on Winstanley Industrial Estate off Long Lane, Orford, clinched the top award for Product Design for Healthcare at the Design & Health International Academy Awards. The business won the accolade for it’s Safevent windows, which have taken to the medical industry by storm with safety features that has seen it fitted in secure units across the country. The judges praised the company’s design saying: “The Safevent window allows patients and staff to fully open a window in complete safety with no restrictions, permitting maximum natural ventilation. Due to its unique design, it has no locks or hinges and has self-cleaning glass. Its installation in over one hundred acute locations is testimony to its operational success.” The window has a fine mesh over the openable side that allows the window to be open and let in air, but nothing else can get through. It also offers extra safety as they are designed to be anti ligature fittings. Already it has become a massive success and the windows have been installed at hospitals across the country.

Class under glass help Blue Peter star: Sunderland students are on a high after using their singing skills to help Blue Peter presenter Joel Defries through a hard day's work. The popular BBC kids' show's latest presenter had his work cut out when he stopped off in the region to film part of the TV programme. And pupils from Highfield Community Primary School, Ford, Sunderland, were on hand to help him get through his gruelling day. A team of abseilers responsible for cleaning The Sage Gateshead, IS-IS Property Service, had set Joel the task of helping them get the iconic regional landmark spotless. Joel was given extensive training to learn how to abseil, and how to clean windows, before being put to test on the roof alongside the experienced team. And to help him with his work, a team of youngsters from the school sang George Formby's When I'm Cleaning Windows as they waved him on from the building's concourse. When he got back down to earth, Joel said: "I knew it sounded good but The Sage Gateshead has never looked so good." Anthony Wintle, an experienced abseiling window cleaner from IS-IS, added: "I think my job's safe – for now."

Providing insights into strengthening your business: In celebration of Small Business Week, Campbell River Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Business and Professional Women’s Network, will present Together We Are Stronger – Insights and Ideas to Strengthen Your Business. The evening will kick-off with networking and an opportunity to learn more about the BPWN and the Chamber of Commerce. During dinner, Brent Hohlweg, co-founder and CEO of Men in Kilts, North America’s premier window and gutter cleaning company, will share his insights about the growth, success and unique marketing twist of his business. Over dessert and coffee, a panel of local entrepreneurs will discuss their business experiences and address questions from the floor.
Men in Kilts, with head offices based in Richmond, B. C. provides an industry first guaranteed five minute eco-friendly green estimate to more than 4,000 clients across the entire Lower Mainland. Hohlweg’s business partner and Men in Kilts president, Nic Brand, started Men in Kilts in 2002 with just $500 and a ladder strapped to the top of a rusty old Honda. Since then Hohlweg and Brand have taken the company from idea and sole proprietorship to an outstanding commercial success. Sales have doubled every year since incorporation and in 2009, Men in Kilts will surpass the one million mark. The corporation has been built with a long-term vision to franchising across North America. Hohlweg’s professional background includes many years in management with a Fortune 500 retail company and number of small start ups. Most recently Hohlweg was awarded the 2008 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce.

Police warn of window washer scammer making rounds: Don’t open your doors to strangers, warn Saanich police, as a man claiming to be a window washer has scammed a number of seniors out of money. Police know of at least five incidents around Greater Victoria – including Saanich, Central Saanich, and Oak Bay – since September, where a man calling himself John and claiming to be from a window washing company says he is in need of assistance. The man has told his victims that he’s at the building – most often apartment buildings for seniors – to wash windows and that his van broke down nearby. He asks residents for money to get his vehicle fixed. Most often he requests $20 or $40, but has also asked for $200.
The latest incident happened on Oct. 10 when the suspect entered a building in the 500 block of Marsett Place claiming to be in distress because his vehicle broke down. In this case, he showed his driver’s licence to the victim, presumably to prove his legitimacy. “I don’t know if it was fake or not,” said Sgt. Julie Fast. “My guess is that it was his actual driver’s licence, but (the victim) couldn’t recall the name on it.” The man also entered a business in the 4000 block of Quadra St. on Oct. 5 with the same story, asking for $80 to fix his vehicle. The man was very forceful and wouldn’t leave, so staff called police. He was gone before police arrived and some money was given to him before he left.
“This person is being allowed into (apartment) buildings, which means he’s being buzzed in ... Don’t let anybody into the building that you don’t know,” said Sgt. Julie Fast. “If you’ve got this individual asking for money, if your suspicions are raised, don’t hand over your money to anybody. Don’t give them money if you don’t know them. And if you do find yourself giving money to somebody and they leave, and you’re thinking, ‘Why did I do that?’ call police. Anything suspicious like that, report it to police right away.” The suspect involved is described as a caucasian man between 35 and 45 years of age. He is between 5’8” and 5’10” tall, 160 to 180 pounds. He has short dark brown hair. Police are asking anyone with information on this man to give call 250-475-4321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

'Chilling' threats to get cash: A man who loaned his life savings to a friend who was later jailed for drug dealing made chilling threats to try to get the cash back. Antony Weegram gave £12,500 to friend Antony O'Connor to set up a window cleaning business. But he harassed O'Connor's mother Debra Dunn on several occasions after he was jailed for five years last year. Teesside Crown Court heard how Weegram, 25, inferred to her that O'Connor could be attacked in prison if they did not come up with the money. Weegram received a suspended prison sentence yesterday after admitting harassment. But he denied threatening violence. The court heard Weegram first approached Mrs Dunn in the street on January 4 and went with her to her daughter's house where they were expecting a call from O'Connor. But he left before the phone call after things got heated and Weegram said: "I'm not waiting five years to get the money back." On January 19, he contacted her again through a third party who warned the debt could rise to £16,000. Mrs Dunn then called Weegram to try and sort things out, but felt harassed again after another heated conversation. Sam Andrews, prosecuting, said: "The first time she met him he made her believe her son might come to harm in prison. "She was clearly harassed throughout this period and frightened by his behaviour." There was no suggestion the loan was used or intended for drugs. Paul Cleasby, mitigating for Weegram, who was of previous good character, said: "He is sorry for the upset that he has caused Mrs Dunn." Weegram, a welding inspector of Belmont Gardens, was sentenced to three months in prison suspended for two years. Judge Peter Fox said: "That to a mother obviously already in distress at her son's offending and sentence, it must have come as an additional burden to bear and it was a chilling thing for her to hear."

Finally: Tony Evans of "A New View window cleaning" gives us another episode in the weather or not summer edition..