LAS VEGAS, May 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognized for excellence during the fourth annual Next Generation Luminaires (NGL) Solid-State Lighting (SSL) design competition, Amerlux received Five Next Generation Luminaires (NGL) Awards at LightFair International in Las Vegas. Amerlux, an industry leader of task-specific, energy-efficient lighting solutions and an innovator of LED solutions for retail, supermarket, commercial and hospitality markets, received NGL Awards for the Hornet Line Voltage LED Track Luminaire, Hornet LED Multiples, the Evoke 2.9 G2 LED Recessed Downlight, the Evoke 4.75 G2 LED Downlight, and Evoke 4.75 G2 LED Wall Washer. In addition, these Amerlux products have met the latest ENERGY STAR Program V1.1 Requirements to-date.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120525/NY13697) (Logo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120118/NY36894LOGO)

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), NGL was launched in 2008 to promote excellence in the design of energy-efficient LED luminaires for general illumination in commercial lighting applications. The Next Generation Luminaires competition was created to recognize and promote excellence in the design of energy-efficient LED commercial lighting luminaires and increase market acceptance and awareness of LEDs for general illumination lighting.

"We are extremely proud that five of our offerings were recognized for their design and technology excellence in this year's NGL Award Competition," said Frank P. Diassi, Chairman and Founder of Amerlux. "These awards have elevated Amerlux to the upper echelon of energy efficient LED commercial lighting providers."

Recognized for Indoor Accent Track Lighting, the Hornet Line Voltage LED Track Luminaire features a miniature, dimmable, energy saving Hornet accent that is mountable on a variety of track systems. Judges like the "nice smooth beam spread and appearance" and were especially impressed by the accessories offered. The Hornet LED Track Fixture delivered an output of 822 lumens; using input power of 15.5 watts; an efficacy of 53.17 lumens per watt; a power factor of .99; a Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) of 3107K; and a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 81.7.

The Hornet LED Multiples were recognized for Recessed Accent Lighting and the dimmable, energy saving 12-watt LED accents offered in a one-, two-. three- or four-head recessed housing for a clean architectural look. Designed to deliver quality color and precision aiming, Hornet Multiples were acknowledged by judges for their "symmetrical distribution, nice beam shape and efficacy." The LED Multiples, which are designed with clean trim or trimless options, produced 679.6 lumens with an input power of 11.9 watts, an efficacy of 57.21 lumens per watt, a power factor of .97, a 3035K CCT and an 83 CRI.

Recognized for Recessed Downlighting, the Evoke 4.75 second-generation LED Downlight offers impressive performance, high lumen delivery, and consistent color with full dimmability. Evoke features a seamless square trim, with or without a flange, and a high efficiency lens for uniformed illumination. The "accessibility and warm color" impressed the judges. The light output was 1058 lumens; the input power was 17.7 watts; the efficacy was 59.64 lumens per watt; the power factor was 1.0; the CCT was 3012K; and the CRI was 84.4.

Also recognized for Recessed Downlighting, the Evoke 2.9 G2 LED Downlight integrates fit, finish, and attention to detail with performance and control. The second generation LED downlight features high lumen delivery, consistent color, dimming and glare control, superior cutoff, and a variety of distribution options. Judges acknowledged the "good glare control and distribution." Based on luminaire testing, the light output was 566 lumens; the input power was 12.2 watts; the efficacy was 46.24 lumens per watt; the power factor was .97; theCCT was 3032K; and the CRI was 82.3.

The Evoke 4.75 G2 LED Wall Washer was recognized for Recessed Wall Washing and its asymmetrical distribution and dimmable, even illumination with crisp, consistent color. Judges appreciated the "nice aesthetics and serviceability" of the Evoke second generation LED Wall Washer. Based on luminaire testing, the light output was 923 lumens; the input power was 17.9 watts; the efficacy was 51.59 lumens per watt; the power factor was 1.0; the CCT was 2987K; and the CRI was 84.2.

All five luminaires are backed by Amerlux's limited 10-year warranty.

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Amerlux Receives FIVE NGL Awards for LED Indoor Lighting Fixtures

His Jolly Roger (Smokestack Books, 7.95) is an epic series of 12-line stanzas inspired by Hans Holbeins sixteenth-century woodcuts, The Dance of Death.

As in the Rolling Stones song Sympathy For The Devil, this Roger is a handsome devil, charming and powerful. Everyone is brought low by him the great and the good, the rich and the poor.

He hides in speak-your-weight machines, Nato bombing missions and a bag of Semtex: I am the bone to which all other bones/have bent. I am plastic. My grammar is I will. Words wear my terrorist explosives ... I scream outrage/in times unhearing amphitheatre. I will./Language within a world that lacks language moulds me the semtex architect of hell.

Howdens devil is a political survivor. Hes also a pornographer, merchant banker, democrat, humanist and the enemy of humanity.

Ribald, ironic and irreverent, he hands out justice and denounces greed and the abuses of power in an age where death is a statistic and everyone gets rogered: Fight the good fight for any tune you choose:/Courage and Honour, boys, the bugles blow /but stay away from me. I never lose.

Dante In The Laundrette (Smokestack Books, 7.95) is also set in hell the Third Circle, to be precise where it is always raining.

Never sleep with anyone who has more scars than you, warns outsider artist and disability arts activist Sean Burn in a book about historical scars, scarred landscapes and mental chains.

In this inferno, Lear is a council estate bully and Caedmon has been gender-reassigned and rehoused in a Newcastle tower block.

Meanwhile the poet is sitting contemplating the endless washing-cycles of hell: and im reading dante in the laundrette/ and gulls are so many carrier bags/spewed feral on wind and hurled through my/kingdom all towerblocks and tenements/churchless towers huddle in conspiracy/outsized car stereos for the taking tuned/permanently to uneasy listening by now/im reading our minds will go completely null/as badly worn smalls mediums larges spin/the polycotton mix no longer washing/just like his vowels at the jobless centre.

Tea With The Taliban (Smokestack Books, 7.95) is a book about the real and imagined warring tribes to which we all belong.

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Artful architects of hell

MENDOTA, Calif., May 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --After an extensive architectural selection process, the Mendota Unified School District Board of Trustees, in a unanimous vote on Wednesday, May 23rd, selected BCA Architects to design the district's third elementary school (Cost - $25 million) and to modernize its two existing elementary schools (Cost - $18.8 million).

BCA and the district have had a long-standing relationship of trust and success. BCA had previously been selected in 2011 by the District to prepare the long-range master plan, which is nearing completion. BCA identified the need for a third elementary school along with a series of other short-term and long-term facilities goals to accommodate the current and projected growth in this central valley community.

Superintendent of Schools Mike Crass, said, "Half a dozen firms submitted qualifications to the district for our projects. Three firms were interviewed, and BCA Architects was the unanimous choice of the interview committee for our major projects. Our district prides itself on the quality of our schools, and we are confident that BCA Architects will deliver the highest-quality designs for our community while bringing our learning environments into the 21st Century."

BCA President Paul Bunton said, "What an honor. We sincerely appreciate the board's and administration's confidence in BCA, and we look forward to working together to bring the very best facilities to the students of Mendota."

District Board President Jose Zavala said, "We are thrilled that BCA Architects will be able to complete the work they started on the long range master plan for our district. They are a first-class organization, and we are thrilled with the foresight and professionalism that they bring to our district. Paul Bunton, BCA's president, makes us feel like we are their only client."

The new elementary school opening is anticipated for Fall 2014 while the elementary school modernizations will be completed between 2015 and 2016.

During the same meeting, the board unanimously approved placing a $19 million General Obligation Bond Measure on the November ballot to fund the facilities improvements outlined in the Master Plan.

BCA Architects partners with clients on a mission to achieve excellence in design. Since 1989, BCA strives to strengthen communities through projects to: design facilities, help define partnerships, locate financing, and save energy or present alternate delivery methods. BCA goes above and beyond the task at hand to ensure their clients succeed. http://www.bcaarchitects.com

MEDIA CONTACT: Rachel Del Fierro (925) 785-1435 or RachelD@bcaarchitects.com

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Mendota Unified School District Board of Trustees Selects BCA Architects to Build Schools for the Future

Readmore: Local, State, News, Construction, Steak and Sundae, James Street, Syracuse, City, Eastwood, Buildings, Work, New, Old

SYRACUSE -- There could soon be new life for an old crumbling building in Syracuse's Eastwood neighborhood.

For the past few days, construction crews have been working on the old Steak and Sundae building on the corner of Midler Avenue and James Street. CNY Central has learned the city planning commission has approved most of the plans for the site. The developer has long wanted to transform the old building into new space for new businesses. It appears crews were working on the roof on Friday.

People who live nearby say they are hoping this is a sign of progress for the neighborhood. "I'm happy to see it go if they do something good with it," said Maxine Williams wholives in Eastwood. "They could do a lot of things with this building."

"I hope they build something that looks decent," said Aaron Wheeler who lives in Eastwood. "Right now it looks bad."

A few blocks down the street, the plot of land next to the Walgreens on James Street is also under construction. A sign posted on the fence says it will be completed retail space in the fall.

"I'm hoping they are going to open up new businesses and new jobs for people," said Flora Azemi.

What do you think of the construction in Eastwood?

More here:
Construction could build new life for crumbling buildings in Eastwood

OTTAWA, May 25, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Ivanho Cambridge announced today a $200-million investment in Bayshore Shopping Centre, boosting the centre's retail area by 160,000 square feet (14,900m2). Slated for completion in 2015, this major redevelopment and expansion project begins immediately. The additional retail space will allow the centre to introduce highly desirable retailers into the Ottawa market.

"This investment reflects our strategic plan to invest in our properties in order to provide an exceptional shopping experience for consumers and an optimal place of business for our retailers," said Kim McInnes, President, Global Operations, Ivanho Cambridge.

The centre, managed by Ivanho Cambridge and co-owned with KingSett Capital, will remain open during the phased construction. The modern makeover includes moving and expanding the food court and nearly tripling its seating area, as well as increasing parking space by 10 percent. The bulk of the expansion will be on the northern side of the property, in place of the existing parking tower.

"The project is well-timed because the Ottawa market has grown substantially over the past few years," noted George Fiddler, Senior Vice President, Retail, Central North America, Ivanho Cambridge. "Ivanho Cambridge and KingSett Capital are proud to partner in this investment which will seal Bayshore Shopping Centre's position as the preferred shopping destination for Ottawa and the surrounding areas," he added.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson commented: "Bayshore is a commercial cornerstone for not only the community, but the entire west end of the city. These improvements will generate significant economic benefits and ensure that Bayshore Shopping Centre can continue to be a strong partner to the community."

Mayor Watson and Bay Ward Councillor Mark Taylor joined Ottawa West-Nepean MPP and Ontario Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Bob Chiarelli for the official launch of the redevelopment - one of the largest projects of its kind in Ottawa history. "Expanding Bayshore Shopping Centre will create over 400 new, permanent jobs, right here in Ottawa West-Nepean," said Mr. Chiarelli. "The shopping centre's commitment to enhance our farmers' market and strengthen its partnership with the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre's employment program will also benefit local families."

Bayshore Shopping Centre has been working closely with the provincial and municipal governments, and local community partners, to ensure the success of this redevelopment project. Construction vehicles will be re-routed to mitigate congestion on local streets, and transportation initiatives will be introduced during peak shopping periods.

"Area residents are looking forward to seeing their neighbourhood shopping centre grow into one of the more impressive centres in the country," said Councillor Taylor. "Bayshore Shopping Centre is an incredible community partner and I am very pleased to be on hand for the groundbreaking of this project."

About Bayshore Shopping Centre

Bayshore Shopping Centre is Ottawa's premier shopping destination thanks to its strong tenant mix and ideal geographic location. Situated in the western portion of the Ottawa-Gatineau metropolitan area, it boasts 165 retailers such as Bath & Body Works, Banana Republic, Aries and Jack & Jones, in addition to several anchor stores, including The Bay, Sports Experts and Old Navy. It is also the only shopping centre in Ottawa where both Winners and HomeSense can be found under one roof. Bayshore is visited by over 7 million customers per year.

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Bayshore Shopping Centre embarks on $200-million renovation and expansion project

24-05-2012 21:54 In recent years it has become extremely popular and very fashionable to convert centuries old devonshire barns into beautiful modern houses. These wonderful old farm buildings come in all shapes and sizes. This is not just some current trend though, what better way to preserve and make use of these sturdy, ancient farm buildings than to make them human inhabitable, especially when there are literally 100's of barns sitting around the devon countryside doing absolutely nothing except falling into disrepair and neglect. Restoring and converting a very old character barn into a modern fully equipped home is a very great pleasure for all concerned and generally makes everyone feel like they have accomplished something very special. The small barn that has just been converted in this video dates back to the 16th century and possibly older. The Devon Builders have transformed this old stone animal shed into a very attractive, much sought after dwelling, without compromising any of the buildings historical value and medieval character. This owners of this open plan loft bedroom barn house are now feeling very proud indeed. Another fine house restoration from the award winning devon builders Brimblecombe Bros. for more information, visit the website below, thank you,

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Barn to House Conversion Devon Builders Brimblecombe Bros - Small Barn Conversions Devon - Video

25-05-2012 08:01 If you live in Currie, NC be aware of Fire Damage Restoration. That kind of damage happens quite often and home especially are quite open to Fire Damage. When it happens, contact Water Damage Local.

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Currie, NC - Fire Damage Restoration - Water Damage Local - Video

25-05-2012 08:04 Garland, NC residents, be aware of the fact that your home is open to Fire Damage thanks to Electricity and bad weather. If it happens, look into Fire Damage Restoration by contacting Water Damage Local to get the professionals to work on it.

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Garland, NC - Fire Damage Restoration - Water Damage Local - Video

24-05-2012 21:33 The music in the beginning and the end I got from an Android app called Jazz Ringtones and it is called Home. :]

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My Bedroom Tour and Room Remodeling "Before." - Video

If you are anything like me, picking out paint colors when you are remodeling or freshening up your home can be perplexing. I swear the color never looks the same on the walls as it did on the color cards in the store. One painting business in San Diego offers a nifty website tool that allows you to play with room color online.

Chism Brothers Painting has a webpage set up with a room and a wide variety of colors to choose from. By simply placing your mouse over the color you change the color of the room to get a more realistic idea of how a color might actually look on walls.

If you need even more help, the company also employs a color consultant who will work with you and to determine not just favorite color schemes, but what rooms are high-traffic areas and whether the color selected will compliment your furniture. The company's website states there are over 2200 colors to choose from. Sometimes another point of view can help when selecting colors for painting jobs.

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Painting Tip: Online Color Selection