John Exadaktilos is the owner of Ducktown Tavern in Atlantic City and says nearly3,300 people flocked through the doors Saturday because of the parade.

"We had beautiful weather. From what I've seen in the past nine years we've done this, we had record breaking crowds in this town," says Exadaktilos. "Food was coming out of here faster then they could make it. All in all, it was just a good business day."

But the Irish festivities aren't just finished yet.Exadaktilos and his staff are gearing up to open their doors Monday for St. Patty's Day.

"We are preparing now for tomorrow. We're over staffed again to make sure everyone's happy when they come in. Make sure everyone drinks well, eats well, and gets home safe," says Exadaktilos.

Even the Irish Pub saw a boost in business from the parade.

"Yesterday was mobbed here. It was packed. It was just a great time," says Tracy Talley, manager at the Irish Pub in Atlantic City."Yesterday was such a beautiful day for a parade. And for people to be outside, that's why we were so busy. Outside on our patio, the patio was filled up in about five minutes. There wasn't a seat to be had out there."

Staff at the pub say they're excited and ready for Monday.

"We're stocked and ready to go as if we we're serving for the summer," says Talley.

Although the weather cooperated for Saturday's parade, Mother Nature is expected to bring snowfall to South Jersey on St. Patty's Day.

"Rain or shine, I think everybody wants to be Irish on St. Patty's Day. I don't think it's going to stop them," says Talley.

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Businesses see green this St. Patrick's Day weekend - NBC40.net

Kellogg #39;s Painting, Windham NY 12496, Painters staining
Painting contractors Windham NY 12496 painters, deck - house staining and pressure washing company. Kellogg #39;s Painting painters serving Catskills and Hudson ...

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Kellogg's Painting, Windham NY 12496, Painters & staining - Video

Instead of bemoaning your spring cleaning to-do list, you can scratch off a couple of big items by yelling WOW.

Two women 47-year-old Cindi Urquhart and 31-year-old Merideth Otten recently started their own one-day painting business in Barrie called WOW 1 DAY Painting.

You can either hire one painter for five days or five painters for one day, Otten said.

Seated in Urquhart's beautifully decorated living room, it's easy to see who is the designer.

Yet, without Otten's in-depth knowledge of all things paint, primer and preparation, even Urquhart admits she'd be lost.

I worked at Dulux, but paint has changed so much in the last 20 years. When Otten walked in, she has so much knowledge about new products, she's just a gem, Urquhart said.

A former model, Otten said she's had her share of coffees sent over to her table at coffee breaks. She said her painting hobby was noticed by a former boss who urged her to continue with an education in her passion.

With a client list that now includes the Ricoh Coliseum at Toronto's Exhibition Place, the basement at the Toronto Eaton Centre, Barrie's surface water treatment plant, as well as private residential customers, Otten knows how to handle large and small jobs.

Using spray systems, rollers and brushes, Otten said she's come to appreciate the devil is in the details of the preparation work before the painting begins.

A lot of customers just want to get to the finished product as soon as possible, but it's the priming that will determine how the end product looks, she said.

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Barrie painting company has wow factor ; promises to finish the job in one day

Home and Garden More Home & Garden On The House By Jim Weiker The Columbus Dispatch Sunday March 16, 2014 5:13 AM

Homeowners want their outdoor living spaces to have low-maintenance plants, nice lighting, fire pits and comfortable seating this year, according to the 2014 trends survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

The annual survey of landscape architects found that interest in outdoor living remains very high.

Architects said 98.3 percent of clients rated lighting as somewhat or very in-demand this year, followed by seating/dining areas (97.7 percent), fire pits/fireplaces (95.4 percent), low-maintenance landscapes (95.4 percent), grills (94.3 percent), and living areas such as kitchens or entertainment spaces (92 percent).

Other popular items include installed seating such as benches, seat walls, ledges, steps, and boulders (89.6 percent), fencing (88.5 percent), native/adapted drought-tolerant plants (88 percent) and water elements such as ornamental pools or waterfalls (86.1 percent).

Far fewer homeowners were interested in sleeping spaces (14.9 percent), geothermal-heated pools (27.2 percent) hammocks (34.1 percent) and outdoor cooling systems such as fans (37.2 percent).

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Outdoor lighting a priority

Mar 17 2014 Two Syrian Children Die in Fire at Zaatari Camp ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Two Syrian children died late Saturday night after a fire broke out in one of the caravans for the Syrian refugees in Zaatari camp near Jordan's border town of Mafraq. ... Mar 17 2014 Qatar's MPHC net profit hits USD164m ,MENAFN (MENAFN) Qatar's Petro-chemical Holding Company (MPHC) said that its net profit in the four-month period ending December 31, 2013 hit USD164.68 million, The Peninsula Qatar reported. Chief ... Mar 17 2014 Iran's Foreign Minister Meets Qatar's Assistant Foreign Minister ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) HE Iran's Foreign Minister Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif met with HE Qatar's Assistant Foreign Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Rumaihi during his visit ... Mar 17 2014 Natural Gas Likely to Remain Top Energy Source Until 2035 ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Natural gas is expected to be the fastest growing energy source until 2035, according to the latest BP Energy Outlook 2035. Between 2012 and 2035, natural gas demand ... Mar 17 2014 MPHC Declares Net Profit of QR 0.6 Billion ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Company (MPHC) announced its financial results for the four-month period ended December 31, 2013 with a net profit of QR 0.6 billion. In ... Mar 17 2014 Qatar - MPHC Declares Net Profit of QR 0.6 Billion ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Company (MPHC) announced its financial results for the four-month period ended December 31, 2013 with a net profit of QR 0.6 billion. ... Mar 17 2014 Qatar - Ooredoo, QCS Sign Agreement to Build Cancer Awareness Centre ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Ooredoo signed a partnership with the Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) to build and support a new state-of-the-art cancer awareness centre in Doha, "The Ooredoo Cancer ... Mar 17 2014 Abu Dhabi, central bank of the UAE to refinance USD20 b debt ,MENAFN (MENAFN) Abu Dhabi and the central bank of the UAE have announced their plan to refinance USD20 billion of debt that was extended to the Dubai government, according to Arab News. The debt will be ... Mar 17 2014 Kuwait Stock Exchange Indices Finish Green ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Action came to a close for Sunday with a mixed board at Kuwait Stock Exchange as the weighted index finished green at 460.45 points, a gain of 0.48 points, the price ... Mar 17 2014 Qatar Stock Exchange Down 0.11% ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) The Qatar Exchange ended in the red area when trading closed Sunday at 11,331.05 points (0.11%) down 12.33 points from the previous closing of 11,343.38 points on ... Mar 17 2014 Saudi Arabia's Inflation Hits 4-Year Low in February ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Saudi Arabia's headline inflation hit a four-year low level of 2.8 percent in February. According to data released by Central Department of Statistics, prices of food ... Mar 17 2014 KNOC Discovers Additional Oil Reserve in Iraq ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) A joint oil exploration project involving South Korea's state-run oil company in Iraq has made another significant oil discovery in the Middle Eastern country, the ... Mar 17 2014 Malaysian Domestic Trade Minister Meets Qatari Ambassador ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Malaysian Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hasan Malek met with HE Qatar's Ambassador to Malaysia Issa bin Mohammad Al-Mannai During the ... Mar 17 2014 Minister Bin Alawi Wishes Success for Upcoming Arab Summit inKuwait ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) HE the Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah expressed hope that the upcoming Arab Summit in Kuwait would ... Mar 17 2014 Mideast Peace Talks at "Pivotal" Juncture: Kerry ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) US Secretary of Sate John Kerry urged Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas on Sunday to work hard to narrow huge differences with the Israelis at a "pivotal" time for peace ... Mar 17 2014 Nepal's Deputy Premier Meets Qatar's Ambassador ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) HE Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Bam Dev Gautam met with HE Qatar's Ambassador to Nepal Ahmad Jassim Al-Hamar. Talks during the meeting covered ... Mar 17 2014 Carnegie Mellon Qatar Celebrates 10th Anniversary Tomorrow ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Carnegie Mellon University celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its Qatar branch tomorrow at an official anniversary event, the university said today. The event will ... Mar 17 2014 Three Palestinians Injured in Clashes with Israeli Soldiers ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Three Palestinians were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers last night in the town of Bait Ummar, north of Hebron in the West Bank. Palestinian sources said ... Mar 17 2014 King of Bahrain to Visit Pakistan Tomorrow ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain will begin on Tuesday a three-days state visit to Pakistan. The King of Bahrain will hold talks with Pakistan's President ... Mar 17 2014 Iran to Discuss New Plan to Resolve Syrian Crisis ,Qatar News Agency (MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that Iran has devised a 4-aricle plan to resolve the Syrian crisis. Speaking to ... more...

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Kuwait - Runaway maid probed

James Cothran: Gardens of Historic Charleston Source
Landscape architect and garden historian, James Cothran discusses his new book, Gardens of Historic Charleston. This volume provides a fascinating account of...

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James Cothran: Gardens of Historic Charleston Source - Video

Madison County

A $3,000 landscape grant from the Missouri Department of Conservation will be funding a makeover of the Iron County Courthouse lawn.

MDC Landscape Architect Tim Prevert recently presented a landscaping plan to the Iron County Commission.

The plan was the result of conversations that took place between Presiding County Commissioner Don Barzowski, local MDC Forester Matt Jones and MDC forestry employee Rob Cofer.

Several highlights of the plan include the removal of the sweetgum tree on the northeast corner of the courthouse lawn. It will be replaced by a white pine that will serve as a community Christmas tree in the years ahead.

The large sugar maple by the cannons will also be removed because of what appears to be internal problems and its interference with the power lines.

The main focus of the design are four Cherokee Princess Dogwood trees that will be placed at the front of the courthouse. The holly bushes will be removed.

Other plantings will include maple trees, a willow oak, redbuds and a service berry.

Planting is expected to begin next month, weather permitting. The landscape plan is available for public viewing at the Iron County Courthouse.

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Iron County Courthouse lawn to get makeover

Hawaii attracts about 7 million visitors annually and its no wonder: with a beautiful natural landscape, rich culture, and vast range of activities, it is one of the most diverse destinations in the U.S. No two islands of the six-island chain are the same, and even different areas and coasts of a single island can vary drastically. This can make it difficult to choose an island for your vacation, but it also means that all kinds of travelers can find what theyre looking for and fortunately, travel among the islands is relatively easy and stress-free. So whether you plan on island-hopping throughout your trip, or prefer to pick one island thats best suited to your needs, our handy island guide will make planning your Hawaiian getaway a breeze.

If you want

It makes sense that the largest island (larger, in fact, than all the other islands combined) would be the most diverse, and those who seek a well-rounded experience will love the Big Island. Between fiery volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, white-sand, black-sand, and even green-sand beaches, blossoming meadows and snow-capped mountains, the options are seemingly endless. Visitors can sunbathe and snorkel by day and stargaze from frigid mountaintops by night. Stay at Outrigger Fairway Villas. This clean, affordable condo property in Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast offers an uncommon level of privacy: Its located inside a gated community and surrounded by a golf course. Ranch-inspired buildings house multi-room units, complete with full kitchens and washer/dryers, and property features include an attractive (if small) infinity pool and an open-air fitness room.

With not a single stoplight on the island, it really doesnt need to be said that Lanai is a bit off of Hawaiis beaten path, making it a perfect spot for secluded romance. For years, Lanai was just a tiny island covered by a pineapple plantation and it hasnt changed much since except that some of the pineapple trees have been traded in for a few high-end resorts (where celebrity couples will occasionally stay as guests). Even though its jaw-dropping natural beauty (which includes cerulean ocean and lush forests) is its best asset, visitors will also small-town coziness which allows for a decidedly romantic feel on this undeveloped isle. Stay at Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay. Offering top-rated dining, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, a pristine pool and spa, and exceptional service (easily some of the best in Hawaii, it includes a 24-hour concierge, numerous beach and pool attendants, and twice-daily housekeeping), this resort is a favorite among honeymooners.

Kauai draws visitors with the wild grandeur of its lush, mountainous terrain. Its craggy shores and natural wonders are an adventure junkies playground; the 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon, the lava-rock seawater pool at Queens Bath, and the remote, towering cliffs of the Na Pali Coast are among the worlds most unique attractions, and adrenaline-spiking activities include hiking, surfing, kayaking, skydiving, and rock-climbing. Stay at Kauai Beach Resort. This private, quiet property has large rooms, gorgeous sunrises over a rugged beach, a waterslide and sand-bottom pool, and a romantic bar with live music.

Hawaiis second largest island, Maui arguably lives up to its boastful slogan Maui no ka oi (Maui is the best). With hundreds of beachside resorts and hotels, as well as some of the most swimmable and surfable shores in the state, Maui offers the classic beach vacation experience. While there is plenty to satisfy those who like to keep active, theres even more opportunity for leisurely pursuits such as sunbathing, golf, and spa-going. Stay at Marriott Wailea Resort. Situated on a rock between two beaches, the 22-acre, 546-room Wailea Marriott has panoramic ocean views and a serene vibe thats missing from some of the more crowded, neighboring resorts. The hotels spiffy rooms, gorgeous adult-only infinity pool (where you can sip on a mai tai), reputable spa, and popular restaurant make it the best midrange option in ritzy Wailea.

Molokai is the second smallest island in the Hawaiian chain and many would argue that it feels even more secluded and untouched than Lanai. In fact, nearly half of its residents are of native Hawaiian descent, giving it its moniker The Most Hawaiian Island. In addition to the requisite white-sand beaches, Molokai has considerable historic charm and is rich in culture; it is home to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, a well-maintained historic seaside settlement, as well as numerous centuries-old churches, plantations, and coconut groves. While the island is beautiful and culturally rich, most choose to visit just for the day by ferry from either Maui or Lanai. Stay at The Plantation Inn. Less than a 10-minute walk from the dock where the ferry to Molokai takes off, The Plantation Inn is one of Mauis most intimate properties, with 19 rooms and suites, a small pool, and free breakfast from the top-notch Gerards Restaurant.

Oahu, and more precisely the touristy town of Waikiki, remains an obvious choice for those who want a Hawaiian vacation sun, sand, luaus, hula without sacrificing the creature comforts of home, which is often just what families are looking for. Complete with a mile-long stretch of shops, restaurants, and high-rise hotels (for every budget) with tons of family-friendly activities, Waikiki offers a curious blend of mainland suburban staples and local flavor. Along the coast, manicured lawns and palm trees lead to sunny white-sand beaches where children splash about in the shallow water near the shore, while surfers and paddle-borders patrol the outer waters. Stay at Hilton Hawaiian Village. The largest resort in Hawaii is a veritable village, with five towers, five pools, 20 bars and restaurants, 90 shops, direct beach access, and a separate lagoon. The crowds can get big and the lines long. But for families and other Waikiki vacationers looking for a self-contained resort with loads to do, the Hilton is a top choice.

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A Guide to Hawaiis Islands for Every Type of Traveler

Photo by Photographer:Daniel Newcomb

Submitted McGarvey Custom Homes furnished Hayworth estate model residence at Quail West was named recipient of CBIAs Best Overall Construction and Design Award in the $3 million to $3,499,999 category.

ESTERO The surge in custom estate and luxury villa construction generated by Estero-based McGarvey Custom Homes in 2013 has continued to gain additional momentum through the first two months of 2014. After executing sales contracts for the construction of six custom new-build estate residences and one furnished estate model residence in 2013, the award-winning homebuilder has already executed sales contracts for five estate residences in 2014, including a furnished estate model at Stock Developments Quail West community. Two new McGarvey estate models are under construction in Quail West.

McGarveys furnished Hayworth estate model at Quail West was introduced during the 2014 CBIA/LBIA joint, single site Parade of Homes in late January and quickly sold. The residence at 13881 Williston Way in Quail West was named recipient of eight Superior Home Awards at the Lee BIAs 2014 Parade of Homes Superior Homes Award Ceremony held Thursday, Feb. 13. The Hayworth won Superior Home Awards in the $3 million to $3,499,000 category for Best Livability, Best Interior Design, Best Kitchen, Best Bath, Best Outdoor Living, Best Pool, Best Exterior, and Best Landscape Design categories. The Hayworth was also named recipient of CBIAs Best Overall Construction and Design Award in the $3 million to $3,499,999 category at an event held before the opening of the 2014 CBIA Multi-Site Parade of Homes on March 6.

McGarveys Bardot and Hepburn estate models are under construction at Quail West.

The 5,754-square-foot under air Bardot floor plan features a grand reception and formal dining area that includes a sunken wet bar with a view of a garden water feature, 12-foot high Doors in Motion sliders that provide a view of a fountain and the pool area, and a custom 42-inch see-through gas fireplace that is shared by a study with custom wood flooring and built-in shelving. A walk-in wine room includes windows overlooking the dining area. The wine room is adjacent to an island kitchen and breakfast area that flow into a family leisure room with decorative wood flooring and ceiling details, 12-foot high sliders that create panoramic views of the outdoor living area, and an entertainment center.

The home includes a catering kitchen, four bedrooms, four full baths and two half-baths, and a master retreat with a morning bar, a 42-inch gas fireplace, pocketing sliders opening to the outdoors, and a pavered patio with roll down screens. The master bath features a walk-through shower with a garden view, a private garden area with a trellis and shower, a freestanding soaking tub and decorative flooring.

McGarvey has also included an outdoor living area featuring a kitchen and bar with custom cabinetry, a 42-inch Isokern fireplace, dining and conversation areas, electric roll-down shutters and screens, decorative ceiling details, a custom designed pool and spa, and a variety of water features.

The Hepburn estate model, with 4,608 square feet under air, includes a formal reception area with fireplace, a family room, a study, a gourmet island kitchen and a unique interior courtyard. The homes guest wing features three luxuriously appointed suites. The master suite includes a private patio. McGarveys signature tropical outdoor living area will be presented with a fireplace, summer kitchen, and a custom pool and spa. The Hepburn estate residence also includes a three-car garage.

McGarvey has expanded into Talis Park, a North Naples community on Livingston Road just north of Immokalee Road being developed by Kitson & Partners.

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Surge in construction continues for McGarvey Custom Homes

Indonesians Pray for Rain as Haze Shrouds Riau Province
Residents of Indonesia #39;s haze-covered Riau province pray for rain, and protest against the local government for not preventing land clearing and forest fires...

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Indonesians Pray for Rain as Haze Shrouds Riau Province - Video