OTHER WORLDLY: Yet to be built, the Dutch Windwheel will provide new housing and generate sustainable power

Increasingly, architects and home owners are responding to the need to be creative and flexible with how they create or convert existing structures into homes.

In Australia,Church conversions and even stable conversions have turned unused buildings into residences, not to mention the growing trend of apartment conversions.

And it seems that homes all across the world are being squeezed into and moulded out of all types of structures.

A wind turbine

This design is yet to be built, butit promises big things for home buyers in Rotterdam. With72 apartments planned within a steel and glass wind turbine, the Dutch Windwheel has the dual function of providing new housing and generating sustainable power.

The plan is for the windwheel to provide a tourist attraction for the area, including cabins that run on rails to see the views and allow visitors to see historical presentations and visit the panoramic restaurant/sky lobby within the wheel.

A hotel of 160 rooms across seven floors is also part ofthe design, as well asbasement car parking.

It's also expected to capture rain and produce biogas.

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Five home designs you never thought could be possible

Tags: Jimmy Page - Robbie Williams

Rock legend Jimmy Page has enlisted the help of architects and structural engineers as his property row with Robbie Williams escalates.

Former Take That star Williams has applied for planning permission to modernise his $28 million (17.5 million) mansion in London by reducing the size of the swimming pool and adding a recording studio.

However, Led Zeppelin veteran Page, who lives nearby, opposes the plans and has now recruited teams of architects, structural engineers and planning experts to back up his claims that vibrations from the renovation work will damage his historic home in the affluent Holland Park area.

In his most recent letter to Kensington and Chelsea Council, Page writes, "Similar schemes have been carried out on other properties in the area locally and each time the level of vibration cause during the works has caused concern about the effect on decorative finishes of (my) house... The work now proposed is much nearer than other major excavations carried out so far and the consequences for the building fabric and decorative finishes... may well be catastrophic if this project is allowed to proceed."

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Jimmy Page Recruits Architects In Robbie Williams Row

A city of Napa report lists the following retail and commercial changes in downtown in 2014:

First Street Retail Corridor

In the west end of First Street, Empire Napa was renamed Methode Bubble Bar. At Napa Square, Studio M Fine Wines is nearing completion and set to open soon in the former Huether Art Gallery, and tenant improvements are underway for the UPS Store, relocating from its nearby location on Second Street.

Cadet Beer and Wine opened in August in the alley behind Anettes Chocolates. The Heritage/Capp Family Wine Tasting Room opened at 1245 First St., and Mustard Seed Clothing relocated to 1227 First St. from its longtime location across the street in Napa Center.

Shoes on First became Sole Desire in November, and Napa Cigar opened nearby.

NakedWines.com" href="http://NakedWines.com" target="_blank">NakedWines.com closed its tasting room and expanded its offices to larger quarters at the former Copia buidling. Ca Momi will open a second dining spot at the NakedWines.com site in the spring. Ca Momi will be reducing its space and operations at the Oxbow Public Market.

On Dwight Murray Plaza, Jax White Mule Diner and Shiro restaurants opened in February, and two former individual spaces were combined and major improvements completed for Atlas Social Restaurant, which opened at the end of the year. BurgerFi restaurant opened at the old Riverside Auto Garage location.

Several relocations and closures were prompted by the planned construction of the 183-room Archer Hotel and improvements to Napa Center, expected to continue through fall of 2016. Shahin Rug Gallery moved from First Street to Second Street, Boho Lifestyle Boutique temporarily moved to Second Street before finding a new home at 1390 First St., and Williamson & Co. Menswear moved to 1144 Main St.

Ceja Vineyards merged its First Street tasting room with a brewery and tasting room in Sonoma, and Cult Following and Wildcat Clothing reportedly plan to reopen at new locations. The Napa Center project got underway last spring, renovating common areas and building shell spaces to accommodate 40 future shops and restaurants in 130,000 square feet of upgraded retail space.

Riverfront

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Dozens of business changes alter face of downtown in 2014

More than $35.4 million in permits for private property improvements were issued for downtown projects in 2014, according to a city report.

Thats a substantial increase over 2013, when the building permit valuation for private projects in downtown was reported at just over $7 million.

Early work on the Archer Hotel and Napa Center project represents the bulk of the 2014 total, said Robin Klingbeil, the citys senior development project coordinator. Those combined are about $30 million, she said.

Last year was marked by a significant amount of both private and public activity, including new business openings, relocations and expansions, major tenant improvements, renovations, and infrastructure upgrades, Klingbeil said in an email.

The 2014 figure is made up of $30.3 million for new construction (including the Archer and Napa Center); $3.8 million for tenant improvements; and $1.3 million for commercial remodel projects. It does not include permits for earthquake damage repair.

The citys numbers were compiled from city building permit records, private developers, RealQuest, MetroScan data services and news reports.

Since 1996, total investment in the greater downtown area has topped $1.2 billion, the city said.

Overall, downtowns economic performance is on a steady incline, and the view is positive, said Rick Tooker, community development director for the city.

Even prior to the earthquake, there were millions of dollars in building improvements underway to upgrade existing retail and office spaces, as well as for construction of new projects like the Archer Hotel, he said .

However, there are individual businesses that have struggled, and the impact of the earthquake on top of the construction activity surrounding them continues to pose challenges. As the construction is completed and storefronts and offices reopen, our hope is that the struggling businesses will once again see higher access and visibility, and given the projects in the pipeline, the future looks bright, he said.

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Downtown construction permits top $35 million in 2014

A MAJOR overhaul of a Bradford retail park has been given the green light by planners.

Improvements to Forster Square Retail Park, including more pedestrian links to the rest of the city, a children's play area and a new customer service building, have been given the go ahead by Bradford Council

The retail park's car park will become a one way system, new cycle parking will be installed and a pedestrian underpass underneath Hamm Strasse will be made "more welcoming".

British Land owns the site and its planning application says the group is looking to "invest in the park to enhance the shopping environment and public realm".

The group says the changes were sought because of the ongoing improvements to the Forster Square Railway Station and the soon to open Westfield development.

The retail park contains some of the city's biggest shops, including national names like Asda Living, Next, and Currys, as well as cafes and restaurants like McDonalds and Subway.

The application says more efforts are needed to be made to to prevent the retail park from becoming a car-only destination.

The plans involve the creation of 40 cycling spaces, new benches and street furniture and an events space. The changes will leave the car park with 18 fewer spaces.

The "customer service lodge" will provide facilities for shoppers include disabled toilets a baby changing area, and an on site security presence.

The play area will be created near the entrance to the northern part of the park, overlooked by the block of cafes and coffee shops.

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Green light for improvements at city retail park

Published: Monday, 3/2/2015 - Updated: 4 hours ago

BY MARK REITER BLADE STAFF WRITER

When Leitha Sackmann first walked into the abandoned white and green house on South Detroit Avenue, the walls in the bathroom had gaping holes from vandals who had stripped the copper plumbing.

The 60-year-old house is adjacent to the home that Mrs. Sackmann and her husband, Richard, have lived in for more than 30 years.

With its moldy walls and ceilings, the three-bedroom house was clearly a fixer-upper, but sat among homes valued at more than $40,000.

The structure was among tax-foreclosed properties acquired last year by the Lucas County Land Bank, which in turn sold it for $5,000 to the Sackmanns after they offered a detailed proposal to renovate it.

Today, the couple are nearing the end of a $25,000 renovation that includes a new furnace and plumbing, mold removal, kitchen cabinets, and appliances.

Launched four years ago and formally known as the Lucas County Land Reutilization Corp., the land bank has gained the reputation as the agency that demolishes vacant and abandoned homes and buildings, and which sells the plots where the structures stood to neighbors and community groups.

However, the land bank also shores up vacant and abandoned houses to offer for sale so private money can be invested to fix up the property and return it to the tax rolls.

So far, 178 fixer-uppers acquired by the land bank have been sold and renovated by new owners.

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Land bank adds home restoration to mission

About a month ago my friends started to discuss hosting a book study to encourage each other and blog readers to dig a little deeper with our students... to cultivate higher-level thinking...to get our students more involved and engaged. Well, I'll be the first to admit that I was all, "I'm too busy to read a book." I was hesitant to start because I didn't want to over-commit myself. But the pressure got to me even though no one said a word about my non-involvement! I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to join some of my favorite friends AND grow my knowledge as a teacher. So after a few weeks, I ordered the book Worksheets Don't Grow Dendrites and started to get my read on. And, let me tell you... I'm so glad I did! There's just no way you can walk away from a visit at RCA and continue to be mediocre. You know that you need to make a change, but you need guidance. Well, this book (along with books I'm reading by Ron Clark) has helped give me the ideas of what to change in my classroom. The strategies they include are so helpful and add a lot to your teacher toolkit!

So, let's dig in and discuss!

Strategy One: Brainstorming and Discussion

Talking is a HUGE part in my classroom. Now, this has not always been the case in my classroom. If you would have visited my room in the first four years of teaching you would have seen kids working independently and me shushing them constantly. Of course we would have class discussions and reading groups where we talked to each other, but my students hardly ever completed tasks with someone else. Fast forward to my 5th year of teaching. I started teaching 2nd grade in the Dual Language program. It is a requirement for students to have a partner, to sit with that partner at all times, and to complete the majority of classroom tasks together. So, I was kinda forced to changed my teaching techniques and I'm so thankful for that!!! My classroom is NOT quiet by any means, but my students are constantly learning from each other. Do they argue? yes! Do they get off topic? absolutely! But, through lots of modeling and practicing they do know how to share the work, discuss before working/writing, and hold meaningful conversations with all students in the class.

Here's what I'm working on/trying out as a result of reading this chapter...

Letting my students be the teacher more often...now, I've always done this occasionally, but sometimes I get to talking and I don't shut up, ha! Here's what I did this week. I had my students turn and talk to their partner about every step of solving a problem. Since we had just learned how to subtract 3-digit numbers, it was crucial that they knew and understood the process. We had to get the steps down. As they were discussing, I was watching to see who worked the best together. I chose a partner group to explain what they did to the class.

You better bet that the next go round every single group was discussing, solving, and writing in sync with one another. They all looked like model students because they wanted to be the teacher! After the first round I could have easily picked any of my partner groups to be the teacher!!

You'll notice the change from the beginning of the year here. Below I just had one student go up at a time... which was great, but adding in that peer discussion component made a HUGE difference!

Another way I want to improve is discussing our reflections more. I was actually really on top of this at the beginning of the year, but I've slacked off a lot lately! It makes me sad because I would so enjoy our share time and would often send parents videos and pictures of their children sharing their writing. This is my goal for the rest of the year...incorporate more sharing when it comes to our writing (and we write across all subject areas) I also really enjoyed the sentence starters and ideas that the book included for students who are struggling with sharing/answering questions.

Strategy Two: Drawing and Artwork

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Step into 2nd Grade with Mrs. Lemons

I'm mostly happy with this mouse.

In hand, the mouse is comfortable. I have small hands and was concerned with the size of the mouse and it's shape. But it fits better to hand than the standard mouse shape. Also my wrist rests more comfortably than with other mice. This was the prime criteria and was met.

As a laser mouse, it seems to be more precise than optical mice. At the same time it's not overly selective of the surface it's gliding over. I like this.

The USB transceiver does stick out from my laptop. But as I use this mouse as my desktop mouse (i.e. at home mouse) and my laptop is docked, this isn't an issue. The transceiver is in a side USB port next to the docking plug. The docking plug sticks out further than the transceiver and I think a monitor plug would be about the same. The transceiver is smaller in size than many flash drives.

I was a little worried that it is rechargable. But that's now one of my favorite features. It recharges quickly and easily. The recharging base sits out of the way on my desk. When the mouse needs recharging, I just set it upon the base. There aren't any cords or wires or anything to connect to the mouse in order to recharge it. Just position it on the base and it recharges. As for how it holds a charge, I fully charged it when I received it on March 27th. And I'm doing a full charge today, April 11th. I use my computer more than 8 hours a day. So I'm happy with this.

The magnifier is a nice feature. I use it more often than I would have expected. But I'm unhappy with the button's position on the mouse as it's awkward to click without moving the mouse...which affects the magnification. That feature needs improvement.

The wheel scrolls easily and smoothly.

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Microsoft Wireless Rechargeable Laser Mouse 7000 Mac/Windows

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 02, 2015

While most Chicago-area residents are still digging out of one of Illinois worst winters on record, Window Concepts offers new customers some reliefa complete price freeze on new windows, doors, siding and roofing for one year.

For a limited time, new customers can take advantage of an additional 25% off retail pricing with no money down, no payments and no interest for one year. Chicago area residents are urged to take back their home from the bitter winter cold by installing new windows.

One of the easiest and most attractive ways to shut down the cold and lower your heating bill is with new, thermal windows installed by Window Conceptsan area leader in new window replacement and installation.

A 30 year company proudly serving Chicago and the suburbs, Window Concepts has recently launched a new online presence which allows consumers to learn about their entire home improvement product offering which will soon include bathrooms.

Were excited to offer new customers this outstanding price freeze event in addition to taking 25% off retail to start the year, explained Brian Murphy, owner of Window Concepts.

About Window Concepts: Since Brian Murphy and Bob Domek opened their doors in the Chicago area in 1982, family owned Window Concepts has provided quality work for homeowners from Joliet to Kankakee and as far west as Woodstock.

Proud to be rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, the team takes pride in the service they give to their customers providing old fashioned service, using top quality brands and materials with some of the best warranties in the industry. A member of the Window Concepts team will visit your home, show samples and work side by side with each customer to find the best solution for your home. The representatives are knowledgeable in regards to rebates and tax credits, that you may be eligible for.

To better educate our customers, we have created H.O.M.E., Homeowners Online Maintenance e-book, a handy selection of videos to help you with do-it-yourself projects, making decisions about materials, and a basic how-to video guide to help you keep value in your home. We not only want to gain your trust as a client, but also provide you with information to keep your home in top shape and save money along the way. For more information, please visit: http://www.Window-Concepts.com or call 847-621-2680.

XXX

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Chicago Home Improvement Contractor Freezes Prices on New Windows, Doors, Siding and Roofing

MANILA - Metro Rail Transit General Manager Ramon Buenafe is mulling shortening the rail replacement window that they require every weekend.

Last Saturday, MRT operations were terminated early and Sunday operations opened late at noon to give way to rail replacement activities on the line's northbound portion from Taft Avenue to Magallanes.

According to Buenafe, they were able to replace 150 out of 6,000 meters of rail in 10 hours instead of 15 hours.

He said they are now considering reopening the MRT at 8am Sunday.

An estimated 21,000 passengers take the MRT every Saturday and around 60,000 every Sunday.

Replacement rails were taken from the stabilizing tracks currently being used at the MRT depot, as the MRT management awaits the arrival of the new ones they ordered in June.

Buenafe said the 6,000 meters of rail that they are currently trying to replace has been identified as the most critical portions along the entire 17-kilometer stretch of the MRT-3 line, but he plans to replace all the rails to address efficiency and safety issues.

Replacing the rails will already resolve 40%-50% of the MRT's problems, he said.

Other systems that need to be rehabilitated include the signalling system and the number of coaches. Facilities currently being upgraded also include the toilets, elevators and the escalators in each terminal.

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MRT eyes shorter rail replacement window