David Eichler Photos / Blockshopper

Built in 1949, this Traditional trilevel in Haskins Estates has been remodeled. It provides more than 3,600 square feet and offers multiple decks.

2104 Forest Ave., Belmont - $1.23 million

The basics: Built in 1949, this Traditional trilevel in Haskins Estates has been remodeled and offers multiple decks with bay, canyon and city views.

The home sits on 0.45 sloping acres and includes a guest house, a spa and a wine cellar for 1,500 bottles. The property has a large, fenced backyard with oak and fruit trees as well as a creek.

There are two master suites, with one on the main level. The lower-level suite offers access to a private deck.

Vaulted ceilings with beams and hardwood floors highlight the formal dining and living rooms, which both open to a wraparound deck. The living room also has a wood-burning stone fireplace.

An eat-in kitchen features tiled flooring and granite countertops.

A second fireplace can be found in the lower-level recreation-media room, which has French doors to a deck with a spa that overlooks the bay. This level includes a separate au-pair or in-law quarters with a living room, kitchen, bedroom and bath.

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Belmont trilevel home features two master suites

New Delhi, May 23: Parliament will soon have Bosch digital audio-conferencing systems that will enable UN-style simultaneous translation of speeches made in the House in six languages, including Bengali.

The Supreme Court today cleared the last legal hitch in the way of awarding a contract to Bosch, a German company. Bosch will replace the Brahler ICS systems that have been in place for 18 years in the House as well as at 7 Race Course Road and Vigyan Bhavan.

The new system will have digital conference, digital simultaneous interpretation, digital automatic voice vote recording, voting display system, digital recording and transcription, sources said.

At present, speeches in Parliament are translated manually and notice has to be given in advance that an interpreter will be required on a particular day.

Brahler, also a German company, lost out despite its long track record because it does not have a permanent office in India. It has supplied audio systems for the Bhutan Parliament and several Assemblies in the country.

Brahler admitted that its franchisee AKG Acoustics India, which had installed the equipment, had some problems in 1999-2000 and had turned irregular in its performance.

But Brahler alleged that the CPWD kept the manufacturers out of the servicing scheme, handed out tenders to other companies and later blamed it for not responding to requests for services or spares.

The tender floated by the government clearly specified that any company that would bid would have to have a Delhi office for the last seven years to facilitate smooth maintenance and service. The seven-year specification was later changed to two years.

The tender said applications of a company without an India office would not be considered and would be rejected at the pre-qualification stage itself.

Danish company DIS Danish Interpretation Systems is the other company that lost out in the tender process as it did not have an India office. Both Brahler and DIS relied on Indian dealers for their service and maintenance.

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UN-style speech translation in House - SC clears decks for installation of Bosch audio systems

SEATTLE, May 24 (UPI) -- The flight decks and avionics of the U.S. and NATO Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft fleet will be modernized under a $368 million Boeing contract.

The Engineering, Manufacturing and Development contract for the E-3 707s was given by the Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts.

"This move from analog systems to a digital flight deck will enable the U.S. and NATO AWACS fleets to meet current and identified future air traffic management requirements for flying in worldwide airspace," said Jon Hunsberger, AWACS program manager for Boeing. "They also provide growth capability for any future requirements and solve the problem of diminishing manufacturing sources for flight avionics."

Boeing said it will integrate new and existing avionics and communications systems; develop a design for installation of new equipment; upgrade one aircraft for each AWACS fleet; flight-test the new systems; develop logistics support data; and train flight crews and maintenance personnel.

The upgrade on the first NATO aircraft will begin next year, while work on the first U.S. E-3 707 will begin in 2014. Completion of the work on the initial aircraft is expected to be completed by 2015.

Boeing said production contracts for the remainder of the U.S. and NATO AWACS fleets will be given in the future.

Rockwell Collins will supply the flight management system suite, Boeing said. Telephonics of New York, Thales of Belgium, EMS of Canada and Raytheon of Maryland will also contribute to the upgrade program.

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Boeing modernizing AWACS aircraft

May 24 2012

Joint strike fighter

NEW JUMP jets could melt the decks of Navy aircraft carriers, it is claimed.

Tests in the US found that exhaust fumes from the Joint Strike Fighters damaged the ships when they landed vertically.

Now its feared the Navys 6.2billion new warships will suffer the same problem.

It follows David Camerons humiliating U-turn over which planes to fly from the carriers.

Hed wanted to adapt the ships so that they could carry the conventional version of the Joint Strike Fighter, which cost up to 500million each.

The PM had already cancelled an order for Harrier-style jets placed by the last Labour government.

But he was forced to abandon his plans when costs soared. His bungling has cost taxpayers up to 250million.

Now the UK will have to go cap in hand to the Americans, who are developing a new super-tough deck coating to deal with the problem.

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Jump jets could melt decks on new British aircraft carriers, tests show

mindy.m@ecm-inc.com

Two of Champlin's city ordinances underwent some housecleaning as the council approved amendments to make allowances for changes in above ground pools and decks on homes.

SWIMMING POOLS

Residents in Champlin looking to add an above ground pool to their summer plans may be heartened to hear the setback regulations will been lessened, offering more flexibility in placement of such a pool.

Champlin's swimming pool ordinance was reviewed extensively in 2010 resulting in changes to the ordinance addressing all aspects of private swimming pools. The 2010 ordinance included establishing a 10-foot setback from buildings for all swimming pools, both above and in-ground.

Since the ordinance was adopted, residents have provided feedback o the city suggesting the increased setback for above ground pools is overly restrictive.

City Planner Scott Schulte discussed details in a report prepared by City Building Official Jerry Hart. Schulte said that after comparing the city's setback regulation to neighboring cities, the discovered several cities didn't require a building setback at all. Those that did required only a 6-foot setback.

The council approved the change allowing for above ground pools to require only a 6-foot setback from buildings.

Schulte reiterated that due to structural considerations accompanied by in-ground pools, the setback for those types of pools will remain at the 10-foot restriction.

DECKS

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Champlin amends ordinances dealing with swimming pools and decks

ROCKVILLE, MD--(Marketwire -05/20/12)- Deck Helmet is a company that offers its deck finishing, restructuring and repairing services in the Washington, D.C., metro area. Their Deck Resurfacing system protects decks for 10 years, eliminating rotting or cracks. The company offers customizable options for every homeowner, reduces maintenance issues and promises safety for the whole family. Furthermore, the method they have adopted is environmentally friendly and is considerably cheaper than deck replacement.

The company has received many positive reviews from its customers recently -- its technicians are skilled and professional, work in a timely fashion, and are consistently voted as the top patio repair, replacement, installation, and restoration company in the D.C. metro area. As clients say, the company has great customer service and provides an affordable alternative to deck replacement. Alison, in Bethesda, Maryland, states: "The company did a really good job with my deck. I was really impressed with their quickness and professionalism."

The Leading Consumer ratings magazine recently rated Deck Helmet number 1. The company takes pride in being a BBB member. The green method used by Deck Helmet to restructure decks increases the value of the customer's home and lengthens the life of their deck.

The company's official website, deckhelmet.com, offers an online scheduling option customers can use in order to set up an appointment with Deck Helmet professionals. Customers can receive accurate quotes from the beginning, so there are no hidden costs. Homeowners who do not know which color to pick for their deck restructuration can receive helpful advice from Deck Helmet experts around the clock.

On the website, customers can read more about pricing and the benefits of the Deck Helmet method. Satisfied customers share their reviews of the Deck Helmet services on the Testimonials page. Also, the answers to any question customers might have can be found on the FAQ page.

Lately, the ratings of the company have increased significantly thanks to the revolutionary deck restructuring method used and the high quality of the services offered.

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Deck Helmet Ratings: Introduces an Environmentally Friendly Method of Resurfacing Decks

Knox County Building Inspector Roy Braden looks at decks differently than mostpeople. What he discovers often leaves him speechless.

Braden finds critical structural components missing from many decks in East Tennessee, such as joist hangers.

"Decks are the number one place where people are going to get injured," said Braden. "Usually, there are injures that are substantial injuries. My plea to people out there would be this: obtain a building permit. Require your contractor to get one."

The main problem, the inspector believes is homeowners eitherdon't know building permits are needed to build decks in many Tennessee municipalities or they don't care.

Braden said 90% of decks are built without a building permit, according to the International Code Council. The number of permits written for decks in Knox County each year is well under 100. Braden said it's hard for his department to fine homeowners since decks usually are built in backyards.

Prices for the paperwork are often based on deck size. In Knox County, if you get caught without the document you can face a double fee.

"They get their permit and they call for inspection. We make sure their footings are substantial, we make sure that the deck is attached to the house properly," Braden said while explaining the inspection process.

Mark Ward operates Archadeck of Knoxville. Thomas Liles owns The Deck Builder in Seymour. Both businessmen suggest their customers follow the proper process. They believe permits protect the homeowner.

"I think it ensures the homeowner they're getting a quality job," Ward said.

"They're going to have to fix what is not right and that could be a major job," said Liles.

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Knox inspector warns of dangerous decks

Perhaps it's the popularity of poker? Whatever it is, new decks of designer playing cards seem to be all the rage.The latest is 52 Aces edition 2 and with contributions from the likes of Eduardo Recife, Pale Horse, Matt W Moore, Gary Taxali, Seldon Hunt, Nathan Jurevicius and Molly Crabtree, it looks particularly impressive.

The project was co-ordinated by Marc Wnuck of the German publishing entity Zeixs. The first 52 Aces deck - entitled the Classic Edition - was released in 2009 won awards and sold out. "We know about the other decks, but they don't all have the quality ours has. We love poker and we wanted to create the best one," he says.

The Classic Edition led to loads of positive feedback, and through it Wnuck built up an array of contacts from around the world to call upon for the second one. The new deck will be released next month with a limited print run of 999 decks. It's the same concept, with a different package. "Why change a winning formula?" he says.

Chris Parks - aka Pale Horse - is based in St Petersburg, Florida, and created an image entitled Demon Cat for the project. "My work is heavily influenced by ancient civilizations, religion and various world cultures," he explains. "The Cat Demon piece I created for the seven of spades card was inspired by woodblock prints and evil spirits in Japanese mythology."

The upcoming edition of 52 Aces can pre-orderd here.

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52 Aces served

Two Dillon restaurants are prepping for summer, and angling for a little more business, with expansions.

Pug Ryan's Steakhouse and Brewery is putting the very final touches on its remodel, while the owners of Adriano's Bistro and Deli in Dillon are busy working on a new 130-foot deck.

It's probably one of the biggest views I've ever seen, Pug's owner Travis Holton said Thursday from his restaurant's newly built deck. The sun sets over Buffalo and Red mountains.

The new deck, which overlooks Lake Dillon Drive, has already been in use for a few weeks. Customers love it so far, and Holton absolutely expects the addition to bring in some extra revenue, especially when he opens the restaurant up for lunch later this month.

Inside, the entryway was expanded (and provides a bigger space to showplace business merchandise), the bathrooms are now larger and handicapped-accessible, a previously separate dining room was remodeled to open up to the bar, and brewing capacity is bigger. There are five new tanks, which will allow the business to make more beer and get its cans distributed to an expanded market. Brewers also now have the capacity to play around with seasonal brews, Holton said.

In the remodeled dining room, Holton said there's plenty of space for bands and dancing in front of two new windows, something he plans to focus more on in the future. There's not much of a music scene for residents around Dillon if people want to see a live band, they usually have to drive to Breckenridge, and then possibly drive back with a couple drinks in them, Holton said.

The Pug's expansion is the first project for the Dillon Urban Renewal Authority, a commission created to improve the town's center and encourage development.

The new addition is 17-feet wide, and while there will be plenty of regular dining (30 tables), it is meant to serve as a space for weddings. The middle of the deck will be perfect for an aisle, Ottoborgo said. Just adjacent to the deck, there will be a floor for music and dancing, benches, a fire pit, water fountain and a flower wall.

It's a one-stop shop for a wedding, Ottoborgo said. I'm hoping to bring more people into the Town of Dillon.

One hundred people at a wedding in Dillon means 100 people who need a hotel, Ottoborgo said. And, it could open up the door for other local businesses, like a flower shop. He's hoping to have it done by mid-June; if it's finished by July, there are already a few couples interested in holding weddings there this summer, he said.

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Two Dillon restaurants, two new summer decks

The Staples girls golf team upset previously undefeated Greenwich, 181-189 Wednesday at Longshore Golf Course.

Host Staples raised its record to 12-2. Greenwich dropped to 14-1.

Two days before their showdown with Greenwich, the Lady Wrecker senior captains, Kim Hynes, Sarah Ressler and Eliza Duvall practiced with Staples boys senior captains Austin Alieniello and Sam Shaffer Monday.

"The captains were very focused, and we knew before the match they were determined to win it," Staples girls coach Bob Byiteck said. "Sarah, Kim and Eliza were in their tournament mode, and they were ready to play the match. They treated it like it was an FCIAC and state tournament match."

Hynes said, "They [Alianiello and Shaffer] are a lot more competitive than us, and it helped us because Greenwich is very competitive. It was a nice practice."

The Lady Wreckers had to contend with Brooke Nethercott, who Byiteck said is one of the best high school girls golfers in the state. Nethercott is slated for the University of Hartford next year, and as expected, she led the Lady Cardinals by shooting a 39.

Greenwich's Alexandra Sazhin (40) was a stroke behind her teammate, but the Lady Cardinals' next score was over 50.

Staples, on the other hand, had four girls shoot in the 40s, which enabled the team to overtake Greenwich. Hynes led a well-rounded Lady Wrecker attack by shooting a 41 to finish two over par. She was one under par after the fourth hole with three pars and a birdie. The birdie came on the par-5 third hole by making a long putt.

"It took me awhile to get there, and I thought it would come either this week or next week," Hynes said. "I was very focused and took it one shot at a time."

Ressler and Chrissy Cantor both shot 46s.

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Staples decks previously undefeated Cards