WIESBADEN, Germany U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden has been working to renovate areas of the barracks and give Soldiers more space.Garrison commander Col. Mario A. Washington said the move had the support of Army leaders.Its in line with the Chief of Staff of the Army, our senior leaders and Gen. (Christopher) Cavolis first line of effort, which is the barracks and quality of life for Soldiers, so this has provided us an opportunity to work that line of effort, and its just, I believe, the right thing to do for the Soldiers.Improvements that can be made now are being done right away, such as painting, laying new flooring, restriping parking lots and revamping day rooms, said Donald Meyer, Chief Housing Division, USAG Wiesbaden.A team of carpenters, painters, roofers and gardeners executed numerous improvements at the Clay barracks to improve the quality of life for Soldiers living in this community, according to Rod Oshiro, director of Public Works.Gardeners have been clearing weeds and refreshed the sand volleyball court. They are set to begin targeted tree trimming this fall.Roofers began replacing shingles and installing metal flashing on gazebos. Staff coordinated with units to clean up trash and dilapidated grills. The next phase will consist of sanding and staining the rest of the structure with the help of the Soldiers who live there.Carpenters and painters removed the carpet and installed new flooring and window blinds and repainted the day room in Bldg. 1206. The renovation was capped off with replacement furnishings and a game table for the Soldiers to socialize.In addition, the garrison will give Soldiers more room in the barracks by offering staff sergeants the option to move to shared two-bedroom apartments in Crestview.From a quality of life standpoint for our service members, we cant meet the Army standard of 1 plus 1 barracks (one Soldier per room, connected by a shared bathroom) unless we do a major renovation, Meyer said. However, with utilization of excess Army housing (in Crestview), we can provide better quality of life for our sergeants and staff sergeants, which allows more barracks space for E-4s and below, which in turn improves everybodys quality of life.The Crestview apartments have a full kitchen, living room, dining area and basement storage. Washington said the extra space provides Soldiers the opportunity to unwind, which in turn improves readiness.People look at readiness sometimes as going to the range or doing physical activity, but readiness is also your mental health and being able to decompress from work, and this provides them that opportunity, he said.The commander said his goal is to take care of Soldiers, and improving their quality of life with more living space is one way of doing that.Taking care of service members and family members is my number one priority, and this is in line with that, Washington said. So any opportunity I get to take care of service members and their families, I take it.

Excerpt from:
Barracks renovations at USAG Wiesbaden improve Soldier quality-of-life, readiness - United States Army

Global vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring market was valued at USD xx Mn in 2019 and is expected to reach USD xx Mn by 2027 at a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period 2020-2027.

The report covers an in-depth analysis of COVID 19 pandemic impact on Global vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring market by region and on the key players revenue affected till July 2020 and expected short term and long-term impact on the market.

Global Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) Flooring Market Dynamics;

VCT contains a high proportion of inorganic filter as compared to other floorings such as vinyl sheet flooring and vinyl tile flooring. Vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring is manufactured by using various natural materials limestone, plasticizer, and a copolymer of vinyl chloride (95 %) and vinyl acetate (5 %). A finishing layer of styrene-butadiene adhesive is used during installation. These Vinyl composition tile (VCT) floorings are used in various commercial buildings like hotel, hospitals, and commercial offices. Various factors such as high durability & low upfront cost as compared to other floorings, availability of wide range of colour in VCTs, resistant to abrasion heat, water, stains and dirts, rapidly expanding construction industry in many developing countries such as China, India, South Korea and ASEAN, growing population & urbanisation and rapid industrialisation are driving the Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) Flooring Market over the forecast period.

However, factors such as fluctuations in raw material prices, stringent rules and regulations on VCT flooring applications, lack of universal enforcement directives pertaining to manufacturing process of VCTs and less adoption in many underdeveloped countries are restraining the market growth over the forecast period.

Global Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) Flooring Market is segmented by product, by application and by region. By product, multiple-layered vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring held the highest market share in 2019 and is expected to keep its dominance over the forecast period. Multilayer vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring includes ceramic tiles, wood, laminate, stone, marble, bamboo, and terrazzo. Multiple-layered vinyl composition tile (VCT) floorings are highly water resistant and offers various benefits such as low maintenance, high reliability. Multiple-layered vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring is mainly used in commercial buildings such as shopping malls and corporate centers. By application, commercial application segment held the highest market share in 2019 and is expected to keep its dominance over the forecast period owing to increasing adoption of vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring in this sector. Factor such as growing commercial construction activities in China, India, Brazil, South Korea, and United States, high spending on office spaces across the globe are driving the market growth of this segment over the forecast period.

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By geography, market is segmented into North America, APAC, Europe, MEA& Africa and South America. Among all these, Asia Pacific held the highest market share in 2019 and is expected to keep its dominance over the forecast period. Factors such as increasing number of new housing units, increase in population, and growing investments in the commercial & institutional constructions and infrastructural projects, higher spending on office spaces and favourable government policies are driving the market growth in this region. China is leading the Asia Pacific vinyl composition tile (VCT) market over the forecast period owing to growing construction of healthcare, educational, and industrial infrastructures in major provinces of China. APAC is followed by North America and Europe. North America is expected to hold the second largest market share over the forecast period owing to growing investment in the Construction Industry and rise in the number of renovation & remodelling activities in the United States and Canada. Europe is expected to hold the third largest market share over the forecast period owing to expansion in various end-user industries such as sports, automotive, hospitality, and others.

Report covers in depth analysis of key development, marketing strategies, supply-side and demand side indicators and company profiles of market leaders, potential players, and new entrants. Key players operating in this market are adopting various organic and inorganic growth strategies such as merger& acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations, expansion, new product launches and patents to increase their regional presence and business operatations. Armstrong Flooring, Inc. is a major market player in the Global vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring market. Armstrong Flooring, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of innovative vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring solutions, and it is a leading manufacturer of resilient products across North America and Europe. They have 8 manufacturing facilities globally equipped with high tech machineries and research and development labs. Armstrong Flooring, Inc, is working to provide good service, quality, and innovation to ensure it remains as strong and vital as its 150-year heritage.

The objective of the report is to present a comprehensive analysis of the Global vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring market including all the stakeholders of the industry. The past and current status of the industry with forecasted market size and trends are presented in the report with the analysis of complicated data in simple language. The report covers all the aspects of the industry with a dedicated study of key players that includes market leaders, followers and new entrants. PORTER, SVOR, PESTEL analysis with the potential impact of micro-economic factors of the market have been presented in the report. External as well as internal factors that are supposed to affect the business positively or negatively have been analysed, which will give a clear futuristic view of the industry to the decision-makers. The report also helps in understanding Global vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring market dynamics, structure by analyzing the market segments and project Global vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring market Clear representation of competitive analysis of key players by price, financial position, Product portfolio, growth strategies, and regional presence in the Global vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring market the report investors guide.Scope of Global vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring market

Global vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring market segmentation by Product

Single- layered Multiple-layeredGlobal vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring market segmentation by Application.

Residential Commercial IndustrialGlobal vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring market segmentation by Region

North America APAC Europe MEA& Africa South AmericaGlobal vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring market Major players

Armstrong Flooring LG Hausys Mohawk Industries Inc. Shaw Industries Group Inc. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. CBC Flooring Congoleum Corporation Forbo Holding AG Tarkett S.A. Mannington Mills, Inc. Mohawk Industries, Inc Gerflor SAS IVC Group

Global Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) Flooring Market Do Inquiry Before Purchasing Report Here @ :https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/inquiry-before-buying/71521

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Global Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) Flooring Market- Forecast and Analysis (2020-2027), by Product, by Application, and by Region. - Kewaskum...

We asked our viewers and readers to send us photos of their DIY home renovations that were completed during quarantine, and we were absolutely stunned by the responses.

Not only did we get dozens of submissions showing photos full of incredible home makeovers, but a lot of viewers submitted before-and-after pictures -- and the attention to detail and craftsmanship is truly commendable.

From people finally building a deck in the backyard, to restoring an old piece of furniture or getting around to painting the walls of their home, our viewers got to work during the early days of quarantine.

Since we got so any submissions, we decided to show off some of the best of the best.

Ready for some before-and-after pics? We thought perhaps even if you havent done a project yet, these might give you some inspiration for the future.

This family did a makeover on their front lawn. Doesnt it look great? The person who submitted this photo said it was a family project, and it turned out a whole lot better than they expected.

This looks like a completely new kitchen. From the new floors to the painted cabinets and countertops, this looks absolutely fabulous.

These folks did a vamped-up master closet -- and its to die for. The chandelier was already great, but the new floors and paint on the walls really bring it all together, dont you think?

Sometimes all it takes it a fresh coat of paint, and you can have a room go from basic to chic in a few hours. These photos are proof.

When we asked for home renovation photos, we didnt specify what kind of home! This play house is perfect.

These parents really went above and beyond with a new coat of paint. You never would have guessed that it went under a renovation, right?

This really looks like a completely different backyard.

This viewer said they got rid of the shrubs and made their backyard more live-able for their summer staycations.

We think its pretty cool!

Talk about a transformation! It honestly doesnt even look like these two rooms were the same, but shockingly, they were! These folks knocked down a wall, and added new cabinets, countertops and appliances in the kitchen. It looks so great.

This viewer took down an old wallpapered wall and added a more modern and sleek-looking wooden wall. This is giving us some serious home renovation inspiration.

Putting in some new floors is never a bad idea. These viewers tore up their old carpet and installed a gorgeous hardwood floor.

This viewer watched YouTube tutorials on installing hardwood floors and did all of this gorgeous work themselves. Impressive!

This viewer redid her sons bathroom, and we love this modern feel. It doesnt take much to have a new look -- some fresh paint can really go a long way.

Would you believe that this viewer just put a fresh coat of paint on the fireplace, and thats it?

By just painting it, the fireplace has been completely transformed. The viewer said it is now the new focal point of the living room and they love it.

This is another bathroom renovation that we are obsessed with. They removed the tub in the bathroom, did some painting and added some boho design elements. Can we move in, please?

We love this renovation! These folks said they put new floors in their entire home, and they did it all by themselves. They also painted the walls and put in a new fireplace. It looks like it was a great project to do in quarantine.

We often dont think about renovating a hallway, but these folks did and it looks fabulous. It looks like they added some new paint and molding, and a few new decorations, as well.

These viewers said they scored a free patio table from Facebook Marketplace, so they got some cheap lawn chairs, sanded them down and painted them. They just added some new cushions, and their quarantine project came together, just like that.

You can still submit photos, and we want to see them. Post them below!

More:
15 quarantine home renovations from our viewers, readers -- and the photos are amazing - KSAT San Antonio

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), will reopen on Saturday, September 26, welcoming the community back for one-of-a-kind encounters with works of art. First to reopen will be 31 galleries of the Art of the Americas Wing, featuring the work of North, Central and South American and Caribbean artists, and including some of the MFAs most beloved objects. Two special exhibitionsWomen Take the Floorand the teen-curatedBlack Histories, Black Futureswill also reopen, offering visitors another chance to experience these cornerstone shows of the MFAs 150th anniversary year. The Museum will also unveilin short order three new and highly anticipated exhibitions that were originally slated to open in the spring:Writing the Future: Basquiat and the Hip-Hop Generation(October 18, 2020May 16, 2021),Monet and Boston: Lasting Impression(November 15, 2020February 28, 2021) andCzanne: In and Out of Time(November 11, 2020February 28, 2021).Member Appreciation Days will take place September 23-25.

Museums play a crucial role in providing spaces for reflection, solace and inspiration. Were grateful to welcome Bostonians back to their MFA and bring a shared experience of art into the lives of many once again. This wasand will continue to bea challenging time for all of us, but we remain guided by our belief in the power of bringing art and people together, said Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director.

The MFA will reopen at a reduced capacity in the interest of prioritizing the health and safety of visitors and staff.Advancetimed-entry ticketswill be required for all visitorsmembers and nonmembers alikeand will be released on a monthly basis (approximately two weeks before the start of each month, following a 24-hour member presale).

When the Museum reopens, visitors will have the chance to reconnect with hundreds of important works throughout four floors of the Art of the Americas Wing. Spanning 3,000 years, from the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica to the modern art capitals of Mexico City and New York, the objects found in these galleries embody the innate human desire to create meaning and beauty through art and crafta drive shared by Indigenous peoples, colonial settlers and immigrants, the free and the enslaved, artists trained and those self-taught. A new text panel at the Wings entrancecomposed by curators during the MFAs closurewelcomes visitors with a more inclusive vision of the arts of the Americas, a global interpretive approach that questions dominant historical narratives, challenges biases and seeks to highlight previously underrepresented cultures and artists. Later in the fall, two paintings by artist T.C. Cannon (Kiowa/Caddo), on loan from a local collector, will also be installed at the Wings entrance.

Over the coming months, new installations and careful reassessments will build upon initiatives launched in late 2019 with the addition of Charles Bird Kings portrait of the Pawnee leader Peskelechaco to the New Nation Gallery, which emphasizes that North America was home to a constellation of powerful Indigenous nations when the United States was founded. Visitors will also find updated labels reflecting fresh perspectives on iconic visitor favorites such as Thomas SullysPassage of the Delaware(1819), John Singleton CopleysWatson and the Shark(1778) and Paul ReveresSons of Liberty Bowl(1768); and the installation of an empty frame in the Boston on the Eve of Revolution Gallery, acknowledging those who contributed to this nations founding but by virtue of their race, class or preferences were largely left out of the visual record of the time. The Art of the Americas Multilingual Interpretation Initiative begins in September, soon bringing interpretation in Spanish, Chinese and Kryol (Haitian Creole)the three languages most commonly spoken in Boston after Englishas well as an Algonquian language, into the Wings opening gallery.

The MFAs upcoming fall exhibitions will mark milestone moments for the 150-year-old Museum. The groundbreakingWriting the Future: Basquiat and the Hip-Hop Generationis the first major exhibition to chart Jean-Michel Basquiats relationship to early hip-hop culture, uniquely positioning him among his friends and fellow artists of color at the forefront of post-graffiti, a transformative moment in American art. And for the first time in a generation,Monet and Boston: Lasting Impressionassembles the Museums entire collection of 35 paintings by the beloved Impressionist mastericonic works that capture the beauty and mystery of the world around us. A concurrent exhibition,Czanne: In and Out of Time, places the paintings of Paul Czanne in conversation with those of his contemporaries, highlighting what made his art so distinctive when it was newand why it continues to fascinate today.Due to limited capacities,Writing the FutureandMonet and Bostonwill each require separate, timed-entry exhibition tickets($30 for nonmembers, free for members and youth) that include general admission. Wall texts and labels for the two exhibitions will be freely accessible via a new mobile app, and additional contentincluding videos and curated Spotify playlistscan be found on mfa.org.

Visitor info:mfa.org/visit.

Excerpt from:
MFA Boston Will Reopen September 26 with Art of the Americas Galleries, "Women Take the Floor," "Black Histories, Black Futures,"...

A company that makes tidal power turbines in Scotland has won a C$4m contract to install 15 of its machines in the waters of Nova Scotia, Canada in the latest attempt to realise the dream of generating power from the vicious tides of the Bay of Fundy.

An earlier attempt in 2009 saw a large turbine shredded by the high-velocity currents of the bay, which has the highest tidal range in the world.

Some 160 billion tonnes of water flow in and out twice a day, which the government believes believes represents a generating capacity of at least 2.5 gigawatts of clean energy.

Canada is betting that the smaller, aquadynamic profiles of Nova Innovations turbines, manufactured in Edinburgh, will allow them to withstand the violent tides.

Announced 9 September, the contract sees Nova Innovation install first just one of its 100kW M100 D turbines on the sea floor of Petit Passage in southwestern Nova Scotia, near the giant mouth of the bay. https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada/news/2020/09/government-invests-in-canadas-tidal-power-industry.html

Its performance will be monitored before another four are added in 2021, followed by another 10, making a total of 15 turbines by 2023, giving the array a generating capacity of 1.5MW. Nova Innovation has been operating three of these turbines in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, since 2016.

An earlier attempt in 2009 saw a large turbine shredded by the high-velocity currents of the bay, which has the highest tidal range in the world.

Some 160 billion tonnes of water flow in and out twice a day, which the government believes represents a generating capacity of at least 2.5 gigawatts of clean energy.

Canada is betting that the smaller, aquadynamic profiles of Nova Innovations turbines, manufactured in Edinburgh, Scotland, will allow them to withstand the violent tides.

Announcedon 9 September, the contract sees Nova Innovation at first install just one of its 100kW M100 D turbines on the sea floor of Petit Passage in southwestern Nova Scotia, near the giant mouth of the bay.

Its performance will be monitored before another four are added in 2021, followed by another 10, making a total of 15 turbines by 2023, giving the array a generating capacity of 1.5MW. Nova Innovation has been operating three of these turbines in the Shetland Islands in Scotland since 2016.

Canada is betting that the smaller, aquadynamic profiles of Nova Innovations turbines will allow them to withstand the violent tides (Nova Innovation)

It is a modest installation, but Canadian fisheries and oceans minister Bernadette Jordan said it was a step toward building a thriving tidal power industry across Canada.

With the longest coastline in the world, Canada should be a global leader in tidal energy, she said. This renewable energy source has the potential to substantially grow our blue economy in the long term, but we need to invest now.

Kim MacNeil, Nova Innovations Head of North American Business Development said: Canadas investment reflects the growing confidence worldwide in our technology and our ability to operate it in extremely challenging environments. It will be a huge step forward for tidal energy in Nova Scotia and Canada.

In the first attempt in 2009, a much bigger, 10-tonne turbine was installed on the floor of the Minas Passage, near the head of the bay where currents are twenty times faster than at Petit Passage, reports CBC.ca. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/ottawa-pledges-9-6m-to-try-to-harness-bay-of-fundy-tidal-energy-again-1.5717559

Within 20 days all 12 of the turbines rotor blades were destroyed by 10-knot currents.

With the longest coastline in the world, Canada should be a global leader in tidal energy, she said. This renewable energy source has the potential to substantially grow our blue economy in the long term, but we need to invest now.

Kim MacNeil, Nova Innovations head of North American business development, said: Canadas investment reflects the growing confidence worldwide in our technology and our ability to operate it in extremely challenging environments. It will be a huge step forward for tidal energy in Nova Scotia and Canada.

In the first attempt in 2009, a much bigger, 10-tonne turbine was installed on the floor of the Minas Passage, near the head of the bay where currents are twenty times faster than at Petit Passage, reports CBC.ca.

Within 20 days all 12 of the turbines rotor blades were destroyed by 10-knot currents.

Top photograph: Low tide in the Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia. Some 160 billion tonnes of water flow in and out of the bay twice a day (LeonardoDog/CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Turbine trials: New attempt to harness power from the ferocious Bay of Fundy - News - GCR

MarketPlace Logan announced the latest safety measures, contactless options and innovative new amenities taking flight at Boston Logan International Airport.

Some of the safety measures that have been put into place across the concessions program include:

In addition, the concessions program has launched new technology and amenities that have become critical throughout Boston Logan terminals such as in-airport food and delivery leaderAtYourGate, airport e-commerce platformGrab andPPE Vending Machines by Hudson.Travelers can use the AtYourGate contactless delivery service to receive a meal within 30 minutes or less from airport eateries such as: B. GOOD, Not Your Average Joes, Lucca, WPizza, Burger King and more. Coming this fall, AtYourGate and Grab will debut the next generation of airport e-commerce ordering at Boston Logan allowing travelers to order through a variety of digital channels across terminals enabling a more efficient and stress-free experience. Hudson PPE vending machines featuring individual and bulk packaged masks, sanitary wipes, hand sanitizer, latex gloves, multi-use thermometers and portable and rechargeable UV-C sanitizers for mobile devices and personal items are now available pre-security within Hudson stores pre-security in Terminals A and B.

We have made every effort to adjust and improve the Boston Logan Concessions Program to keep employees and passengers safe and healthy. In collaboration with our partners at Massport we have not only made necessary adjustments but also introduced new pilot programs and technology to elevate the options available and further facilitate social distancing for our travelers. There is a variety of grab-and-go options throughout the airport, ordering to go through AtYourGate as well as sit down dining options allowing travelers to have a meal safely and feel comfortable doing so while passing through Boston Logan, said Paul McGinn, president of MarketPlace Development.

Boston Logan International Airport has also already initiated the following safety measures:

This update coincides with restaurant re-openings including iconic favorites such as: B.GOOD in Terminals A and B, Kellys Roast Beef, Lucca and Not Your Average Joes in Terminal B, and Wahlburgers in Terminal C.

More here:
Marketplace Logan Announces Ongoing Safety Protocols and Debuts Innovative Offerings for the Concessions Program - AviationPros.com

The Phoenicians were paramount in the spread of wine throughout the Mediterranean region, which is why it is odd that there is strikingly little archaeological evidence of wine production in Phoenicia itself. But things are changing as excavations at Tell el-Burak in Lebanon have revealed the first ancient Phoenician wine press. The structure was apparently rather innovative in its design, emphasizing the importance the beverage had both for Phoenician society and Mediterranean trade.

The Iron Age wine press dates to the 7th century BC and its discovery is shedding light on the wine production of the Phoenicians and their construction habits. Dr. Adriano Orsingher, of the Eberhard Karls University Tbingen, Germany and lead author in the current study published in Antiquity later today , told Ancient Origins that this find is the earliest evidence of wine-making installations in ancient Phoenicia.

The ancient Phoenician wine press at Tell el-Burak from the south-west. (Courtesy of the Tell el-Burak Archaeological Project/ Antiquity)

The ancient Phoenicians were significant wine traders and key in the spread of the production and consumption of the alcoholic beverage across the Mediterranean, so researchers have been keen to find out more about Phoenician wine making.

This is why the discovery of the first Phoenician wine press in Lebanon is such a great find by studying this well-preserved structure a team of researchers from the Eberhard Karls University Tbingen hope to glean more insight into the ways the Phoenician wine pioneers made the beverage.

The wine presss discovery site, Tell el-Burak, is a small Phoenician site that was occupied from the 8th to 4th century BC. It is located near the modern city of Sidon, which was also an important Phoenician city. Sidon was on the maritime trade routes of the eastern Mediterranean and the current and previous discoveries at Tell el-Burak suggest that it was focused on supplying the wine that people in the area would consume and inhabitants in Sidon would trade.

Phoenician territory and their extensive trade networks and settlements around the Mediterranean. (Credit: Rodrigo & Reedside / CC BY-SA 3.0 )

Phoenicians is an ancient Greek term which is now used to refer to Iron Age Semitic-speaking people who lived on the central coast of the Levant from around 1200-332 BC. They used their trade routes to spread not only wine, but also their alphabet, which was adopted and adapted by the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Wine was a valuable commodity for the ancient Phoenicians, but it was also important for traditions and ceremonies in their society. Dr. Orsingher explained some of the ritual ways the ancient Phoenicians used wine:

Wine consumption played a quintessential role in Phoenician feasting activities. Wine was also employed in libations, namely the act of intentionally pouring out liquids onto the ground, an altar, or another surface. In sacred areas, libations were poured to appease and thank deities and gain their favour, but they were also performed to honour or in memory of the deceased and ancestors in burial grounds.

Wine obviously played a significant socio-economic role in Phoenician societies. The researchers believe that this is reflected in the development of innovative solutions in the building technology of installations for the wine production. This innovation can be seen in the design of the newly discovered Phoenician wine press .

It was built with plaster that was made by mixing lime and recycled ceramics, making the press stronger and easier to build. This is in contrast to the Bronze and Iron Age wine presses of the Levant (c. third to first millennia BC), which were generally hewn into the bedrock or built with stone blocks, according to the new paper. Dr. Orsingher told Ancient Origins that the design of the wine press really was unique:

The archaeometric research offers the first evidence of a local and innovative tradition of plaster production in the southern Phoenicia, which is characterised by the mixing of crushed ceramic sherds with lime. Although the Phoenicians are often reported to have promoted the use of this type of plaster, the three installations of Tell el-Burak, dating from at least the 7th century BC, currently represent the first evidence of such a practice in the Phoenician homeland.

The scientific analysis carried out at the Competence Center Archaeometry - Baden-Wuerttemberg (CCA-BW) of the University of Tbingen revealed that use of recycled ceramics mixed with mortar (a technique known as cocciopesto) would have made the construction of the Phoenician wine press easier, more water-resistant, and more durable. Later on, Romans improved upon this technique and used it in their buildings as well.

Plan of the ancient Phoenician wine press at Tell el-Burak, showing the position of the plaster samples. ( Antiquity)

In their paper, the researchers write that even though this is the first example of a Phoenician wine press, there are numerous examples of ancient wine presses in the Levant and across the Mediterranean from the fifth millennium BC (or even earlier) to the first centuries AD with which it can be compared. Although they vary in building techniques, shapes, size and number of components there are three important elements to ancient wine presses: a treading floor/basin where grapes were smushed, a connecting channel for must to flow through, and a sunken vat to collect the must and sometimes the first fermentation of the wine.

In the case of the newly discovered Phoenician wine press, the excavators have found a large rectangular treading basin that is attached to a large vat that they state could hold roughly 4,500 liters of liquid, suggesting they were making wine on a large scale which was then shipped out in the large numbers of transport amphorae previously found.

The researchers wrote in their paper that excavations have been underway to the Tell el-Burak archaeological site since 2001. One of the excavated areas has revealed three plastered installations, two of unknown purpose, and the third being the wine press.

Structures at Tell el-Burak, area 3: a) plastered floor in room 1 of house 4, from the south-east; b) plastered floor in room 1 of house 4, from the north-west. (Courtesy of the Tell el-Burak Archaeological Project/ Antiquity)

One of those curious plastered installations is a basin-like feature that was unearthed beneath the floor of a courtyard. The other was discovered in a room, which was also coated with plaster, and had a plastered drainage channel in the wall between two rooms. The researchers are still uncertain of the relationship between those two plastered installations and the wine press. As they wrote in their paper:

The exact chronological correlation of the three plastered installations, however, is yet to be established. Currently, it is thought based on preliminary analysis of associated ceramics that all three installations were probably constructed during the seventh century BC or, in the case of the wine press, during the late eighth century BC.

Plastered basin in room 3 of house 3 at Tell el-Burak, from the south-west. (Courtesy of the Tell el-Burak Archaeological Project/ Antiquity)

However, the wine press was the only installation that they believe was still in use after the beginning of the sixth century BC.

Dr. Orsingher told Ancient Origins that solution to the mystery of the other plaster installations may available in the near future. He said, an organic residue analysis of plaster samples is currently ongoing at the University of Tbingen, which may determine whether all three plastered structures at Tell el-Burak were connected to wine production. At this regard, we also hope that the resumption of the excavations at Tell el-Burak in the Spring 2021 will provide us with more archaeological data.

The remains of a house found at Tell el-Burak, Lebanon. (Credit: Tell el-Burak Archaeological Project/ Antiquity)

Dr. Orsingher also told Ancient Origins that the researchers will be conducting an additional analysis to understand whether ceramic sherds were added into the lime plaster at Tell el-Burak to enhance its hydraulicity. Furthermore, putative evidence for a second press at the site was revealed by recent geophysical survey so the researchers hope that the continuation of the Tell el-Burak Archaeological Projects fieldwork activities will likely provide new evidence to be considered in the study of plaster production at Tell el-Burak, and its role in the broader Iron Age Mediterranean context.

The paper Phoenician lime for Phoenician wine: Iron Age plaster from a wine press at Tell el-Burak, Lebanon is published in the journal Antiquity.

Top Image: Reconstruction of the wine press at Tell el-Burak, looking from the south-east. Source: Tell el-Burak Archaeological Project; drawing by O.Bruderer; Antiquity

By Alicia McDermott

Original post:
7th Century Press is a Major Discovery for the History of Phoenician Wine - Ancient Origins

BENTONVILLE -- Benton County Judge Barry Moehring plans to update justices of the peace on the courthouse expansion at the Sept. 24 Quorum Court meeting.

"We should be able to give them a pretty good picture and go through the stages," Moehring said. The circuit judges, prosecutor and public defender staff also need to know where things stand, he said.

Justice of the Peace Susan Anglin looks forward to an update.

"If possible, I think it would be nice to see a picture of how the outside would look and more detail on changes to the entry and the security features," she said.

A new courtroom is needed for Christine Horwart, who was elected in March and will be the county's seventh circuit judge. She takes office Jan. 1. The Arkansas Legislature added the judgeship to assist with the increasing caseload.

The expansion would add 5,500 square feet to the downtown courthouse. The county plans to demolish the one-story section behind the courthouse that housed the coroner's office. A two-story addition is planned on the site with a lobby area and restrooms on the first floor. Horwart's courtroom and office area would be on the second floor.

"I like the proposed courthouse expansion in terms of meeting the needs of Division 7, now and in the future," Horwart said. "It will allow D7 to handle bench and jury trials with no limitation of space or resources."

Demolition work for the court expansion will start later this year and construction will start in early 2021, Moehring said. The old coroner's office will be used as the staging area for construction materials, he said.

County officials met with Bentonville planning staff Wednesday to start the development review process, Moehring said.

The county will finance $3.1 million to expand the courthouse. The county secured the loan from Regions Bank for five years at 1.59% with no prepayment penalty, said Brenda Guenther, county comptroller. The court approved the financing plan in July.

Included in the court expansion cost is $231,783 to repair the annex where Circuit Judge Brad Karren holds court, according to documents. The annex is across the street from the main courthouse.

New outside awnings are being installed on the annex, said Bryan Beeson, county facilities administrator. The west side awning was completed about three weeks ago, and the south side awning was installed last week.

Those two areas are where lines form outside as people wait for their cases to be called. The other two sides will be done in the coming weeks, Beeson said.

A sidewalk will be added under the awning on the west side that should stop water from seeping into the annex basement, Moehring said. That work will be done in the coming weeks, Beeson said. The building exterior also will be painted, Moehring said.

"This court is grateful to Judge Barry Moehring and construction manager Bryan Beeson for the outside awnings erected on the courthouse annex," Karren said. "During the covid-19 pandemic, this court is not conducting in-person hearings. This requires many of our citizens to wait outside in the weather to appear in our foyer by video conference. With fall and winter weather quickly approaching, the awnings will provide much-needed protection from the elements."

The plan is to have the whole expansion wrapped up by the end of 2021, Moehring said.

Until the work is completed, Horwart's first courtroom and chamber would be in a small area in the courthouse last used as a courtroom in 2012. The room doesn't have a jury box and has a small gallery, Moehring said.

"The initial courthouse space will be just fine," Horwart said. "The proposed docket of Division 7 will consist of all domestic and probate cases, eliminating the need for a jury box/room until the new courtroom is completed. I suspect the main challenge will be construction noise while court is in session."

Horwart's courtroom remodeling is finished, Beeson said. The county budgeted $23,796 to remodel the 888-square foot courtroom.

"I have been working closely with the county on the layout of the initial courtroom and they have done an excellent job of making changes to accommodate requested modifications from my Division 7 team," Horwart said. "I am very excited to get started."

Security cameras and doors and audio/visual equipment will be added later in the year, said James Turner, county information technology director. That equipment and moving some prosecuting attorney staff out of the space will cost a little more than $88,600, Turner said.

"They will be ready to go pretty quick. The gears are starting to turn in Division 7." Moehring said.

New awnings are visible Thursday, September 10, 2020, on the Benton County Court House Annex in downtown Bentonville. The work is part of the $3.1 million courthouse expansion. The county will spend $231,783 to repair the courthouse annex. Check out nwaonline.com/200914Daily/ and nwadg.com/photos for a photo gallery.(NWA Democrat-Gazette/David Gottschalk)

Expanded Quorum Courtroom

The Sept. 24 Quorum Court meeting will be held in the expanded Quorum Courtroom on the third floor of the County Administration Building.

The new courtroom is roughly 2,000 square feet. The elimination of the east wall added about 800 square feet of space.

Improved video and audio conferencing as well as livestreaming capability are part of the expansion.

The Quorum Court approved $100,000 for the project July 31.

Source: Benton County

Mike Jones can be reached by email at mjones@nwadg.com.

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Transforming an industrial site: PENETRON ADMIX was used to waterproof the extensive below-grade concrete structures of the new complex in Milan, Italy that combines office towers with green spaces.

EAST SETAUKET, N.Y. (PRWEB) September 15, 2020

The September 2020 inauguration of The Sign office park and mixed-use development has transformed a whole neighborhood in southern Milan, Italy. The Penetron System was used extensively in the below-grade structures to ensure a durable, maintenance-free concrete structure.

The Sign is an innovative office and mixed-use complex designed by Progetto CMR for Beni Stabili. Located on the via Ernesto Calindri in the Moncucco-Romolo area of Barona on the southern outskirts of Milan, The Sign is adjacent to the University of Modern Languages Institute (IULM), an international university.

The project has repurposed a large industrial site from the 1950s, which is now completely transformed. A key focus of the project was the restoration of the foundry into a mixed-use complex (four-floors with a total of 4,200 m2). In addition, there are two office towers (10-floors/9,400 m2 and 12-floors/12,600 m2), for a total area of over 26,000 m2. All three buildings share a curtain wall faade with alternating gold-colored blind panels and glazed surfaces in a visually eye-catching sequence. A significant portion of the former industrial site now hosts a large green area and a 4,000 m2 landscaped public square between the two office towers. A fracture etched into the square as a sign that links the buildings representing the eponymous developments name.

Reinforced Concrete Building Goes for LEED CertificationDesigned to achieve LEED Gold certification, The Sign has optimized the use of natural resources, adds Enricomaria Brac, Managing Director of Penetron Italia. The sustainability features include dual water systems, rainwater collection, green roofs, innovative office cooling systems, local sourcing for construction materials (including regional woods), and the planting of exclusively native plants for the landscaped areas.

The main structures of The Sign complex are entirely made of reinforced concrete, including the basement which house the extensive underground parking areas and the foundation slab, based on a white tank design developed with the Penetron System.

Advantages of the Penetron SystemA white tank design is a concrete structure that uses an integral waterproofing system as part of the concrete, explains Enricomaria Brac. This design is a significant improvement over conventional black tank methods that rely on bituminous membranes fixed to the concrete surface. Penetrons white tank design stands out in its simplicity, remarkable durability and self-healing capacity.

The white tank design takes full advantage of the Penetron System and is well-known as a value engineering solution in the construction industry. PENETRON ADMIX is used to treat the concrete mix about 85,000 m3 to completely waterproof the concrete structure; PENEBAR SW waterstop strips are installed along the construction joints and swell when in contact with water to prevent any leakage through construction joints and penetrations; PENECRETE MORTAR is used to seal form-tie holes and repair any honeycombing, leaking penetrations or cracks bigger than 0.5 mm.

The Penetron System enabled the contractor to save substantial time on the construction schedule, resulting in considerable cost savings, enthuses Enricomaria Brac. Thats a very positive sign for the project owners!

The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels.

For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.

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The Penetron System as a Sign of Complete Protection in Italy - PR Web

The Floyd County Jail's medical wing renovation has reached its halfway point as workers finish up pouring the entire concrete slab for the floors.

Now that the section of the jail has been gutted, they'll begin building it back up. Floyd County Sheriff's Office Major and jail administrator Bob Sapp said they're currently working on removing all of the old fire proofing and insulation from the old unit.

"We had to remove about 6,500 square feet of this stuff off the high metal ceilings that is up in the infrastructure of the facility," Sapp said. "The vendors are now spreading back in and once that process is completed, we'll be able to lay (reinforcing bar) in and metal studs and putting up block walls."

The 2017 special purpose local option sales tax project has gone very smoothly so far, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

While they're putting up the walls, they'll begin incorporating the mechanical, electrical and plumbing parts of the project.

"After that, we'll get into looking into priming all the block and painting," Sapp said.

At the same time, the mixed crews of Carroll Daniel construction workers and inmate workers will begin installing low-voltage wiring in the facility for security controls, such as cameras and door locks. They will then connect the wiring back to the jail's central control network for emergency situations.

Once the wall blocks are up, they'll begin putting metal framing above the cells and install frames within the block to put heavy duty glass in place so that staff can keep an eye on inmates while they're in the infirmary cells. After they finish this installation, they'll start putting down anti-bacterial flooring in the cells.

The medical wing will have about 12 to 16 beds once completed. The rest of the beds promised in the SPLOST project will be a part of phase II construction, where staff will be building a mental health wing with 40 to 45 suicide-resistant beds for inmates.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the construction crews have remained unaffected by it. Crew members' temperatures are taken twice a day and they wear masks while on the job.

Maj. Sapp expects the project to reach substantial completion by late November. This means that they'll begin using the wing for inmates, but they will also be checking to see what works and what doesn't work in the wing. The final completion should be done by the end of December.

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Floyd County Jail SPLOST construction reaches halfway point, will be in use by late November - Rome News-Tribune