The Associated Press Search workers wearing red are dwarfed by the mud and debris filled landscape they were searching Thursday, March 27, 2014, where a massive mudslide struck Saturday near Darrington, Wash. The searchers shown had to use a boat to reach the area shown. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, Pool)

By The Associated Press/AP/March 28, 2014

The landslide that destroyed a rural community in Washington state was one of the deadliest in U.S. history.

As of Friday, the official death toll from Saturdays slide in Oso stood at 17, though additional bodies have been discovered but not yet counted. Scores of people remained missing, and authorities expected to update the numbers Friday evening.

Some of the countrys other deadliest landslides:

Mar. 12, 1928: Five hundred people lost their lives when a dam in San Francisquito Canyon, Calif., collapsed. An abutment of the St. Francis Dam gave way when the ground beneath it became saturated with water from the reservoir. The abutment was built on the site of a previous landslide.

Aug. 19-20, 1969: Landslides and flooding in the wake of Hurricane Camille took the lives of 150 people in Nelson County, Va. The hurricane dumped up to 27 inches of rain in the area. Most of the deaths were the result of blunt-force injuries from trees, rocks and other debris, according to the U.S. Geological Service.

Oct. 7, 1985: The hillside shantytown of Mameyes in Puerto Rico was buried under tons of mud loosened by a 30-hour deluge from tropical storm Isabel. The mudslide claimed 129 lives.

Jan. 4-6, 1982: At least 30 people were killed in devastating mudslides in the San Francisco area. Most of the deaths occurred in Santa Cruz county, which President Ronald Reagan declared a disaster area along with Marin, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Sonoma counties.

Aug. 17, 1959: An earthquake rocked an area west of Yellowstone National Park resulting in 26 deaths. Fifty million tons of mountain slid into Madison Canyon near Hebgen Dam.

The rest is here:
Washington landslide one of nation's deadliest

(PRWEB) March 28, 2014

Cipriano Landscape Design & Custom Swimming Pools, a luxury swimming pool design & construction firm based in Northern NJ, issued a challenge to rapper Drake recently after coming across a quote made by Drake himself in a Rolling Stone profile on February 13th of this year. According to the article Drake claimed he is obsessed with residential swimming pools adding, one of my goals in life is to have the biggest residential pool on the planet.

After recently building a custom spa for rap royalty Rev Run for the HGTV show 'Rev Runs Renovations, premiering on HGTV tonight @ 9:00 pm EST, owner Chris Cipriano has set his eyes on Drake as his next challenge. We are ready to go. If Drake wants the largest residential swimming pool on the planet we are ready to build it for himthe question is, is he ready. stated Chris, the sky is the limit when it comes to custom swimming pool design and size is one aspect but being an artist I am interested in hearing what Drakes vision for this pool would be. Would he want a room underneath the pool with a glass ceiling? A grotto three times the size of Heffs? I am very interested to hear his creative vision and hope he is ready to make it a reality.

Building in custom pools built for musicians is no new venture for Cipriano as his firm completed a custom inground pool built in the shape of a Stradivarius Violin last year in Bedford NY. The technology incorporated would impress even Drake. Controlled completely wirelessly from an iPhone, all glass tile, a Riverflow jet system to kayak or swim against, Nearly six thousand fiber optic lights and acrylic panels so that swimmers can look through and see an adjacent custom koi pond.

Cipriano has brought his challenge to social channels in order to allow Drakes loyal fans to chime in. A Twitter profile and registered hashtag will allow fans to get involved. Any fan who would like to add their thoughts on what they think Drakes dream pool would or should look like is encouraged to join the conversation and Chris has said that if Drake builds the record-setting pool and uses a fans tweeted idea as inspiration, he would fly that fan out for the photo shoot of the finished project. Make sure to follow @drakesdreampool and like Cipriano Custom Swimming Pools on Facebook to join the conversation! Tweet your design ideas using the hashtag #drakesdreampool!

The ball is in Drakes court now. Will he make history yet again by building the largest residential pool on record? We will have to wait and see his response but dont underestimate your power in thisif you have a crazy idea that Drake ends up loving you could make history as well.

Celebrating 25 years in business, 14-time international award winner Cipriano Landscape Design distinguishes themselves from all other swimming pool & landscaping companies with their extensive design and construction experience. As a recognized national leader in custom residential & commercial landscaping, masonry, swimming pools and water features, the Mahwah NJ firm has been offering complete estate transformations since 2001. With a design office headed by Certified NJ Landscape Architect William Moore, the Cipriano team has won 75 awards of excellence since 2006 and in 2013 was named by Pool And Spa News to their "Top 50 Pool Builders list.

Visit http://www.njcustomswimmingpools.com

CONTACT: Matt Staudt Anchor Social matt(at)anchorsocial(dot)com (855) 424-6326

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NJ Custom Pool Firm Eyes Rapper Drake For Record Pool Build

Sue Efron had very specific ideas for her new Palm Beach home and gardens. She chose West Indies-style architecture and she wanted a tropical landscape, using natives where possible, to complement the look of the house.

Sue had a clear vision of what she wanted regarding design, color and texture, said Keith Williams of Nievera Williams Design, whom she chose two years ago to handle the project.

In her collaboration with Williams, Efron also stressed water conservation wherever possible, so he installed an underground drip irrigation.

To save even more water, Williams restricted turf grass to the back yard, where larger spaces were planned for kids and the family dog. In the front, he relied on ground covers but very interesting ground covers. Williams designed patterns using succulents and gravel made from crushed coquina stone.

The succulents will creep and grow over time, said Williams. Throughout most of the garden, we wanted plants to do their own thing.

That strategy was part of Williams goal of creating a relatively low-maintenance garden.

In summer, we come in once and cut back everything that needs it, he said, referring mainly to hedges along the perimeter of the property and the Zoysia lawn. He used diamond Zoysia, a hybrid developed at Texas A&M University for putting greens.

It does require special maintenance, he said. In summer, we level it to the roots and add sand to get this carpet effect.

Having lived in England for several years, Efron had developed an appreciation for follies in the landscape, those often-whimsical structures that provide a focal point amid the greenery. Adapting her request for its tropical location, Williams designed a pool cabana in an orchid house style, complete with slat roof.

We love it, Efron said.

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Tropical gardens echo West Indies-style home

Pahrump Town Board members dove head-first into the issue of providing year-round swimming for local residents this week.

On Tuesday, board members heard a presentation from local resident Rachael Roberts.

As of late, there has been expressed community interest in having a year-round swim facility.

Last year Roberts began her campaign by assisting the town in obtaining research and possible cost projections for the board to review and consider.

She told the board that her efforts have revealed many benefits if the consideration is adopted.

With upgrading our town pool to a year-round aquatics center, we will foster the development of new programs and help facilitate greater access to the existing facility by promoting and developing program methodologies for maximum utilization of the pool facility. We could also expand our aquatic industry resources, relationships and affinity partnerships, she noted.

Roberts also said she believes that the population of Pahrump is more than enough to justify her proposal.

Pahrump is pushing 40,000 and I think Nye County is pushing about 43,000 or so. That leaves us roughly with 20 percent under the age of 18 which is about 8,000. Twenty-five percent of our population is over the age of 65. We definitely have a very large and happy population spanning all of our age groups, Roberts said.

Though board members listened patiently to Roberts presentation, the costs associated with the project seemed to be pricier than what board and staff anticipated.

At 42 feet wide and 81 feet long, the pool holds roughly 210,000 gallons of water.

More here:
Board hears year-round swimming proposal

Siloso Beach Resort Sentosa Island Singapore
Conveniently located along Siloso Beach on the island of Sentosa. Siloso Beach Resort is a tranquil and rustic Eco resort just a few steps away from the beac...

By: Insider TV

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Siloso Beach Resort Sentosa Island Singapore - Video

Julie Sartain | March 25, 2014

Inside the magical world of 3D printing.

3D printers are the hottest new technology on the IT landscape. Everyone users and vendors alike wants a piece of the pie and, with 3D systems now printing candy and food, they could get their wish; that is, an actual, edible piece of pie.

Why are 3D printers so popular? Because they are the 21st century version of Star Trek's replicators and they can, literally, print (or replicate) anything from a piece of pumpkin pie to a full-blown multi-story house.

Wohlers Associates, a consulting firm in Fort Collins, Colo., has identified more than 50 additive manufacturing and 3D printing companies. A report from 3ders.org lists more than 230 printers and printer kits starting at $199 and ranging all the way up to $330,000 or more. On this list, the average 3D printer price is $2,346; not much more than a high-end color laser printer and certainly not out of reach for most users.

Origins and technologies

The most common 3D printer technologies, thus far, are fused deposition modeling (aka fused filament fabrication), stereolithography, digital light processing, selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering, selective laser melting, selective heat sintering, laminated object manufacturing, and polyjet 3D printing.

There are other, similar technologies available and many more on the horizon as independent entrepreneurs and Kickstarter candidates continue to research, design, and develop new ways to create three dimensional objects from pools of plastic, polymer resins, powdered products, sand, glass, food substances, and liquid metals such as stainless steel, cobalt chromium, titanium, aluminum, and nickel, silver, and gold alloys.

In a nutshell, 3D printers are simplified versions of rapid prototyping machines, which have been around since the early 1980s, only smaller, cheaper, and less complicated. However, as the pool of inventors expands, the lines between rapid prototyping and 3D printing are becoming more and more blurred. The smaller, cheaper 3D machines are using more varieties of materials and some of the larger rapid prototyping machines are getting smaller and costing less. For example, Michigan Technological University has just unveiled a new, open-source 3D metal printer that sells for only $1,500. And Makerbot's Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer (which sells for $2,899) can print a functioning, mechanical, 3D-printed hand called the Robohand. Makerbot also sells a mini version of this same printer for $1,375.

How it works The process of each 3D technology (also called additive manufacturing) is fairly similar. Objects are designed with a CAD-like software program, then sliced into extremely thin layers (like slicing a loaf of bread). The machines then spray, squeeze, or dribble the material onto a base, one layer at a time, fusing these together with heat until the object is formed. Some machines extrude a filament of plastic materials through a nozzle and build the objects on a platform from the bottom up. Some build the objects in a tray of powder or liquid and the platform lowers as each layer is applied, building from the top down.

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What is 3D printing?

506 SE 32nd Street, Cape Coral, FL 33904
http://506se32ndstreet.agentmarketing.com?rs=youtube For more info and pics, Text "474896" to 79564 Gorgeous Cape Coral Florida Pool Home For Sale Great loca...

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506 SE 32nd Street, Cape Coral, FL 33904 - Video

Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) March 20, 2014

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) announces a call for entries for the 2014 APSP International Awards of Excellence program. The program recognizes and rewards installations of pools, spas, hot tubs, and water features that showcase the most beautiful and creative work in the industry.

APSP receives hundreds of entries each year, representing member firms across the U.S. and the world. Entries can be submitted at APSP.org/AOE through Aug. 1. Entries are critiqued and awarded by a judging panel of APSP members representing a cross section of the various segments of the pool and hot tub industry, as well as representatives from fields such as architecture and landscape design. Award recipients will be announced in the fall and celebrated at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in November in Orlando, FL.

For over 40 years, APSPs International Awards of Excellence program has celebrated the best in design, said Rich Gottwald, APSP president and CEO. We look forward to recognizing new installations that revolutionize the way the industry builds and look forward to inspiring consumers and other industry professionals through our inspiration gallery.

The 2013 corporate sponsors included CNA Insurance; Latham Pool Products Inc.; Lonza; and S.R. Smith. For 2014 sponsorship information, email Helen Bloch at hbloch(at)apsp(dot)org.

For more information about the APSP International Awards of Excellence program, email Lorna Watkins at lwatkins(at)apsp(dot)org.

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals is the worlds oldest and largest association representing swimming pool, hot tub, and spa manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers agents, designers, builders, installers, suppliers, retailers, and service professionals. Dedicated to the growth and development of its members businesses and to promoting the enjoyment and safety of pools and spas, APSP offers a range of services, from professional development to advancing key legislation and regulation at the federal and local levels, to consumer outreach and public safety. APSP is the only industry organization recognized by the American National Standards Institute to develop and promote national standards of pools, hot tubs, and spas. For more information, visit apsp.org.

Link:
APSP Announces Call for Entries to Celebrate the Worlds Best Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs and Water Features

Richmond, VA (PRWEB) March 20, 2014

Guided by the findings of primary and secondary research from home category specialist Wray Ward, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives has updated its website for consumer information and lead generation at http://www.outdoorlights.com.

Jane Campbell, Manager of Inbound Marketing at Outdoor Living Brands, parent franchisor company of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, announced that with the unveiling of the new outdoor lights web site comes the announcement of the companys new mantra The Night is Ours which speaks to the brands market dominance as well as to their clients point of view.

Ms. Campbell said, The web experience is purposely designed to be simple and elegant, intriguing visitors to want to know more about us and click through the various levels of the site. Google Analytics has been added to guide us as to who is visiting the site, how much time they are spending there, and what pages are of special interest to them.

Discerning homeowners interested in a receiving a free nighttime demonstration to see the difference professional outdoor lighting can make may now schedule a no-obligation appointment at http://www.outdoorlights.com/design/#free-design-demo.

About Outdoor Lighting Perspectives

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP) is the worlds original and largest full service custom outdoor lighting company. Artfully designed to create warm glows of energy-efficient light to illuminate and beautify the exterior and landscapes surrounding your home, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives can also service or upgrade any outdoor lighting system.

Around the globe 100,000 homes now feature stunning OLP outdoor lighting systems for a wide variety of applications, such as architectural lighting; garden lighting; landscape lighting; underwater, fountain and pool lighting; patio and deck lighting; driveway lighting; walkway lighting and much more.

OLP has worked hard to earn its stellar reputation for uncompromising professionalism, unparalleled service and exquisite lighting design. Of special significance is its pride of responsiveness and attention to detail.

OLP is a local-owner-run business organization with locations across major cities throughout the United States, and as far as Canada, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

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Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Launches Photo-Rich Website For Better Home And Garden Illumination

BY LINDA BLASER lblaser@pioneerlocal.com | @LindaJBlaser March 18, 2014 6:36PM

Lake County Forest Preserve leaders recently-adopted 100-year vision, anticipating the preserves will be a healthy and resilient landscape with restored and preserved natural lands, waters and cultural assets." | File

storyidforme: 63689174 tmspicid: 22857218 fileheaderid: 11077846

View the vision

The 100-year vision statement is available at http://www.LCFPD.org.

Updated: March 19, 2014 2:36AM

Local leaders are already looking ahead to plan for the future of the Lake County Forest Preserve century ahead, to be precise.

A recently-adopted 100-year vision for the county anticipates it will be a healthy and resilient landscape with restored and preserved natural lands, waters and cultural assets in which vibrant communities will thrive, and future generations will protect and cherish these remarkable resources and the highly desirable quality of life that they provide.

If the county wants to maintain that quality of life for future generations, we need to make decisions right now, Forest Preserve Executive Director Alex Ty Kovach said.

The 100-year vision approved by the Board of Commissioners early this year identifies leadership, conservation and people as the three pillars necessary for the innovative projects and interconnected native landscape in communities that will naturally clear air and water, as well as promote an active, healthy lifestyle through an accessible, regional network of land and water trails.

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Lake County Forest Preserve planning for next 100 years