Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

The gate at the Alnwick Poison Garden is a spooky sign of what's inside. (Photo by Steve F/Wikimedia Commons)

Skulls and crossbones bar the locked gates on Alnwick Castle's grounds, 35 miles north of Britain's Newcastle upon Tyne. "These plants can kill," signs warn. Don't be scared, though. Beyond lies a charitable trust and one of North East England's biggest tourist attractions: The Poison Garden.

Among its 100-odd intoxicating inhabitants grow cannabis, opium and hemlock, the plant that sent Socrates to his demise. Poppies, foxglove and belladonna also number among the "inmates," as staff members like to call the fatal flora.

Right: Suspended walkways and steps lead to the giant treehouse at Alnwick Garden. (Pawel Libera /VisitBritainThis deadly destination lurks beside one of Europe's largest inhabited castles, which earned supernatural street cred as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. The turrets, ramparts and "lost cellars" may be closed for winter, but the garden is still going strong ($6 for children, $18 for adults). It magics up Halloween events from wand crafting to pumpkin carving and bewitching performances of Shakespeare's terrible trio from"Macbeth."

Visitors can also explore the world's largest wheelchair-accessible treehouse, which stays open later in the year to celebrate Christmas dinner and a five-course New Year's banquet.

"I wondered why so many gardens focused on the healing power of plants rather than their ability to kill," said the poison garden's creator, Jane, the Duchess of Northumberland. "Most children I knew would be more interested in how a plant killed, how long it would take, and how gruesome and painful the death might be."

The mother of four unveiled her lethal landscaping a decade ago, sparking controversy from all sides. Since then, 3.8 million visitors have infused about $240 million into the county's economy, according to a study by the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The charismatic, can-do duchess announced earlier this month that she'll prune her involvement down from its current daily doses by 2015. That will allow more time for another project she has on the boil: "The Poison Diaries," a trilogy of novels for teens.

But a fresher, flashier romance could upstage the duchess's 18th-century fiction, as her son George Percy the heir to Alnwick (pronounced "ANN-ick") keeps company with Pippa Middleton, Kate's younger sister. Last spring, the two close friends had tabloids cooking up potent rumors again.

As "The Poison Diaries" say, "in the right dose, everything is a poison. Even love"

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Dare to Explore the Lethal Landscaping of England’s Poison Garden

Plans by Atmos Pipeline-Texas to remove a large number of trees in Flower Mound drew the ire of Texas Senator Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) this week.

And just wait until more tree conservationists in Flower Mound hear the plan.

Monday, representatives from Atmos Pipeline-Texas explained to the Flower Mound Town Council why they are proposing to clear a large number of trees throughout the town to enhance safety and to better survey part of its high-pressure transmission pipeline system.

The pipeline itself runs 6,000 miles, spanning from the Red River to Houston and from West Texas to Carthage in East Texas. It provides natural gas to Atmos Energy Corporation Mid-Tex Division customers and CoServ customers.

Flower Mound's portion of the pipeline equates to about 12 miles. The path starts near the Lakeside Business District in the southern end of town, and travels north through The Sanctuary, the Wellington subdivision and Tour 18 Golf Course. The Sanctuary is the first conservation neighborhood the town created and contains many old trees.

The original plan called for clear cutting to begin Nov. 1, and after breaking for the holidays, tree removal would continue after the first of the year.

For a link to the map, click here.

After hearing concerns from the council, Charles Yarborough, vice president of rates and regulatory affairs for Atmos Pipeline-Texas, said Atmos would postpone its plans until discussions between his company and the town staff could take place to try and find a middle ground.

But before that agreement, tensions were high over the idea of so many trees being destroyed.

Yarborough said the tree removal is necessary to allow utility officials access to the pipeline, which is 24 inches in diameter and operates with a pressure up to 602 psi. He said the tree removal would make it easier to patrol and conduct gas leak surveys.

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Town, Atmos at odds over tree removal (updated)

Plans by Atmos Pipeline-Texas to remove a large number of trees in Flower Mound drew the ire of Texas Senator Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) this week.

And just wait until more tree conservationists in Flower Mound hear the plan.

Monday, representatives from Atmos Pipeline-Texas explained to the Flower Mound Town Council why they are proposing to clear a large number of trees throughout the town to enhance safety and to better survey part of its high-pressure transmission pipeline system.

The pipeline itself runs 6,000 miles, spanning from the Red River to Houston and from West Texas to Carthage in East Texas. It provides natural gas to Atmos Energy Corporation Mid-Tex Division customers and CoServ customers.

Flower Mound's portion of the pipeline equates to about 12 miles. The path starts near the Lakeside Business District in the southern end of town, and travels north through The Sanctuary, the Wellington subdivision and Tour 18 Golf Course. The Sanctuary is the first conservation neighborhood the town created and contains many old trees.

The original plan called for clear cutting to begin Nov. 1, and after breaking for the holidays, tree removal would continue after the first of the year.

After hearing concerns from the council, Charles Yarborough, vice president of rates and regulatory affairs for Atmos Pipeline-Texas, said Atmos would postpone its plans until discussions between his company and the town staff could take place to try and find a middle ground.

But before that agreement, tensions were high over the idea of so many trees being destroyed.

Yarborough said the tree removal is necessary to allow utility officials access to the pipeline, which is 24 inches in diameter and operates with a pressure up to 602 psi. He said the tree removal would make it easier to patrol and conduct gas leak surveys.

"We need to get to that pipeline in case it needs maintenance quickly," Yarborough said. "Taking time to cut down the trees could hinder a response to an emergency situation by days as opposed to hours."

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Town, Atmos at odds over tree removal

RESIDENTS of a Mooroolbark street are furious 18 mature trees were chopped down to make way for a new housing development.

Gordon Court resident Kerry Swift said residents wrote to Yarra Ranges Council about two months ago when two houses, at 26-27, were sold.

In the letter seen by the Leader, residents said they were concerned about the future of a resident population of tawny frogmouths and asked that the quiet, family-friendly amenity of the area be considered.

But on Monday, October 8, Mr Swift said he was devastated when the tree loppers arrived early in the morning and by Tuesday all 18 trees were down.

Should a permit be needed for mass tree removal like this? Tell us what you think below.

"We were so upset seeing the trees come down and birds - including the tawny frogmouths - flying around everywhere," Mr Swift said.

"It's such a mess now - an environmental nightmare.

"Those trees were 60 maybe 100 years old and were there for everyone.

"Why did they have to cut down all of them?"

Mr Swift said he felt annoyed that there was nothing that could be done about his street but wanted to warn other residents.

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Should permits be required for mass tree removal?

Emerald ash borer might make its way soon to Independences tree population if it isnt already here and city officials should be prepared for the green beetles potential impact on tree removal, and ultimately, the citys budget.

In Missouri emerald ash borer was first discovered in 2008, but this year, it also was located in Clay and Platte counties, meaning the green beetle that kills all ash trees will likely hit Jackson County and Independence soon, said Independence Tree Commission chairman and certified arborist Gordon Shaw on Monday night.

We expect the emerald ash borer will be in Jackson County and in the city of Independence relatively soon, Shaw told the City Council. It could be here already.

Native to Asia, emerald ash borer was first discovered in the U.S. in Detroit a decade ago and has since spread to 16 states, Shaw said. While it is not a threat to human health, the beetle destroys all ash trees vascular systems, and if it is located in firewood transported from one place to another, it can spread hundreds of miles.

Because of emerald ash borer potentially moving in Independence, the Tree Commission developed a list of recommendations for the city. The beetle could potentially infect hundreds, if not thousands, of area trees, which would need removal. Now, Independence Parks and Recreation removes roughly 40 trees each year.

First, Shaw said, the city should perform an urban tree inventory to determine the ash tree population in Independence, a figure now unknown. The inventory includes location, number and condition of ash trees.

We know that the emerald ash borer really affects trees that are declining it affects those first, Shaw said.

Next, the city should apply for a Missouri Department of Conservation TRIM grant, a matching funds program (up to $25,000) used for urban tree inventory. This would give city officials a better understanding of what the emerald ash borer would financially cost Independence, Shaw said.

We just want the City Council to be aware that when budget talks come up that there may be some additional costs coming for tree removal and tree replacement, Shaw said.

Mayor Don Reimal asked how removed trees are disposed to prevent transmission of the beetle to other disease-free trees. Joe Knoll, the citys interim parks and grounds manager, said if the removed tree are chipped smaller than 1 inch, the beetles should be destroyed.

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City urged to prepare for battle against green beetle

Miracle Method Surface Refinishing exhibited at three major College Facility Manager Conferences this fall and generated significant interest from attendees. Miracle Method attends these trade shows to demonstrate the benefits of refinishing existing surfaces vs. replacement of bathtubs, tile, fiberglass, acrylic, cultured marble and laminate bathroom and kitchen surfaces.

Colorado Springs, CO (PRWEB) October 23, 2012

Miracle Method takes advantage of the college facility shows to educate managers and to demonstrate the effectiveness of their process. Despite being in business for over 30-years, surface refinishing is still unknown to many. The most common response we hear is, I didnt know you could do that. The second response is when can you come to our campus, says Don Dominick, Miracle Method VP Business Development.

The common denominators for residence hall problems are leaking shower pans, worn and moldy grout and dated tile bathrooms. Miracle Method offers an affordable and durable alternative to removal and replacement. Traditional demolition and replacement solutions are not only expensive, but take more time than a college has during breaks, adds Dominick. Facility Managers work in tight windows, often on holiday and summer breaks. The job starts the day students leave and must be completed before they return.

A leaking shower pan in a community bathroom is not an isolated problem. The water from the leak can go directly to the floor below and cause ceiling damage or may even travel down the hall and into rooms several floors below. Re-grouting is not a solution, it will breakdown and leak again. Even replacement is only temporary, as tile setters typically offer only a one-year guarantee. Miracle Methods process has proven to be very durable. Leaking shower pans we refinished at Florida Atlantic five years ago dont leak and still look great, states Dominick.

Miracle Methods trade show demonstration illustrates how permanently sealing the grout, not only eliminates leaks, but improves the look, prevents mold and mildew and reduces maintenance costs.

Attending these conferences is especially gratifying as our booth is visited by so many satisfied customers, says Dominick. We have done work for a number of major universities this year, including the University of Buffalo, Kent State, Penn State, University of Richmond and many others.

Miracle Method plans on expanding its association with colleges and university facility managers in 2013 by attending more regional APPA conferences. What was once a small part of the companys business is now a major contributor.

To learn more about Miracle Methods solutions for colleges and universities, visit http://www.miraclemethod.com/collegehousing, email sales(at)miraclemethod(dot)com or call 800 444-8827.

Don Dominick Miracle Method Surface Refinishing 800-444-8827 Email Information

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Miracle Method Surface Refinishing Generates Interest and Leads at College Trade Shows

Importer of Ceramic Tiles Uses the SYSPRO ERP to Improve Business Processes and Gain a Competitive Edge in the Expansion of its Operations

Burnaby, British Columbia (PRWEB) October 23, 2012

The SYSPRO ERP software package was tasked with managing diverse and geographically dispersed warehouses and inventory systems; Julian Tile has four locations across Canada - Burnaby, British Columbia, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta and Winnipeg, Manitoba. To fully streamline their operations, all locations are on one SYSPRO license distributed over a terminal server environment. This creates a fully integrated system that enables real-time transactions for inventory queries and supply chain management, in addition to the general ledger integration with its quick and accurate monthly financial reporting. With the SYSPRO ERPs warehouse transfer capabilities, Julian Tile can easily and efficiently transfer goods between locations, without the lengthy paper trail previously needed to process such requests branch to branch; a simplification and streamlining of processes that has saved the importer four working days a month. This type of complete inventory visibility in their ERP solution was critical to meeting fulfillment commitments, enhancing customer service and giving Julian Tile a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Inventory is our biggest asset, it must be managed efficiently. Since we import our products from all corners of the globe, we have dock-to-stock times of six to eight weeks; we need to have the right product at the right time in the right quantities, shares Rose Baldo, Principle, Julian Tile. We are always analyzing our inventory to maintain the right balance between supply and demand. SYSPROs inventory module gives us the information we need to identify products, buying rules, preferred supplier, lead times and tracking. This gives Purchasing a clear picture so that they know exactly what to buy and how much.

The vast improvement to Julian Tiles inventory system thanks to the SYSPRO ERP software has given the importer an array of business management and operational advantages. Thanks to access to real time information, staff can retrieve crucial data, such as order quantities and due dates, that helps them work more efficiently and accurately. With the SYSPRO ERP, Julian Tile has also enjoyed a marked shift in the efficiency of the cost apportioning process, previously a cumbersome and time-consuming task requiring manual input to an Excel spreadsheet. The cost apportionment functionality in SYSPRO allows the Julian Tile sales team to remain as competitive and profitable as possible with exact knowledge of margins in real time. The SYSRPO ERP has also made the quoting process easier for Julian Tile, allowing for customization and the creation of rules to automatically generate accurate sales order prices. This has helped to bolster the whole customer side of the business.

With SYSPRO, the work is done for us, and changes to any of the cost variables are instantly reflected in the system, says Baldo. Quoting on a job can be very complicated, as there are many variables to consider. However, SYSPRO has made it easy by relating all the information to produce a comprehensive picture of our bottom line, and as a result we can make proactive financial and operational management decisions with assurance. Over the years, SYSPRO has easily adapted to our changing business needs. It has driven efficiency throughout our organization which has allowed us to remain competitive in the market.

About Julian Ceramic Tile

Established in 1979, Julian Ceramic Tile imports products from all over the world. Its major supplier is Italy, where it finds the highest quality product and the leading-edge designs. Additional suppliers include Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, China and India. To remain competitive, Julian Ceramics buyers travel to every corner of the globe searching for products distinguished enough to enter the Julian Collection. Today, Julian Ceramic Tile is one of Western Canadas largest importers of ceramics, porcelain and natural stone tiles. For more information visit http://www.juliantile.com/

About SYSPRO

SYSPRO, formed in 1978, has earned the trust of more than 14,500 companies globally for its suite of visionary software that enhances the competitive thrust of small/mid-sized manufacturers and distributors. The company's adherence to developing technology based on the needs of customers is among the reasons why SYSPRO enjoys one of the highest customer retention rates in the industry.

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SYSPRO ERP Software Drives Efficiency Throughout Julian Tile Organization

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado Glenwood Springs City Council voted 4-3 on Thursday to remove a section of the 2009 residential building code that would have required sprinkler systems for fire protection in new homes starting in 2013.

Councilman Ted Edmonds was the swing vote in favor of removing the provision, after council deadlocked 3-3 on the issue at a Sept. 20 meeting when Edmonds was absent.

I agree that one of our primary responsibilities is to ensure safety, Edmonds said.

He added, however, As a society, I fear we're becoming overregulated, and this is something that should be a matter of choice for the consumer.

The extra cost of adding a sprinkler system to a new home, estimated at between $2 and $8 per square foot, has been cited by critics as one of the main reasons the city should not mandate the systems.

The city of Glenwood Springs initially adopted the requirement for home sprinkler systems in all newly constructed single-family and duplex units as part of the uniform 2009 International Residential Code (IRC).

However, the requirement was not set to take effect until 2013. Cities and counties had until the end of the year to remove the provision before it automatically kicked in.

Sprinkler systems are already required for multi-family residential construction, such as apartments and condominium complexes.

Expansion of the requirement to new single-family and duplex construction was supported by the Glenwood Springs Fire Department, as well as the city's appointed Building Board of Appeals.

Councilmen Todd Leahy and Mike Gamba, along with Mayor Matt Steckler, joined Edmonds in voting to remove the new sprinkler provision. Council members Stephen Bershenyi, Leo McKinney and Dave Sturges wanted to keep it in the code.

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Glenwood removes home sprinkler requirement from code

INDIANAPOLIS - Fire and building code violations are putting Metro police employees at risk and raising questions about government oversight at the renovation of the IMPD East District Roll Call facility.

The fire sprinkler system installed at East District Roll Call was never approved, and so far, it has failed to work, but Metro police and civilian employees were moved into the building anyway nine months ago.

A firefighter remains on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, because the fire sprinkler system in the building will not send an alarm to an outside security company or fire dispatch.

According to city codes, the contractor is required to submit a plan before construction begins and the building is occupied.

"In most cases our plan review, they do review them. But for whatever reason, I don't think our plan reviewer had a chance to see these plans. I'm not sure (why not)," said Indianapolis Fire Department Fire Marshal Fred Pervine.

Tuesday afternoon, the building contractor was summoned to a meeting with fire and code enforcement officials for a review of code violations. City officials admitted that they hadn't seen the contractor's plan until Tuesday.

"All I know is that I saw the plan today," said Al Ensley, with the Department of Code Enforcement. "I saw the plans that were submitted today."

Fire and code enforcement will review the fire suppression plans to see if the design fits the building then they will test the system to determine if the sprinklers provide an effective level of protection.

"The last thing we want to do, for the most part, is evacuate the building, because now we're forced to relocate all the East District and all that," Pervine said. "So that would be a safety issue that we've got to deal with."

For now, the building contractor is paying the $35-per-hour cost of having a firefighter keep watch on the building.

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Code violations put police at risk

MANILA, Philippines --- The Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development - National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday urged barangay leaders to lead their constituents in conserving water and protecting the environment for the benefit of future generations.

DOH-NCR Director Eduardo C. Janairo emphasized this cause as it started its series of seminars for barangay captains and other community leaders that showed the importance of preserving water and other environmental resources.

"Each of us is responsible in protecting our water resources to ensure that current and future water uses are met and wastages are avoided. Our choices and our actions contribute to the well-being or deterioration of our environment. That is why we must safeguard it in order to have access to a clean source of drinking water which is very essential to good health," Janairo said.

Participants of the Lakbay Aral program toured the treatment plants of water providers in Metro Manila such as in La Mesa Dam in Quezon City.

Experts from the Manila Water Company and Maynilad gave the community leaders a glimpse of the various stages of water purification before they are distributed to residents and establishments in the NCR. The experts also explained the process of eliminating wastewater from the sewer or septic tank to its disposal in rivers. The presentations made by the water concessionaires involved the processes on water production, distribution and laboratory operations, service connection installations, pipelines maintenance and its information dissemination programs.

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Save Water, Barangay Leaders Told