Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Good news for residents in Lyttelton's Cunningham Terrace and Sumner Road: all easement agreements required for retaining wall ground anchors have now been received by SCIRT. Work will begin on Cunningham Terrace the week beginning 27 August. It is expected to take about eight months.

"We are delighted to have this work back on track again," said Duncan Gibb, SCIRT General Manager. "It's been a long wait for people at a time when everyone wants certainty."

Meanwhile, on the east side of the port town, retaining wall work that was stopped on Sumner Road resumes on 20 August. A works notice has gone into letterboxes this week.

Preparatory work on both projects was curtailed while easement agreements from all affected land owners were finalised.

The easements for the Christchurch City Council cover the positioning of ground anchors under private properties. Ground anchors are horizontally-drilled steel pins encased in concrete. They provide greatly increased strength to the retaining wall and the road, particularly in the event of any future earthquakes, as well as increased security for residents and road users.

Where ground anchors have been used in the past on Lyttelton's Dublin Street and Sutton Quay retaining walls, they have stood up extremely well through the earthquakes. Other streets in Lyttelton are also getting rebuilt retaining walls with preparatory work starting in several places.

Retaining walls city-wide

SCIRT will be rebuilding hundreds of publicly-owned retaining walls in the Port Hills. Many more are on private property and will be rebuilt by land owners, as part of earthquake repairs.

SCIRT has prioritised the repair of retaining walls that have impacts on roads, underground services, such as wastewater and water supply, or have a risk of failure that could cause public safety or access issues. Retaining walls above three metres in height may require ground anchors to hold them in place.

"Rebuilding these publicly-owned retaining walls is extremely important for the people who live and work throughout the Port Hills," said Duncan Gibb. "These walls benefit people living next to them and also road users, pedestrians, local businesses and anyone who is serviced by the underground pipes located inside the road.

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Retaining walls rebuild continues in Lyttelton

Unless you're incredibly organized, it's highly likely that you have different music tracks dotted around different devices, which can turn digital DJing from a celebration of music to a mess of jumbled cables quicker than you can shout "tune". Pioneer's new digital decks, however, swap wires for Wi-Fi.

The new XDJ-AERO, you see, can suck music directly from up to four different devicessmartphones, tablets, laptops, whatevervia Wi-Fi. You can also create chunks of playlist on a device before the big event, then drag them to the decks ready cued up, so that you can spend time thinking about what should come next.

Elsewhere, it works pretty much like any other set of digital decks: it has a built-in 24-bit audio interface, a two-channel mixer, and all manner of cue-point triggers, FX and filters that you'll probably never know how to use properly.

The XDJ-AERO is going to be available later this month, for the princely sum of $1,400. Whether that's worth it probably depends on how disorganized you are and how little you like wires. [Pioneer]

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Digital DJs Can Say Goodbye to Wires Forever [Music]

07-08-2012 19:40 How To Grow Marijuana Indoor Lighting The Keeper Of The Seeds tells in HQ detail how to grow Medical Marijuana. From the beginning grower to the advanced farmer, learn how to grow Marijuana and learn tips that take years of experience to achieve. The Keeper Updates this site once a year Nov-Dec during his off time. Until Then Enjoy His Videos And Good Luck With Your Grow.

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How To Grow Marijuana Indoor Lighting - Video

Referenced Stocks: BECN, EPS

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. ( BECN ) reported record third-quarter 2012 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 62 cents, comfortably beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 56 cents and 22% higher than the year-ago quarter level. Including special items, EPS in the quarter stood at 53 cents, up 4% year over year from 51 cents. Increase in sales, driven by acquisitions, and gross margin contributed to the growth. However, the positives were partially offset by higher operating expenses and income tax provision as compared with 2011.

Operational Update

Total revenue increased 4% year over year to $560.5 million, benefiting from acquisitions. However, reported revenue lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $584 million. Organic growth declined 1.5% in the quarter.

In existing markets, residential roofing product sales increased 1.7% while non-residential roofing and complementary product sales declined 4.9% and 3.0%, respectively. The last year quarter benefited from substantial roofing activities based on the hail storms in spring 2011. Furthermore, warmer winter conditions this year led to higher roofing and exterior remodeling activities in the second quarter that otherwise would have been performed in the third quarter.

Cost of goods sold increased 1.4% to $419.7 million in the quarter. Gross profit rose 11% to $140.7 million. Operating income in the reported quarter improved to $51.3 million from $43 million in the year-ago quarter.

Financial Position

Cash and cash equivalents were $31.2 million as of June 30, 2012, compared with $171.1 million as of March 31, 2012. Total debt amounted to $608.5 million as of June 30, 2012, compared with $580.4 million as of March 31, 2012. Debt to capitalization ratio improved to 31.5% as of June 30, 2012 from 35.3% as of March 31. 2012.

Cash inflow from operating activities was $35.3 million during the first nine months of 2012 compared with $37.7 million in the comparable period last year. Cash flows in the first half of 2012 were positively impacted by higher net income and non-cash charges, partially offset by less favorable changes in working capital.

Our Take

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Record Quarter for Beacon Roofing - Analyst Blog

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (BECN) reported record third-quarter 2012 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 62 cents, comfortably beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 56 cents and 22% higher than the year-ago quarter level. Including special items, EPS in the quarter stood at 53 cents, up 4% year over year from 51 cents. Increase in sales, driven by acquisitions, and gross margin contributed to the growth. However, the positives were partially offset by higher operating expenses and income tax provision as compared with 2011.

Operational Update

Total revenue increased 4% year over year to $560.5 million, benefiting from acquisitions. However, reported revenue lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $584 million. Organic growth declined 1.5% in the quarter.

In existing markets, residential roofing product sales increased 1.7% while non-residential roofing and complementary product sales declined 4.9% and 3.0%, respectively. The last year quarter benefited from substantial roofing activities based on the hail storms in spring 2011. Furthermore, warmer winter conditions this year led to higher roofing and exterior remodeling activities in the second quarter that otherwise would have been performed in the third quarter.

Cost of goods sold increased 1.4% to $419.7 million in the quarter. Gross profit rose 11% to $140.7 million. Operating income in the reported quarter improved to $51.3 million from $43 million in the year-ago quarter.

Financial Position

Cash and cash equivalents were $31.2 million as of June 30, 2012, compared with $171.1 million as of March 31, 2012. Total debt amounted to $608.5 million as of June 30, 2012, compared with $580.4 million as of March 31, 2012. Debt to capitalization ratio improved to 31.5% as of June 30, 2012 from 35.3% as of March 31. 2012.

Cash inflow from operating activities was $35.3 million during the first nine months of 2012 compared with $37.7 million in the comparable period last year. Cash flows in the first half of 2012 were positively impacted by higher net income and non-cash charges, partially offset by less favorable changes in working capital.

Our Take

Beacon Roofings growth strategy largely depends on acquisitions, which has been the primary growth driver since its inception. Backed by its strong balance sheet, the company has recently acquired Structural Materials Company in Southern California in early July and Contractors Roofing & Supply Co. in St. Louis. The company is seeking other acquisition opportunities to enhance its growth profile. Furthermore, demand for re-roofing is also on the rise providing ample scope for Beacon to expand in this market.

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Record Quarter for Beacon Roofing

When youre a professional poker player, time doesnt really exist. Or if it does exist, its measured in decks of cards, in hands, in raises and calls and bluffs, in pots taken and pots lost. Which is why when Jon Urban won $27,000 and a Rolex watch for taking the top place in a Las Vegas poker tournament, the first thing he did was sell the watch.

What did he need a Rolex for?

(John Kelly/THE WASHINGTON POST) - Jon Urban, 28, poses for a photo in Washington, D.C. Jon quit his job as an engineer at Black & Decker to live his dream.

Jon is the Montgomery County native I first wrote about three years ago, when he was 28 and had just quit a well-paying engineering job with Black & Decker to move to Vegas and play poker professionally. Who among us wouldnt love to trade the 9-to-5 grind for the glamour and freedom of professional pokerdom?

But Jon is nothing if not a realist, and last year he traded the glamour and freedom of professional pokerdom for the 9-to-5 grind.

Overall, I think it was a success, Jon said of his 18-month stint playing cards. I managed to make somewhat of a living.

But he was missing his longtime girlfriend (first she was in Washington; now shes in Dallas), and he was in a rut, profit-wise. He had started out hot but for six months had been struggling. I was extremely unlucky, Jon told me on the phone from Dallas. Also, I noticed that I started getting a little arrogant and started losing my discipline.

Jon had always prided himself on his discipline, his ability to fold bad hands, to ignore bullying or buffoonish tablemates. But he saw that slipping.

I was trying different types of moves and plays that I really had no business doing, he said. Although he thought a change in his style of play from what poker players call tight-aggressive to loose-aggressive was a step in the right direction, he decided to walk away, to move to Dallas to be with his girlfriend, to look for a job in the real world.

It was a strange circumstance to go into an interview and say, Yes, my last job was in Vegas as a professional poker player, Jon said. I got some funny looks. But I did have Black & Decker behind it, so that definitely helped.

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A poker pro plays the hand he’s dealt

NAPLES, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Industrial Nanotech, Inc. (Pink Sheets:INTK), an emerging global leader in nanotechnology based energy saving and sustainable solutions announced today that the Company has launched a new product, Nansulate(R) Deck, for protection and cooling of wooden decks and railings. This clear protective coating helps to cool deck surface temperatures as well as protects the wood from moisture, UV and weathering, while also being resistant to mold and algae growth.

This new product is the result of customer demand, stated Francesca Crolley, V.P. Business Development for Industrial Nanotech, Inc. Customers of our home and roof insulation products were asking us for a coating that could help make their decks cooler in the summer, while also protecting them from mold and algae growth and weathering. Our customers are also very sustainable, so they appreciate the fact that our products do not contain biocides and are environmentally friendly, and will make their decks and railings last longer. After working with our R&D team, we developed a version of our industrial technology, which is used in all types of factory environment and harsh exposure applications, that could fill this need and provide solutions that are not currently available in the deck coating marketplace. Part of what we do is use sustainable nanotechnology to provide solutions to issues that most companies cant solve. Weve provided unique solutions for corrosion under insulation, difficult to insulate areas, and lead abatement, to name a few, and continue to enjoy the challenges that companies and customers bring to us daily.

Industrial Nanotechs patented line of award winning nanotechnology based insulation and protective coatings have been used in industry and by consumers since 2004. These sustainable products provide solutions to energy savings, surface protection, and environmental remediation in an environmentally friendly, clear liquid coating line.

Read more at: http://www.nansulate.com/store/decks

About Nansulate(R)

Nansulate(R) is the Company's patented product line of award winning, specialty coatings containing a nanotechnology based material and which are well-documented to provide the combined performance qualities of thermal insulation, corrosion prevention, resistance to mold growth, fire resistance, chemical resistance and lead encapsulation in an environmentally safe, water-based, coating formulation. The Nansulate(R) Product Line includes industrial, residential, agricultural and solar thermal insulation coatings. Additional information about the Company and its products can be found at their websites, (www.inanotk.com) and (www.nansulate.com). Blog: http://www.nansulate.com/nanoblog, Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NanoPioneer, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Nansulate.

About Industrial Nanotech Inc.

Industrial Nanotech Inc. is a global nanoscience solutions and research leader and member of the U.S. Green Building Council. The Company develops and commercializes new and innovative applications for sustainable nanotechnology which are sold worldwide.

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Industrial Nanotech Launches New Nanocoating to Cool and Protect Decks

WAVERLY, Iowa --- Architects have a green light to develop plans and specifications for a performance area in Kohlmann Park.

After debating merits of the proposed location, the City Council on Monday authorized AHTS Architects of Waterloo to work out details. The resolution passed 5-2. Councilmen Gary Boorom and Chris Neuendorf cast dissenting votes.

The vote shed light on the varied comfort levels with Kohlmann Park as the site. The park is west of the Cedar River and is buffered by First Street Northwest and Fourth Avenue Northwest and Bremer Avenue.

Councilwoman Kathy Olson said every location will have challenges. She added concerns about the park --- such as traffic, parking and flood potential --- have or will be addressed.

"I believe we need to make a decision. It's been out there for 10 years. It's time to put a stake in the ground and say we are going to move forward," Olson said.

Several residents, including some property owners near the park, were not convinced and believe better fits for the performance area exist.

"You are devaluing the quality of life of the people who live in the area on Thursday night," said Duane Liddle, a resident of the city's southwest side and a former councilman.

Last May, the council sent performance center advocates back to the drawing board after rejecting a request to vacate a portion of Fourth Avenue Northwest for the band shell. This latest version of the project pushes the staging area farther south.

The council could still redirect or halt the project at other stages.

Vicky Green wondered if the joint fairgrounds and ball diamond complex proposed for northwest Waverly should also be the home of Greater Waverly Municipal Band concerts and other entertainment. The band offers a summer concert series in the park and is seeking the band shell.

Continued here:
Waverly band shell project advances

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --It's not just the temperature that is soaring in August at Moseley Architects. Twenty-two professionals among the firm's six locations began the month as newly promoted staff. Recently shared at one of the firm's semi-annual staff meetings, President Stewart D. Roberson congratulated twelve new associates, nine new senior associates, and a new vice president.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120117/PH35523LOGO)

In making the announcements, Roberson said, "There's a reason that Moseley Architects enjoys a leading role in the mid-Atlantic and across our nation. The strength of our outstanding architects, engineers, interior designers, sustainability experts, construction administrators, marketing, and administrative folks is without parallel. Each of these promotions telegraphs to all of our clients and the communities we serve that our firm is poised to make an even greater difference in the lives touched through our excellent designs. Indeed, our recently promoted colleagues form the core of a quality culture second to none."

Associates: Kathy Brown (Richmond); Tony Burzese (Virginia Beach); Steven Cooke (Charlotte); Ashley Dennis (Raleigh); Craig Dobyns (Richmond); Eric Garcia (Warrenton); Lucas Hardy (Charlotte); Frank Knott (Richmond); Chris Rea (Richmond); Brian Wells (Richmond); Tyler Whately (Richmond); Bill Zawistowski (Virginia Beach)

Senior Associates: Bob Baxter (Richmond); William Gaspar (Richmond); Jason Hopkins (Charlotte); Steve Nally (Raleigh); John Nichols (Raleigh); Stephen Phillips (Warrenton); Scott Shady (Richmond); Carrie Webster (Richmond); Chris Yago (Richmond)

Vice President: Lisa Demmel (Richmond)

About Moseley Architects Moseley Architects is among the mid-Atlantic's most trusted public sector architects, offering exceptional design to educational, civic, and correctional clients. Over their 40-year history, the firm has earned a reputation for quality, reliability, and responsiveness. To date, Moseley Architects' clients include more than 130 local governments, 115 school districts, and 30 colleges/universities, as well as numerous Federal projects for the Bureau of Prisons and Department of the Navy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Lisa Demmel (804)794-7555 ldemmel@moseleyarchitects.com

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Moseley Architects Promotes 22 Professionals

Claire Ryan, 12, of La Jolla, shows her house design with a waterslide that runs from the roof to the ocean. Photo Shelli DeRobertis

By Shelli DeRobertis

More than a dozen middle and high school students spent a week drawing, measuring, tracing, touring homes and designing their own at the first Young Architects Camp, hosted by the La Jolla Historical Society, July 23-27, at Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect St.

The class of nine boys and four girls met daily for six-hour sessions and were taught tools-of-the trade by three seasoned professionals.

Architects Trip Bennett and Laura DuCharme Conboy who combined, have 45 years of experience creating homes were teaching the session on July 27, when Bennett jokingly introduced DuCharme Conboy.

Shes the second best architect in town, Bennett said.

Joking aside, both architects have had their work featured in many publications, and both are members of the La Jolla Historical Society, which works to preserve the towns beloved sites and structures.

Jeffrey Shorn, another private-practice architect in La Jolla also shared his expertise and helped teach the camp.

Twelve-year-old Cami Hickman, of La Jolla, said she was excited to attend.

I really enjoyed it, she said. I like that we got to design our own space. For her finished product, Hickman drew a three-story modern.

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Local architects in La Jolla host camp for young designers