Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

12-01-2012 14:50 http://www.marylandwindowtinting.com http://www.aptinting.com Watch us install new tint on the windows of the world-famous main terminal at Dulles International Airport! Absolute Perfection, Inc. provides expert installation of window film for office buildings, government buildings, retail storefronts, restaurants and any other commercial building that is interested in the energy savings offered by window film, or who wishes to reduce the damaging and disruptive sunshine that streams through the windows during early morning or late afternoon. We will work with you to determine the best window tinting products and services for your particular situation. We have access to a wide range of films to match design of any building and our installation will be fast and not disrupt your business. Some of the commercial services and window tint products available include: • New Construction / Renovations / Interior Fit-Outs • Solar Control Films - We provide an energy analysis to calculate your potential energy savings • Fragment Retention Films • Bomb Blast Abatement • Blast Resistent Systems to 20 Mil • Safety and Security Films - create barriers to burglaries involving smashing of exterior windows • Designer Frosted and Privacy Films • Decorative Films • GSA Approved Glass Strengthening Window Systems • Graffiti Resistent Films Our solar window tinting films give you a clear view, reducing annoying glare without making it seem dark in your home or office. After purchasing our high performance ...

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Installing Window Tint at Dulles Airport | Government, Commercial and Residential Window Tinting - Video

06-02-2012 12:10 The Shard after the first snowfall.

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The Shard at London Bridge construction update (5th February 2012) - Video

06-02-2012 19:01 Quick build hurricane/fire resistant homes/offices from a kit! "GigaHouse" is insulated panel system (500-7000sf). Steel frame supports EPS foam panels. GigaCrete's revolutionary non-Portland plaster DIRECTLY applied to EPS -- bonds as one. Not EIFS. HARD in/out coatings resist impact/abuse....

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NEW! GigaCrete Eco-Friendly Kit House. STRONG. Resists fire/hurricane. Insulated. Easy. Affordable. - Video

14-11-2010 23:29 http://www.landscapingnetwork.com A failing wood retaining wall is replaced by an attractive 3-foot-tall reinforced concrete block wall with a stucco finish. A strip of decorative gravel behind the wall facilitates drainage.

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Retaining Wall Design -- Smooth Stucco - Video

On February 6, 2012, Black Box Distribution announced that the staff would be holding a contest each day for the next nine days. What's the prize you may ask? It's a non-skateable Zero or Mystery skate deck. The skate decks were once part of the company's display wall and as such have screw holes in them. In order to win the skate decks you'll need to visit the firm's Facebook page. So what does one do, exactly, with a skate deck that can't be ridden? The possibilities are infinite. Here are five ideas to help jump start your creative brains:

1. Create a Ceiling Fan Blade

Skate decks make superlative ceiling fan blades and they are relatively easy to make. All you need to do is remove your old ceiling fan blades and compare them to your skate decks. Depending on the size of your ceiling fan, the modifications would be minor. For example, a 52 inch long ceiling fan blade is typically 5.38 inches wide. You'd just need to trace the shape of the old blade onto your skate deck and then cut out the form with a jig saw. You might also want to wood putty the holes in the skate deck and add a little touch up paint for aesthetic purposes. Once you are done, screw the skate deck into place and you're good to go. The cost would be minimal and the effect would be skater chic.

2. Create a Bedroom Mirror

Take a trip to the local craft store and pick up a decorative mirror. If you are lucky, you might find one that is the same size and shape of your skate deck. If not, you can always take it to a local glass cutter to be cut to size. You may also opt to buy a glass cutter and do it yourself. Once you have the mirror cut to size, simply glue it to the skate deck and let it dry. You can hang it on your wall with a mirror clip. A box of those typically costs $2.

3. Create a Coat Rack

You may also want to create a coat rack out of your skate deck. All you will need to make one is a metal tape measure, a pencil and a few pegs or hooks. You can find pegs and hooks online or at most hardware and home improvement shops for $10 to $50 depending on how fancy you want to get. Measure the skate deck and make hash marks at equally distances along its length. Then affix the hooks where you made the hash marks and attach the skate deck coat rack to your wall with screws and anchors.

4. Create a Lamp

Skate decks may also be converted into bathroom or vanity mirror lamps. In order to complete this project you'll need a light assembly kit, a jig saw, metal tape measure and a pencil. You may find lamp making and light assembly kits online or at most major craft and home improvement stores. Some kits come pre-wired and others require that you have some knowledge of electrical engineering to complete. In most instances a kit will cost you less than $10. Measure and cut the skate deck to accommodate the light assembly. Attach the light assembly to the skate deck and then affix your new skate deck lamp on your bedroom or bathroom wall.

5. Create a Shelf

One of the easiest things that you can do with your skate deck is transform it into a wall shelf. You'll need a set of shelving brackets, a metal tape measure, a pencil and a level. Bracket prices vary from $10 for two to over $60 depending on what the brackets are made of. Just attach the brackets to the wall, place the skate deck on top of the brackets and then make sure that everything is level.

My children are skaters and I have a history of following the sport.

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Mystery and Zero Skate Deck Giveaway Has Infinite Possibilities

February 7, 2012

Cumberland's Cody Beaudette pinned his Coventry opponent in 12 seconds on Tuesday night. (File photo)

COVENTRY — After a successful weekend where they won four of their five dual meets at Mount Anthony Union (Vt.), the Coventry wrestling team returned to state competition hoping to prove a point against the most successful dual-meet team in the state over the last five seasons.
But Cumberland, which is looking for its third straight undefeated dual-meet campaign, had another idea. The Clippers breezed through the first matches and then rode the strength of their standout wrestlers – Erik Travers and Tom Lacroix – for a 46-24 Division I-North victory.
“I think these guys aren’t very happy with the final score of the match,” Coventry coach Mike Buccaci said. “I think they’re going to be ready to wrestle Cranston West. We know Cumberland’s one of the best teams in the state – they’re always full of tough, talented wrestlers. We’re going to want to rebound nicely.”
Cumberland (14-0 Division I-North) cleared its final hurdle on the way to an undefeated showdown for the Division I-North title with Bishop Hendricken Wednesday night at the Cumberland High Wellness Center.
It will be the second straight season where the Clippers battled a fellow unbeaten for the I-North title. Last season Vets coach George Schmeider tried to bump around to beat the Clippers, but that led to a shocking Marcel Lussier victory over eventual 171-pound state champion Nick Salois.
Venerable Cumberland coach Steve Gordon doesn’t expect much lineup shifting tomorrow from Hendricken coach Kevin Hennessey, who was in attendance Tuesdat evening.
“I think we setup differently,” Gordon said of the showdown. ‘There are going to be a lot matches like tonight that will be very good. I think 126 pounds will be very crucial and 132 could be a very big match because [Hendricken freshman Anthony] DiMauro’s tough. Him and Sean [Creamer] split in Concord.
“I don’t want to outcoach myself because I think George outcoached himself and played right into our hands last year. I think I will stick with my lineup.”
That lineup served Gordon well Tuesday night against a Coventry team that has rapidly improved since the start of the campaign. Cumberland raced out to a 17-0 lead behind pins from Dylan Ross (106 pounds) and Cody Beaudette (113 pounds) and a technical fall from Kris Nordby at 120 pounds.
Coventry finally got on the scoreboard on senior night when senior 126-pounder Christian Bottella won the final home match of his career. Bottella hit a five-point move in the first period and led Nick Tribelli 11-0 after one period. Bottella picked up the win by fall at 3:13.
“I’m proud to go out with a bang,” Bottella said. “This is the last match I’ll ever wrestle in this gym – kind of depressing. I was a little pumped up before the match, but I settled down and did what I had to do.”
Bottella’s match was simply the appetizer for the two biggest matches of the evening. Creamer, Cumberland’s battled-tested 132, met Coventry’s Stryker Blue. Blue missed the first half of the season because he transferred form Hendricken, so his only way of moving up the D-I ladder is by winning head-to-head matches.
After a scoreless first period, the two traded escapes before Blue picked up a takedown with just 15 seconds left in the match to earn a 3-1 victory.
“Stryker showed that he can wrestle with some of the toughest kids in the state,” Buccaci said. “He’s behind the 8-ball with the power points, but I think he’s going to be pretty impressive at the state tournament. We expect a lot out of him.”
“I actually thought my guy wrestled better and had the best of the match, he just lost it,” Gordon said. “He didn’t finish three or four takedowns and he had a chance to score a few times.”
Coventry sophomore Dylan Dupre and Cumberland’s Jon Maccini then engaged in a battle to earn the No. 1 seed at 138 pounds. Dupre earned an early takedown, but Maccini battled back and actually led with 58 seconds to go.
But Dupre reversed back with 12 seconds left in the match to grab a one-point lead. Maccini managed an escaped and eventually picked up an 11-6 overtime win. The victory means Dupre will have to beat Exeter West-Greenwich sophomore Christian LaBrie to reach the state final.
“We knew that was going to be a tough match, but I don’t put anything past Jon Maccini,” Gordon said. “He’s not a ball of fire, but he does a good job of getting out.”
“I think that’s going to sting a little bit for him and I think it’s a great learning experience,” Buccaci said. “It should motivate him even further to wrestle tough at states. A couple of weeks from now is when it really matters.”
Cumberland then received victories from Travers, Max Carlsten and Aaron O’Toole to stretch the lead out to 35-9. Senior Zack Wilson (170) earned a 6-4 win and senior Jared Wilson (182) won by pin before Lacroix earned a technical-fall win at 195 pounds.
After Cam Williamson won by pin at 220, Coventry senior Joe Nardolillo finished proceedings with a forfeit in his final home match.
***
Cumberland 46, Coventry 24
106 - Dylan Bross, Cumb., pinned Tyler Pierce, Cov., , 1:03.
113 - Cody Beaudette, Cumb., pinned Murphy Brody, Cov., , 0:12.
120 - Kris Nordby, Cumb., won by major decision over Matthew Kelly, Cov., 16-1.
126 - Christian Bottella, Cov., pinned Nick Tribelli, Cumb., , 3:13.
132 - Stryker Blue, Cov., def. Sean Creamer, Cumb., 3-1.
138 - Jon Maccini, Cumb., def. Dylan Dupre, Cov., 11-6.
145 - Erik Travers, Cumb., pinned Blake Pierce, Cov., , 0:53.
152 - Max Carlsten, Cumb., def. Greg Fusco, Cov., 17-2.
160 - Aaron O'Toole, Cumb., def. Skylar Torborg, Cov., 12-2.
170 - Zack Wilson, Cov., def. Christopher Hayes, Cumb., 6-4.
182 - Jared Wilson, Cov., pinned William Spaziano, Cumb., 1:22.
195 - Tom Lacroix, Cumb., def. Mike Piacente, Cov., 17-0.
220 - Cam Williamson, Cumb., pinned Aaron Pennacchia, Cov., , 2:31.
285 - Joe Nardolillo, Cov., won by forfeit

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Cumberland decks Coventry, faces Hendricken tonight

Marco Island Police Chief Don Hunter makes an unprecedented public apology Monday before Marco Island City Council to Joey Olivario and his wife for a false arrest. Hunter said the city will clear up Joey Olivario's public records and thanked the couple for being understanding. Cheryl Ferrara / Eagle Correspondent

MARCO ISLAND — From the ashes of its Utility Advisory Board, Marco Island’s City Council is hoping a new Utility Advisory Committee will spring.

On Monday, council took its first step toward abolishing the existing advisory board by approving, 6-0, the first reading of it dissolution. Council’s action was precipitated by lack of participation on the advisory board. Only three members, Amadeo Petricca, David Rusmussen and William Porter were listed as active members.

The council immediately discussed and approved a resolution to create a seven-member Utilities Advisory Committee to perform many of the same tasks tackled by the advisory board. Councilor Joe Batte voted against the resolution that passed by a vote of 5-1. Council Chuck Kiester was not present at the meeting.

Members of the advisory board were told they could apply for appointment to the new committee if desired. Each council member is allowed to appoint one person to the committee.

Two public speakers, Ken Honecker, a past chairman of the advisory board, and Petricca addressed council during public comment and questioned utilities’ financial issues. Their comments drew response from some council members.

The new committee will serve at the pleasure of council and will perform other duties as determined. Council discussed directing the committee to review and make recommendations on water and sewer annual operating budgets, the utilities’ five-year capital plan and plant operations.

Public Speaker Steve Stefanides cautioned council that its approach to establishing in-house overview was a band-aid solution. He suggested that entities as large as the city’s water and sewer facilities deserved more deliberate management.

“We should have gone outside to manage it,” he said. “A referendum could establish a manager directly responsible to council and council alone.”

Stefanides praised the utility as being the heart of city assets now and going forward.

“We need some who can look 10 years, 15 years, 20 years down the road,” he said. “We’re going to have enough coming down the road that the manager needs to take care of. This is the time to run this as a business: Effectively and efficiently.”

Council Recker offered an alternate solution.

“Who wants another government employee that needs this and that and more money?” he asked. “Get bids from professional companies that manage utilities.”

In related business, councilors authorized the city manager to enter into a contract with Mitchell & Stark Construction Company for $9.3 million to install sewer facilities in the Estates Sewer District as part of the Septic Tank Replacement Program. Council decided not to interrupt the contract during the months of January, February and March known as in-season, so work will progress during that time.

Council also set workshop dates for discussions on the utilities’ Cost of Services report and revenue sufficiency study received from Burton & Associates. One workshop was originally scheduled for Monday, March 19, prior to council’s regularly scheduled meeting.

Additional workshops will be held at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 29, and 1 p.m. on March 14. All workshops will be held in the city’s Community Room, 51 Bald Eagle Drive.

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Marco Island’s City Council replaces utility advisory board with new utility committee

A working sewer system for the Granger business district should be in place by the end of July, 2012.

“Long term, it’s going to be good for Granger,” said Don Smessaert, President of the St. Joseph County Regional Water and Sewer District. “Right now, they either love us or they hate us, nobody is in the middle of the road.”

Just off to the side of the road on M-62 outside of Edwardsburg today, crews from Selge Construction were busy installing pipes.

“We are directionally drilling six inch HP pipe to Granger for the project, this is actually the end of the job where it dumps into the (Ontwa Township treatment) system,” said Jim Morgan, Foreman with Selge Construction.

A $2.5 million contract for work on the Granger sewer system was finalized last week. The time to criticize and debate has passed, while the time to build has arrived.

“Long term, I don’t think Granger could have survived on septic,” said Smessaert. “I mean, between the cost of the (septic) systems even now, they’re astronomical, it’s only going to get worse. This way we have a known cost and a reasonable treatment rate. You’ve got about 25 percent of the rate is the treatment rate; the rest of it is the debt service. 20 years, that goes away, it becomes affordable.”

In dealing with cost critics, the Granger sewer project has allegedly gone down a road that has never before been traveled.

Those in the Granger business district who have failing septic systems can hook into the sewer system right away: Those who still have working septic systems—don’t have to.

“It’s the first time a sewer district has done a install where it wasn’t 100 percent compelled to connect. The fact that functioning systems are allowed to continue to function and that the owner doesn’t have to sign up, never been done in Indiana before,” said Smessaert.

According to the St. Joseph County Health Department, about 60-sewer users filed requests to keep their septic systems. The list includes both homes and businesses. About 250-total potential sewer users are within the Granger district boundaries.

While the project price tag has been controversial, that should not be the case for the chosen construction method.

“After we’re gone you don’t even know we were there,” said Jim Morgan. People are glad to see us come because we’re not tearing up driveways, we’re not tearing up main streets of town, we can directional drill under everything.”

The use of directional drilling should be positive news for Granger businesses that suffered through the reconstruction of S.R. 23 last summer.

The sewer construction work should work its way to Granger in another two to four weeks—weather permitting.

The work is slated to be completed by the end of July.

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Work begins on Granger sewer system

Before the invention of central heat and air conditioning, people generally built houses that were designed to be as comfortable and durable as possible for their specific climate.  In hot climates, they built overhangs to shade windows and protect from rain, high ceilings to let the hot air rise above the people, porches to sit out on when it was hot, and big windows to let in breezes.  In cold climates, overhangs were smaller to let more sun shine into the house.  In dry, desert areas, houses were made of masonry that would absorb heat during the day, releasing it at night.

When we started heating and cooling our homes, all those smart decisions fell by the wayside and we started building any type of house anywhere – southern cottages in the north, southwest adobe-style homes in the south, and on and on.  However, appropriate roofing in Phoenix is not synonymous with appropriate roofing in Baltimore. What we are finding is that a house style in the wrong climate can lead to more energy use, and reduced comfort and durability. 

For example, in the hot, rainy south, small or no overhangs let too much water hit the walls of the house, which causes premature deterioration and lets in too much sun on hot days.  Big overhangs in the north don't let enough of the sun's heat on cold days.  This illustrates that thinking about where you are when you decide what kind of house to build is an easy way to make a better, greener house that will be cheaper to operate, more comfortable, and last longer – and none if this has to cost you a dime extra.  Just make the right decisions early in the process.

Here are some guidelines for climate-friendly roofing and window placement:

If you get a lot of rain where you live, design your house with overhangs and simple roof designs to keep water from backing up into the attic and keep it off the walls.  If you get a lot of snow, a steep roof will allow the snow to slide off quickly instead of building up.  In almost all climates, avoid west-facing windows – they heat up the house at the end of the day and can overheat during even cold weather.  I have seen homes that need to turn on the air conditioning in the winter because too much sun comes in.  In cold climates, don't put too many windows on the north side, especially if you get a lot of wind from that direction – they will lose a lot of heat.  Put a lot of windows on the south side of the house all climates, making sure to shade them with overhangs to keep out the heat during hot months.  Put in windows that open easily, with screens if you live in a buggy area.  Then open them (and turn off the AC) when the weather is nice.  You don't need to heat or air condition your house every minute of every day.  Take advantage of natural heating and cooling, save money, and enjoy the day.

If you build or renovate your house to fit your local climate conditions, you can save energy, save money on maintenance, and be more comfortable year round.  Why more people don't do it is beyond me.

Have you remodeled your house to suit local climate conditions? Tell us about how you keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Green building consultant Carl Seville writes for Networx. Get home & garden ideas like this - http://www.networx.com/article/building-a-house-to-fit-local-climate-co - on Networx.

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Home Designs for Every Climate

11-12-2011 14:04 Rosslyn Chapel, originally named the Collegiate Chapel of St. Matthew, is a 15th-century church in the village of Roslin, seven miles from Edinburgh in Scotland. The chapel is famous both for its decorative art and its mysterious associations with the Knights Templar, the Holy Grail.. Rosslyn Chapel was intended to be one of more than 37 collegiate churches that were built in Scotland between the reigns of King James I and James IV (1406-1513). The chapel is actually the choir of what was intended to be a much larger cross-shaped church. The chapel was founded by Sir William Sinclair of the St. Clair family, a Scottish noble family from Orkney descended from Norman knights and, according to legend, linked to the Knights Templar. The foundation stone of Rosslyn Chapel was laid on St. Matthew's Day, September 21, 1446. After Sir William died in 1484, the larger building he had planned was never completed. Rosslyn Chapel's founder is buried in the chapel's foundation. Today, Rosslyn Chapel still functions as a place of worship for the Scottish Episcopal Church. What to See Rosslyn Chapel is relatively small, at 40' 8" high, 34' 8" wide, and 68' long. It has an asymmetrical shape, owing probably to its intended further construction. The arched stone ceiling of Rosslyn Chapel is finely decorated in squares with five pointed stars, ball flowers, tablet flowers, roses, a dove with an olive branch. Seashells are found next to a carving of Sir William, which are the symbol of St ...

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Rosslyn Chapel - The chapel is famous both for its decorative art and its mysterious - Video