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August 24, 2017 by zachmortice

Improbable Botany. Illustrations by Jonathan Burton. Published/Curated by Wayward.

Wayward is a collective of landscape architects, architects, urban growers, artists, and other assorted creative types who design landscape installations for exploring new models for how green space can work in cities, says its founder, Heather Ring. The groups experimental and often temporary projects emphasize creating narrative environments that tell stories through the spaces. The projects have included chromatic explorations of algae growth and weaving slow-growth sculpture from living trees.

Its an outsiders perspective on landscape design that might have earned Rings London-based band of designers the high school graduation accolade of landscape architect most likely to commission a science fiction anthology, because thats just what Wayward has done.

Having raised nearly $16,000 during a successful Kickstarter campaign, Wayward will publish Improbable Botany, a collection of 11 short stories of sci-fi landscape futurism that extrapolate our current relationship with the planets flora into magical and terrible places. The book will ship in late October, in time for Halloween.

Illustrations by Jonathan Burton. Published/Curated by Wayward.

We see science fiction as a future forecasting, Ring says, an ability to creatively look at what sorts of developments are happening right now, and what could potentially happen in the future.

Edited by Gary Dalkin, the book includes full-color illustrations by Jonathan Burton that convey a warm and recognizable future, more playfully surreal than mercilessly technological. This sensibility is reflected in a number of the stories themselves. The most iconic sci-fi around plants has either been a fear of nature taking over the world, or a seed being the last hope, like Wall-E, Ring says. But Improbable Botany seems to suggest a middle third way, where nature is neither a vulnerable sacrament nor a devouring maw. Characters find small moments of charity and humanity amid tectonic shifts in their relationship to plants and their environment. The specter of climate change is an implicit undercurrent. This dynamic is expressed at an individual scale and at a global scale, often set in a near future thats just off-kilter enough for us to recognize. In Eric Browns The Ice Garden, a mysterious country manor reunion story is brought about by some astral horticulture. In The Bicycle-Frame Tree Plantation Managers Redundancy by Ken MacLeod, we see a world where plants work as factories, growing complex mechanical elements, and where nature can be co-opted to leap ahead of the relentless pace of unsustainable globalized industry for only so long.

Illustrations by Jonathan Burton. Published/Curated by Wayward.

Ring sees this project and Waywards entire body of self-initiated work as a counterpoint to the dominant corporate practice of landscape design. The groups members are the wayward ones who really want the autonomy and the creative freedom to explore different things, she says.

Illustrations by Jonathan Burton. Published/Curated by Wayward.

And thats an open-ended sort of freedom that landscape architecture could stand to embrace. Landscape architectures current well-established paradigm largely conceives of landscape as elements of functional infrastructure. Ring is excited by the prospect of her book opening up new disciplinary avenues that consider landscape architects as bioengineers and landscape as technology, the humanistic endeavor thats such a fundamental ingredient of sci-fi. As the profession casts about for a new lodestar, Ring may be tinkering with the spaceship that helps it get there.

Zach Mortice is a Chicago-based architecture and landscape architecture journalist. You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

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Posted in BOOKS, CLIMATE, ECOLOGY, FARMS, LAM ONLINE, PLANTS, RESEARCH, TECH | Tagged book, climate change, Experimental, Gary Dalkin, Heather Ring, horticulture, Improbable Botany, Kickstarter, landscape architect, Landscape Architecture, landscape design, London, plants, science, Science Fiction, technology, wayward | Leave a Comment

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A WAYWARD JOURNEY TO LANDSCAPE FUTURES | Landscape ... - Landscape Architecture Magazine

HUBBARD, Ohio There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 9367 Wattsburg Road in Erie, Pennsylvania for Joseph A. Jendrasiak, age 76, of Hubbard who passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Hospice of the Valley Hospice House in Poland.

Joe was born August 8, 1941 in Erie, Pennsylvania a son of John and Erma Flinkman Jendrasiak.

After graduating from Penn State University with a Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture he took a position of Landscape Architect at Duncan Landscape and Associates. He received more than 30 civic improvement awards from the City of Youngstown and was a commissioned landscape architect for the U.S. Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand. In 1976 Joe was one of five businessmen selected by District 665 Rotary International to participate in the group study exchange program to tour Japan and learn the Japanese culture.

In 1977 Joe started his own business and was a co-owner of Lande-Con Landscape and Construction Company in Hubbard. In 1989 he became solely a design firm registering in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York doing various projects in and around the Youngstown area, parks and schools in Pennsylvania and Ohio including Hubbards new school and track complex.

Joe was a past member of Hubbard Rotary Club and had served as president in 1981-1982, a member of Youngstown Area Jaycees, Penn State Alumni Association, American Society of Landscape Architects, Hubbard Architectural Board and Harding Park Meeting House Committee.

He enjoyed woodworking, fishing and gardening.

He will be sadly missed by his family; his wife of 53 years, the former Judie L. Post whom he married June 27, 1964 and his son, Joseph P. Jendrasiak of Warrenton, Virginia. He also leaves his sisters, Virginia (Scott) Stanton of Erie, Pennsylvania and Linda (Bill) Palmer of Columbus, Ohio; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Patrick and Kathy Post of Erie, Pennsylvania and nieces and nephews.

His parents preceded him in death.

There will be calling hours on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 from 4:00 7:00 p.m. at Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home, 407 West Liberty Street, Hubbard, Ohio and Wednesday, August 30, 2017 from 4:00 7:00 p.m. at G.R. Bailey Funeral Home 4396 Iroquois Avenue Erie, Pennsylvania and prayers at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2017 prior to the Mass at G.R. Bailey Funeral Home.

Joe will be laid to rest at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, P.O. Box 3704, Memphis, Tennessee 38173-0704.

Special thanks to Dr. Slemons and his staff and Dr. Consentino and his staff for their kind and compassionate care given to Joe over the years.

Family and friends are invited to visit the funeral homes website at http://www.stewart-kyle.com to share memories and condolences.

A television tribute will air Monday, August 28 at the following approximate times:6:41 a.m. WYTV and 8:41 a.m. MyYTV and 9:58 a.m. on FOX plus two additional spots throughout the day.

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Joseph A. Jendrasiak Obituary - WKBN.com

Willowpix/Getty ImagesNothing will wake you up faster than turning on the shower and discovering theres no hot water. It could be an indication that its time to replace your water heater.

The cost of a water heater depends on several factors, such as the type of tank and the labor to install the unit. Storage water tanks average between $650 and $850. Tankless water heaters, which do not store water but use special coils to heat water when you need it, cost between $160 and $1,500.

The nationwide average cost of a water heater is $1,005, including installation.

With such an array of options, shopping for a new water heater overwhelms some people. They have to pick a unit with the capacity to handle the volume of hot water used in the home and one that fits in the designated space in the house.

The obvious difference between traditional storage water heaters and tankless heaters is the size of the units. But the way they heat the water also differs.

Storage water heaters generally cost less and handle large volumes of water better than tankless water heaters, making them a popular choice for families. However, tankless water heaters tend to be more energy-efficient and have a longer life span.

It is possible for a homeowner to install a water heater on his own, but most people hire a professional and need to consider the installation cost when shopping for a system. Installation costs vary depending on the price of labor, the type of water heater, the condition of the existing plumbing, and the permits required.

On average, a 40-gallon water heater and installation will run you $950. The average cost of a tankless water heater and installation is $1,700.

The power source for water heaters can come from gas, electricity or solar energy. Gas water heaters are less energy-efficient than electric ones, but gas heats up water quicker and often costs less. Solar-powered water heaters use energy from the sun and can be up to 50 percent more efficient than gas and electric heaters. But they may not provide enough energy to heat the water on cloudy days, especially during peak use.

Homeowners wondering whether its time to replace the water heater can look for certain signs that indicate the unit is failing. These include leaks coming from the tank, water pooling on the floor around the unit, and rust-tainted water. Failing water heaters also make rumbling or banging sounds and stop heating as efficiently as they once did.

Even if the water heater doesnt show these signs, it may be time to replace the unit if its past its life expectancy. Storage water heaters last 10 years on average, and tankless systems last between 10 and 20 years.

Before shopping for a water heater, evaluate your water usage. This information will help you select a water heater that has the capacity you need, especially during peak morning and evening hours.

When selecting a water heater, its also important to consider the available space for the unit, as well as the existing plumbing hookups and power supply. Switching from a storage tank water heater to a tankless unit or replacing an electric system with a gas one may require additional work to make the area compatible with the new system.

Use Bankrates calculator to figure out what the monthly payment will be on your new mortgage.

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Don't let a new water heater burn your budget - Bankrate.com

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Welcome to Heating & Cooling, Incorporated; we want to take this opportunity to thank you for visiting our site and considering us for your HVAC needs.

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DENVER -- A Denver judge signed off on a court motion to temporarily shut down a Westminster business with a history of racist and deceptive business practices.

The FOX31 Problem Solvers first investigated Mile High Heating and Cooling in April 2015 after a viewer sent in a tip about racist policies.

Undercover cameras caught an employee explaining the company didn't cold call the Montbello neighborhood because in Mont-Ghetto," which they also called the colored neighborhood," customers dont pay.

While race discrimination is hurtful, its also illegal.

Attorney Genera Cynthia Coffman prompted a larger investigation into the companys alleged deceptive business model.

It is completely unacceptable for businesses to compromise the safety of Colorado consumers, Coffman said. My office will continue to crack down on companies that skirt the law and place Colorado consumers at risk.

According to court documents filed on Aug. 13, the investigation revealed Mile High Heating and Cooling has installed approximately 1,000 HVAC systems in customers homes but refused or failed to obtain necessary building permits to complete the work.

The company is also accused of hiring technicians who were deemed unqualified by their own supervisors. The documents allege the technicians lacked sufficient training to properly install new equipment.

A judge granted a temporary restraining order that bars Mile High Heating and Cooling, as well as its owner, Kevin Dykman, from engaging in any kind of HVAC operations, citing serious concerns about the dangers posed to customers.

Allowing [Dykman and his company] to continue to engage in the HVAC business creates a risk that a consumer would be exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning or that their home would blow up, the court documents say.

The HVAC company has also operated under the names Mountain View Heating and Cooling, and Pikes Peak Heating and Cooling.

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State shuts down business after Problem Solvers investigation - FOX31 Denver

Peter Pan Dry Cleaners has operated since the 1930s, according to the owner.

Peter Pan Dry Cleaners closes Sept. 2 after operating for decades on the corner of 38th & Grand.

The building changed hands in late July, and the new owner said hes investing in the building and changing the mix of tenants to include a coffeehouse or eatery on the corner.

Peter Pan owner Mary Poutinen said the new rent would be too expensive for her, and shes not interested in a proposal to operate a smaller dry store that would send clothing elsewhere for cleaning.

I wasnt about to stay in business if I didnt have the corner, she said.

Poutinen said she will consider the prospect of a new location after she moves out.

Its possible. But I really want to greet the customers and thank them for their patronage over the years and to do the work until the 2nd, she said.

Poutinen said shes sharing brownies and lemonade on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. to thank the neighborhood for many years of support.

Tyler Avestini, the new building owner, said hes implementing market-rate rents to cover the cost of the building upkeep.

That building is over 100 years old, its falling apart, he said.

Peter Pans current rent for the 4,000-square-foot space isnt adequate to offset the buildings taxes, insurance and repairs, he said. Avestini said hes fixed a downspout to prevent water damage and next he wants to replace wood siding and install a more efficient heating and cooling system.

Avestini said he plans to subdivide Peter Pans storefront into smaller spaces. Hes interested in a coffeehouse or eatery for the corner, and hes talking to potential tenants like UP Coffee and FireBox Deli. He said he previously considered a franchise like Subway.

To open up a restaurant is really difficult, it takes a lot of money, it takes a lot of effort, and it takes two or three years for it to build up. But when you have a franchise, automatically you open the door, people start coming in, he said.

But his other tenants convinced him the neighborhood would prefer a smaller ma and pa operation, and Avestini said hes fine with that he already hosts Mykonos Coffee & Grill in another of his North Minneapolis buildings.

If I find somebody that can open up a nice restaurant over there or a coffee shop, why not? he said. As long as they can afford to pay the rent, something like that would be fine.

In addition to a caf, Avestini said he expects the building to hold a T-Mobile dealer, vintage clothing store, hair salon, tailor and dry store. (He owns Avestopolis Cleaners in North Minneapolis.) The toy store Kinoko Kids recently opened at 314 W. 38thSt.

Poutinen said founder Sally Swadden opened Peter Pan Dry Cleaners in the 1930s. Poutinenalways wondered if The Walt Disney Company would come around and take issue with the dry cleaners name and Peter Pan cartoon on the sign.

I thought, boy, can she really call it Peter Pan? Poutinen said.

Her fears were alleviated when Disney filmed The Mighty Ducks movie in Minnesota. Peter Pan cleaned jerseys for the shoot, and no one said a word about the name.

I stopped worrying about Disney, she said.

Poutinen started out as a counter girl working part-time. The former owners treated her like family, she said, and suggested that she take over the business. Poutinen said she also considered buying the building long ago, but decided against taking on a mortgage at her age.

The former ownernever adopted perchloroethylene, which the Environmental Protection Agency later deemed a likely human carcinogen and Minneapolis banned in new machine installations.

She wouldnt switch, because she was afraid and she had a good instinct, Poutinen said.

Instead the dry cleaner uses a hydrocarbon cleaning system and has received city recognition for green business practices.

Randy Loyd said hes pressed clothing at Peter Pan for at least 25 years.

Im retired, and I still come over and press just to help her out, he said. Its been here a long time. Its a fixture. I hate to see it go. But you know, everything changes.

Poutinen said although the businesswill close Sept. 2, she will stay onsite for a few extra days to help return clothing to customers.

Youre closing? Thats so sad, a customer said this week.

A staff member accepted the mans clothing.

We have time to get this done, she said.

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Peter Pan Dry Cleaners ends long run at 38th & Grand - Southwest Journal

By John Leggett, On Point Custom Homes

Photo: Courtesy Of On Point Custom Homes

This outdoor oasis features a pool with a fireplace.

This outdoor oasis features a pool with a fireplace.

GHBA Remodelers Council: Dip into coolest design trends for pool remodel

Pool season is in full swing, and in Houston, comfortable pool weather lasts well into the fall and sometimes even the winter. For those seeking to undertake a backyard remodel project - whether adding a pool to complete your relaxing outdoor entertaining space, or upgrading your current pool to include the latest features - here are four of the hottest trends in pool design.

Artificial grass vs. concrete or tile

Concrete and tile are popular materials used in pool-deck design, but unfortunately, these materials can become extremely hot to the touch, making walking around barefoot uncomfortable. To combat this, consider installing artificial grass around your pool instead. Artificial grass does not absorb as much heat as concrete or tile surfaces, making it much more comfortable to touch with bare feet. Additionally, artificial grass reduces the risk of slipping and falling on more slippery surfaces. The texture of artificial grass creates a slip-resistant surface while also eliminating the chance of water puddles accumulating on the surface surrounding the pool. Turf not only has incredible drainage capabilities, but it also adds a pristine aesthetic to your backyard space. There is a wide selection of turf options including multiple colors, textures and heights so you can customize it to your liking.

Cooling water systems

In Houston, heating pool water is almost unnecessary because of the short winter season. However, cooling water systems have become extremely popular in homes located in the South. During the scorching summer months, pool water can feel as warm as bath water, but with a pool chiller, you can lower the water temperature, making the pool more comfortable to swim or lounge. With a variety of pool-chilling systems available, your remodeler can install the equipment easily.

Sophisticated designs

During a remodel, consider adding aesthetically pleasing design features to the pool. Many homeowners enjoy adding luxurious, resort-style elements to enhance that area of the backyard. Some of these elements include cascading waterfalls from a spa or hot tub into the pool, tanning ledges at the water's entrance and fire features to add to the ambience. It's common to find elements like these in resorts or spas, so why not incorporate eye-catching features to transform your abode into a staycation escape?

Pool automation systems

Today you can easily control just about every system in your house, and that includes the pool. Work with your remodeler to install automation systems to control the pool settings, such as lighting, water features, spa jets, heating or cooling options, chemical levels, and more. Most pool and spa control systems will link directly to a smartphone, giving you ease of control.

There are endless options to upgrade or remodel your pool space, and thanks to the Texas heat, there are also endless opportunities for you to enjoy swimming, or simply relaxing poolside.

This article was provided by a member of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. The Remodelers Council is dedicated to promoting professionalism and public awareness of the remodeling profession through education, certification and service to the Houston community. For information on this article, contact Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsulting.net. To join the council or to find a professional remodeler in your area, visit http://www.ghba.org.

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GHBA Remodelers Council: Dip into coolest design trends for pool remodel - Chron.com

Denver Business Journal

Metro Denver HVAC company ordered to temporarily shut down Denver Business Journal Any company, or even a homeowner, installing HVAC equipment in a residence needs a building permit from the local building department. The process includes an inspection by the building department to ensure safety. Coffman said her office also found ... and more »

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Metro Denver HVAC company ordered to temporarily shut down - Denver Business Journal

Do you want a heating and cooling system that keeps your home toasty warm in the winter and cool in the summer? Do you dream of a heating and cooling system that saves up to 50 percent on your utility bills? Do you want to decrease your carbon footprint? A Geothermal heating and cooling system can do all of this. In fact, thousands of homeowners across the country are reaping the benefits that an advanced HVAC offers. Continue reading to learn more about the numerous benefits that this type of system offers.

A geoexchange unit typically saves you up to 50 percent as compared to an oil or gas furnace or a heat pump system. A typical 2000 square foot home can be cooled or heated using a geoexchange unit for as little as a dollar a day. Additionally, geoexchange units can supplement a homes conventional water heater, which can save you as much as 30 percent of your water heating costs.

Geothermal systems only use a small amount of electricity to transfer heat to your home using the thermal heat from the ground. On average, this type of unit will produce four units of energy for every electrical unit needed to power the system. Even the best heating and cooling systems deliver less than one unit of energy for every unit of energy consumed. Homeowners typically receive a 30 to 70 percent savings compared to traditional systems. You can determine how much savings you will reap from a geothermal heating and cooling system by using the savings calculator.

Geothermal systems are listed as the most cost effective, environmentally friendly heating and cooling system by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Installing a geothermal system is equivalent to removing two cars from the road or planting 750 trees.

Geothermal systems cost more to install than a conventional system due to its buried loop system. Some homeowners consider the installation costs of this system to be too expensive. However, they fail to see the whole savings picture. Geothermal systems will net you lower utility bills and annual maintenance costs. The initial cost of a geothermal system can be financed through low interest financing options. The savings received from a geothermal system will easily cover the cost of this payment and give you extra money in your pocket. Within three to five years, the unit will have paid for itself in the savings your reap.

An added bonus of a geothermal system is the ability to produce some or all of the hot water you need at a much higher efficiency than a traditional water heater. When a geothermal system is properly installed, a simple connection will allow the system to deliver hot water to be stored in your hot water tank. Additionally, the heat that is removed from your home when the cooling cycle is run can be deposited into the water heater rather than the ground, providing you with free hot water.

Ordinary heating and cooling systems require routine maintenance of the furnace, air conditions and water heater. When a geothermal system is properly installed, little maintenance except for periodic inspection and filter changes are required. Because the geothermal unit is located indoors and out of the weather, the life expectancy of the equipment is prolonged. Most units will last more than 20 years when properly maintained.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems do not use fossil fuels like propane or natural gas, which means no combustion is needed. You will not need to worry about carbon monoxide, fumes, flames or odors with this system.

Installing the system is quite easy and there are numerous companies that can help you. Just ensure they have all the right training and safety gear to do so. Check to see if theyre wearing work clothes such as these from FROutlet and youll get an idea whether theyre suitable or not.

Geothermal system eliminate hot or cold blasts of air like a conventional system. It also helps to dehumidify the air during the warmer months, resulting in a cool, comfortable home.

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Pros of Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems - Blue & Green Tomorrow

PHOENIX - Are home warranties worth it? That's a question we get a lot, but answer the comes down to numbers.

Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $500 per year for a warranty plan, even more if you want to cover things like your pool. You'll also be responsible for a service call fee of $50 to $75 each time a contractor comes out for a repair. The exact amount should be in your contract.

That could be worth the price if the repair value is more than you paid for the warranty. If not, you could have put the money in a savings account until you needed it.

Every warranty has exclusions some that you wouldn't expect. For example, it may cover the air conditioner, but not freon which is very expensive. So find out what the exclusions are before you buy.

If an item can't be repaired, be prepared to fight for replacement if your policy allows for it. Have invoices and maintenance records ready to prove that you maintained the unit.

Also, some policies only reimburse a certain amount toward replacement so figure out what that is before you agree.

Often warranty companies contract with specific businesses, so if you are at their mercy. But while making the call for help, get the names of the businesses that are in the rotation. Look up reviews while you are on the phone. If they don't look good, request a different company. Also, call the company yourself to make sure that they got the work order and to get a better time frame for when you can expect them.

Not happy with the service? In Arizona consumers can cancel the contract and get a prorated refund for any reason.Find out about more protections here.

Warranty companies must also have a permit to write contracts in Arizona so check with the Arizona Department of Insurance to see if they are working legally. You can also file a complaint with them if you believe the company is not living up to the contract.

The most important thing you can do is do your research. Look for reviews, check for actions against them in other states and check the Better Business Bureau for complaints.

Continued here:
Home warranties worth the price? - ABC15 Arizona