Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Photo By By Guillermo Contreras

Firefighters use a fire truck ladder to reach the top floors of the Wedgwood Apartments at 6701 Blanco Road.

Photo By Tyler White/By Tyler White, San Antonio Express-News

Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments, an 11-story structure at 6701 Blanco Road.

Photo By Tyler White/By Tyler White, San Antonio Express-News

Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments, an 11-story structure at 6701 Blanco Road.

Photo By John Gonzalez, San Antonio Express-News

Units from the San Antonio Fire Department are staged and ready to respond to a fire at the Wedgwood Apartments in the 6700 block of Blanco Road.

Photo By John Gonzalez, San Antonio Express-News

Units from the San Antonio Fire Department are staged and ready to respond to a fire at the Wedgwood Apartments in the 6700 block of Blanco Road.

Follow this link:
Residents file negligence suit following deadly high-rise fire

Welcome to 2015! Moving Sheds, Building Gardens, Planting Orchards and more!
2014 was great but 2015 will be even greater! I have so many plans and projects to share with you. This first video of this year lays out a few of the current projects. I will be moving a...

By: Blake Kirby

See more here:
Welcome to 2015! Moving Sheds, Building Gardens, Planting Orchards and more! - Video

Class of 2015

Complete coverage

Standing 6-foot-10, Johnson is 5 inches taller than Fergie Jenkins, who along with the late Don Drysdale and Eppa Rixey stood as the tallest pitchers inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Jenkins will be looking up to Johnson next July when the Big Unit steps onto the stage on induction Sunday in Cooperstown.

"Obviously my height was to my advantage but only [after] I was able to harness my ability," said Johnson, who was 26 before spending his first full season in the Major Leagues. "Being 6-foot-10 and all arms and legs, obviously not too many [similar] pitchers, power pitchers, came before me. I didn't have a blueprint to work with."

Working diligently from his teenage years, Johnson learned to use his body's system of hinges and levers to throw a baseball with both velocity and torque. Because of his height and his wingspan, the ball had less distance than normal to travel on its way to home plate once he released it.

Shop for Randy Johnson memorabilia

Physicists estimate that it made his pitches appear to hitters as much as 4 mph faster than they were, and they were already plenty fast. At the peak of his 22-season career, one that he extended until after his 46th birthday, baseball's best hitters didn't think they had a chance against him.

When Johnson threw his perfect game against the Braves, the lineup he faced included Chipper Jones and Julio Franco, who would combine for 5,312 hits and both win batting titles. They were 0-for-6 with four strikeouts, and Jones says he doesn't think he even had a foul tip.

Jones described his mound opponent on that night as "electrically unhittable," and MLB Network's Kevin Millar can relate. He has called Johnson the most dominating pitcher he faced, because of velocity, a devastating slider and the unique angles in his delivery.

"The slider would come out of his hand -- it was a strike -- then it would end up over your back shoelace," Millar said. "Slider, back shoelace. Slider, back shoelace. Slider, back shoelace. And his size was so different than anyone else. You're not used to it. Take any pitcher's release point, then add a foot and a half, and that's his."

View post:
Johnson sheds new height on Hall of Fame

Video will begin in 5 seconds.

Shapeshifting TV

The future of consumer tech

A timelapse of Earth from space

Meet the phone cracker

NASA Orion launch delayed

Straight, curved or both? LED vs OLED? The future of television screens from CES in Las Vegas. Adam Turner flew to CES as a guest of LG.

Las Vegas: Want to know what TV and movie content will be available on the Australian version of Netflix when it launches in March? You're going to have to wait a little bit longer.

Speaking to journalists at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Netflix's vice-president of product innovation, Todd Yellin, carefully dodged questions as to the range of content Australians will be able to access on the service when it arrives in March.

First, he tried to tie it up in a nice bow, along the lines of 'good things come to those who wait':

Continued here:
'Cagey' Netflix sheds little light on Aussie content, says claims of many geo-dodgers exaggerated

Chemical-biological research from the University of Copenhagen sheds light on important communication processes in the brain by means of new effective molecules that improve the starting point provided by nature by more than 1,000 times. In the long term, this new knowledge may lead to psychopharmacological drugs with fewer side effects.

The results have just been published in the recognised journals Nature Communications and Angewandte Chemie.

Proteins play a fundamental role in almost all biological processes. They consist of chains composed of up to 20 different amino acids, and their composition, structure and function are controlled by the genetic code. Brilliant minds at the Center for Biopharmaceuticals are now attempting to rewrite the core function of proteins by making alterations in their molecular composition, for example. By means of advanced chemical-biological techniques, researchers are capable of designing new chemical compounds that overcome nature's limitations.

In the current study, the researchers studied receptors that play a key role in the brain in health and disease. Then they designed new chemical compounds -- peptides -- with superior effect on the receptors' interaction with gephyrin, a protein that is vital for the brain:

"The capacity to manipulate proteins has led to important breakthroughs in biotechnology and biomedicine. We have, among other things, studied the so-called GABA receptors which are important targets for drugs for the treatment of mental disorders, e.g. benzodiazepines for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. We have, more specifically, studied the receptors' interaction with the protein gephyrin. Not only to learn more, at a structural level, about a key interaction in the brain, but also to see whether we could turn it up or down. We have very successfully achieved the latter -- we can document an inhibition, which, at best, is more than 1,000 times stronger than what is seen in nature," says Postdoc Hans Maric. He is part of the Center for Biopharmaceuticals at the University of Copenhagen, which is headed by Professor Kristian Stromgaard.

The new research findings have just been published in Nature Communications and Angewandte Chemie. The first article describes the initial work with mapping glycine and GABA receptors, respectively, and how the two receptor types interact differently with gephyrin. The other article describes the molecular restructuring that has created a neuro-active peptide that is 1,000 times more powerful that what nature offers.

Story Source:

The above story is based on materials provided by University of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

See more here:
New drug design enhances brain signaling by a factor of 1,000

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) -

14-year old Joseph LaCour was missing for almost 18 hours. Diagnosed with autism, LaCour wandered off in an effort to keep up with his routine of going to church and see his "paw-paw."

Since returning home, Joseph has received an outpouring of love from his family who are happy he's home safely.

Deysha LaCour, Joseph's mother, says words don't do it justice for how happy she is to have her baby boy home.

"It's indescribable. We were just staring at him. We were so glad to have him home," said Deysha LaCour.

The 14-year old, who is limited in his verbal communication, was back to his normal routine a day after creating an emotional roller coaster for his family and friends.

Well, almost his normal routine.

"Joseph stayed home from school today to rest," said Deysha LaCour. "We noticed at the hospital that he has some blisters on his feet from all the walking he did, so we thought it would be best to give him a day at home."

LaCour walked more than 15 miles from his home in Bossier City to Shreveport.

His mother, who works at a local library, has used reading to her son to try and emphasize the severity of his wandering off.

Continue reading here:
Local psychologist sheds light on children with autism

Not only did Martinez leave his mark on Boston during his seven seasons with the organization. The city also left an impression on Pedro, which the former pitcher shed light on Tuesday after being elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

I just know Im part of baseball, an energetic Martinez said Tuesday at Fenway Park. Im part of the whole thing. Im part of the tradition here in Boston. Im part of the fans. Im part of everything in baseball. And I just want to live that and enjoy the moment with everyone that can probably appreciate what I did.

Martinez was one of four players elected to the Hall of Fame as part of this years class the largest in 60 years. Hes joined by Randy Johnson, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio, all of whom Martinez praised Tuesday while discussing his own upcoming enshrinement.

Martinezs 18-year career featured eight All-Star selections, three Cy Young Awards, three ERA crowns and one World Series title. Yet when asked to reflect on the highest point of his illustrious career, particularly with the Red Sox, the pride of the Dominican Republic had a hard time singling out one specific moment.

My highest point here was every game I got, Martinez said. I took it with the same intensity. I took it with the same pride every day and enjoyed it. Every time I pitched a game in Fenway Park, it was sold out. I was probably one unique person who could say I played with the Red Sox and every single game (at Fenway Park) was sold out.

Moments that I can say Im relieved for Boston? Martinez continued. Handing out the (World Series) trophy in 2004. The 99 All-Star Game having Ted Williams take me into the suite and personalize a program for me and tell me the things he said to me. I could say now Im relieved, and Boston is as much a part of the whole thing to me like I am to them. This goes to them, too. And every moment I could share with Boston was special.

Martinez left the Red Sox following their 2004 World Series victory and signed with the New York Mets as a free agent. The decision sent shock waves through the organization, but neither side harbors any ill will. In fact, the relationship between Martinez and Boston is as strong as ever, even if his departure represents a low point in the hurlers career.

My lowest point was probably having to leave Boston, having to go away from Boston, because (of) probably a lack of communication. Not because of lack of love or interest from either side, Martinez said. Just a lack of communication, which could happen sometimes. Misjudging, maybe. But thats over with. This is the moment where Boston can be proud. Im proud. I feel like I belong here, too. I have a lot of love for everything Boston and a lot of respect.

Martinez will head to Cooperstown this summer to officially be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Hell presumably wear a Red Sox cap on his Hall plaque, as Boston was where the true magic took place.

Thumbnail photo via Elise Amendola/The Associated Press

Link:
Pedro Martinez Sheds Light On Highest, Lowest Points Of Red Sox Career

Hillary Clinton is beginning to put together the pieces for a likely campaign, tapping two top strategists including President Barack Obamas pollster to work with her in the lead-up toward an ultimate decision.

Robby Mook, who worked on Clintons 2008 campaign and is widely expected to be Clintons campaign manager, and Joel Benenson, Obamas pollster who had for months been eyed for a role on her team, have been working with her as she makes a final decision and begins to put together a framework for a staff, according to people close to the former Secretary of State.

Story Continued Below

But, if he is hired, Benensons presence in the campaign would mark a major departure for Clinton, who stayed in her comfort zone in her previous campaigns using Mark Penn, the pollster and message guru who had worked for her husband. After she shook up her campaign in the second half of the 2008 primaries, Clinton made Geoff Garin her main pollster.

Obamas campaign used Benenson as part of a team of pollsters, an approach Clinton is said to be considering for her next effort. And he would come to her off two successful presidential races.

Mook, who won Obama aides respect for the job her did out-organizing them in a string of states in the 2008 primaries, has been holding meetings with people, according to multiple sources, to begin planning for a likely campaign.

Mook and Benenson did not respond to emails seeking comment. And a Clinton campaign is not expected to be launched for several weeks, possibly as late as mid-spring.

A Clinton aide, asked about the two mens involvement in her current plans, said, She has said that she is seriously considering running for president. Shes casting a wide net, meeting with a variety of experts to discuss the economy and a range of challenges facing American families. And shes using this time to look at what components are necessary to build an inclusive, thoughtful and technically advanced campaign, so that if she decides to run, shell be ready.

Mook is expected to be part of a team with current White House hand John Podesta, a longtime Clinton adviser. Clinton advisers are said to favorably view the two as a pair, in which Podesta will have either the chairmans job or a different senior title.

Originally posted here:
Clinton brings in Mook, Benenson for likely team

Looking around inside Leiphart School, the one-room schoolhouse at the Midland County Fairgrounds, one word comes to mind: simplicity.

Mint green paint covers the walls and an original, gray colored desk sits in the corner. This desk rests on top of well-worn wood floors. There is one spot on the floor that outlines a nearly full circle where a potbellied stove used to sit.

The room itself may seem rather ordinary, but the history that took place there that is remarkable.

From about 1881 until 1950, children from kindergarten through eighth grade, many of whom were siblings, sat at their desks and learned their subjects all in one room, and mostly from one teacher. The concept today, with more populated towns and larger schools, seems harder to imagine, but for the students of Leiphart School it was a reality.

In one section of the room are off-white shelves that contain framed copies of photos. One photo from 1910 shows 26 children standing next to their teacher, Grace Sugnet.

Leiphart School is at least 133 years old and was once located on Jefferson Avenue, then known as Old State Road. Driving north on Jefferson today, it is easy to miss the grassy field set apart by a few short, wood pillars and some cable rope, where Leiphart, and eventually the two-room schoolhouse that replaced it, once stood.

After the two-room school was built, around 1950, Leiphart was kept intact but moved to the fairgrounds.

In recent months, 13 people some who went to Leiphart and some whose relatives went have formed a committee. Their hope is to raise the funds needed to renovate the school. The group would like to maintain the originality of the school and its design, while providing updates and some needed repairs.

There is value in preserving the history that goes with Leiphart #4, said Barbara Rice, associate broker at Mid-Land Realtors.

Rice talked about the nostalgia of a quiet, simpler way of life that the schoolhouse represents.

See the original post:
Leiphart School has remarkable history; fundraiser planned

For much of its 74 years, when it operated as Carmen's Restaurant, the building at 2427 Buffalo Road seemed to be stuck in time.

Carmen's was known for its homemade pastas and lasagna, created from recipes its only owners, the Pacinelli family, never wrote down.

The restaurant's sunken dining room, decorated with white miniature lights hung on white lattice, featured a dcor reminiscent of Frank Sinatra in his Rat Pack heyday.

Three years after Carmen's closed, the future has caught up with its former home.

A local businessman, Aaron Jarmolowicz, is renovating the 4,191-square-foot building, which was erected in 1920. He bought it for $34,835, including about $3,800 in fees, at a judicial tax sale in December 2013.

Since he got the deed to the property in March, Jarmolowicz has spent about $200,000 to have contractors and his architect, Tom Gross, design and install a new facade -- sleek, and featuring lots of stone -- and gut the interior.

Jarmolowicz, 40, recently advertised the building for lease. He said he will complete the renovations based on what any tenant wants -- an office building, perhaps, or maybe a restaurant; Jarmolowicz has kept the kitchen intact for the latter possibility.

"We are just waiting on a tenant," Jarmolowicz said. "They could have a million things they want to do."

The remaking of Carmen's is one of 2,892 projects for which the city of Erie issued building-related permits in 2014. The figure includes permits for new houses (three), plumbing (243), electrical work (1,048), and permits for additions and alterations to residential buildings (215) and nonresidential buildings, such as Carmen's (109).

The estimated value of all the work itemized in the permits is $97.6 million, according to the city's Bureau of Code Enforcement, up from $63.9 million in 2013, when the city issued 2,819 building-related permits. The figures were $108.2 million and 3,268 permits in 2012, and $70 million and 3,890 permits in 2011.

See original here:
2 old Erie buildings get new life