Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

As it edges closer to its 50th birthday next April, the Astrodome is getting a bath of sorts.

This week plans were announced to give the Astrodome, that historic bone of contention for many in the city, a serious power washing. Work should begin at the beginning of December and run until early January. It's a big structure so of course it will take a month and change for work to be completed.

The price tag on the heavy duty bath? Just around $63,800, all of which will be paid for from the proceeds of the last two Astrodome memorabilia sales, according to Joe Stinebaker, director of communications for Harris County Judge Ed Emmett.

The Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation unanimously approved the plan late Wednesday afternoon. Stinebaker says he's heard nothing but support for the scheduled cleaning.

The hope is that the work will stave off further decay along the exterior of the structure. A number of events coming up at NRG Park, including the upcoming RodeoHouston season, the NCAA Final Four in 2016, and Super Bowl LI coming the year after were named as reasons for the scrub-up.

The stadium, which opened in 1965, was the world's first domed super-stadium, but has not housed a sports team since the Astros left for Minute Maid Park after the 1999 season.

A local firm, Green Team Services, will be doing the work set to start Dec. 1 and conclude on Jan. 10 using a special "green" solution on the exterior pre-cast concrete.

Stinebaker noted that the work was approved by the Texas Historical Commission this week. The commission must sign off on all things related to the Dome's appearance as it continues to deliberate over whether the structure should be granted state antiquities landmark status. The matter has been tabled to give the county more time and leeway to strike a deal with private investors, while also protecting the half-century-old stadium from the wrecking ball.

While designation as a state antiquities landmark would not assure that the world's first domed stadium is safe from demolition, it makes the possibility more remote because the county must first get permission from the commission. That also is the case when an application for designation is still under consideration, meaning that tabling one has virtually the same effect.

In Nov. 2013, Harris County voters rejected a $217 million bond to turn the Dome into an event and exhibition center. That would have increased the property tax rate by half a cent.

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50-year-old Astrodome to get a bath

These days, you can hardly have a technology conversation without talking about the Internet of Things (IoT). And when that conversation shifts its focus to the industrial sector, including energy, Oil & Gas, Power & Utilities, and petrochemicals, among others, the discussion changes to what is being called the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

So what is all this hype about? The convergence of cheap processing, unending storage, massive bandwidth, near-ubiquitous connectivity, and cloud-based applications is driving new capabilities for gathering information and changing the way we interact with machines and services. The data generated by sensors in this network of connected devices is being collected and analyzed, spawning the growth of big data analytics and applications. And the resulting analytics are being used to improve business efficiency, better serve customers and disrupt old business models.

There will be nearly 26 billion connected devices by 2020, according toGartner, which is an increase of 30 fold over 2009. Impressive, but what does it really mean to have all these devices connected to the internet? Is there any real value involved? Just because you can, does it mean that you should? We all remember the technology boom and bust of the late 1990s and early 2000s (aka Dot-com Bubble) that was fueled by an excessive amount of wishful thinking or irrational exuberance.

But the IIoT can and will be different if we keep our collective eyes on the prize. Unlike consumer-based IoT that is trying to devise a way to make your world a better place by telling you when your washing machine needs service or letting you control all of your homes systems while you are away, the IIoT is working to make our collective world a better place by improving the monitoring, control and safety of everything around us. In short, reducing risk and improving the reliability of our massive industrial systems. No small task given the amount of data that will be generated by all of those devices running around the clock.

But there is an important component missing from many conversations that will glue it all together: software.

Think about it: How good is your computer without a good operating system to make all those programs function properly, or your smartphone without a million apps to connect you and your friends or coworkers and the information you share? Large hardware vendors recognized long ago that it is the software that makes the hardware more valuable. Software supports the human interaction side of the equation by helping to turn data into information. But not just basic information, I am talking about critical, insightful, influential, and actionable information, without which we run the risk of potentially dangerous outcomes.

This next-generation software should be cloud-based because, lets face it on-premises solutions require significantly more time, money and resources than you would like to afford while trying to remain competitive. Advanced software should easily connect the existing enterprise asset management (EAM) or computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) with the field-based industrial devices and equipment. It should provide early, rapid insight into the volumes of data and information that mere mortals are expected to evaluate to find business opportunities and make recommendations as part of a larger asset performance management strategy. But more importantly, software should make it easier for your organization to achieve its highest objective: operational excellence.

Even in todays increasing connected environment, industrial organizations do little more than make use of a minimal set of vendor-supplied analytics related to machine-specific solutions automated instrument calibration, instant vibration analysis of pumps and compressors, or other equipment related algorithms. The analytical capabilities of affordable processing and storage capacity in new software solutions are just beginning to be tapped.

One key to discussing the software needs of the IIoT is to include asset performance diagnostics. More specifically, to take advantage of all the useful information out there and the connectivity promised by equipment and software vendors, we need to discuss asset performance diagnostics; the ability to quickly assess a plants equipment/asset status or health. This ability can be critical for merger and acquisition activity versus building new. This implies that we must be able to check across many equipment types, not just one or two manufacturer-specific reports, in order to understand where our metrics stand in relation to our industry peers.

Additionally, with next-generation software, organizations will gain enhanced asset reliability and comparative analysis for operational goals. Operators can perform better and faster analysis on collected data to report to the C-Suite executives, who then have better context for defining strategic goals. Comparative analytics provide the ability to internally compare the status and performance of the equipment or assets to get your own house in order and really ignite your continuous improvement initiatives. Next-generation software must help organizations take it to the next level. To get there, you need to benchmark your operations against your peers and competitors. That capability will help you move to the pinnacle of continuous improvement, and closer to overall operational excellence.

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Whats Missing from the Industrial Internet of Things Conversation? Software

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but when it comes to a home appraisal some renovations are going to add value while others can be a waste of money, particularly if you are aiming to boost the value to refinance your mortgage or get a home equity line of credit.

Most homeowners think installing granite countertops, putting in a new pool and even fencing in the entire property will increase the value. But whether or not it will depends on the market they are in.

A fence may not create additional value in a lot of markets but in other markets a privacy fence may be essential, says Ken Wilson, president of the Appraisal Institute, the professional association. No matter what the improvement is it's incumbent on you to know what the market is all about.

Unless you are a real estate agent, knowing what improvements are going to boost the houses worth and what isnt wont be easy. One way to do it, says Wilson, is to visit open houses in your neighborhood to get a sense not only of prices but what houses at different values have inside. For instance, do the pricier homes have granite countertops and hardwood floors or do the homes that are selling have laminate countertops. Another way is to talk to a local real estate agent or to hire an appraiser to get an idea of what a specific project is going to cost you. Wilson says an appraiser is going to charge you anywhere from $300 to $500 but if you are considering a several thousand dollar upgrade it may be worth it.

While the market dictates the value of home improvements, Wilson says it can be misleading in some instances. Take swimming pools. According to Wilson pools typically dont get you much of a return as well as home additions that boost your square footage beyond the norm of your neighborhood. Even in markets where its prevalent and expected you dont get a dollar for dollar return (on a swimming pool), says Wilson. In some markets its a determent and can lower the value. Wilson says ultimately you want to avoid being the best or worst house on the block. Leah Ingram, HomeAdvisor's personal finance expert notes that any renovations that put your homes value above the median list price for your area will make it tough to get your return on investment.

According to experts, homeowners who are doing upgrades with the sole purpose of boosting their home value often make common mistakes. For one thing, Ingram says projects that are too hidden arent going to deliver as much value as home improvement projects that are obvious. Yes, a new furnace may be a necessity but that doesnt mean its going to give you a value boost. Same with projects that are too taste specific or are too complex and large. Entire room remodels are very costly and can be time consuming and wont necessarily have a higher ROI, says Ingram. Selecting a few small projects can make a big difference.

Experts say its better to stick with small projects. But which ones can make a big impact? According to Ingram, updating kitchen appliances to energy efficient ones or upgrading the cabinets or countertops are going to give you a better return on your investment than gutting the entire kitchen. Swapping out old appliances with stainless steel ones can make your kitchen look more modern which will ultimately increase your homes value. Even changing the hardware on cabinet doors can modernize the space. Another small project than can get you a big bang for your bucks is upgrading your bathroom with a new shower or bathtub, says Ingram. These projects make a big difference and add a fresh look without costing the homeowner a fortune, says Ingram. Real estate agents will tell you that, frequently, it is the kitchen and bathrooms that sell a home. So if your budget is limiting, focus your efforts and your dollars in these rooms only.

Compare mortgage rates in your area

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Know Your Market When Doing Home Upgrades To Increase Value

BURLINGTON, Vt. -

A massive redevelopment project was unveiled Thursday in downtown Burlington.

The new owners of the Town Center mall are planning not only a complete rehab of the shopping center, but some big additions as well.

An investment of $200 million from both the city of Burlington and the owners of Burlington Town Center will totally change the look of the mall to include a wide range of new amenities.

The mall's owner, Don Sinex, who bought the facility in 2013, said his ideas for the mall align with the Mayor Miro Weinberger's Plan BTV initiative, one of the top goals of which is to spur economic growth in the city. Sinex estimates his renovations could make the mall worth $450 million per year in economic activity and he says he will craft the final plans to respond to the public's needs.

"You know there is a need for housing in this city. We therefore conclude that housing should be a part of our project. We don't have much in the form of entertainment and shopping here. We want to change our tenant mix to reflect that. A hotel is a possibility," said Sinex.

"The mall is currently a grand obstruction to our existing grid. Cherry and Bank Streets are locked and imperviousness," said Joan Shannon, City Council president.

Sinex hopes the renovations will encourage more activity on Cherry and Bank streets and open them up to bikers and pedestrians.

The renovations will also include a new rooftop park between Macy's and Church Street. Sinex estimates the renovation will include 250 apartment units and could create over 1,000 new jobs in the Queen City.

A convention-style hotel with 250 rooms and large showrooms is a possibility as well.

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Burlington mall unveils massive redevelopment project

Nov. 21, 2014, 4 a.m.

WORK on the $12 million Peak Hill MPS centre continues to make impressive progress with excitement building among staff.

o Contractors work on painting the inside of the new Peak Hill MPS building.

WORK on the $12 million Peak Hill MPS centre continues to make impressive progress with excitement building among staff.

Work on external brick work and cladding is almost complete, and internal painting, flooring and installation of fixtures and fittings is well underway.

Main works construction started in March this year, following the appointment of Zauner Constructions to complete the project.

The facility has been designed to provide flexible services to better respond to the health needs of the Peak Hill community and enable a more efficient delivery of those services through improved coordination of care.

Peak Hill Health Service Manager, Di Hutchins said anticipation amongst staff and the community is building as the MPS begins to come to life.

"Staff have shown great resilience and resourcefulness during the construction period and I am very appreciative of their patience during main works construction period.

"Seeing work progress at such an impressive pace has definitely kept us motivated. I am very much looking forward to the extra space and the improved workflow we'll all have once the MPS is complete," said Ms Hutchins.

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Work progressing on Peak Hill MPS

LOWE'S CARPET INSTALLATION ISSUES We ordered some very nice, plush wall-to-wall carpet from Lowe's (store #0517) in December 2008: three upstairs bedrooms and the adjoining hallway. On January 13, the contracted installer (Virginia Flooring of Orange, VA) arrived to install our new carpet.

In this page, I wanted to photo-document the specific issues that we have with the installation work:

We have been loyal Lowe's customers since becoming first-time-homebuyers, but this experience has left a sour taste. I commend Lowe's committment to customer satisfaction (and it has been very convenient having them on our side as a liason), but cannot recommend Virginia Flooring for carpet installation. If this installer is any sign of the quality of Lowe's Install Services, we are hesitent about using Lowe's for our upcoming kitchen counter/cabinet work.

(We were told by both Lowe's and the installer that the yarns would "blend together" over time. However, as shown below, they have not blended, nor will they ever blend together, for obvious reasons. The seams look much worse during daylight hours, when bedroom window light hits at acute angles.)

Although we had expected the installation process to leave some scuffs and scratches on the newly-painted baseboards (e.g., from the carpet-backing or the putty-knife/stair-tool used to tuck the carpet), we discovered that the installers had somehow exerted so much force on the baseboards that they now exhibit extensive cracking and nail-pops, as shown below. This new baseboard damage exists on virtually every wall, and is way beyond normal installation wear.

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Lowe's Carpet Installation Issues - University of Virginia

indoor lighting lamp and outdoor lighting lamp
more info you can visit:http://www.lead-lighting.com/led-street-light/led-street-light-160w.htm Shenzhen Lead Opto-Technology Co. Ltd is a professional manuf...

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indoor lighting lamp and outdoor lighting lamp - Video

Ottawa, ON (PRWEB) November 19, 2014

Leapfrog Lighting, already a leader in spec-quality LED lamps for specialized business purposes, today announced a higher-efficiency, lower cost Energy Star certified PAR series. The new bulbs immediately replace the previous industry-standard PAR bulbs from the innovative companyknown for stringent quality, and especially light quality.

"This is really pushing light quality and light output to the next level," explained Stephen Naor, CEO of Leapfrog Lighting. "We're committed to constantly refining our spec-quality bulbs. Ultra consistent color temperature control is a given with our PAR bulbs. Our new line also increases efficiency, with greater lumens output and output per watt at a lower cost."

With 18 models available for each bulb style and with a choice of CRIs of 81 or 95even the most demanding business or display application can be implemented. Leapfrog Lightings PAR bulbs are popular with art galleries, museums and high-end retail stores where environment and product display is critical. CRI is a quantitative measure of a bulbs ability to reproduce colors faithfully.

"This isn't about revolutionary change," explained Mr. Naor. "Our PAR line was already among the best for what we call Total Light Quality. We're nuancing what was already a top performing lamp."

The bulbs are generally suited for any application where color consistency and display quality is critical, but is also often chosen for pleasing office environments, general household lighting or for any suitable fixture where consistent quality is desirable.

"Yes, these are among the most efficient bulbs on the market," explained Mr. Naor. "But our PAR line is designed for anyone who wants that efficiency without compromising color, consistency, light quality."

Minimum expected lifetime is 40,000 hours. All bulbs are dimmable, and flicker free down to 10% light output.

The Energy Star certification applies to the 3000K versions of the bulbs in all of PAR 20, 30 and 38. These 3000K bulbs are available with various CRIs and beam angles (from 24 degrees to 60 degrees)18 models available. All bulbs, are UL certified.

The bulbs are distributed through some select distributors, and direct to customers and trades. They are also available online in the Leapfrog Lighting shop.

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More Efficient Second Generation Leapfrog Lighting PAR Series LED Bulbs to Set New Standard for Spec-Quality ...

Black Landscape Architects Network Virtual
Black Landscape Architects Network Virtual Date: November 23, 2014 Time: 2pm EST Available via broadcast on Youtube and on Google+ Hangouts. If you have access to the internet, you can join...

By: kofi boone

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Black Landscape Architects Network Virtual - Video

FRITZ HANSEN - COBE Architects
Watch Dan Stubbergaard, Founder and Creative Director at COBE Architects talk about beauty, functionality and architecture.

By: Fritz Hansen

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FRITZ HANSEN - COBE Architects - Video