Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

ALBANY, N.Y. Twenty stories above ground zero, its existence and whereabouts known only to those who needed it, the Family Room served for a dozen years as a most private sanctuary from a most public horror.

It was spartan office space at a 54-story tower at 1 Liberty Plaza for families to be by themselves, a temporary haven where they could find respite from bad weather and the curious stares of passers-by. Piece by piece, without any planning, it was transformed into an elaborate shrine known only to them.

Unconstrained and undesigned, a profusion of intimate expressions of love and loss filled the walls of the room, the tabletops, the floors and, even, the windows, obscuring views of the World Trade Center site below, as if to say: Jim and John and Jonathan and Harvey and Gary and Jean and Welles and Isaias and Katherine and Christian and Judy are all here, with us, not down there in the ruins.

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What tower? What floor? That was the way other people saw our loved ones, said Nikki Stern, whose husband, James E. Potorti, was among those killed on Sept. 11, 2001. It was adamantly not how we wanted to define our loved ones. The Family Room was the beginning of the storytelling that was controlled by the families.

And it was that rare thing at ground zero, a secret refuge hidden in plain sight of the workers, shoppers, neighbors and visitors who streamed past the building every day. It was not meant to be a public memorial and was little known until today.

This week, 150 miles north of ground zero, the Family Room with its thousand stories of love and loss has opened to the public for the first time, in an exhibition at the New York State Museum in Albany. The display speaks of the personal communion between the victims relatives and those who were killed 13 years ago, when terrorists took down the twin towers.

The Family Room opened in April 2002 in space donated by Brookfield Office Properties, the owners of 1 Liberty Plaza, across Church Street from the trade center site. By presenting what was known as a medical examiners family identification card, victims relatives were admitted during regular workdays and at night, on weekends and on holidays.

On the 20th floor, behind a door marked The Family Room, relatives could settle into ample leather couches or stand at windows 15 and 20 feet wide. The room was intended for quiet contemplation, said a 2002 notice from the Lower Manhattan Development Corp., which created and maintained the space, just a few doors down from its own headquarters and those of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center Foundation.

A childrens play area was provided, as were boxes of tissues. Photos, poems, cards, artwork and personal effects from the first family viewing area, an outdoor platform at Liberty and West Streets, were brought indoors.

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A Ground Zero Shrine for 9/11 Families Brings Forth Its Stories

By Ian Bauer, Milpitas Post

Bay 101 Casino, the San Jose card room that sought to relocate to neighboring Milpitas but saw state-level lawmakers fail to advance that plan last month, will attempt to reenergize efforts to make the move. This time around, the gambling operator wants Milpitas voters to plead its case in November by passing Measure E, which calls for a card room here and paves the way for new legislation to be advanced in Sacramento.

"We are fully engaged," said Ed McGovern, a lobbyist for Bay 101, now promoting Measure E. "All of the traditional types of activities you do for an election year campaign we're doing."

The "Yes on E" campaign, financed by Bay 101 owners the Bumb Family and in part guided by former Milpitas mayor Bob Livengood, who is a paid consultant to that family, includes canvassing the city, knocking on doors, creating lawn signs, gaining critical endorsements including ones from public safety unions, phone banking, conducting a survey of voters, and holding a rally Saturday.

"We don't need Sacramento legislation to let the voters approve Measure E," McGovern said.

The lobbyist alluded to the Aug. 30 non-vote that killed Assembly Bill 2549, which would have allowed the card room at San Jose's 1801 Bering Drive to potentially relocate to 15 acres on the western edge of the city near North McCarthy Boulevard and generally between state Route 237 and the Newby Island landfill, west of Interstate 880.

If Measure E is passed by a simple majority of voters, McGovern said City of Milpitas will have additional arguments to make to state lawmakers to push forward with re-introducing a new bill in the Assembly by December. He added Bay 101's Sacramento team -- led by lobbyist David Kim -- will chart its course depending on how the vote goes.

"We're not just waiting, we're obviously engaged in the campaign," McGovern said.

Bay 101 says City of San Jose's high cost of taxation -- with at least $7 million in table tax revenues from the operator going to that city annually -- and limits on the number of card room tables gambling operators can utilize there in part prompted the desire to move.

According to city reports, a one-time election cost per the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters to place Measure E on the Nov. 4, 2014 election ballot is estimated to be $274,000. Bay 101 is expected to pay for the cost of the ballot measure.

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Measure E supporters campaign for card room in Milpitas

If the Sri Krishna Sweets store on Venkatanarayana Road in T. Nagar is abuzz with activity, the tiny office at the back is quiet except for managing director M. Muralis voice giving orders. The room is painted white, making it seem smaller than it already is and in it sits Murali clad in a white shirt. The garlanded pictures of gods that adorn the walls lend a little colour to the room.

The soft-spoken Murali recalls the opening of his first shop in Chennai in 1996: There was a steady crowd from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in front of the shop; it gave me a lot of energy, confidence and faith that made me realise that I can turn my dreams into reality. And they have indeed, with 42 outlets in the city that include restaurants specialising in South Indian cuisine.

You walk into a fast food outlet and you just pick up a pizza or a packet of French fries or a burger, you hardly give food like kozhukattai or the boli a thought. What weve done is give these a twist. For example, the Bolizza is our take on the pizza and has both sweet and spicy versions, he explains. Simply put, Murali says, weve taken their concept and incorporated our culture. They also plan to offer bondas and kara appams as alternatives to French fries, and mor kali instead of pastries. According to Murali, their idea is to show that Indian foods can also be suited to fast living and that the notion of fast food merely indicates the time it takes to prepare and not the origin of the food itself.

Speaking about appealing to youngsters, Muralis face lights up when he talks of his two daughters joining the family business. Ive been in the business since I was 11 or 12; its similar for them since they were brought up in the same atmosphere.

Twenty-one-year-old Sneha Murali describes herself as not bookish. My father always encouraged me to focus more on work than on education; but both were equally important while growing up. The younger of the two girls, she says that working with your father has its pros and cons, Most of the time work becomes dinner-table conversation, she laughs and adds that its tough on days when youre mad at both your father and the boss. But all that doesnt come in between what shes learnt from her father. He taught me that its alright for two people to disagree on something. And he still listens and respects any idea irrespective of the size of it or the person who offers it, she says.

Sneha remembers when shed gone to Berkeley for a summer programme and came back brimming with new concepts, especially a store-in-store, its like a food court where you can buy podis, sweets, kaarams and more. Its a work in progress at Sri Krishna Sweets, she says.

Shruthi, the older daughter who looks after the Food Products Division, has a quiet aura about her, much like her father. She talks about how joining her father in business was a natural course of action. Shruthi reveals that she is passionate about making traditional sweets appealing to her generation.

We go out often to eat and I realise that youngsters prefer something thats light on the stomach, healthy but tasty and thats what were trying to do. Weve launched something called Cashew Bites thats like soan papdi and were planning to bring out a halwa made using ragi, she says. For someone who has been working for two years with her father, Shruthi, a graduate of the Cass Business School in London, says that she still has so much to learn from him and the biggest lesson he has taught her was to criticise a persons performance rather than the person himself.

Murali couldnt be happier that his daughters have joined him, Its the hospitality business and I believe that women bring strengths to the table such as good values and a knack for personalisation. And its not just the daughters who are learning from the father. Murali says its sometimes difficult to keep up with them: They bring systemisation and in five-six years there will be more opportunities for them.

Sri Krishna Sweets was started by his father N.K. Mahadeva Iyer in 1948 to overcome the absence of a standalone sweet shop that offered pure ghee sweets in Coimbatore.

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The sweet addition

Wildcats Weekly presented by Armored Roofing
In the first edition of Wildcats Weekly presented by Armored Roofing, Ben Horner sits down for a lengthy chat with Head Coach John LaFontaine ahead of the season-opener against the Odessa Jackalopes.

By: Wichita Falls Wildcats

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Wildcats Weekly presented by Armored Roofing - Video

Chipotle Mexican Grill, a fast-casual eatery, is building its first Montana restaurant at West Park Promenade in Billings.

Construction of the 4,592-square-foot restaurant began Monday in front of Luckys Market and across the street from Panda Express.

On Wednesday, workers for Langlas Construction were clearing dirt for the $563,300 building at 1601 Grand Ave. Billings planning officials estimated construction of the shell would be completed in six to eight weeks, and the company would likely need to file more permits for additional work.

Officials at Denver-based Chipotle did not return a call Tuesday.

Chipotle, whose name is derived from a Spanish name for smoked and dried peppers, was founded in 1993 and now has more than 1,600 locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and France.

Chipotle serves Mexican-style burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, chips and salsa, and salads.

The company is credited with pioneering fast-casual dining, one of the fastest-growing restaurant sectors in the nation.

All Chipotle restaurants are corporate-owned, not local franchises.

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Construction begins on Chipotle restaurant at West Park Promenade

TAMPA (FOX 13) -

Call it a restaurant revolution in the Bay Area. There are several new destination dining spots opening up in town, and many of them are backed by big-name owners who've already seen great success.

Late last year, Bern's Steakhouse owner David Laxer added the Epicurean and began remodeling Sidebern's, which is set to reopen in December.

SoHo Hospitality Management, the management company of Ciro's Speakeasy and Restaurant, Boca, and CopperFish, opened Bizou Brasserie at Le Meridien hotel this summer.

The Gonzmart family tradition in Tampa expanded from the Columbia restaurant to the new Ulele, which opened just a few weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Greg and Michelle Baker's success with the Refinery in Seminole Heights has led to building their new venture, Fodder and Shine.

We visited another new South Tampa hotspot that just opened in September -- Roux.

"This side of the bar is modeled after one of the iconic restaurants in New Orleans: Arnaud's," explained owner Roger Perry.

He and his wife already own Datz and Dough in South Tampa.

"We've shown almost double-digit growth from the day it opened," he said.

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Tampa diners hungry for new restaurants

Let #39;s Play The Sims 4 || #39; #39;My First Journey #39; #39; || Remodeling day ~{Part 09}~
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By: RebelYelliex

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Let's Play The Sims 4 || ''My First Journey'' || Remodeling day ~{Part 09}~ - Video

KAGOSHIMA PREFECTURE, JAPAN (APTN/CBS) - A Japanese nuclear plant obtained clearance on Wednesday from regulators to proceed with remodeling, becoming the first nuclear facility in the country to meet new criteria imposed after the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) approved a remodeling plan for Sendai Power Plant in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, bringing two nuclear reactors a step closer to restarting.

Currently, all 48 commercial reactors in Japan are offline.

"All the members approved of giving design remodeling permission to the plant," NRA Chairman Shunichi Tanaka said. "Therefore, we, the Nuclear Regulation Authority, hereby approve the remodeling permission."

The NRA meeting was open to the public, and critics of the decision heckled Tanaka as he spoke.

Some opponents believe that the approval for Sendai is premature, arguing that some safety measures are not yet in place and that certain communities still lack adequate evacuation plans.

A small group of demonstrators gathered outside the NRA meeting to protest against Sendai restarting.

"The Sendai plant is not anywhere near the condition to be able to get approved," said anti-nuclear protester Makoto Yanagida. "Giving it an approval is a big mistake. I think restarting the program will lead japan to its destruction. I want them to understand."

The Fukushima nuclear disaster occurred when a tsunami hit the plant in March 2011. Three of the nuclear reactors melted down, releasing radioactive material.

Fukushima became the largest nuclear incident since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.

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Japan plans to reopen first nuclear plant since 2011 tsunami

Delray Beach, FL (PRWEB) September 10, 2014

August marked an important milestone for new homeowners at Villaggio Reserve, the most exciting 55-plus community in Delray Beach. Buyers began closing on the first single-family homes at the spectacular new resort-style development on Hagen Ranch Road just north of Atlantic Avenue.

Like the beautiful villas, the single-family residences bring timeless beauty and the latest amenities to luxurious South Florida living. With Spanish-Italian architecture and thoughtful interior designs, the homes showcase life in an Ansca Homes community.

After less than nine months of sales activity, were already closing on the first wave of single-family homes and delivering the dream that every buyer anticipated when they chose their Villaggio Reserve home, says Ron Yuter, senior vice president with Ansca Homes. Residences start in the $280,000s through the $400,000s. Each home will be the buyers own centerpiece in a remarkable South Florida community unmatched in beauty, amenities and value.

Sales at Villaggio Reserve have outpaced projections. The development in August had sold an impressive 25 percent of its single-family and villa residences. A third of all residences should be sold by years end.

This should be no surprise to anyone who tours the Sales Center or Model Row. Every model home features granite counter tops and Kitchen Craft Cabinetry in the kitchens and master baths, and upgraded wall-to-wall carpeting and padding and 18x18 ceramic tiles throughout. Standard treatments include energy-efficient appliances, colonial-style 8-foot raised panel doors, garages, patios and storm-resistant doors and windows for added safety and peace of mind.

Homes range from three bedrooms, three baths and a den, family room and a living room, to two-bedroom, two-bath residences with a den, entertainment area and separate eat-in areas.

Anyone visiting Villaggio Reserve will also see the most exciting development to date: the fast-paced construction of the Cabana Club clubhouse and resort area. New residents likely will be spending the New Year enjoying sit-down breakfast or lunch in the indoor restaurant or outdoors under the covered and screened lanai.

A true meeting place thats a short walk, bike ride or drive from anywhere in the entire community, the Cabana Club will welcome residents, guests and their family members for cards, billiards, games and crafts in the multi-purpose rooms. Community festivities and private events alike will be held in the Social Hall.

The Fitness Center will serve up heart-pumping workouts on the latest exercise equipment. Instructors will lead yoga and Zumba classes. His and her saunas and massage areas will create a unique spa experience.

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Residents Moving into Single-Family Homes at Villaggio Reserve

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) September 11, 2014

A light can really add a decorative touch to a water feature, but it is not always easy to install one. As a solution, an inventor from Powder Springs, Ga., developed the AQUA LIGHT.

The accessory offers an inexpensive way to light a pool or other water feature. It features an environmentally friendly, easy-to-use design. The light is designed to be convenient, cost-effective, portable, rechargeable and decorative. It is usable with swimming pools, waterfalls, ponds, jacuzzis, etc. In addition, the device is producible in different sizes and colors.

The inventor's personal experience inspired the idea. "My swimming pool does not have a light," he said. "In order to install one, I'd have to dig up the pool and replace the liner. To avoid this, I came up with a better lighting option."

The original design was submitted to the Atlanta office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 12-AAT-1489, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com - https://www.youtube.com/user/inventhelp

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InventHelp Client Develops Light for Water Features (AAT-1489)