Forget about the title of that racy best-seller. Color expert Kate Smith says our eyes can distinguish more than 500 shades of gray.Add a color to white or beige, Smith notes, and eventually both will become lighter versions of the added color. Add color to gray, however, and only its intensity will change. “It becomes more complex because there is more variation,” she says. Those vague hues we describe as grayish-blues, or reddish-grays are what she means. Such blending is what enables grays to play well with other colors, taking on cool or warm qualities depending on the colors mixed in.
And not every color can be as effective in sweats as it is in a tailored business suit. As with clothing, gray interiors can be fun and relaxed or no-nonsense formal. They can be dressed up or down depending on the materials, accessories and supporting colors used. “Gray can change depending on what’s next to it,” Smith says.
Use gray with orange in a dining room, and the result is surprising warmth. Try it with pale pink in a bedroom, and get soft sophistication. Pair gray and white in a kitchen for Ceramic tile alternative to safe, vanilla predictability. In a nursery, gray and white make a gender-neutral baby room that’s friendly to all those colorful toys.
“Gray really creates that perfect backdrop for a simple, timeless nursery,” says Kim Terry, spokeswoman for Pottery Barn Kids, which offers numerous gray options in bedding, room accessories and even its kid-size Anywhere chair. Younger parents who grew up around beautiful, contemporary furnishings want the same in their own homes, Terry says. “That modern aesthetic has made its way into nurseries.” In kitchens and bathrooms, gray has become a new “it” color, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Earlier this year, the Hackettstown-based organization surveyed its interior designer members and found that the use of gray is a steadily rising trend.
“People are just more interested in a softer look than stark white,” explains South Orange interior designer Antoinette Fraser, who recently used gray elements in the kitchen and dining area of a Millburn home. Gray grout anchors a beautiful wall accent of gray glass with gray and white marble. “Gray is a natural transition from the white,” she says. “A lot of the whites were gray-based whites.”Those grayish-whites complemented stainless steel appliances, whose popularity helped usher gray into our kitchens, says Becky Ralich, head of color marketing and design services for paint-maker Sherwin-Williams. “All that stainless has given us the acceptance of gray,” she says. “We are now accustomed to it, and we are open to it.”
From the steely color of stainless to grays with a hint of morning coffee, gray wall paints and finishes for cabinetry should be chosen with consideration of what will be nearby.“Gray is a little bit tricky,” Ralich notes. With its various undertones, grays should be tested with a room’s permanent fixtures to ensure a good marriage, she says. “Take a bunch of samples home and see what each is going to look like in your light.” Careful selection will ensure that the chosen gray complements rather than competes with its surroundings.
Good effect is magnificently illustrated in a kitchen (at top) that Heidi Piron of Summit recently designed for a Bayhead summer house. European apple wood cabinetry, with its striking stripe-like grain pattern, warms the schist stone countertops and an abundance of blue-gray glass tiles. “The last two to three years, I have used quite a bit of gray in kitchens,” says Piron. “It’s a great neutral and it blends with everything. It can go traditional, it can go contemporary.”
In gray kitchens and bathrooms, fixtures can help set a casual or formal tone, says Piron. For more traditional designs, she works with deeper, richer grays and the sheen of Floor tiles, polished brass or pewter hardware.And for anyone who thinks of “gray days” and “gray moods” and wonders if too much gray will be an interior design downer, color expert Smith notes that a gray area can become decidedly sedate or stimulating.If the goal is a more upbeat space, bring in brights and high-contrast colors, she suggests. “The more contrast, the more stimulating,” she notes. “Excitement is created by color and contrast.”
But Smith appreciates gray’s quiet side, and selected it for her own bedroom. “Gray can be rather calming,” she says. “I happen to like gray because I look at color all day long. Gray gives me a little rest from all the visual stimulus.” SnapStone was one of 18 “recommended” floorings out of the 51 products tested by Consumer Reports, with an overall score that ranked second highest in the magazine's rating system.
The World-Herald featured SnapStone while examining Nebraska's ties to China. A reporter and photographer visited a Shanghai factory that produces some of the porcelain tiles that the company uses. The tiles are shipped to Omaha, where SnapStone employees insert them into plastic trays with interlocking tabs. The tiles can then be snapped together to form a floating tile floor.Company president and CEO Jonathan McIntosh said it's hard to say yet whether the rating will increase sales, but he said his company is hearing from people who read the magazine article or saw news reports about it.
SnapStone is sold at home improvement stores such as Menards as a do-it-yourself product. A similar product from the company is sold under the Avaire brand name at Nebraska Furniture Mart and other retailers. In addition, McIntosh said, “two large, prominent, national chains, within the past two weeks, have suddenly become much more receptive to our advances.”
The stove would have to be moved to get at the flooring underneath it. The stove is heavier than most, so it would take two guys to move it, one of whom would be me, but that wasn't a problem. Moving the stove means turning off the gas to it, which means I wouldn't be able to cook on it, which would in fact be a problem. But we have another stove in the basement, so the problem would be an inconvenience, not a tragedy.
2013年7月18日星期四
2013年7月16日星期二
Artists, teachers find inspiration
Former Traverse City resident Kristin Anton and Liz Lancashire, sister of the SCRAP Portland executive director, both moved from Portland to Traverse City and decided to put their efforts towards opening a SCRAP locally along with Meaghan Wells Thomas, says Dayna Valpey, SCRAP TC director."They all felt that TC was a great fit because of the close-knit community, services that SCRAP TC could provide to educators, and the strong focus on protecting and educating the community about our environment," Valpey says.
By selling items that are donated rather than allowing them to be thrown out, SCRAP TC keeps these potential art supplies out of landfills, which has added up to about 4,500 pounds of items this year alone."Instead of adding additional products to our growing waste stream you are keeping products from the waste stream by creatively reusing them...In addition, our items are priced extremely reasonably and whether you are an educator or glazed porcelain tile , everyone likes to save money, especially in the difficult economy of the last few years," Valpey says.
SCRAP takes a variety of donations (which can be turned away if it is something they don't need, can't take or isn't clean) including zippers, crochet hooks, silk flowers, candle wax, buttons, frames, large carpet samples, various office supplies, bottle caps, slide projectors, and the list goes on and on.They have seen a variety of unique items come through their doors, including a recent donation of 30 plastic foot-shaped displays from a shoe store, which have now found new life as planters.
Local businesses have also gotten on board with the SCRAP TC mission. McLain Cycle and Fitness is one such business; it donates used inner tubes that have been repurposed as mini flower gardens and even as pieces for a fashion show."We truly appreciate the local businesses that work with us and are always actively seeking more to partner with," Valpey says.
Anyone can shop at SCRAP, from teachers, to artists, to hobbyists looking for a great deal on supplies. Because SCRAP TC is run by volunteers, they are only open two days a week for shopping and for the public to drop off donations. Valpey hopes to increase the hours of operation and offer more special events, in addition to their current craft night, such as workshops and birthday parties, as more volunteers are added to the organization.
SCRAP is especially useful for teachers, because of budget cuts in the classroom. Recently retired art teacher and glass fusing artist Debra Coburn-Anton has been shopping at SCRAP for a little over a year. Due to limited classroom budgets for supplies she has been able to get more bang for her buck by shopping here.
"My list is quite extensive, as I shop there often. Fabric, yarn, wine corks for sculpture-making, buttons, beads, illustration board, ceramic tile, and my favorite is the containers that come in for storing my supplies," Coburn-Anton says.Prior to retiring, Coburn was able to introduce reusable materials into the classroom for her students to use from SCRAP."Our favorite projects were recycled art, where the students made sculptures out of wine corks. They worked in teams of two to three students and created really amazing scenes, such as a giraffe eating leaves from a tree,'" she says.
Coburn-Anton also takes the time to volunteer about every six weeks at SCRAP and sometimes attends craft nights, where she purchases her supplies. She encourages others to shop at SCRAP in order to save money and come up with new and fun ideas."SCRAP TC offers us as educators a way to connect students to the importance of reuse and repurposing craft supplies that may otherwise find their way into a landfill," Coburn-Anton says. "It helps us get the message out that we all must do our part to salvage and donate extra items we may not use again but others will find them true treasures to be used in their own artistic adventures."
Mixed-media artist Pam Yee began shopping at SCRAP soon after it opened in order to get supplies for her artwork which includes altered books, journals and cards. She began this art form about 13 years ago."Altered books are made of old discarded books and turned into works of art," Yee says. "Repurposing books keeps them out of the landfills and makes a nice addition to a coffee table or shelf. Using what we have instead of buying more is a small way to save the planet."
She creates these pieces of art by taking an existing book and making changes to it with items she already has, like ink and glue, but adds materials found at SCRAP to the mix like wallpaper and notebooks, or whatever she can get her hands on.Using odds and ends to create art can be a challenge, says Yee, but it truly makes her art unique while helping the china glass mosaic .
"SCRAP is the place to go to pick up materials for art projects without spending too much and to keep more room in the landfills," she says.SCRAP TC is open on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit their website and Facebook page to learn more.
Brown County commissioners will take public testimony and consider a petition for partial abandonment of County Ditch 28 at 10:30 a.m. today in the courthouse.The hearing deals with a petition by Gary Tauer and Daniel Tauer for partial abandonment of a public drainage system in Section 27, Mulligan Township. The Tauers farm their properties together, according to the RBA.
The petition reads that the location and configuration of the open ditch on Daniel Tauer's property interferes with and makes impractical petitioner's use of the irrigation system on both of their properties.The petition proposes a portion of the open ditch of CD 28 crossing Daniel Tauer's property be abandoned and filled in, and that the Tauers build a private tile line to replace the portion of the open ditch that will be abandoned.
The private tile line will be of sufficient capacity and design to drain and serve as an outlet for that portion of the open ditch of CD 28, located in the southwest corner of the southeast quarter of Section 27. The private tile line will drain the Tauers' property and outlet into the open portion of CD 28, according to the petition.All lands to be drained by the proposed private tile line currently are assessed benefits for CD 28 and are part of the CD 28 ditch system. After the private tile line is built, the open ditch portion of CD 28 crossing Daniel Tauer's property will no longer serve any substantial purpose and should be abandoned, according to the petition.
The open ditch of CD 28 has sufficient capacity and is an adequate outlet for the proposed private tile line, according to the petition which state laws as legal references.
By selling items that are donated rather than allowing them to be thrown out, SCRAP TC keeps these potential art supplies out of landfills, which has added up to about 4,500 pounds of items this year alone."Instead of adding additional products to our growing waste stream you are keeping products from the waste stream by creatively reusing them...In addition, our items are priced extremely reasonably and whether you are an educator or glazed porcelain tile , everyone likes to save money, especially in the difficult economy of the last few years," Valpey says.
SCRAP takes a variety of donations (which can be turned away if it is something they don't need, can't take or isn't clean) including zippers, crochet hooks, silk flowers, candle wax, buttons, frames, large carpet samples, various office supplies, bottle caps, slide projectors, and the list goes on and on.They have seen a variety of unique items come through their doors, including a recent donation of 30 plastic foot-shaped displays from a shoe store, which have now found new life as planters.
Local businesses have also gotten on board with the SCRAP TC mission. McLain Cycle and Fitness is one such business; it donates used inner tubes that have been repurposed as mini flower gardens and even as pieces for a fashion show."We truly appreciate the local businesses that work with us and are always actively seeking more to partner with," Valpey says.
Anyone can shop at SCRAP, from teachers, to artists, to hobbyists looking for a great deal on supplies. Because SCRAP TC is run by volunteers, they are only open two days a week for shopping and for the public to drop off donations. Valpey hopes to increase the hours of operation and offer more special events, in addition to their current craft night, such as workshops and birthday parties, as more volunteers are added to the organization.
SCRAP is especially useful for teachers, because of budget cuts in the classroom. Recently retired art teacher and glass fusing artist Debra Coburn-Anton has been shopping at SCRAP for a little over a year. Due to limited classroom budgets for supplies she has been able to get more bang for her buck by shopping here.
"My list is quite extensive, as I shop there often. Fabric, yarn, wine corks for sculpture-making, buttons, beads, illustration board, ceramic tile, and my favorite is the containers that come in for storing my supplies," Coburn-Anton says.Prior to retiring, Coburn was able to introduce reusable materials into the classroom for her students to use from SCRAP."Our favorite projects were recycled art, where the students made sculptures out of wine corks. They worked in teams of two to three students and created really amazing scenes, such as a giraffe eating leaves from a tree,'" she says.
Coburn-Anton also takes the time to volunteer about every six weeks at SCRAP and sometimes attends craft nights, where she purchases her supplies. She encourages others to shop at SCRAP in order to save money and come up with new and fun ideas."SCRAP TC offers us as educators a way to connect students to the importance of reuse and repurposing craft supplies that may otherwise find their way into a landfill," Coburn-Anton says. "It helps us get the message out that we all must do our part to salvage and donate extra items we may not use again but others will find them true treasures to be used in their own artistic adventures."
Mixed-media artist Pam Yee began shopping at SCRAP soon after it opened in order to get supplies for her artwork which includes altered books, journals and cards. She began this art form about 13 years ago."Altered books are made of old discarded books and turned into works of art," Yee says. "Repurposing books keeps them out of the landfills and makes a nice addition to a coffee table or shelf. Using what we have instead of buying more is a small way to save the planet."
She creates these pieces of art by taking an existing book and making changes to it with items she already has, like ink and glue, but adds materials found at SCRAP to the mix like wallpaper and notebooks, or whatever she can get her hands on.Using odds and ends to create art can be a challenge, says Yee, but it truly makes her art unique while helping the china glass mosaic .
"SCRAP is the place to go to pick up materials for art projects without spending too much and to keep more room in the landfills," she says.SCRAP TC is open on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit their website and Facebook page to learn more.
Brown County commissioners will take public testimony and consider a petition for partial abandonment of County Ditch 28 at 10:30 a.m. today in the courthouse.The hearing deals with a petition by Gary Tauer and Daniel Tauer for partial abandonment of a public drainage system in Section 27, Mulligan Township. The Tauers farm their properties together, according to the RBA.
The petition reads that the location and configuration of the open ditch on Daniel Tauer's property interferes with and makes impractical petitioner's use of the irrigation system on both of their properties.The petition proposes a portion of the open ditch of CD 28 crossing Daniel Tauer's property be abandoned and filled in, and that the Tauers build a private tile line to replace the portion of the open ditch that will be abandoned.
The private tile line will be of sufficient capacity and design to drain and serve as an outlet for that portion of the open ditch of CD 28, located in the southwest corner of the southeast quarter of Section 27. The private tile line will drain the Tauers' property and outlet into the open portion of CD 28, according to the petition.All lands to be drained by the proposed private tile line currently are assessed benefits for CD 28 and are part of the CD 28 ditch system. After the private tile line is built, the open ditch portion of CD 28 crossing Daniel Tauer's property will no longer serve any substantial purpose and should be abandoned, according to the petition.
The open ditch of CD 28 has sufficient capacity and is an adequate outlet for the proposed private tile line, according to the petition which state laws as legal references.
2013年7月14日星期日
You may think it's wood or stone
Yes -- but these products definitely are not the shiny orange sheet that covered your mom's kitchen floor, or the old peel-and-stick school hall tiles your dad plopped down in the foyer. Modern luxury vinyl is a broad category that includes wood- and stone-look products with colors and textures good enough to fool the eye.
It's a category that's growing rapidly. Sales of luxury vinyl hit $500 million last year -- up 13 percent, Floor Daily reported.For those who don't choose carpet, hardwood or hard tile, luxury vinyl -- instead of laminate -- is likely to be the favorite option.
Local flooring pros say they've seen the trend in their showrooms."In the past year, it's like it's a hot item," said Jennifer Fallon, owner of the Floor Gallery of Lake Norman in Mooresville. She sells slightly more of the tile-look luxury vinyl, but wood styles are not far behind.
At Hughes Flooring in Charlotte, N.C., Rodney Hughes reports the same. "It's taking off," he said. "[Floor companies] are putting a lot of marketing money into it ... and we're starting to see that."If you visit your favorite home center or floors website, you'll find lots of options. Online you'll find discussions of the best products and polished tiles.
If you have the top products installed by a pro, though, you can pay about as much for luxury vinyl as for some standard hardwood or ceramic tile. Say, $8 to $10 a square foot installed, Fallon estimated. Hughes said simply: "This is not a price-point product."
Again, the appearance is one reason. The tile-look products can be grouted, to make it look more like ceramic or stone. The wood-look planks feature rich colors and textures. Hughes said that the technology responsible for such looks is helping to drive the popularity.
It's softer under foot than tile, and stands up to spills and large pets better than hardwood, Fallon said. Hughes said one huge advantage for luxury vinyl is that it isn't damaged by moisture. "You can soak it in the bathtub and it won't swell or buckle," he said. "There's no wood inside."
These floors can be glued down, or they can be "floated." Individual tiles and planks can be clicked together and then installed without glue, to float on special underlayment. Floating floors can cover up minor imperfections in the subfloor during a renovation.
Luxury vinyl is thinner than hardwood, and thinner than stone or ceramic tile installed on the required underlayment. When remodeling, it's easier to match a thinner product to the level of the surrounding existing floors.
There are few good-looking options for the edge, or transition, where luxury vinyl abuts another type of flooring or a floor that's a slightly different level."They don't make a transition," Fallon said. "I sometimes have to use wood, and stain it to match. They make metal, like you'd use on an old vinyl floor. But it doesn't look good."
Our community deserves strong leadership. The city council is an integral part of the local government. As I complete my third term of office as a city councilman, I have been able to work together with the other council members, the mayor and community leaders from many groups and organizations to provide direction, vision, strategy and action. I still bring fresh ideas, energy and a professional financial perspective from pre-9/11 and post-9/11 eras. I tend to be more of a "financial advisor" and decision maker" than a politician.
The purchase of the new city hall property demonstrates a clear long-term vision and plan to reduce operating expenses, unnecessary costs and therefore provide more resources for general services, like recreation, parks, pools, libraries and the museum.
Leaders must make the tough decisions (the right decisions), even if they are not always the popular choice for special interest groups. I have demonstrated an ability to lead and make decisions based on the facts and information. I will continue to support the essential programs that provide a unique distinction between Dearborn and other communities in this area.
I truly understand the city’s financial challenges and the tools available to solve these problems. I work hard to understand the service mix and priorities for neighborhoods; maintaining the high quality services is the biggest challenge during a time of financial cutbacks and shrinking revenues. Throughout the budget process I strive to balance the “needs” and “wants” of everyone. This establishes a clear direction for the administration.
Click on their website http://www.tilees.com/.
It's a category that's growing rapidly. Sales of luxury vinyl hit $500 million last year -- up 13 percent, Floor Daily reported.For those who don't choose carpet, hardwood or hard tile, luxury vinyl -- instead of laminate -- is likely to be the favorite option.
Local flooring pros say they've seen the trend in their showrooms."In the past year, it's like it's a hot item," said Jennifer Fallon, owner of the Floor Gallery of Lake Norman in Mooresville. She sells slightly more of the tile-look luxury vinyl, but wood styles are not far behind.
At Hughes Flooring in Charlotte, N.C., Rodney Hughes reports the same. "It's taking off," he said. "[Floor companies] are putting a lot of marketing money into it ... and we're starting to see that."If you visit your favorite home center or floors website, you'll find lots of options. Online you'll find discussions of the best products and polished tiles.
If you have the top products installed by a pro, though, you can pay about as much for luxury vinyl as for some standard hardwood or ceramic tile. Say, $8 to $10 a square foot installed, Fallon estimated. Hughes said simply: "This is not a price-point product."
Again, the appearance is one reason. The tile-look products can be grouted, to make it look more like ceramic or stone. The wood-look planks feature rich colors and textures. Hughes said that the technology responsible for such looks is helping to drive the popularity.
It's softer under foot than tile, and stands up to spills and large pets better than hardwood, Fallon said. Hughes said one huge advantage for luxury vinyl is that it isn't damaged by moisture. "You can soak it in the bathtub and it won't swell or buckle," he said. "There's no wood inside."
These floors can be glued down, or they can be "floated." Individual tiles and planks can be clicked together and then installed without glue, to float on special underlayment. Floating floors can cover up minor imperfections in the subfloor during a renovation.
Luxury vinyl is thinner than hardwood, and thinner than stone or ceramic tile installed on the required underlayment. When remodeling, it's easier to match a thinner product to the level of the surrounding existing floors.
There are few good-looking options for the edge, or transition, where luxury vinyl abuts another type of flooring or a floor that's a slightly different level."They don't make a transition," Fallon said. "I sometimes have to use wood, and stain it to match. They make metal, like you'd use on an old vinyl floor. But it doesn't look good."
Our community deserves strong leadership. The city council is an integral part of the local government. As I complete my third term of office as a city councilman, I have been able to work together with the other council members, the mayor and community leaders from many groups and organizations to provide direction, vision, strategy and action. I still bring fresh ideas, energy and a professional financial perspective from pre-9/11 and post-9/11 eras. I tend to be more of a "financial advisor" and decision maker" than a politician.
The purchase of the new city hall property demonstrates a clear long-term vision and plan to reduce operating expenses, unnecessary costs and therefore provide more resources for general services, like recreation, parks, pools, libraries and the museum.
Leaders must make the tough decisions (the right decisions), even if they are not always the popular choice for special interest groups. I have demonstrated an ability to lead and make decisions based on the facts and information. I will continue to support the essential programs that provide a unique distinction between Dearborn and other communities in this area.
I truly understand the city’s financial challenges and the tools available to solve these problems. I work hard to understand the service mix and priorities for neighborhoods; maintaining the high quality services is the biggest challenge during a time of financial cutbacks and shrinking revenues. Throughout the budget process I strive to balance the “needs” and “wants” of everyone. This establishes a clear direction for the administration.
Click on their website http://www.tilees.com/.
2013年7月11日星期四
Whitney converts to luxury apartments
With the assistance of Estates Management Company, Seven Hundred Woodrow, LLC has purchased The Whitney Hotel in Columbia to convert it into luxury residences for lease beginning August 2013.
“We are rebranding The Whitney to 700 Woodrow-A Devine Address to reflect the fact that residents will be able to extend their quality of life beyond their home,” said Matt Mundy, an associate of Estates Management Company that will manage the development. “It is an alluring, pedestrian-friendly property. Residents will be within walking distance of downtown Columbia’s premier shopping and dining district. We are excited about the opportunity to develop a community we believe will enhance the lives of our residents, the local economy, and the surrounding neighborhoods.”
Located at the corner of Woodrow and Devine Streets, 700 Woodrow, which is seven stories, is situated in one of the most sought after, upscale neighborhoods in Columbia.The 75-unit apartment community will feature 14 one-bedroom, onebath homes and 61 twobedroom, two-bath homes. Each unit will include ninefoot ceilings, Ceramic tile, and a private balcony to enjoy views of downtown and beautiful Columbia sunsets.
All residences will be renovated to include gourmet kitchens with stainless steel-energy star appliances, built-in microwaves, tiled kitchen backsplashes, and granite countertops with dine-in casual bar tops and wood cabinetry with decorative hardware.
Living areas will also have designer lighting including ceiling fans; simulated hardwood flooring; brushed nickel faucets, curved shower rods, and ceramic tile in bathrooms; oversized mud/laundry rooms with washer/dryer connections and linen closets and wiring for cable and Internet access.
The upgraded apartments will include a concierge desk that will be staffed with a full-time employee and a contemporary club that will include a social lounge with coffee bar and a gathering area with televisions and comfortable seating. Residents will also have access to an outdoor entertainment area featuring garden/ yard games, abundant seating, a dining area and gas grill. Parking will be available in front of and around the building.
“Young and mature professionals seeking an eclectic, urban living experience will be attracted to 700 Woodrow,” Mundy said. “They will be able to walk or ride their bikes to local boutique retailers and places like Devine Foods, Cantina 76, Burger Tavern 77, Half- Moon Outfitters, Britton’s, and Earth Fare. Plus they will only be a mile away from great places like Whole Foods, Ulta, Charleston Cooks!, Taziki’s, and Basil Thai Restaurant.”
Founded in 1988, Estates Management Company is committed to delivering exceptional living experiences by providing unique living communities that residents are proud to call home. Estates Management has experienced phenomenal growth in real estate development and property management, including multifamily communities, office, retail, and luxury condominium residences.
A musician in his younger days, a flooring company owner since 1985, Larry Bally says there are similarities between the two pursuits.The skills a musician masters on one instrument carry over to others that he picks up. In the same vein, Bally has expanded from his original product — hardwood flooring — to include concrete polishing and other flooring choices.
"I just say that the greatest asset I own is my reputation," Bally, owner of Great American Hardwood Flooring, said. "I've spent 30 years building a reputation."
Actually a little longer than that. Bally had been running a paint contracting business under the "Great American" name for a decade when a hardwood floor installer messed up one of his jobs in 1985. Bally says he asked the general contractor in charge why he'd hire such incompetent help.Bally did, and after struggling for a few years, was able to give up painting and concentrate on flooring in 1992.
"It's very hard work but you get more respect and a chance to make more money in this trade," he said. "The margins are better."Bally opened his first showroom, on South Laura, in 1995 and moved to his current location on South Washington in 2006.Great American installs, repairs and refinishes hardwood floors. Much of its work can be seen around Old Town in buildings like River City Brewery and the Player Piano Lofts.
In the early 2000s, Great American also worked "coast to coast" for restaurant chains such as Ted's Montana Grill. The recession put a stop to that and also shut down much residential work, but Bally found a new market installing gymnasium floors in high schools and colleges around the state. Residential work has started to pick up again in the past year, he said.
Great American employs about four office workers and from 10 to 20 workers in the field. Bally added concrete polishing to its service line in 2009. "Next thing you know, it exploded," he said.
Bally's son, Jeff, heads up residential work while another son, Tim, is the estimator for gymnasium jobs and supervises concrete polishing. In June his wife, Pam, joined the business to help start Great American Floors and Decor, offering carpets, laminate, vinyl, ceramic tile and area rugs, along with a decorating service."It was just a natural," Bally said. "She (Pam) has a really strong background in retail and decorating."
Bally, who used to play drums for the divekings and other local bands, doesn't play much anymore but allows a heavy metal band to practice in part of the building. He's busy running the biggest hardwood flooring company of its kind in Wichita and the largest gym floor installer in Kansas, a development he attributes to one simple rule: "We do what we promise."
Click on their website www.tilees.com.
“We are rebranding The Whitney to 700 Woodrow-A Devine Address to reflect the fact that residents will be able to extend their quality of life beyond their home,” said Matt Mundy, an associate of Estates Management Company that will manage the development. “It is an alluring, pedestrian-friendly property. Residents will be within walking distance of downtown Columbia’s premier shopping and dining district. We are excited about the opportunity to develop a community we believe will enhance the lives of our residents, the local economy, and the surrounding neighborhoods.”
Located at the corner of Woodrow and Devine Streets, 700 Woodrow, which is seven stories, is situated in one of the most sought after, upscale neighborhoods in Columbia.The 75-unit apartment community will feature 14 one-bedroom, onebath homes and 61 twobedroom, two-bath homes. Each unit will include ninefoot ceilings, Ceramic tile, and a private balcony to enjoy views of downtown and beautiful Columbia sunsets.
All residences will be renovated to include gourmet kitchens with stainless steel-energy star appliances, built-in microwaves, tiled kitchen backsplashes, and granite countertops with dine-in casual bar tops and wood cabinetry with decorative hardware.
Living areas will also have designer lighting including ceiling fans; simulated hardwood flooring; brushed nickel faucets, curved shower rods, and ceramic tile in bathrooms; oversized mud/laundry rooms with washer/dryer connections and linen closets and wiring for cable and Internet access.
The upgraded apartments will include a concierge desk that will be staffed with a full-time employee and a contemporary club that will include a social lounge with coffee bar and a gathering area with televisions and comfortable seating. Residents will also have access to an outdoor entertainment area featuring garden/ yard games, abundant seating, a dining area and gas grill. Parking will be available in front of and around the building.
“Young and mature professionals seeking an eclectic, urban living experience will be attracted to 700 Woodrow,” Mundy said. “They will be able to walk or ride their bikes to local boutique retailers and places like Devine Foods, Cantina 76, Burger Tavern 77, Half- Moon Outfitters, Britton’s, and Earth Fare. Plus they will only be a mile away from great places like Whole Foods, Ulta, Charleston Cooks!, Taziki’s, and Basil Thai Restaurant.”
Founded in 1988, Estates Management Company is committed to delivering exceptional living experiences by providing unique living communities that residents are proud to call home. Estates Management has experienced phenomenal growth in real estate development and property management, including multifamily communities, office, retail, and luxury condominium residences.
A musician in his younger days, a flooring company owner since 1985, Larry Bally says there are similarities between the two pursuits.The skills a musician masters on one instrument carry over to others that he picks up. In the same vein, Bally has expanded from his original product — hardwood flooring — to include concrete polishing and other flooring choices.
"I just say that the greatest asset I own is my reputation," Bally, owner of Great American Hardwood Flooring, said. "I've spent 30 years building a reputation."
Actually a little longer than that. Bally had been running a paint contracting business under the "Great American" name for a decade when a hardwood floor installer messed up one of his jobs in 1985. Bally says he asked the general contractor in charge why he'd hire such incompetent help.Bally did, and after struggling for a few years, was able to give up painting and concentrate on flooring in 1992.
"It's very hard work but you get more respect and a chance to make more money in this trade," he said. "The margins are better."Bally opened his first showroom, on South Laura, in 1995 and moved to his current location on South Washington in 2006.Great American installs, repairs and refinishes hardwood floors. Much of its work can be seen around Old Town in buildings like River City Brewery and the Player Piano Lofts.
In the early 2000s, Great American also worked "coast to coast" for restaurant chains such as Ted's Montana Grill. The recession put a stop to that and also shut down much residential work, but Bally found a new market installing gymnasium floors in high schools and colleges around the state. Residential work has started to pick up again in the past year, he said.
Great American employs about four office workers and from 10 to 20 workers in the field. Bally added concrete polishing to its service line in 2009. "Next thing you know, it exploded," he said.
Bally's son, Jeff, heads up residential work while another son, Tim, is the estimator for gymnasium jobs and supervises concrete polishing. In June his wife, Pam, joined the business to help start Great American Floors and Decor, offering carpets, laminate, vinyl, ceramic tile and area rugs, along with a decorating service."It was just a natural," Bally said. "She (Pam) has a really strong background in retail and decorating."
Bally, who used to play drums for the divekings and other local bands, doesn't play much anymore but allows a heavy metal band to practice in part of the building. He's busy running the biggest hardwood flooring company of its kind in Wichita and the largest gym floor installer in Kansas, a development he attributes to one simple rule: "We do what we promise."
Click on their website www.tilees.com.
2013年7月9日星期二
Dearborn Planning Commission Tables Vote on Garage Ordinance
The Dearborn Planning Commission says it needs more time to review proposed changes to a city zoning ordinance amendment governing the use of residential garages.The commission voted 7-0 with Chairman Gary Errigo and Vice Chairwoman Nancy Siwik absent to table the amendment defining acceptable uses for garages at its meeting on Monday.
As it is currently written, the city's ordinance states that garages only can be used for storing vehicles, however the Planning Commission has been working with the city's attorneys to draft language that would accomodate other uses, such as for hobbies or backyard parties.
The issue stems from Orchard Street residents who have come under scrutiny in recent months for converting their garages into social gathering spaces and installing glass doors instead of using standard retractable garage doors. DiBiasi said in the eyes of the Floor tiles, that’s a sign of the garage possibly being turned into a living space, which is not permitted. In addition, it does not leave room to park a car, and driving a car over the door's sliding track repeatedly could cause it to break and cause a safety hazard.
All houses in the city are required to have off-street parking for at least two vehicles, and all houses built after 1993 must have a garage that can store at least two cars side by side. The requirements make it easier for emergency vehicles to navigate city streets, and also accomodate street sweepers during Public Service Days.
"While the city does require homes to have off-street parking for two vehicles, it does not mandate that people park their cars in their garage," Commissioner Theresa Skora explained. "The tricky part is determining what is fair and equitable for everyone knowing that driveways and property lots are different sizes."
At Monday's meeting, DiBiasi outlined some of the acceptable uses of garages that the Planning Commission may approve. Some revisions include permission to install carriage doors in designated historic districts provided they keep with the home's historic designs; allowing for storage of household items for those living in the house; and allowing sliding glass doors to be installed on the back or side of the garage.
Residents can have basic electrical service and a small sink in their garage, however sleeping, cooking and open-flame heaters would not be allowed. In addition, homeowners cannot store commercial machines or machinery products in garages, DiBiasi said.
"People shouldn't be sleeping in their garages," Commissioner Caryn Charter said. "Defining when a garage becomes a habitual living space has been a sticking point with us."Prior to the vote, Commissioner Kevin Watts asked that the amendment language be changed to clarify what is considered "living" in a garage."To me 'living' has a nebulous meaning," he said. "You can live in your garage for two hours a day doing car repair."
Watts said ideally the ordinance should permit certain uses for garages as long as those uses do not impede city parking requirements."If someone wants to build a man cave or a hobby space, they still have to be able to get a car in the garage," he said.Dearborn resident Muheeb Nabulsy expressed outrage with the city's regulation of garages."I feel this is a jealousy issue," he said. "People who cannot afford to renovate their home always complain when they see other people's homes."
Nabulsy has been in talks with the city for more than a year, ever since he laid down ceramic tile on his garage floor and installed sliding glass doors. His goal was when the electric overhead door is open, the sliding doors will make the space feel more like an enclosed patio, where he can sit in fresh air and visit with neighbors.
"We are not causing any issue," he said. "I can park six cars in my driveway and the street is empty. I agree with no kitchen, no cooking or anything that could hurt myself, my family or my neighbors. If I have an argument with my wife, I sleep in the garage. What's wrong with that?"
"If I am doing something illegal, you are more than welcome to come to my home and break it in front of my eyes," Nabulsy told the Commission.A resident who identified herself only as Mrs. Carson, agreed, stating: "Who's business is it what people do with their houses? We should celebrate families being families."Some residents however, say the modifications are distracting and dangerous.
"I don't hold anything against someone who wants to work on their garage, but I've seen chandeliers and flat screen TVs in some of these garages that have been dry walled and completely finished," Marium Wilke, president of the Eastborn Neighborhood Association said. Wilke said when garages are converted into living areas, owners often leave their lawn equipment, trash cans and other storage items in the backyard causing issues with blight for neighbors.
Read the full story at http://www.tilees.com/!
As it is currently written, the city's ordinance states that garages only can be used for storing vehicles, however the Planning Commission has been working with the city's attorneys to draft language that would accomodate other uses, such as for hobbies or backyard parties.
The issue stems from Orchard Street residents who have come under scrutiny in recent months for converting their garages into social gathering spaces and installing glass doors instead of using standard retractable garage doors. DiBiasi said in the eyes of the Floor tiles, that’s a sign of the garage possibly being turned into a living space, which is not permitted. In addition, it does not leave room to park a car, and driving a car over the door's sliding track repeatedly could cause it to break and cause a safety hazard.
All houses in the city are required to have off-street parking for at least two vehicles, and all houses built after 1993 must have a garage that can store at least two cars side by side. The requirements make it easier for emergency vehicles to navigate city streets, and also accomodate street sweepers during Public Service Days.
"While the city does require homes to have off-street parking for two vehicles, it does not mandate that people park their cars in their garage," Commissioner Theresa Skora explained. "The tricky part is determining what is fair and equitable for everyone knowing that driveways and property lots are different sizes."
At Monday's meeting, DiBiasi outlined some of the acceptable uses of garages that the Planning Commission may approve. Some revisions include permission to install carriage doors in designated historic districts provided they keep with the home's historic designs; allowing for storage of household items for those living in the house; and allowing sliding glass doors to be installed on the back or side of the garage.
Residents can have basic electrical service and a small sink in their garage, however sleeping, cooking and open-flame heaters would not be allowed. In addition, homeowners cannot store commercial machines or machinery products in garages, DiBiasi said.
"People shouldn't be sleeping in their garages," Commissioner Caryn Charter said. "Defining when a garage becomes a habitual living space has been a sticking point with us."Prior to the vote, Commissioner Kevin Watts asked that the amendment language be changed to clarify what is considered "living" in a garage."To me 'living' has a nebulous meaning," he said. "You can live in your garage for two hours a day doing car repair."
Watts said ideally the ordinance should permit certain uses for garages as long as those uses do not impede city parking requirements."If someone wants to build a man cave or a hobby space, they still have to be able to get a car in the garage," he said.Dearborn resident Muheeb Nabulsy expressed outrage with the city's regulation of garages."I feel this is a jealousy issue," he said. "People who cannot afford to renovate their home always complain when they see other people's homes."
Nabulsy has been in talks with the city for more than a year, ever since he laid down ceramic tile on his garage floor and installed sliding glass doors. His goal was when the electric overhead door is open, the sliding doors will make the space feel more like an enclosed patio, where he can sit in fresh air and visit with neighbors.
"We are not causing any issue," he said. "I can park six cars in my driveway and the street is empty. I agree with no kitchen, no cooking or anything that could hurt myself, my family or my neighbors. If I have an argument with my wife, I sleep in the garage. What's wrong with that?"
"If I am doing something illegal, you are more than welcome to come to my home and break it in front of my eyes," Nabulsy told the Commission.A resident who identified herself only as Mrs. Carson, agreed, stating: "Who's business is it what people do with their houses? We should celebrate families being families."Some residents however, say the modifications are distracting and dangerous.
"I don't hold anything against someone who wants to work on their garage, but I've seen chandeliers and flat screen TVs in some of these garages that have been dry walled and completely finished," Marium Wilke, president of the Eastborn Neighborhood Association said. Wilke said when garages are converted into living areas, owners often leave their lawn equipment, trash cans and other storage items in the backyard causing issues with blight for neighbors.
Read the full story at http://www.tilees.com/!
2013年7月7日星期日
Stunning home offers ocean views from every room
Watch the waves crash against the rocky shore, view the seals basking in the sun or simply admire the sunrise over the vast horizon. With spectacular ocean views from every room the stunning architecturally designed home on Ocean Boulevard in income-tax-free Rye, NH is an amazing find. Just a short stroll from Wallis Sands beach, the pristine home has been expertly designed for the location and a contemporary luxurious oceanfront lifestyle.
Sitting high above the rocks on a large lush lot bordered by fragrant beach roses and stonewalls; the shingle-style home is a gem in the prized beachfront neighborhood. The private yard is pure perfection with verdant landscaping including a lush lawn, mature trees, blue stone walkways, a patio and an array of flowering plants that invite butterflies and birds.
The professional landscaping, weather-resistant exterior and fabulous architectural details of the home create a visual delight enhanced by the natural beauty of the seacoast.
The luxurious three-bedroom home has a sense of relaxed elegance. There are marvelous architectural details at every turn from the expansive full-length mahogany oceanfront-covered porch to a Carrara marble fireplace and red oak floors with Brazilian rosewood inlay, this gorgeous home is truly special.
Entering the large front foyers, a visitor is greeted by a striking bridal staircase with carved and tapered balusters. Straight ahead is a heart stopping view through to the ocean. The red oak floors gleam, the wide openings between rooms are accented by subtle custom moldings and there is an abundance of natural light. Formal columns provide visual definition, but allow for an open floor plan and incredible ocean views at every turn.
The expansive oceanfront living room and gracious dining room are superb for entertaining or everyday living. Multiple sets of French glass doors lead out to the full-length oceanfront covered mahogany porch, allowing for seamless indoor/outdoor living. Subtle architectural details accent the large space including a Carrara marble gas-log fireplace that is highlighted by a custom designed mantle and Brazilian rosewood inlay that adds a special touch to a beautiful hardwood floor.
The eat-in cook’s kitchen is a dream with cherry cabinets, gorgeous granite countertops, a center island, like-new stainless steel appliances including double wall ovens, built-in wine rack, large pantry, tumbled marble tile backsplash, ceramic tile floor and of course ocean views. There are double windows framing astonishing ocean views in the breakfast area. Add in a door directly out to the patio and barbeque area for easy casual dining and entertaining.
The first floor also features a handsome study that could also be converted to a first floor bedroom. A lovely full bath with attractive ceramic tile is conveniently next door.Heading up the remarkable staircase is a treat as the landing features another inlay accent and the numerous windows bathe the staircase in natural light. There is an open and bright landing area with a door that leads out to a balcony overlooking the lovely flower garden.
Upstairs are three bedrooms, each with a private balcony and offering ocean views. The first charming guest bedroom offers a cozy balcony and a large cedar closet. The second sunny guest room has a larger balcony and walk in closet. The two bedrooms share a luxurious large bath with a whirlpool tub, a separate water closet and linen closet.
The master bedroom suite is impressive with two sets of glass doors out to a mahogany balcony offering one of the most spectacular ocean views on the Seacoast. There are even “his & hers” walk-in closets. The master bath is an oasis of beauty and comfort with a double cherry wood vanity, whirlpool tub, separate shower, separate water closet and bidet. The room is immaculate and the palette of tile colors, woods and accents echo the natural tones of the beach and oceanfront.
The upstairs features extensive closet storage and a nice laundry room complete with a sink and folding area.There is also a fabulous freestanding carriage house with the neatest two-car garage imaginable, including a vinyl matt floor covering and built-in storage. Upstairs the carriage house offers a surprising professional office that would be perfect for the busy executive that requires private home office space. The professionally finished, flexible year-round space is heated and air-conditioned.
Recently built, the home offers an extensive list of high-end amenities including central air conditioning, high-efficient hydro-air heating, central vacuum, a security system, an irrigation system and a generator.
The city is set to witness the transformation of traditional games like goti and hopscotch into professional pursuits
Remember how as a young boy you thought that your trouser pocket was meant only to carry marbles. You stuffed it with them. You kept adding to your proud collection; those little glass spheres, some clear, others with different colours in them. How many times have you held the blue or red marble to the light to see the world look so different? Marbles were favourites.
The game was simple and could be played anywhere. Dig a small hole or draw a circle on the ground, choose the Floor tiles, and you were ready. There was a time when it was usual to see boys shooting marbles all over the neighbourhood.
Like so many aspects of childhood, playing marbles and other forms of amusement are rapidly becoming extinct. Fondness for old-fashioned, traditional games is not just about being nostalgic or foolishly sentimental. There are groups who have begun to show concern and have chalked out elaborate plans to revive the game. A professional goti tour is slated to begin with the Cochin Open Professional Tournament in Kochi sometime in August this year.
“The date has not been finalised. But it will be in August. We know that there are some serious players in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Thrissur. In Kochi some of us are players. We hope to follow it up with a Travancore Royal Goti Challenge and the Malabar Classic Goti Tour this year itself. All these events will be professionally organised and managed,” says Sijin B.T., founder of Synergians, an NGO formed by a group of professionals engaged in various social responsibility activities.
Marbles is one of the world’s most popular street games. It is also known by other names such as goli and goti. “This is just a part of our initiative to revive and promote traditional sports. We have begun an effort to package a few such games such as goti, hopscotch and seven tiles. Now our prime focus is on redesigning goti as a professional game, seeing as it is considered a children’s game and even stigmatised in some societies.
More than preservation or revival of a traditional game, the Synergians embarked on this venture more as part of social commitment. “We believe that sport has the power to transform individuals. Sport is also a business and an employment opportunity but unfortunately in our country it remains, cricket being an exception, still an unexploited industry. We thought we should move away from established sports and provide a new platform. Instead of depending on government assistance, games that require very little investment, like goti for example, can be effectively promoted,” explains Jibu Gibson, joint-founder, Synergians.
Their first attempt was to revitalise hopscotch, a traditional game also known as vatu kali or akku kali. “Hopscotch is very popular worldwide. We know that celebrities such as Michelle Obama, Helen Mirren, Jennie Finch and others are hooked on to this game. Our version is called Hopzz, a blend of hope and hop. We have not attempted to promote it as a competitive sport but rather as an exercise regimen. It is supposed to be an effective cardiovascular exercise with properties of resistance exercise and is good to build leg muscles, offers flexibility and balance and helps develop coordination,” says Sijin.
Click on their website http://www.tilees.com/.
Sitting high above the rocks on a large lush lot bordered by fragrant beach roses and stonewalls; the shingle-style home is a gem in the prized beachfront neighborhood. The private yard is pure perfection with verdant landscaping including a lush lawn, mature trees, blue stone walkways, a patio and an array of flowering plants that invite butterflies and birds.
The professional landscaping, weather-resistant exterior and fabulous architectural details of the home create a visual delight enhanced by the natural beauty of the seacoast.
The luxurious three-bedroom home has a sense of relaxed elegance. There are marvelous architectural details at every turn from the expansive full-length mahogany oceanfront-covered porch to a Carrara marble fireplace and red oak floors with Brazilian rosewood inlay, this gorgeous home is truly special.
Entering the large front foyers, a visitor is greeted by a striking bridal staircase with carved and tapered balusters. Straight ahead is a heart stopping view through to the ocean. The red oak floors gleam, the wide openings between rooms are accented by subtle custom moldings and there is an abundance of natural light. Formal columns provide visual definition, but allow for an open floor plan and incredible ocean views at every turn.
The expansive oceanfront living room and gracious dining room are superb for entertaining or everyday living. Multiple sets of French glass doors lead out to the full-length oceanfront covered mahogany porch, allowing for seamless indoor/outdoor living. Subtle architectural details accent the large space including a Carrara marble gas-log fireplace that is highlighted by a custom designed mantle and Brazilian rosewood inlay that adds a special touch to a beautiful hardwood floor.
The eat-in cook’s kitchen is a dream with cherry cabinets, gorgeous granite countertops, a center island, like-new stainless steel appliances including double wall ovens, built-in wine rack, large pantry, tumbled marble tile backsplash, ceramic tile floor and of course ocean views. There are double windows framing astonishing ocean views in the breakfast area. Add in a door directly out to the patio and barbeque area for easy casual dining and entertaining.
The first floor also features a handsome study that could also be converted to a first floor bedroom. A lovely full bath with attractive ceramic tile is conveniently next door.Heading up the remarkable staircase is a treat as the landing features another inlay accent and the numerous windows bathe the staircase in natural light. There is an open and bright landing area with a door that leads out to a balcony overlooking the lovely flower garden.
Upstairs are three bedrooms, each with a private balcony and offering ocean views. The first charming guest bedroom offers a cozy balcony and a large cedar closet. The second sunny guest room has a larger balcony and walk in closet. The two bedrooms share a luxurious large bath with a whirlpool tub, a separate water closet and linen closet.
The master bedroom suite is impressive with two sets of glass doors out to a mahogany balcony offering one of the most spectacular ocean views on the Seacoast. There are even “his & hers” walk-in closets. The master bath is an oasis of beauty and comfort with a double cherry wood vanity, whirlpool tub, separate shower, separate water closet and bidet. The room is immaculate and the palette of tile colors, woods and accents echo the natural tones of the beach and oceanfront.
The upstairs features extensive closet storage and a nice laundry room complete with a sink and folding area.There is also a fabulous freestanding carriage house with the neatest two-car garage imaginable, including a vinyl matt floor covering and built-in storage. Upstairs the carriage house offers a surprising professional office that would be perfect for the busy executive that requires private home office space. The professionally finished, flexible year-round space is heated and air-conditioned.
Recently built, the home offers an extensive list of high-end amenities including central air conditioning, high-efficient hydro-air heating, central vacuum, a security system, an irrigation system and a generator.
The city is set to witness the transformation of traditional games like goti and hopscotch into professional pursuits
Remember how as a young boy you thought that your trouser pocket was meant only to carry marbles. You stuffed it with them. You kept adding to your proud collection; those little glass spheres, some clear, others with different colours in them. How many times have you held the blue or red marble to the light to see the world look so different? Marbles were favourites.
The game was simple and could be played anywhere. Dig a small hole or draw a circle on the ground, choose the Floor tiles, and you were ready. There was a time when it was usual to see boys shooting marbles all over the neighbourhood.
Like so many aspects of childhood, playing marbles and other forms of amusement are rapidly becoming extinct. Fondness for old-fashioned, traditional games is not just about being nostalgic or foolishly sentimental. There are groups who have begun to show concern and have chalked out elaborate plans to revive the game. A professional goti tour is slated to begin with the Cochin Open Professional Tournament in Kochi sometime in August this year.
“The date has not been finalised. But it will be in August. We know that there are some serious players in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Thrissur. In Kochi some of us are players. We hope to follow it up with a Travancore Royal Goti Challenge and the Malabar Classic Goti Tour this year itself. All these events will be professionally organised and managed,” says Sijin B.T., founder of Synergians, an NGO formed by a group of professionals engaged in various social responsibility activities.
Marbles is one of the world’s most popular street games. It is also known by other names such as goli and goti. “This is just a part of our initiative to revive and promote traditional sports. We have begun an effort to package a few such games such as goti, hopscotch and seven tiles. Now our prime focus is on redesigning goti as a professional game, seeing as it is considered a children’s game and even stigmatised in some societies.
More than preservation or revival of a traditional game, the Synergians embarked on this venture more as part of social commitment. “We believe that sport has the power to transform individuals. Sport is also a business and an employment opportunity but unfortunately in our country it remains, cricket being an exception, still an unexploited industry. We thought we should move away from established sports and provide a new platform. Instead of depending on government assistance, games that require very little investment, like goti for example, can be effectively promoted,” explains Jibu Gibson, joint-founder, Synergians.
Their first attempt was to revitalise hopscotch, a traditional game also known as vatu kali or akku kali. “Hopscotch is very popular worldwide. We know that celebrities such as Michelle Obama, Helen Mirren, Jennie Finch and others are hooked on to this game. Our version is called Hopzz, a blend of hope and hop. We have not attempted to promote it as a competitive sport but rather as an exercise regimen. It is supposed to be an effective cardiovascular exercise with properties of resistance exercise and is good to build leg muscles, offers flexibility and balance and helps develop coordination,” says Sijin.
Click on their website http://www.tilees.com/.
2013年7月4日星期四
Second Toynbee Tile removed in Topeka
As he waited for the light to change, something caught his eye on the pavement just to his left.It was another rare Toynbee Tile, similar to one spotted and removed a couple of weeks ago three blocks away at 6th and S. Kansas Avenue.Toynbee Tiles originated around 30 years ago in Philadelphia and since have been found in some two dozen U.S. cities, as well as in the capitals of several South American countries.The tiles often contain short, cryptic messages.
City officials have said they consider the placement of Toynbee Tiles to be vandalism, on the same par as graffiti. Some local residents, however, consider them a type of folk art that need to be preserved.The city view prevailed for a second time in Topeka. The tile Bowen spotted Wednesday had been removed by Thursday morning, just as was the tile found and removed on the night of June 20.
Efforts to reach Topeka city officials on Thursday afternoon weren’t immediately successful.Bowen called The Topeka Capital-Journal on Thursday morning, and a reporter went over to check out the polished tiles.
There, in the left southbound lane on the north side of the intersection, was a license plate-sized rectangle of replacement asphalt, of the same approximate size as the Toynbee Tile that had been pulled up from 6th and S. Kansas Avenue.
Reached by phone Thursday afternoon, Bowen gave the following account of what he saw the day before:“I saw it there yesterday,” he said. “I just pulled up to the light in the southbound lane and looked down and there it was.“I didn’t take the time to see what all it said. When the light turned green, I had to go.”Bowen said he wishes now he would have pulled over and taken a picture of it.Though he didn’t read its message, he said the words were multi-colored — just like the other Toynbee Tile found a couple of weeks earlier in downtown Topeka.
BETA Holdings originated from Alpha Bricks, a company established in 1953 to manufacture bricks in the Mount Hampden area.In 1991 the company changed ownership and name to Beta Holdings, a brand that is now well recognised in Zimbabwe’s construction sector.Now Beta Holdings, through two of its operating units: Beta Bricks and Beta Tiles, has opened a distribution centre to offer services to Mutare and the surrounding areas. Quality clay bricks and concrete roof tiles will now be easily accessible to the local market.
Beta Holdings are coming into the Mutare market because we believe the area deserves quality products and services. Beta Holdings, as the largest construction material producer in Zimbabwe, cannot therefore afford neglect the Manicaland area as a whole.Beta is well known for their quality, value for money and customer focus.
As the largest brick and concrete roof tile supplier in the country and with a growing customer base, Beta can attest the expansion into Mutare as a clear signifier of their continued growth.Beta Bricks and Tiles is here to stay and will add more products and services through the depot here in Mutare.The Beta Bricks product range consists of 15 different clay brick types which are used for foundations, load bearing construction, laying of driveways, pavements and walkways, decorative exteriors as well as industrial, commercial and domestic building structures.
Beta clay bricks have the highest dimensional stability and compressive strength as well as being a durable and timeless building material that complements the aesthetic and functional needs of any building.As members of the Standards Association of Zimbabwe, Beta can guarantee that their clay bricks are of assured quality.
The Beta concrete roof tile is a modern tile made from cement, sand and pigments and is manufactured using an extrusion process resulting in utmost strength and density. The concrete roof tiles are manufactured from durable concrete made to strict strength specifications. There are 2 types of roof tile profiles currently available at Beta: the Mendip and the Double Roman.
The Mendip profile forms a gentle flowing pattern that gives instant visual appeal. It combines its exceptional strength and beautiful smooth surface with stunning aesthetics.The Double Roman profile is a modern version of the profile seen on roofs throughout Europe for over 2000 years and offers all the functional benefits of todays interlocking concrete technology.
After buying a new home in New York last November, the “House” actress had been trying to sell her Los Feliz home. Olivia Wilde first listed the place for $2.495 million and eight months later closed the deal for $2.19 million, according to property records.
The 3,284-square-foot home is a 1920s Spanish style with original Malibu tile, hardwood floors, stained glass and iron details throughout. With 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, as well as outdoor terraces and patios, the home had no shortage of living space for the 29-year-old star.
A larger California spread isn’t what the “The O.C.” actress is after, though. With her divorce from Italian filmmaker Tao Ruspoli finalized in 2011 and her engagement to actor Jason Sudeikis announced earlier this year, Wilde is ready to make her move to the Big Apple more permanent.
Read the full story at http://www.tilees.com/!
City officials have said they consider the placement of Toynbee Tiles to be vandalism, on the same par as graffiti. Some local residents, however, consider them a type of folk art that need to be preserved.The city view prevailed for a second time in Topeka. The tile Bowen spotted Wednesday had been removed by Thursday morning, just as was the tile found and removed on the night of June 20.
Efforts to reach Topeka city officials on Thursday afternoon weren’t immediately successful.Bowen called The Topeka Capital-Journal on Thursday morning, and a reporter went over to check out the polished tiles.
There, in the left southbound lane on the north side of the intersection, was a license plate-sized rectangle of replacement asphalt, of the same approximate size as the Toynbee Tile that had been pulled up from 6th and S. Kansas Avenue.
Reached by phone Thursday afternoon, Bowen gave the following account of what he saw the day before:“I saw it there yesterday,” he said. “I just pulled up to the light in the southbound lane and looked down and there it was.“I didn’t take the time to see what all it said. When the light turned green, I had to go.”Bowen said he wishes now he would have pulled over and taken a picture of it.Though he didn’t read its message, he said the words were multi-colored — just like the other Toynbee Tile found a couple of weeks earlier in downtown Topeka.
BETA Holdings originated from Alpha Bricks, a company established in 1953 to manufacture bricks in the Mount Hampden area.In 1991 the company changed ownership and name to Beta Holdings, a brand that is now well recognised in Zimbabwe’s construction sector.Now Beta Holdings, through two of its operating units: Beta Bricks and Beta Tiles, has opened a distribution centre to offer services to Mutare and the surrounding areas. Quality clay bricks and concrete roof tiles will now be easily accessible to the local market.
Beta Holdings are coming into the Mutare market because we believe the area deserves quality products and services. Beta Holdings, as the largest construction material producer in Zimbabwe, cannot therefore afford neglect the Manicaland area as a whole.Beta is well known for their quality, value for money and customer focus.
As the largest brick and concrete roof tile supplier in the country and with a growing customer base, Beta can attest the expansion into Mutare as a clear signifier of their continued growth.Beta Bricks and Tiles is here to stay and will add more products and services through the depot here in Mutare.The Beta Bricks product range consists of 15 different clay brick types which are used for foundations, load bearing construction, laying of driveways, pavements and walkways, decorative exteriors as well as industrial, commercial and domestic building structures.
Beta clay bricks have the highest dimensional stability and compressive strength as well as being a durable and timeless building material that complements the aesthetic and functional needs of any building.As members of the Standards Association of Zimbabwe, Beta can guarantee that their clay bricks are of assured quality.
The Beta concrete roof tile is a modern tile made from cement, sand and pigments and is manufactured using an extrusion process resulting in utmost strength and density. The concrete roof tiles are manufactured from durable concrete made to strict strength specifications. There are 2 types of roof tile profiles currently available at Beta: the Mendip and the Double Roman.
The Mendip profile forms a gentle flowing pattern that gives instant visual appeal. It combines its exceptional strength and beautiful smooth surface with stunning aesthetics.The Double Roman profile is a modern version of the profile seen on roofs throughout Europe for over 2000 years and offers all the functional benefits of todays interlocking concrete technology.
After buying a new home in New York last November, the “House” actress had been trying to sell her Los Feliz home. Olivia Wilde first listed the place for $2.495 million and eight months later closed the deal for $2.19 million, according to property records.
The 3,284-square-foot home is a 1920s Spanish style with original Malibu tile, hardwood floors, stained glass and iron details throughout. With 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, as well as outdoor terraces and patios, the home had no shortage of living space for the 29-year-old star.
A larger California spread isn’t what the “The O.C.” actress is after, though. With her divorce from Italian filmmaker Tao Ruspoli finalized in 2011 and her engagement to actor Jason Sudeikis announced earlier this year, Wilde is ready to make her move to the Big Apple more permanent.
Read the full story at http://www.tilees.com/!
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