Local architects known for their modern towers, malls, hospitals, plazas and libraries, are scaling down their designs to raise money for families in need.

Their whimsical drawings will be built into futuristic playhouses and put on display at the Pacific National Exhibition this August, and sold off to corporate buyers who will donate them to community groups across the province. The proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity, a charity that helps low-income families build and buy their own homes. The designs and materials are all donated, and the finished playhouses will ultimately be made accessible to the public.

The idea came from Canfor, a forest-product company, which is celebrating its 75th year in business next year. It's first wood products were used to build the famous Mosquito bomber planes during the Second World War, and the playhouse design they're sponsoring takes the shape of that propeller plane.

The company wants to send a positive message about building with wood while benefiting Habitat for Humanity, said Canfor president Don Kayne. "We're trying to raise our profile as the industry rebounds from a pretty tough recession over the years," Kayne said.

"It's important to connect more with the community and connect more with the younger generation."

Other forestry firms have signed on as well, including West Fraser, Inter-for, Western Forest and Conifex, Kayne said.

Each will work with an architect and a local builder to turn the drawings into wooden playhouses. Kids can play in them at the PNE and then wherever they're placed after the 17-day fair is over.

Michael Green Architecture, DGBK Architects, Dialog Design, and Hughes Condon Marler Architects are among some of the local creative teams that have signed up to participate. There will be eight playhouses in all.

Besides the propeller plane, which was designed by architecture students at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, other playhouses take on cubist or geometric designs.

There's even a teepee, designed by Michael Green and his 11-year-old son, who told him "kids love teepees."

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Forestry firms, architects to create playhouses for charity

ORLANDO, Fla., June 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RedChip Companies, Inc. ("RedChip"), an international, small-cap research and investor relations firm, has completed the build-out of a full HD television studio in Orlando, Florida.

The studio is equipped with Sony HD video cameras, a professional-grade lighting system, and a full editing suite with Final Cut Studio Pro, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, and Premiere. The studio also has live broadcast and green screen capabilities.

RedChip will broadcast its upcoming financial television show, "The RedChip Money Report," from the studio. Hosted by Dave Gentry, President and CEO of RedChip, the weekly program will deliver insightful commentary on small-cap investing as well as executive interviews from companies soon to be discovered by major Wall Street firms. The show will air on ValCom, Inc.'s MyFamilyTV Network beginning in August. The network's 84 stations reach 39 million households across the U.S. To find the station in your area, visit http://www.myfamilytv.tv/affiliate_map.htm.

"Our new state-of-the-art studio will prove invaluable as we launch our weekly television program. From script to finished product, the studio is fully equipped to deliver top-quality productions," stated Mr. Gentry. "We encourage viewers to tune in and experience our exciting lineup of small-cap opportunities."

About RedChip Companies, Inc.

RedChip Companies, an Inc. 500|5000 company, is an international, small-cap research and investor relations firm headquartered in Orlando, Florida; with affiliate offices in Beijing, Seoul, Hong Kong and Singapore. RedChip delivers concrete, measurable results for its clients through its extensive global network of small-cap institutional and retail investors. RedChip has developed the most comprehensive platform of products and services for small-cap companies, including: RedChip Research(TM), Traditional Investor Relations, Digital Investor Relations, Institutional and Retail Conferences, RedChip Small-Cap TV(TM), Shareholder Intelligence, Social Media and Blogging Services, Webcasts, and RedChip Radio(TM). To learn more about RedChip's products and services, please visit: http://www.redchip.com/visibility/productsandservices.asp.

"Discovering Tomorrow's Blue Chips Today"(TM)

The RedChip Companies, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2761

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RedChip Completes Construction of New Television Studio

ROCKVILLE, MD--(Marketwire -06/29/12)- With thousands of homes lost and tens of thousands of acres burned by the wildfires in the Western United States, the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has these recommendations for residents whose homes and possessions have been impacted by wildfire smoke damage.

"There is little comfort we can offer at this time other than to educate people on how to properly salvage and manage what may remain of their property," said Sam Bergman, CR, president of the RIA.

"Falling debris from unstable areas in the home and burn residues that may contain lead, asbestos or other contaminants are dangerous," explained Bergman. "Electrical hazards from downed lines may also be a problem."

Having the appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) before entering the property is critical. "Wildfires burn primarily wood and vegetation, but there can be numerous pollutants in the air, so proper PPE is essential for anyone working in a fire-damaged environment," said Bergman. Gloves, goggles, boots, and in some cases, respirators, are among the items that individuals should have on before entering a damaged building.

Here are some do's and don'ts:

For more safety tips, information on how to work with insurance companies, and to locate a certified fire restoration specialist, visit http://www.restorationindustry.org and click on the "publications" menu.

The Restoration Industry Association has member firms worldwide. RIA provides industry leadership, supports science, and promotes best practices for cleaning and restoration. More information is available on the RIA website: http://www.restorationindustry.org.

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RIA Offers Restoration Tips for Residents Impacted by Wildfires

28-06-2012 17:11 In the second of a two part series, we demonstrate the beautiful craftsman style remodel of a kitchen and living room.

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Schober Remodel - Part II - Video

Roofers come and roofers go, but for the past two decades, the Russell Roofing Co. has been a stable presence in Oreland, steadily expanding its customer base while racking up professional awards.

Founded in 1992, Russell is celebrating its 20th anniversary in business, which makes it, if not unique, then certainly notable, according to Ron Hall, the companys sales manager.

There are so many that fly under the radar and go in and out of business every day, Hall said June 13 at the companys main office on Pennsylvania Avenue. In our trade, theres a race to the bottom If youve got a truck and a ladder, you can call yourself a roofer.

The Russell in the companys title is Russell Kaller, who used his first name to distinguish himself from all the other Kallers in the business. His father ran a roofing company, and his seven brothers and one sister also work in the field.

Theyre competitors, Hall said.

But thats the way the business goes, he said. There are no roofing schools, and few ways to train except on the job, and so the necessary skills tend to run in families.

Your father is in the trade, and you dont have many options, Hall said.

With satellite offices in Wayne, Pa., and Princeton, N.J., Russell employs 50 workers. Emphasis is placed on worker safety, and the application process includes drug screening.

We want our guys going home to their families, Hall said. Nine out of 10 applicants dont make it through the interview process, and its usually [because of] the drug thing And they work for somebody else.

Business grows largely through word of mouth, Hall said, and in 2011, the company did about $7.5 million worth of business. About 80 percent of the work involves residences, but institutions provide the company with its most visible, challenging, and aesthetically satisfying projects. Continued...

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Russell Roofing celebrates 20 years in Oreland

PEABODY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (BECN) (Beacon or the Company), a leading distributor of roofing materials and complementary building products, announced today the opening of its 200th branch in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The Myrtle Beach branch is the Companys 4th in the state of South Carolina and the 24th branch operating under the Best Distributing name.Best Distributing, which was founded in 1880 and acquired by Beacon in 2000, is the leading full-service distributor of roofing, siding, windows and other related building products in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Southern Virginia. Beacons growth strategy includes both internal growth (opening branches, growing sales with existing customers, adding new customers and introducing new products) and acquisition growth. The Company has opened 28 new branches since its IPO in 2004.

Paul Isabella, the Companys President & Chief Executive Officer, stated: "We are very excited about our 200th branch opening and pleased to continue our expansion in South Carolina. Our flexible growth strategy gives us the ability to expand our customer base and open in a variety of new markets. We remain one of the fastest growing distributors in the nation. I would like to thank our associates and recognize their hard work which allows us to celebrate another significant milestone for Beacon."

About Beacon Roofing Supply Inc.:

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. is a leading distributor of roofing materials and complementary building products, operating 200 branches in 38 states in the United States and across Canada.

Forward-Looking Statements:This release contains information about management's view of the Company's future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's latest Form 10-K. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so other than as required by federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

BECN-F

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Beacon Roofing Supply Opens 200th Branch

28-06-2012 12:36 Immaculate 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath home. With irrigation system, sod installed yard, and professional landscaping, sidewalk for children, this homes exterior is the best on the block. This modern 2 story foyer opens to a second level balcony. The entry with wood flr flows into the bright and elegant formal dining room. A butlers pantry allows for additional storage as well as a wine rack leading into the kitchen with included lighting improvements and island addition. First floor boasts 9' spanish lace ceilings. Kitchen cabnetry is a warm birch against newly painted warm modern grey walls and white trim. All black appliances stay. Kitchen nook opens to a large "trek" deck for many years of work-free enjoyment. Perimeter of decking offers a raised garden bed and established grape vine. White trim fireplace mantle compliments the ceramic framing of the gas log fire place. The decorative insert includes modern crystal/spa rock stone appearance(logs also provided for traditionalists). All windows include white wooden blinds (only). Stately stairway leads to 2nd story with 3 bdrms, loft living area, and laundry room (washer and dryer included). Mstr bdrm features deep walk-in closet, ceiling fan, garden tub, and single shower with 32" high vanities (double sinks), with new modern mirrors and glass shelves. Second upper full bath includes a double vanity and modern mirrors. Add'l 2 bdrms include one walk-in closet and the other with french door closet. Take a look at this Urban Loft ...

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7222 Tayside Trail, Fort Wayne, IN 46814 (For Sale) - Video

Once above the fray, the military is now the target of criticism in Egypt. But SCAF seems to know how to talk to Washington

AFP / Getty Images

Egypt's new president-elect Mohamed Morsi (front-L) walks with Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim Yusef (C) during their meeting in Cairo on June 26, 2012. Egypt's first civilian president, and its first elected leader since an uprising ousted president Hosni Mubarak early last year, pushed ahead with selecting a government of mostly technocrats amid delicate negotiations with the ruling military on its future powers

Abby Hauslohner and I have this weeks cover story on the Egyptian military and whos really in control of the North African country. Mohamed Morsy may have won the election, but a committee of 19 generals have retained most of the power for themselves. Given that they are basically functioning as the de facto parliament, have stripped the executive branch of much of its power and, most analysts say, also control the courts, they are without question the most powerful institution in Egypt right now. In the story, we pull back the curtain a bit on the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF).

Egypts military is very different from the U.S. armed forces. It has traditionally played a much more powerful role in Egyptian society while trying to seem above the fray. For example, in addition to external security SCAF also has the responsibilities of the National Guard, stepping in to deal with natural or man made crises; at the same time officers are barred from voting and live often in cloistered suburbs built just for them. No one knows these guys because theyve always felt if the military gets involved in the politics of country, it gets corrupted, says Graeme Bannerman, who was the generals consultant in DC for nearly 20 years before retiring in 2005.

So, who make up the SCAF? There is a core of 19 generals led by Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, 76, Egypts top military commander and defense minister since 1991, appointed by now-deposed president Hosni Mubarak. The members of SCAF are the heads of the military branches, air force, navy, infantry, plus the regional generals who form the backbone of Egypts defense, as well as the head of military intelligence. Tantawi has recently added a few advisers, so often the number is reported to be 36, but the additions are temporary and have been brought in for their expertise in law, politics and the economy, subjects the generals feel they need advice on since assuming power after the fall of Mubarak in February 2011. Tantawi has fought in four wars and was trained by the Russians back before the 1978 Camp David accords drew Egypt into Americas sphere of influence. Like all officers since Egypts second President Gamal Abdel Nasser overthrew the monarchy in the early 1950s, Tantawi, born in Nubia, comes from a simple middle class family; one of his parents is said to have come from Sudan.

The second in command is SCAFs chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Sami Hafez Anan, 64. Anan was also trained in Russia, but has since forged close ties with the U.S. After that the two most popular generals in Washington are General Mohamed Said El-Assar and General Fouad Abdul Halim, who run annual white paper visits to Washington. Like Tantawi and Anan, they speak English. El-Assar went so far as to do a C-SPAN interview on his last visit last year. Abdul Halim is considered Egypts top expert on military aid with an ability to recall off the top of his head minute details of the funding. Its almost like they understand Washington politics better than Egyptian politics, says a senior Senate staffer who has worked with the generals for years. Its fascinating the extent to which they are following legislation and what the Washington Post editorial board is saying about the process.

The white paper trips tend to involve a lot of lobbying for Egyptian priorities. The generals also read the papers carefully and respond in person to lawmakers comments theyve seen over the year and want to dispute or clarify. They also have a presentation with slides that they give to lawmakers, U.S. officials and policy wonksthough the show did not always have cutting-edge graphics. About three years ago, Jon Alterman, an Egypt expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, received such a briefing from the generals. He noticed that the slides had been done in Word Art, the most basic and elementary graphics program available on Windows. Later, he pulled the general aside and told him his presentation might be more effective if he upgraded to PowerPoint. The general looked abashed and replied Tantawi himself approved the slides and this was the program with which he was familiar. Fourth graders think Word Art is very cool, says Alterman. Grown ups generally dont use Word Art, especially those with a $1.3 billion annual military budget.

The generals used to always ask for upgrades to the weapons as part of the package. They were always looking for an improvement and we usually had to say no, mostly due to qualitative edge pledge to Israel not to sell more advanced arms to Egypt, says Joel Rubin, Joel Rubin, director of policy and government affairs at The Ploughshares Fund and a former State Department Egypt desk officer. There was this dynamic with the generals where they sort of play a long game. They never wanted to create an adversarial relationship with us but they never wanted to take no for an answer. So there was a continual massaging.

Behind the scenes, the Pentagon has quietly been pushing the generals to step backfrom the political process in Cairo. In the past week Defense Secretary Leon Panetta called Tantawi and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey spoke with Anan twice last week ostensibly to discuss the subject. The White House in a statement commending the election results, thanked the generals for their role in supporting a free and fair election, and [the President looks] forward to the completion of a transition to a democratically-elected government.

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How Egypt's Ruling Generals Talk to Washington

June 29, 2012 - North American Soccer League (NASL) San Antonio Scorpions SAN ANTONIO, TX (June 29, 2012) - The San Antonio Scorpions will host the first annual Scorpions International Challenge presented by Aeromexico this Saturday, June 30, beginning with their NASL match with the Atlanta Silverbacks at Heroes Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

The match will be immediately followed with an exhibition between two Mexican Primera Division clubs: defending CONCACAF Champions league winner C.F. Monterrey and San Luis F.C. The exhibition will be broadcast in Monterrey by Multimedios.

Saturday's contest with the Silverbacks will be the third meeting of the season between the two clubs. The two sides claimed a point each in a 0-0 draw in the Scorpion's inaugural NASL match on April 7 in Atlanta. The second meeting was a 3-0 victory in favor of the Scorpions at Heroes Stadium on June 9.

The Scorpions enter the match with a 6W-4T-2L record, giving them 22 points in the league standings, one point behind the league-leading Puerto Rico Islanders, who sit at 23 points.

A victory over the Silverbacks could once again put the Scorpions back atop the league standings.

SCOUTING ATLANTA

Atlanta (1W-5T-7L) enters Saturday coming off of a 2-1 loss to Puerto Rico on June 23, handing the Silverbacks their seventh loss of the season. The Silverbacks currently sit at the bottom of the table with eight points on the season, three behind FC Edmonton and only have one victory in 13 matches this season.

Silverbacks striker Reinaldo Navia is tied with the Scorpions forward Pablo Campos for league lead with six goals, but has failed to score in two games against the Scorpions this season. But the rest of the Atlanta offense has struggled, scoring just 14 goals this year.

In goal for the Silverbacks most likely will be Daniel Illyes who has given up 24 goals this season out of 67 shots faced. Illyes has allowed two goals per match this season and the Silverbacks currently have the worst goal differential in the league (-13).

LAST TIME OUT

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First Annual Scorpions International Challenge Set

Teenager Chris F'Sautia, a late replacement for the sick Digby Ioane, scored the first try and his fellow winger Dom Shipperley, lock Adam Wallace-Harrison and replacement back Nick Frisby also crossed for the Super Rugby champions.

In their first match after the international window, Queensland tired in the second half as the many Wallabies in their ranks began to feel the lingering effects of the hard-fought series win over Wales.

The always game Rebels, hoping to give former Wallabies centre Stirling Mortlock a win in his final home match, hit back in the second half with tries from Kurtley Beale and Lachie Mitchell but never closed to within 10 points of the Reds.

To make matters worse, they lost flyhalf James O'Connor to a hamstring injury in his first match back after recovering from a liver injury which had kept him sidelined for a month.

"The game didn't go to plan, the big send off," Rebels captain Gareth Delve said in a pitchside interview.

"But we showed great character in the second half. In the first half we made too many mistakes and left ourselves with a mountain to climb."

Another Wallabies flyhalf, Quade Cooper, was replaced at halftime by the Reds after setting up Wallace-Harrison's try five minutes before the break.

It was a moment of magic from the least lauded of the playmakers on the field, however, which set up the best try of the night after 26 minutes.

Centre Mike Harris made the most of his pack winning a scrum against the head by chipping over the defensive line and regathering his own kick.

The Reds moved the ball quickly outside to F'Sautia, who looked like he might score a brace on his first start but he was forced to look for support and his pass back inside found Shipperley who crossed in the corner.

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Reds win at Melbourne Rebels