Jefferson, N.C. The Charlotte interior decorator who helped funnel money to an aide of John Edwards to help cover up the presidential candidate's affair says he's disappointed that federal prosecutors have ended the criminal case against Edwards.

Bryan Huffman, a close friend of 101-year-old Virginia heiress Rachel "Bunny" Mellon, told WRAL News in an exclusive interview that he and Mellon felt "basically duped" when they learned that checks from Mellon that Huffman forwarded to Edwards aide Andrew Young and his wife went for the upkeep of Edwards' pregnant mistress, Rielle Hunter, and not to help his 2008 presidential campaign.

"I had no idea what that money was for," he said, adding that Mellon was likewise in the dark about how $725,000 of her money had been spent.

She was taken advantage of in a way, and all she was trying to do was help the country, he said.

Prosecutors accused Edwards of using nearly $1 million from Mellon and Texas trial lawyer Fred Baron to keep Hunter quiet and away from the media during the early portion of the 2008 campaign. After a month of testimony and nine days of deliberations, however, a jury last month found Edwards not guilty of accepting illegal campaign contributions from Mellon in 2008.

Jurors deadlocked on five other charges, including whether money Mellon sent in 2007 was an illegal campaign contribution, and prosecutors said last week that they wouldn't retry Edwards.

"I did think that the jurors did not connect the dots," Huffman said. "I do think there was guilt.

"Campaign finance is a joke."

Huffman corroborated much of the story Young told jurors in his five days on the witness stand during Edwards' trial, including that Mellon devised the back-channel means to deliver checks so her lawyer and financial adviser wouldn't question them. The checks were made out to Huffman for things like antique chairs and cabinets, but he merely endorsed them and forwarded them to Young's wife, who deposited them under her maiden name. One check was even delivered in a box of chocolates.

"She always grew up with the sense that, 'Ive been given a lot, and I need to take care of the country that has been given to me,' he said of Mellon. "She wanted to continue to support and give, so when Andrew called for the money, she said she could go through her personal account without going through legal adviser and managers.

The rest is here:
Key figure in cover-up says Edwards should have been tried again

BAY CITY If it turns out the way he wants it to, Jordan Pries' new business, Electric Kitsch, should be anything but conventional.

The walls inside of the storefront at 917 Washington, formerly occupied by Bay Musical Arts Inc., are now painted a variety of colorful hues reminiscent of another era. "Open" signs made from vintage television sets stand ready to grace the front windows, and shelves are slowly filling with records and vintage items to prepare for the store's grand opening on Friday, June 22.

Pries, a 29-year-old Linwood resident, has been involved in the business of music for quite some time. For eight years, he worked at B's Music Shop in Mount Pleasant and gained experience working in the world of music retail. To him, opening his own business was the logical next step.

But Pries said he wants Electric Kitsch to be more than the average music or record store. In addition to offering a buy/sell/trade system for vinyl records, Pries has collected a variety of vintage instruments, electronics, clothes and other items from the 1950s through the 1980s to sell at Electric Kitsch so the people who come to his shop can have a unique experience.

"I want people to feel like they just walked up to the coolest garage sale ever, where everything is something they might want at garage sale prices," Pries said.

Pries is also planning to offer instrument and electronic repair services at the store.

Electric Kitsch is not the only business slated to open its doors in downtown Bay City in the coming weeks. The storefront at 915 Washington, the former location of the Bay Arts Council that is directly adjacent to the new home of Electric Kitsch, is going to house a shop called Urban Flowers and Found Objects that could open in June, Bay City Downtown Management Board and Development Authority Executive Director Candace Bales said. A new coffee shop, entitled ThunderBrew Coffee Company, also has plans to open its doors in the downtown at 521 Washington, she said.

Bales said it was nice to see plans for two businesses with an artsy and musical focus to move in next store to each other where there had been such a presence before the Bay Arts Council moved to a different location and Bay Musical Arts Inc. closed its doors. She said the businesses could attract similar clientele and likely will be unique additions to the community.

"We love the young professionals coming in with kind of funky stuff," Bales said. "You never know what's going to push buttons and bring in more people, but I get the feeling that those two next to each other will be a good thing."

An evening grand opening party for Electric Kitsch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday. The store's hours will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Pries said he also plans to open up the store during special weekend events in the downtown, including Bay City's First Thursdays and various festivals.

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New business in Bay City aims to be "the coolest garage sale ever"

UVU breaks ground on new student center

By Brielle Valyntn Alexander

June 18th, 2012 @ 6:06pm

OREM Utah Valley University students and staff should prepare for a groundbreaking improvement on campus.

Officials broke ground on the new Student Life Center and an imminent parking garage the morning of June 18. The Orem campus has heard rumors of a parking structure for many months now, but it has finally become a reality for the growing University. Both are student-funded projects and they promise to be a huge relief in more ways than one.

The six-story parking garage has been designed by GSBS Architects, and will have up to 450 stalls for students and visitors, located close to the library and campus ballroom, according to a press release.

The Student Life Center will pose as a student activity building, with the purpose of encouraging students to unwind from the stresses of college life. Its future amenities of this 175,000 square foot building will include wellness center, bowling alley, multimedia area, large gym for volleyball and soccer, dance and yoga studios, newspaper offices, student council chambers and a reflection center with views of the mountains and sky.

"The design of the building reflects the students' desires to provide a holistic approach for a center which benefits both the physical and spiritual," principal architect of GSBS Architects John Branson said.

Construction isn't such a foreign idea to Orem residents, but the results are certainly an improvement for the university and the community. UVU has already seen many changes in its structure, most recently the major facelift to the Pope Science Building, and the destruction of the Bunnell House, making way for these additions.

The project is expected to last until late 2013.

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UVU breaks ground on new student center

LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Completing a two-week extreme makeover, ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises reveals chic-ly redesigned major public spaces aboard Crystal Symphony, including the Avenue Saloon, Palm Court lounge, Galaxy showroom, Hollywood Theatre, Bridge Lounge, Fantasia and Waves "junior cruisers" areas, and the Tender Landing/passenger boarding area. This latest triumph marks the culmination of a $65 million, five-year plan to redesign every room aboard the award-winning ship. Other invigorating new touches include "bells and whistles" added to all staterooms, paddle tennis court resurfacing, sprucing of tender shuttles, more energy-efficient hull paint, galley updates, and general maintenance and detailing of the entire ship, from propellers and boilers to the bridge and lifeboats.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120618/LA26471)

"In keeping with our tremendous focus on design, we wanted to create something both highly contemporary and yet extremely accessible," says President Gregg Michel. "The ultimate result is all our guests' favorite gathering places now feeling even more welcoming, while also offering the stylish sophistication and comfortable elegance luxury travelers look for in a vacation setting, and expect from Crystal."

Three interior design companies from the UK and U.S. created the visions for the new spaces: Adfecto and SMC Design from London and KNA Design from Los Angeles, with inspiration culled from classic tony icons like New York's 21 Club, Hollywood's Coconut Grove, and Palm Beach country club life. With lighting being such a key creative consideration, Crystal and designers also worked with DPA Lighting Consultants to add to the design's drama, ambiance, and environmental-friendliness.

Elegant Tea, Tunes, Cocktails, and Vistas

KNA's redesign of signature lounges Avenue Saloon and Palm Court sets the perfect, lively backdrop for taking advantage of Crystal's newly all-inclusive fine wines and custom-crafted cocktails.

The panoramic-view Palm Court sparkles as the jewel in the crown on top of the ship, recalling the glamour-filled Coconut Grove of Hollywood's yesteryear, yet also delivering a sleek, uber-contemporary wow factor. More intimate, modern lounge seating in buttery soft leathers surrounds a larger, spiral-design dance floor and slick, stainless and hand-tiled mosaic bar. Flooring is a mix of white, laser-cut Calacatta marble, soft grey swirling wood, and carpeting with a bold, large-scale, graphic -- a pattern that is complemented by the reflective, decorative ceiling around the bar's perimeter. Together, aqua, chartreuse, ash, and cream jewel tones create a "light" California ambiance that helps bring the outside in during daytime tea and view-gazing. New lighting, including stunning, faceted Lucite wall sconces and shimmering Murano glass table lamps, transforms the space into a dreamy destination for evening dancing and drinks. The emblematic palm theme endures in pillow fabric, Sago palm trees, and a dramatic rock crystal, branch ceiling feature above the spacious dance floor. Six-foot-tall, lit alabaster urns, suede wall upholstery, electric window shades, and state-of-the-art Meyer speaker and audio control systems further accessorize the look and sound of this enchanting social destination.

Avenue Saloon and piano bar retains its 19th-century gentlemen's club feel, but incorporates updated colors, furnishings, materials, and music and seating configuration. Rich mahogany-paneled walls, leather upholstery, brass nailhead trim, sumptuous velvets, and thick, lush inset rugs remind one of a days-gone-by manor home. Heavily shuttered windows frame regal burgundies, golds, caramels, moss greens, and ivories that embrace guests in luxe warmth. The inviting piano relocation allows for increased seating and conversation area choices, including new brass-tack couches, embossed-leaf barstools, or tufted booths. New romantic lighting, sumptuous crown molding, antique-style trunk tables, custom artwork, and audio systems add to the salon atmosphere.

Exquisitely Swank Theatres

Old Hollywood panache also extends into Crystal's entertainment showrooms, the Galaxy Lounge and Hollywood Theatre, with an air of British tradition, thanks to the spaces' two UK designers.

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The Big Reveal: Crystal Symphony Completes Dazzling Extreme Ship Makeover

The planned site of the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem. Photo by Shiran Granot

The original architects of Jerusalem's Museum of Tolerance, who quit the project a number of months ago, say they own the rights to their design and the Simon Wiesenthal Center cannot use them.

The husband-and-wife architect team of Bracha and Michael Chyutin are owed an estimated several million shekels for their work on the Wiesenthal Center's controversial project. The Israeli couple was hired after the prominent Los-Angeles-based architect Frank Gehry, resigned from the project in January 2010.

The Chyutins were awarded the job after winning a closed design competition sponsored by the Wiesenthal Center, also based in Los Angeles. They submitted a new design for the structure in October 2010, and began applying to the Jerusalem Municipality for the required permits. Their relationship with the Wiesenthal Center ran aground last September over what has been described as "a business disagreement."

The Wiesenthal Center has proceeded with the project using the Chyutins' plans, saying it owned the rights to the design. Last month the municipality gave the go-ahead to begin construction.

Early on in the project, controversy erupted over the choice of the museum site, part of which is an old Muslim cemetery.

A spokesman for the Wiesenthal Center, Lior Horev, declined to comment specifically on the Chyutins' claims, which he called "imaginary, but he said the Chyutins' contract provides for binding arbitration in the event of a dispute with the Wiesenthal Center. He said that once all building permits are received construction is expected to take about 48 months. The Chyutins' lawyer, Rakefet Peled, said no architect, engineer or other professional associated with the project has permission to use the plans her clients developed.

Haaretz has learned that detailed plans for the museum are currently being developed by Jerusalem architect Yigal Levy and Aedas, a British-Singaporean group of architects. The choice of Aedas, which is one of the world's leading architectural firms, is seen as a sign of the Wiesenthal Center's determination to proceed with the Jerusalem museum.

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Museum of Tolerance ex-architects fight plans to use their design

Last Updated: June 18, 2012 01:54pm ET

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Brunelli said the large majority of empty big-box lots 73 % - have been vacant since April 2011.

OLD BRIDGE, nj-Bankruptcies and closures of big-box stores sapped the impact of retail expansion that occurred over the past year, says R.J. Brunelli in its annual report on vacancies in northern New Jersey's six major retail corridors.

In fact, the retail vacancy rate edged up again, to 8.2% from 8.1% a year ago, and 8% in 2010, reported the Old Bridge-based firm. In 2008, the pre-recession vacancy rate was 3.6%.

The companys survey, conducted in April,found 2.33million square feet of vacancies within the 28.3 million square feet of leasable area along the corridors. "I thought last year that we would have lower vacancy rates at this point, because the retail real estate market bottomed out last year at this time," saidRichard J. Brunelli, president. "There was a lot more activity this year than last year with retailers seeking new locations. But I didn't anticipate more bankruptcies and more closures. They offset the substantial amount of expansion that occurred."

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Retail Vacancy Rises Above 8% As More Big Box Space Goes Dark in Northern NJ

A developers planned construction of a 600-space parking garage in downtown Jacksonville has run into opposition because the original concept featured no ground-floor retail space.

Parador Partners of Atlanta wants to start construction this year of the parking garage, which would be next to the SunTrust Tower and across the street from The Jacksonville Landing.

But the Downtown Development Review Board, responsible for enforcing compliance with downtowns zoning requirement, balked at the garages design because it had no ground-floor space for shops or restaurants.

A downtown overlay approved in 2003 requires parking garages built in the core to have such space. The regulation is aimed at preventing parking garages from being dead zones with no sidewalk-level activities for people walking through downtown.

Parador Partners is weighing its options, said John Norris, a project director for the Haskell Co., which is the architect representing Parador.

He said Parador has not decided whether it will submit a revised concept that has first-floor retail space.

Ashish Bahl, a Parador principal, did not return calls for comment.

The city last year agreed to earmark $3.5 million to help Parador finance construction of the garage in exchange for the garage setting aside 200 weekday spaces and 375 weekend slots for public use.

The Downtown Development Review Board deferred voting June 7 on a conceptual plan for the parking garage. Board members then met last Thursday with Haskell representatives.

Board member Timothy Miller said the presentation by Haskell appeared to satisfy concerns by showing ground-floor retail. He said expects that will be in the revised plan submitted to the city, and he is not in favor of waiving the requirement.

Excerpt from:
Proposed downtown Jacksonville parking garage in trouble

A developers planned construction of a 600-space parking garage in downtown Jacksonville has run into opposition because the original concept had no ground-floor retail space.

Parador Partners of Atlanta wants to start construction this year on the parking garage, which would be next to the SunTrust Tower and across the street from The Jacksonville Landing.

But the Downtown Development Review Board, responsible for enforcing compliance with downtowns zoning requirement, balked at the garages design because it had no ground-floor space for shops or restaurants.

A downtown overlay approved in 2003 requires parking garages built in the core to have such space. The regulation is aimed at preventing parking garages from being dead zones with no sidewalk-level activities for people walking through downtown.

Parador Partners is weighing its options, said John Norris, a project director for the Haskell Co., which is the architect representing Parador.

He said Parador has not decided whether it will submit a revised concept that has first-floor retail space.

Ashish Bahl, a Parador principal, did not return calls for comment.

The city last year agreed to earmark $3.5 million to help Parador finance construction of the garage in exchange for the garage setting aside 200 weekday spaces and 375 weekend slots for public use.

The Downtown Development Review Board deferred voting June 7 on a conceptual plan for the parking garage. Board members then met last Thursday with Haskell representatives.

Board member Timothy Miller said the presentation by Haskell appeared to satisfy concerns by showing ground-floor retail.

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Downtown parking garage hits snag over lack of retail space

LONG BEACH, Calif., June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cuba Tours and Travel, a fully licensed Cuba Travel agency, announced today that the company will lead a special trip to the 28th edition of the extraordinary Havana International Jazz Festival, to be held December 12-19, 2012.

For nearly three decades, the big names of world Jazz have performed on Havana stages during this grand music celebration. Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Carmen McCrae, Michel Lengrand, Charlie Haden and Chucho Valdes all have wowed adoring crowds under the balmy Havana night sky.

"That's the majesty of the Cuban super-virtuosos: They play with a technical brilliance that has no real equivalent, but they undergird their work with African percussion rituals that stand at the very root of their jazz (and ours)." Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune

This year will bring more of the same, as major concerts take place amid the city's wonderful architectural gems and hot Latin Jazz flows from clubs, restaurants, bars, and public spaces while warm Caribbean tradewinds sweep this historic UNESCO site for world Heritage.

This fully legal trip is aimed at making the experience affordable for American musicians, music teachers, musicologists, music producers, music publishers and other music professionals working in non-commercial sectors.

"Your participation with authentic Latin jazz and Cuban music is enhanced by being in one of the world's most vibrant and exciting cities," said Adolfo V. Nodal, a partner at CTT. "Havana is your oyster as you enjoy concerts, master classes, late night music sessions, architectural tours and a trip to the countryside."

Recent changes in the U.S. Treasury law governing travel to Cuba has made it possible for professionals in these fields to travel to Cuba without many of the previous licensing impediments that were faced before.

For more information and to book your reservation today, please visit http://www.cubatoursandtravel.com or contact Adolfo V. Nodal at (888) 225-6439 x802 or adolfo@cubatoursandtravel.com.

Cuba Tours and Travel is a full-service agency licensed by the U.S. Government and the State of California to provide travel services to Cuba nationally. In continuous existence for over a decade, CTT is a pioneer in the field of high level, expert driven cultural travel to the island. US Treasury Department OFAC # CU-077926

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Cuba Tours and Travel To Lead Special December 2012 Trip To Havana International Jazz Festival

NEW YORK, June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Stuart Dean, an international provider of renowned architectural restoration services, will highlight its full circle of interior and exterior architectural restoration solutions at the upcoming 2012 Every Building Conference and Expo, presented by BOMA International and BUILDINGS. The show, titled "Achieving High Performance Through Innovation," will take place June 24-26 in Seattle, WA (Washington State Convention Center). As the commercial real estate industry's premier event connecting professionals who represent buildings of all kinds, the show will offer a wide array of networking and education opportunities to increase operational performance, reduce costs and enhance net operating income.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120213/NE52388LOGO )

"At Stuart Dean, we know that real estate professionals understand the value of our end-to-end array of services and industry-leading experience, especially when they are seeking cost-effective, innovative solutions to refurbish and maintain the buildings that they own or operate," said Mark Parrish, president and CEO of Stuart Dean. "Stuart Dean has served as an exhibitor at BOMA conferences for more than four decades, and we look forward to connecting with professionals from across the industry at this year's conference to highlight what Stuart Dean has to offer."

Stuart Dean's interior and exterior architectural restoration services help to extend the life, increase the value and enhance the beauty of architectural surfaces. The company specializes in the restoration and protection of metal, stone, wood, glass, and tile grout for buildings, retail stores, institutions, restaurants and homes. Stuart Dean's vast experience gained during 80 years in business enables the company to provide unique solutions to costly maintenance challenges, including cost-effective restoration programs that are custom-designed by the most skilled, knowledgeable and safety-conscious technicians in the industry.

The 2012 Every Building Conference & Expo (formerly the BOMA International Conference and The Every Building Show) is the gathering place for building management professionals from across the country and around the world. Founded in 1907, BOMA's 16,500-plus members own or manage more than nine billion square feet of commercial properties.

Stuart Dean will be located at Booth #423 at the show.

For more information, visit http://www.stuartdean.com.

About Stuart Dean Stuart Dean is an international provider of renowned architectural restoration services, specializing in metal refinishing; stone polishing, cleaning and sealing; wood refinishing; glass restoration; innovative and sustainable grouts and flooring solutions; and curtain wall and facade restoration. Thousands of clients trust Stuart Dean to restore and preserve their buildings, retail stores, institutions and restaurants every day. Stuart Dean offers a portfolio of services to enhance the beauty and retain the value of a wide array of architectural assets. The company has been in business for over 80 years, with 22 offices in the U.S. and Canada and over 450 employees. Major markets served include Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York, Norfolk, Orange County, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Richmond, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Toronto, Vancouver and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit http://www.stuartdean.com.

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Stuart Dean to Highlight Restoration and Maintenance Solutions to Commercial Real Estate Professionals at 2012 Every ...