Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Summer is here and that means its time to take advantage of as much outdoor time as possible before the cold creeps back in. The Detroit area offers a ton of summer entertainment and is home to a number of area bars that feature outdoor patios, frosty and fruity cocktails and spectacular views. These patios are a great way to enjoy a cool summer drink in the warm city sun while taking in amazing of the downtown skyline.

Photo Credit: 1917americanbistro.com

This newer Detroit bistro features traditional American cuisine with a touch of Italian flare at reasonable prices. The restaurants rooftop patio is popular with customers and occasionally features entertainment, including poetry nights. The ambiance inside is just as nice with a fabulous window view and gorgeous art gallery. 1917 American Bistro is also known for its friendly staf, quick service and awesome juice bar. For those who prefer non-alcoholicsummertime drinks, the juice bar provides delicious fruit blends for the perfect accompaniment to any Detroit sunset.

Photo Credit: motorcitybeer.com

Small and simple, this popular chalet-style brewery is known for its handcrafted, unfiltered, unpasteurized brews, all of which can be found on tap. Located in the heart of Detroits cultural center, beer isnt the only thing that keeps Motor City residents coming back. The brick-oven pizzas are a hit with visitors who can also munch on typical bar food as well as seasonal dishes. Another draw is the establishments rooftop patio with a fantastic view of the Midtown area. Every Wednesday, Motor City Brewing Works has a revolving art show featuring a different local artist each week, and the brewery also hosts weekly bike rides for some good, old-fashioned summertime fun. Make sure to check out the Summer Brew, a wheat beer that goes perfectly with a slice of orange, a great June to August drink.

Related:Best Outdoor Bars in Detroit

Photo Credit: Bookies Bar N Grille via Facebook

Bookies Bar & Grille is one of the areas best sports bars, and a great place to head before and after the big game. The restaurants party atmosphere and three levels of entertainment make it a popular hangout. Downstairs is a mob-themed bar and often features a live radio show, the hottest DJs and rocking live bands. The upstairs level is where the restaurant can be found, and features typical bar food like hamburgers, a variety of sandwiches and mouthwatering appetizers. But what makes this a truly great bar in the summertime, is Bookies rooftop patio; it has a great view of downtown, making it the perfect people-watching spot. Take advantage of the daily happy hour and game day specials to save a few bucks. Shuttle service is even available to the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings and Lions games during each of the seasons.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

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Best Summertime Bars In Detroit

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/xf98ks/state_of_the_indus) has announced the addition of the "State of the Industry: Wood Cabinets and Countertops in the U.S. (7th Edition)" report to their offering.

The State of the Industry reports are concise, yet detailed studies filled with priceless data, forecasts, and objective analysis. The amount of valuable data and analysis in this report far outweighs its cost and is well worth the investment. Depending on the topic, State of the Industry reports include historical, current, and future sales data; drivers of market growth; consumer data; a summary of the leading companies; distribution channels, foreign trade, and other relevant data and analysis. This information is a vital part of any successful business plan.

Report Benefits:

Key Topics Covered:

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/xf98ks/state_of_the_indus

Originally posted here:
Research and Markets: State of the Industry: Wood Cabinets and Countertops in the U.S. (7th Edition)

Whoever said it was out with the old and in with the new was terribly mistaken, at least in terms of the latest interior design trends.

The French laundry look, where everything appears distressed and weathered, is dominating the home furnishings market, according to Lisa Bizzell, who has been an interior decorator at Tassels for over 14 years.

Theres a lot of use of texture, she said, pointing to a beige Baker Heritage Furniture sofa with metallic gold geometric pattern. Tassels designers used an abundance of brightly colored teal, blue and green pillows to accent its neutral tone.

French laundry makes a statement by understating. Most furniture in this style tends to be a shade of white or brown. Bizzell said the color greige, which is a combination of gray and beige, has become fundamental to French laundry. But for those who arent fulfilled by the minimalism that characterizes this look, vibrant colors are an asset.

Shinier pops of color can balance neutral-based colors, said Bizzell. Oranges, fuchsias, hot pinks and turquoises are becoming very popular.

By keeping up with the latest clothing trends, one can, in essence, also remain well versed in the latest interior design trends. Chartreuse yellow is appearing in the form of dresses, blazers and blouses, but its also the color of an armchair by Lexington Furniture Company with a subtle white bird-and-branch pattern. In an otherwise neutral room, a chair like this can supply just the right amount of color.

At High Point Market, a trade show for the furniture industry, Bizzell learned that shades of purple are also making a comeback and that metallic accessories have the same effect as adding bright colors to French laundry furnishings.

Mercury glass is used to create home accessories that look silver. But the difference between mercury and actual silver is that mercury is translucent. A lamp by Cyan Design with a mercury-glass body and taupe shade was proof that metal really can spruce up objects seeming plain.

Though weathered woodwork may look old, its really the newest trend. And just like vivid colors can balance neutral ones, brightly-painted woodwork can maintain quaintness while remaining interesting.

A tangerine-colored secretary desk by Justin Camlin, a designer specializing in painted pieces, can provide the perfect amount of color to an office. But the desks versatility makes it usable in virtually any room, especially when accompanied by the tan, woven, long-backed chair Tassels had on display with it.

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It’s In With The Old In Interior Design

Story and Photo by Cathy Cobbs

Something Special owners Grant Lorick and David Withers Theres something special happening on Main Street, and its making this business district the place to be.

With the latest newcomer, Something Special Florist moving to 1546 Main Street, the addition of several vendors to the areas, and the promise of more, the once-desolate streets are now filled with eager shoppers.

Most might think the coming of the Mast Store drove others to want to be part of Main Street, but Something Special coowner Grant Lorick said he had his eye on relocating from the St. Andrews area long before the first barrel of candy was moved into the general store.

We specialize in bridal flowers, and all our brides complained about the traffic in St. Andrews, said Lorick. We started looking at this long before the Mast opened, and everyone has found this location to be so much more accessible.

Grant brought me here kicking and screaming, and we were both very apprehensive, said co-owner David Withers. But it has been a great decision. We have had so much foot traffic.

They have many fans in the area including Clift Shealy who stopped by to congratulate the pair at the stores grand opening on June 7, held in conjunction with Main Streets First Thursday celebration that same day.

I truly think David is one of the most talented floral arrangers in the United States, Shealy said. You give him free reign, and he does incredible artistic arrangements for his clients.

Besides wedding and funeral arrangements, Something Special carries a large inventory of fresh flowers, tropicals, and plants as well as silk arrangements, gift baskets, candles, and decorative vases and containers.

Both Lorick and Withers say they are glad they made the move from their former location of 14 years, citing the revitalization of the area as an indication that better times are to come.

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Something Special comes to Main Street

The completion date of Powell Middle Schools new wing has been delayed, but will still be open in time for the 2012-13 school year.

Phase one of the two-phase project built by Groathouse Construction initially was scheduled to be finished June 14. The delay, due to an excess of moisture in the concrete foundation of the new construction, has pushed the completion date to July 9.

Originally, sheet vinyl was going to be laid around each kitchen station in the brand new family and consumer sciences room, but if the moisture cannot be removed in time, alternative flooring will have to be installed.

Any solution that we do thats other than whats in the drawings will cost us money, Todd Wilder, Park County School District No. 1 coordinator of support services, said.

Wilder said he hopes it doesnt have to come to that. He is currently working with CTA Architects Engineers to find a solution that wouldnt require deviating from the original plans.

Were waiting on the architects to decide what were going to do, PMS principal Jason Sleep said.

If the moisture issue cannot be resolved, the school district will need to request additional funds approximately $50,000 to change the flooring and complete the project in time for the school year, Wilder said.

We have a little bit of time, it just makes everybody nervous, he said.

Teachers report to school Aug. 14, and instruction begins Aug. 23. Wilder said district officials want everything done by Aug. 1 at the latest so school employees have time to move furniture and equipment to the new building.

If we have the time, well exchange the time for the increased cost, Wilder said. If we start running out of time, then well have to ask the state for the extra money to change floor type.

The rest is here:
Middle school construction delayed, still successful

Written by Patricia Gay Thursday, 14 June 2012 00:00

Although La Roue Elayne at Cobb's Mill Inn is the town's newest hot spot, things got a little too hot early Monday morning when a small fire started in the basement.

The Weston Volunteer Fire Department responded quickly to an alarm at 2:43 a.m. on Monday, June 11, and found a pile of rags on top of a dryer in the basement had caught on fire. The fire was quickly extinguished and did not spread. Smoke in the basement and lower level of the restaurant was blown away by fans and the restaurant reopened in the afternoon in time for a luncheon.

It appeared the fire was caused from the spontaneous combustion of greasy rags that were lying on top of a clothes dryer. The dryer was not running at the time of the fire.

Weston Fire Chief John Pokorny, who is also the town's fire marshal, said the fire's cause is still under investigation; however, it appears it was accidental.

Mr. Pokorny said he has seen instances of spontaneous combustion, where a material ignites without the application of external heat or flame. He said fires caused by spontaneous combustion are not uncommon at places that use massage oil and towels, or linseed oil and rags.

"A fire can be caused from cloths that have oil on them, are heated, and then left in a clump," he said.

When the call came in from the restaurant's alarm company at 2:43 a.m., Mr. Pokorny was the first on the scene, arriving just six minutes later.

Domenic Cocchia, the general manager of La Roue Elayne, credited the alarm system and fast action by the fire department for preventing the fire from spreading.

More here:
La Roue Elayne at Cobb’s Mill Inn: Alarm thwarts fire in basement

Honors include Next Generation Luminaires(TM) and LIGHTFAIR International competitions.

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. - Cooper Lighting, an industry leader committed to delivering innovative products and driving transformational technology in the lighting industry, has backed up its claim of developing innovative products by recently bringing home a total of 18 awards from major industry competitions. Honored in the Next Generation Luminaires(TM) (NGL) Solid-State Lighting (SSL) Design Competition, LIGHTFAIR International Innovation Awards (LIA), Architectural SSL's Product Innovation Awards (PIA) and the 2012 Awards for Design Excellence (ADEX), Cooper Lighting has not only received high-praise for its wide range of LED products and leadership, but also the accompanying hardware to go along with them.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America and the International Association of Lighting Designers, the fourth annual NGL competition recognizes and promotes excellence in the design of energy-efficient LED commercial lighting luminaires. Of the 187 submitted product entries in the 2012 SSL INDOOR Competition, a total of 53 were chosen as winners. That elite group includes the world's first Zhaga complaint IRiS P3LED Directional Luminaire in the Recessed Accent Luminaires category, the Portfolio 6-inch High Output LED Downlight in the Recessed Downlight category and the Corelite Loft LED Micro Luminaire in the Pendant and Surface Linear Luminaires category-all three brands are part of the well-known and highly-acclaimed Cooper Lighting family of products. With these three most recent awards, Cooper Lighting has become one of only a few manufacturers to have ten of its products recognized since the competition's inception.

Cooper Lighting is also proud to be honored with an Innovation Award for its io Lili LED 2' x 2' Recessed Indirect Luminaires in the LIA's Commercial Indoor category. Spanning 14 categories with 228 entries, the LIA competition is judged by an independent panel of renowned lighting industry professionals and focuses on new and truly innovative technologies.

"We are extremely honored to have our products recognized in several of the most sought after and prestigious competitions in the industry," says Cooper Lighting President Mark Eubanks. "We invest heavily in product development across our entire portfolio of quality brands and these awards further validate our commitment to providing innovative, reliable LED solutions for our customers."

In addition to the four awards from NGL and LIA, Cooper Lighting was also awarded a combined total of 14 awards from Architectural SSL's PIA and ADEX. Products and categories include:

Architectural SSL Product Innovation Awards:

oCorelite R Mini and Z Mini LED - General Ambient oPortfolio 4-inch LED Square Downlights - Downlights oIo Koi Bollard Series - Bollards/Wall Packs oCooper Lighting - Market Leadership Award for Industry Participation 2012 Awards for Design Excellence:

Platinum Winners:

oSure-Lites AEL Series 2 LED Emergency Light oMcGraw-Edison Marquis LED Sign Light oHalo Stasis LED High Lumen and Wall Wash Luminaires

Read more here:
Cooper Lighting Cements Reputation as Industry Innovator by Collecting 18 Awards from Major ...

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 14, 2012) -

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES

CRS Electronics Inc.("CRS" or the "Company"), (TSX VENTURE:LED.V - News), a developer and manufacturer of LED lighting, is pleased to announce that Jennifer Yan Li has been appointed the Chief Administrative Officer of the Company effective as of June 13, 2012.

About CRS

CRS Electronics Inc., a Lighting Facts partner, is a leader in the emerging, rapidly-growing market of high efficiency light-emitting-diode ("LED"), or, solid state lighting ("SSL").The principal activities of CRS include the development, manufacture and sale, primarily in North America, of indoor lighting such as LED replacement lamps, exterior LED warning lights on school buses, child safety systems for school buses and contract manufacturing of LED circuit boards.CRS plans to be a major supplier of LED lighting solutions for a variety of applications to be developed by CRS on its own and in conjunction with its customers.CRS recently signed a license agreement with Eveready Battery Company Inc., a subsidiary of Energizer Holdings Inc., for CRS to manufacture a range of LED lighting products under the brand name Energizer(R).The CRS LED product line includes the MR16, GU10, PAR 20, PAR 30, PAR 38 and A19.Future products developed by CRS may also be considered by Energizer.(C) 2011 Energizer.Energizer, Energizer bunny design and related graphics are trademarks of Eveready Battery Company, Inc.and are used by CRS Electronics Inc.All other brand names are trademarks of their respective owners.Neither CRS Electronics Inc.nor Eveready Battery Company, Inc.is affiliated with the respective owners of their trademarks.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts

Debbie Bamforth CRS Electronics Corporate Communications 905-599-3322 debbieb@crselectronics.com http://www.crselectronics.com

Excerpt from:
CRS Electronics Announces New Chief Administrative Officer

WORCESTER, Mass., June 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The newest LED tennis lighting packages from Access Fixtures achieve optimal playing conditions for tennis while maintaining consideration for sustainability.LED technology saves massive amounts of energy for customers and produces beautiful and even light across the playing area.Access Fixtures provides the latest energy efficient lighting technology, while dramatically reducing its clients' costs.

"LED technology can achieve amazing light levels," said Access Fixtures Lighting Specialist, Steven Rothschild. He continued, "Our New LED lighting systems are the perfect marriage of functionality and sustainability."

The low energy requirements and high light levels are not only great for tennis, but they are also great for the environment. Each LED fixture produces 12,825 lumens using only 171 watts; that's an incredible 75 lumens per watt. Access Fixtures tennis court systems featuring Toshiba LED technology are rated for 50,000 hours, meaning you have a long lasting solution with years of payback.The quality, efficiency, and low prices make Access Fixtures the foremost choice for sports lighting in public, commercial and private facilities.

Access Fixtures sports lighting packages include everything required to light a play area including: poles, luminaires and mounting hardware. All systems are commercial grade and CSA list for wet conditions. Access Fixtures also provides lighting solutions for indoor tennis courts.Beyond tennis lighting, Access Fixtures sports lighting includes lighting packages for basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and bocce as well as general sports lighting.

The LED tennis court lighting packages can be found here: http://www.accessfixtures.com/Tennis-Court-Lights-s/10051.htm

About Access Fixtures Access Fixtures offers commercial and sports lighting for less.With 30 years of collective experience, Access Fixtures offers standard and custom light fixtures that are long lasting and energy saving.Access Fixtures offers everything from classic HID fixtures that provide high light output and great value, to efficient technology such as LED and e-HID that can significantly reduce energy costs.Fixture types include wall packs, area lights, bollards, garage lighters, vandal resistant, exit and emergency, high bay, low bay, linear fluorescent and track lighting.Lighting technologies include LED, induction, HID, eHID, T5, T5HO, T8 linear fluorescent; metal halide, and high pressure sodium.

For more information Visit http://www.AccessFixtures.com.

View original post here:
Next Generation LED Tennis Lighting Increases Performance and Lowers Cost

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Architects overwhelmingly agree that people perform better in buildings with abundant natural light. Controlling the natural light, as well as providing it, is an important design concern, according to a new survey conducted by Hanley Wood, a leading media and information company in the construction industry. The survey was sponsored by SAGE, the leading manufacturer of electronically tintable dynamic glass.

More than 99 percent of the nearly 500 architects surveyed believe people perform their jobs or activities better in buildings when exposed to natural light. Additionally, almost 98 percent of architects surveyed felt occupants perform better when they have a view and connection to the outdoors.

When uncontrolled, however, abundant sunlight can adversely affect building occupants as much as it benefits them, with problems such as glare, heat gain and fading. That is a reason why more than 93 percent of architects surveyed also agree that sun control is a significant challenge when designing glass into buildings.

Glass, traditionally a double-edged sword

Traditional approaches to controlling sunlight have frustrated architects who love to design with glass. Controls such as mechanized shades, blinds or exterior louvers may block the sun but also limit exposure to daylight and the view to the outdoors, which are the very reasons why windows are designed into building facades. Consequently, only 39% of architects agree that they are satisfied with options for managing solar control today. Furthermore, 17% of architects pointedly indicate that they are not satisfied with conventional sun control options.

The recent research supports the value proposition of new glazing technologies like dynamic SageGlass, which electronically tints and clears on demand to tame the suns harmful rays without blocking the view to the outdoors.

The survey also found that the use of energy-efficient glass is aligned with a majority of architects green design objectives. Approximately two-thirds of architects surveyed said that they typically design buildings with LEED principles in mind. This viewpoint indicates a growing awareness of sustainable building design practices in the industry over the past 10 years, and bodes well for new glazing technologies that can demonstrate a direct contribution to LEED points and environmental objectives.

The Hanley Wood study validates the SageGlass value proposition and many of the reasons why SageGlass is gaining momentum in the market, said Derek Malmquist, vice president of marketing at SAGE. In addition to energy savings and enhancing sustainability, dynamic glass provides architects and glaziers with a product that uniquely solves the problem of solar control. SageGlass can be controlled to let in exactly the right amount of sunlight to maximize building efficiency without ever having to sacrifice natural light or a connection to the outdoors.

A common misperception in the industry is that dynamic glazing is too expensive for mainstream projects. The survey suggests that attitudes may be changing on this issue. Nearly 75 percent of architects were positive or neutral about the affordability of new technologies like dynamic glass, which is a significant departure from earlier industry perceptions (with one in five architects agreeing or strongly agreeing that dynamic glass is affordable compared to other traditional solar control options).

Original post:
Architectural Survey Finds That Architects Have Love/Hate Relationship with the Sun