ITS BEEN mild through early summer, but now weve come to the dog days of August, and that makes me think of screened porches.

Ride around Gilmer these days and youll see very few of them.

Commenting on a Washington Post web story, someone using the handle

wjc1va wrote in part:

Ahh the timelessness of screened porches. Look folks, I grew up i Florida before the advent of air-conditioning. Here is the time-line for porches in the South.

first a patio..then . . . you can use it two weeks in spring and two weeks in fall. before and after your are attacked by myriad mosquitos, wasps, ticks, etc

to fix said problem you screen your patio . . . [but] nobody in modern life will sit on a screened porch in a swing or rocker in 100-degree heat fanning themselves while drinking a mint julep. Said screened porch languishes.

-- ah . . . great idea . . . solve the problem by walling in said porch and adding air-conditioning.

The timeless idea of porches in the South and the inevitable evolution.

THIS PERSON (gender unknown) tells of a Florida experience that pretty much replicates my childhood in Gilmer.

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Sideglances

After years of often acrimonious debate on the issue, including the failure of a previous bond issue, Alamo Heights residents on July 24 finally got their first look at detailed plans for a new municipal complex.

Overland Partners Architects unveiled several different configuration proposals for the $6.3 million structure, which will replace: a 1927 City Hall building that is deteriorating and cramped, and a fire station that was built as a temporary structure in 1952 and does not even meet present building codes.

The new facility will also include new City Council chambers. The awkward layout of the current chambers has been a source of consternation for residents attending city meetings.

Some participants in the first of two community input meetings July 24 had to stand due to a lack of space, and others were clustered in a part of the council chambers where they could not see the presentation from architect Joel Albea.

"In addition to a very functional building, it is our desire to create a great public presence," Albea said. "This will set an example to the community for redevelopment along the Broadway corridor."

All of the proposals floated consist of 25,700 square feet of professional space constructed on the existing site, with the present 78 parking spaces increased to 98.

All proposals involve a two-story fire station on the north end of the property, at the corner of Broadway and Bluebonnet, with parking spaces along Bluebonnet.

Overland Partners also call for a two-story administration building, and the police station along the back of the building, facing a parking lot for police cruisers.

One proposal has the council chambers in the back of the building, near the parking lot, while another moves council chambers to the southwest edge of the property, where it can placed prominently on Broadway.

The designs contain an arcade along Broadway that would enclose a courtyard, and provide direct access into the city administration area, council chambers and police station.

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Architects preview designs for new City Hall complex

Firestone Building Products has presented Hollis Roofing, Inc. with the 2012 Firestone Master Contractor Award, Inner Circle of Quality Award and President's Club Award. Of the award recipients this year, only 28 firms earned all three distinctions. Recognizing an elite set of contractors that commit to unsurpassed quality roofing system installation and outstanding service, the Master Contractor Program annually acknowledges top firms that exhibit top-notch execution and an unwavering commitment to superior craftsmanship.

This year marks the 10th year Hollis Roofing, Inc. has earned the renowned Firestone President's Club Award. The top 31 Firestone Master Contractors that accrued the highest level of Quality Points over the last year obtain a coveted position among this best-in-class group of roofing firms.

Hollis Roofing, Inc. has also earned the prestigious Firestone Inner Circle of Quality Award for the seventh time. The Inner Circle of Quality Award annually recognizes a small group of Master Contractors that installed a minimum of four warranted Firestone roofs in each of the past five years, maintained at least two million square feet of Firestone roofs under warranty and achieved an annual Quality Incidence Rating (QIR) of 2.0 or less. Firestone's QIR measures each contractor's quality performance based on warranty repair incidences per million square feet under warranty.

2012 is also the 15th time Hollis Roofing, Inc. has earned the Firestone Master Contractor Award. The firm received the Master Contractor Award based on total square footage installed and Quality Points accumulated for outstanding inspection ratings on Firestone Red Shield warranted RubberGard EPDM, UltraPly TPO, UNA-CLAD metal and asphalt roofing system installations completed over the past year.

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Business brief: Hollis Roofing Awarded

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- An Egbertville teen who just last week crashed into a police cruiser is now in deeper trouble with the law -- cops found him hiding 150 decks of heroin in his underwear, authorities allege.

Police say they arrested Justin Turner, 18, of the 100 block of Roosevelt Avenue, at about 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, behind a strip mall at 2795 Richmond Ave. in New Springville.

A law enforcement source said police stopped Turner for questioning because he was looking into vehicles in the strip-mall parking lot, which has seen a recent rash of car break-ins.

It turned out he had 10 decks of heroin in his back pocket, two in his front pocket, and another 150 in his underwear, court papers allege.

Turner, who doesn't have a driver's license, sent a police car spinning into a guardrail in Meiers Corners July 25, according to authorities.

As the police account goes, Turner was going 50 mph by the intersection of Manor Road and Rockland Avenue about 1:19 a.m., when he crossed the double yellow line to get around a car stopped at the light. An NYPD cruiser was passing through the intersection, its emergency lights turned on, at the time, and Turner's 2006 Lexus sedan slammed into it, police said.

The impact set off the cruiser's air bags, and the two officers inside suffered minor injuries and swelling, according to court papers.

Turner, who was arrested on charges second-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree assault, reckless driving and driving without a license in that case, was released on $2,000 bail, and is slated to return to Stapleton Criminal Court on Sept. 24, according to Peter N. Spencer, a spokesman for District Attorney Daniel Donovan.

Wednesday's arrest means he now faces charges third- and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance charges.

Court records show it's the second time Turner has been arrested on felony drug possession charges this year. On Jan. 12, police with the Mid-Island's 122nd Precinct arrested him on third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and other charges. He was released on his own recognizance in that case, with his next appearance slated for Sept. 6.

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SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal, a leading regional business weekly, listed BCA Architects among its top 25 architecture firms in the Silicon Valley and San Jose business community in 2012. BCA Architects ranked number 10 on the list this year, marking the fourth consecutive year the firm has been recognized by the business publication which focuses on news and key trends in various industries, including real estate, engineering, architecture, construction, technology, and retail.

"We are very proud that as with previous years BCA Architects is on the list of top architecture firms in the region because they really are among the best firms we have worked with," said Ron Galatolo, Chancellor of San Mateo County Community College District. "They consistently provide first-rate service; create designs that are visionary; and deliver innovation to their clients that help transform communities."

Since 1981, Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal has identified and ranked the top architecture firms in the region according to revenue and data for the previous fiscal year. This year's top architecture firms list will be added into the publication's Book of Lists which ranks the most dynamic companies in the area across various fields.

"We are thrilled to be ranked so highly by such a reputable media source. Our headquarters strength in San Jose reflects the strength of all of our offices in California," said Paul Bunton, AIA, president of BCA Architects. "Our clients can depend on consistently receiving the highest quality of design work from us regardless of the requirements, the economy or other challenges," Bunton added.

BCA Architects partners with clients on a mission to achieve excellence in design. Since 1989, BCA strives to strengthen communities through projects to design facilities, help define partnerships, locate financing, and save energy or present alternate delivery methods. BCA goes above and beyond the task at hand to ensure their clients succeed. Visit http://www.bcaarchitects.com.

Media Contact: Rachel Del Fierro, (925) 785-1435 or RachelD@bcaarchitects.com

This press release was issued through eReleases Press Release Distribution. For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

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Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal Recognized BCA Architects in 2012 Ranking of Top Architecture Firms

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Of the multitude of architects the Venice Biennale has honored, only a handful have done traditional architecture, and of those few the firm Michael Burch Architects is the first specializing in the Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean Revival Style. The husband and wife firm, comprising principals Michael Burch and Diane Wilk, is one of five American firms selected to exhibit in the Palazzo Bembo at the 13th International Venice Architectural Biennale. This prestigious fall exhibition, which runs from August 29-November 25, presents 60 architects from six continents, representing 26 countries from around the world.

L A Times architectural critic, Christopher Hawthorne, has called the Biennalea cultural institution since 1895"...the most anticipated and ambitious design show in the world, not to mention the only one featuring cocktail parties in canal-side palazzi..." The exhibition at the Palazzo Bembo is entitled, "Traces of the Past and Future Steps" and the firm was selected as the premier practitioner of the Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean Revival Style.

This historical architectural thread that began in the Mediterranean and traveled across the Atlantic to the US now returns to the Mediterranean from the Pacific coast where, over two centuries ago, Spanish Colonial Architecture was introduced to Southern California. The firm will present a multi-media exhibit "California's Spanish Architecture: Yesterday and Today", which weaves the story of how the Style emigrated and evolved into the quintessential Californian buildings seen today. Selections from the firm's portfolio of recent projects are also showcased. The exhibit includes a model, generated using satellite imagery, which shows the pervasiveness of the Style, both vintage and modern, in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Michael Burch Architects, refers to its work as "Returning to Authenticity" because the more modern versions of the style have, "devolved into kitsch," said Michael Burch. Their work clearly embodies those aspects of the Style as it was practiced in the 1920s and 30s. As leading experts in the Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean Revival style, Michael Burch Architects is acknowledged for both historically accurate restoration and renovation work. The widely published firm is also creating exciting 21st century estates and houses in the traditional vernacular which Burch and Wilk said they are proud to be able to share in such prestigious company.

Visit http://www.michaelburcharchitects.com to find out more about the firm and click on the link to see the video, "California's Spanish Architecture: Yesterday and Today"

Media Contact Diane Y. Welch BBCBusiness Bloom Communications Dianewelch@dianewelch.com

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A Venice Biennale First: Authentic Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean Revival US Architects Exhibit

By Molly Waldron

CREATED Aug. 1, 2012

Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Some roofing companies are seeing a boost in business after heavy rains swept through the Las Vegas area this week.

"We've actually had some golf ball size hail out in Sun City and Summerlin which is causing some damage to the tiles, to sky lights, and causing leaks also," John Tighe with Professional Roofing Services said.

Many roofing companies had every worker on the clock on Wednesday.

"We're very busy this time especially with the amount of rain we had in the short period of time," Tighe said. "A lot of roofs are leaking that probably wouldn't leak in a lighter rain."

Roofing companies say now is a good time to check your roof for leaks or damage. If left uncared for, they say even minor leaks could cause structural damage to drywall and plywood.

Despite the heavy rain, some roofs may only see problems now after getting hit from the other extreme found here in Southern Nevada.

"I would say the sun is a lot hotter here and the weather is more extreme when it come to that," Tighe said. "Exposed roof systems, flat roofs tend to wear out a lot faster that it would in a different climate."

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Roofing companies see boost in business after heavy rains

Theo Epstein recently suggested the Cubs need "waves and waves" of pitching in the organization.

Since becoming the Cubs president in October, Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer have gone to great lengths to fill that void.

While the results of the rebuilding project can't be fairly judged for years, the blueprint of the foundation for sustained success has been implemented.

There have been three waves of the Epstein-Hoyer era so far. Here are the primary transactions and how they look:

First waveNovember-February

Arrivals: Ian Stewart, Travis Wood, David DeJesus, Anthony Rizzo, Paul Maholm, Manny Corpas, Reed Johnson, Kerry Wood, Joe Mather, Lendy Castillo. Plus minor leaguers Dave Sappelt, Ronald Torreyes, Alfredo Amezaga, Adrian Cardenas and Zach Cates.

Departures: Tyler Colvin, Sean Marshall, Andrew Cashner, DJ LeMahieu, Carlos Zambrano, Chris Carpenter.

Limbo: Blake DeWitt, Randy Wells, Chris Volstad.

Assessment: Rizzo is the best and the brightest acquisition the new regime has made. He has more than lived up to the hype, while Cashner once again is injured with the Padres.

Returning veteran Kerry Wood never got on track after the team's marketing department turned his re-signing into a sideshow at the Cubs Convention. He had arm problems in spring training and retired in May.

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Cubs making changes in waves

Architects line up to design first East Croydon Gateway building

10:40am Wednesday 1st August 2012 in News By Nick Hitchens

Architects line up to design first East Croydon Gateway building

Architects have been commissioned to design the first office building of the 500m Ruskin Square development.

Developers Stanhope Schroders have asked four architects to design the first section of a project neighbouring East Croydon which has seen the site lay empty for almost a decade.

The preferred bidder is expected to be chosen before the end of the year, and a detailed planning application submitted to Croydon Council in 2013.

A spokesman for Stanhope Schroder said: "We have asked four architects to give us an idea of how they would design an office space as part of our masterplan. They have not been given any specifications and we are waiting to see what they will come back with."

A 4m grant from the Local Enterprise Partnership allocated in May will be used to fund the power infrastructure on the site.

The developers have outline planning permission for the site, which included providing 3m towards a new 200 seat theatre to replace the Warehouse Theatre on Dingwall Road.

The Warehouse went into administration in May and the developers have issued them a notice to vacate by November Administrator Jeremy Frost stated Stanhope Schroder have refused to meet him to discuss options.

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Architects line up to design first East Croydon Gateway building

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

AFTER a slight delay brought about by the collapse of a retaining wall on the project site, construction of the Horizons 101 residential condominium is set to resume as real estate developer Taft Property Ventures Development Corp. and contractor DDT Konstract Inc. signed the contract to build what is expected to be Cebus tallest twin towers.

The synergy of Taft Property and DDT Konstract will further characterize Cebus skyline to become what a truly world-class city should be. Horizons 101 is just the beginning in building new horizons, said Taft Property chief operating officer Manuel Colayco.

Win US$500. Join Sun.Star Cebu Yearbook Video Contest.

Cave-in

Construction of the project was halted last April after part of a retaining wall in an excavation caved in, affecting about 10 homes. Repairs were made on the retaining wall and to some homes affected by the cave in.

Following the lifting of the cease and desist order two weeks ago, officials of the project assured that the slight delay did not affect the expected date of completion and that the first tower will be done by 2015.

The company chose DDT Konstract to build the towers. The firm built several other buildings such as the Lexmark tower at the Cebu Business Park, eBloc building at the Cebu IT Park and the SM City Consolacion. The contactor was also behind the construction of the temple of the Church of the Latter Day Saints in Lahug and is erecting towers for Globe Telecom at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and Banco de Oro at Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong.

DDT chairman and president Danilo Tamayo said they will use the latest in technology in constructing the building, including pre-cast technology, wherein concrete is cast into a reusable mold and then brought to a construction site and put into place.

Free from leaks

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Work on Horizons 101 set to resume soon: firm