BAY CITY, MI A Midland Street business owner is grateful for his sidewalk deck, but said the rules that govern it are costing him money.

Kevin Novellino owner of Brooklyn Boyz Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant, a sitdown restaurant at 507 E. Midland St., and Brooklyn Boyz at 612 E. Midland St., which sells pizza by the slice and deli items went before the Bay City Commission tonight to ask members to consider lengthening the hours the decks can be used.

"For some of us it's become a financial hardship, closing it so soon at 12. What I'd like to ask is extending it an hour and a half, to 1:30," he said.

In 2008, the city approved use of structures that can extend up to 10 feet into the roadway. Sales or service must stop by 11:30 p.m. and all areas must be vacated by midnight.

Most of Novellino's business is on Friday and Saturday nights between 11:30 p.m. and 2 a.m., he said. Allowing customers on the decks until 1:30 a.m. still would give owners enough time to clear their entire facilities by the state-mandated 2 a.m.

A former city commissioner, he helped bring the decks into being, but said the rules need tweaking. At his smaller business, which does not serve alcohol, the pizza ovens can keep the indoor temperatures in the 90s, but at midnight the customers no longer can use the decks to eat their slices.

Novellino also had not foreseen the ban of smoking inside bars. "After midnight it forces all of the smokers outside on the sidewalks; they're not allowed on the decks."

Not only would a change benefit his customers, he said, it would make it easier for police to pick out people who are just hanging out on the sidewalk, not doing business anywhere and potentially causing trouble. "They'll stand out more to the police that they're underage, they're just loiterers."

Novellino said the lucrative Fourth of July weekend will pass with the midnight curfew, but perhaps commissioners can enact something later this month. "It'll give us the second half of the season to show as business owners that we are mature and can manage our decks."

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Brooklyn Boyz owner wants customers allowed on Midland Street decks until 1:30 a.m.

SKATERS and skating enthusiasts alike gathered at the Putrajaya Challenge Park for a day of fun at Go Skateboarding Day 2012.

The event, organised by skate brand Vans and RSH (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd to support the local skating community, was part of worldwide Go Skateboarding Day celebrations.

The highlights of the event were the Vans Trick Dice and Vans Highest Ollie competitions.

The Vans Trick Dice category is for amateurs, where participants have to roll a single die to determine which skating trick they have to perform, said Vans brand manager Emilia Ag Dahalan.

The Vans Highest Ollie is for professionals, who have to skate and clear an obstacle of a certain height, she added.

Some 200 skaters participated in the two competitions this year, which is a similar number to the previous years event that was held at a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur.

While the competitors showcased their talents, non-competitors took the opportunity to hone their skateboarding tricks like kickflip, ollie and pop-shuvit at the park that was designed to appeal to the skating and stunt biking community.

The champion of the Vans Highest Ollie received RM1,000 cash, RM300 Vans gift voucher and Vans merchandise, Oakley sunglasses and a Wrigley prize pack.

The second prize winner walked away with RM500 cash, RM300 Vans gift voucher and Vans merchandise, Oakley sunglasses and a Wrigley prize pack, while the third place winner bagged RM300 cash, RM300 Vans gift voucher and Vans merchandise, Oakley sunglasses and a Wrigley prize pack.

The top three winners of the Vans Trick Dice category each won a RM250 Vans gift voucher, Vans merchandise, Oakley sunglasses and a Wrigley prize pack.

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Skateboarders take flight with their skills on the decks

Friday, June 29, 2012, by Rob Bear

With nearly half the country set to be blanketed by 100+ temperatures, this weekend is looking like a scorcher. What better time to enjoy a roof deck? Well, there are probably plenty of better times, but for those hearty souls who don't mind a horrible sunburn, here are five of the best private roof decks on the market. This first rooftop escape comes from the Brooklyn neighborhood of DUMBO and is part of the borough's most expensive listing, the $19M penthouse at 1 Main Street. Featured on Selling New York, the apartment has been through a few brokers without, well, selling, but certainly has plenty going for it. Situated in the building's clocktower, the penthouse has views through the clock of the Manhattan skyline and bridges, three bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a private elevator to access all three levels.

Not surprisingly, the best rooftop decks are often part of a city's most expensive listings. Take this swimming pool, perched atop the townhouse at 74 Beacon Street in Boston. The house, currently listed for $14.95M, was designed by noted Boston architect Asher Benjamin in 1828, but has been updated to incorporate modern sensibilities, like a rich person's desire to have a swim and a view of the Boston skyline at the same time. With six bedrooms, six baths, and 8,450 square feet of luxury interiors, the rest of the house is nothing to shrug at either.

Compared to the cities of the northeast, where space is at a premium, the mansions of South Florida rarely feature roofdecks. After all, who needs the space on top when there are broad lawns and ground-level patios to enjoy. Well, apparently there's at least one owner who wasn't satisfied without a rooftop to lounge on. Listed for $19.5M, the vaguely-Mediterranean mansion in Highland Beach, Fla. measures almost 20,000 square feet, with eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, guest house, dock, and stunning views of both the ocean and the intracoastal waterway.

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On the Market: Five Cool Roof Decks to Brave the Coming Heat Wave

CINCINNATI, OH--(Marketwire -06/27/12)- Outdoor decks are perfect for summer lounging, but they may be paying the price for the colder and often wetter winter months with unsafe, unsightly damage. Handyman Connection, one of the largest home improvement specialty companies in North America, today released some pointers maintaining an attractive and secure outdoor deck.

"There are things you can do every month to keep a deck in great condition, but you still need to take advantage of the good weather of summer to do a thorough annual inspection and repair outdoor deck," says Jeff Wall of Handyman Connection.

Here are some suggestions for maintaining outdoor deck in good shape:

Weekly or Bi-Weekly Upkeep

Monthly Cleaning

Annual Maintenance

"With proper outdoor deck maintenance, there's no reason your deck can't hold up to the elements and look great for years," says Wall. "That's peace of mind, knowing you can enjoy your deck without worrying about how safe it is."

About Handyman ConnectionIn 1993, Handyman Connection (www.handymanconnection.com) became the first home improvement and repairs firm to offer franchises. The company specializes in small to medium home improvements, repairs and remodeling. The Handyman Connection has franchises throughout North America, each locally owned and operated and backed by the company. Company policy dictates that every handyman has at least 10 years of professional experience. Handyman Connection is a subsidiary of FS Brands a leader and innovator in franchising and in property management. FS Brands is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (FSRV) (FSV.TO), a globally diversified leader in real estate services. For more information, see http://www.firstservice.com.

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How to Keep Your Outdoor Deck in Top Form Using a Maintenance Schedule

A steam train bedecked in Cadburys colours today patrolled Sydneys railway lines as Saatchi & Saatchi filmed the next stage of the chocolate brands Joyville campaign.

The ad, being produced by Jungleboys, will go through a rapid turnaround and be aired on Sunday.

The stunt saw the train stop at three different stations in Sydneys CBD, presenting commuters with free chocolate at each stop.

The train was masterminded by experientialagency Wonder.The steam train is a 1916 locomotive express based at the the NSW Rail Transport Museum. Its makeover took12 months.

Ben Wicks, Cadburys GM of chocolate marketing told Mumbrella: The idea comes from the question how do we bring more joy to the world?Its all a bit gloomy and dim these days so how do we lighten up lives and make people smile? he said.

The Joyville Steam Train, follows the CadburyPurple Roundabout, andMarvellousCreations TV adsearlier this year.

Wicks said: We are bringing to life a mythical place where Cadbury Dairy Milk is made.Its a bit like chapters in a story. There are at least another two or three chapters to come.

The execution will be supported by a interactiveFacebookapp, where consumers can uploadtheirphotos and videos to a digital train.

The large scale experiential stunt follows similar ones earlier this year fromArnotts brandTim Tam,which put the snack on trees in Sydneys Martin Place, andLegowhich created a life size forest in the same spot.

Credits:

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Cadbury decks out steam train for next phase of Joyville campaign

Hyderabad, June 28:

Decks have been cleared for the listing of Ybrant Digital on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

"The board of directors of Ybrant has taken cognisance of the amalgamation of Ybrant Digital and LGS Global as directed by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh," the company said here in a statement on Thursday.

The name of the amalgamated entity has been changed from LGS Global to Ybrant Digital. The face value of the share has been changed from Rs 10 to Rs 2.00 for accounting purposes. Trading of the stock LGS Global has been temporarily suspended due to the procedural reasons to accommodate the changes stated.

Ybrant, a privately held firm, has bought the BSE-listed software services company LGS Global last year. The statutory clearances from the court and stock exchange would pave the way for Ybrant to get listed on the BSE.

Ybrant recently bought Rs 1,500-crore business from Experian in May this year.

The new board of directors of the company include Mr Suresh Kumar Reddy M (Chairman and Managing Director), Mr Ramakrishna Vijay Kumar K (Executive Director) and Mr Vijay Bhasker Reddy M.

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Decks cleared for Ybrant Digital listing

Readmore: Local, News, Construction, Bridge Repair, New York State Department of Transportation, State DOT, Bridge Decks, Interstate 690, Crouse Avenue, Downtown Syracuse, Vector Construction

SYRACUSE -- The New York Works program means more orange construction signs on Central New York roadways.

While that may frustrate some commuters, it's good news for companies that have been struggling since the recession.

The state Department of Transportation says its ready to get started on several projects throughout the region.

Contracts have been awarded on several projects including replacing the bridge decks on Interstate 690, going over Crouse Avenue just east of Downtown Syracuse.

Its helping out businesses like Vector Construction in Cicero that have been struggling to find work.

"We have about 45 people, 35 working between April 1st and Thanksgiving and the past three years we have been struggling to keep those people busy," said Richard Andersonof Vector during a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

A $17.4 million dollar contract will replace 13 bridge decks in Syracuse and Utica.

There are also several projects ready to go in Tompkins, Cayuga, Cortland and Oswego Counties.

Link:
Orange construction signs a good sign that Central New Yorkers are getting back to work

"I love you!" squealed Paris Hilton, when heckled by thousands of fans. Watch her hit the decks here...

SPLASH

Paris Hilton did a little DJ gig to thousands of fans in Brazil last night only, she seemed to enjoy it a little more than they did.

The 31-year-old heirhead heiress hit the decks at the Sao Paulo Pop Music Festival and did her best Lady Gaga impression in an embellished knickerbocker playsuit and suspenders.

Paris had a ruddy good time waving her flag in the air like she just don't care...

SPLASH

Paris played such chuuunes (we cant pull that off) as Rihannas We Found Love as well as her own new single, Last Night, um, last night.

But there wasnt all that much love in the room for hotel heiress Ms Hilton who was booed as she took to the stage.

In case it's not clear, that's Paris Hilton on stage...

SPLASH

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Video: DJ Paris Hilton gets booed in Brazil (how the turntables have, um, turned)

East Aurora Third in Business First District Rankings The East Aurora Union Free School District ranked third in the latest Business First ranking of school districts. Business First rated 97 public school districts in the eight-county region of Western New York, using four years of test data compiled by the New York State Education Department. Williamsville took first place in the rankings, followed by Clarence. Orchard Park was fourth on the list. Iroquois came in at 10th place. The nearby Holland Central School District also made the honor roll by ranking 17th.

Marilla Concerts are Underway The opening of Marillas summer concert series was a rousing success, Councilman Warren Handley told his Town Board colleagues last week. The first performance featured the Iroquois Middle School orchestra and chorus. The next concert, held at the Marilla Pavilion at the intersection of Two Rod and Bullis roads, will feature area entertainer Glenn Colton in a "Kids Day Concert" on Wed., June 27 from noon until 1 p.m.

Board Wants to Improve East Aurora's Look Finding ways to make aesthetic improvements around the community was the main business of the East Aurora Village Board at its meeting Monday. Among the topics of discussion: weeding, ornamental displays, building demolitions and sidewalk maintenance.

NY Works Bridge Construction Begins: Aurora Expressway Work to be Completed This Year The New York State Department of Transportation has begun construction on a $13.8 million contract to replace bridge decks on 10 structures in Erie and Monroe counties through the NY Works program. Four bridges along Route 400 (Aurora Expressway) will be repaired.

BPO to Perform at Knox Farm on June 27 The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora on Wed., June 27 at 7 p.m. The gates will open at 4:30 p.m. for concertgoers. The concert will take place adjacent to the Main House (also known as the Knox mansion).

East Aurora Art Society Prepares for Summer Exhibition The East Aurora Art Society's 59th annual Fine Art Exhibition will be held on Sat., June 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. This years theme is "Art Occupies Main Street," and works by more than 80 artists will be displayed on the campus of East Aurora Middle School, 430 Main St.

Class of 2012 Commencement is Sunday Sunday is graduation day for the East Aurora High School Class of 2012. Some 173 members of the Class of 2012 are expected to receive diplomas Sunday in the schools 126th commencement.

Roycroft Summer Arts & Crafts Festival Returns to Parkdale The highly anticipated Roycroft Summer Arts & Crafts Festival featuring the work of more than 75 juried artisans, including more than 35 Roycroft Renaissance artisans, will take place this weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat., June 23 and Sun., June 24.

Local Students Head to National SkillsUSA Championships Two local students will represent the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, their home school districts, and New York State at the SkillsUSA national championships in Kansas City in June after an extremely successful showing at the New York State SkillsUSA Conference in April.

Immaculate Conception Students Participate in Junior Solar Sprint Can students learn anything by racing cars? They can, if they are racing model solar cars they built themselves, according to teachers at Immaculate Conception School in East Aurora.

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NY Works Bridge Construction Begins: Aurora Expressway Work to be Completed This Year

Often surrounded by a mass of cables, inputs and high-end equipment, one could be forgiven for thinking that DJs indulge in an expensive, complicated craft. But all you need is a DJ app on an iPad to blend your favourite tunes and cast your sorcery on the dance floor.

Apple's versatile tablet has made the art of mixing more accessible than ever, with apps such as djay for iPad and iDJ making it a great stepping stone into the world of turntabling. Have you always fancied trying your hand on the decks? If so, here's how to set yourself on the path to becoming the next Tiesto.

To begin your illustrious career as a tablet DJ, you'll need an iPad packed with your favourite selection of high-quality tunes. Your mobile DJ station will need to be running iOS 4.2 or better, with at least 20MB of space -- not including your chosen tracks.

You'll also need $20 (13) worth of iTunes credit to buy djay for iPad. Download it here. One of the most impressive apps on the market today, djay for iPad is easy to use but packed with features -- perfect for seasoned vinyl heads or MP3 newbies alike.

There's also a range of easily expandable features. One great accessory, if you want to take things up a notch, is the Griffin DJ Cable. It lets you hear what the PA is playing and the track you're cueing up, giving you even more control over your mix -- once you know what you're doing. You'd also be well advised to invest in some quality headphones.

A DJ is nothing without his record bag, or in this case, his iTunes library. Your first step is to assemble a mass of your favourite tracks in the highest-quality format you can afford. This will make all the difference.

After downloading djay, you should be able to easily access your songs. One of djay's many plus points is its ability to see your iTunes library in its entirety -- making importing tracks to your decks a painless experience.

When you first open djay, you'll be presented with a familiar DJ scene -- left and right decks with a horizontal cross-fader in the middle and vertical pitch faders either side. The pitch faders control the speed of the song, while the cross-fader is the tool that does the blending -- the most important control for a DJ.

Mixing is the blending of tracks -- not the twisting or forcing together of them -- so it's always a good idea to find two songs that complement each other, with a similar tempo or beats per minute (BPM).

Once you've chosen your two tracks, you have a couple of options. Firstly, pressing the sync button will adjust both tunes to the same speed -- so mixing is as simple as choosing when to start the second song and moving the cross-fader along. The more difficult, but ultimately more rewarding, method would be to ignore the sync button altogether and instead sync the tracks using your own newly discovered DJing skills.

Continue reading here:
How to DJ on your iPad