New ball game: Scott Higginbotham of the Melbourne Rebels. Photo: Getty Images

Melbourne Rebels boss Rob Clarke has warned that centralising Australia's Super Rugby operation risks "blowing up the game once and for all", declaring it "an absolute joke" if officials believe it can solely solve rugby's problems.

The cash-strapped Australian Rugby Union is considering a radical transformation which would see the Rebels, NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds merge operations to form an eastern seaboard powerhouse.

The ARU's board met on Monday to discuss a potential new model of Rugby Australia where teams would pool assets and cut costs.

"[ARU chief executive] Bill Pulver has talked about challenges in the game and looking at ways to make it more efficient and more effective to deliver our programs," Clarke told SEN radio in Melbourne.

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"But to think that a pure centralisation model is going to solve the ills of Australian rugby is an absolute joke.

"And if anybody went down that path, [they'd] be running an enormous risk of blowing up the game once and for all."

Clarke is also adamant the Rebels, who finished 12th last year with five wins, won't be cut from the competition when a new Super Rugby broadcast deal is negotiated next year.

"There are discussions around the broadcast and Super Rugby changing formats ... [it] doesn't mean the Rebels will be axed or combined into anything else, it couldn't be further from the truth," Clarke said.

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Plan to pool Super funds a joke: Rebels

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MARS (KDKA) The rural landscape of western Pennsylvania is peppered with natural gas well rigs. But the rewards and risks of the industry are now being weighed heavily in Mars, Butler County.

Next week, the Mars Area School Board is likely to vote on a proposal from Rex Energy, which is based in State College.

The company is offering $1 million up front for a five-year lease to drill under district property. The district would also gain a percentage of royalties from the gas and oil extracted.

Calling their group, Protect Our Children, many mobilizing against Rex Energys plan met Friday afternoon to pool resources.

There are too many risks, there are too many unknowns with this industry, and we dont want it to be underneath the school district property, said Amy Nassif, who is against drilling under the schools.

The specter of last months gas well explosion in Dunkard Township, Greene County, which killed one worker, only heightened fears.

Greene County scared me a little bit, if that happened here in Mars. This well that they are proposing, the permit, theyre trying to go for the permit a half-a-mile from our school district. It is 2,000-feet from my house, also, said Jennifer Mallin, who is also against the drilling.

Rex Energy wants to begin drilling in June or July vertically on the farmland on Denny Road in Middlesex Township. They already lease the land.

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Mars Area Parents Mobilizing Against Drilling Under School District Property

Several students had the chance to express their opinions Wednesday night about a possible alternative to the current University Master Plan for Centennial Campus.

Stanford Barnes, a masters student in landscape architecture, is working on his version of what the 1,200-acre landscape could look like 10 years from now for his design project. Wednesdays meeting served as his first public forum to gauge the reaction of current students.

I want to create something important and special for Centennial Campus, Barnes said. We are here to talk about legacy and talk about what you [students] would like to see for both us and for future generations.

Much of Barnes plan involves changes to the Wolf Ridge apartment complex and future Town Center, a mixed-use facility that will eventually be constructed near Lake Raleigh. It also addresses the lack of parking and housing, especially for graduate students.

N.C. State is not going to stop growing, and as more people head here to grad school, accommodations will have to increase, Barnes said. Id love to see Ph.D. students living here with their families, and right now we dont have many locations to accommodate that.

Additionally, Barnes said he envisions a Scholars Walk series of winding trails that connects the Centennial community, starting at the Oval and ending at the Alumni Center. These trails will be lined with items that boast N.C. State history, including paintings created by College of Design students.

Everyone takes a different pathway through education, which is why there are so many winding pathways in my plan, Barnes said.

After explaining his plan, Barnes shifted the discussion to student input. Audience members consistently highlighted the convenience of living on Centennial Campus and the beautiful landscape as positive elements of the plan.

One of the greatest features about Centennial Campus is the natural environment, Barnes said. I mean, we have a lake.

Many students said their ideal living location was similar to Raleigh -- not too urban and not too rural. Many students said while they appreciated the wide open spaces on Centennial, they wanted to see nook-and-cranny spaces installed as well, similar to the space behind the Burlington Labs on Main Campus. These would help give Centennial a homier feel, students said.

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Students discuss the future, landscape of Centennial Campus

Our plan was fairly simple. Check the weather map and find the warmest place in North America and fly there.

Phoenix edged out Southern California, and it was too far to Florida; so off we went.

The Valley of the Sun suffers from sprawl even more than Los Angeles. Scottsdale, found on the eastern edge of the valley, is where most resorts are located.

We started our intensive research with the Fairmont Princess Scottsdale. Had we known what was in store, wed have booked to stay there the entire week. The Princess, it soon became obvious, enjoyed every amenity anyone could ever want, so there was really no need to go anywhere else.

We made an immediate beeline for the pool. Most locals dont jump in unless its pushing 37 C but we Canadians found 21 C to be most agreeable.

However, the moment the spectacular sun sank behind the palm trees to the west, the temperature dropped like a stone. Thats the desert for you. Suddenly summer turned into winter.

A quick stroll around the property revealed a fantastic light show twinkling on every palm tree, and wonders of wonders an ice-skating rink packed with happy kids. Families sat toasting around fire pits next to the rink as a miniature Zamboni cleaned the ice.

A trolley lugged families around the gigantic 65-acre property.

For those interested, the PGA Phoenix Open is played every winter at the spectacular Stadium golf course next door. Aside from the tournament, Fairmont guests can enjoy the course every day of the year. There are also five swimming pools at the hotel, tennis courts, endless walking paths, and several bars and restaurants highlighted by the deluxe Spanish-styled La Hacienda specializing in high-end Tex/Mex culinary delights.

Under no circumstances should any foodie miss Deseo, hidden in the basement at the Westin Hotel and serving up spectacular Nuevo Latin cuisine.

See the article here:
Hidden charms of Phoenix

Unspoiled: a Thai longtail boat.

The rising star of southern Thailand is an idyllic beach and nature destination minus the crowds, writes Christina Pfeiffer.

Thailand's largest island, Phuket, has long been one of the most popular destinations in the land of smiles. Now there's a challenger from across the Andaman Sea. Krabi, on the western side of the Thai peninsula, is an ancient landscape that has much to offer. It has a stunning coastline, with sandy beaches wedged between green peninsulas and soaring rock formations. Mangroves, tropical forests, rivers and natural hot springs keep active travellers busy.

Here are our top 10 things to do in and around Krabi.

Rayavadee Resort, Krabi.

1 CRUISE THE ANDAMAN SEA

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Gaze at soaring limestone cliffs, snorkel among the colourful fish and sunbake on beautiful beaches. A boat cruise around the Andaman Sea islands is a pleasurable way to spend the day. The region has different types of boats for hire, including rustic longtails and glitzy speedboats. Most itineraries will take you to top snorkelling spots near Koh Poda and the strangely shaped Chicken Island, which has a rocky outcrop resembling a chicken's neck and head.

2 SOAK IN NAM TOK RON, A HOT-STREAM WATERFALL

Nam Tok Ron is one of Krabi's most picturesque hot springs. It's a natural outdoor spa with a tiered series of rock pools fed by water from thermal springs. The warm water (around 40 degrees) gushes into the pools from underground volcanic chambers. The hot-stream waterfall is located 45 kilometres from Krabi city and is popular with locals. The entrance fee is 90 baht ($3).

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When you're feeling Krabi about Phuket

The extensive renovation of one of Palm Beachs most renowned estates, historic Villa Artemis, demonstrates clearly the advantage of bringing landscape designers into projects early.

The landscape, the house and a new guesthouse truly work as one, lending visual elegance and cohesiveness to the oceanfront estate, completed in 1917 for the Guest family but owned for more than four decades by the Rosenthals.

In recognition of its significant role as part of a greater whole, the garden design by Nievera Williams Design on Thursday won the third annual Lesly S. Smith Landscape Award from the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach. The honor was announced at the foundations headquarters on Peruvian Avenue during the annual dinner of its Preservationist Club.

Designing one of the most iconic vistas in Palm Beach was never going to be easy, but, the garden design at Villa Artemis by Nievera Williams is a triumph, said Alexander C. Ives, executive director of the foundation, in a prepared statement. An example to all, it is a great choice for the award.

Villa Artemis is home to Michael and Jane Rosenthal Horvitz as well as to Cynthia Rosenthal Boardman, Jane Horvitzs sister. Prior to the renovation, the family had successfully worked with Mario Nievera on small projects at the beachfront estate.

It came as no surprise that they enlisted his services again when they began planning major additions and renovations to the Regency-style estate at 656 N. County Road two-and-a-half years ago. The architectural firm of Ferguson & Shamamian of New York City designed the renovations.

I worked with the architect and the owners to come up with a scheme based on the existing house and walls. This is the ultimate Regency house, said Nievera, whose business partner, Keith Williams, was involved in developingthe landscape plan.

From the start, the team agreed that the landscaping would showcase the classically-styled structures rather than compete with them. The result is a design respectful of the estates original grandeur, but with an emphasis on more updated plant choices.

While horticulture has changed over the years, I wanted the grounds to look like they did in my clients memories, Nievera said.

Hence, pittosporum, Australian pines and St. Augustine grass have been replaced with green island ficus, clusia, Confederate jasmine, dwarf podacarpus, hibiscus and zoysia grass. The existing sea grapes and sabal palms couldnt be touched because of protective regulations.

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Landscape award honors Villa Artemis gardens

A record number of exhibitors and vendors will make this year's Valley Flower, Garden and Pool Show the biggest ever.

The show runs March 7-9 in the Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds.

"Once Upon a Time" is the theme of the show, which will feature displays by 17 professional landscapers and more than 60 retailers and artisans.

"It's perfect timing," says organizer Laurie Wuchter. "I think everyone is so over snow."

Four new landscapers will have displays Around the Ground of Bernville, Redstone Landscaping of Slatington, and Merkle's Landscape and Tall Timbers Nursery, both of Allentown.

The layout of the show is different, too, Wuchter says, and will feature exhibits on both sides of the Agri-Plex.

New this year, visitors will enter through the door at the Agri-Plex Annex into the National Pool and Spa Expo presented by Doctor Feelgood's of Bethlehem.

Speakers will present programs on pruning, soil testing, attracting birds and other topics, including two hands-on workshops for children at a stage at the Agri-Plex main entrance.

This is the fourth year for the show, which returned annually after taking a hiatus in 2009 and 2010.

Visitors can buy fresh flowers and arrangements. Also, the Lehigh Valley Floral Association will demonstrate flower arranging, and at the end of each day, the floral designs they produce will be auctioned off to raise funds for the association.

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Lehigh Valley Flower, Garden and Pool Show boasts record number of exhibits

Earthy hues that blend into the landscape tend to dominate the outdoor furniture market. Understated woods, metals and cushions are easy-to-incorporate neutralelements.

But outdoor spaces also offer the chance to be more adventurous than we are inclined to beindoors.

Maybe bolder balconies and peppier patios are on your redecoratingradar?

Vibrant color has dominated the home furnishings arena since last fall, and after an unusually cold winter, the times ripe for bright color to become a focus for our outdoor spaces. Color is a great energizer, said Jackie Hirchhault, marketing vice president for the American Home Furnishings

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A Neely Bistro Set in peacock blue adds unexpected, fun color to a patio or smallterrace. (Full-size photo)(All photos)

Earthy hues that blend into the landscape tend to dominate the outdoor furniture market. Understated woods, metals and cushions are easy-to-incorporate neutralelements.

But outdoor spaces also offer the chance to be more adventurous than we are inclined to beindoors.

Maybe bolder balconies and peppier patios are on your redecoratingradar?

Read more:
Boost patio panache with bright colors - Sun, 02 Mar 2014 PST

Columbus, Ohio (PRWEB) February 27, 2014

As cold air continues to have its grip on the Midwest, you can escape by heading to the Home and Garden Show at the Ohio Expo Center. Builderscape, Central Ohios Premier Landscape Design Build Company, is proud to be part of the show this year. It is the companys first year at the Home and Garden Show. We are excited to be part of the event this year, said Chris Matthews, Vice President of Builderscape. Its a great opportunity to show the community what we have to offer.

The Builderscape exhibit features a care-free swimming pool, paver patio and outdoor living area. Visitors to the booth can also check out pictures of some of the companys latest projects.

People are ready to start making improvements to their homes as soon as the weather warms up. Its been a tough winter and everyone weve talked to has spring fever, said Matthews.

The home and garden show runs through March 2nd. Tickets are $12 dollars for adults. Show hours are Saturdays, 10 a.m. 8 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. 6 p.m.; Tuesday: 3-8 p.m.; Wednesday - Friday, noon to 8 p.m.

Builderscape is a landscape design build company in central Ohio with more than 30 years experience. The company provides a variety of services from landscape and commercial landscaping to general contracting. For more information regarding Builderscape, go to http://www.builderscape.com.

Press release distributed by Green eSolutions, a Columbus internet marketing company.

Original post:
Columbus Ohio Landscape Company Says it's Time to Think Spring at the Home and Garden Show

By Sarah Gordon

PUBLISHED: 10:44 EST, 26 February 2014 | UPDATED: 10:48 EST, 26 February 2014

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There is nothing we like more on holiday that a perfect pool at our resort. Whether we're sitting around it and enjoying the view, cocktail in hand, or plunging in to cool off after a particularly strenuous tanning session.

So it comes as no surprise that hotels are priding themselves on creating iconic pools to tempt travellers.

Peak of perfection: Slip into the pool and float around while enjoying a view of the Pitons in St Lucia

Design Hotels has made a splash by nominating its 'three impossibly perfect pools', the soothing waters that crown its collection of stylish accommodation. And the pictures will have you longing to dip a toe in the water.

But TravelMail decided to go one step further and add our own three pools of perfection into the mix.

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Six of the world's most perfect pools: In pictures