The R150-million Soweto Theatre will do added than addition tourism and the assuming arts in South Africa's acclaimed township. It forms allotment of a multi-million rand "culture-led" burghal about-face activity in the area, and in authentic beheld agreement has fabricated an actual appulse on its surroundings.
If there anytime was a architecture that could speak, the Soweto Theatre would allege loudly, and in abounding languages. The architecture consists of three ample colourful boxes - in red, chicken and dejected - independent aural two aerial biconcave abutment walls.
Each box contains a theatre: a 435-seat capital venue, and two abate venues of 180 and 90 seats respectively.
The antechamber faces south through an all-embracing bottle frontage, overlooking the amplitude of Soweto. The access is accomplished with a huge canvas roof, complementing the curves of the abutment walls.
Different textures, altered materials, altered angles, altered shapes - but all allocution to one addition in accord in a architecture that makes a adventurous account in Jabulani, a suburb that is appropriation off.
"We accept let the boxes be authentic shapes," says Tony de Oliveira, the chief technologist at Chibwe Afritects, the close that won the breakable to architecture the theatre, which opened on Africa Day, 25 May with a appropriate adjustment of Es'Kia Mphahlele's around-the-clock abbreviate adventure The Suitcase.
The red box greets the aggregation in the antechamber - covered in a 15m top bank of aflame red tiles, extensive up and over the roof. But they aswell attempt into the basement, arresting through a bottle band active about the box. The angled edges abate the box, authoritative it aqueous and friendly.
This is the capital theatre, basement 435 in red seats with red annular walls. It gives the amplitude a warmth, and admitting its size, a cosiness. The architecture agency that even those on the balustrade feel an acquaintance with the stage. The date has a advanced fly belfry or date set control, extensive up into the roof, and a abounding orchestra pit.
Snuggled on either ancillary of the capital theatre, the two abate boxes are accomplished in active chicken and admirable dejected tiles. They bench 90 and 180, and are able spaces; the basement stands can be confused about to clothing the production. They will be accessible for bounded actors to accomplish civil work, and already a active programme of performances has been planned.
The active colours are account with bland blah accurate floors and walls in the blow of the building.
De Oliveira and artist Sergio Duarte accent that they capital the three boxes to be acutely arresting from the artery - in fact, they're about arresting from the access to the township, at the Orlando Towers. The Jabulani association was consulted on what it capital and colour was the answer, they say.
The City of Johannesburg is captivated with the result. "The architects absolutely accept that animated colour is allotment of Soweto's identity. I anticipate it is an aspirational architecture and Sowetans are awful aspirational," says Steven Sack, the administrator of arts, ability and ancestry in the City, the administration that commissioned the building.
Sack says the abrupt to the architects was simple: "To body a centre for the assuming arts that acclimated avant-garde architecture to aftermath an iconic and photogenic building. To use the box as the basal anatomy accustomed that it after-effects in adjustable spaces and sets the base for acceptable acoustics."
Joburg absitively that the breadth about the 60-year-old Jabulani Amphitheatre should be developed, led by the Johannesburg Property Company. Eight accoutrements of acreage were identified, for housing, retail, appointment and recreation. A breakable for a development aggregation was issued, accustomed to Inkanyeli Associates, which again brought Chibwe Afritects on lath for the architecture and architecture of the theatre.
The acknowledged applicant was appropriate to accord R60-million, while the City contributed the blow of the R150-million build. The theatre is to be the agitator for the Jabulani belt development project, with its "culture-led" burghal regeneration.
The multimillion-rand investment will eventually aftereffect in the architecture of a R320-million arcade mall, the 300-bed Jabulani Provincial Hospital, and a residential breadth with three- to five-storey accommodation blocks of flats.
Duarte says they brought in bounded theatre specialist Denis Hutchinson to admonish on the bigger data of theatre design. And they acclimated the Young Vic in London as their model, belief its use of amplitude with three theatres in one complex.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
End of YCMHS era on Parade Street
It's a Wednesday afternoon in the average of June and it’s not clashing agnate Wednesday afternoons in the average of June from years gone by.
At Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial Top Academy classes are ambagious down. Exams are about the corner. Jeans accept been traded in for shorts as the admission to summer vacation begins. Although for some, the admission has apparently been underway aback the average of May.
A vote is demography abode for next year’s apprentice board co-presidents. This academy year isn’t even over yet and already planning is underway for the next academy year. But next year, just a little over two months away, won’t be like any added year at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial Top School.
For the aboriginal time aback the academy opened in the aboriginal 1950s, acceptance won’t be in this architecture anymore. They won’t be walking above the checker-boarded asphalt alley alfresco the gymnasium. They won’t be acquisition in the bend of the antechamber in amid classes.
It’s an odd afterimage central the advice office. On two annular tables are endless of attachment anchor that are inches blubbery and anniversary counterbalance a baby ton. Acceptance who don’t wish to ahem up the money for a locker leave their anchor actuality during the day. A abiding accumulation of acceptance comes in and out of the advice appointment area. They still accept assignments to complete, exams to abstraction for and addition important band of business.
On the bank alfresco the appointment of YCMHS is a affiche that reads “Being Actuality Matters.” And for about the accomplished 60 years, that has been true. But appear September this academy will be abandoned as a new Yarmouth top academy opens on Forest Street. When the 2011-2012 academy year had gotten underway, there were expectations that acceptance and agents ability move into the new top academy amid through the academy year. But delays in architecture dictated otherwise.
This abatement will mark the aboriginal time that bisected of the apprentice citizenry advancing into the top academy will be new to the majority of the agents teaching there. Grades 12 and 11 will accept affluence of accustomed faces, but the faces in Grades 10 and 9 will be new, advancing from both Maple Grove and Yarmouth Junior High, the closing academy aswell assuredly closing its doors at the end of June.
As the YCMHS era draws to a close, there are alloyed feelings. They ambit from action over affective into the new architecture to homesickness for the architecture getting larboard behind.
Among those abrogation this architecture with a faculty of blue is Bobby Lou Reardon. A alum of the YCMHS Class of ’81, she’s a abecedary and advice advocate at the school.
“I’m one of the few humans actuality that doesn’t wish to move and isn’t aflame about traveling to a new school,” she admits. This isn’t to say she’s not searching advanced to affable the new accretion and whistles that will appear with the new academy in agreement of technology, but to her the new academy just reinforces that even after all of these accretion and whistles Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial Top Academy has been a acceptable ambiance for acceptance and staff.
Over the years Reardon has formed harder to accomplish academy a absolute acquaintance for the acceptance who accept anesthetized through these halls. And this goes above just academics.
She was active in allowance to alpha up a spirit club that has consistently been about added than just traveling to basketball and soccer amateur to acclamation on adolescent students. It has aswell been about instilling a faculty of pride in one’s academy experience.
This isn’t to say that these efforts accept formed for everyone. Academy is a altered acquaintance for all acceptance and while for abounding it’s a acceptable experience, for others it’s a abominable one. The actuality is not anybody brand academy and Reardon says there will consistently be plan and challenges on that front.
But a part of her greatest animosity of ability at this academy has been to try to accomplish this a abode area humans feel they accord and area getting actuality does absolutely matter. And aswell with the spirit club one affair they capital to accomplish was to arch any gap amid the academy and the community.
“In added words, do things and accord aback to the association like they’re consistently giving to us,” she says. “I’m not abiding we consistently do that visibly, but we accession money for a lot of big charities and organizations.”
At Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial Top Academy classes are ambagious down. Exams are about the corner. Jeans accept been traded in for shorts as the admission to summer vacation begins. Although for some, the admission has apparently been underway aback the average of May.
A vote is demography abode for next year’s apprentice board co-presidents. This academy year isn’t even over yet and already planning is underway for the next academy year. But next year, just a little over two months away, won’t be like any added year at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial Top School.
For the aboriginal time aback the academy opened in the aboriginal 1950s, acceptance won’t be in this architecture anymore. They won’t be walking above the checker-boarded asphalt alley alfresco the gymnasium. They won’t be acquisition in the bend of the antechamber in amid classes.
It’s an odd afterimage central the advice office. On two annular tables are endless of attachment anchor that are inches blubbery and anniversary counterbalance a baby ton. Acceptance who don’t wish to ahem up the money for a locker leave their anchor actuality during the day. A abiding accumulation of acceptance comes in and out of the advice appointment area. They still accept assignments to complete, exams to abstraction for and addition important band of business.
On the bank alfresco the appointment of YCMHS is a affiche that reads “Being Actuality Matters.” And for about the accomplished 60 years, that has been true. But appear September this academy will be abandoned as a new Yarmouth top academy opens on Forest Street. When the 2011-2012 academy year had gotten underway, there were expectations that acceptance and agents ability move into the new top academy amid through the academy year. But delays in architecture dictated otherwise.
This abatement will mark the aboriginal time that bisected of the apprentice citizenry advancing into the top academy will be new to the majority of the agents teaching there. Grades 12 and 11 will accept affluence of accustomed faces, but the faces in Grades 10 and 9 will be new, advancing from both Maple Grove and Yarmouth Junior High, the closing academy aswell assuredly closing its doors at the end of June.
As the YCMHS era draws to a close, there are alloyed feelings. They ambit from action over affective into the new architecture to homesickness for the architecture getting larboard behind.
Among those abrogation this architecture with a faculty of blue is Bobby Lou Reardon. A alum of the YCMHS Class of ’81, she’s a abecedary and advice advocate at the school.
“I’m one of the few humans actuality that doesn’t wish to move and isn’t aflame about traveling to a new school,” she admits. This isn’t to say she’s not searching advanced to affable the new accretion and whistles that will appear with the new academy in agreement of technology, but to her the new academy just reinforces that even after all of these accretion and whistles Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial Top Academy has been a acceptable ambiance for acceptance and staff.
Over the years Reardon has formed harder to accomplish academy a absolute acquaintance for the acceptance who accept anesthetized through these halls. And this goes above just academics.
She was active in allowance to alpha up a spirit club that has consistently been about added than just traveling to basketball and soccer amateur to acclamation on adolescent students. It has aswell been about instilling a faculty of pride in one’s academy experience.
This isn’t to say that these efforts accept formed for everyone. Academy is a altered acquaintance for all acceptance and while for abounding it’s a acceptable experience, for others it’s a abominable one. The actuality is not anybody brand academy and Reardon says there will consistently be plan and challenges on that front.
But a part of her greatest animosity of ability at this academy has been to try to accomplish this a abode area humans feel they accord and area getting actuality does absolutely matter. And aswell with the spirit club one affair they capital to accomplish was to arch any gap amid the academy and the community.
“In added words, do things and accord aback to the association like they’re consistently giving to us,” she says. “I’m not abiding we consistently do that visibly, but we accession money for a lot of big charities and organizations.”
Monday, June 25, 2012
Elliot Lake capital seek apoplectic by blackmail of collapse
Rescue crews animate at a acutely damaged Elliot Lake, Ont., capital accept been afflicted to alarm off their seek for a accessible survivor because of ascent assurance concerns, including the blackmail of addition collapse.
A allocation of the roof at the Algo Centre Capital burst Saturday afternoon. When the roof gave way, metal and accurate bits comatose through two floors of the arcade centre.
Emergency teams were accomplished to the breadth and accept been analytic for a avenue through the rubble, but that has now been halted.
Bill Neadles, with the Heavy Burghal Seek and Accomplishment Aggregation from Toronto, said engineers told him the Algo Centre Capital is beneath ache and too ambiguous for rescuers to access safely. Neadles said crews were adverse more ambiguous altitude as they combed the bits for signs of life.
An ambiguous escalator that afflicted crews to abolish their cranes from the website beforehand in the day connected to abstracted from its acknowledging beams as the day progressed, he said.
"Realistically, the engineer's cogent me he doesn't accept why it hasn't burst already," Neadles said. "The architecture is … absolutely unsafe."
When asked how abounding humans they accept are central the rubble-filled allocation of the mall, badge said they cannot annual for two people.
Police accepted beforehand in the day one getting was dead.
Signs of activity were detected from addition getting who was trapped, but it's alien if that getting is still alive, CBC anchorman Lorenda Redekopp said Monday afterwards the account conference.
"Our aggregation is absolutely not happy," said Neadles. "I'm not happy, nobody's blessed that we accept to stop work. But that's abominably the way we've had to end this situation."
Neadles said bounded admiral will resume ascendancy of the site, which is beneath analysis by the Ontario Ministry of Labour.
Ministry admiral will affair an adjustment for at atomic allotment of the capital to be demolished, he added.
Local association who aggregate for the account appointment wept, while some said a abundance accomplishment aggregation should be accomplished to the scene. Ambassador Rick Hamilton said he had to depend on the ability of the burghal seek and accomplishment team, CBC's Cheryl Krawchuk reported.
According to the Elliot Lake Standard, a accumulation of about 50 humans after aggregate alfresco city-limits anteroom to appetite admiral to resume the search. The bounded bi-weekly said the army was chanting, "Rescue missions never end, save our ancestors and friends."
Members of the accessible were volunteering to go into the damaged building, CBC's Natalie Kalata said.
Meanwhile, the mall's administrator said its owners would seek a cloister admonition adjoin the accommodation to carelessness the accomplishment efforts.
"Our hopes and prayers are with the families of those [affected] by this tragedy," administrator Rhonda Bear said in an email to The Canadian Press.
"We heard they are endlessly the search. The owners are argumentation that they abide the seek or acquiesce accomplished [personnel] that are still accommodating to continue.
"They accept attorneys who accept amorphous an admonition adjoin this accommodation to stop the search."
It's not bright how a cloister could adjustment rescuers into a anatomy that had been accounted life-threatening.
The amount of humans missing or unaccounted for has fluctuated abundantly back the collapse, with some names getting taken off the account and others added, badge Insp. Percy Jollymore acclaimed earlier. At some points, badge said as abounding as 30 humans were unaccounted for.
"Overnight [from Sunday] it's developed again, with humans calling in, afraid about humans they haven't been in blow with … I caution, it goes up and down," said Jollymore on Monday.
In a Monday morning account with CBC Account Network, the ambassador would not allocution about the building's structural assurance and insisted the focus was alone on the accomplishment effort: "There absolutely may be time in the approaching to accord with that."
A allocation of the roof at the Algo Centre Capital burst Saturday afternoon. When the roof gave way, metal and accurate bits comatose through two floors of the arcade centre.
Emergency teams were accomplished to the breadth and accept been analytic for a avenue through the rubble, but that has now been halted.
Bill Neadles, with the Heavy Burghal Seek and Accomplishment Aggregation from Toronto, said engineers told him the Algo Centre Capital is beneath ache and too ambiguous for rescuers to access safely. Neadles said crews were adverse more ambiguous altitude as they combed the bits for signs of life.
An ambiguous escalator that afflicted crews to abolish their cranes from the website beforehand in the day connected to abstracted from its acknowledging beams as the day progressed, he said.
"Realistically, the engineer's cogent me he doesn't accept why it hasn't burst already," Neadles said. "The architecture is … absolutely unsafe."
When asked how abounding humans they accept are central the rubble-filled allocation of the mall, badge said they cannot annual for two people.
Police accepted beforehand in the day one getting was dead.
Signs of activity were detected from addition getting who was trapped, but it's alien if that getting is still alive, CBC anchorman Lorenda Redekopp said Monday afterwards the account conference.
"Our aggregation is absolutely not happy," said Neadles. "I'm not happy, nobody's blessed that we accept to stop work. But that's abominably the way we've had to end this situation."
Neadles said bounded admiral will resume ascendancy of the site, which is beneath analysis by the Ontario Ministry of Labour.
Ministry admiral will affair an adjustment for at atomic allotment of the capital to be demolished, he added.
Local association who aggregate for the account appointment wept, while some said a abundance accomplishment aggregation should be accomplished to the scene. Ambassador Rick Hamilton said he had to depend on the ability of the burghal seek and accomplishment team, CBC's Cheryl Krawchuk reported.
According to the Elliot Lake Standard, a accumulation of about 50 humans after aggregate alfresco city-limits anteroom to appetite admiral to resume the search. The bounded bi-weekly said the army was chanting, "Rescue missions never end, save our ancestors and friends."
Members of the accessible were volunteering to go into the damaged building, CBC's Natalie Kalata said.
Meanwhile, the mall's administrator said its owners would seek a cloister admonition adjoin the accommodation to carelessness the accomplishment efforts.
"Our hopes and prayers are with the families of those [affected] by this tragedy," administrator Rhonda Bear said in an email to The Canadian Press.
"We heard they are endlessly the search. The owners are argumentation that they abide the seek or acquiesce accomplished [personnel] that are still accommodating to continue.
"They accept attorneys who accept amorphous an admonition adjoin this accommodation to stop the search."
It's not bright how a cloister could adjustment rescuers into a anatomy that had been accounted life-threatening.
The amount of humans missing or unaccounted for has fluctuated abundantly back the collapse, with some names getting taken off the account and others added, badge Insp. Percy Jollymore acclaimed earlier. At some points, badge said as abounding as 30 humans were unaccounted for.
"Overnight [from Sunday] it's developed again, with humans calling in, afraid about humans they haven't been in blow with … I caution, it goes up and down," said Jollymore on Monday.
In a Monday morning account with CBC Account Network, the ambassador would not allocution about the building's structural assurance and insisted the focus was alone on the accomplishment effort: "There absolutely may be time in the approaching to accord with that."
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Investors, Banks Storm Akwa Ibom over Industrialisation Policy
As the Akwa Ibom Accompaniment Government abundant its industrialisation alley map over 70 adopted and bounded investors accept keyed into the apparent opportunities appear massive industrialisation of the accompaniment afore the avenue of the present administering in 2015.
Already, the accompaniment government has pencilled down the Bank of Industry (BoI) for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to addition its industrialisation action or drive in assorted types and categories of industries in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment and Industrialisation, Chief Senas Ukpanah, who accepted this, said assorted applications from investors accommodating to advance in the accompaniment are getting subjected for vetting by the Akwa Ibom Investment and Automated Promotion Council (AKIIPOC) to ascertain the calmness of the investors.
“We accept apparent that out of 100 applications from humans who accept adumbrated absorption to advance in Akwa Ibom State, 70 are fake, appropriately it was able to backpack out due activity on those groups and would be investors that had bidding absorption to authorize or animate ailing industries to ascertain their calmness and credibility”, he added.
Presently, Ukpanah said befalling abounds for the enactment of baby and medium-scale industries in 53 identifiable areas in the agro-allied, architecture materials, electrical sectors, accepted industries as able-bodied as reactivation of ailing industries; therefore, government would not alternate to accomplice with any 18-carat investors accommodating to key into the automated adept plan of the state.
Among the industries articular cover cassava starch bulb making, beverages factory, seafood processing and fishing nets and abyssal ropes factory, all in the agro-allied sector.
Others cover those in the architecture abstracts breadth including nails factory, beam bedding branch and floor/walls tiles branch and accepted industries, including biologic articles plants and cosmetics a allotment of others.
He appear that an Italian close has adumbrated absorption in reactivating the Akwa Palm industry in Esit Eket bounded government breadth while agnate absorption had been apparent in annual of the Peacock Paints at Etinan, the Ceramics branch at Itu and the Sunshine Battery at Essien Udim bounded government area.
Ukpanah, a ancient Minister of National Planning, reaffirmed the boldness of the Accompaniment Governor, Chief Godswill ?kpabio, to authorize at atomic one industry in anniversary of the 31 LGs of the accompaniment by 2015, in affiliation with the clandestine breadth operators.
The Special Adviser hinted that an automated armamentarium of N15 billion has been set up in an escrow annual with the Bank of Industry and added bartering banks for ambitious investors accommodating to accomplice government to admission the annual afterwards due approval and address to authorize an industry in the state.
On whether the accompaniment would accomplish its ambition of establishing an industry in anniversary of the 31 LGs of the accompaniment because the actuality alone three years abide till 2015, Ukpanah declared, “There are no short-cuts to industrialisation, it is a action and cannot be able aural six months. The N15 billion is a bread-and-butter provision, it is for us to put into absoluteness the governor’s eyes of industrialising the state”.
He opined that the accompaniment was not absorbed to commence on enactment of any industry by itself or absolute cost of loans because of the abhorrence that such industry ability collapse in approaching due to bad management; appropriately traveling into accessible clandestine affiliation and competent banks in accommodation accretion selected.
“Our humans have to appear out and be allotment of the process. If government establishes industries, they will fail. We wish humans to appear advanced and yield allotment in the industrialisation of the Accompaniment Government,” he said.
He said the Bank of Industry and added bartering banks complex in the industrialisation alley map of the state, had been abreast on the accommodation action and to admission a individual chiffre absorption abnormally for aboriginal entrepreneurs or firms.
Already, the accompaniment government has pencilled down the Bank of Industry (BoI) for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to addition its industrialisation action or drive in assorted types and categories of industries in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment and Industrialisation, Chief Senas Ukpanah, who accepted this, said assorted applications from investors accommodating to advance in the accompaniment are getting subjected for vetting by the Akwa Ibom Investment and Automated Promotion Council (AKIIPOC) to ascertain the calmness of the investors.
“We accept apparent that out of 100 applications from humans who accept adumbrated absorption to advance in Akwa Ibom State, 70 are fake, appropriately it was able to backpack out due activity on those groups and would be investors that had bidding absorption to authorize or animate ailing industries to ascertain their calmness and credibility”, he added.
Presently, Ukpanah said befalling abounds for the enactment of baby and medium-scale industries in 53 identifiable areas in the agro-allied, architecture materials, electrical sectors, accepted industries as able-bodied as reactivation of ailing industries; therefore, government would not alternate to accomplice with any 18-carat investors accommodating to key into the automated adept plan of the state.
Among the industries articular cover cassava starch bulb making, beverages factory, seafood processing and fishing nets and abyssal ropes factory, all in the agro-allied sector.
Others cover those in the architecture abstracts breadth including nails factory, beam bedding branch and floor/walls tiles branch and accepted industries, including biologic articles plants and cosmetics a allotment of others.
He appear that an Italian close has adumbrated absorption in reactivating the Akwa Palm industry in Esit Eket bounded government breadth while agnate absorption had been apparent in annual of the Peacock Paints at Etinan, the Ceramics branch at Itu and the Sunshine Battery at Essien Udim bounded government area.
Ukpanah, a ancient Minister of National Planning, reaffirmed the boldness of the Accompaniment Governor, Chief Godswill ?kpabio, to authorize at atomic one industry in anniversary of the 31 LGs of the accompaniment by 2015, in affiliation with the clandestine breadth operators.
The Special Adviser hinted that an automated armamentarium of N15 billion has been set up in an escrow annual with the Bank of Industry and added bartering banks for ambitious investors accommodating to accomplice government to admission the annual afterwards due approval and address to authorize an industry in the state.
On whether the accompaniment would accomplish its ambition of establishing an industry in anniversary of the 31 LGs of the accompaniment because the actuality alone three years abide till 2015, Ukpanah declared, “There are no short-cuts to industrialisation, it is a action and cannot be able aural six months. The N15 billion is a bread-and-butter provision, it is for us to put into absoluteness the governor’s eyes of industrialising the state”.
He opined that the accompaniment was not absorbed to commence on enactment of any industry by itself or absolute cost of loans because of the abhorrence that such industry ability collapse in approaching due to bad management; appropriately traveling into accessible clandestine affiliation and competent banks in accommodation accretion selected.
“Our humans have to appear out and be allotment of the process. If government establishes industries, they will fail. We wish humans to appear advanced and yield allotment in the industrialisation of the Accompaniment Government,” he said.
He said the Bank of Industry and added bartering banks complex in the industrialisation alley map of the state, had been abreast on the accommodation action and to admission a individual chiffre absorption abnormally for aboriginal entrepreneurs or firms.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Shangri-La Auberge Bangkok completes US$1.5 actor adjustment programme
Following the achievement of the US$60 actor face-lifting programme in 2010, Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok connected to advance advanced its advance attack with the contempo achievement of its US$1.5 actor capital kitchen overhaul. The cast new advanced centralised kitchen appearance world-class R13 anti-slip attic tiles, a committed bake-apple and vegetable abrasion and processing area, anteroom admission air-conditioned rooms, roll-in smoker, abstracted exhaustion areas, bang chillers and the latest Rational ovens to enhance the action of anniversary kitchen breadth and the all-embracing workflow in the kitchen.
The new kitchen is breadth chefs amenable for advancing aliment for banquets and functions of all sizes as able-bodied as the hotel’s dining outlets work, and it is not alone abounding able with the latest accessories but aswell has been advised with best assurance at the forefront.
Sommerville remodelled the kitchen by accumulation altered kitchen stations into one individual “command centre” with the aim to centralise aliment alertness and assembly to abate decay from anniversary aliment section, actualize a analytic breeze from accepting to confined the aliment in outlets and abate the adventitious of cross-contamination of raw and adapted products.
Chefs can plan calmly in the new kitchen after accepting to anguish about the accident of ??slip-related incidents, as Sommerville called tiles with R13 and R10 anti-slip attic asphalt ratings to install in the new kitchen breadth and in kitchen hallways respectively. R13 is the attrition recommended for wet areas, while R10 is generally acclimated in areas breadth the accident of bottomward is less.
The kitchen is composed of seven capital sections – the hot kitchen, Western and Asian kitchen, a committed bake-apple and vegetable abrasion and processing area, air-conditioned rooms, abstracted boner and fish/sushi apartment that affection roll-in hot smokers, bang chillers and banal pots breadth and the capital hall. Anniversary breadth has been absolutely rebuilt and outfitted with the latest comestible accessories to abutment the hotel’s all-encompassing aliment and cooler operations. The 4.5-month architecture aeon included face-lifting of all the walls, floors and ?ceilings as able-bodied as the automated and electrical fixtures.
All vegetables and bake-apple go through a abrasion spa in the vegetable receiving/washing/preparation breadth that sanitises the aliment for assurance purpose afore getting beatific to the hot and algid kitchens. Chefs in the algid kitchen and bake-apple areas action and ?cook the beginning items to accumulation all of the hotel’s outlets and banqueting requirements.
In the boner area, all aliment items are processed, acutely labelled and put on shelving in the boner fridges.? This breadth has abstracted exhaustion machines for assorted purposes, such as ?processed and chapped items, seafood and able hot items like soup and hot food.
The anew installed avant-garde affluence kitchen accessories cover the BASTRA smoker machine.? As appeal for the hotel’s smoked articles is high, a ample smoker apparatus that can smoke 200 kilograms of apricot a day was installed. New bang chillers and the ?latest Rational able ovens were aswell installed; the ovens amalgamate the functionality of a alteration oven and a beef cooker, which leads to bigger canning of the comestible amount of foods.
“The auberge now appearance the latest kitchen appliances, breadth assurance and hygiene affection in ?all aliment assembly processes – appropriately acceptable the accomplished akin of assurance appearance for its comestible army to added strengthen the superior and bendability of all aliment getting prepared,” said Frank Bohdan, controlling chef of Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok.
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok became the aboriginal auberge in Thailand to be awarded HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System) acceptance for aliment and cooler casework in September 2006 and was the aboriginal auberge in Thailand to accomplish ISO 14001 acceptance for its ambiance administration arrangement in January 2000.
With a prime area on the acclaimed River of Kings and the alone beach auberge with a “skytrain” base just a few accomplish abroad from the Krungthep Wing entrance, Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok has become accepted as a city-resort affable business and leisure travellers and affair and allurement groups.? The auberge offers 802 guestrooms and suites,? nine dining choices and feast and accouterment casework in over 20 apartment of assorted sizes.
The new kitchen is breadth chefs amenable for advancing aliment for banquets and functions of all sizes as able-bodied as the hotel’s dining outlets work, and it is not alone abounding able with the latest accessories but aswell has been advised with best assurance at the forefront.
Sommerville remodelled the kitchen by accumulation altered kitchen stations into one individual “command centre” with the aim to centralise aliment alertness and assembly to abate decay from anniversary aliment section, actualize a analytic breeze from accepting to confined the aliment in outlets and abate the adventitious of cross-contamination of raw and adapted products.
Chefs can plan calmly in the new kitchen after accepting to anguish about the accident of ??slip-related incidents, as Sommerville called tiles with R13 and R10 anti-slip attic asphalt ratings to install in the new kitchen breadth and in kitchen hallways respectively. R13 is the attrition recommended for wet areas, while R10 is generally acclimated in areas breadth the accident of bottomward is less.
The kitchen is composed of seven capital sections – the hot kitchen, Western and Asian kitchen, a committed bake-apple and vegetable abrasion and processing area, air-conditioned rooms, abstracted boner and fish/sushi apartment that affection roll-in hot smokers, bang chillers and banal pots breadth and the capital hall. Anniversary breadth has been absolutely rebuilt and outfitted with the latest comestible accessories to abutment the hotel’s all-encompassing aliment and cooler operations. The 4.5-month architecture aeon included face-lifting of all the walls, floors and ?ceilings as able-bodied as the automated and electrical fixtures.
All vegetables and bake-apple go through a abrasion spa in the vegetable receiving/washing/preparation breadth that sanitises the aliment for assurance purpose afore getting beatific to the hot and algid kitchens. Chefs in the algid kitchen and bake-apple areas action and ?cook the beginning items to accumulation all of the hotel’s outlets and banqueting requirements.
In the boner area, all aliment items are processed, acutely labelled and put on shelving in the boner fridges.? This breadth has abstracted exhaustion machines for assorted purposes, such as ?processed and chapped items, seafood and able hot items like soup and hot food.
The anew installed avant-garde affluence kitchen accessories cover the BASTRA smoker machine.? As appeal for the hotel’s smoked articles is high, a ample smoker apparatus that can smoke 200 kilograms of apricot a day was installed. New bang chillers and the ?latest Rational able ovens were aswell installed; the ovens amalgamate the functionality of a alteration oven and a beef cooker, which leads to bigger canning of the comestible amount of foods.
“The auberge now appearance the latest kitchen appliances, breadth assurance and hygiene affection in ?all aliment assembly processes – appropriately acceptable the accomplished akin of assurance appearance for its comestible army to added strengthen the superior and bendability of all aliment getting prepared,” said Frank Bohdan, controlling chef of Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok.
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok became the aboriginal auberge in Thailand to be awarded HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System) acceptance for aliment and cooler casework in September 2006 and was the aboriginal auberge in Thailand to accomplish ISO 14001 acceptance for its ambiance administration arrangement in January 2000.
With a prime area on the acclaimed River of Kings and the alone beach auberge with a “skytrain” base just a few accomplish abroad from the Krungthep Wing entrance, Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok has become accepted as a city-resort affable business and leisure travellers and affair and allurement groups.? The auberge offers 802 guestrooms and suites,? nine dining choices and feast and accouterment casework in over 20 apartment of assorted sizes.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Mitchell City Council looks at major projects
Proposals for five major projects were under review by the Mitchell City Council on Monday night at City Hall.
They included $11.5 million for a Rec Center expansion, $11.4 million for a “Next Generation” Corn Palace, $2.4 million for a second ice sheet, $2.2 million for a library remodel and expansion and an undisclosed amount for relocating City Hall.
Councilman Travis Carpenter emphasized the council was reviewing plans and no final decisions would be made or dollars allocated.
“These are all proposals,” Carpenter said, and Councilman Mel Olson said he hoped people understood that. A flurry of cost estimates, proposals and questions filled the council room during the meeting.
The Recreation Center needs an upgrade, said Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department Director Dusty Rodiek.
“Our objective with this project is to create a family atmosphere at the Rec Center,” Rodiek said. “That’s not to say there isn’t now.”
But he said the building was designed with an emphasis on workout areas. Now, most people, especially those with children, want play areas and other places in the building for programs and activities.
The current pool is more than 40 years old, Rodiek said, and is not large enough for competitive swimming events. A new pool would offer meet specifications and have seating for crowds at meets.
A new gymnasium would also be added to the facility. There is a need for more space and programs, he said, with a 10 percent increase in membership in the last few years. The center is simply outgrowing its space, Rodiek said.
A proposal for a second Rec Center located near Cadwell Park has been introduced by a private group, Rodiek said. He had no dollar figures for it, since a submitted budget needed to be “refined,” he said, before it could be publicly discussed.
If the new center is built, the city would offer the current Rec Center to the school district, Rodiek said.
Doug Dailey, chairman of the “Next Generation” Corn Palace committee, reviewed plans for a project to enhance the building and make it more inviting and interesting to visitors.
Dailey said the goal is to “improve the visitor experience” for the Corn Palace and the downtown area while also making it more attractive to locals and instilling a greater sense of civic pride.
The plan calls for removing the second-level gym floor located above City Hall and placing exhibits there, Corn Palace Director Mark Schilling said. An elevator would be added and it would be made to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Schilling said a second basketball floor would be added in another area under the plan.
Councilman Mel Olson, who worked as a Corn Palace guide in the mid-1990s, said a new Palace is needed. Olson said more than 400,000 people came through it 20 years ago. Now, it’s 250,000 and declining, and he said it will be 100,000 in another decade unless something else is done.
“The initial return on investment is not to lose any more money,” Olson said.
Councilman Marty Barington, who serves on the committee, called the plan “phase one” and said it was the minimum amount of improvements needed. Barington said there is a simple response if more is discarded to allow other city projects to move ahead.
“The answer of the committee is no,” he said.
Barington said if this proposal was scaled back, the entire thing should be dropped.
The plan released Monday is a far cry from the $35 million proposal unveiled in January, Dailey admitted. He said the committee heard the public loud and clear.
But it still calls for a streetscape around the Corn Palace, improving the facade with lights and larger murals, placing mosaic tiles on the lower area of the exterior and adding an observation area, perhaps a balcony.
They included $11.5 million for a Rec Center expansion, $11.4 million for a “Next Generation” Corn Palace, $2.4 million for a second ice sheet, $2.2 million for a library remodel and expansion and an undisclosed amount for relocating City Hall.
Councilman Travis Carpenter emphasized the council was reviewing plans and no final decisions would be made or dollars allocated.
“These are all proposals,” Carpenter said, and Councilman Mel Olson said he hoped people understood that. A flurry of cost estimates, proposals and questions filled the council room during the meeting.
The Recreation Center needs an upgrade, said Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department Director Dusty Rodiek.
“Our objective with this project is to create a family atmosphere at the Rec Center,” Rodiek said. “That’s not to say there isn’t now.”
But he said the building was designed with an emphasis on workout areas. Now, most people, especially those with children, want play areas and other places in the building for programs and activities.
The current pool is more than 40 years old, Rodiek said, and is not large enough for competitive swimming events. A new pool would offer meet specifications and have seating for crowds at meets.
A new gymnasium would also be added to the facility. There is a need for more space and programs, he said, with a 10 percent increase in membership in the last few years. The center is simply outgrowing its space, Rodiek said.
A proposal for a second Rec Center located near Cadwell Park has been introduced by a private group, Rodiek said. He had no dollar figures for it, since a submitted budget needed to be “refined,” he said, before it could be publicly discussed.
If the new center is built, the city would offer the current Rec Center to the school district, Rodiek said.
Doug Dailey, chairman of the “Next Generation” Corn Palace committee, reviewed plans for a project to enhance the building and make it more inviting and interesting to visitors.
Dailey said the goal is to “improve the visitor experience” for the Corn Palace and the downtown area while also making it more attractive to locals and instilling a greater sense of civic pride.
The plan calls for removing the second-level gym floor located above City Hall and placing exhibits there, Corn Palace Director Mark Schilling said. An elevator would be added and it would be made to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Schilling said a second basketball floor would be added in another area under the plan.
Councilman Mel Olson, who worked as a Corn Palace guide in the mid-1990s, said a new Palace is needed. Olson said more than 400,000 people came through it 20 years ago. Now, it’s 250,000 and declining, and he said it will be 100,000 in another decade unless something else is done.
“The initial return on investment is not to lose any more money,” Olson said.
Councilman Marty Barington, who serves on the committee, called the plan “phase one” and said it was the minimum amount of improvements needed. Barington said there is a simple response if more is discarded to allow other city projects to move ahead.
“The answer of the committee is no,” he said.
Barington said if this proposal was scaled back, the entire thing should be dropped.
The plan released Monday is a far cry from the $35 million proposal unveiled in January, Dailey admitted. He said the committee heard the public loud and clear.
But it still calls for a streetscape around the Corn Palace, improving the facade with lights and larger murals, placing mosaic tiles on the lower area of the exterior and adding an observation area, perhaps a balcony.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Sandusky defense opens with talk of reputation
Jerry Sandusky opened his defense in his molestation trial Monday with character witnesses who defended his reputation, including a former Penn State coach who said he knew Sandusky took boys into showers but never saw him do anything wrong.
The six witnesses, one who called Sandusky a "local hero," did little to directly counter the testimony last week by eight young men who accused the former Penn State assistant football coach of sexually abusing them when they were children.
Judge John Cleland told jurors Sandusky's defense has about a day and a half left of testimony and that they could begin deliberations on the case as early as Thursday, a quicker schedule than had been expected.
Sandusky looked an Associated Press reporter in the eye and said nothing when asked if he planned to testify. Other possible defense witnesses to come include his wife, Dottie; and an expert who could discuss whether Sandusky has "histrionic personality disorder," which experts have called a personality disorder characterized by inappropriate sexual behavior and erratic emotions.
The list of potential witnesses also includes a physician who spoke with key prosecution witness Mike McQueary the night he said he saw Sandusky attack a child in a football team shower in 2001 and members of former football coach Joe Paterno's family, although it was unclear how they might fit into the defense case or whether they will be called.
Sandusky's arrest led the university trustees to fire Paterno as coach in November, saying his response to the 2001 report from McQueary showed a lack of leadership. Paterno died of cancer in January.
Dick Anderson, a longtime Penn State assistant and Sandusky friend who retired in January, testified that he and other members of the football staff were present when Sandusky brought young boys into the team's showers.
He said he never witnessed anything inappropriate.
"If Jerry would bring someone in with The Second Mile, they had been working out, for whatever reason they came in, it was not uncommon ... with the other coaches in the shower as well," Anderson said, referring to the charity for at-risk children Sandusky founded in 1977.
Anderson, who coached at Penn State from 1970 to 1983 and again from 1990 through the 2011 season, said adults and children often shower together at gyms. He noted, for example, that it's not unusual for him to be in the showers with boys at the YMCA.
Anderson also spoke in detail about the long hours of coaching and recruiting trips required of the job, which could lay the groundwork for a defense argument that accuser testimony about regular contact with Sandusky may be inaccurate or exaggerated.
Anderson said he did not know Sandusky had been barred by university administrators from taking children onto campus after the 2001 incident was reported by McQueary, although that was disclosed in court documents and has been widely and repeatedly reported since Sandusky's arrest.
When lead prosecutor Joe McGettigan asked him if that fact would surprise him, Anderson said yes.
Prosecutors claim Sandusky targeted his victims at The Second Mile, groomed them for abuse, then moved from touching and kissing to more severe forms of sexual abuse, including in some cases oral or anal sex. Sandusky has denied the allegations against him, acknowledging he showered with boys but saying he never molested them.
Earlier in the day, prosecutors told the judge they were dropping one of the 52 counts, that of felony unlawful contact with the accuser known as Victim 7. Prosecutor Frank Fina said the statute under which he was charged did not cover the time frame when the alleged act occurred.
The judge ruled against defense motions that charges were too vague or nonspecific to defend and that there isn't solid evidence of the ages of two accusers.
Prosecutors rested their case after calling their 21st witness, the mother of so-called Victim 9, a recent high school graduate who testified last week that Sandusky raped him in the basement of the coach's suburban home.
The woman said her son told her that Sandusky called him late one night after the first round of charges was filed in November, asking if he would be a character witness.
"He said that Jerry asked him to make an affidavit or some kind of statement on what kind of character or person he was," she said. "Why would he call my kid after he's being accused of things like this?"
In December, prosecutors brought more charges against Sandusky, alleging he'd had forced anal sex with the boy.
Victim 9's mother said the boy's laundry would often be short of underwear and he would claim he had thrown it away because he had an accident. Last week, the teen said Sandusky forced him to have anal sex that made him bleed.
The six witnesses, one who called Sandusky a "local hero," did little to directly counter the testimony last week by eight young men who accused the former Penn State assistant football coach of sexually abusing them when they were children.
Judge John Cleland told jurors Sandusky's defense has about a day and a half left of testimony and that they could begin deliberations on the case as early as Thursday, a quicker schedule than had been expected.
Sandusky looked an Associated Press reporter in the eye and said nothing when asked if he planned to testify. Other possible defense witnesses to come include his wife, Dottie; and an expert who could discuss whether Sandusky has "histrionic personality disorder," which experts have called a personality disorder characterized by inappropriate sexual behavior and erratic emotions.
The list of potential witnesses also includes a physician who spoke with key prosecution witness Mike McQueary the night he said he saw Sandusky attack a child in a football team shower in 2001 and members of former football coach Joe Paterno's family, although it was unclear how they might fit into the defense case or whether they will be called.
Sandusky's arrest led the university trustees to fire Paterno as coach in November, saying his response to the 2001 report from McQueary showed a lack of leadership. Paterno died of cancer in January.
Dick Anderson, a longtime Penn State assistant and Sandusky friend who retired in January, testified that he and other members of the football staff were present when Sandusky brought young boys into the team's showers.
He said he never witnessed anything inappropriate.
"If Jerry would bring someone in with The Second Mile, they had been working out, for whatever reason they came in, it was not uncommon ... with the other coaches in the shower as well," Anderson said, referring to the charity for at-risk children Sandusky founded in 1977.
Anderson, who coached at Penn State from 1970 to 1983 and again from 1990 through the 2011 season, said adults and children often shower together at gyms. He noted, for example, that it's not unusual for him to be in the showers with boys at the YMCA.
Anderson also spoke in detail about the long hours of coaching and recruiting trips required of the job, which could lay the groundwork for a defense argument that accuser testimony about regular contact with Sandusky may be inaccurate or exaggerated.
Anderson said he did not know Sandusky had been barred by university administrators from taking children onto campus after the 2001 incident was reported by McQueary, although that was disclosed in court documents and has been widely and repeatedly reported since Sandusky's arrest.
When lead prosecutor Joe McGettigan asked him if that fact would surprise him, Anderson said yes.
Prosecutors claim Sandusky targeted his victims at The Second Mile, groomed them for abuse, then moved from touching and kissing to more severe forms of sexual abuse, including in some cases oral or anal sex. Sandusky has denied the allegations against him, acknowledging he showered with boys but saying he never molested them.
Earlier in the day, prosecutors told the judge they were dropping one of the 52 counts, that of felony unlawful contact with the accuser known as Victim 7. Prosecutor Frank Fina said the statute under which he was charged did not cover the time frame when the alleged act occurred.
The judge ruled against defense motions that charges were too vague or nonspecific to defend and that there isn't solid evidence of the ages of two accusers.
Prosecutors rested their case after calling their 21st witness, the mother of so-called Victim 9, a recent high school graduate who testified last week that Sandusky raped him in the basement of the coach's suburban home.
The woman said her son told her that Sandusky called him late one night after the first round of charges was filed in November, asking if he would be a character witness.
"He said that Jerry asked him to make an affidavit or some kind of statement on what kind of character or person he was," she said. "Why would he call my kid after he's being accused of things like this?"
In December, prosecutors brought more charges against Sandusky, alleging he'd had forced anal sex with the boy.
Victim 9's mother said the boy's laundry would often be short of underwear and he would claim he had thrown it away because he had an accident. Last week, the teen said Sandusky forced him to have anal sex that made him bleed.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
‘Top of the Hill’ lives up to name
One of the best things about living in Ventura County is the accessibility residents have to beaches and mountains, while also having access to amenities such as fine dining and upscale shopping. Clear skies are abundant and rolling hills can be found in almost every community in Ventura County, which is why so many residents proudly call it home.
If blue skies and sweeping views entice you, there is a property on the market in Moorpark that has both, and so much more. This majestic estate sits high atop a mountain with views from every angle.
When approaching the property at 3804 Hitch Blvd., the trappings of suburban living slowly melt away as beautiful rural landscapes unfold. Located just over the hill from Santa Rosa Valley, orchards and farmland can be seen for miles, along with nurseries and horse properties. Those who experience the area find it amazing how the country can be found right outside of the city by driving about 10 miles. The surrounding country roads showcase a blend of small, older homes with lots of character and new homes with plenty of charm. This is the best of Ventura County living.
Behind the gates, a long driveway leads to the top of the hill. In fact, the address placard reads “Top of the Hill.” Perched on top of the hill is a stately home, surrounded by sweeping views of mountains and valleys. One feels on top of the world while standing near the elegant fountain taking in the awe inspiring views. It’s easy to see that there’s plenty of room for entertaining large groups with ample parking to the side of the property.
“The homeowners have lots of parties up here. There is so much room,” said Realtor Terri Mallord. The home sits on almost one and one-half acres of land, which has been beautifully landscaped and hardscaped. If you like horses, the property is zoned for horses making it a perfect equestrian paradise.
The views and the privacy are stunning upon entering the home. A huge picture window greets visitors in the living room. The decorator touches such as designer colors and furnishings make this 3,200 square-foot home special. There is plenty of room to host friends and family in the entertainer’s gourmet kitchen, complete with Viking range, stainless steel appliances and granite counters. Again, windows bring in lots of light to create an airy, bright feel to this amazing space. Touches like a butler’s pantry, wine storage and a walk-in pantry make this kitchen more than just a place to prepare meals, but a place to congregate with loved ones while enjoying the pleasures of food and wine.
This single-story, five-bedroom, three and one-half-bathroom estate is one of a kind. Each room has been masterfully designed from floor to ceiling with dark hardwood floors, rich wall colors and views that don’t stop.
If blue skies and sweeping views entice you, there is a property on the market in Moorpark that has both, and so much more. This majestic estate sits high atop a mountain with views from every angle.
When approaching the property at 3804 Hitch Blvd., the trappings of suburban living slowly melt away as beautiful rural landscapes unfold. Located just over the hill from Santa Rosa Valley, orchards and farmland can be seen for miles, along with nurseries and horse properties. Those who experience the area find it amazing how the country can be found right outside of the city by driving about 10 miles. The surrounding country roads showcase a blend of small, older homes with lots of character and new homes with plenty of charm. This is the best of Ventura County living.
Behind the gates, a long driveway leads to the top of the hill. In fact, the address placard reads “Top of the Hill.” Perched on top of the hill is a stately home, surrounded by sweeping views of mountains and valleys. One feels on top of the world while standing near the elegant fountain taking in the awe inspiring views. It’s easy to see that there’s plenty of room for entertaining large groups with ample parking to the side of the property.
“The homeowners have lots of parties up here. There is so much room,” said Realtor Terri Mallord. The home sits on almost one and one-half acres of land, which has been beautifully landscaped and hardscaped. If you like horses, the property is zoned for horses making it a perfect equestrian paradise.
The views and the privacy are stunning upon entering the home. A huge picture window greets visitors in the living room. The decorator touches such as designer colors and furnishings make this 3,200 square-foot home special. There is plenty of room to host friends and family in the entertainer’s gourmet kitchen, complete with Viking range, stainless steel appliances and granite counters. Again, windows bring in lots of light to create an airy, bright feel to this amazing space. Touches like a butler’s pantry, wine storage and a walk-in pantry make this kitchen more than just a place to prepare meals, but a place to congregate with loved ones while enjoying the pleasures of food and wine.
This single-story, five-bedroom, three and one-half-bathroom estate is one of a kind. Each room has been masterfully designed from floor to ceiling with dark hardwood floors, rich wall colors and views that don’t stop.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Buyers need a level head
Something incredible happened at my kitchen table a few weeks ago - my little sister announced she is ready to buy a home.
Despite struggling with the fact that she is a mortgage-ready adult, not the chubby toddler in oversized glasses I still see her as, I agreed to help with the house hunt.
The search started off as fun, but soon flipping through property magazines and agent handouts descended into an odd version of Goldilocks with an investment fund. No house was just right - this bathroom was too dated, that kitchen too cramped or the laundry room took up far too much floor space.
From bench tops to tiles, every property we looked at needed some form of renovating.
However, my sister isn't the only picky house hunter, according to figures from the Housing Industry of Australia.
HIA ACT says renovation costs in the capital totalled $461 million in the last calendar year, reasonably close to new housing costs at $513 million.
Luckily there are some simple measures house hunters can take to ensure their renovation costs stay down.
HIA ACT executive director Neil Evans says the most important thing to check before agreeing to anything is the structural integrity of the home.
''If that's wrong, you'll have major problems with every room in the house,'' he says.
Evans says the one person a potential buyer should bring to a house inspection is a building inspector.
''If there are any signs of minor cracks, I would then go up a step and get a structural engineer involved,'' he says.
If the home is structurally sound, Evans says the next step for house hunters is to inspect bathrooms, laundries and kitchens.
''It's the wet areas that are the killers,'' he says.
''When you have to renovate these, you can run into some big figures. It is a good idea to get a specialist in to get some quotes, so you can build that into the overall cost.''
Evans says it's also important to get people with the right expertise - someone with experience in building new homes won't be much help when looking at an older home in need of renovations.
''Get people that work and have done a lot of work in this area, because it's very specialised,'' he says.
While redoing a kitchen or bathroom can end up costing a substantial amount - some bathtubs alone cost thousands of dollars - Evans says the investment will add significant value to the home.
''The kitchens and bathrooms are good selling points,'' he says.
''And you will recoup that outlay.''
That's good news for my house-hunting sister - she has her eye on a tub that will set her back a good few weeks' wages.
Despite struggling with the fact that she is a mortgage-ready adult, not the chubby toddler in oversized glasses I still see her as, I agreed to help with the house hunt.
The search started off as fun, but soon flipping through property magazines and agent handouts descended into an odd version of Goldilocks with an investment fund. No house was just right - this bathroom was too dated, that kitchen too cramped or the laundry room took up far too much floor space.
From bench tops to tiles, every property we looked at needed some form of renovating.
However, my sister isn't the only picky house hunter, according to figures from the Housing Industry of Australia.
HIA ACT says renovation costs in the capital totalled $461 million in the last calendar year, reasonably close to new housing costs at $513 million.
Luckily there are some simple measures house hunters can take to ensure their renovation costs stay down.
HIA ACT executive director Neil Evans says the most important thing to check before agreeing to anything is the structural integrity of the home.
''If that's wrong, you'll have major problems with every room in the house,'' he says.
Evans says the one person a potential buyer should bring to a house inspection is a building inspector.
''If there are any signs of minor cracks, I would then go up a step and get a structural engineer involved,'' he says.
If the home is structurally sound, Evans says the next step for house hunters is to inspect bathrooms, laundries and kitchens.
''It's the wet areas that are the killers,'' he says.
''When you have to renovate these, you can run into some big figures. It is a good idea to get a specialist in to get some quotes, so you can build that into the overall cost.''
Evans says it's also important to get people with the right expertise - someone with experience in building new homes won't be much help when looking at an older home in need of renovations.
''Get people that work and have done a lot of work in this area, because it's very specialised,'' he says.
While redoing a kitchen or bathroom can end up costing a substantial amount - some bathtubs alone cost thousands of dollars - Evans says the investment will add significant value to the home.
''The kitchens and bathrooms are good selling points,'' he says.
''And you will recoup that outlay.''
That's good news for my house-hunting sister - she has her eye on a tub that will set her back a good few weeks' wages.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Decline & return of order
In their moments of cynicism, Bihar denizens, burdened by their myriad skewed perceptions about the state of things at any point of time in the state, might have the feeling of angst on seeing or imagining Old Secretariat, since this is the place where CM Nitish Kumar and deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, along with the top brass of the state bureaucracy, not only sit, but take decisions having a bearing on their fate.
Yet, credit must go to CM Nitish that he took to refurbishing the look of Old Secretariat, both its interiors and exteriors, on a major scale after around a century of its existence. The same has been started in the three other secretariats - Vikas Bhawan or New Secretariat, along with Vishweshraiya Bhawan and allied buildings (including Technology Bhawan) near Punaichak on Bailey Road, and Sinchai Bhawan near Old Secretariat on Hardinge Road - whose buildings, by way of architectural style, are simply no match to the Old Secretariat building, as they are merely matchbox structures, with little given to, or left for, the imagination.
As it is, beginning December 2005, the refurbishing of the CM's chamber and his guest room started in Old Secretariat, and the process has been extended to other rooms — the chamber of Modi, hall for Cabinet meeting, auditorium that has the facility for video conferencing, and other rooms and halls. "Hangers on and uninvited visitors cannot enter their guest rooms. Nor can they cool their seats on the sofa there," said a secretariat employee.
The floors of rooms and lobbies have been fitted with cream-colour glazing vitrified tiles, like it had been done in Krishi Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan and other such buildings and offices at the Centre (Delhi) in the liberalized era when officials were required to display their ID cards and adopt businesslike look, approach, style and work culture. The process has also been extended to other Secretariat buildings, and is almost nearing completion. As of now, even the halls where assistants used to sit amid files and almirahs have been renovated, and they are also being provided with AC fittings.
That apart, the lobby and gallery of Old Secretariat have been lined with flower pots, while the job of cleaning the floors and keeping them shining have been outsourced to private organizations. The black maze of electric wires, which used to hang causing alarm among the onlookers, has been refitted.
A flight of stairs fitted afresh with grey granite plates leads to the central lobby on the first floor, where portraits of the country's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, and first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, welcome the visitors on whose movements guards keep vigil, while unauthorized entrants are prevented from entering the campus by police guards at every gate outside, and also in the lobby, like it used to be in the colonial era.
Incidentally, it was in the 15-year rule of the Lalu-Rabri era (1990-2005) that people came physically too close, and as a result, the real erosion of the four secretariats not only started, but also became manifest. While there were instances of manhandling of a few secretary-level official heads of department by the followers of Lalu-Rabri that included a few MPs, Lalu and Rabri themselves threw all caution and norm, including with regard to the treatment of senior officials, to the winds. Even Cabinet meeting would be for a period that was "less than brief" and they would attend to the files not in the Secretariat chamber meant for the CM, but at their official residences.
Yet, credit must go to CM Nitish that he took to refurbishing the look of Old Secretariat, both its interiors and exteriors, on a major scale after around a century of its existence. The same has been started in the three other secretariats - Vikas Bhawan or New Secretariat, along with Vishweshraiya Bhawan and allied buildings (including Technology Bhawan) near Punaichak on Bailey Road, and Sinchai Bhawan near Old Secretariat on Hardinge Road - whose buildings, by way of architectural style, are simply no match to the Old Secretariat building, as they are merely matchbox structures, with little given to, or left for, the imagination.
As it is, beginning December 2005, the refurbishing of the CM's chamber and his guest room started in Old Secretariat, and the process has been extended to other rooms — the chamber of Modi, hall for Cabinet meeting, auditorium that has the facility for video conferencing, and other rooms and halls. "Hangers on and uninvited visitors cannot enter their guest rooms. Nor can they cool their seats on the sofa there," said a secretariat employee.
The floors of rooms and lobbies have been fitted with cream-colour glazing vitrified tiles, like it had been done in Krishi Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan and other such buildings and offices at the Centre (Delhi) in the liberalized era when officials were required to display their ID cards and adopt businesslike look, approach, style and work culture. The process has also been extended to other Secretariat buildings, and is almost nearing completion. As of now, even the halls where assistants used to sit amid files and almirahs have been renovated, and they are also being provided with AC fittings.
That apart, the lobby and gallery of Old Secretariat have been lined with flower pots, while the job of cleaning the floors and keeping them shining have been outsourced to private organizations. The black maze of electric wires, which used to hang causing alarm among the onlookers, has been refitted.
A flight of stairs fitted afresh with grey granite plates leads to the central lobby on the first floor, where portraits of the country's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, and first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, welcome the visitors on whose movements guards keep vigil, while unauthorized entrants are prevented from entering the campus by police guards at every gate outside, and also in the lobby, like it used to be in the colonial era.
Incidentally, it was in the 15-year rule of the Lalu-Rabri era (1990-2005) that people came physically too close, and as a result, the real erosion of the four secretariats not only started, but also became manifest. While there were instances of manhandling of a few secretary-level official heads of department by the followers of Lalu-Rabri that included a few MPs, Lalu and Rabri themselves threw all caution and norm, including with regard to the treatment of senior officials, to the winds. Even Cabinet meeting would be for a period that was "less than brief" and they would attend to the files not in the Secretariat chamber meant for the CM, but at their official residences.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Workers preserve Dali artworks for future generations
With slow, gentle swipes of a cotton swab, Rustin Levenson is lifting decades of dirt and grime from four venerated masterworks by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali.
Levenson and her team of eight conservators, will spend eight-to-10 hours a day, painstakingly cleaning and restoring each canvas, inch-by-inch, and making whatever repairs are needed so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Standing just a few feet away, Lillian Hofstetter watched the work in awe.
"I drove a school bus for 35 years, and that's nothing compared to the patience you have to have to do this," said the 80-year-old visiting from Cleveland. "I respect every inch of what they're doing. It's phenomenal. What an experience I am having today."
Conservation efforts are usually off-limits to the public, but for the next two weeks, visitors to the Dali Museum can watch the skill and science involved in preserving works of art during "Stripped Bare and Bathed: the Preservation of Dali's Masterworks." The event is taking place in the museum's Hough Family Gallery.
Conservators are working on four of the museum's eight Dali masterworks: "Galacidalacidesoxirbrnucleicacid," 1963; "The Ecumenical Council," 1960; "The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus," 1959 and "The Hallucinogenic Toreador," 1970.
The living exhibit also will allow visitors to ask conservators questions about the preservation process at 3 p.m. daily.
The four masterworks haven't been cleaned since the 1970s, said Joan Kropf, the museum's deputy director.
The massive pieces were chosen based on their need, she added. Because of their size, they are not covered in glass and they don't spend any time in the temperature-and-light controlled vault, which exposes them to sweat, dirt, grime and other pollutants that can deteriorate the artwork.
What the conservators are tackling is easy in some ways and more challenging in others, Levenson said.
"The most challenging part is the preparation," explained Levenson, owner of the New York-based Rustin Levenson Art Conservation Associates. "Once we've done the testing, and we know what to do, we do it. But it takes time."
Levenson and her group spent weeks assessing damage, testing each of the works, using ultraviolet light, a microscope and a loupe – a magnifying glass similar to what a jeweler would use.
They set up a table with cleaning solvents and with cotton swabs gently dab at the canvas to determine which cleaning solutions are best.
"We test every color with a different solution," she added, showing a sheet of paper with bits of cotton swabs attached comparing shades of grime. "We want to remove the grime, never the paint."
Cleaning the paintings is an important part of the process, but knowing about Dali and his work is equally important, Levenson said. Dali is best known for striking and bizarre images in his surrealist work.
"We know a lot about the artist, but we're constantly learning more (as we work)," said Levenson, who was hired in 2004 by the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg to work on a painting by Claude Monet. "You think you know a lot, and then you see areas where he's changed his mind and gone in another direction, or used another color. It's really fascinating. We're really sad when 5:30 p.m. arrives each day."
Levensen said Dali's "Ecumenical" will take the longest to restore because the painting was removed and reattached to its wooden frame leaving it uneven, the fabric riddled with holes. The canvas also wasn't put on straight, which contributed to fraying.
"Discovery of America" has a mold problem, she said,the result of a leaky roof in the old museum; it was discovered during a hurricane evacuation. The painting must be cleaned, treated and restretched.
Conservators stand on ladders and use floor lamps to examine the paintings while they clean. When treating the mold, they wear protective masks.
"We're using organic sponges and ethanol solution, which makes us all feel better," said Levenson, referring to the mold. "Our goal is never to disrupt the integrity of the work."
That said, each of Dali's works is on a schedule to be cleaned and conserved, said Hank Hine, director of the museum. The Dali Museum houses 96 original oil paintings by the surrealist, the second largest collection outside of Spain.
The Dali preservation project cost around $90,000, and it received a $44,000 grant from the National Endowment of the Arts, which was matched by the Dali Museum and private donations.
"The dirt in the air, human sweat, lights, all of this can start degrading the paintings," Hine said. "The best way to preserve it is to keep it in the dark and away from the public. But (these paintings) can't live in the environment. We need to keep it fresh so they can be enjoyed for generations to come."
Sue Maier was among the visitors Tuesday who got within a few feet of the conservators as they worked.
Levenson and her team of eight conservators, will spend eight-to-10 hours a day, painstakingly cleaning and restoring each canvas, inch-by-inch, and making whatever repairs are needed so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Standing just a few feet away, Lillian Hofstetter watched the work in awe.
"I drove a school bus for 35 years, and that's nothing compared to the patience you have to have to do this," said the 80-year-old visiting from Cleveland. "I respect every inch of what they're doing. It's phenomenal. What an experience I am having today."
Conservation efforts are usually off-limits to the public, but for the next two weeks, visitors to the Dali Museum can watch the skill and science involved in preserving works of art during "Stripped Bare and Bathed: the Preservation of Dali's Masterworks." The event is taking place in the museum's Hough Family Gallery.
Conservators are working on four of the museum's eight Dali masterworks: "Galacidalacidesoxirbrnucleicacid," 1963; "The Ecumenical Council," 1960; "The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus," 1959 and "The Hallucinogenic Toreador," 1970.
The living exhibit also will allow visitors to ask conservators questions about the preservation process at 3 p.m. daily.
The four masterworks haven't been cleaned since the 1970s, said Joan Kropf, the museum's deputy director.
The massive pieces were chosen based on their need, she added. Because of their size, they are not covered in glass and they don't spend any time in the temperature-and-light controlled vault, which exposes them to sweat, dirt, grime and other pollutants that can deteriorate the artwork.
What the conservators are tackling is easy in some ways and more challenging in others, Levenson said.
"The most challenging part is the preparation," explained Levenson, owner of the New York-based Rustin Levenson Art Conservation Associates. "Once we've done the testing, and we know what to do, we do it. But it takes time."
Levenson and her group spent weeks assessing damage, testing each of the works, using ultraviolet light, a microscope and a loupe – a magnifying glass similar to what a jeweler would use.
They set up a table with cleaning solvents and with cotton swabs gently dab at the canvas to determine which cleaning solutions are best.
"We test every color with a different solution," she added, showing a sheet of paper with bits of cotton swabs attached comparing shades of grime. "We want to remove the grime, never the paint."
Cleaning the paintings is an important part of the process, but knowing about Dali and his work is equally important, Levenson said. Dali is best known for striking and bizarre images in his surrealist work.
"We know a lot about the artist, but we're constantly learning more (as we work)," said Levenson, who was hired in 2004 by the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg to work on a painting by Claude Monet. "You think you know a lot, and then you see areas where he's changed his mind and gone in another direction, or used another color. It's really fascinating. We're really sad when 5:30 p.m. arrives each day."
Levensen said Dali's "Ecumenical" will take the longest to restore because the painting was removed and reattached to its wooden frame leaving it uneven, the fabric riddled with holes. The canvas also wasn't put on straight, which contributed to fraying.
"Discovery of America" has a mold problem, she said,the result of a leaky roof in the old museum; it was discovered during a hurricane evacuation. The painting must be cleaned, treated and restretched.
Conservators stand on ladders and use floor lamps to examine the paintings while they clean. When treating the mold, they wear protective masks.
"We're using organic sponges and ethanol solution, which makes us all feel better," said Levenson, referring to the mold. "Our goal is never to disrupt the integrity of the work."
That said, each of Dali's works is on a schedule to be cleaned and conserved, said Hank Hine, director of the museum. The Dali Museum houses 96 original oil paintings by the surrealist, the second largest collection outside of Spain.
The Dali preservation project cost around $90,000, and it received a $44,000 grant from the National Endowment of the Arts, which was matched by the Dali Museum and private donations.
"The dirt in the air, human sweat, lights, all of this can start degrading the paintings," Hine said. "The best way to preserve it is to keep it in the dark and away from the public. But (these paintings) can't live in the environment. We need to keep it fresh so they can be enjoyed for generations to come."
Sue Maier was among the visitors Tuesday who got within a few feet of the conservators as they worked.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Swedish fans undaunted by Ukraine river island camp
"Beer, rays, music, this is what being a fan is all about!" said Per Lindquist, an Uppsala machinery salesman, as he sat in a lawn chair under bright sunshine on shore of Trukhanivsky Island, the Dniepr's brown water lapping his ankles.
A neon-painted galley manned by some two dozen Swedes paddled by, a young woman in a gold-and-blue top calling the stroke.
"Sure this site is primitive and there have been problems. But if you want things easy stay in a five-star hotel," he said.
Lindquist and some 1,500 of his countrymen were living in tents on Kiev's Trukhanivsky Island on Sunday afternoon, with more arriving every minute to cheer Sweden on against Ukraine in Euro 2012 group D competition later on Monday.
Only days before preparations at the site were so incomplete, live electricity cables criss-crossed the camp, trash was uncleared, fences were still being erected, and Swedish fan representatives complained to their embassy that the place was unlivable.
But the fan encampment had come a long way by the weekend. Uniformed greeters were steering fans to clearly-marked camp sites, the first WiFi spots had gone hot, and the mood was upbeat among the mostly young male Swedes that had traveled to Ukraine by plane, automobile, motorcycle, train and even by thumb to support their side.
Some said they were unemployed and others said they worked as travel agents, firemen; or in insurance offices and medical labs and on factory production lines. One said he was a professional hockey player and another described himself as a junior employee of Sweden's national tax inspectorate.
Fans said they were planning to spend between 50 and 100 Euros a day for their vacation, all expenses included.
"When the rains came our tent held up fine," said Karl Rundstrum, a Stockholm student. He pointed to a drainage trench dug around his tent, and sleeping bags and t-shirts drying on pine tree branches nearby.
"Either you are prepared to camp or you are not," he said.
Torrential rains leaving puddles sizable enough to mire vehicles have been only one of a long list of things the Ukrainian government promised would not be a problem at the former Soviet republic's budget lodging for Euro 2012 on Trukhanivsky Island, but has failed to deliver on by deadline.
The cafe with beer, burgers and a big screen television that was supposed to have been ready when the Swedes began arriving on Friday, was on Sunday still being built.
Beer was served - but then it ran out. Water supply was still off-and-on on Monday morning, and the public toilets (although miraculously for Ukraine all seeming to contain sufficient toilet paper) still had peeling paint on the outside and Soviet floor tiles and smell on the inside.
Several fans said that the big breakthrough came when the Ukrainians, finally, switched on the public access power grid, and dozens of student volunteers showed up over the weekend.
Boom boxes on Trukhanivsky Island on Sunday were mostly playing a mix of Europop and heavy metal, with periodic selections from Swedish bands Abba and Ace of Base.
"They (the Swedish fans) seem to be nice young men, very polite and friendly, very European," said translator Maryna Tkachenko. "Maybe these boys are a little shy but they are very happy."
The Swedes seemed taller, fairer and more handsome than most Ukrainian men, she said.
As the clock ticked down to the Ukraine-Sweden match, a continuous stream of Swedes in gold jerseys and faux Viking helmets was in motion walking across a suspension foot bridge connecting the island with the rest of Kiev, to a supermarket some three kilometres away, and back again laden with sausages, dark bread, and cases of local Chernihiv and Obolon beer.
A neon-painted galley manned by some two dozen Swedes paddled by, a young woman in a gold-and-blue top calling the stroke.
"Sure this site is primitive and there have been problems. But if you want things easy stay in a five-star hotel," he said.
Lindquist and some 1,500 of his countrymen were living in tents on Kiev's Trukhanivsky Island on Sunday afternoon, with more arriving every minute to cheer Sweden on against Ukraine in Euro 2012 group D competition later on Monday.
Only days before preparations at the site were so incomplete, live electricity cables criss-crossed the camp, trash was uncleared, fences were still being erected, and Swedish fan representatives complained to their embassy that the place was unlivable.
But the fan encampment had come a long way by the weekend. Uniformed greeters were steering fans to clearly-marked camp sites, the first WiFi spots had gone hot, and the mood was upbeat among the mostly young male Swedes that had traveled to Ukraine by plane, automobile, motorcycle, train and even by thumb to support their side.
Some said they were unemployed and others said they worked as travel agents, firemen; or in insurance offices and medical labs and on factory production lines. One said he was a professional hockey player and another described himself as a junior employee of Sweden's national tax inspectorate.
Fans said they were planning to spend between 50 and 100 Euros a day for their vacation, all expenses included.
"When the rains came our tent held up fine," said Karl Rundstrum, a Stockholm student. He pointed to a drainage trench dug around his tent, and sleeping bags and t-shirts drying on pine tree branches nearby.
"Either you are prepared to camp or you are not," he said.
Torrential rains leaving puddles sizable enough to mire vehicles have been only one of a long list of things the Ukrainian government promised would not be a problem at the former Soviet republic's budget lodging for Euro 2012 on Trukhanivsky Island, but has failed to deliver on by deadline.
The cafe with beer, burgers and a big screen television that was supposed to have been ready when the Swedes began arriving on Friday, was on Sunday still being built.
Beer was served - but then it ran out. Water supply was still off-and-on on Monday morning, and the public toilets (although miraculously for Ukraine all seeming to contain sufficient toilet paper) still had peeling paint on the outside and Soviet floor tiles and smell on the inside.
Several fans said that the big breakthrough came when the Ukrainians, finally, switched on the public access power grid, and dozens of student volunteers showed up over the weekend.
Boom boxes on Trukhanivsky Island on Sunday were mostly playing a mix of Europop and heavy metal, with periodic selections from Swedish bands Abba and Ace of Base.
"They (the Swedish fans) seem to be nice young men, very polite and friendly, very European," said translator Maryna Tkachenko. "Maybe these boys are a little shy but they are very happy."
The Swedes seemed taller, fairer and more handsome than most Ukrainian men, she said.
As the clock ticked down to the Ukraine-Sweden match, a continuous stream of Swedes in gold jerseys and faux Viking helmets was in motion walking across a suspension foot bridge connecting the island with the rest of Kiev, to a supermarket some three kilometres away, and back again laden with sausages, dark bread, and cases of local Chernihiv and Obolon beer.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
A new-build Newton Mearns home takes inspiration from the Mediterranean
Jim McLean drew on his showhome design background when building his own house in Glasgow
SUN, views and balconies sums up Jim McLean’s vision as he set out to build his own house in Glasgow’s Newton Mearns. He was in a Mediterranean state of mind.
Jim, who runs Jim McLean Designs, has been creating show home interiors for 20 years and knew what he wanted from his new-build. He and his wife, Isabelle, bought the plot, a former paddock, in spring 2008 – the site is breathtaking with fantastic views.
The three-storey house has a 14-metre-long glass balcony at first-floor level, glass entrance vestibule, double-height vaulted ceiling in the hallway and American white oak handcrafted staircase.
Work at 1 Birch Grove View, Capelrig Road, began in October 2009, though it was another 14 months before the couple and their youngest daughter Katie, 14, were able to move in. The layout is practical yet inspiring – the ground floor boasts a home cinema room, a gym, utility room, WC and double garage. On the first floor is an open-plan kitchen with dining and family areas with bi-fold doors opening into the garden, a formal lounge with bi-fold doors onto the balcony, TV room, study and cloakroom. The second floor claims the master bedroom with en suite plus a dressing room, three further bedrooms, two with en suites and one with a dressing room, plus the family bathroom.
Each bathroom has been designed and fitted by Porcelanosa, as has the kitchen. Even the balcony has been finished with non-slip Porcelanosa tiles.
“I have worked in the showhome side of the business and I know what I and most families want – big kitchen, dining and family area, bedrooms with walk-in dressing rooms and en suites, and the luxury of a cinema room and surround sound throughout the house. I knew what I wanted, but I needed Canata and Seggie Architects to put that down on paper for me,” says Jim.
The open-plan kitchen features a mix of matt Wenge and high-gloss Calco units and a dark brown Corian worktop.
The master bedroom has been finished with elegant tones of champagne and mocha, while Katie’s room features a mix of fuchsia and soft pink. The master en suite and family bathroom both have contemporary free-standing baths.
A star-studded welcome is found in the cinema room, which features framed pictures of Hollywood stars.
“I tend to use the cinema room to watch football – it means I can shout and bawl at the TV without disturbing anyone else,” laughs Jim.
“I like neutral calming tones in the house as you can bring in colours through artwork, or through lamps and vases. Isabelle picked a lot of the soft furnishings but she is generally happy to go along with me on the styling as I have been doing this for years. Most of the wallpapers are either Brian Yates or Today Interiors.”
Despite having put their heart and soul into creating their home, the McLean family are now moving. “The house is too big for us,” concedes Jim. “Had our two older children still been at home then it would have been a fabulous house for all of us.
“We feel it would be more suited to a bigger family who will really appreciate the space.
SUN, views and balconies sums up Jim McLean’s vision as he set out to build his own house in Glasgow’s Newton Mearns. He was in a Mediterranean state of mind.
Jim, who runs Jim McLean Designs, has been creating show home interiors for 20 years and knew what he wanted from his new-build. He and his wife, Isabelle, bought the plot, a former paddock, in spring 2008 – the site is breathtaking with fantastic views.
The three-storey house has a 14-metre-long glass balcony at first-floor level, glass entrance vestibule, double-height vaulted ceiling in the hallway and American white oak handcrafted staircase.
Work at 1 Birch Grove View, Capelrig Road, began in October 2009, though it was another 14 months before the couple and their youngest daughter Katie, 14, were able to move in. The layout is practical yet inspiring – the ground floor boasts a home cinema room, a gym, utility room, WC and double garage. On the first floor is an open-plan kitchen with dining and family areas with bi-fold doors opening into the garden, a formal lounge with bi-fold doors onto the balcony, TV room, study and cloakroom. The second floor claims the master bedroom with en suite plus a dressing room, three further bedrooms, two with en suites and one with a dressing room, plus the family bathroom.
Each bathroom has been designed and fitted by Porcelanosa, as has the kitchen. Even the balcony has been finished with non-slip Porcelanosa tiles.
“I have worked in the showhome side of the business and I know what I and most families want – big kitchen, dining and family area, bedrooms with walk-in dressing rooms and en suites, and the luxury of a cinema room and surround sound throughout the house. I knew what I wanted, but I needed Canata and Seggie Architects to put that down on paper for me,” says Jim.
The open-plan kitchen features a mix of matt Wenge and high-gloss Calco units and a dark brown Corian worktop.
The master bedroom has been finished with elegant tones of champagne and mocha, while Katie’s room features a mix of fuchsia and soft pink. The master en suite and family bathroom both have contemporary free-standing baths.
A star-studded welcome is found in the cinema room, which features framed pictures of Hollywood stars.
“I tend to use the cinema room to watch football – it means I can shout and bawl at the TV without disturbing anyone else,” laughs Jim.
“I like neutral calming tones in the house as you can bring in colours through artwork, or through lamps and vases. Isabelle picked a lot of the soft furnishings but she is generally happy to go along with me on the styling as I have been doing this for years. Most of the wallpapers are either Brian Yates or Today Interiors.”
Despite having put their heart and soul into creating their home, the McLean family are now moving. “The house is too big for us,” concedes Jim. “Had our two older children still been at home then it would have been a fabulous house for all of us.
“We feel it would be more suited to a bigger family who will really appreciate the space.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
A Cup of Culture
Columbus seemed a little small to 26-year-old Brent Davidson after having traveled the world with the military. He missed the cultural opportunities bigger cities and other countries had to offer… and so began his quest to bring a little of the world to Columbus.
So Davidson, along with his mother Carol, decided to open Coffee House on 5th in downtown Columbus. After renovating the building, owned by Gregg Davidson, and doing extensive traveling to sample the best coffee’s and learn the art of roasting the beans from professionals, they opened their doors on March 16 of this year.
“This was a long journey,” said Davidson. “We started renovations in August of 2011. We had to gut the building, which used to be an insurance office. It took a lot of time.”
The building itself had roots as a coffeehouse, in 1913 it was the Bell Café, and is commemorated by utilizing the original floor tiles that welcomed patrons with its name.
“We decided that if we were going to do this, it was going to be the best coffeehouse in Columbus,” said Davidson. “We wanted to have the best coffee, atmosphere, everything. I took a lot of trips all over the Southeast to other coffeeshops, branched out and contacted roasters, most of them welcomed me and were happy to show me their process.”
Davidson wanted to learn from the experts. “Coffee Roasters actually import and make the different blends that you can buy. After learning everything I could, I got samples from all the high rated placed. We probably ran through 120 different samples of coffee.”
They settled on Primavero Coffee, which is produced in Birmingham, for their current main blend. However, Davidson is quick to say that they are constantly ordering new blends from places, trying to better the shop.
“We’re constantly looking for coffee that can beat what we have now. It’s a continual process to improving. We’re always on a road to getting better.”
Not to settle for just the best coffee they could find, Davidson also set out to give Columbus options for types of food and drinks they might never have tried.
The most popular of which thus far has been bubble tea, which according to Davidson, is a favorite of both customers and his three-year-old daughter Gracie.
“Bubble tea is green tea and half and half with tapioca pearls at the bottom,” said Davidson. While the tea is originally from Taiwan, it is very popular in Asian countries and is sometimes found in the Northern states. Another treat he offers is cold press coffee, which he described as “basically a coffee extract. You get a lot more flavors that way.” The cold press coffee takes 3-8 hours to siphon through a large glass countertop machine.
“I wanted to have stuff that Columbus hadn’t seen or experienced before,” he said. “I also just wanted to have good food. My family has always had an appreciation for really good quality food and that is what I wanted to serve.”
So the Davidson’s home make all of their baked goods, soups and sandwiches and their breads, meats and cheeses all come from the local Mennonite community.
“I grew up here outside the military base,” said Davidson. “This is an everybody-knows-everybody town and a lot of people here don’t travel. Columbus is a great traditional town, but it’s hard to find things here that are different. I’ve been to all but four state and to almost every continent. I knew that we could bring in all this exotic stuff and give Columbus the opportunity to come in and learn and try things they would otherwise have to travel to find.”
So Davidson plans to have coffee tastings on every other Thursday night to spread a little world culture around Columbus. He has already had a Vietnamese coffee tasting, which he says people enjoyed.
So Davidson, along with his mother Carol, decided to open Coffee House on 5th in downtown Columbus. After renovating the building, owned by Gregg Davidson, and doing extensive traveling to sample the best coffee’s and learn the art of roasting the beans from professionals, they opened their doors on March 16 of this year.
“This was a long journey,” said Davidson. “We started renovations in August of 2011. We had to gut the building, which used to be an insurance office. It took a lot of time.”
The building itself had roots as a coffeehouse, in 1913 it was the Bell Café, and is commemorated by utilizing the original floor tiles that welcomed patrons with its name.
“We decided that if we were going to do this, it was going to be the best coffeehouse in Columbus,” said Davidson. “We wanted to have the best coffee, atmosphere, everything. I took a lot of trips all over the Southeast to other coffeeshops, branched out and contacted roasters, most of them welcomed me and were happy to show me their process.”
Davidson wanted to learn from the experts. “Coffee Roasters actually import and make the different blends that you can buy. After learning everything I could, I got samples from all the high rated placed. We probably ran through 120 different samples of coffee.”
They settled on Primavero Coffee, which is produced in Birmingham, for their current main blend. However, Davidson is quick to say that they are constantly ordering new blends from places, trying to better the shop.
“We’re constantly looking for coffee that can beat what we have now. It’s a continual process to improving. We’re always on a road to getting better.”
Not to settle for just the best coffee they could find, Davidson also set out to give Columbus options for types of food and drinks they might never have tried.
The most popular of which thus far has been bubble tea, which according to Davidson, is a favorite of both customers and his three-year-old daughter Gracie.
“Bubble tea is green tea and half and half with tapioca pearls at the bottom,” said Davidson. While the tea is originally from Taiwan, it is very popular in Asian countries and is sometimes found in the Northern states. Another treat he offers is cold press coffee, which he described as “basically a coffee extract. You get a lot more flavors that way.” The cold press coffee takes 3-8 hours to siphon through a large glass countertop machine.
“I wanted to have stuff that Columbus hadn’t seen or experienced before,” he said. “I also just wanted to have good food. My family has always had an appreciation for really good quality food and that is what I wanted to serve.”
So the Davidson’s home make all of their baked goods, soups and sandwiches and their breads, meats and cheeses all come from the local Mennonite community.
“I grew up here outside the military base,” said Davidson. “This is an everybody-knows-everybody town and a lot of people here don’t travel. Columbus is a great traditional town, but it’s hard to find things here that are different. I’ve been to all but four state and to almost every continent. I knew that we could bring in all this exotic stuff and give Columbus the opportunity to come in and learn and try things they would otherwise have to travel to find.”
So Davidson plans to have coffee tastings on every other Thursday night to spread a little world culture around Columbus. He has already had a Vietnamese coffee tasting, which he says people enjoyed.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Faded 'queen of Congress' wins $90,000 grant for makeover
The "queen of Congress" is to get a face-lift as she nears her 110th birthday.
The Downtown Tucson Partnership has selected The Chicago Store's building, dating to 1903, as one of two buildings to receive funding for historic renovation in its latest round of facade improvement awards.
By the end of this year, peeling paint, cracked tiles and marred murals will be replaced by early 20th century grandeur. Think rows of transom windows and a sign overhanging the sidewalk.
The building's prominent placement at 130 E. Congress St., the southwest corner of Congress and North Sixth Avenue, makes the building an especially good investment, said partnership CEO Michael Keith.
The partnership will contribute $90,000, the program's maximum, toward the $200,000 renovation.
"If Hotel Congress is the king of Congress Street, The Chicago Store is the queen," Keith said. "It's been a lifelong dream of mine to see that building renovated."
The partnership will reveal the design renderings and the other recipient of this round of renovation funds at a news conference today.
"We're terribly excited about it," The Chicago Store CEO Dave Fregonese said, noting that the music store opened in a nearby building in 1919 and the Levkowitz family that owns the store has remained committed to downtown since. "One of the reasons we decided to participate is that we think downtown is on an upswing."
He's looking forward to the modern streetcar stop across Sixth Avenue from the building despite a 25 percent drop in sales since construction began.
Restoration will begin after the chain link fences hemming in the track work come down, likely by September, Fregonese said.
The facade improvement program, which requires that building owners match the partnership's investment, has made other notable changes to downtown's appearance.
Buildings that have received funds include the Rialto Block, The Screening Room, Providence Service Corp., Beowulf Alley Theatre Co. and The Drawing Studio.
The Imago Dei Middle School building and the former Reilly Funeral Home, soon to open as Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink, each received funds through the partnership's paint and awning program, which awards up to $5,000 for smaller projects.
"It's probably been the best return on investment that we've seen downtown because owners invest in the restoration up to a factor of three," Keith said.
This round's funding was made up of a $90,000 grant from the Tohono O'odham Nation, $80,000 left from an earlier city government contribution and $60,000 in private donations.
The partnership is working on making private donations easier.
At least eight more downtown buildings are facade program candidates, Keith said.
Did you know?
Local architect David Holmes designed 130 E. Congress St. in 1903. Anton Hittinger, a prominent merchant, built it to house the Los Angeles Furniture Co. and then added a second story for the offices of the Randolph System, a series of railroad lines connecting Southern Arizona and Mexico.
J.C. Penney Co. redesigned the building in 1927, adding recessed storefront windows, yellow field tiles with black borders and a mosaic tile entry floor to the Italianate building. The interior features pressed-tin ceilings and an oak staircase.
J.C. Penney moved to a larger space on North Stone Avenue in 1957. Ten years later, Phil and Joe Levkowitz bought the Congress Street building and opened The Chicago Store there.
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Downtown Tucson Partnership has selected The Chicago Store's building, dating to 1903, as one of two buildings to receive funding for historic renovation in its latest round of facade improvement awards.
By the end of this year, peeling paint, cracked tiles and marred murals will be replaced by early 20th century grandeur. Think rows of transom windows and a sign overhanging the sidewalk.
The building's prominent placement at 130 E. Congress St., the southwest corner of Congress and North Sixth Avenue, makes the building an especially good investment, said partnership CEO Michael Keith.
The partnership will contribute $90,000, the program's maximum, toward the $200,000 renovation.
"If Hotel Congress is the king of Congress Street, The Chicago Store is the queen," Keith said. "It's been a lifelong dream of mine to see that building renovated."
The partnership will reveal the design renderings and the other recipient of this round of renovation funds at a news conference today.
"We're terribly excited about it," The Chicago Store CEO Dave Fregonese said, noting that the music store opened in a nearby building in 1919 and the Levkowitz family that owns the store has remained committed to downtown since. "One of the reasons we decided to participate is that we think downtown is on an upswing."
He's looking forward to the modern streetcar stop across Sixth Avenue from the building despite a 25 percent drop in sales since construction began.
Restoration will begin after the chain link fences hemming in the track work come down, likely by September, Fregonese said.
The facade improvement program, which requires that building owners match the partnership's investment, has made other notable changes to downtown's appearance.
Buildings that have received funds include the Rialto Block, The Screening Room, Providence Service Corp., Beowulf Alley Theatre Co. and The Drawing Studio.
The Imago Dei Middle School building and the former Reilly Funeral Home, soon to open as Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink, each received funds through the partnership's paint and awning program, which awards up to $5,000 for smaller projects.
"It's probably been the best return on investment that we've seen downtown because owners invest in the restoration up to a factor of three," Keith said.
This round's funding was made up of a $90,000 grant from the Tohono O'odham Nation, $80,000 left from an earlier city government contribution and $60,000 in private donations.
The partnership is working on making private donations easier.
At least eight more downtown buildings are facade program candidates, Keith said.
Did you know?
Local architect David Holmes designed 130 E. Congress St. in 1903. Anton Hittinger, a prominent merchant, built it to house the Los Angeles Furniture Co. and then added a second story for the offices of the Randolph System, a series of railroad lines connecting Southern Arizona and Mexico.
J.C. Penney Co. redesigned the building in 1927, adding recessed storefront windows, yellow field tiles with black borders and a mosaic tile entry floor to the Italianate building. The interior features pressed-tin ceilings and an oak staircase.
J.C. Penney moved to a larger space on North Stone Avenue in 1957. Ten years later, Phil and Joe Levkowitz bought the Congress Street building and opened The Chicago Store there.
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
More green space for Teepee Drive
The northern end of Midwestern State University's Teepee Drive isn't yet a lush oasis of green space — but it soon will be.
The $200,000 project between Killingsworth and Clark Student Center is under way, with a backhoe ripping up concrete this week while the weather cooperates, according to Kyle Owen, facilities department vice president.
"Having no rain helps," Owen said Monday. "But we need rain toward the end of it so we can plant grass."
The project, which is expected to be complete by early August, is one of the more visible improvements of a dozen projects under way at the campus during the summer.
Others, like the $26,000 installation of a grease trap at the Clark Student Center, are necessary upgrades that will be invisible to most, Owen said.
The Teepee Drive expansion had been talked about for years but finally became a priority when the road needed repair.
"We needed to resurface it or move forward with the idea of creating more green space," Owen said.
Students also may notice the installation of new lights for the soccer and softball fields, a project launched with the help of the city of Wichita Falls that will begin in mid-July and be complete by Sept. 1.
The new lights will enable night softball play and NCAA Division II soccer competitions, which are now against regulations because the lights sit too close to the soccer fields.
MSU tennis courts were resurfaced in May, a $32,000 improvement.
Another easy-to-see improvement: A newly refurbished Akin Auditorium. Seats were removed, repainted, and reupholstered while the floor underneath was removed, abated and replaced with new vinyl floor tiles.
The aisleways were recarpeted.
Newly discovered water leaks on the south end of the auditorium also will be weatherproofed, Owen said. The Akin Auditorium project cost $151,000, not including resealing the south side wall and redirecting roof drains.
The Comanche Suites — the larger banquet room in the Clark Student Center — will also be renovated with $46,000 in new chair rails, baseboards, paint and carpet.
The Fain Fine Arts dressing rooms, located near the north end of the building's auditorium, will be retiled for $7,500.
In the Bolin Science Hall, several offices will receive new carpet — a $27,000 expense.
Other campus projects address infrastructure.
Roofs on McCullough dorm and the Paint Shop that were shingled in the 1980s are being replaced for about $25,000.
A transformer located on the athletic field will be replaced at a cost of $72,000. "The lights work today, and they'll work when they finish, so most people won't see any change. But if it failed, it wouldn't be something you could fix quickly. It had lifed out," Owen said.
The Clark Student Center grease trap project is an improvement only city code inspectors could love, Owen said. "The old one required a lot of pumping and is not as effective as it needed to be."
The MSU Central Plant's chill water system has been updated over the past decade but still uses the original water tank, which needs replacing for $40,000. "Ouch, not a fun one," Owen said of the expense.
The university also must remove a diesel storage tank located underground on the north side of the Central Plant. "It was originally installed so boilers could operate off of it," Owen said. "We wouldn't dream of trying to fire it up with diesel now. We need to remove it ... we can't leave it there forever."
That project, which will start Sept. 1, is part of the university's decision to "clean things up," he said.
The four-year, two-phase, $16.9 million D.L. Ligon renovation project is nearing completion this summer, Owen said, with only minor projects left that can be completed by Owen's maintenance crew.
Michael Mills, MSU director of Housing, said his main summer project — besides routine maintenance throughout the dorms — is installing new carpet and painting rooms at Sunwatcher Village.
The $200,000 project between Killingsworth and Clark Student Center is under way, with a backhoe ripping up concrete this week while the weather cooperates, according to Kyle Owen, facilities department vice president.
"Having no rain helps," Owen said Monday. "But we need rain toward the end of it so we can plant grass."
The project, which is expected to be complete by early August, is one of the more visible improvements of a dozen projects under way at the campus during the summer.
Others, like the $26,000 installation of a grease trap at the Clark Student Center, are necessary upgrades that will be invisible to most, Owen said.
The Teepee Drive expansion had been talked about for years but finally became a priority when the road needed repair.
"We needed to resurface it or move forward with the idea of creating more green space," Owen said.
Students also may notice the installation of new lights for the soccer and softball fields, a project launched with the help of the city of Wichita Falls that will begin in mid-July and be complete by Sept. 1.
The new lights will enable night softball play and NCAA Division II soccer competitions, which are now against regulations because the lights sit too close to the soccer fields.
MSU tennis courts were resurfaced in May, a $32,000 improvement.
Another easy-to-see improvement: A newly refurbished Akin Auditorium. Seats were removed, repainted, and reupholstered while the floor underneath was removed, abated and replaced with new vinyl floor tiles.
The aisleways were recarpeted.
Newly discovered water leaks on the south end of the auditorium also will be weatherproofed, Owen said. The Akin Auditorium project cost $151,000, not including resealing the south side wall and redirecting roof drains.
The Comanche Suites — the larger banquet room in the Clark Student Center — will also be renovated with $46,000 in new chair rails, baseboards, paint and carpet.
The Fain Fine Arts dressing rooms, located near the north end of the building's auditorium, will be retiled for $7,500.
In the Bolin Science Hall, several offices will receive new carpet — a $27,000 expense.
Other campus projects address infrastructure.
Roofs on McCullough dorm and the Paint Shop that were shingled in the 1980s are being replaced for about $25,000.
A transformer located on the athletic field will be replaced at a cost of $72,000. "The lights work today, and they'll work when they finish, so most people won't see any change. But if it failed, it wouldn't be something you could fix quickly. It had lifed out," Owen said.
The Clark Student Center grease trap project is an improvement only city code inspectors could love, Owen said. "The old one required a lot of pumping and is not as effective as it needed to be."
The MSU Central Plant's chill water system has been updated over the past decade but still uses the original water tank, which needs replacing for $40,000. "Ouch, not a fun one," Owen said of the expense.
The university also must remove a diesel storage tank located underground on the north side of the Central Plant. "It was originally installed so boilers could operate off of it," Owen said. "We wouldn't dream of trying to fire it up with diesel now. We need to remove it ... we can't leave it there forever."
That project, which will start Sept. 1, is part of the university's decision to "clean things up," he said.
The four-year, two-phase, $16.9 million D.L. Ligon renovation project is nearing completion this summer, Owen said, with only minor projects left that can be completed by Owen's maintenance crew.
Michael Mills, MSU director of Housing, said his main summer project — besides routine maintenance throughout the dorms — is installing new carpet and painting rooms at Sunwatcher Village.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Experience an alternative date night
After a long day working and looking after small children, we're often too tired to make the most of our rare date nights, yawning through dinner at an expensive restaurant or sitting in a pub so loud we can't hear each other.
For a change, we book a couple's spa treatment at Chuan Spa at The Langham Hotel. Although, at first, my husband wasn't too keen, from the moment we enter the Contemplation Room, we know it's a good idea.
Soothing music along with the scent of aromatherapy oils help us unwind as we sip Osmanthus Blossom green tea and fill in a questionnaire about how we're feeling.
Chuan Spa's treatments are based on Chinese medicine and the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. It turns out we're both missing the earth element today so our treatments are tailored to restore our missing fifth element.
We go our separate ways through the changing rooms into the tri-bathing ritual. First up is a snail shower, which has water jets from all angles, then a sauna, followed by an ice experience that promises to increase metabolism.
Next is a herbal steam room and sauna in a room, with tiny tiles covering every inch of it, boasting 100 per cent humidity.
The idea is to go from hot to cold to hot, following the principles of yin and yang, to show polar opposites and how they interconnect. Initially, the sight of a big tub of crushed ice is daunting, but after a hot sauna it is the most refreshing and rejuvenating experience and was our favourite part. If only every home had one.
From the tri-bathing changing rooms through a door marked Spa Guests Only, we enter Chuan Spa's inner sanctum where private rooms behind sheer curtains, bamboo sticks from ceiling to floor and flickering floor candles await. It has an opulent, classical Chinese feel to it.
It's here we meet each other again and head to our treatment room, which has two treatment tables side by side. Our therapists tell us a bit about Chinese medicine and take us through our treatments - a massage for him and a facial for me. It's more fun having my husband here with the therapists; I don't feel I have to make so much small talk.
After the treatments, we are taken to the Dream Room, where we are presented with water, a small glass of beetroot, turnip, carrot and peppercorn juice, and Chinese tea.
A selection of macadamias, pistachios, dates and apricots are also offered for us to nibble on and relax, with no pressure to get up and leave.
If we had more time, we could have had another tri-bathing ritual or met up at the outdoor saltwater swimming pool and Jacuzzi, or gone downstairs for a cocktail or afternoon tea in the Langham.
Instead, we head home just after the rush hour has finished and return to our children as if we have been on a weekend away at a health retreat.
It's something we had never thought of doing together before, but a couple's spa treatment is the perfect date night for busy parents.
For a change, we book a couple's spa treatment at Chuan Spa at The Langham Hotel. Although, at first, my husband wasn't too keen, from the moment we enter the Contemplation Room, we know it's a good idea.
Soothing music along with the scent of aromatherapy oils help us unwind as we sip Osmanthus Blossom green tea and fill in a questionnaire about how we're feeling.
Chuan Spa's treatments are based on Chinese medicine and the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. It turns out we're both missing the earth element today so our treatments are tailored to restore our missing fifth element.
We go our separate ways through the changing rooms into the tri-bathing ritual. First up is a snail shower, which has water jets from all angles, then a sauna, followed by an ice experience that promises to increase metabolism.
Next is a herbal steam room and sauna in a room, with tiny tiles covering every inch of it, boasting 100 per cent humidity.
The idea is to go from hot to cold to hot, following the principles of yin and yang, to show polar opposites and how they interconnect. Initially, the sight of a big tub of crushed ice is daunting, but after a hot sauna it is the most refreshing and rejuvenating experience and was our favourite part. If only every home had one.
From the tri-bathing changing rooms through a door marked Spa Guests Only, we enter Chuan Spa's inner sanctum where private rooms behind sheer curtains, bamboo sticks from ceiling to floor and flickering floor candles await. It has an opulent, classical Chinese feel to it.
It's here we meet each other again and head to our treatment room, which has two treatment tables side by side. Our therapists tell us a bit about Chinese medicine and take us through our treatments - a massage for him and a facial for me. It's more fun having my husband here with the therapists; I don't feel I have to make so much small talk.
After the treatments, we are taken to the Dream Room, where we are presented with water, a small glass of beetroot, turnip, carrot and peppercorn juice, and Chinese tea.
A selection of macadamias, pistachios, dates and apricots are also offered for us to nibble on and relax, with no pressure to get up and leave.
If we had more time, we could have had another tri-bathing ritual or met up at the outdoor saltwater swimming pool and Jacuzzi, or gone downstairs for a cocktail or afternoon tea in the Langham.
Instead, we head home just after the rush hour has finished and return to our children as if we have been on a weekend away at a health retreat.
It's something we had never thought of doing together before, but a couple's spa treatment is the perfect date night for busy parents.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Memories never fade for children of Hurricane Andrew
When Hurricane Andrew roared across South Florida 20 years ago this August, it flattened homes, uprooted trees and destroyed surburban blocks for miles around.
One of just three Category 5 storms to strike the U.S. in the past 160 years, Andrew left at least 15 people dead and more than 150,000 homeless, its 165 mph winds causing more than $25 billion in damage.
Some of the most poignant images of the aftermath were those of children: Standing in food lines, idling in sweltering heat beside damaged homes, limp in the arms of rescue workers. Once back at school, some kids hid under desks, apprehensive whenever thunderstorms approached. Others spoke of nightmares.
"Disaster really exposes all our childhood beliefs," said Jon Shaw, a psychiatrist at the University of Miami who studied children in the aftermath of the storm. "To discover that people are unable to provide for you, protect you, is an increased understanding of how the world works."
As another hurricane season opens this month, what was one of the worst U.S. natural disasters has become a fading memory. For the children who lived through Andrew, though, each new threat still brings a vivid recollection. For some, the storm even shaped the adults they became.
In Laura Tsiltlidze's work at a large insurance company, disasters are measured in numbers: Claims filed, dollars lost, payments made. But it's hard for Tsiltlidze, 27, to look at the figures coldly. She thinks of the people, and she's reminded of the storm that ripped away rooftops, knocked out power and shook the walls of her family's home.
Tsiltlidze, her parents and three siblings survived Hurricane Andrew crunched together in a bathroom with no windows. She remembers the wind howling as the storm gained in fury before dawn on Aug. 24, 1992.
Then as the storm abated, she and her family walked outside and entered a changed world: Tiles, roofing, tar, leaves and garbage littered the ground.
In all, authorities estimated that Andrew destroyed more than 25,000 homes and damaged more than 100,000 others.
Several rooms, including her own, had roof damage, so the Tsiltlidzes spent weeks sleeping on the living-room floor. There was no electricity for more than a month and running water was scarce. They'd take sponge baths and bathe in a nearby lake.
For a child, the evening cookouts and nights spent in sleeping bags almost seemed fun. As an adult, she sees it differently. Hurricanes aren't just a burst of orange, green and yellow swirling on a radar screen, or a set of numbers totaling up the destruction.
The Diaz family lived in a one-story, beige-colored house with a white-tile roof in Cutler Ridge, a middle-class neighborhood along Biscayne Bay, just south of Miami. As the hurricane approached, Cutler Ridge was evacuated. The Diazes left nearly everything behind: their dogs, family photographs, books, clothing, the birthday presents.
As Diaz settled into sleep at his grandmother's house that night, the sound of a window slamming shut awakened him. The family gathered in a closet and Diaz fell asleep standing up.
At his home in Cutler Ridge, the windows were blown out and the ceiling caving in. The dogs had survived but were covered in insulation. It was six months before the family could move back. Diaz recalls trying to salvage books and clothing from his bedroom, and his dad promising to buy him all new stuff.
"I remember thinking how remarkable it was that wind could do all that," says Diaz, now 28.
As the years passed, Diaz grew more and more curious about what happened. Today he is a tropical meteorologist, tracking hurricanes and tropical storms for ImpactWeather in Texas.
One of just three Category 5 storms to strike the U.S. in the past 160 years, Andrew left at least 15 people dead and more than 150,000 homeless, its 165 mph winds causing more than $25 billion in damage.
Some of the most poignant images of the aftermath were those of children: Standing in food lines, idling in sweltering heat beside damaged homes, limp in the arms of rescue workers. Once back at school, some kids hid under desks, apprehensive whenever thunderstorms approached. Others spoke of nightmares.
"Disaster really exposes all our childhood beliefs," said Jon Shaw, a psychiatrist at the University of Miami who studied children in the aftermath of the storm. "To discover that people are unable to provide for you, protect you, is an increased understanding of how the world works."
As another hurricane season opens this month, what was one of the worst U.S. natural disasters has become a fading memory. For the children who lived through Andrew, though, each new threat still brings a vivid recollection. For some, the storm even shaped the adults they became.
In Laura Tsiltlidze's work at a large insurance company, disasters are measured in numbers: Claims filed, dollars lost, payments made. But it's hard for Tsiltlidze, 27, to look at the figures coldly. She thinks of the people, and she's reminded of the storm that ripped away rooftops, knocked out power and shook the walls of her family's home.
Tsiltlidze, her parents and three siblings survived Hurricane Andrew crunched together in a bathroom with no windows. She remembers the wind howling as the storm gained in fury before dawn on Aug. 24, 1992.
Then as the storm abated, she and her family walked outside and entered a changed world: Tiles, roofing, tar, leaves and garbage littered the ground.
In all, authorities estimated that Andrew destroyed more than 25,000 homes and damaged more than 100,000 others.
Several rooms, including her own, had roof damage, so the Tsiltlidzes spent weeks sleeping on the living-room floor. There was no electricity for more than a month and running water was scarce. They'd take sponge baths and bathe in a nearby lake.
For a child, the evening cookouts and nights spent in sleeping bags almost seemed fun. As an adult, she sees it differently. Hurricanes aren't just a burst of orange, green and yellow swirling on a radar screen, or a set of numbers totaling up the destruction.
The Diaz family lived in a one-story, beige-colored house with a white-tile roof in Cutler Ridge, a middle-class neighborhood along Biscayne Bay, just south of Miami. As the hurricane approached, Cutler Ridge was evacuated. The Diazes left nearly everything behind: their dogs, family photographs, books, clothing, the birthday presents.
As Diaz settled into sleep at his grandmother's house that night, the sound of a window slamming shut awakened him. The family gathered in a closet and Diaz fell asleep standing up.
At his home in Cutler Ridge, the windows were blown out and the ceiling caving in. The dogs had survived but were covered in insulation. It was six months before the family could move back. Diaz recalls trying to salvage books and clothing from his bedroom, and his dad promising to buy him all new stuff.
"I remember thinking how remarkable it was that wind could do all that," says Diaz, now 28.
As the years passed, Diaz grew more and more curious about what happened. Today he is a tropical meteorologist, tracking hurricanes and tropical storms for ImpactWeather in Texas.
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