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Academy of Art University Embraces aecKnowledge Curricula
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) November 06, 2012
aecKnowledge, a leading provider of advanced online continuing education (CE) for architects, engineers and construction professionals, announces that Academy of Art University’s School of Architecture, one of only 95 Master of Architecture programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, has utilized their online continuing education curricula.
The San Francisco university will incorporate two coursesMarketing & Business Development and Essentials and Financial Management: Beyond Intuitioninto the syllabus of Architectural Professional Practices, a course in the School of Architectures Master degree program taught by Elizabeth Tippin, Esq., LEED AP, AIA/Allied Member, who is also outside general counsel to several architectural firms.
aecKnowledge is a great resource that I regularly use in my class. Both the continuing education curricula and kTalks provide excellent speakers and current substantive information critical to graduate architecture students, stated Elizabeth Tippin, Esq., LEED AP. “My students commented that both the experience of the speakers and the quality of the program provide critical foundational information. As the professor, the additional benefit of having a quiz at the end demonstrates that the students have understood the content of the course. aecKnowledge is an incredible resource for me to create a dynamic classroom experience.
According to Michael Strogoff, FAIA, Founder & President, aecKnowledge, As part of our effort to offer knowledge and insights gained through years of practice to students in professional programs, we are thrilled that AAU has embraced our online learning. AAUs graduate students are an important constituent in our mission to change the way members of the architecture, engineering and construction community collaborate with and learn from one another.
aecKnowledge’s online courses are approved for continuing education units by AIA/CES and/or GBCI. The courses are also accepted by many states to fulfill mandatory CE requirements for ongoing licensure. Additional materials, including free course previews, written transcripts, course descriptions, learning objectives and presenter biographies are also available. Special group rates are available to firms and professional organizations.
About aecKnowledge
aecKnowledge, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is an established web-based, peer-reviewed knowledge sharing platform for the AEC industries. aecKnowledge enables members of the architecture, engineering, construction and land use planning industries to share unbiased knowledge and to leverage their collective intellectual capital. With a mission to transform how design and construction professionals throughout the AEC industries collaborate with and learn from each other, aecKnowledge targets the more than 6 million professionals and tradespeople across the fragmented AEC industry, and provides a venue for allied professionals and knowledge providers to strengthen their presence among a large and engaged audience. Visit http://www.aecKnowledge.com for more information.
Global Renewables Industry at Tipping Point as it Seeks to Reduce Reliance on Subsidies
New York, NY (PRWEB) November 29, 2012
The renewable energy industry is at a tipping point as the developed markets start to close the door on generous subsidy programs and emerging markets develop cost strategies to compete with fossil fuels according to Ernst & Youngs latest quarterly global Renewable energy country attractiveness indices report released today.
Gil Forer, Ernst & Youngs Global Cleantech Leader, comments: Current global macroeconomic drivers are reinforcing the role of emerging markets in the future global energy mix. As renewable energy technologies become more cost-competitive, the importance of government subsidies is set to decrease to create a sustainable growth platform for both developed and emerging markets, as well as manufacturers.
The indices provide scores in 40 countries for national renewable energy markets, renewable energy infrastructures and their suitability for individual technologies. During Q3 2012, China remained at the top of the All Renewables Index (ARI), but dropped a point as its solar sector continued the consolidation process in an effort to boost domestic installation and rationalize government support, which could slow growth in the more immediate term. In recent months China has also seen a large outflow of Chinese investment in favor of markets such as Africa and South America.
The quarter also saw the US drop 1.5 points in the ARI, resulting in Germany moving up into second place ahead of the US. While the German government has recently increased the countrys renewable energy target for electricity to 40% by 2020 and is proactively implementing policy measures to create sustainable growth, the downgraded score reflects the more immediate changes around possible subsidy caps for solar, wind and biomass.
Within the US, the uncertainty about long term US energy policy combined with concerns over the extension of key renewable energy incentives and the availability of low-priced natural gas are likely to continue slowing the growth in the sector in the short to medium term, particularly in the wind sector.
However when looking towards the long-term, Forer comments: Now that the US elections are behind us, we can likely expect new long-term momentum behind cleantech related regulations, such as EPA greenhouse gas regulations as well as Department of Energy and Department of Defense energy efficiency initiatives.
Clean energy investment hit by uncertainty
Globally, total clean energy investment fell 5% in Q3, to US$ 56.6b, with investor enthusiasm dampened by skepticism over policymakers renewable energy commitments and the continued decrease in solar and wind technology costs impacting on total investment values.
New investment levels have varied globally with investment in Europe, Middle East and Africa rising 7% to US$ 21bn in Q3 mainly driven by solar thermal and wind project financings in Morocco. However, in the same period, investment in the Americas and Asia-Pacific slipped by 25% and 3%, to US$ 10.4b and US$ 25.2b respectively.
Ben Warren, Ernst & Young Energy and Environmental Finance Leader comments: Political and regulatory uncertainty, working in tandem with constrained capital markets, continue to put the brakes on investment and deal volumes. Looking forward, market restructuring and the emerging secondary infrastructure financing market are likely to provide the momentum for future investment.
Emerging markets get back to basics
Having taken note of the lessons learnt across markets in Europe and the US, where high levels of subsidization have been the key driver of growth in the sector, governments in emerging markets are driving business models that work without direct subsidies or grants that could potentially compete head-on with conventional fossil fuel sources.
The latest indices include Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the first time, reflecting the growing presence of the Middle East within the clean energy market, with the UAE ranked 35th in the index, two places above Saudi Arabia. The roll-out of solar initiatives places the UAE over Saudi Arabia in the Solar Index, while the reverse is true in the Wind Index based on natural resource.
When looking at the global outlook for the clean energy industry, Forer summarizes: While the reliance on government subsidies is decreasing, it should not be forgotten that until grid parity is reached in more regions, financing will still depend on the timing and nature of individual countries incentives and support regimes, a commitment to invest in grid infrastructure and connectivity, and the ability of projects to seek multiple partnerships and investors.
To download issue 35 of the Renewable energy CAI and previous issues, visit http://www.ey.com/CAI
About the CAI
The Country Attractiveness Indices publication has been running since the beginning of 2003 and is distributed to over 4,000 people each quarter. It provides scores for national renewable energy markets, renewable energy infrastructures and their suitability for individual technologies.
The Indices monitors 40 entries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK and the US.
How Ernst & Young’s Global Cleantech Center can help your business
From start-ups to large corporations and national governments, organizations worldwide are embracing cleantech as a means of growth, efficiency, sustainability and competitive advantage. As cleantech enables a variety of sectors, old and new, to transform and participate in a more resource-efficient and low-carbon economy, we see innovation in technology, business models, financing mechanisms, cross-sector partnerships and corporate adoption. Ernst & Young’s Global Cleantech Center offers you a worldwide team of professionals in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services who understand the business dynamics of cleantech. We have the experience to help you make the most of opportunities in this marketplace, and address any challenges. Whichever sector or market youre in, we can provide the insights you need to realize the benefits of cleantech.
About Ernst & Youngs Energy and Environmental Finance Group
With a dedicated team of over 100 international advisors operating from our global team, Ernst & Youngs Environmental Finance Group helps private and public sector clients to increase value from renewable energy activity. The team covers established and emerging renewable technologies, providing advisory services from initial market entry strategies to commercial analysis, finance raising, and M&A transactions advice.
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 167,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.
Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit http://www.ey.com.
This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global Ernst & Young organization that also does not provide any services to clients.
Square Jellyfish Introduces New Pocket Tripod for Cameras Just in Time for Holiday Gift GivingPerfect Stocking Stuffer for Photography Enthusiasts on the Go
Fremont, CA (PRWEB) November 29, 2012
Santa Claus can capture photos of all of his gift giving around the globe with a convenient new camera tripod small enough to fit in the pocket of his red suit. Square Jellyfish is expanding its line of helpful accessories with a new pocket-sized tripod that will be available just in time for the holidays. The tripod will be perfect for any photographer who wants to stabilize a camera for pictures or videos.
Ideal for photography hobbyists on the go, travelers who dont want to carry a heavy tripod or families wanting to capture photos of parents and their children at home and virtually anywhere, the Square Jellyfish Pocket Tripod is portable and easy to use. It can be mounted quickly to any camera with a tripod screw mount. The unique shape of the tripod allows a camera to be positioned at many different angles while holding a camera steady to take a picture.
We have seen enormous interest in a small tripod thats easy for photographers to use on the go in any setting, said Judie Kuhn, Square Jellyfish product manager. This new product can steady a variety of cameras at many different angles yet its small enough to tuck in to a pocket, purse or bag without adding any weight or bulk to a trip.
Who hasnt wished they had one of these when taking a photo of a group or family, always forcing one personthe photographerto be left out of the shot? Kuhn said.
Photography enthusiasts can use the Pocket Tripod for hands-free positioning of a camera, which can be swiveled 360 degrees held level, or angled upward or downward in any combination. It is designed to support lightweight, compact cameras or small video cameras.
The Square Jellyfish Pocket Tripod is made from sturdy polycarbonate/ABS plastic, weighs only 0.4 ounces and measures 2.75 x 1.75 and is .75 tall. Available in mid-December from Amazon.com, each Square Jellyfish Pocket Tripod is $ 6.95.
The second in a new collection of consumer accessories with the Square Jellyfish label, these pocket-friendly tripods complement the first line of Square Jellyfish products, which were small cases to store Apple ear buds that double as a stand for a smartphone or tablet. Designed in the U.S.A., Square Jellyfish patents are pending.
For more information and for photos demonstrating how the Square Jellyfish Pocket Tripod can be used with a variety of cameras and positions, visit http://www.squarejellyfish.com
FOR MEDIA ONLY: Square Jellyfish is happy to send free samples of the Pocket Tripod to any writer, reporter or editor who requests one. Use the media contact information above to request a sample.
BobCAD-CAM Manufacturers of The Future Program Provides Powerful & Affordable CAD/CAM CNC Software to Students, Teachers & Schools
Clearwater, FL (PRWEB) November 06, 2012
BobCAD-CAM, the world leader in powerful and affordable CAD/CAM software, recently noticed a high demand for more accessible CAD/CAM software programs in schools. The company launched a new program, Manufacturers of the Future, to answer this demand and provide teachers and students with the latest in design machining software technology at costs that can easily fit into their budgets.
The new program offers advanced CAD/CAM licenses for classrooms, or labs that need multiple stations, at a reduced cost. The teachers are provided with training products, such as instructional videos, and are given technical support to ensure they are successful in developing curriculums and teaching CAD/CAM.
The program was designed to prepare students to enter the manufacturing workforce readily equipped with the necessary design knowledge as well as the actual software required for machining.
Through Manufacturers of the Future, BobCAD-CAM has worked with schools such as Vincennes University, Virginia Tech School of Architecture + Design, Cleveland Industrial Training Center, Waukee High School, and University of Michigan Medical Innovation Center.
BobCAD-CAM sponsored Acton-Boxborough Regional High School in Acton, Massachusetts with a $ 53,000 CAD/CAM software grant so that the high school industrial engineering program could have the required technology for their students to excel in their labs.
At this years Indiana Statewide Machine Trades Contest for high school students, BobCAD-CAM awarded software to the first, second, and third place CNC Division winners, as well as the first place Advanced Division winner.
Most recently, BobCAD-CAM sponsored a Canadian student team, Blazing Arrow, in the F1 in Schools Technology Challenge. The team was provided with software and grant money to design, create, and race their own model car against other schools in the challenge. The team took home the 2012 Canadian F1 in Schools Championship, the Fastest Car Award, the Best Collaboration Team Award, and the Best Marketing Award. BobCAD-CAM also provided the team with travel funds to attend the F1 in Schools Technology Challenge World Finals in Abu Dhabi, where they came in a very close second for fastest car.
For more information on the BobCAD-CAM Manufacturers of The Future Program, please contact the Educational Director, Kevin Hughes, at 866-408-3226 ext 168 or visit the website at http://www.bobcad.com/industries/education.
Sarasota County Commission Recognizes Sweet-Sparkman Architects and Ringling College Students for ‘ORIGINS’ Exhibit at 2012 Architecture Biennale in Venice, Italy
Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) September 25, 2012
Sarasota County Commission today recognized Sweet-Sparkman architects and Ringling College of Art and Design students for the ‘ORIGINS’ exhibit at 2012 Architecture Biennale in Venice, Italy.
The pure quartz sands of Siesta Key Beach were on display last month at the 13th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice, Italy, in an exhibit created by local architects Jerry Sparkman and Todd M. Sweet along with students, staff and alumni from the Ringling College of Art and Design. Sparkman and the team from Ringling were honored today with a certificate of recognition by the Sarasota County Commission at the start of the Sept. 25 meeting.
The conceptual exhibit, called Origins, features a sand waterfall that flows from the ceiling through a hand-cast glass vitrine in front of a 10 x 10 glass wall. The architects from the firm of Sweet Sparkman were invited to participate in the exhibition by Rene Reitmeyer, a Dutch artist and the curator for the exhibition. Reitmeyer was intrigued by Sparkmans Casey Key beach house design, which prompted him to offer the architect an invitation to present a conceptual proposal to the exhibitions selection committee in January.
Ringling College student team members honored today include Business of Art & Design 2012 graduate Mari Garman and 2012-2013 Trustee Scholar Agneta Ramoskaite; Fine Arts seniors Diana Lueken and Devon Keene; 2012-2013 Trustee Scholar for Student Life and Interior Design senior Dehne Sibbernsen; Motion Design sophomore Jason Beale and Photography & Digital Imaging sophomore Jackson Petty.
Siesta Keys sand is made of 99.9% pure quartz. It is one of the reasons Siesta Key Beach was named the 2011 Best Beach in America by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach.
The exhibit received support from the Sarasota County Commission, Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Visit Sarasota County.
The ORIGINS exhibition is open to the public at the BIENNALE ARCHITETTURA 2012 until November 25, 2012 at the Palazzo Bembo, located at 4793 Riva del Carbon, 30124 Venice, Italy. More than 40,000 visitors are expected to tour the ORIGINS exhibit during its run.
About Sweet Sparkman
Sweet Sparkman Architects is a multi-disciplinary architecture and planning firm specializing in community oriented projects. Principals, Todd Sweet AIA, LEED and Jerry Sparkman, AIA NCARB bring a combined 40 years experience of architecture and planning, including large mixed-use projects, corporate building projects, public sector work, civic and community projects. Sweet Sparkman Architects received AIA awards and national and international design industry recognition for a wide range of projects including private residences, office retail complexes, fire stations, park pavilions, and even a barn/music studio. For more information visit http://www.sweetsparkman.com.
About Ringling College
Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering the Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in 13 disciplines: Advertising Design, Computer Animation, Digital Film-making, Fine Arts, Game Art & Design, Graphic & Interactive Communication, Illustration, Interior Design, Motion Design, Painting, Photography & Digital Imaging, Printmaking, and Sculpture, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Business of Art & Design. Located in Sarasota on Floridas Gulf Coast, the picturesque 48-acre campus now includes more than 110 buildings, and enrolls 1,368 students from 42 states and 53 countries. It is recognized as being among the best and most innovative visual arts colleges in the United States as well as a leader in the use of technology in the arts. http://www.Ringling.edu
For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000, or visit http://www.scgov.net.
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Shea Homes & Trilogy Celebrate Grand Opening of First 55+ Active Adult Community in Pierce County On Saturday, September 29th
Bonney Lake, WA (PRWEB) September 25, 2012
Shea Homes and Trilogy Active Lifestyle Communities
The House Designers, Fypon
Portland, Oregon (PRWEB) September 26, 2012
A recent press release by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) states that new home construction rose 2.3 percent nationally to an adjusted annual rate of 750,000 units in August. New figures released from HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau confirm this increase was fueled entirely by gains in the single-family sector, where new construction accelerated in every region for a combined 5.5 percent gain to 535,000 units, the fastest growth in two years.
“Builders across the country have been reporting noticeable improvement in the number of serious buyers who are in the market for a new home, and today’s report shows that this is translating to some welcome gains in construction activity,” said Barry Rutenberg, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in a recent press release. “While there is still plenty of room for improvement, it’s encouraging to see this continuing trend that is spurring much-needed job growth.”
According to The House Designers, a leading provider of online stock house plans, house plan sales continued to increase by 10% each month over 2011. The top 5 states for house plan sales in 2012 are the same as in 2011 and include Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Georgia.
“The pace of overall housing production has been edging gradually upward all year as consumers become more confident in their local housing markets, and the latest data are further evidence that the housing recovery is here to stay,” added NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “That said, the pace of this recovery continues to be constrained by various hurdles, including a tough lending environment, inaccurate appraisals and more recently, rising prices on key building materials.”
The House Designers reports that many of their house plans customers originally considered purchasing an existing home, but were often surprised to find that building a new home was more affordable. TheHouseDesigners.com offers over 6,000 house plans in a wide variety of sizes and architectural styles, which can all be customized at a fraction of the cost of having an architect create a custom home design.
While the average size of a home is now 2,100-2,500 square feet, consumers still demand an open/flexible floor plan with all the same amenities of a much larger home plan, said Tammy Crosby, Chief Operating Officer of The House Designers. With the cost to operate and maintain at the top of consumers concerns, weve found a big increase in sales in our exclusive Green/ENERGY STAR
Scottsdale Landscape Design Company, Envirogreen Landscaping Goes Social
Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) September 26, 2012
Quality landscaping design, inspired by clever architecture and natural textures, can heal, restore and enhance the appearance of all types of residential properties.
In an attempt to raise awareness to the importance of implementing true art and timeless quality into landscaping design services, Envirogreen Landscaping goes social, setting up a new Facebook page and encouraging everyone to http://www.facebook.com/envirogreenaz?sk=info Like us on Facebook and get our newest photos and videos!. At the same time, homeowners interested in enhancing their houses appearance without large investments are welcomed to https://twitter.com/EnvirogreenAZ Follow us on Twitter and get the latest updates and articles!.
Unfortunately, outdoor settings and surroundings are many times the last to receive the necessary design attention from homeowners, and they shouldnt be. Whats surrounding the house is at least as important as what can be found on the inside. Whether it is the manicured lawn in front of the house, a welcoming backyard fireplace or a fabulous and fully functional fountain just outside the office, these are spaces that benefit from more attention to detail and innovative design provided by Envirogreen Landscaping, a premier Scottsdale landscape design company offering a wide range of design services.
At Envirogreen, we believe that well-designed landscapes are the simplest way to complement a homes appearance, style and architecture, allowing the house to expose itself as a good story and reflect the owners personality. By taking your personal design approach outside, you can transform a balcony or a patio into another wonderful room of the house, said spokesperson for Envirogreen Landscaping. From exquisitely crafted masonry to welcoming fire places, calming fountains, thresholds, amazing waterfalls and low-maintenance front yard decorations, we offer a wide range of landscaping services well within anyones budget.
http://www.envirogreenaz.com/ Follow us on Twitter and get the latest updates and articles! [Please visit our official website to see what we are all about!].
The services of Envirogreen Landscaping are very appreciated by homeowners who resorted to such improvements – Phoenix, AZ Robert G.: Not only did they provide quality work, but they finished the job as promised, made sure we were satisfied and happy with the result, and they cleaned up nicely afterwards! We found Grayson to be very professional, listening to what we wanted and didnt seem to mind the many times we changed the plans. We are sitting outside today in our new patio waiting to show it off to our friends and family! Very good customer service and his crew was hardworking and knew what they were doing. Grayson made sure we got what we paid for and even came back to do a little extra finish work at no extra charge! Thank you!.
About Envirogreen Landscaping LLC
Envirogreen strives to help the homeowner understand and interact with the development of the landscape. Fully understanding any kind of landscape installation done to their home will help clients fully understand and appreciate the outskirts of their home better.
Envirogreen respect the creation and development of landscape design and treat it as an art. Envirogreen will educate clients on how to take care and maintain their yard so that they fully understand the growth of the foliage and understand the culture of their landscape.
TopSpot Internet Marketing Recognized with 2012 Manufacturing WebAward
Houston, TX (PRWEB) September 26, 2012
TopSpot Internet Marketing’s web development strategy was recently recognized with Manufacturing Standard of Excellence Award in the 2012 WebAwards from The Web Marketing Association (WMA). The WMA was founded in 1997 to help set a high standard for internet marketing and development of the best sites on the web. The WebAward program is the longest running annual website award competition, dedicated to naming the best sites in 96 industries while setting the standard of excellence for all website development. More than 2,000 entries from 42 countries were adjudicated in 96 industry categories during this year’s competition. Entries were judged on design, copy writing, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation, and use of technology.
The award was received for web development of the Farmers Copper website for Outstanding Achievement in Web Development in the Manufacturing Industry. Farmers Copper LTD, headquartered in Galveston, TX, is recognized as one of the oldest family-owned and operated metal service centers in the United States. They have been a paid search customer of TopSpots since 2005 and in 2010 they contracted with TopSpot to develop their new website and implement an SEO program. After launch of the new website in 2011, Farmers Copper experienced a 188% increase in monthly conversions. Learn more about Farmers Coppers internet marketing strategy in their case study.
This is not the first award for Farmers Coppers website, receiving an Award of Excellence from the Business Marketing Association of Houstons 2011 Lantern Awards.
About TopSpot Internet Marketing Solutions
TopSpot Internet Marketing Solutions is a Houston-based agency specializing in B2B industrial marketing. TopSpots team has over 20 years of industrial internet marketing experience in helping small to mid-sized manufacturers, distributors and service companies with strategic plans to help grow their business. Our solutions include paid search marketing, SEO, website architecture, website design & development, mobile web development/marketing, analytics, email marketing, conversion improvement, multivariable (a/b) testing and consulting.