More College Construction Leads to More Jobs

As more people head to college, universities are running out of space. The answer? More buildings, of course. Areas like New York are seeing a wave of construction at various institutions of higher learning. That's good news for students and builders alike.

http://nypost.com/2014/10/20/a-boom-in-students-creates-a-boom-in-construction-at-colleges/

It's Time For Home Fall Design Trends

What's happening in the world of home design this fall? According to this group of experts, it's more "mix" and less "match." But do they agree on grey being the color of the season? Take a look at what they had to say about these topics and more.

http://www.lohud.com/story/money/real-estate/homes/sell-this-house/2014/10/10/home-design-trends-fall/17027937/

Remodeling Your Home? Keep It Small

When people dream about renovating their home, they sometimes envision grandiose plans of addition and expansion. But often it's better to keep everything on a smaller scale. Before you go crazy on your next remodeling project, take a step back and ask, "Is bigger really better?"

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865612870/Bigger-isn7t-always-better-in-home-remodeling.html?pg=all

Photos Show New World Atop NY's Highest Building

Man-made buildings can be wondrous things, especially those that literally reach for the sky. Not everyone is privy to the view from these staggering edifices, but thanks to the efforts of one Instagram photographer, we get a peek at the world atop 432 Park Avenue in New York City. Set to open in 2015, this residential building will be the city's tallest structure at 1,398 feet high.

http://www.archdaily.com/555135/view-from-the-top-instagrammer-climbs-nyc-s-tallest-building/

Replacing House Windows Can Yield Resale Benefits

We all know there are certain home improvement projects that are more exciting than others. Redoing your bathroom or kitchen, for example, allows for a certain amount of creativity. When it comes to replacing windows, however, most homeowners respond with a big yawn. If you are interesting in selling your house, though, changing those frames and panes could be a worthy investment.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/a-not-so-sexy-home-improvement-project-with-real-benefits-2014-10-06

TV Expanding Its Foundation of Home Improvement Shows

If you like watching home improvement shows, then you are probably pretty satisfied with your TV options these days. Networks are zeroing in on the popularity of DIY projects, with about 180 renovation-related shows currently in development. Wow.

http://www.latimes.com/home/la-hm-home-show-hosts-20140906-story.html

Builder Using Recycled Shipping Containers To Make House

It's always interesting to see what kind of materials can be used to build a house these days. In Michigan, a home is being constructed out of red metal shipping containers like those you see on a rail car or in a boatyard. The recycled material is touted as energy efficient. The completed project will be a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath house measuring 2,100 square feet.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2014/09/17/container-home-under-construction-draws-eyes-in-royal-oak/

Skilled Construction Workers in High Demand

It seems there is so much talk about how difficult it is to get a job nowadays. But if you are a skilled construction worker, there are plenty of opportunities. Take a look at this story, and you'll see what I mean.

http://www.npr.org/2014/08/06/338011367/construction-industry-missing-key-tool-skilled-workers

Saying Grace Earns Discount at NC Diner

Many restaurants offer coupons and other specials to help bring in customers. But an eatery in Winston-Salem, N.C, has added a little heavenly guidance to the mix. Mary's Gourmet Diner gives a 15 percent discount to guests who pray before digging into their meals.

http://news.yahoo.com/why-one-restaurant-gives-15-percent-prayer-discount-163833915.html

Restaurants' Social Media Snafus A Marketing Nightmare

There is no doubt this is the age of social media. And while Facebook, Twitter and the like can bring their share of goodness and light, they can also ruin reputations with the tap of a finger. Take the impact that social media has had on various restaurant chains, including Taco Bell, McDonald's and Chick-Fil-A. These eateries, among others, have served up some major PR blunders, thanks to diners and their ever-present digital devices.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-daily-meal/the-worst-restaurant-soci_b_5603707.html

Boost Bathroom Appeal With These Renovation Tips

Everybody likes a new bathroom. In fact, these relatively small spaces can make or break the sale of a house. If you are looking to sell your home, or simply want to spruce up where you live, then bathrooms are a good place to start. Take a look at the following renovation tips for your bathroom.

http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2014/07/18/13-ways-to-save-on-your-bathroom-renovation

Eateries Spark Your Spending With A Little Menu 'Magic'

One of the keys to a successful restaurant is the value of its menu. We're not just talking about the cost of food, though. Menus can feature a lot of "psychological" tactics that encourage diners to spend more. Take a look at how your local eatery may be using special tricks to influence your food choices.

http://www.businessinsider.com/restaurant-menus-spend-more-money-2014-7

Some Home Renovations Not Worth the Money

We often talk about which home renovations can help improve the value of your property. But there are some alterations that may be more trouble (and expense) than they are worth. Take a look at these five projects that may not be the best use of your time or finances.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2014/07/12/home-renovations-to-avoid/12483595/

These 10 DIY Projects Can Help Home's Curb Appeal

When you are trying to sell your home, first impressions matter. And the first thing prospective buyers see is the exterior of your house. There are several projects you can take care of yourself to aid your home's curb appeal.

http://www.theintelligencer.com/article_91c02317-6e2b-53df-aa3a-28251bbb6786.html

Construction Site Leads To Fabulous Fossil Find

Sometimes construction can yield more than what's on the blueprints. Excavation can especially be full of surprises. Take, for example, the recent fossil find at a construction site in Fremont, Calif.

http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_26099360/fossil-treasure-trove-discovered-at-silicon-valley-construction

These Signs Point to Zero-Star Dining

Everyone has had a bad experience at a restaurant. But how do you know when it's a "fluke" and when it's the sign of a zero-star eatery? There are obvious signs to determine the difference, including dirty dinnerware and rude servers. Check out this columnist's advice ...

https://www.yahoo.com/food/how-to-spot-a-zero-star-restaurant-without-a-review-90373964521.html

Priceline, TripAdvisor Dipping Into Mobile Restaurant Reservations

We've talked before about the effects of technology on the restaurant industry. Here's more proof that mobile applications are considered to be the future of the dining-out experience. Two giant names in online travel reservations, Priceline and TripAdvisor, are stepping into restaurant scheduling, as well.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2014/06/26/where-are-priceline-and-tripadvisor-headed-with-the-restaurant-reservations-business/

Ohio Man, 91, Creating Small-Scale Replica of Jacobs Field

Attention to detail is a trait that every good building contractor understands well. That's why we can especially appreciate the work of Joe Duncan, a 91-year-old man who is building a detailed replica of Jacobs Field. It's not the first model he's undertaken, but it may be the most intricate, right down to the seating on the third-base line. Take a look at his amazing work!

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2014/06/jacobs_field_ballpark_joe_dunc.html

Stop, Thief! This Restaurant Put You on Facebook!

A restaurant in Arizona had an interesting -- and humiliating -- way to handle a man who stole some artwork from its walls. Instead of calling the police, the pub's owner posted surveillance footage of the thief stuffing the $500 painting into a backpack. Not bad for an amateur crime fighter!

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/2014/06/18/flagstaff-restaurant-shames-thief-facebook/10707999/

Find Dining Discounts With These Mobile Apps

Eating out can be fun, but expensive. Thanks to technology, though, you can find ways to save money while still enjoying the experience of dining away from home. Several mobile applications offer tips on locating the best discounts for your favorite restaurants.

http://money.usnews.com/money/the-frugal-shopper/2014/06/17/restaurant-apps-that-will-save-you-money