Visualize!: Using Virtual Tools When Remodeling

If you’ve ever used products from the home-furnishing retailer IKEA for a remodeling project, you might be familiar with its virtual Planner Tools, a Web interface that allows you to set up and decorate rooms. IKEA actually offers a 3D Kitchen Planner, a 3D a Wardrobe Planner, a Storage Planner, a Children’s Storage Planner, and an Office Planner. Earlier this year, the company announced a pilot virtual-reality app called the IKEA VR Experience.

“Virtual reality is developing quickly and in five to ten years it will be an integrated part of people’s lives,” Jesper Brodin, managing director at IKEA of Sweden and Range & Supply Manager at IKEA Group, said in a press release. “We see that virtual reality will play a major role in the future of our customers. For instance, someday, it could be used to enable customers to try out a variety of home furnishing solutions before buying them.”

According to Remodeling magazine, though interactive, the IKEA VR Experience is limited in its functionality, as the floor plans are static. They compare the service to Chief Architect’s Room Planner, an architectural home-design app for the iPad. Chief Architect plans to implement virtual reality “when it works well enough to help customers see and feel the space,” according to Chief Architect’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing Scott Harris.

You may have seen the “Property Brothers” show on HGTV. When the show’s stars reveal their proposed remodeling plans to homeowners, the 3D animations illustrate exactly what the room will look like when they are done. They use a service called NEEZO Renders, which blends 3D art and technology to virtually bring a remodeled room to the viewer. On a smaller scale, there are affordable programs like Punch!, which can help homeowners with no design experience create and use their own plans. Another option is SketchUp, which offers a free version.

Lowe’s has developed a digital tool called Holoroom. The program is limited to designing kitchens and bathrooms at this time, and it doesn’t allow for walk-throughs just yet. Holoroom uses Oculus Rift but can be exported to YouTube 360 and viewed with Google Cardboard. As of January 2016, Holoroom was only available in two states — Colorado and Ohio — but will be rolled out to additional states over time. Consumer Reports took Holoroom for a spin; you can check out the recap here.

In fact, Consumer Reports lists virtual reality in its article, 5 Top Home Remodeling Trends for 2016.

“Lowe’s Holoroom is the most mainstream example,” the magazine wrote, “but many smaller companies are coming out of the woodwork, so to speak, and we expect virtual reality to be a major trend in 2016.”

Earlier this year, Digital Trends took a look at how virtual and augmented reality dominated the International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas.

“The home improvement space is a fantastic place for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to take off,” Marxent Labs CEO Beck Besecker told Digital Trends. Besecker’s company’s VisualCommerce platform builds virtual-reality applications.

From where to put the fridge to swapping out paint colors to viewing a dream deck, virtual reality allows homeowners to take their ideas for a test drive before committing to the actual work. Maybe you thought the kitchen would look great with a large island and gray walls, but through virtual reality, you see the space looks dark and cramped. Back to the drawing board, and it didn’t cost you an arm and a leg!

(Photo: Flickr/Dept of Energy Solar Decathlon)

Article and images sourced from http://blog.pacificunion.com/visualize-using-virtual-tools-when-remodeling/

San Francisco Opera at AT&T Park

Free Live Simulcast of Carmen, Saturday, July 2, at 7:30pm

San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Giants invite you to Opera at the Ballpark, presented by Taube Philanthropies.

This free performance of Bizet’s Carmen will be simulcast live from the War Memorial Opera House. Pre-show and intermission will be hosted by KDFC's Dianne Nicolini and Hoyt Smith. Beach Blanket Babylon's Tammy Nelson will lead the crowd in a rousing rendition of "Take Me Out to the Opera," which will be captured by Smule to feature in their app.

Join 30,000 fellow attendees for an unforgettable evening of opera – and garlic fries – under the stars. Choose between sitting on the field or in the stands!

WHO IT'S FOR

Those looking for a one-of-a-kind San Francisco experience.

WHERE

AT&T Park

WHEN

Saturday, July 2, 2016 at 7:30pm

Running Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes including one intermission 

Beginning at 5:00pm, registered fans with printed confirmation may enter the park. Gates open for general entry at 6pm.

COST

FREE!

REGISTER

For full information about AT&T Park, including accessibility, park restrictions, security and more, check out the AT&T Park information page. 

*Please note: This production contains violence, nudity and sexual situations. Parental discretion advised.

Long before there was sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll, there was Carmen. A seductive and dangerous gypsy, Carmen captures the heart of the soldier Don José, whose all-consuming jealousy may be her ruin.  You've heard the opera’s iconic “Habanera” aria sung by artists as varied as Beyoncé, Maria Callas, and the Muppets.

DIRECTIONS AND PARKING

AT&T Park is easily accessible by public transit, car and bike. Parking may be found in nearby parking structures or on the street.

For full details, visit AT&T Park's website.

FIELD SEATING

To sit on the field, you must enter through the Marina Gate entrance.

Arrive early, as field seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

You may bring blankets (no lawn chairs) to sit on the field.

Remember to bring your registration confirmation for early entry.

Not bringing a bag? You're welcome to use an Express Line to enter.

Article and images sourced from http://sfopera.com/discover-opera/free-events/san-francisco-opera-at-att-park/

Brexit: Something Is Rotten in Denmark

Executive Summary:

• The United Kingdom’s unexpected vote to leave the European Union, otherwise known as “Brexit,” was not accounted for in global financial markets prior to the vote. Thus, stock market volatility is sorting out the anticipated effects going forward.
• While the financial market volatility will persist, the direct impact on the U.S. is minimal.
• U.S. economic fundamentals remain strong, as they are based on domestic activity.
• Indirect impacts may actually bode well for U.S. housing markets, as investors seek safe, stable investments.
• However, more volatility may be in store in the weeks to come.

To say that global financial markets were not pricing in Brexit prior to the vote is an understatement. Financial markets have gone haywire overnight, with many recalling the sell-off following the Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008. While volatility will stay with us for some time, the current situation is nothing like the 2008 financial crisis. And though no market was spared again, Europe’s fragile markets suffered from a severe lashing and will likely to continue on the rollercoaster ride.

Nevertheless, the Brexit vote still does not mean that the U.K. will leave soon; the referendum is not legally binding, and only Parliament can pass the legislation to leave the EU. Even if this happens, it would take at least two years for the EU and the U.K. to renegotiate their bilateral agreements. However, since no one yet really understands the full implications of Brexit, a period of volatility and much uncertainty is likely to persist.

Who Wins and Who Loses?

Unfortunately, it is easier to surmise Brexit’s direct effects than its indirect effects. In principle, the exit decision should have little direct impact on the U.S. or global economies. The U.K. economy accounts for only 4 percent of global gross domestic product. Also, U.S. exports to the U.K. comprise only 0.4 percent of our GDP, while the U.S. receives just 3 percent of its imports from the U.K. Additionally, our country’s bank exposure to U.K assets represents only 3 percent — thus a potential U.K. recession would have a limited impact on U.S. financial systems.

Among all parties impacted, the outlook for the U.K. is the haziest, followed by the uncertainty that will shadow over the EU. And while the direct impact on the remaining 27 EU countries is somewhat limited, the indirect effects cannot be fully foreseen at this point. The volatility and debate over what the next steps should be will not bode well for confidence or economic growth, and it may lead to further loosening of monetary policy.

Indirect Effects on the U.S. Could Help Our Housing Markets

Brexit’s indirect effects on the U.S., however, may not be so gloomy. First, the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates will most likely be further delayed due to this development. Also, with global financial uncertainty seemingly everlasting, U.S. Treasuries are continuing to look very attractive and will probably woo many investors. Both factors are going to keep interest rates low — particularly mortgage interest rates.

Also, U.S. economic fundamentals are essentially unchanged, and the country should continue to post solid job and wage growth. U.S. housing markets may further benefit from global uncertainty, as they are still perceived as safe, relatively stable, and to some extent underpriced, especially when compared to London’s exorbitant real estate market.

Selma Hepp is Pacific Union’s Chief Economist and Vice President of Business Intelligence. Her previous positions include Chief Economist at Trulia, senior economist for the California Association of Realtors, and economist and manager of public policy and homeownership at the National Association of Realtors. She holds a Master of Arts in Economics from the State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, and a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning and Design from the University of Maryland.

Articles and images sourced from http://blog.pacificunion.com/brexit-something-is-rotten-in-denmark/

Food Fests Galore! Your Guide to the Summer's Tastiest Events

Taste cuisines from around the world and satisfy your wildest foodie dreams with these savory festivals around the Bay Area featuring garlic, seafood, zucchini, tomatoes, and everything in between. Make this summer one for the books and hit up every single one of these mouth-watering festivals. You won't regret it.

Taste of Mendocino

This premier wine event is the talk of Mendocino. Robust wines and artisanal food come together for one delicious day at Fort Mason, featuring scrumptious bites matched with perfect wine pairings. Your palate will thank you, after all, this is the best of what Mendocino has to offer. // Sunday, June 26th, 1-5pm at Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd. (Presidio), tasteofmendo.com/tickets

Halal Food Fest

Welcome to one of the largest halal festivals in America! What's halal you ask? Think 'permissible' foods (much like kosher) featuring mouthwatering cuisine from India, Pakistan, the Mediterranean, Africa, and of course, the U.S. The festival also includes a large bazaar filled with clothing, jewelry and artwork for you to peruse as you chew. // Saturday, July 16th, 12pm -9pm, 40451 Albrae St. (Fremont), halalfest.com

Garlic Festival

One of the world's largest summer food festivals is dedicated to garlic—and you'll love every moment. The buttery richness of garlic is mixed into pretty much everything (try the ice cream!), and there are competitions, live demonstrations, and tastings to keep you entertained. Partake in all the garlicky goodness as you enjoy arts & crafts, live music, lip-smacking deliciousness and the Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen pageant. // Friday, July 29th –Sunday, July 31st, 10am – 7pm at Christmas Hill Park, 7050 Miller Ave. (Gilroy), gilroygarlicfestival.com

Zucchini Festival

Ever heard of zuke fries? Well the Zucchini Festival in Hayward has them by truckloads. Discover the versatile use of this hearty vegetable in desserts such as cakes and cookies as well as snacks and main dishes. Don't hesitate to join in the festivities at the Bay Area's only zucchini festival! // Saturday, August 20th –Sunday, August 21st, 10am – 8pm at Kennedy Park, 19501 Hesperian Blvd. (Hayward),zucchinifest.org

Fairfield Tomato Festival

In the mood for a juicy red tomato? There's no shortage of them at the Fairfield Tomato Festival. The versatile fruit can be eaten alone, sundried, fried, stuffed and mixed into a variety of dishes. Try all the heavenly bites prepared with tomatoes at this festival in the heart of Fairfield. // Saturday, August 20th –Sunday, August 21st, 11am-5pm, at 950 West Texas St. (Fairfield), fairfieldtomatofestival.com

Art + Soul Oakland

Spend two glorious days in the heart of Oakland's City Center vibing to music, taking in art, and feeding your soul with food. If you can only stay for one event, don't miss the BBQ Throwdown competition featuring some of the Bay Area's pit masters. Yum! // Saturday, August 20th –Sunday, August 21st, 12pm- 6pm at Oakland City Center, 14th Street and Broadway (Oakland), artandsouloakland.com

Eat Drink SF

A four day exquisite dining extravaganza, this festival is the premier event for food, wine and spirits celebrating world class chefs from around the Bay Area. Each day offers carefully crafted food for an unforgettable dining experience. Be sure to check out one of the four Grand Tasting Events featuring food from over 160 chefs and 35 different restaurants—it's one of the most sought after events of the weekend. // Thursday, August 25th –Sunday, August 28th at Fort Mason, 2 Marin Blvd. (Presidio), eatdrink-sf.com

Ghiradelli Chocolate Festival

Calling all chocolate lovers to the annual Ghiradelli Chocolate Festival. What better way to celebrate chocolate than attending this festival where 100% of the profits are donated to local non-profit Project Open Hands? Ghiradelli pairs chocolate with wine, ice cream and a whole lot of flavor and fun. Make sure you delve into this chocolate lovers dream filled with tons of desserts, culinary demos and history of the cocoa bean. // Saturday, September 10th-Sunday, September 11th, 12pm- 5pm at Ghiradelli Square, 900 North Point St., ghirardelli.com/events/chocolate-festival

Seafood & Music Festival

Picture this: you're on the marina, drink in hand, basking in the sun and muching on succulent seafood. Add music to the mix and you have the 32nd Annual Seafood & Music Festival held in Pittsburgh. Take part in all the fun with rock wall climbing, jet ski races, bath tub races, beer and wine pavilion as well tons of delicious seafood. // Saturday, September 10th 10am – 7pm and Sunday, September 11th, 10am – 6pm at Pittsburgh Marina, 200 Marina Blvd. (Pittsburgh), pittsburgseafoodandmusicfestival.com

A Taste of Greece

Be Greek for a day—or maybe the whole weekend—at the annual Greek Festival. Taste your way through Greece's rich culture through history, food, and dance exhibitions. Hold the baklava, stuffed grape leaves, kouabiedes, spanakopita in your mouth and feel free to drop your dishes for San Francisco's Big Fat Greek Festival—opa! // Friday, September 16th -Sunday, September 18th at Annunciation Cathedral, 245 Valencia St. (Mission), facebook.com/SFGreekFestival/timeline

(photo via Eat Real Festival)

Eat Real Festival

Think state fair meets block party mixed with a street festival, all in the name of food, and you have the Eat Real Festival in Oakland! This food-filled fest focuses on the artisan craft of street food, craft beers, local wines and cocktails utilizing sustainable local ingredients. The budget-friendly event will have you enjoying the beautiful views of Jack London Square all while indulging in some of the best food in the East Bay. // Friday, September 23rd, 1pm-9pm – Sunday, September 25th, 10:30am-5pm, at Jack London Square (Oakland), eatrealfest.com

Vegan Soul Fest

Take your taste buds to new levels at this festival filled with succulent, soulful vegan food. Dive into the flavorful dishes while expanding your mind with thought-provoking talks on hip-hop, nutrition, and intersectional activism as well as workshops, lively music and free health screenings. The Vegan Soul Fest will leave you with your soul and mind well fed! // Saturday, September 24th, 11am – 3:30pm, at Laney College, 900 Fallon St. (Oakland), eventbrite.com/e/vegan-soul-fest

Farm to Fork Festival

Farm to Fork Festival is just a short drive to Sacramento away, and you'll learn straight from the farmers about peak season picks, local flavors, and the agriculture powerhouse. Worth the drive, this festival is home to scrumptious food where you can truly taste the freshness. // Saturday, September 24th, 11am- 6pm, 455 Capitol Mall (Sacramento), farmtofork.com/events/farm-to-fork-festival

Article and images sourced from http://www.7x7.com/festivals-for-the-food-lover-in-you-1847322668.html

Majority of Highest-Paying American Companies Located in the Bay Area

A couple of weeks back, we delivered news that San Francisco and San Jose were named the best American cities in which to land a job this year. Now another report from the same company calls the Bay Area — particularly Silicon Valley — the best region in the country to land a fat paycheck, a near necessity given the region’s big-ticket housing costs.

In fact, Bay Area-based companies took 17 of the 25 spots on Glassdoor’s 2016 rankings of the highest-paying companies in the United States. Unsurprisingly, 16 of those companies are in the tech sector and include some of biggest names in the industry. No Bay Area company named to the list pays median base salaries of less than $120,000.

“This report reinforces that high pay continues to be tied to in-demand skills and higher education, which in part, is why we see several companies on this list among the consulting and technology industries,” Glassdoor Chief Economist Dr. Andrew Chamberlain said in a statement accompanying the rankings. “In technology, we continue to see unprecedented salaries as the war for talent is still very active, largely due to the ongoing shortage of highly skilled workers needed.”

The two highest-paying companies in the U.S. are actually in the consulting business rather than technology. Workers at Chicago-based A.T. Kearney earn total yearly compensation of $167,534, while New York City-headquartered runner-up Strategy& offers a compensation package of $160,000.

Sunnyvale-based Juniper Networks was the Bay Area’s best company for total compensation, ranking No. 3 on the list. Employees there earn median salaries of $135,000 per year and total compensation packages of $157,000.

Mountain View‘s Google took the No. 5 spot, with employees drawing salaries of $123,331 and total annual compensation of $153,750. Four other Silicon Valley-based companies cracked the top 10 for total compensation: VMware (No. 6), Amazon Lab126 (No. 7), Guidewire (No. 9), and Cadence Design Systems (No. 10). All four of those companies offer median annual compensation packages in excess of $150,000.

Visa, the Bay Area’s lone nontech representative, ranked No. 11, followed by Facebook (No. 12), Twitter (No. 13), Box (No. 14), Walmart eCommerce (No. 15), Synopsys (No. 17), Altera (No. 18), LinkedIn (No. 19), Cloudera (No. 20), Salesforce.com (No. 21), and Adobe Systems (No. 24).

All but one Bay Area company named to the list — Palo Alto‘s Cloudera — are publicly traded or subsidiaries of public companies. According to 451 Research’s Technology Company KnowledgeBase, Cloudera has raised $1.04 billion in six rounds of known venture funding, including investments from Google Ventures and Intel.

(Photo: Flickr/Juniper Networks)

Article and images sourced from http://blog.pacificunion.com/majority-of-highest-paying-u-s-companies-located-in-the-bay-area/

Jane to Open Third Bakery in the Fillmore

Complete with a parking lot

Jane, the bakery and cafe with two other locations (in Pacific Heights and the Tenderloin), will open a third in the former KFC/Taco Bell space in the Fillmore.

The new location will become a bakery production space, conveniently located near to both of its other cafes, with a coffee shop and cafe component as well, according to Hoodline. (Hopefully that includes Jane's craveable toasts.) Owner Amanda Michael said that the central location, and strip mall feel were both pluses for her, not to mention the attached parking lot— a rare sight in San Francisco. The extra space also means most of the larger scale production will take place there, including items like Jane's popular baguettes and specialty breads.

Jane will be in good company in a neighborhood filling up with destination eateries, like Black Bark BBQ, fine-dining spot  Mosu, and Wise Sons Bakery, in addition to favorites like 1300 Fillmore and State Bird Provisions.

It's slated for a September opening; stay tuned for more details.

Article and images sourced from http://sf.eater.com/2016/6/17/11965926/jane-bakery-fillmore-san-francisco

Dreamy Reading Nooks for Every Type of Space

Inspiration

Finding the time to read a book (or even a magazine) can feel like a supreme luxury. But we can’t help but feel like we’d absolutely make the time if only we had a cozy reading nook. Even if you don’t have a quaint little alcove to nook-ify, you can create a dedicated space for reading, daydreaming, or even just scrolling through your Instagram feed. Here are some key elements for making your dream reading nook:

1. A comfy place to stretch out. Whether it’s an armchair and an ottoman, a chaise, or an upholstered bench, you need a spot where you can curl up, recline, and just relax. If you’re sitting up straight with your feet on the floor, your discomfort will distract you from the plot.  
2. A throw pillow and plush blanket. If you want to get seriously cozy, you’re going to need some reinforcements, namely a pillow to support your back or neck, and a throw to cuddle up underneath.
3. A side table. If you really want to settle in for a while, you’re going to need a steaming cup of tea (or beverage of choice), plus a spot to rest your book and glasses when reading turns into napping.
4. A lamp. Whether you choose a floor or table lamp, a dedicated light source makes your reading nook feel warmer and more intimate than relying on overhead lights.
5. A great book. Obviously. But this one’s up to you.

Now that you have the basics down, get inspired by some of our favorite reading nooks.

Serene Scene

A palette of cool neutrals and mixed metals makes for an elegant space. The stately grey tufted armchair and silver side table paired with the modern chevron pouf keep the space looking fresh, while a knit throw adds texture and ups the cozy factor.

Via Dream Book Design

Rustic Modern

A comfy bench is a great alternative to a chair and ottoman, especially if you have a sunny corner to fill. Topping it with pillows and a fur throw makes the space inviting.

Via Interiors and Exteriors Inspiration

Library Alcove

A hallway alcove can be transformed from a forgettable space to a coveted hideaway by adding shelves, lighting, and a few plush chairs.

Via Lush Home

Sweet Retreat

Think of your reading nook as the opportunity to carve out your own small space in the room and make it entirely your own. So, if you want a ladylike corner with a pink chaise and a vase of peonies, don’t hold back.

Via MyDomaine

Wee Window Seat

Sometimes a nook is just that–a tiny space you carve out and claim as your own. This diminutive nook isn’t much more than a wide window ledge topped with a few cushions and a throw pillow, and personalized with a lantern and plant. The bookshelf below is a bonus feature for fast (or fickle) readers.

Via Dwell Beautiful

Chic Spot

One of the great things about a reading nook is that you can make one anywhere. But if you’re able to design a nook, you can create a truly special space, like this pattern-friendly spot. Custom bolsters and a swing arm lamp are just right for a long afternoon of catching up with your favorite characters.

Via Decor Pad

Stairway Hideaway

If you have some empty space below a staircase, turn it into a snug reading spot. A long cushion and some pillows make it instantly cozy, and built-in drawers offer a spot for stashing blankets and extra reading material.

Via Southern Living

Minimal & Modern

Clean lines and neutral tones make for a soothing, relaxing space, which is made all the more beautiful with a dramatic vase of flowering branches. Bringing an organic element into the space, whether in the form of a plant or cut blooms, literally adds life to the room.

Via Remodelista

Reading Cave

This deep alcove with a reclaimed wood wall is basically a cave for reading (or, let’s be real, napping). Light wood, neutrals, and soothing shades of blue make it an instantly relaxing space.

Via Read It Forward

Library Lounge

If you have space to create a home library and a nook, you basically owe it to all book lovers to let us live vicariously through you. In this home library nook, you’re surrounded by books, and, out the window, nature. In a word, bliss.

Via HomedIt

Article and images sourced from https://www.decoraid.com/blog/reading-nook