Happy Holidays to All

Wishing everyone the very best holiday season, as I enjoy the season with my family and friends

Basquiat Drawing

http://moma.tumblr.com/post/70802819541/happy-birthday-to-jean-michel-basquiat-he-created

I-phone Cases with my Artwork on Them

If you are looking for a protective case for your I-Phone or Samsung Galaxy smart phone, you can order a case with one of my paintings on it at Pixels.com the link is below:

You can adjust what part of the painting appears on the case, and turn it horizontal or vertical depending on which painting you prefer. If you want to shrink the image to see the whole painting, you can have your choice of black or white background for the rest of the case.

I have priced them low so you can enjoy my art, I get only a couple dollars per case so show off my art today! And thanks for your patronage. Happy holidays.



http://pixels.com/profiles/gregorystock.html

Morphing Impressionism

http://moma.tumblr.com/post/66195743020/the-changing-face-of-the-artist

My Art - City Arts Factory 11/27

Stop in at the City Arts Factory this Thursday Nov 21, from 6-9 pm to see our show, and find out who wins the dozen awards to be given that night.
This Artists Registry show will be in Keanen -Quigley  gallery of the City Arts Factory downtown Orlando at the corner of Pine and Orange  Ave. 
My painting of 'Pan in the Polasek Garden' has Benn selected to be in the show.

"Forces of Nature" At the HUB

Please join the Artist League of Orange County at the Hub in New Smyrna Beach for "Forces of Nature" Member Show. The Opening Reception will be Saturday November 2, 2013 from 4 to 8 pm. Gallery talks at 6 and 7 pm. Forces of Nature features works by twenty-six of the eighty current ALOC members interpreting nature using oils, acrylics, mixed media, silk batiks and fiber mediums. Show open during Hub hours, November 2 thru November 30, 2013, The Hub, 132 Canal Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Above is my piece, "The San Jacintas" from my visit to Palm Springs.

Awesome Book Art

I was overwhelmed when I stumbled upon this artist posted in ArchDaily:

http://www.thomaswightman.co.uk/126932/1384764/work/book-sculpture-derailing-my-train-of-thought

Getting Scary

I stopped in at Dandelion Cafe to see the Bats, Cats, and Spooky show art, had fun visiting with friends. I ate the Fakin Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich, evidently made of temphe?  not bacon. It was great with a Bad Boy beer. Some great art. All should stop by and view the work.

Vintage NASA Photos

I had to share these old photos from NASA that were posted on the ArchAtlas site on Tumblr,  fast becoming one of my favorite places on the internet:
http://archatlas.tumblr.com/post/60670053364/vintage-nasa

The Art Biz Coach encouraged an Art Salon, now we are exhibiting at @DandelionCafe

Our Art Salon in Orlando is exhibiting at Dandelion Cafe for the month of September. Our Art Salon came about last year when Robin Maria Pedrero was a group leader for an Art Biz Salon, a free art marketing plan provided by Art Biz Coach Alyson Stanfield.We are very thankful for the plan and the bonds developed within our group.

 

Dandelion Communitea is unique, in every way. The walls shown above are made of clay. The cafe is Green Certified by Green America for it’s sustainable business practices & viewed as a place where progressive-minded and health conscious folk can come to enjoy high quality healthy food and beverages using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. There's a community free library and garden.

ART SALON OPENING WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Dandelion Communitea 618 N Thornton Ave Orlando FL 32803 

September 4, 2013, 7pm -10pm

Artists:
Robin Maria Pedrero
Renée Wilson
Dlynn Roll
Bethany Myers
Susan Sloan
Gail Peck
Leah Hossler Wiedemer
Gregory Stock
Aimée Trudell Wheaton

Clean or Messy Desk?

 Is your desk clean or messy? A recent @PsychScience study highlights the unique benefits of both, read the article on Fast Company:

http://www.fastcocreate.com/1683541/what-the-state-of-your-desk-says-about-you

House Unfolds into Theater

I ran across this video on Architechnophilia, it shows what some inspired designers are doing to improve communities in which they are involved. An abandoned house has been salvaged to become an outdoor theater for the town of York, Alabama. The project was spearheaded by artist Matthew Mazzotta. The intro of the video shows how this unique icon house/sculpture opens into a 100 seat theater. So even if you don't watch the whole video you will understand the basic project.
http://vimeo.com/70386286
The Coleman Center for the Arts in York funds the events in the Public theater/Park, so check their website, for movies or concerts if you are heading to York.
http://colemanarts.org/

Join us Wednesday At Dandelion Cafe

Join us for some great company, original art and vegan food at my next Art Opening. "Art Salon at DANDELION" Reception: Wednesday September 4, 2013 6 – 9 PM My friends and I from the Art Salon will feature our work through out the restaurant rooms.
Show open during Restaurant hours, September 2 thru September 29, 2013, Dandelion Communitea Cafe, 618 N Thornton Avenue, Orlando, Fl 32803
dandelion communitea cafe

Indifference

A recent fortune cookie had this message for me:

"A different world cannot be built by indifferent people."

Architects always seem to have an opinion. They dream of different worlds all the time. Their sketchbooks are full of them. Here is a recent study I made for Aqua Quay, my fictional lab. Analyzing how many people would live on the resort island gave me some idea of the how many tourist they could serve, and how big theaters and schools would need to be.

A different world...I never stop dreaming.

Gregory Stock To Exhibit At 1st Thursdays OMA

Thursday August 1st, 2013, Orlando Museum of Art will host the Artists Registry Member Show, from 6 to 9 PM. There will be food, drinks, music, and great art from the Artists Registry to view. The show is curated by the Orlando Art Museum, members works were submitted and reviewed for selection in the show.
http://www.artistsregistry.com
Greg Stock's painting THRACIAN CLIFFS, has been selected for inclusion in the show.
Stop in and contribute to the festivities.

Encouraging Discovery through Research Interactions

My friends at Christner and Goody Clancy are designing a new research building at the Washington University Medical Center located in St. Louis. The innovative design will foster collaborative research on topics at the forefront of medical science discovery.

The building will house researchers in medicine, genetics, genomics and regenerative biology. The design team developed highly flexible laboratories that anticipate trends in research, and created spaces that encourage interdisciplinary interaction. Opening is scheduled for 2015.

VOA Orlando certainly ended last week on a high note. They were named a Best Place to Work in 2013 by the Orlando Business Journal! This is the second consecutive year that they have been honored with this achievement. We want to congratulate this company and all the employees for maintaining such a high quality work environment! And they are my new employer, 4th week.

OBJ asked VOA some fun and interesting questions about their company and why they consider it a great place to work. Here are a few favorites:

- No. 1 perk that makes people want to work there: Cool design firm that has the ability to work worldwide while sitting in sunny Orlando, Florida.
- Fun employee activities provided by company: Seasonal volleyball games, monthly birthday celebrations, holiday parties, Corporate 5K.
- The first word a parrot would learn in their organization: Inspired
- Song that best illustrates their company culture: “Chariots of Fire” theme song

Art Reception Friday 6/7 Don't forget!

Don't forget my group show tomorrow/Friday "Art about People"

RECEPTION to be held FRIDAY JUNE 7TH from 6-9pm at TASTE Caribbean Fare

I will have 3 paintings featured in "Art about People" Canivale Revelers, Graffiti, and Field Games.
on display at Taste Restaurant. 717 West Smith Street, (College Park) Orlando FL

Beta Release - 2030 Palette

Architecture 2030's Largest Innovation for Global Transformation

Architecture 2030 has unveiled a beta release of the 2030 Palette - a revolutionary new platform that puts the principles behind low-carbon & resilient built environments at the fingertips of architects, planners & designers worldwide.

The 2030 Palette is an interactive web-based guide to actions, that when applied locally, will catalyze a global transformation of the built environment - from interconnected transportation & habitat networks that span entire regions, to passive design applications that can daylight, heat or cool a building using site energy sources.

"By 2030, a staggering 900 billion sq. ft. of new and rebuilt buildings will be constructed in cities worldwide – an area equal to more than 3 times the total building stock of the United States.
We have a choice.
We can plan, design and build sustainably, or accelerate environmental degradation and increase human suffering." – Edward Mazria

Architecture 2030 is a high-impact, solutions-based non-profit organization rapidly transforming the global built environment from the major contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to a central part of the solution to the climate, water, and energy crises.

Learn more or sign up for this beta release by visiting 2030palette.org.

2012 New American Home

This elegant home is The 2012 New American Home, Winter Park, Florida, it opens up to the exterior to accomodate today's flexible living style. It received the AWARD OF MERIT in both the Built Category and the Sustainable Design Category from AIAOrlando. Designed by Phil Kean Designs, Inc. of Orlando, Florida.

The independent Jury said: House opens up beautifully. Great incorporation of inside and outside. Great un-pretensioness of the outdoor space. Good example of a high end residence making and earnest effort to be sustainable.

Check here for the 2013 AIAOrlando award winners, just posted: http://www.aiaorlando.com/v2/2013awards.shtml I will feature them in depth in the coming months.

Art about People - Opening Reception

Delores Haberkorn Artist and Curator with AffectArt.org and Taste Gallery Present-

"Art about People"

TASTE Restaurant, 717 West Smith Street (College Park), Orlando, FL - June 6, through August 7, 2013. Taste website: http://www.tastecp.com/ 

RECEPTION to be held FRIDAY JUNE 7TH from 6-9pm at TASTE Caribbean Fare

I will have 3 paintings featured in "Art about People" Canivale Revelers, Graffiti, and Field Games.
on display at Taste Restaurant. (717 West Smith Street, College Park)
This event is family friendly and is free to the public. Taste Gallery is open during restaurant business hours. Questions or information about the show or artists Contact Delores Haberkorn at 407-463-1944

Michael Lingerfelt, FAIA, Serves as National Expert

This week, after returning from Charleston, SC for a Safety Assessment Program for the BuildStrong Coalition, former AIA Orlando President, Michael Lingerfelt, FAIA, LEED AP, traveled to Washington, DC to participate in the Booz Allen Hamilton Forum on Thursday, May 9, 2013.

Building Codes for a Stronger and Safer America: A National Thought Leaders Forum, held in conjunction with BuildStrong ally, the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), was designed to increase awareness and visibility of building codes. The forum also hoped to generate credible recommendations from a diverse group of experts.

The day featured keynote speakers Congressman Steve Palazzo (R-Mississippi), House Leadership designee on Natural Disaster and Mitigation Issues, and the Senate and House sponsors of the Safe Building Code Incentive Act (SBCIA), Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Florida) and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ). These speakers were followed by two panel discussions.

Lingerfelt, who is currently the chair of the AIA Disaster Assistance Committee, sat on the first panel which was a discussion entitled "The Cost and Benefits of Building Codes to Homeowners and the Government." The second panel, "Safer, More Resilient Communities from Building Codes," focused on the advances in construction techniques and materials and their effects on life safety.

More than 100 participants attended the forum representing government, commercial and non-profit organizations.

Accessible Passive Solar Housing

The 2013 AIA / HUD Secretary’s Awards have been announced, and one of the awards is for accessibility. This winner is located in Stoneham, MA and also incorporates solar energy features. By Abacus Architects, this project, for a small public housing authority, responded to a need to provide affordable accessible housing that could be used as a model for future development. In addition, the project had to embody the spirit of universal design principles by meeting high standards for energy efficiency and passive solar heating.

View the entire article at the link below:
http://www.aia.org/practicing/awards/2013/hud-awards/NewAccessible/

Top 10 Green Buildings 2013

The folks over at www.fastcoexist.com took AIA's annual list of the most sustainable buildings this year and created a slide show with their own take on which buildings are their favorites. 

This years picks include a brewery, school, senior living facility and tons of renewable energy. Click on the link below to read the article and view the slide show.

http://www.fastcoexist.com/1682001/the-top-10-green-building-projects-of-2013#20

Stories From Miami Marine Stadium

Down in Miami is a unique stadium facing the action in the ocean. Locals are fighting to save it from the wrecking ball. The Miami Marine Stadium is a unique modernist gem in Florida's history, and since its future is unknown, I wanted to share this link with the National Trust for Historic Preservation story, so you can see what it looked like in its heyday:
If Seats Could Talk: Remembering Miami Marine Stadium

Built in 1963 by Pancoast, Ferendino, Grafton, Skeels and Burnham, the Ralph Middleton Munroe Miami Marine Stadium it was a popular venue for watching speed boat racing in the 60's and 70's. It was selected as one of the top 100 buildings in AIA Florida's 100 Years, 100 Places. Enjoy the article and bookmark the National Trust Blog.

Sports Facility of the Year- Amway Center

I recently ran across an article on the Amway Center, which received the AIA Orlando Chapter Award of Honor for 2011. Can you believe it has been that long since it opened? Architects were: Populous (Architect Of Record), Baker Barrios Architects (Assoc Architects), C.T. Hsu + Associates (Assoc. Architects) Orlando, Florida. The jury comments were: “The building does a nice job bridging the downtown district to the south Paramore district. Spatially, the pre-determined commercial venues add new dimension to the project. Inventive use of the exterior terrace spaces.”
Another great reason to Love Orlando – it is the coolest place to watch the Orlando Magic, the circus, or concerts! It received Sports Facility of the Year by the Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily, as well, at the prestigious Sports Business Awards in New York City in 2012, which annually recognizes excellence and outstanding achievement in the business of sports. here is the article: http://www.nba.com/magic/news/amway_center_named_facility_of_the_year_052312.html

Food and Fundraising

Last weekend I went to the "Spring into Action" AIA Convention Kickoff party Saturday, April 27th. We had a great time and enjoyed amazing food!
The container Store invited us to start our evening at their new Grand Opening across from Millenia Mall. A portion of all the sales that weekend went to Orlando Health Foundation. Mears Transportation donated a bus to take the group to the convention Center for a food preview in preparation of hosting the 2017 AIA national Convention. The AIA had a 50/50 raffle to raise additional funds for the Orlando Health Foundation.

At the Gary Sain Cafe' in the West Concourse of the convention Center we had a delicious menu of gourmet appetizers, pasta, crab salad, prime beef, beer, wine, soda and deserts. Thank you to our event sponsors who made it a night to remember!

    The Container Store
    Mears Transportation
    Orlando Health Foundation
    Orange County Convention Center

There's still time to get involved. Learn more by contacting the Convention Co-Chairs Dan Kirby,  Daniel.Kirby@jacobs.com, Jacki Hale, jacki.hale@hines.com

I have trouble climbing stairs, so it would be impossible for me to climb up into the bus, but Mears had a Wheelchair lift. When the driver said I couldn't stand on the lift, and I told him I don't have a wheelchair, he produced one from the storage compartment in the lower part of the bus. Dan took this photo of me on the lift so you can see how it works.

The container Store located at the corner of Conroy Road & Millenia Boulevard, 4088 Millenia Blvd, Orlando, FL 32839, (407) 956-2980 OPEN: Mon-Sat: 9 am - 9 pm, Sun: 11 am - 6 pm. Check out their Blog to see their commitment to Philanthropy   http://standfor.containerstore.com/

Why I Love Orlando - Facebook

This project originally started by a series of workshops with Peter Kageyama, was funded by the city. I attended a follow-up workshop hosted by Urban Re-Think On Central, near Summerlin. Since the visioning efforts by the city, Stephanie Darden the CEO of FDG Creative has taken up the helm for the 'Why I Love Orlando' project that really needs to be championed by the public. Visit 'Why I Love Orlando' on facebook, to keep track of the movement. https://www.facebook.com/WhyILoveOrlando?fref=ts
Peter Kageyama shared the success stories of some other cities via web-conference to discuss his book and project 'For the Love of Cities'. Grass roots efforts like 'Why I Love Orlando' can get noticed by industry or capital looking to invest, relocate and expand. While we are a tourist destination, attracting other businesses to Orlando is key to a diverse economic structure, able to withstand economic shifts, like the recession we are living through. So please join the cause.

Local Architect Pens Tome

One of our own local architects, Guy Butler, whose architecture and design firm specializes in the design and master planning of resorts, hotels, multifamily residential and anything golf, has penned a novel which I have just stumbled across: BALLS of Leather and Steel. go to the link below and try the sample chapter to see if it is your kind of read. The press release:

“Famous soccer Player and RAF Flying Officer Malcolm McClain and Polish Resistance fighter Chez Orlowski – the Spider – are from different worlds. But their paths cross during World War II in a daring operation to spring McClain from Stalag 306, and their lives are forever altered.
But the story doesn’t stop there…”

Available now from the PolkaJig Press, paperback $11.99, ebook $4.99, visit http://www.polkajig.com

ReThinking the City: Loving the City

Attend this discussion in downtown Orlando, it promises to be thought provoking.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013, 6:25 pm
625 E. Central Ave, Orlando, Florida 32801

Join the Event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/132401350279400/?suggestsessionid=a7874893ba1067c9529987c7daee1815

What makes a city lovable? How can loving our city make it more successful and livable? Stephanie Darden the CEO of FDG Creative will discuss her role with Why I Love Orlando. Peter Kageyama will join via web-conference to discuss his book and project For the Love of Cities.

Shou Sugi Ban

A traditional Japanese way of preserving wood by charring its exterior, shou sugi ban creates a crackled black surface that is both elegant and rugged.“Burn master” Caleb Coy charred Spanish cedar, which was installed in a few places such as the bedrooms and the outdoor foyer between the bedrooms in David and Karen Francis's Tucson Mountain Retreat. Although the clients at first worried that the black wood wouldn’t fit in with the rest of the house, the clients now say they love it.

Follow My Architecture Blog for the AIA

Orlando Regional Center for Architecture and Design just started a community blog, check it out, and start following: http://orcadblog.wordpress.com 

It is an exciting time for Central Florida, so much is under construction here and will dramatically change the area. 

This is the initial home of the Orlando Regional Center for Architecture and Design (ORCAD) a joint effort of the Orlando Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Orlando Foundation for Architecture.

A regional Center was a request of the community, through the workshops held to develop a 10 year plan for the Orlando AIA chapter back in 2010. With 3 years of groundwork, this vision is starting to show results. Their mission, as outlined in the Legacy2020 plan, is to provide the public with the tools and resources to improve homes and community through Design by offering intelligent dialogue, education, scholarships, exhibits and programs, in a central location for the community to utilize. While they plan for the physical Center, follow their blog and help them grow.

Acrylic Block Windows

Because of their lighter weight these acrylic blocks can be utilized in a host of situations not feasible for heavier glass blocks. The operable window above comes pre-glazed, ready to install. Hy-Lite offers a comprehensive line of acrylic block windows for new construction and custom replacement applications. These eye-catching privacy windows feature energy-efficient all-vinyl or thermally-broken aluminum frames, and may be ordered in fixed, operable, and special-shaped styles.

Besides their website www.hy-lite.com   they have an app for Android and I-Phones. 

These blocks are also friendlier for do-it-yourselves projects as they can be sealed with caulk, instead of mortar. 

Polar Umbrella

An amazing visionary for the future of our planet, I ran across Derek Pirozzi's design to recover our arctic ice cap. A 2012 graduate of the University of South Florida's School of Architecture in Tampa, he received first place in the 2013 Evolo International Skyscraper Competition for his entry "Polar Umbrella."

Pirozzi describes his design as a "buoyant skyscraper that rebuilds the arctic ice caps by reducing the surface's heat gain and freezing ocean water. In addition, the super-structure is equipped with a desalinization plant and solar powered research facilities as well as eco-tourist attractions."

eVolo Magazine received 625 projects submitted from all continents and 83 different countries. The jury selected 3 winners and 24 honorable mentions based on creativity, ingenuity and understanding of dynamic and adaptive vertical communities.

You can read more about the competition and Pirozzi's concept:
http://www.archdaily.com/343351/evolo-2013-skyscraper-competition-winners/

IRS Deductions for Energy Improvements

The AIA has reminded me that the US Federal Government has an underutilized tax deduction for energy improvements to existing and new buildings increasing their energy efficiency. The exact details are complicated, but an educated architect can help you design your building project to meet the provisions of this act.
Here is the link to the IRS document outlining the requirements: www.irs.gov/irb/2008-14_IRB/ar12.html

Master Bath Gets Updated

I've read some articles in the last few years saying that showers are replacing tubs in Master Baths, but I believe that has a lot to do with the amount of space one has in the bathroom for all one's needs. There are larger tubs for couples, which are popular just as larger showers for two. Couples still desire enough room to not bump into each other every morning while rushing to get ready for the day, and want all their products and appliances within reach. But making the room inspiring is what preps the soul for the day. A need that is often overlooked.
The Master bath gets an update from Kohler with vibrations through the water, from your favorite playlist, or 4 pre-installed music tracks. The video is a bit over the top, but well produced. Here is a link to their video promotion on the Kohler website:
Kohler VibrAcoustic Bath

New Visions at City Arts Factory

Stop downtown and see the show and all the galleries downtown tonight. I have 5 pieces in this show, including recent Baldwin Park paintings. I am also in a show opening two blocks down at the Avalon Gallery tonight.

Shriners Hospital Saint Louis

My friends at Christner Inc. have shared the news of a New Hospital announced in the Washington University Medical Center complex.
Shriners Hospitals for Children will enhance clinical and research collaborations with St. Louis Children’s Hospital and the Washington University School of Medicine in a facility designed by Christner. Laboratory space supports specialized orthopedic research. Family accommodations ease the stress of hospital stays. Children from a nine-state region travel to the hospital for care, assisted by Shriners volunteers.

Read more at this link to their webpage:  Christner-Shriners Announcement

Dynamic Miami Walgreens

I just saw this new Walgreens pharmacy store in Miami, Florida. It is quite a break with their standard repetitious store style which looks the same in most towns and cities across the USA. Land values are high in Miami which probably led to the roof top parking, but the techno-deco imagery is an homage to the local architectural style. I have to commend Walgreens for the initiative to move their store styling in a new direction.
I am told this is not an unusual situation for the upcoming new stores, and that we can expect more unique store designs in the future from Walgreens. Kudos to the management for working to make our urban areas more exciting places to visit or live.

Mississippi Delta View

I flew over the Mississippi River Delta last week as I landed in New Orleans. The mud peeking through the surface of the water, changes with the rising and falling tides. I have never had such a view before.
The hand of man has dredged hundreds of channels through the mud and I was surprised to see a few homes out there on the precarious looking turf, accessible only by boat. I wondered what type of person lived out there far from the protective flood walls around New Orleans. A risky location, time and again overwhelmed by water.
However, the place must hold a special beauty like no other, along the edge of the gulf, soft  ground, no trees, struggling vegetation, fish and foul at every turn, to lure a few assured individuals to brave that location. I found its eery beauty enthralling.

Craftsman Ginkgo Switchplate Covers

My block on Indiana Avenue in Saint Louis, Missouri, was lined with Ginkgo Trees. Their leaves turned a brilliant yellow every Autumn, and littered the lawn with their cheerful color. While researching craftsman style to renovate another home in St. Louis, I developed the idea to have switch plate covers throughout the house with a Ginkgo leaf pattern. Last month while glazing pottery with some friends, I found these two clay blanks and started to realize my vision. 
Since my house has the flat toggle switches and outlets that every architect seems to love, these switch covers will not have a home. But the pottery studio is looking to get me a stack of clay blanks to fit my light switches. I can't wait to create more, in different colors for my house.
Let me know what you think.  And please share my Blog with your friends. Thanks for reading.

Paint the Town, Orlando Magazine

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"Red Sunset" is a painting I really enjoyed painting. Working from photos of a couple different sunsets with red skies and ocean, the subdivisions of the canvas allowed me to include parts of each photo, increasing the dynamic tension of the finished work. I originally painted it for a themed show in Sanford called 'Everything Red'. But I continue to add to this series I like to call 'Horizons'. Watch for other pieces in this series.
This piece has been accepted into the 11th annual "Paint The Town Art Show" Orlando magazine is partnering with Gallery at Avalon Island to host an exhibition March 21 – April 12, 2013. It will showcase art that best represents Orlando and its environs — the artist's vision of Central Florida in their mind’s eye, whether it be through sculpture, painting (from cityscapes to abstract), drawing, photography, mixed media, folk art, or work that incorporates found objects. The Opening Reception will be in conjunction with the Downtown Third Thursday Art Gallery Crawl, March 21, 2013, 6-9 p.m.

Nemours Hospital, Orlando

A few weeks ago I was fortunate to attend a tour of the new Nemours Children's Hospital that recently opened in Orlando. It is an amazing building. The treatment and clinic specialties are located on the same floor, as the inpatients with the same needs, which is a great idea. Even when the kids are discharged they can still return to the same floor for follow up treatments, check-ups and services. 
Each floor is themed and familiar to those kids. The photo above is the directory map, which pops up to be more engaging to the children. It is a cool idea.
Here is a link to the hospital website which has more images and information, and a video tour of the facility: http://www.nemours.org/content/nemours/wwwv2/locations/florida/nch.html

Learning Judo Helped Me Fall Safely

I have lived with a mild physical challenge all my life, now and then I may share my experiences and  hope to connect with others who have physical challenges like mine in their lives. My particular prognosis is Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSH or FSHD) leaving some of my muscles very weak, which translates into some balance issues as I get older. Here is the link to Muscular Dystrophy Association of America.
Living with a physical challenge means I have always been terrible at sports, but I needed one Phys Ed credit to graduate college. So when a dorm buddy asked me to enroll in Judo 101 with him, I said sure. (I can get a D just as easily in one sport as another, so what the heck!)
The first semester of Judo meant we spent 2 hours 2 nights a week for 16 weeks practicing falling. (Who Knew?) So we practiced to relax, look around as you kicked your leg out from under you with your other leg, tuck and roll.  Landing safely on that mat became second nature. I never took a second semester where we would have started to learn how to throw people, but got the credit I needed.
Over the years my balance got a bit worse, but until a few years ago, I never broke anything.
I even fell head first down a flight of stairs at home twice in 20 years, stood up and walked away, and only got a few bruises. It was some of the best training I could have received, to prepare me to fall, on occasion, for the rest of my life.