 Tablet computers redefine the bathroom
With tablets becoming the new rage, people are changing their ways with how they use computers. According to a study done by Staples, 90 percent of people like the tablets because of the portability and 35 percent of people admit to using their tablets in the bathroom. Read more on the findings over at CNN.com by clicking the link above.
 Vote in America’s Best Restroom contest
It’s up to you now. Click the link above to vote in the America’s Best Restroom contest presented by Cintas. Voting is open through September 19.
American Standard streamlines commerical chinaware
Commercial specifiers can now easily select and save on the most popular American Standard fixtures and flush valve systems in one streamlined process. Thirty-four pairings of commercial urinals, toilets and flush valves are designed to make commercial specifying more efficient, without extensive research into proper mixing and matching, while yielding a combined savings over the individual component prices for contractors and wholesalers.
‘Green’ school to open Sept. 6 in Maine
A new school in Falmouth, Maine will open its energy-efficient doors Tuesday, Sept. 6th for the new school year. The ‘green’ school features solar panels, a wood-chip boiler and two rooftop gardens. Read the story by the Portland Press Herald for more information.
 Kohler, others don't want you to be a Drip
Kohler Co. has partnered with Lowe’s, the EPA’s WaterSense program and others to create the "Wasting Water is Weird" PSA campaign in hopes that people will change their habits and help conserve water throughout America. Click the link above to learn more.
ThermaSol starts up "Project Steam" design contest
ThermaSol throws down the gauntlet with "Project Steam" a bathroom design contest challenging bathroom designers, builders, contractors and homeowners in the midst of remodeling of their bathroom and who want the ultimate spa bathroom to compete. Winners will be awarded a state-of-the-art ThermaSol Steam Shower. Click the link above for more information.
Housing starts down slightly, remodeling activity climbs
Nationwide housing starts edged down 1.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 604,000 units in July, according to figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department. The slight decline comes on the heels of significant gains in housing production in June and was attributable to a moderate drop-off on the single-family side while production of multifamily units continued upward.
 Kitchen inspected 19 times gets first violation; owner wins challenge
Logan Square Kitchen in Chicago had been inspected over 19 times in the last two years and was given its first violation and owner Zina Murray was able to get the fine vacated. Murray continues to try and get Chicago to reform its health department. Click the link above to learn more.
Watermark gives products to college for Solar Decathlon
Brooklyn N.Y.-based Watermark partnered with several suppliers to provide efficient materials to City College of New York for its Solar Decathlon team. The Solar Decathlon is scheduled to take place at the National Mall’s West Potomac Park in Washington Sept. 23-Oct. 2. Click the link above for more information.
The essentials for every college kitchen
The San Jose Mercury News provide a list of what every college kid or twentysomthing needs in his or her kitchen as the new school year quickly approaches. A can opener and a wine opener make the list as the writer points out "for obvious reasons." Two skillets and a dutch oven are other must haves. Click the link above for more information.
Bath and Kitchen Salary Data
If you missed it from our last edition, from time to time we like to list some sites that provide industry salary information. From SimplyHired.com, you can punch in your job title (kitchen and/or bathroom designer for example) and location and see what the average salary for that position is in your area.
 Mike Rowe Tackles Plumbing
BNP Media, parent company of Bath and Kitchen Pro enews and Supply House Times, has entered into a partnership with Mike Rowe, host of the cable television show "Dirty Jobs." To learn the particulars of this new partnership, click the link above.
 Find That Perfect Employee
BNP Media, parent company of pme, is pleased to announce a partnership with BirdDog Career Centers. The partnership combines the resources of the leading media company serving the mechanical systems field with the leading job/career center resource focused on this market. Click the link above for more information on the partnership.
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