http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/jowensarchitect Thu, 26 Apr 2007 03:45:03 GMT Reviews by jowensarchitect http://www.viewpoints.com/South-Seas-Island-Resort-review-b85a The aftermath of Hurricane Charlie (August 2003) left South Seas Island Resort on Captive Island, Southwest Florida in a state that felt like, for those of who saw the devastation, a war zone. The restoration of the resort took nearly 2 years and left the local economy in tatters. I was one of the architects involved in renovating the resort during this time and can confirm that South Seas is back open and better then ever. Under new ownership there are big plans for its future. Always a refuge of tropical bliss, new plans are underway to increase it's presence as a Grand World Class destination. Strung along the tip of Captive Island it's simple island architecture nestles in tropical landscaping surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound. The remote location results in a tranquil tropical paradise. There are tennis courts, golf courses, fishing tours, boating and parasailing opportunities. The highlight of the resort, the 2 and half mile white sandy beach stretching along...... Thu, 26 Apr 2007 03:45:03 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/South-Seas-Island-Resort-review-b85a jowensarchitect 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Canon-Rebel-XTi-Digital-Camera--16177-review-4a49 I purchased the Canon Rebel XTi just after Christmas and never looked back. This camera is the business! I had owned a Canon SLR 30 years ago and it went everywhere with me for years, it was functional and indestructible. The digital cameras I bought in the last 8 years or so never gave me the same quality I was used to with my SLR. After losing a number of great photo opportunities over the years I finally invested in a digital SLR. Wow! The Rebel XTl is compact, lightweight, fast, simple to use right out of the box and has long battery life. I opted for the black model and it even looks great. The camera takes superb photos inside and out. Even though I've only had it a few months I've taken over a thousand photos, traveling, job sites, architecture and it does a fab job with the kids. I looked hard to find the right camera, ie I did my homework and my only complaint is the Optical Zoom (EF-S 18-55mm) doesn't zoom as well as many digital cameras so I will be investing in a another lens...... Wed, 25 Apr 2007 02:56:50 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Canon-Rebel-XTi-Digital-Camera--16177-review-4a49 jowensarchitect 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Edison-and-Ford-Winter-Estates-review-4445 The Edison and Ford Winter Estate is been undergoing a major restoration in the past 5-6 years. After suffering the wrath of several hurricanes in the past few years the houses and the gardens have been restored to their former glory. Not only are the 100 year old properties (only the the restoration of the laboratory is incomplete) been lovingly renovated but the entire estate is becoming a real center for the community with art exhibits, The Christmas Holiday House, the Antique Car Show, summer camps, new tours of the houses and the botanical gardens scheduled and even plant shows. Last month we had the good fortune of having the Black Maria Film Festival hosted outside on the lawn right by river just after sunset. The setting was spectacular! I had to keep pinching myself to remind myself where I was. This site is a 'must see' stop on your next visit to Southwest Florida. On the National Register of Historic Buidings and winner of the 2006 AIA (American Institute of Architects) Award...... Sat, 14 Apr 2007 04:42:58 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Edison-and-Ford-Winter-Estates-review-4445 jowensarchitect 5