Latest news with #Garnet
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mattamy Homes opens new community in San Tan Valley, AZ
Four new model homes are now available for touring in Phoenix's increasingly popular San Tan Valley, with Quick Move-in homes expected to close as early as September PHOENIX, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Mattamy Homes, one of North America's largest privately owned homebuilders, has recently celebrated the grand opening of Landmarke, a community of new single-family homes in a prime location within San Tan Valley, AZ. Landmarke offers 11 newly available home designs, including four beautifully crafted models – Cobalt, Pacific, Garnet and Mahogany – available for touring in the community. Quick Move-in Homes with closing dates as early as September are also available, as well as dirt homesites for buyers to build their dream home from the ground up. "Landmarke is a community where thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship and a strong sense of place come together," said Don Barrineau, President of Mattamy's Phoenix Division. "We're proud to offer homebuyers a unique opportunity to live in a beautifully designed home, surrounded by natural beauty and plentiful conveniences, in one of the most desirable areas of the Southeast Valley." Landmarke offers two distinct collections of homes from the popular Sapphire and Ruby Collections. The homes offer three and four bedrooms and two to three-and-a-half baths, with two- and three-car garages. Many of the floorplans feature flex rooms, retreats or lofts. Prices range from the mid-$400s to the upper-$600s. Stretching 1,837 to 3,795 square feet, the homes feature Mattamy's signature open-concept floorplans. Large, airy living and dining areas provide seamless and flexible space perfect for quiet family gatherings or entertaining guests. One popular feature of Ruby Collection homes are the three-car front garages, a unique architectural design that many homebuyers desire. Popular Architect's Choice options include a gourmet kitchen with built-in Whirlpool appliances, a 16-foot multi-sliding glass door and the options of an owner's bath oasis or large walk-in shower, among others. Homes in the Ruby Collection also include the option to add a multi-gen suite, ideal for extended families or a private guest apartment. All of the ENERGY STAR Certified homes also include ecobee Smart Thermostats with Alexa and other energy features. Community amenities include a covered gathering area, play structures, bocce ball courts and walking paths that meander more than a mile through the neighborhood. Landmarke is ideally situated near State Route 24 for excellent access to Loop 202 and U.S. Route 60. Everyday conveniences, major retail centers and popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations are virtually around the corner. Just seven miles away, the booming town of Queen Creek features the Queen Creek Marketplace and Cornerstone at Queen Creek, both chock-full of marquee and small retailers and popular local and chain eateries. Nearby Schnepf Farms offers food, festivals and family fun, and Queen Creek Olive Mill, a local hot spot, features farm fresh dining and a charming market, selling artisanal cooking oils and more. Landmarke's San Tan Valley setting provides residents a lifetime's worth of year-round recreational opportunities. San Tan Mountain Regional Park, just eight-and-a-half miles from home, offers more than 10,000 acres of hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and stargazing amid the awe-inspiring Sonoran Desert with its magnificent vista and iconic saguaro cactus. J.O. Combs Unified School District serves Landmarke's families. Several top-rated charter schools are also nearby. Landmarke is located at 38389 N. Sandpiper Court, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 About Mattamy Homes Mattamy Homes is one of the largest privately owned homebuilders in North America, with 45 years of history across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps more than 8,000 families realize their dream of homeownership. In the United States, the company is represented in 11 markets – Dallas, Charlotte, Raleigh, Phoenix, Tucson, Jacksonville, Orlando (where its US head office is located), Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Southeast Florida. In Canada, its communities stretch across the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton. Visit for more information. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mattamy Homes Limited Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Buzz Feed
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
'Steven Universe': Estelle Opened Up About Being The Inspiration Behind Garnet
It's been eleven years since the iconic Steven Universe first aired in the UK. Garnet is one of the cartoon's most beloved characters, voiced by the talented Estelle. Well, on a recent episode of the podcast, Estelle opened up about working on Steven Universe, and she shared some details about the origins of Garnet that has made us love the show even more. Speaking on Seasoned Sessions, Estelle revealed that she loves cartoons (Bob's Burgers is her fave), and back in 2012, she told her team that she was really interested in venturing into voice acting. After asking about animation roles for six months, she got the call about a character that was described as a 'big sister,' and immediately said, 'I could do that, I'm a big sister in real life.' Estelle auditioned for both Garnet and Amethyst, and was told, 'Between your accent, the deepness of your voice, and the sarcasm; this is it.' The came about a few years after Estelle released the music video for her song, 'Freak,' where she took on the persona of a motherly figure on a mission to instil confidence in her children. Well, after securing the role of Garnet, Estelle learned from Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar that she actually based the character on her music video. 'She was based on how strong the character [in the 'Freak' video] looked,' Estelle shared – and you can see the similarities in the way Garnet's drawn. So, with Garnet being based on a character of Estelle's creation, the team approached her for an audition to see if she wanted to take on the role. And of course, the rest is history: a casting match made in heaven! You can listen to the full chat with Estelle below, and all episodes of Steven Universe are on Netflix, if you fancy a rewatch.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cutter Woods throws for 120 yards & runs for a touchdown in Garnet & Black Spring Game
Columbia – COLUMBIA, S.C. (April 18, 2025) (USC SID) – Luke Doty's touchdown pass to Malik Clark as the first half expired highlighted Garnet's 10-7 win over Black in South Carolina's annual Garnet & Black Spring Game presented by Palmetto Shirt Company. The game was played in front of 36,358 fans at Williams-Brice Stadium on Friday night. The defenses dominated most of the game as the teams combined for just 401 yards of offense and 18 first downs while punting 13 times. Returning starting quarterback and Heisman candidate LaNorris Sellers engineered the first two series for Black, completing 4-of-7 passes for 53 yards but was sacked twice, including once on fourth down play after Black had reached the Garnet 28. Garnet drew first blood midway through the second quarter after Myles Norwood intercepted an Air Noland pass and returned it to the Black 40. The drive stalled at the Black 18, but redshirt freshman Mason Love connected on a 36-yard field goal to give Garnet the three-point advantage. Black marched down the field on its next possession to take its lone lead of the game. On the first play from his own 25, true freshman Cutter Woods connected with Vandrevius Jacobs on a 51-yard pass to the Garnet 24, then three plays later hit Brian Rowe Jr. for 23 yards to the one. Woods took it in himself from there to put Black on top 7-3 with 3:16 remaining until intermission. Woods finished the night by completing 6-of-13 passes for a game-high 120 yards with one interception, while Rowe Jr. was the game's top receiver with five catches for 45 yards. Garnet, led by the veteran Doty, responded with a 75-yard scoring drive of its own. With just 14 seconds on the clock from the Black 40, Doty found Jared Bown for 24 yards, then connected with Clark on a 16-yard scoring pass as time ran out in the half to put Garnet back on top. Doty, an all-purpose performer throughout his career, completed 10-of-12 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. Neither team was able to put points on the board in the second half with a running clock, and Garnet, coached by Director of Football Operations George Wynn, celebrated the hard-earned victory. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Final Fantasy IX Remake Rumors Intensify Amid Anniversary Hype
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX and Square Enix has announced some celebration plans for the PS1-era RPG. The publisher said it's 'preparing various projects,' including new figures of the main heroes that slightly alter their appearance. It's enough to have long-time fans once again believing the perrenially rumored Final Fantasy IX remake is real. 'Zidane and Garnet from 'Final Fantasy IX' are now available in FORM-ISM!' the company announced today alongside a new soundtrack vinyl and other merch. 'To commemorate the 25th anniversary, they have been recreated in a three-dimensional form with a reinterpretation of the texture of their costumes.' Three-dimensional form? Reinterpretation of the texture of their costumes? Is this how both characters might look in an upcoming remake? That's one theory among fans, thanks to ongoing speculation about the possible existence of such a remake that dates back to its appearance in the infamous 2021 Nvidia leak, the one that kept proving to be legit again and again. Rumors that the game would soon be arriving on modern platforms in some new shape or form were reaffirmed when Final Fantasy IX appeared in an Epic Games Store backend leak just last June. And Giant Bomb's Jeff Grubb has repeatedly said the game is real, but will be closer to a Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core remake than a full-blown overhaul. Final Fantasy IX has a special place in many fans' hearts for several reasons. It's an incredible game for one. It was also the last entry on PS1, and the last before the series moved to a full 3D look and voice acting on the PS2. Most importantly, it was the last produced by creator Hironobu Sakaguchi before he left Square, and harkens back to the franchise's more traditional, medieval roots. Also it features an adorable black mage named Vivi. In the past, Final Fantasy XIV producer Naoki Yoshida has been coy about the rumors. 'Of course, I do know there are requests for Final Fantasy IX to be made, but when you think about Final Fantasy IX, it's a game with huge volume,' he said last fall, appearing to pour cold water on the rumors. 'When you think about all of that volume, I wonder if it's possible to remake that as a single title. It's a difficult one. It is a tough question.' July 7 will be exactly 25 years since the game shipped and Square Enix hints that fans should expect to hear more announcements leading up to it. Maybe a sneak peek of the game itself at an upcoming PlayStation or Summer Game Fest showcase will be one of them. I hope the game arrives alongside a revised strategy guide. .For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Observer
18-02-2025
- General
- Observer
Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider
In recent years, the gemstone market has experienced a surge of excitement and confusion with the rise of commercially manufactured stones. How are these captivating natural treasures classified, and what criteria—such as value, colour, and origin—play a pivotal role in this determination? For gemstone enthusiasts like Muath bin Abdullah al Ghafri, the art of distinguishing between authentic stones and imitations is a passion steeped in knowledge and experience. 'There are simple methods to detect gemstones without a lab,' Muath shares. 'Take the handkerchief and perfume method: if you wipe the stone with a scented cloth and it leaves a trace of colour, that indicates it's dyed and thus, a fake.' He cautions, however, that relying solely on light to identify authenticity can be misleading. Some genuine stones are naturally opaque, rendering such tests ineffective. Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider The secrets embedded in gemstones are as vast as their colours are diverse. Muath's journey through collecting exquisite gems grants him the ability to discern subtle differences between stones that may appear similar yet vary significantly in composition. He explains, 'Stones like Agate, Star Sapphire, and Garnet, while all boasting shades of red, are geologically distinct. Agate is a pure blood-red, resembling natural rock, whereas Star Sapphire bears a pinkish hue, and Garnet reveals a deeper, darker red that transforms into a maroon when illuminated.' Historical use of gemstones Gemstones have captivated humanity for millennia, evolving from simple adornments to symbols of power, wealth, and protection across various cultures. Their rich history traces back as far as 25,000 BC, with prehistoric people creating beads from natural stones and shells. Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider The ancient Egyptians were among the first to harness the beauty of gemstones around 3000 BC. They utilised stones such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, and emeralds, which were believed to offer protection and facilitate the journey to the afterlife. Similarly, the Indus Valley Civilisation and Mesopotamians esteemed gemstones for both decorative and spiritual purposes, crafting seals and religious amulets from stones like carnelian and agate. Throughout history, gemstones have held significant cultural importance, symbolising status and love. For example, sapphires were thought to safeguard royalty, while diamonds symbolised strength. These beliefs contributed to the flourishing trade of gemstones along routes like the Silk Road, where they became important goods that transcended borders and cultural barriers. The Renaissance marked a surge in demand for gemstones in Europe, influencing art, fashion, and societal norms. As the Industrial Revolution introduced mining advancements, gemstones became more accessible, yet high-quality stones retained their luxury status. Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider Today, the market for gemstones continues to thrive, fuelled by factors such as rarity, quality, and cultural significance. The precious 'Four Cs'—colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight—play a crucial role in determining a gemstone's value, while historical associations enhance their allure. Oman: A Gemstone Paradise Muath's journey of collecting luxury and unique gemstones enables him to identify stones that are similar in colour but geologically different in composition and name. He explained, 'There are many stones with the same colour, but their chemical properties differ due to their geological formation, such as Agate, Star Sapphire, and Garnet. These stones are all red in colour, but it is possible to distinguish between them. For example, Agate is pure red, like blood, and resembles natural rock, while Star Sapphire is pinkish-red. The Garnet stone is a very dark red and can be distinguished when exposed to light, changing to dark brown or maroon.' Oman is a prime location for exploring gemstones, with the most common stones being Omani Agate and Quartz. There are many places to extract gemstones, such as the Wilayat of Samayil, Saih Hatat in Muscat, Wadi Haibi in Sohar, and the mountains of Quriyat. Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider At first glance, one is amazed by the sparkling beauty of the gemstones, the formation of their layers, and the variety of stunning colours. This geological difference relates to the classification of the rocks in which the gemstones originated, such as metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rocks. Each classification of rock contains a list of gemstones. Agate is extracted from igneous rocks and belongs to the silica stones. It consists of silica dioxide mixed with iron oxide, and sometimes, some agate contains nickel. Certain gemstones undergo treatment processes for enhancement. Heat treatment focuses on deepening the stone's colour, making it darker. The glass treatment method alters the chemical properties of the stone, giving it a shiny, glass-like appearance. The treatment of gemstones plays a role in their economic and investment value. 'The value of untreated gemstones increases over time because they have not been chemically interfered with, and their properties have not changed, so their value remains high. As for treated gemstones, their investment value decreases, but not all stones are affected. Some gemstones are labour-intensive during the treatment process, so their value can actually increase. There are also a few countries from which prized gemstones are extracted, like Africa, which holds treasures of precious stones,' Muath shared. He added, 'For instance, the treated Star Sapphire appears red, while the untreated Star Sapphire is purple-grey. Additionally, the investment value of a gemstone decreases when it is abundant. In contrast, if the gemstone is rare, like the ruby—which is a very dark red colour resembling the blood of a deer—it is considered a rare stone and has a significantly higher value compared to gemstones that are easy to obtain.' Most gemstones do not deteriorate under natural conditions, except for a few that can dry out and become brittle, making them prone to breaking. Opal, for example, is formed in watery environments. Therefore, soaking the stone in water for up to two days is essential for its preservation. In Nizwa, with its historical significance, is another gem hotspot. Local artisans produce traditional silver jewellery adorned with semi-precious stones like garnet and turquoise, allowing visitors to take home pieces that reflect Omani craftsmanship and history. Lastly, Sohar, once famous for pearl diving, is now embracing gemstone trading. The city features a growing selection of turquoise and coral jewellery, with artisans blending modern techniques into traditional designs. As more visitors are drawn to Oman's rich cultural tapestry, the gemstone trade is flourishing, creating new opportunities for local artisans and preserving age-old practices. While exploring these markets, travellers can engage with artisans, learning about the intricate processes that go into crafting each piece, from the initial selection of raw stones to the meticulous polishing that reveals their inner beauty. This connection to the makers adds a personal touch to each purchase, turning gemstones from mere commodities into meaningful keepsakes. Muath encourages those interested in gemstones to appreciate not just their beauty but the stories and histories they carry. 'Every stone has a journey. From the depths of the earth to the hands of skilled craftsmen, they embody time, culture, and nature,' he reflects.
