Blog - The Real McCoys

What do UFO’s, Navy SEALS and Neil DeGrasse Have in Common?

August 8, 2017 by The Real McCoys · Leave a Comment

Just like they say in the X-files, the truth is out there.

Apparently at the end of June, the truth showed up in our very own Plano, Texas when a Twitter user @whoisjawsh caught a UFO on camera from a local rooftop. A Frisco resident, Hunter J. Gombac uploaded the video to Twitter.

Here’s a pic of what was captured on the rooftop.

This sighting even got the attention of famed physicist Neil DeGrasse, who’s response on twitter was, ‘the universe is full of mysteries”. (Thanks Neil, that really helped us figure it out.)

Lucky for us the real answer came from Dr. Pepper Ballpark where fans were watching the last of the Texas League All-Star Game.

The lights in question where actually from a pyrotechnic show put on by the Patriot Parachute team as they jumped into the stadium.

The group says that they have been mistaken for UFO’s plenty of times. Made up of professional parachutists who formerly served as active duty Navy SEALS, these brave folks are used to parachuting into challenging environments. Using the discipline from their training they turn parachuting into shows that some people called ‘once in a lifetime experiences’.

These performers have a close relationship with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) so what seemed out of the ordinary, was an ordinary day for these extraordinary performers.

The style of parachuting the Patriot Team uses is called canopy relative work (CRW), which consists of two or more jumpers building canopy formations by bringing their chutes in close proximity, even touching each other.

In the daytime, that means strapping a United States flag between two members of the team, who then descend with the flag oriented so the crowd on the ground can see it flying down toward them. The nighttime shows can include lights and sparklers, so this is what our UFO spotters actually saw.

Patriot Parachute Team jumpers can get up to 100 mph as they descend. The incredible feats the team pulls off are possible thanks to the training many of them got as parachute jumpers in the Navy SEALs (sea, air, and land.) Not every member of the team is a current or former SEAL, but they are all patriots and have an incredible respect for the country many of them served.

The team uses the word patriot instead of one more directly related to the SEALs or other branches of service because of their desire to not profit from the SEAL name or reputation, but rather to create something new that honors their country.

Well they certainly put on a show and we McCoys would like to thank all the members of our brave military for their service.

Articles cited: 

https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure /eaa-airventure-news-and-multimedia/eaa-airventure-news/eaa-airventure-oshkosh/07-05-2017-patriot-parachute-team-jumps-to-honor-america

Toyota Headquarters Aims for Sustainability and Fun

July 27, 2017 by The Real McCoys · Leave a Comment

Do you think of fun and eco-friendliness when you think of corporate offices? Yeah, neither do we..usually. Toyota’s new headquarters is aiming to change all that.

The company, which recently opened a one billion dollar, 100 acres campus in Legacy West is gearing up to achieve the LEED Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council by offering:

Exterior landscaping reflects the native habitat, with drought resistant plants
A Texas-sized 8.79-megawatt array of more than 20,000 solar panels
A commitment to use only renewable energy, purchasing all electricity not generated by the solar panels from wind generated by Texas farms
A rainwater harvesting system, up to 400,000 gallons, to use in irrigation

“Our new campus has fun, unexpected, and even playful features that reflect our commitment to be a world-class leader in innovation with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies,” said Doug Beebe, general manager of real estate and facilities for Toyota Motor North America. “It also is a great example of Toyota’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Because of its architecture, its central location, and the lively, flourishing community around it, we can share ideas and make great things happen here. We are proud of this campus because we have designed it to allow team members to get out of their office space and come together. And, that’s really the spirit of One Toyota.”

LEED Certification

LEED Certification is the most widely used third-party verification for green buildings, with around 1.85 million square feet being certified each and every day. Certified buildings are resource efficient as they use less water, energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and saves building owners cash with lower utility and long term maintenance costs

LEED works for all buildings during all phases of development. Projects pursuing LEED certification earn points across numerous disciplines address sustainability issues. Based on the number of points achieved, a project then receives one of four LEED rating levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and the highest rating, Platinum.

Toyota’s Plano headquarters will be powered by a 7.75 megawatts (MW) Solar/Photovoltaic (PV) system which is expected to provide approximately 25 percent of the power needed to run the entire campus. This installation is expected to help the new state of the art HQ achieve U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Platinum LEED Certification.

Sun and Fun

The new campus supports the company’s One Toyota vision with spaces that intentionally create and foster a transparent environment, encourage the fun of discovery, and make Toyota a place where people want to come to collaborate and innovate. Among the seven buildings is a large central courtyard that serves as the literal and symbolic heart of all social and business functions – including dining, fitness, and conferencing facilities.

The solar panels are said to be one of the largest group of panels in Texas (and for Texas, that’s saying something!) The system is going to be installed in two phases. The first phase consists of two 2.45 megawatt systems to be installed on top of the two parking garages by August of this year and a 2.8 megawatt system will be added to the top of the third parking garage in December.

The array of solar panel are said to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 7,122 metric tons – the equivalent of what 1,000 homes use for electricity every year. Solar panels are also used in the company’s parts centers in California and at assembly plants in Mississippi and Alabama.

“We are dedicated to making sure our new headquarters campus supports – even redefines – Toyota’s commitment to the environment,” said Kevin Butt, regional director of the company’s North American Environmental Division.

Butt said the system – which will be installed in two phases – will help Toyota move closer to its goal of eliminating all carbon emissions in operations by 2050.

Wow! Carbon emissions eliminated in 2050! Considering the size of the headquarters and all that Toyota Motors produces in parts – that’s an ambitious goal, but one we McCoys have faith that they’ll reach. Toyota even received a letter from the Whitehouse congratulating them on their accomplishments. You can see it here.

The future is bright (and energy efficient) here in Plano!

Never Take a Good Foundation for ‘Granite’

July 27, 2017 by The Real McCoys · Leave a Comment

REal McCoys Villas at Legacy West Foundation Photo

It’s an amazing thing- the great work of art

It takes to build a good and solid start

The plumbing, water barrier even rods of tension

make it sound, waterproof and do we dare mention

What we take really for ‘granite’

A part of a home , most essential

Where cutting corners would be most consequential

A foundation when poured must be non-permeable and strong

Right from the beginning, or it for sure, won’t last long

One can’t begin to build the framework and expect it to last

So, we have great faith in the architects and builders we asked

We chose Britton Homes because we know of their expertise

They understand the checks and balances – to them it’s a breeze

It takes a team of 10 professionals to ensure that all checkpoints are

Checked, and double checked- before concrete is poured and they’ve gone to far

We believe we are finally there and know

that the 20 tons of concrete soon will flow

from 8 cement trucks, they’ll lay out concrete,

with confidence and precision – oh what a feat!

We McCoys will rest easy – yet still anxious in our quest

to finally hold the keys to our dream home being built in the Villas at Legacy West.

******************************************************************************************************************

Look Below and Some Videos You Will See

Showing How We Watched So Happily

It’s You We Invite to Come Along

On a Journey with Us – Just 7 Months Long

Colorful Expansions at Willowbend, Plano

July 26, 2017 by The Real McCoys · Leave a Comment

Things are getting colorful in Plano! A seven story Class A office building, the luxury fitness center Equinox and the fourth Crayola Experience in the U.S. are the latest additions to the $125 million reinvention of The Shops at Willow Bend. The new addition will be a multi-use commercial district, announced owner and manager Starwood Retail Partners.

Shoppers at Willowbend will notice the difference when they pull up to the main entrance as there is a whole new design in the works to greet you as you shop. Currently at the shops there are two levels of interior space featuring more than 125 stores and restaurants. Stores include Neiman Marcus, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, LUSH, Crate&Barrel, Apple, Forever 21, Vineyard Vines, H&M, Bose, Anthropologie, J.Crew, and Bailey Banks & Biddle

Crayola Experience

Opening in spring 2018, the 60,000-square-foot Crayola Experience will include The Crayola Store, a 5,000-square-foot store featuring the world’s largest selection of Crayola products and unique souvenirs, such as plush toys and apparel. At Crayola Experience Plano, guests will enjoy classics such as naming and wrapping their own Crayola crayon (Wrap It Up!), starring in their own coloring page (Be a Star), using their touch to bring art to 4-D life (Color Magic), creating melted wax spin-art (Drip Art) and learning how crayons are made in a live Factory Show, as well as some new experiences that will debut in Texas.

Although best known for its crayons and markers, the 114-year-old company now has more than 1,500 proprietary products and technologies, which serve as the inspiration for Crayola Experience’s 22 hands-on activities and live entertainment.

The Crayola Experience is also equipped to host private events, field trips corporate meetings and birthday parties. (We McCoys can’t wait to see what the corporate meetings will look like at the Crayola Experience but we bet they’re going to be fun and creative).

Seven Story Tower at Willowbend

Located between the food court and Forever 21, there is an office project underway. This seven-story, 200,000-square-foot Class A office tower designed and constructed by Dallas-based commercial real estate investment company Encore Enterprises, is expected to house up to 800 employees.

“As The Shops at Willow Bend continues its $125 million-dollar expansion, we’re delighted with our addition of a much-needed Class A office tower,” Barry Smith, general manager of The Shops at Willow Bend, said in a news release. “This is a terrific addition to Willow Bend, which is the region’s most exciting shopping, restaurant and family destination, and it provides Plano with premier office space. Moreover, this demonstrates that The Shops at Willow Bend is growing with the Plano area.

Equinox Health Club

To round out the trifecta of additions is the Equinox Health Club, which will be located in the mall next to Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, and Neiman Marcus.

Equinox, expected to open in the fall of 2018, will offer a comprehensive selection of luxury programs, services and products, including strength and cardio-training, innovative group fitness classes, personal training, spa services and products, apparel and food and juice bars. The club is expect to have interior space of around 35,000 square feet with members also enjoying a spacious roof deck and programming for special events.

“Equinox is a natural addition to Willow Bend’s expanding mix of lifestyle, retail, restaurant, office and entertainment options,” said Barry Smith, general manager of The Shops at Willow Bend.

The Shops at Willowbend will also have new restaurants such as Knife, Mexican Bar Company, and Terra Mediterranean. The North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) is opening Plano Children’s Theatre at the Willow Bend Center for the Arts this summer.

Thanks to Plano Profile and Dallas News for the great info!

Why Toyota’s New Headquarters Is so Important for Texas

July 19, 2017 by The Real McCoys · Leave a Comment

It all started three years ago when Toyota announced its ‘One Toyota’ initiative to unify its operations in North America and would move its headquarters from California to Plano and into a new location at Plano Legacy West. Engineering, sales, financial services, corporate functions and marketing would be located all in one building.

That building, which Toyota has invested $1 Billion into, is located in the Legacy West development near the Dallas North Tollway and Sam Rayburn Tollway. The campus is made up of about a half-dozen buildings, has over 100 acres and covers 2 million square feet has be called a ‘game changer’ by Plano leaders.

“The opening of our new headquarters in Plano is an extraordinary next step in Toyota’s 60-year journey in the United States,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota in North America. “With team members from four different companies together in one campus location, we believe this will inspire greater collaboration, innovation, and faster decision making as we turn to and lead the future of mobility, all with an eye on our customers.”

In addition, earlier this year, Toyota said it will spend $10 billion in U.S. capital investments over the next five years, an outlay that includes the construction of its Plano headquarters and improvements to its existing manufacturing facilities.

What’s important for Plano specifically and North Texas overall is the job growth that will occur here now and for years to come. Toyota will have jobs for up to 4,000 Toyota team members in Plano. In addition to the employees who chose to relocate, Toyota previously announced that it would hire more than 1,000 new team members from the rich mix of local talent and elsewhere. More than 90 percent of the company’s new hires from the past year for positions in Plano have come from the North Texas market. Toyota has already filled more than 75 percent of its open positions.

“The greatest resource we have here in the Lone Star State is our highly-skilled workforce that draws global businesses like Toyota to Texas every day,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The 4,000 jobs added and Toyota’s impressive new facility are proof of the remarkable momentum of Texas’ continuing economic expansion. I am proud that Toyota is expanding here, and I thank them for their commitment to being an important part of our Texas community.”

Thinking of applying for jobs at Toyota? We McCoys have just the link for you! You can explore what openings are available at https://www.toyota.com/usa/careers#!/Career-Opportunities.

Great Weekend Events in Plano

July 13, 2017 by The Real McCoys · Leave a Comment

Our friends at visitplano.com are keeping the calendar full of great ideas for weekend fun!

Checkout what’s cool and happening:

FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017 @ 8:00 PM

Dog Days of Summer

DARK HOUR HAUNTED HOUSE

Dark Hour Haunted House presents Dog Days of Summer, July 14-15. One of the oldest witches, Baba Lupina, possesses a powerful talent for transforming herself into a werewolf. When she was called to lead the Dark Hour Coven, loyal Gypsies followed despite the long, treacherous voyage. Making their camp in the swamps near the manor, these Gypsies spread the werewolf’s curse throughout the surrounding land. Soon the pack will be strong enough to bring about the Dark Hour! Travelers in…

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