The Lake Mills Area School District Board of Education met for its first virtual meeting Monday and authorized the administration to request the Department of Public Instruction waive the minimum number of instruction hours set in state statutes for this school year due to COVID-19 related school closure.

This gives the administration the authority to fill out any paperwork for DPIs minimum hours of instruction, said Pam Streich, district administrator.

The Lake Mills Area School District is in its third week of virtual learning. Teachers are providing videos for their students and using the districts curriculum. The schools have also been doing daily attendance as a way to keep track of students. For students with individualized education plans staff have been working hard to connect with those families, said Amanda Thompson, director of curriculum and instruction.

Im really impressed with the food service staff and the work theyve been able to do, said Wendy Brockert, business manager.

Brockert discussed a grant the district has applied for to help with costs associated with the food program that is currently going on due to COVID-19.

On April 8, food service staff gave out 3,600 meals, Streich said.

I want to thank Real Hope Community Church for taking charge and feeding families while we were on Spring Break, she said.

Streich discussed a survey that is going out to parents during the virtual learning process saying the district is analyzing that information.

Everyone has really stepped up for the kids, she said of all members of the school district staff including food service, bus drivers, teachers, all staff.

In other business the board:

Approved Dean Health Insurance for the 2020-21 school year with a 0% increase.

Approved Delta Dental for the 2020-21 school year.

Approved hiring Brenda Morris as the LMC director and English teacher at Lake Mills High School.

We were really excited she could accept this position and still teach AP English, Streich said.

Approved hiring Haley Stephens as a math teacher at Lake Mills Middle School.

Accepted the reconsideration of retirement date for Glen Schuenke.

Accepted the land use agreement with Roger and Beth Wiedenfeld for the FFA test plot on County Road B.

They dont charge us anything for the land and its been a great experience for these students, Brockert said.

Approved the 4K agreement with the Lake Mills United Methodist Church for next school year at a 2% increase.

Approved the school nurse agreement with Fort HealthCare.

Accepted a window replacement bid from Baker Glass in Fort Atkinson for $11,200 to replace windows at the high school.

Approved a ventilation bid for the Lake Mills High School Varsity Boys Locker room from 1901 Inc. in Madison for $77,992.

The board accepted of 12,600 in gifts, many related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

They came in quickly and unsolicited, Streich said of the pandemic related gifts.

The board will meet Monday, April 27 for its reorganizational meeting. The next regular board of education meeting will be May 11.

See the rest here:
Board gives authority to waive minimum hours of instruction - The Cambridge News

All city services are open and operational, with the exception of the Lehnis Railroad Museum and City Meeting facilities.

We are committed to provide uninterrupted services, while prioritizing the health and safety of our staff and citizens, said Brownwood City Manager Emily Crawford. Although customer foot traffic will not be available, the City has a variety of options to access services. In many cases, the additional methods of customer service will increase the convenience and speed of service delivery. Although not under the circumstances we expected, COVID-19 has accelerated our digital service delivery, which will continue even after the pandemic is over, stated Crawford.

These precautions are in the best interest of our residents, visitors, employeesandtheir safety. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our community.

All forms used are now available and fillable online. Payments can be made online and assistance is available per phone call.Drop box will now be used in replacement of the drive through window.

Payments can be made online for Contractor/Vendor registration or Permits.Drop box will now be used in replacement of the drive through window.

Job Applications may be sealed in an envelope put in the drop box. Envelopes will be provided at the drop box. Any interactions with current employees will be handled via email or electronic forms.

A list of all facilities impacted are listed at https://www.brownwoodtexas.gov/552/Closures-of-Public-Facilities-Informatio. This includes all sports fields, activities, and practices. For more community closure information see http://www.brownwoodtexas.gov/HEALTH

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City Increases Online Services and Closes Drive Through Window / Drop box now used in replacement of the drive through window. - Brownwood News

Windows down, door open? That needs a fix.

Some recalls are fairly standard, and some of them are a little quirkier. The latest Chevrolet Bolt EV recall sits in the latter category.

According to documents Chevy's parent automaker General Motors filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration late last month, rolling down the rear window could lead to the rear door also opening. That's certainly not good, though it only affects 897 vehicles from the 2019-2020 model years.

The problem rests in a door handle cable that may be too long, GM says in the recall notice. If the windows come in contact with the abnormally long cable, the window rolling downward could damage the cable and eventually let the corresponding rear door swing open. The rear door handle may also stop working from the inside. In both cases, NHTSA says there's an increased risk of injury to passengers in the rear seat of the Bolt EV.

GM already has a remedy for the problem and plans to start notifying owners on May 11. Those with a Bolt EV that includes the faulty door handle cable will need to take their car to a local dealer where a service technician will replace the cable free of charge.

Now playing: Watch this: Five more things you need to know about the 2019 Chevrolet...

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Read the original here:
Chevy Bolt EV recalled because opening the window could also open the door - CNET

Apple's newest iPad Pro is here. Complete with an LiDAR scanner and full trackpad support, it appears to be even more of a PC replacement than previous models. Even if you arent looking to replace your trusty laptop, the iPad is an incredible device. In fact, its the only tablet Id recommend buying after years of covering consumer technology and Im not exactly what youd call an Apple fanatic. I use Windows on my main computer and a Chromebook for portable work. Ive also been a diehard Android phone user since the original Motorola Droid was released. In other words, this advice is not coming from a place of brand loyalty its coming from years of using the iPad alongside other tablets on the market.

While price has historically been a barrier to Apples products, the current iPad lineup ranges from affordable to fairly expensive (and powerful). No matter which one you buy, it can probably handle most actions, including:

You may see the more demanding actions perform better on the higher-cost iPad models, but for the most part any model should work well for general use.

The lowest-cost iPad which is just named the iPad is the seventh generation of Apples venerable tablet. It boasts a super-sharp 10.2-inch display, up to 128GB of storage and Apples A10 Fusion central processing unit (CPU). This is a slower CPU than more expensive models but you likely won't notice the difference. Im still using an older iPad with a comparable CPU and it runs like butter even when playing games. At $329, you couldnt ask for a better bang for your buck.

Let our news meet your inbox. The news and stories that matters, delivered weekday mornings.

When I bought my current iPad the 2016 9.7-inch iPad Pro I planned on using it for comic books, games and computer magazines (yes, Im a huge nerd). A big screen was a must for me, but if youre just looking to read ebooks, browse Facebook and take your tablet anywhere, the smaller 7.9-inch iPad Mini could be an alternative.

The iPad Air, as its name implies, is slightly thinner than the regular iPad. But the real improvement comes in a faster A12 Bionic CPU, more available storage (up to 256GB) and extra features like a wide-color, anti-reflective, True Tone display for a more natural-looking image.

At 12.9 inches, the iPad Pro is closer to the size of a laptop and has a higher price tag (though there is a smaller and more affordable 11-inch model). This is the iPad for people looking to replace their computer and thanks to the most powerful processor in an iPad the A12Z Bionic and up to 1TB of storage, it will work well for all your digital creations.

Android and Windows tablets can do similar things to an iPad, but the feel of using the device is why I chose an iPad. Android has struggled to get its tablet interface feeling as smooth and usable and many Android apps from big names like Spotify to various magazines and lots of smaller third-party tools are similar to phone apps blown up to fit the size of a tablet. Plus, a lot of apps come out on iOS before reaching other platforms, which can be frustrating if you have to wait for a new game to launch for your Android product.

I also prefer the iPad over Microsofts tablet. The app interface isn't comparable and I end up spending most of my time in a browser, which just seems silly for the price.

When it comes to longevity, I find that iPads last a relatively long time. Now, Android tablets might not get future updates since Google stopped manufacturing their own Android tablets. In addition to the actual product, I find that there are far more iPad-focused accessories like fold-out keyboard cases, than there are for any given Android tablet. Android and Windows tablets do have their advantages, of course.

Whitson Gordon is a freelance technology writer with bylines in the New York Times, Popular Science Magazine, PC Magazine and more. Previously, he was the editor-in-chief of Lifehacker and How-To Geek.

Excerpt from:
The iPad is the only tablet worth buying, argues a tech expert - NBC News

LAUTARO MARTINEZ'S agent has confirmed there is a "good chance" of him moving to Barcelona this summer despite interest from Manchester City.

The Inter Milan ace has banged in 16 goals this term and is one of the hottest transfer targets in Europe.

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Barcelona seem to have overtaken Manchester City in the four-way battle with Real Madrid and Chelsea to secure Martinez's signature this summer.

The 22-year-old arrived at San Siro from Argentine outfit Racing Club in 2018 and has three years left on his contract, which includes a 97.5million buy-out clause.

Quique Setien's side were linked with the Inter golden boy in the January transfer window - but the club stopped short of triggering his release clause.

The Catalan giants are eyeing an eventual replacement for Luis Suarez - who is recovering from the knee operation he had in January.

And a mega-money signing of Neymar is becoming less likely after football across Europe was halted by coronavirus.

Sergio Zarate, one of Lautaro Martinezs representatives believes a move to Barca could well be on the cards.

He told SPORT: "Theres a very big possibility.

"Hes a great player. A tremendous player, this kid doesnt have a ceiling.

"Its the player who decides. Lionel Messi is there, I think he has a bit more chance of wanting to move beside the best (player) of all.

Inter can want whatever they want, but the market rules. As always, when European giants want a player, they go with everything. Now what is important is not the shirt.

Inters hopes of getting him to agree a new deal were hit by thecoronavirus pandemic but the club's vice-president Javier Zanetti remains confident of keeping his star player in Serie A.

He toldESPN: "At Inter I see him happy, he identifies with the club.

"We believed in him. I see his future at Inter."

City boss Pep Guardiola sees Martinez as the long-term replacement for Sergio Aguero and former Argentina striker Hernan Crespo hailed Martinez as the predators successor.

More:
Lautaro Martinez agent confirms good chance of Barcelona transfer this summer from Inter Milan amid Man Cit - The Sun

More than 26 million is to be spent on improving school buildings across Staffordshire.

The work is outlined in Staffordshire County Councils schools capital programme for 2020/21, which includes a range of priority projects.

Pupils are set to benefit from upgraded playgrounds, new toilets and energy efficient heating and lighting systems.

Leaky roofs, pipes and windows will also be replaced. And other measures are expected to include refurbishing or remodelling some classrooms.

There will also be a focus on increasing capacity in mainstream schools to support pupils with special educational needs.

The councils cabinet will be asked to approve the rolling programme when it holds its first virtual meeting on Wednesday (April 15).

Councillor Philip White, cabinet member for learning and employability, said: It is essential that pupils have access to good, local schools as it is widely accepted that the quality of a young persons surroundings can have a huge effect on their academic performance.

The investment is in addition to the millions of pounds already earmarked for brand new schools to help meet demand for extra places.

At Horton Lodge Community Special, in Rudyard, a number of schemes are being put forward, including internal refurbishment, roof repairs, replacing windows and work to the car park and driveway. There could also be more efficient heating installed.

Energy efficiency will also be a theme of the proposed improvements at Dove Bank Primary, in Kidsgrove, St Johns CE Primary, in Keele, and Endon High. They have been earmarked for new lighting.

Boiler or other heating improvements are planned for St Lukes CE Primary, in Silverdale, Fulford Primary, and Moorside High, in Werrington.

Mr White added: Energy bills are the biggest burden on a schools budget after staff wages, so we make sure new schools incorporate the latest technology.

With our existing, older buildings we have a double purpose of cutting costs wherever possible and reducing our carbon footprint as part of the county councils commitment to reducing CO2 emissions.

Schools earmarked for refurbishments or remodelling include Ravensmead Primary, in Bignall End, Betley CE Primary, Dove Bank Primary, and Walton Primary Middle School, in Stone.

Meanwhile, those set to benefit from roof repairs include Barlaston CE First School, Westlands Primary, Hassell Primary, in Newcastle, St Chads CE Primary, in Red Street, Baldwins Gate CE Primary, St Annes CE Primary, in Brown Edge, and Stones Pirehill First School.

The local authority will try to complete as many projects on the list as it can, based on funding available.

Schools are contributing to some of the work from their own capital budgets. Other sources of funding include Government grants, housing developer contributions and capital receipts.

Newcastle

Wood Lane Primary School Mechanical - Heating

Dove Bank Primary School Roof Repair/Replacement/Heating Efficiency Works

Hassell Primary School Roof Repair/Replacement

Hugo Meynell CofE (VC) Primary School Electrical - Distribution Board

Betley CofE VC Primary School External - Playground

St Chad's CofE (C) Primary School Roof Repair/Replacement

Baldwins Gate CofE(VC) Primary School Roof Repair/Replacement

Springhead Primary School External - Car park/Driveway

Westlands Primary School Roof Repair/Replacement

St Luke's CofE (C) Primary School Mechanical - Water Heaters

Sir John Offley CofE (VC) Primary School Fire Safety

St John's CofE (C) Primary School Lighting Efficiency Works

Staffordshire Moorlands

Werrington Primary School Windows Replacement

Cheadle Primary School Windows Replacement

Endon High School Lighting Efficiency Works

Endon Hall Primary School Electrical - Distribution Board

St Anne's CofE (VC) Primary School Roof Repair/Replacement

Blythe Bridge High School Windows Replacement

Horton Lodge Community Special School Roof Repair/Replacement/Windows Replacement/Car park/Driveway/Heating Efficiency Works

Stafford

Oakridge External - Playground

Pirehill First School Roof Repair/Replacement

Flash Ley Primary Electrical - General

Berkswich Primary Roof Repair/Replacement/Mechanical Heating

Tittensor First School Fire Safety/External - Playground

Walton Priory Middle Roof Repair/Replacement - for Salix Lighting

Fulford Primary Mechanical - Boilers

Tillington Manor Roof Repair/Replacement

Doxey Primary Roof Repair/Replacement

Castlechurch Roof Repair/Replacement/Heating Efficiency Works

Barlaston First Roof Repair/Replacement

Burton Manor Primary Heating Efficiency Works

St. Leonard's Heating Efficiency Works

See original here:
Dozens of North Staffs schools to receive funding boost - and here's which ones - Stoke-on-Trent Live

BI/20/00795/DOM: Tides Reach, 30 Greenacres. Removal of existing outdoor swimming pool, replaced with indoor swimming pool and pool house to the south of the property.

BO/20/00800/DOM: Montrose, The Drive. Single storey extension and associated alterations.

BO/20/00841/FUL: Heron House, Taylors Lane. Demolish existing dwelling and replace with 2 no. detached dwellings. Variation of Condition 2 of planning application BO/19/00877/FUL - To reference amended plans showing amendments to fenestration, gable projection to front elevation of Plot 1 and internal layout changes including replacement of the approved internal garages with detached garages. In accordance with drawing nos. 1177/SK00, SK01, SK02, SK03, SK04, SK05, SK06, SK07, SK08, SK09, SK10, SK11, SK12 & SK13.

BO/20/00857/DOM: (Wessex Lodge) Land South Of Critchfield Cottage, Viking Way. Installation of PV panels to flat roof.

BO/20/00891/DOM: 1 Harbour Cottages, High Street. Sea defence works to South elevation, including replacement access steps.

BO/20/00892/LBC: 1 Harbour Cottages, High Street. Sea defence works to South elevation, including replacement access steps.

BX/20/00853/ADJ: Land To East Of Boxgrove Quarry, Halnaker. Screening Opinion for proposed infill of land east of Boxgrove quarry.

BX/20/00855/ADJ: Boxgrove Quarry, Halnaker. Screening opinion on Variation of Condition 2 (Timescale) and provision of amended Landscape Plan (Condition 16) and Landscape and Restoration Management Plan (Condition 17) of Planning Permission WSCC/109/13/BX to allow an extension of time to complete restoration works until 31 December 2021 and provide a new restoration planting scheme.

CC/20/00604/LBC: Santorini Restaurant, 14 Southgate. Front external masonry painted white from grey. Sash window and framing painted blue from white. Front door and framing painted blue from white. Sign on front facade to be reduced in size and different font to be painted in blue.

CC/20/00708/LBC: 1 The Courtyard, St Martins Square. Repair to external windows and front door, removal of section of cement render on the front elevation. Internal works include removal of staircase/walls and reconfiguration.

CC/20/00775/DOM: 229 Whyke Road. Replacement of existing retaining wall and fence.

CC/20/00776/ADV: City Centre. Temporary erection of a series of themed flags within city centre.

CC/20/00792/FUL: The Steven Pimlott Building, Broyle Road. Installation of HVAC plant consisting of 2 heat pump air conditioning systems.

CC/20/00801/FUL: Loco Restaurant Loco, 9 St Pancras. Rear extension with a gable ended roof, clear/glazed roofing and grey aluminium framed doors and window to the rear and an opening into the main body of the building.

CC/20/00805/ADV: 29 East Street. Redecoration of existing fascia panel to new brand colour. Installation of 1no. non-illuminated fascia sign, 1no. non-illuminated letter to entrance wall and 1no. non-illuminated branded awning.

CC/20/00868/DOM: 20 Maplehurst Road. Front porch extension.

CH/20/00642/FUL: Plot C2a And Cb, Pond Farm, Newells Lane, West Ashling. Use of land as a Gypsy and Travellers caravan site consisting of 2 no. pitch containing 1 no. mobile home and 1 no. touring caravan.

CH/20/00780/FUL: The Nest, 13 The Avenue, Hambrook. Erection of 4 no. dwellings and associated works. (Variation of condition 2 of permission CH/18/00810/FUL - substitute plans for garaging and roof lights on Plots 1 and 2).

SDNP/20/00871/HOUS: 2 East View, A286 The Croft To Bex Lane, Cocking Causeway. Replacement single storey rear extension with roof light and pergola timbers to form side canopy.

SDNP/20/01283/LDE: Herringbroom Studio, Duncton Common Road. Existing lawful development - change of use of land to domestic garden for use in connection with 1 no. existing dwelling.

SDNP/20/01195/LDE: The Annexe at Verdley Hill House, Henley Old Road, Henley. Existing lawful development certificate for use of as ancillary habitable accommodation.

East Wittering And Bracklesham

EWB/20/00833/DOM: Westering, 16 Barn Road, East Wittering. Two storey front and side extensions. Infill crown roof to main roof.

EWB/20/00852/DOM: 2 Marineside, Bracklesham. Change of loft space to habitable accommodation with an addition of a front dormer.

SDNP/20/00890/HOUS: Downview Cottage, Fitzhall Road, Elsted. Replacement of the gates to the property with new automatically operated.

SDNP/20/00762/OUT: Land at rear of 47 Midhurst Road. Outline planning permission (access, landscaping and layout) - Erection of 1 no. detached bungalow.

SDNP/20/01065/FUL: Wardley Farm, Fernden Lane. Erection of barn and horse trainer.

FB/20/00799/DOM: Lowood House, 2 Old Park Lane. Retrospective application for exterior alterations to garage and use of roof space for ancillary habitable accommodation.

SDNP/20/01067/HOUS: 5 Birch Court, School Close. Proposed rear conservatory.

SDNP/20/01410/DA: Richard Arms, Mill Road, West Ashling. Request to operate takeaway food from the above premises.

SDNP/20/01298/TCA: 1 Yew Tree Cottages, Down Street, West Ashling. Notification of intention to reduce height by up to 3m and reduce widths by 2m on 2 no. Yew trees (T1, T2) and reduce widths on west sector by 2m on 6 no. Conifer trees (T3-T8).

SDNP/20/01168/LDE: High Hollist, Hollist Lane, East Harting. Existing lawful development to establish use of land for residential purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the associated dwellinghouse.

SDNP/20/01438/DA: The Unicorn Inn, Heyshott Street. Registration for class use DA.

KD/20/00848/ELD: Sussex Game Farm, Scratching Lane. Existing lawful development certificate for occupation of dwelling, without compliance with an agriculture occupancy condition.

SDNP/20/00786/HOUS: Harthanger, The Street. Replace existing porch with new pitched roof porch. Removal of tiles hanging to the west and south elevations, replaced with moisture resistant membrane and oak feather edged boarding. Repairs to chimney and replacement of roof tiles.

LX/20/00860/TPA: Trehenney, Spy Lane. Fell 6 no. Ash trees (in rear garden) within Area, A1 subject to LX/78/00650/TPO.

SDNP/20/01285/LIS: Harrow Cottage, North Street. Conversion of integral garage into additional living accommodation. Removal of garden wall section to increase parking provision.

SDNP/20/01284/HOUS: Harrow Cottage, North Street. Conversion of integral garage into additional living accommodation. Removal of garden wall section to increase parking provision.

NM/20/00173/DOM: Stoneley House, Runcton Lane, Runcton. Garage conversion, first floor extension, new porch and swimming pool.

NM/20/00726/FUL: Runcton Nursery, Pagham Road. Temporary site entrance.

O/20/00761/FUL: Oakham Farm, Church Lane. Change of use from agricultural vehicle storage barn (Use class B8) to 6 no. business/workshop units (flexible use between B1/B2), including some minor external alterations.

SDNP/20/01260/HOUS: Quarry Hill, Grove Lane. Construction of garage to East of the property to include car ports and store.

PS/20/00250/DOM: 4 Nell Ball, Plaistow. Double storey side extension, garden store and additional vehicle access.

SDNP/20/01185/HOUS: Langley Bridge Farm, Langley Lane, Langley. In-ground swimming pool (10m x 5m).

SI/20/00851/PNO: Fairfields, Ham Road. Construction of 2 no. reservoirs to hold winter abstracted water for irrigating summer crops.

SI/20/00883/PA3Q: Willowdene Nursery, Fletchers Lane. Notification for prior approval for a proposed change of use of agricultural building to a dwellinghouse (Class C3) and associated works.

SB/20/00525/FUL: Prinsted Care Home, Prinsted Lane, Prinsted. Construction of 2 no. annexes.

SB/20/00812/DOM: 4 Slipper Mill, Slipper Road. Addition of 1 no. window and 1 no. door on first floor, 2 no. windows on second floor to the south elevation, raised garage roof and reinstatement of railings to form terrace, extended rooflights to the west elevation.

SDNP/20/01274/LIS: Fitzhall, Fitzhall Road, Iping. Retrospective internal alterations, including en suite in second floor bedroom.

SDNP/20/01141/APNB: Green Lanes, Back Lane, Forestside. 1 no. agricultural straw barn.

SDNP/20/01324/HOUS: St Marys Farm, A285 Selhurst Park Road to Droke Lane. Single sorry extension to rear.

WE/20/00785/FUL: Meadow View Stables, Monks Hill. Change of use of land for use as extension to Gypsy caravan site for the stationing of 6 additional caravans, including 3 pitches, each pitch consisting of 1 no. mobile home, 1 no. touring caravan and a utility building together with laying of hardstanding

WR/20/00815/DOM: The Granary, Newpound Lane. Proposed two storey extension and associated alterations. Removal of 1 shed and 2 stables. Variation of condition 2 to planning permission WR/19/01809/DOM to amend the approved drawings by removing the proposed chimney stack and installing patio doors, replacing original plans with 70312/PGF/R2, 70312/PFP/R2 and 70312/PEL/R2 and citing these in condition 2.

WW/20/00779/DOM: Orchard Cottage, Acre Street. Single storey annexe extension to existing cottage.

WW/20/00832/DOM: Mudskipper, 22 Marine Drive. Replacement of existing front fence, proposed bin store, driveway gate and new fence adjacent to western boundary.

WW/20/00869/DOM: Cakeham Manor, Cakeham Road. Dismantling of a 1960s walkway and staircase and replacement with a new oak walkway and stair. The new oak walkway will be a freestanding structure adjacent to a Scheduled Monument and listed building.

WW/20/00870/LBC: Cakeham Manor, Cakeham Road. Dismantling of a 1960s walkway and staircase and replacement with a new oak walkway and stair. The new oak walkway will be a freestanding structure adjacent to a Scheduled Monument and listed building.

WW/20/00893/FUL: Surbitonia, 45 Howard Avenue. Demolition of an existing bungalow with a garage and erection of 2 replacement two storey dwellings.

Visit link:
Chichester planning applications submitted to the district council and the South Downs National Park Authority - Chichester Observer

The tips that we are yet to share with you here will not only help you clean the window panes, but bathroom mirrors too. Essentially, we are going to teach you how you can handle cleaning glass materials.

While some people can try to do it anyhow, the window panes may still remain dirty, or they can end up breaking, putting you in great danger. That is why during your next summer window clean up; you should approach https://www.getmywindowsclean.com/scottsdale-az/ for a professional window clean up.

So, back at home, how do you go about window cleaning to ensure that the panes look sparkling clean at the end of it all? well, the tips include the following:

Before you take your cleaner on the windowpane, you need to prepare the whole window by giving it a thorough rinse first. That way, youll get rid of any dirt or particles that may have found their way there. For instance, if you live in a compound with many trees, it is common for birds to release their waste on window panes. Get rid of the waste with water and rinse until the window remains clear.

There are commercial glass cleaners or even home-made cleaners to choose from. If you hired professionals to do the job, they would likely come with commercial cleaners. Commercial cleaners can be the best option here because they are specially formulated to clean gas, and may not interfere with texture or construction material.

The biggest mistake people do is using moist toilet rolls or old newspapers to clean windows and end up having a lint-covered mess. In other words, you should only use low-lint rags that arent rough enough to create scratches. Remember, you can easily wipe a streak, but a scratch may need a new window replacement.

This is easy. If you wipe downwards, make sure that the next wipe is upwards on the same spot. That way, youll minimize the chances of leaving streaks behind.

Even after wiping in alternative directions as advised above, youll still get a streak, even if it isnt the same day that you washed. No one is ever perfect when it comes to window cleaning, and that is why you should follow it up with buffing. You can easily buff with a clean, dry cloth. If you use a moist cloth, then the streaks will reappear again after some time. Also, dont make the using cotton or toilet roll because they absorb and release the same moisture creating streaks.

Cleaning windows isnt something that you need to attend a college to learn. Just make sure that you follow all the tips weve shared with you above, and all shall be well in as far as cleaning windows is concerned. Lastly, if you notice any crack, please make sure you replace the pane before your next cleaning exercise because it can collapse at the slightest pressure and injure you. Let us keep our windows sparkling, clean, and glittering!

Read the original:
Window cleaning tips that will leave your panes sparkling - AZ Big Media

With dual-screen Windows devices apparently off the table for 2020, Microsofts Windows 10X has to find a home. Will it become a replacement for Windows 10 S on low-cost single-screen devices instead?

According to ZDNet, the delays associated with the coronavirus have pushed back the launches ofSurface Neo and other dual-screen PCs, past their expected holiday 2020 debut and into 2021. Microsofts Android-powered Surface Duo has apparently not been affected.

Sources close to the company had told PCWorld that the Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2 launch was being delayed until the end of April. That delay was due to concerns that Microsoft simply wouldnt have enough devices to put in stores, they said. Microsoft is also wrestling with the reality that audiences might not want a premium Windows workstation and a mobile-centric Windows device when consumers are stuck at home because of the coronavirus pandemic, worried about losing their jobs.

A source close to Microsoft indicated that the Surface Neo is being paused to realign resources to address the most urgent customer needs. The Android-based Surface Duo is still on track to ship in 2020.

Microsoft has also invested resources into developing Windows 10X, which was released as an emulator in February. Enterprising users figured out a way to put it on a single-screen device shortly thereafter.

According to ZDNet, single-screen Windows 10X devices are now the priority, including potentially traditional clamshells and two-in-ones. The reason may have a lot to do with the lukewarm reception for Windows 10 S.

The Surface Neo may be in doubt, but the Surface Duo isnt; Microsoft corporate vice president Brad Anderson showed off the Duo, Surface Book, and a Surface Pro tablet in a photo posted to Twitter this week.

When Microsoft launched Windows 10 S in 2017, it had designs on upending Google and its inexpensive Chromebook hardware in schools. At the time, Windows devices were criticized as being expensive and overcomplicated. They still are. Googles approach was to confine pretty much everything to the web, and sandbox it within its ChromeOS operating system. That met schools budgetary needs, and also gave them a device that was harder for kids to mess up.

Up to now, weve all been somewhat obsessed with Microsofts vision for pricey dual-screen hardware, and whether that makes sense in a PC world largely predicated on a single screen and keyboard. But with Microsoft now delaying those dual-screen devices, the company could pivot and start positioning Windows 10X for the low-cost market.

If youve read our earlier coverage of Windows 10X, its easy to see the potential. Like Windows 10 S, Windows 10X is designed to be locked down, so that only trusted apps can run in the OS. (This time, however, theres a broader range of trusted apps, beyond the Windows Store.) Updates will take place quickly and behind the scenes. Its possible no anti-malware will be required.

Perhaps the most important advantage to Windows 10X will be its container model, however. Every app within Windows 10X will run within its own virtualized container, protecting the OS, the users data, and other applications in case an app goes rogue. Microsofts also saying, however, that it will require fewer resources and operate with lower latency than traditional virtual machines, a necessity for an environment whose hardware will probably as cut as many corners as possible in the name of cost.

Windows 10X is also visually simple. Gone is the traditional Start menu, replaced with a very bland app drawer model that mimics the interface of a smartphone.

Whatever happens will likely take some time to shake out. As ZDNet notes, nailing the app container model will likely be Microsofts short-term priority. It will have to finish off the OS, polish it, integrate it with its existing device management software, and convince PC makers either to create dedicated single-screen Windows 10X devices for it or repurpose some of its existing hardware. Most likely, virtually all PC makers will follow suitwhile continuing to develop and supply Chromebooks just in case Windows 10X fails to gain traction.

If youre a Surface Duo fan, dont worry. Microsoft has been happy to show off the Surface Duo Android phone in a work-from-home environmentright next to a Surface Book, incidentally. As for Windows 10X: Well, Microsofthasto be shooting for July or August of 2021 to release Windows 10X, in order to make the back-to-school deadline. Until then, traditional Windows PCs (and Chromebooks) will rule the roost.

Excerpt from:
Windows 10X may be the new Windows 10 S after the Surface Neo gets delayed - PCWorld

Throughout the 1990s, Microsoft developers were in a race of one-upmanship to produce the most elaborate secret Easter eggs. These included games of pinball, racing, and even flight simulators, all hidden within Office and Windows. Lets take a look back at some of the best.

Easter eggs are developer credits, silly features, or inside jokes hidden in software. Because you can only access these through a series of arcane steps resembling an Easter egg hunt, thats how they got their name.

Easter eggs were a sly, fun way for authors to secretly immortalize themselves in their work, even if individual programmer credits were discouraged for the sake of company unity.

Microsofts history with software Easter eggs began as far back as theCommodore PET BASIC in the 1970s. Over the decades, it grew dramatically, continuing through MS-DOS and reaching peak complexity during the late 90s in Microsoft Office applications.

Microsoft Management officially put the kibosh on the practice in the early 00s, citing security and customer trust concerns.

For a while there, however, the eggs were on a rolland they got pretty wild!

In the 90s, Excel attracted a large share of elaborate Easter eggs. For example, in Excel 95, if you follow a series of complex steps, a window called the Hall of Tortured Souls appears. In this apparent reference to Doom, you can actually roam a 3D, first-person environment. After crossing a zigzag bridge, you discover a room with the names of Excel 95s developers and a low-resolution photo of the team.

During the development of Windows 3.1, one of the programmers carried around a stuffed teddy bear. It became an inside joke and unofficial mascot for the operating system.

When the team hid developer credits in the Program Manager of Windows 3.1, the bear naturally made an appearance. The Easter egg normally shows a man in a yellow suit next to a scrolling list of the developers internal email system names. If you perform the trickrepeatedly, though, you might see the bears head in the yellow suit instead.

Once word got out about the hidden flight simulator Easter egg in Excel 97, it spread quickly in the press because it sounds so sensationally weird.

In truth, though, its not exactly a flight simulator in the sense of gauges and airplane controls. Rather, its more of a surreal 3D, first-person flying experience over a purple landscape. If you fly around enough, you find a black monolith with the scrolling names of Excel 97s developers on it.

Several versions of the Windows NT operating system shipped with a pioneering 3D OpenGL screensaver called Pipes. It displayed endless linkages of pipes, connecting and extending in 3D space.

If you set the joint style to mixed,in the screensavers settings, one of the joints will sometimes be replaced by the famous Utah Teapot. The teapot originated in 1975 at the University of Utah and later became a standard reference model for testing 3D rendering across many platforms.

Not to be outdone by the Excel 97 team, the developers of Word 97 included a simple game of pinball you could accessvia a series of obscure steps. It included a scrolling list of development team credits on a pinball-style, faux LED scoreboard.

Players used the keyboard (Z for the left flipper and M for the right) to control the game. It was simple, but amusing.

Windows 95shipped with a hidden musical tribute to its developers. If you created a new folder on the desktop, renamed it several times, and then opened it, you saw the moving, fading names of the Windows 95 team accompanied by a MIDI musical score. Windows 98 included a similar developer tribute Easter egg.

According to some Microsoft insiders (see the comments on this blog post), Office 2000 was the last version of the software to include Easter eggs as sanctioned by Microsoft management.

However,that might be true for Windows versions only, as a developer did hide a game of Asteroids in Office 2004for Mac.

Excel 2000 made sure Easter eggs went out with a bang!A 3D car racing/shooting game reminiscent of the arcade classic Spy Hunterwas included in the software. You raced down a road with the developers names on it while shooting at other cars.

Imagine how complex the hidden games might have gotten over the next few years if Microsoft hadnt stopped to the practice.

Finally, there was a physical Easter egg! In 2007, a Spanish blogger with the screenname Kwisatz discovered something stunning on the holographic anti-piracy label on the Windows Vista Business DVD. It was atiny (less than 1mm wide) photograph of three men. News of this discovery rattled through the blogosphere until Microsoft responded officially about four days later in a blog post.

It turns out the three men were members of Microsofts anti-piracy team. They hid the photo of themselves and several public domain paintings as part of the labels anti-piracy technique. These details were far too small to copy without specialized equipment, and most pirates duplicating Vista DVDs probably didnt even know they were there.

As more computers started to connect to the Internet in the early 00s, and the worlds infrastructure became more reliant on Microsoft software (voting machines, ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, and U.S. Navy ships have all run a version of Windows at some point), the existence of secret undocumented code in applications took on a new meaning. As a result, Microsofts elaborate Easter eggs fell out of favor.

During the 1980s and 90s, Microsoft developers tucked hundreds of amusing Easter eggs in their products. If youre interested in finding more, check out Wikipedias list of Microsoft Easter eggsand the Easter Egg Archive website. Happy hunting!

See the rest here:
The Best Retro Easter Eggs in Windows and Microsoft Office - How-To Geek