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DISCOVERY+ ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE ORIGINAL SERIES DEBUTING IN JANUARY 2021

New York, NY - December 3, 2020 - discovery+, the definitive non-fiction subscription streaming service, today announced the original series and specials that will be available during its debut month of January 2021. At launch on January 4, discovery+ will have the largest-ever content offering of any new streaming service, including more than 50 original titles and over 150 hours of exclusive content. The service will premiere more than 1,000 hours of original content in year one.

"Our launch slate represents an ambitious start for discovery+, cementing our position as the leader in non-fiction, real life entertainment," said Lisa Holme, Group SVP of Content and Commercial Strategy for Discovery, Inc. "We can't wait for January 4, when we will give fans even more of the shows and stars they love. But we're even more excited to surpass expectations on streaming by mixing genres in new ways, digging even deeper in the documentary space and introducing fans to their new favorite personalities."

discovery+ will also launch with a landmark partnership with Verizon that gives their customers with select plans 12 months of discovery+ on Verizon. For more about discovery+ and the Verizon partnership, click here.

Original discovery+ titles for January are included below, organized by genre.

LAUNCHING JANUARY 4, 2021

Love and Relationships

90 Day Bares All: Get ready for your favorite 90 Day couples to bare it all - the lies, the secrets and everything we couldn't show on TV. Hosted by Shaun Robinson, this companion series to 90 Day Fianc will put cast members in the hot seat where they reveal pivotal new information and speak completely uncensored. Exclusive content, must-see footage and all the stories behind 90 Day Fianc!

90 Day Diaries: an intimate look into the lives of our couples, told from their perspective. Without producers or crew, the cast members film themselves in their day-to-day lives as they continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and all of the new challenges it brings to their relationships.

90 Day Journey: The ultimate collection of 90 Day Fianc stories for the 90 Day Superfan are now on demand! Each curated mini-series is made up of every single scene a beloved couple has appeared in across each show in the 90 Day Universe. Now fans can watch each couples' story from the very beginning how and when they want to.

The Other Way Strikes Back!: Viewers will get a fresh look at the duos that fans have come to know and love, sharing their home lives, behind-the-scenes details missed by cameras and addressing some of the most outrageous, cringe-worthy moments and sassy social media and pillow talk commentary of the second season of The Other Way.

Food

Amy Schumer Learns to Cook: Uncensored: discovery+ offers an updated and uncensored look at the Emmy-nominated series.

Bobby and Giada in Italy: Longtime friends Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis take viewers on a culinary tour of Italy. It's the ultimate road trip across the most delicious country on earth.

Cakealikes: This comedic, ultimate cake off competition challenges experts to create life-size cakes that are the spitting image of famed celebrities. Hosted by Tregaye Fraser and judged by hyper realistic cake artist Natalie Sideserf, hilarious food commentator Kalen Allen, and a rotating guest judge, this panel will keep you laughing through every red carpet cake-win and cake-fail!

Chopped Challenge: Chopped Challenge brings the high drama of Chopped episodes into the homes of Judges Maneet Chauhan, Scott Conant, Amanda Freitag, Marc Murphy, Marcus Samuelsson and Geoffrey Zakarian as they use their culinary mastery to create delicious and inventive recipes from three rounds of mystery basket ingredients. Intercutting self-shot footage, the judges compete against the clock to answer the ultimate Chopped aficionado question... what would the judges make?

Lovely Bites with Chef Lovely: Lovely Bites invites viewers to the Lovely home and lovely world of Chef Connie "Lovely" Jackson as she prepares fabulous bites for special occasions.

Tregaye's Way in the Kitchen: Tregaye Fraser is a youthful, modern mom - and professional chef! - who's not afraid to push the boundaries of traditional cuisine... and not afraid to push her kids' palates, finally solving the age-old question of "Mom, what's for dinner?"

True Crime

American Detective with Lt. Joe Kenda: Lt. Joe Kenda, one of the toughest, most experienced homicide detectives in ID history, is back exclusively on discovery+ with an all new series. Over the years, Kenda has heard about cases that defy logic - investigations so confounding that they feel more scripted in Hollywood than reality. In American Detective, Kenda trades in his own case files to bring viewers astounding investigations from across the country, with each episode featuring a different homicide detective whose tireless efforts helped put a killer behind bars and bring justice for the victim.

Onision: In Real Life: Greg Jackson, known to the world as "Onision," discovered YouTube when the platform was still burgeoning in the digital world. And as the power of YouTube grew, the character "Onision" grew with it. Jackson amassed millions of subscribers across multiple channels, luring in viewers with his off-kilter, opinionated and dark humor. But while his channels were twisted, his real life might be more sinister. This cutting-edge investigative series explores the mystery, controversy and alleged criminality surrounding Greg Jackson, bringing forward new research and revelations about the man that the YouTube community loves to hate.

Home

Frozen in Time: Maureen McCormick and designer Dan Vickery overhaul homes that are stuck in a design time warp. Dan will update the structure, while Maureen sources beautiful decade-specific pieces to give the home a refreshed look and a wink to its original era.

House Hunters: Comedians on Couches Unfiltered: America's favorite past time - watching and commenting on House Hunters - will get a fun new twist in this pithy new series led by comedians Dan Levy and Natasha Leggero. The series will feature eight popular comedians as they deliver hilariously unfiltered color commentary on classic episodes of House Hunters. The celebrity lineup includes Seth Rogen, John Mulaney, Ali Wong, JB Smoove, Chelsea Peretti, Whitney Cummings, Margaret Cho and NBA star-turned-comic, Blake Griffin.

Home Town: Ben's Workshop: Master woodworker Ben Napier will share his expertise in craftsmanship and carpentry with celebrity guests including astronaut Scott Kelly, tennis legend Martina Navratilova, comedian Loni Love, and country singer Chris Lane. In this four-episode series, Ben's visitors are in for a fun Southern experience - building iconic wood projects and making surprise visits to donate them to the community or a neighbor.

HGTV's House Party: This exciting new talk show features interviews with top HGTV talent, including David Bromstad, Tarek El Moussa, Jasmine Roth, Alison Victoria and more. Stephen "tWitch" Boss, Allison Holker Boss, Derek Hough and Margaret Cho are among the many HGTV superfans who stop by to join the fun. Each episode features games, DIY challenges and some good old-fashioned gossip.

Tarek's Flip Side: Star house-flipper Tarek El Moussa has a lot to celebrate in his personal life. In this series, the real estate and home renovation expert shares the stories behind his proposal to fiance Heather Rae Young and candidly reveals a few wedding plans. Along the way, Tarek takes his daughter Taylor on a tour of his latest house flip. He wants to know what she thinks of the project and hopes he can inspire her to get an early start in the family business.

Christina: Stronger By Design: Christina Anstead, star designer and home renovation expert, starts a fresh chapter in her life and reflects on what inspires her as she as rethinks her own home's design, including a bedroom refresh and a beautiful tablescape for her backyard. Christina also shares her personal wellness journey, her routine for self-care and a few of her favorite go-to beauty regimens with her makeup artist and best friend Shannon. The pair, along with friend Cassie, chat about life, motherhood, friendships and new beginnings.

Magnolia Network Preview

Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines: Infused with her warmth and passion for all things family, Joanna Gaines spends time in the kitchen sharing her favorite recipes, where they come from, and why she finds herself returning to them time and time again. New episodes will rollout weekly.

Magnolia Network: A Look Ahead: Chip and Joanna give a first look at some of the stories, people and projects that inspired the couple to create a network.

Road to Launch: Chip and Joanna catch up with some of the extraordinary storytellers and highlight the exciting selection of shows coming to Magnolia Network.

The Courage to Run with Chip Gaines and Gabe Grunewald: In this documentary special, Chip Gaines fortuitously meets professional runner and rare cancer fighter Gabe Grunewald. Together they set out to train for a marathon, and along the way find a friendship that alters Chip's perspective forever.

Premiere episodes from 10 upcoming Magnolia Network original series, including:

The Lost Kitchen: In brave pursuit of following her passion, Erin French opened a restaurant in her hometown of Freedom, Maine. Travelers from all over the world gather at The Lost Kitchen to enjoy Erin's locally-inspired and sourced menu.

Family Dinner: Host Andrew Zimmern visits families across America to explore how the cultural, regional, and historical facets of who we are inform what and how we eat.

The Fieldhouse: At The Fieldhouse, physical and personal challenges are tackled head-on. Owner Justin Bane and his staff change lives by restoring and rehabilitating clients from the inside out at this cutting-edge fitness facility in Abilene, Texas.

First Time Fixer: First-time house flippers take their home renovation dreams into their own hands and experience the risk and reward that comes with trying something new.

Home on the Road with Johnnyswim: Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano Ramirez of the musical duo Johnnyswim document their three-month cross-country tour, while juggling their growing family and finding new adventures in each city along the way.

Restoration Road with Clint Harp: Carpenter Clint Harp hits the road in search of incredible historical structures across the country that are in need of restoration, while exploring their origins and dreaming of their futures.

Super Dad: Father and DIY expert Taylor Calmus, along with his team of skilled builders, help aspiring DIY dads turn their kids' outrageous backyard dreams into playtime realities.

Point of View: A Designer Profile: Giving a behind-the-curtain look into the mind of interior designers, this anthology series lets in on their creative processes and introduces the inspirations and influences that shape their designs.

Self Employed: Entrepreneur Jonathan Morris travels the country to share the inspirational stories and new challenges of small business owners and their journeys to building their dream jobs.

Growing Floret: Erin and Chris Benzakien have spent the last decade building their family-run business Floret Farms in the fertile Skagit River Valley of Washington State. Now considered one of the most well-known flower farms in the world, they've decided to risk everything by adding and rehabilitating 24 new acres of land to expand their business.

Lifestyle

Say Yes to the Dress: In Sickness and In Health: During the COVID epidemic, brides have had their wedding dreams crushed. The team of Randy Fenoli and Hayley Paige will stop at nothing to help these women still have their special day.

Dr. Pimple Popper: This is Zit: Dr. Sandra Lee shares all the gory details behind some of her most difficult pops. Watch intimate excavation videos of blackheads so big and cysts so goopy, they have to be seen to be believed.

Adventure

Gold Rush: Freddy Dodge's Mine Rescue: Gold recovery expert Freddy Dodge helps struggling mine owners in this six-part series. If he can increase the owner's weekly gold haul, he gets a cut of the profits, but if he fails... he doesn't charge a dime.

Race Across the World: How would you race across the globe... if you couldn't fly and didn't have a phone? In this real-world adventure series, five teams of two are racing from point A to B... without flying. Each team must travel across the globe by whatever means they can: foot, car, bicycle, boat, bus, ferry, motorbike, horse ... with only the price of a flight ticket in their pocket (which will have to cover their food and accommodation), it's set to be the ultimate globe-trotting expedition. Who will make it in the quickest time and win a big cash prize?

Nature, Science & Animals

Mysterious Planet: Narrated by David Schwimmer, Mysterious Planet is an epic journey to the ends of the earth. Combining humor with the awe and beauty of the natural world, this special looks to unlock the greatest mysteries behind the world's most incredible species.

Six Degrees with Mike Rowe: Mike Rowe poses questions that no one has ever asked, and then, (with a little help from his old buddy Chuck), provides unforgettable answers that prove every single thing is connected.

BattleBots: The Bounty Hunters: Builders from around the globe get a chance to call their shot in a series of six all-new, two-hour events. Six of the most feared Bots in the sport of robot combat. Six one-of-a-kind bounty prizes.

Elephant Hospital: Take a trip to the world's largest hospital devoted solely to treating elephants: the Elephant Hospital in Lampang, Northern Thailand, which cares for over 100 sick, injured or neglected animals each year. With unique access to the daily challenges faced by the vets and volunteers on site, this is a heart-warming series full of uplifting, extraordinary and unexpected stories.

Documentaries

P.S., Burn This Letter Please: A box of letters, held in secret for nearly 60 years, ignites a five-year exploration into a part of LGBTQ+ history that has never been told. The letters open a window into a forgotten world where being yourself meant breaking the law and where the penalties for "masquerading" as a woman were swift and severe.

Restaurant Hustle 2020: All on the Line - Director's Cut: a self-shot documentary from Executive Producer and Co-Director Guy Fieri that follows four of America's favorite chefs - Maneet Chauhan, Antonia Lofaso, Christian Petroni and Marcus Samuelsson, as they each picked up a camera and with the help of friends and family, documented the challenges their restaurants faced as COVID-19 swept across the United States.

The Impossible Row: Documenting adventurer Colin O'Brady and his crew's attempt at the world's first completely human powered ocean row across The Drake Passage, the most dangerous 600 miles of open ocean on Earth.

Beyond Borders: More people have been to space than flown around the world in a single prop plane. And this was not lost on filmmaker Juan-Peter Schulze (JP) and influencer / travel vlogger Louis Cole as they set off on a dangerous mission to circumnavigate the world in a single-engine, 1974 Cessna T210L airplane named Baloo. This adventure wasn't just to see if it was possible, but to experience the many cultures and societies that make up our beautiful planet. The trip was emotionally and physically draining, pushing them to their limits and forcing the pair to face situations which, if handled badly, could have had dire consequences. From losing critical equipment over oceans, past the point of no return, to confronting fighter jets at ten thousand feet on the other side of the world. This is Beyond Borders.

Judi Dench's Wild Borneo Adventure: Dame Judi Dench and conservationist David Mils are setting out on a trip of a lifetime to uncover the lush rainforests, magical wildlife and spectacular coastlines of Malaysian Borneo in this two-part series.

JonBenet Ramsey: What Really Happened?: This feature-length documentary exploring the JonBenet Ramsey case, one of America's most notorious and captivating unsolved murder mysteries, showcases the exclusive and previously unheard audio diaries of legendary detective Lou Smit, who worked on 200 murder cases and was brought out of retirement in Denver to work on this homicide. Police immediately suspected her parents John and Patsy Ramsey of the murder, but after reviewing the evidence, Lou thought otherwise and he recorded it all.

Extreme Everest: An adrenaline-fueled adventure to the world's highest peak. Ant Middleton isn't afraid to take on a challenge. But there's one dangerous mission he's not yet carried out ... to scale the most famous, unforgiving and tallest mountain in the world, Everest.

Automotive

Monster Garage: Jesse James team gets seven days to complete a project. If they succeed, they each walk away with $5K. If they don't, Jesse's free to destroy the monster - by blowing it up.

Auto Biography: A premium documentary strand that tells the most surprising and phenomenal stories about iconic cars and legendary drivers that have changed the motoring world and continue to do so today.

Paranormal & The Unexplained

Amityville Horror House: Exclusive archive reveals frightening, new secrets from George and Kathy Lutz's brief stay in one of America's most wonderous haunts.

Ghost Adventures: Cecil Hotel: The Ghost Adventures team investigates a LA hotel with a long history of unnatural deaths and dark forces have been looming over the hotel for over a century.

Ghost Adventures: Top 10: Zak, Aaron, Billy and Jay present the best evidence of the paranormal, the existence of these varied phenomena and the many ways the afterlife manifests.

LAUNCHING JANUARY 14, 2021

Paranormal & The Unexplained

UFO Witness: Decades ago, the United States Air Force commissioned Project Blue Book, a top-secret investigation to review every UFO sighting on record. Now, one of the original scientists who worked on the project, Dr. Jennie Zeidman, has agreed to open up her archives to be reexamined by the next generations of UFO investigators.

LAUNCHING JANUARY 21, 2021

Fascinating Families & Extraordinary Lifestyles

Toddler's & Tiaras: Where Are They Now?: It's been over 10 years since the brand-building hit first premiered, and this series catches up with some of our favorite toddler beauty queens - now young women.

Additional original series and specials will be announced at a later date.

About Discovery:

Discovery, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is a global leader in real life entertainment, serving a passionate audience of superfans around the world with content that inspires, informs and entertains. Discovery delivers over 8,000 hours of original programming each year and has category leadership across deeply loved content genres around the world. Available in 220 countries and territories and nearly 50 languages, Discovery is a platform innovator, reaching viewers on all screens, including TV Everywhere products such as the GO portfolio of apps; direct-to-consumer streaming services such as discovery+, Food Network Kitchen and MotorTrend OnDemand; digital-first and social content from Group Nine Media; a landmark natural history and factual content partnership with the BBC; and a strategic alliance with PGA TOUR to create the international home of golf. Discovery's portfolio of premium brands includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, and the forthcoming multi-platform JV with Chip and Joanna Gaines, Magnolia Network, as well as OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in the U.S., Discovery Kids in Latin America, and Eurosport, the leading provider of locally relevant, premium sports and Home of the Olympic Games across Europe. For more information, please visit corporate.discovery.com and follow @DiscoveryIncTV across social platforms.

Continued here:
Breaking News - discovery+ Announces Exclusive Original Series Debuting in January 2021 - The Futon Critic

Mahalo for supporting Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Enjoy this free story!

In January, Hawaii head coach Todd Graham and his family will be handed the keys to a house that is completing an extensive renovation.

Its a house we found in the location we wanted, said Graham, who was hired nearly 11 months ago.Lets build a special home here. We wanted to make it our home here.

In planning the renovation, Graham recalled thinking, were going to do it the right way and build it up right.

It is the same approach he has endorsed in his first season at UH. While Grahams teams improved dramatically in the first year of four previous head-coaching jobs, the Rainbow Warriors are 2-3 entering todays game against 5-0 Nevada.

In these pandemic-restrictive times, Graham acknowledged, Im not surprised by where were at. We gave the last game away on special teams (with long returns setting up 21 Boise State points). But they showed tremendous progress. Were building something special.

Graham said the Warriors are embracing the culture of playing smart, disciplined and tough.

Were definitely changing the culture, Graham said. Im very pleased with the progression were having. We wish we won three more games. But you build the culture, and the wins will come.

For the second week in a row, the Warriors will face an opponent that is unbeaten in Mountain West play. Nevada also has the nations No. 4 passing offense (363.8 yards per game), led by quarterback Carson Strong, wideout Romeo Doubs, and an experienced offensive line. Doubs is averaging 41.7 yards per touchdown catch. The Wolf Pack have forced only three takeaways two picks and a fumble recovery but opponents are punting on 52.4% of drives. The Pack induced 21 three-and-outs on 63 possessions.

Theyre really playing at a different level than everybody else, Graham said of the Wolf Pack. Theyre definitely at the top (at) 5-0. We have to come out and play our best game. Im excited for the opportunity to go against somebody who sits at the very top.

Across the Aloha Stadium field will be Nevada head coach Jay Norvell, who was the pass-game coordinator on Grahams 2016 staff at Arizona State.

I really enjoyed my time with Coach Graham and the coaches there at ASU, Norvell said.

Norvell said he picked up some coaching advice from Graham, including the Wolf Pack walk. The day before each game, the Pack walk the length of the field. The first 50 yards, players think of the past, the next 50 are spent visualizing the upcoming game. Graham has implemented a similar walk for the Warriors.

I thought it was perfect to take that and bring that here to Nevada, and incorporate our alumni and boosters, Norvell said. That was one of Coach Grahams traditions.

Graham recalled the day he hired Norvell.

I can remember sitting at the hotel and visiting with him, Graham said. I was so impressed with him as a person. He embraced everything we were about character, discipline, tough. He came to us as a very experienced coach, and did a great job with us.

Graham said their families remain close. I think the world of him, Graham said.

6 p.m., today Aloha Stadium Pay-Per-View 1420-AM / 92.7-FM

Read more:
Hawaii football coach Todd Grahams home renovation resembles his experience in building a program - Honolulu Star-Advertiser

The Resurrection Project will renovate and build 150 affordable homes. (The Resurrection Project)

JPMorgan Chase is providing funds for the construction and restoration of 150 affordable homes in Chicago. The move comes more than two months after modular construction firm Skender Manufacturing closed down after 16 months in the city, halting plans to build dozens of affordable apartments buildings in vacant lots across Chicago.

JPMorgan will donate $7.2 million for its project, which will finance the construction of 100 prefab homes and renovation of about 50 existing properties in the Southwest and West Sides, according to Crains. Affordable housing nonprofit Resurrection Project will lead the effort.

The money is part of a $37 million fund JPMorgan will use for similar projects in cities across the country, according to the report.

In late September, the asset management arm of JPMorgan launched a $700 million fund focused on developing single-family and multifamily rental properties in Sun Belt cities.

[Crains] Orion Jones

More here:
JPMorgan funds construction of prefab affordable homes in Chicago - The Real Deal

Tips to Avoid a Stressful Home Renovation

If youre tired of staring at the same (drab) four walls, it may be time for a home renovation. Your home is one of your most important assets and tackling a renovation can help increase its value. Plus, youll get the benefit of enjoying your new and improved living space for years to come.

We know home renovations are stressful but dont worrywere here to ensure this one goes smoothly. Read on to learn four ways to avoid a stressful home renovation.

Even with unlimited resources, home renovations take time. Assuming you dont have unlimited funding (reality strikes again), its even more important to prioritize your projects. Deciding what you want to address first will not only help you allocate time and money appropriately, but it will also help you avoid mistakes that come with trying to bite off more than you can chew.

Its helpful to break your renovation to-do list down into two categories:

Its a good idea to address significant structural projects first. Not only will these renovations add the most value to your home but leaving them unattended can necessitate more expensive repairs down the line. Non-cosmetic projects include:

Once youve gotten the bigger projects taken care of, you can move on to the fun partmaking your home beautiful! Cosmetic projects include:

Striking a balance between getting your hands dirty and relying on the pros can be tricky. To get it right, you need to be honest with yourself about your abilities (no, you shouldnt rewire your kitchen without an electrician, no matter how many YouTube tutorials youve watched).

Its also important to factor in the cost of your time. You might be able to handle certain projects on your own, but if the time cost is greater than the cost of hiring a professional, you may want to reconsider. Remember: time is money.

Tips to Avoid a Stressful Home Renovation

Regardless of how many projects youre willing to do yourself or how frugal you are when selecting materials, renovations can be expensive. Ensuring you have enough cash to complete your projects before you begin will help you avoid having to live with a half-way completed bathroom remodel or a kitchen without a stove (yes, these are possibilities if you dont plan).

Sometimes, this requires looking beyond your personal savings account to fund your improvement projects. You can always take out a conventional loan, but dont forget to look into options like a HELOC, FHA loan, or home refinance for veterans first.

Renovating your home can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also be frustrating. Bracing yourself for a few mishaps will enable you to get back on track faster. Its helpful to have a plan to keep your sanity intact as you take on this huge project.

Try booking a few nights in a hotel to give yourself a break from the renovation grind or give yourself one day a week where you dont do any renovation-related work. Your mental health will thank you.

We cant promise that your renovation is going to be totally stress-free (youll probably want to throw paint at the wall at least once), but we can assure you that if you follow the tips above, the process will be a lot more manageable. So, what are you waiting for? Its time to turn your house into your dream home!

Link:
4 Tips to Avoid a Stressful Home Renovation - Gildshire Magazines

The third episode of House on Fire explores the One Trillion Trees initiative to grow and conserve a trillion trees on Earth to counter the effects of climate change. Where did this goal originate? Can it really save the planet and where could it go wrong?

To answer these questions we talk to Tom Crowther, a scientist whose work did much to inspire the creation of the Trillion Trees platform. He explains how his team reached its conclusions, as well as some of the limitations of the work.

We also speak to restoration ecologist Karen Holl and environmental resource professor Forrest Fleischman about the charge that planting trees a distraction from more important decarbonization goals. They explain how the movement can successfully sequester harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, based on decades of experience of restoring trees.

Well also have a response from Justin Adams, one of the co-directors of the One Trillion Trees platform, as well as testimony from Pedro Brancalion, vice-coordinator of the Atlantic Forest Pact, one of the worlds most significant restoration initiatives. He tells us about the projects that have helped reforest vast areas of his homeland, Brazil.

Subscribe to House on Fire on Apple, Spotify, Acast and more.

Listen to our sister podcasts World Vs Virus, about the global pandemic, and The Great Reset, on the efforts to "build back better" here.

Read the rest here:
Why the world needs another trillion trees. This week's House on Fire podcast - World Economic Forum

At the White House, Ms. Psaki intends to bring back the daily press briefing, which has been all but phased out over the past four years. It is not clear, however, when those sessions might resume, given the constraints of the pandemic.

But as the incoming administration prepares to roll out a coronavirus vaccine and convince more than 300 million Americans that it is safe, Ms. Psaki, colleagues said, views a central part of her job as restoring faith in the words spoken from behind the podium.

The clown games are over, said Susan Rice, who was President Barack Obamas national security adviser. Jen will represent the professionalism and decency and commitment to transparency that has been a hallmark of Joe Bidens career.

As Mr. Trumps press secretary, Ms. McEnany has focused on remaining in the presidents inner circle and has made little effort to be accessible to reporters or to disseminate accurate information. Ms. Psaki plans to take a different approach, Biden transition officials said.

At the State Department, they noted, Ms. Psaki moved the spokespersons office, which had been on the sixth floor, where it was inaccessible to reporters, to be next to the press room.

Ms. Psaki, pronounced SOCK-ee, was a candidate for the press secretarys job under Mr. Obama, but she is arguably coming into it now at a more difficult and more critical moment.

I think she brings as much experience in that building, as much as anyone has ever brought to the job, said Robert Gibbs, who served as Mr. Obamas first White House press secretary. The world this administration inherits has more challenges than any in nearly a century. Having a steady, experienced voice behind that podium will serve them well.

Excerpt from:
Four Women Who Will Handle the Media in the Biden White House - The New York Times

If home flips are on your radar for the new year, then take note: Home design trends are changing.

According to predictions from Houzz and the National Kitchen and Bath Association, 2021 should usher in new trends in color, home technology, and even tile -- and if you want your flips to align with buyer preferences, youll want to study up.

Heres a look at some of the larger trends the two industry players forecast for the new year:

They used to be all the rage, but open floor plans are no longer in high demand. With so many Americans now working from home, people are looking for properties with more privacy, like areas for family members to work, hop on a video call, or take virtual classes in peace.

According to Houzz, providing this space can be done in several ways, including creating dedicated home offices, carving out small work nooks in existing rooms, or even adding sliding doors and partitions to close off spaces that are open. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and backyard cottages are also a good option for those looking for additional work space.

NKBAs pros say more automated features will be in demand in 2021, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. At the top of the list are things like motion-sensor lighting, voice-activated or hands-free faucets (no germs!), self-closing blinds, and automated temperature control.

Both reports note a trend toward lighter hues next year. Houzz calls out beige, sand, and taupe as top colors to expect, while previously popular greys will start to fade out. NKBA even predicts the light-hue trend to trickle down to materials, including kitchen countertops. The organization expects light-colored quartz to be a top trend in the new year.

This ones interesting. According to Houzzs design pros, 2021 will be the year of oversized tile -- particularly rectangular-shaped options. "Fewer grout lines means less cleaning and less visual clutter," the report reads. "Plus, the large-format tile can help visually expand a small space." Apparently, herringbone, stacked, and brick patterns are on trend with this tile.

The "multi-zone kitchen" will be the No. 1 trend of the year, according to Houzz. Consumers are increasingly wanting more than just the traditional fridge-sink-range triangle. Theyre requesting dedicated areas for prep work, chopping, baking, etc. Some even want "stations," which can be used for drinks, work, snacking, and more.

If you want to ensure your home flips are marketable and command top dollar, then staying on top of current design trends is key. Want even more help selling that flip for a profit? Focus on these high-ROI projects and try these marketing tips on for size.

Go here to read the rest:
Flipping Houses in 2021? Keep These 5 Home Renovation Trends on Your Radar - Motley Fool

(The Magazine Plus Editorial):- Victoria, Nov 30, 2020 (Issuewire.com)Building a home is the biggest dream in life for many. In todays world, it is not easy to build the house of your dreams. Nicon Built is one of the best and most reliable custom home builders in Melbourne, Australia that makes their clients dreams come true with their excellent custom designs and expert home building and renovation services. The company understands the risk of investment in the housing market and makes sure its clients get the value for their money with their reliable service. The company provides the services of certified, skilled, and qualified teams that are known for its neat and classy work. The company has become the most preferred and recommended home builder in the Melbourne area with its highly attractive and durable constructions. The company only works with skilled and passionate workers that offer the most innovative building designs in the country. The company closely works with the clients, understanding their needs and requirements to provide them with their dream house that is not only extremely fit but of a unique design. They involve the clients in each step of the process of home building from the creation of a blueprint to completion of construction to achieve satisfactory results.

Established in 2007, the Melbourne home extension builders have come a long way establishing its powerful presence in the home building market across Melbourne throughout the past years. The company thrives to provide aspiring homeowners with exceptional designs that make their houses their homes in the true sense. The company follows a certain innovative strategy to construct their masterpieces. They make sure that the environment of the home is inviting, healthy, and accommodating. They design the homes in such a unique way that it exudes a sense of comfort and coziness to the homeowners. The company promises to optimize the full capacity and creativity of their teams to help bring the true dexterity of their craftsmanship. Abiding by their promises, they ensure that their construction is of top and international quality. They give the homes such a classic and stylish look that can never be replicated or replaced. The designs are top-notch and have a distinct aura about it that has the ability to impress even the royals.

Compared to other home extensions in Melbourne, Nicon Built has flourished a lot changing the course of custom home building with their inimitable designing methods and reliable service. The company revolves around their motto to transform a clients desire into reality. The highly trained team of home builders at the company transforms the raw thoughts of their clients into the most astonishing and unparalleled construction that are not just homes but pieces of incredible art as well. Driven by their passion to create something magnificent and unique, they dedicate all their energy, creative excellence, and professional knowledge to their construction and deliver top-quality work. Utilizing their hard-earned experience and the clients instruction, they build the most exquisite homes that fulfill all the demands and requirements of the customers. Every project, small or big, is dealt with equal care and dedication from the team and this makes them the best home builders in Melbourne.

Nicon Built is the biggest home builder in Melbourne that specializes in all types of home building from luxurious homes to townhouses and duplexes to single-story units; they handle any project with the same distinct dexterity. All the associated tasks of home building and home renovation from architectural drafting and floor planning to landscaping and also future-proofing is impeccably done by the company. The expert and experienced designers, architects, planners, and builders have been working in the field of custom home building for years and have acquired the reputation of being the most reliable home builders in Melbourne. The company always emphasizes the quality of their works that brings elegance and sophistication to your homes. The aesthetic appeal of their designs and constructions of their luxurious housings has gained them wide recognition and fame in the house building market in Australia. For hassle-free custom home construction, Nicon Built is swiftly becoming the first choice for future homeowners in the city of Melbourne.

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Nicon Built offers the best home building and renovation services in Melbourne - The Magazine Plus

Looking back on the disaster that was Denver Mayor Michael Hancocks hypocritical Thanksgiving travel decision and the resultant trashing of his credibility

And then comes the news Saturday night that Gov. Jared Polis and his husband, Marlon Reis, have tested positive for COVID-19. Polis was already in quarantine for having come in contact with someone who had tested positive. If anyone still questions how serious the crisis is were facing as if four ineligible Broncos quarterbacks hadnt made the point this should about do it.

On Wednesday morning, I was taking notes, as I sometimes do, for future column ideas. What struck me and probably you were the long lines of people in airports across the country, millions of them ignoring all medical advice against visiting relatives on Thanksgiving. You shake your head in disbelief, or maybe disgust, and say to yourself that while you understand COVID fatigue, thats not really an excuse. Weve just passed 250,000 COVID deaths. The experts are saying we could hit 400,000 deaths by the end of February. In other words, the people who have chosen to travel are directly risking their lives and the lives of others.

This hit me because, like most people, I stayed home with my live-in family. I mostly do, although I do take the grandkids on masked, socially distanced tours of the neighborhood. I dont go to the office/coffee shop. I order in from restaurants. I get my groceries delivered. I know Im fortunate to be able to afford all that. I also know that Im old, and I have a chronic condition that makes me especially vulnerable.

And so, I wear a mask. I distance. I wash the hell out of my hands. I keep up with the scientific recommendations as they change. Thats how science works. The more information we get like, the vaccines are (we hope) coming! the easier it is to make better decisions, like the decision most American families, and most Denver families, made. Youre not a hero for staying home unless you think its heroic these days simply to do the right thing.

The message coming from all corners was clear enough. By traveling, you risk becoming a super-spreader as if, you know, you worked in the Trump White House and forgot that the pandemic is completely out of control. Those traveling either dont believe in the science or dont believe, in any case, that science applies to them.

And so I wrote down the old Strother Martin line from Butch Cassidy, because Ive quoted the movie maybe a thousand times over the years: Morons. Ive got morons on my team.

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And then a little later in the day, I saw a tweet from 9News that Hancock was among the, uh, morons. And since I know him not to be a moron, I was, well, confused by his selfish decision to travel to Mississippi to see his daughter, who had recently moved there, and his wife who was already there with her. I was also angry, and not only because while Hancock was heading to the airport, his office had put out a tweet advising people to stay home. That has been his message, and Polis message, for weeks.

It was good advice from Hancock or his office: Pass the potatoes, not COVID. He advised virtual family gatherings and to avoid travel when possible.

And so when Hancock chose to ignore the science and ignore his own advice on potatoes we had latkes at my house I was furious for at least two reasons:

One, there is the rank hypocrisy. Once caught, Hancock immediately said the choice was between his wife and daughter coming to Denver or him visiting his daughters new digs in Mississippi. Those werent the choices, of course. The only right choice was to stay home, not to decide which family member should take the most risks. Hancock would later apologize, but to little effect, because no apology and no spin are going to help, certainly not in the short term.

READ:More columns by Mike Littwin.

I had to Google to get this early 19th-century quote right, but this via British essayist William Hazlitt might apply: The only vice which cannot be forgiven is hypocrisy. The repentance of a hypocrite is itself hypocrisy.

Two, wtf.

We are finally putting behind us a president who showed a complete lack of leadership on COVID. For those needing advice on how to properly trash your credibility, you ignore the pandemic killing thousands daily and instead hire My Cousin Rudy as your lawyer while lying repeatedly to the nation that the 2020 election was rigged. I mean, it would take thousands of conspirators to rig the election, and maybe not even then. Does that seem plausible to anyone besides Trump and the Trump cultists? And yet, what is happening by the thousands and by the tens of thousands and by the hundreds of thousands is that people are getting sick and many dying from the coronavirus.

With Trump mentioning COVID these days only when taking credit for the scientists amazing work on a vaccine, and not, say, for the many White House COVID clusters, the mantle of responsibility has fallen to governors and mayors, with mixed results. The truth is, Hancock has been often ahead of Polis in making the tough decisions to keep us safe. The sad truth is, people actively look for reasons not to trust politicians any more and often get those views validated from the ugly depths of social media. But Hancock was caught out by the mainstream media. This was no hit piece. This was no conspiracy. Every wound Hancock has suffered has been self-inflicted.

Hes not alone in this. California Gov. Gavin Newsom was recently seen at a mostly mask-free birthday party dinner went for $350 apiece with what was apparently five other couples, which breaks about a dozen California rules. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo had announced that his 89-year-old mother and two daughters would travel to Albany to celebrate Thanksgiving with him. As social media exploded, Cuomo suddenly changed plans. There go two possible future Democratic presidential candidacies down the tubes.

So now, what do we do, and what does Hancock do?

The second part is easier. Hancock did an interview with 9News on Saturday after returning from his trip and offered up his best mea culpa. It was unwise, it was hypocritical, it was a mistake that I deeply regret and deeply apologize for, Hancock said. He went on to say that his decision to make the trip was not a wise one, and Im man enough to say it, that I should not have made the trip.

Hes right. It was unwise and hypocritical. But he was not so much manning up as he was doing the only thing he could do.

All leaders who make decisions make the occasional bonehead decision, but this is well beyond the bonehead category and moves into brain-dead territory. One of the big jobs of the mayor is to represent his city. Hancock has plainly misrepresented Denver. He must go into quarantine the governor is in quarantine now and hope, once hes tested, that hes negative. He has work to do, a lot of work, to have any shot at rebuilding trust.

What do we do? Hancock is not resigning, and the nascent recall movement is, well, a joke. Colorado is recall happy, and for the thrice-elected Hancock, who is now term-limited as mayor, it makes absolutely no sense, especially during a pandemic. What we can do is demand our leaders do everything possible to head off the worst of the pandemic, including the Weld County commissioners who have said they wouldnt enforce any new level-red rules as if ignoring COVID will help and put out a news release advising us that theyre no smarter than they were the last time the governor toughened rules.

And now the commissioners might want to note that the governor himself has tested positive. As Polis put it, no one is immune.

God knows, people arent perfect. Weve been working on that project for however many thousands of years. But is it too much to ask of those we elect as our leaders to at least try to come closer? At this point, Hancock has no choice. Of course, he should have seen he had no choice when it came time for him to board that airplane.

Mike Littwin has been a columnist for too many years to count. He has covered Dr. J, four presidential inaugurations, six national conventions and countless brain-numbing speeches in the New Hampshire and Iowa snow.

The Colorado Sun is a nonpartisan news organization, and the opinions of columnists and editorial writers do not reflect the opinions of the newsroom. Read our ethics policy for more on The Suns opinion policy and submit columns, suggested writers and more to opinion@coloradosun.com.

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Littwin: Getting on a plane was easy, but restoring Michael Hancock's credibility will be a lot harder - The Colorado Sun

The Top Home Warranty Companies of 2020

The best home warranty plan will cover expensive repair and replacement costs when a major system or appliance, such as an air conditioning or refrigerator, breaks down due to normal wear and tear. Because there are a variety of home warranty providers to choose from, this guide will allow you to compare different home warranty companies and help you find the right home protection plan.

We chose American Home Shield as the best overall home warranty company because of its customizable plan options, nationwide coverage, simple claims process, generous coverage caps, flexible service fees ($75$125), and nearly 50 years of experience in the home warranty industry.

Get a free quote from American Home Shield:

American Home Shield (AHS) is the best home warranty company available. A veteran in the home warranty industry, AHS has been in operation for almost 50 years, making it one of the most trusted home warranties on the market. AHS has three plans and allows customers to choose the service fee$75, $100, or $125they want to pay (note: a higher service fee will likely come with a lower monthly premium and vice versa).

While there are more than 45 active home warranty companies, almost one in two customers buys an American Home Shield policyAHS is far and away the most popular provider available. Read more: American Home Shield review.

Our Score Breakdown for American Home Shield

Get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty:

Choice Home Warranty (CHW) offers two plansBasic and Totalthat provide comprehensive coverage for both appliances and systems. CHW doesnt restrict coverage based on the age of your home or its appliances, as long as youve properly maintained them, and it offers a generous 90-day repair guarantee. Read our full Choice Home Warranty review for more details.

Our Score Breakdown for Choice Home Warranty

Get a free quote from Amazon Home Warranty:

Amazon Home Warranty has one of the most robust contractor networks in the home warranty industry and covers major systems and appliances regardless of their age. Not to mention, Amazon Home Warranty provides an extensive list of add-ons and offers customers one month free of coverage when signing up for a home warranty plan. Read more: Amazon Home Warranty review.

Our Score Breakdown for Amazon Home Warranty

Get a free quote from Select Home Warranty:

Select Home Warranty is a great option for people looking for an affordable home warranty. This company offers plan premiums at around $36$38 a month, whereas the median cost in the industry is $50 per month. Select Home Warranty also provides two free months of coverage to customers who sign up for a plan along with free roof leak coverage, which isnt typically offered by companies. Read more: Select Home Warranty review.

Our Score Breakdown for Select Home Warranty

Get a free quote from Americas First Choice Home Club:

Americas First Choice Home Club (AFC Home Club) is one of the best home warranty providers for customizable coverage and comprehensive plans. It allows customers to choose their own service technician and has the longest work guarantee in the industry (guaranteeing parts and labor for as long as youre a member). Additionally, they offer benefits like emergency alert network services, free credit monitoring, and discounts on maintenance-related supplies.

AFC Home Club also provides twice as many plans as most home warranty companies do, allowing customers to choose from four plan options instead of two. Read more: AFC Home Club review.

Our Score Breakdown for AFC Home Club

Get a free quote from First American Home Warranty:

First American Home Warranty (FAHW) offers two easy-to-understand plans with solid coverage and flexible payment options for customers. What makes First American Home Warranty a stand-out is its optional First Class Upgrade, which protects systems and appliances that were improperly maintained, modified or installeda rarity in the home warranty business. Read more: First American Home Warranty review.

Our Score Breakdown for First American Home Warranty

Get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard:

Liberty Home Guard has only been in the home warranty industry for a few years, but it provides a variety of plans at affordable prices and offers 24/7 customer service. Not to mention, Liberty Home Guard offers 20 add-onswhich is more than what most companies typically offerand provides coverage regardless of the age of your systems and appliances. Read our full Liberty Home Guard review for more details.

Our Score Breakdown for Liberty Home Guard

Before purchasing a home warranty, you want to make sure youre considering all the necessary factors to get the best plan for you and your home. Here are just a few questions you should keep in mind during the home warranty buying process.

1. What type of home warranty plan do I need?

Most home warranty companies offer three different levels of coverage: systems plans, appliance plans, and combination plans. Systems plans cover major home systems such as your air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing system, while appliance plans protect important items like your refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven. Combo plans protect both systems and appliances.

In addition to these plans, home warranty companies will generally offer coverage for optional add-ons, such as a swimming pool or spa, second refrigerator, well pump, septic system, and roof leaks.

2. How much can I afford to spend every month?

On average, a home warranty costs $25$50 every month, or $300$600 a year. You may be able to bring that cost down slightly if you enroll in a multi-year plan upfront or if you get quotes from multiple companies and ask for price matching.

Additionally, customers will have to pay a service call fee, a one-time fee that is paid every time a contractor comes to your home to assess the broken item and make a repair or replacement. Service fees typically range between $75$125, but there are some companies, like Choice Home Warranty, that have service fees as low as $60.

While a home warranty does have its costs, know that a lower monthly premium may be more affordable than unexpectedly paying for a $400 air conditioning repair or a complete system replacement, which could cost thousands of dollars.

Note: We consistently see that home warranty companies adjust their pricing depending on the size of your home and where you live, so use our general cost estimates as a guide, but confirm them with each provider based on your actual address and square footage. The price of your home warranty will depend on where you live, the type of plan you choose, how many add-ons you include on your plan, and the home warranty company you select.

We recommend getting at least three quotes, then asking your favorite company to match the best offer you receivedin doing so, you may save one to two months off your overall payment.

3. How does the claims process work?

When you file a claim with your home warranty company, they should get a technician out to you within 48 hours. While this is a guarantee for most companies, some dont promise work within this timeframe and will instead send a technician within 72 hoursand sometimes even later.

Companies like American Home Shield and Choice Home Warranty guarantee a technician will come to assess your covered item within 48 hours of you making a service request. We recommend going with one of these companies so youre not stuck at home with a broken system or appliance.

Get a free AHS quote customized to your zip code.

4. Are there limitations in the service contract?

Before you buy a home warranty, its a good idea to read the companys sample contract. In this contract, youll be able to see if there are any coverage caps (these are coverage limits placed on certain items that tell you how much the company will pay before you have to pay any dollar amount out of pocket). Youll also find information about a companys item replacement policy and if a home inspection is required before home warranty coverage begins.

Not only do home warranties protect you in the event that a major item breaks down due to normal wear and tear, they also save you hundreds of dollars on home repairs or replacements. Additionally, home warranties offer peace of mind that if something were to break, a trusted expert will be at your door within a few days to fix the problem.

Though we would recommend any of the seven best home warranty companies in this article, here are our top three suggestions. As mentioned above, American Home Shield is the best home warranty company available, with Choice Home Warranty and First American Home Warranty following close behind. We encourage you to get quotes from all three providers to help you compare coverage, negotiate a price that works for you, and secure the best home warranty for you and your home.

The home warranties listed in this article are some of the best home warranties in the industry. Excellent customer service, comprehensive coverage, and affordable pricing are all qualities that these companies exhibit. Though we recommend American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, and First American Home Warranty as top picks, we think any of the seven companies in this article merit attention.

This Old House plans to publish detailed reviews of theseand other prominent home warranty companiesin the next month, so keep checking this review as we roll out new details!

What is a home warranty?

A home warranty is an annual service contract that protects systems and appliances in the home when they break down or malfunction due to normal wear and tear.

Whats the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance?

A home warranty is different from homeowners insurance in that it covers damage on systems and appliances only, whereas homeowners insurance covers structural damage on your home due to theft, natural disasters, or fire.

How long do home warranties last?

Home warranties typically last for a year, but some companies allow customers to enroll in three- or five-year plans for a more affordable price.

What does a home warranty cover?

A home warranty typically covers both systems and appliances, however, some companies split their coverage options into systems plans, appliance plans, and combination plans. The most common systems and appliances covered under a home warranty include air conditioning, heating, electrical, plumbing, ductwork, refrigerators, water heaters, built-in microwaves, dishwashers, ovens, clothes washers, clothes dryers, and garbage disposals.

How much does a home warranty cost?

A home warranty costs around $300$600 per year and comes with service fee deductibles that range between $65$125.

How does a home warranty work?

When a home system or appliance breaks down due to normal wear and tear, you can call your home warranty company to file a claim or submit a service request online. Your company will send a trusted technician to your home within 48 hours or allow you to choose an approved contractor of your choice. In your home, the contractor will assess the issue and recommend a repair or replacement. Before they leave, youll pay the service fee set by your company.

Is a home warranty necessary?

A home warranty isnt mandatory to have, but we recommend getting coverage as an extra layer of protection on your important home systems and appliances. For example, if you have completely new appliances that are all under manufacturers warranties, you may not need a home warranty. However, when those manufacturers warranties run out, having home warranty coverage could protect you if one of your systems or appliances breaks down.

How can I cancel my home warranty?

Typically, you can cancel your policy and receive a full refund within the first 30 days of coverage. After the first 30 days, you may still be able to cancel, but youll likely receive a prorated amount based on how much of your contract you have remaining. Check your policy to figure out what the cancellation process looks like.

The This Old House Reviews team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparency and having the data to back up our ratings and recommendations. With that in mind, we spent time creating an objective rating system to score each home warranty company. Heres what that review process looks like:

With all of that data, we created a rating system to score each home warranty company. Our rating system is a weighted, 100-point scale on the following factors:

In summary, the This Old House Review Team reviewed 45 companies to select this list of the seven best home warranty providers. To keep our ratings and data current, we have a full-time researcher who collects (and regularly updates) more than 100 specific data points from each company to help us compare them on key factors such as coverage, cost, service, and dependability.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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7 Best Home Warranty Companies of 2020 - This Old House