Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Middle chapters are always a complicated thing. When a story adheres to the classic three-act structure, one could argue that the second act is the most important one. Without a solid way to tie the beginning of a plot to its end, youre left with a story that feels rushed or incomplete. Nioh 2 just got its second piece of DLC, Darkness in the Capital, and as the middle chapter of a trilogy, it has some issues. However, as just a chunk of more Nioh 2 content, its even more spectacular and fun than what the rest of the game already was.

When it came out, Nioh 2 was a fantastic game. Its first DLC, The Tengus Disciple, remained fun but had a weaker story than I expected. Now that were here, two-thirds of the way done with the planned post-launch content for Nioh 2, its hard not to think about the inevitable end. For better or worse, Darkness in the Capital answers most of the doubts I had about The Tengus Disciple and its nature as a setup for the conclusion of the story. The truth is that the answers I got werent really what I wanted.

Just like The Tengus Disciple before it, Darkness in the Capital has our character travelling back in time. While we still are visiting the Heian era of Japan, this time around we go to the year 976 to meet with the legendary Minamoto no Yorimitsu and Abe no Seimei. Both are famous figures of Japanese folklore, and in Nioh 2 they have integrated into the story thanks to the object that seems to be the focus of the DLC trilogy: the Sohayamaru. This is the sword that ultimately becomes the protagonists yokai-banishing dagger, and it was present in the previous DLC. Here, Minamoto no Yorimitsu is its wielder and it becomes clear that the sword has always been in the hands of important warriors.

As interesting as that setup sounds, this second piece of DLC runs into some of the same storytelling problems that affected The Tengus Disciple. We have yet again another time travel story, which means that the characters from the DLC itself are the ones that have to carry the narrative. The main problem that these new stories share is that their short length and their somewhat self-contained nature dont really allow for the same emotional investment that the main narrative did. With only three main missions that have our character go to the past and come back to the present, Darkness in the Capital doesnt have enough time to establish these new characters.

While this narrative issue is the only real problem Ive had with the DLC, it does worry me in regards to the next one. Given that this batch of DLC expansions are being presented as a trilogy, there is a pattern that each individual piece of content has followed so far that might also repeat for the final DLC: two or three main missions that involve travelling to the past to meet a previous wielder of the Sohayamaru. That would make for interesting context as a side-story, but as a trilogy that takes place after Nioh 2, it feels a bit weightless. There arent any real stakes because theres no real setup for conflict; at least not until the very end. The third DLC, whenever it launches, will have to do some serious lifting in order to not make the whole additional trilogy feel unnecessary at least in terms of story.

All that being said, Darkness in the Capital might just be some of the most fun Ive had with Nioh as a series in terms of gameplay. Just like the previous DLC, this one introduces a new type of weapon: fists. Whether you pick up a regular fist weapon or a clawed one, these open up a moveset so unique to the game that left me in awe. While you could use your bare hands before, with fist weapons you essentially perform different types of martial arts that vary depending on your stance. A low stance fist, for example, bears resemblance to the drunken fist martial art, while a high stance fist uses heavier, more deliberate punches and stomps.

Key to making the fist weapons work is their unique gimmick. One of the very first skills you can unlock in its skill tree allows you to cancel Active Skills into either normal attacks or other Active Skills, while giving you a stackable buff based on the number of cancels you perform. All of a sudden, fist weapons make Nioh 2 feel a lot like a fighting game, where you can truly think of combos in a more traditional sense instead of just linking attacks one after the other. Its truly commendable how Team Ninja always finds ways to make every new weapon fun and interesting, but with the fist weapons they really outdid themselves.

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Of course, fun weapons would mean nothing without the content to support them, and Darkness in the Capital delivers in this regard in spite of its storytelling problems. The few new maps are very fun to explore, and the new enemy designs are even better than those in the first DLC. Whats more, the boss fights in this expansion are truly incredible, which is hard to believe considering that The Tengus Disciple was already excellent in this aspect. If there is one word to describe the fights in Darkness in the Capital its spectacle, and that applies both in a visual sense as well as in gameplay.

Along with these new missions, Darkness in the Capital continues the Nioh tradition of adding reasons to engage with the endgame. Once again, we have a new difficulty level that represents New Game +++, and with it comes a new tier of rarity to grind for. Of course, not every Nioh 2 player will get there, but for those who do this will keep them busy enough trying to optimize all their cool new gear. In fact, one of the most interesting additions to gear improvement is the ability to upgrade your accessories, something that Nioh 2 lacked and that I, personally, really wanted in order to make my build even stronger.

Now that two out of the three DLC packs that the Season Pass offers are out, its easier to answer if its worth it or not. Darkness in the Capital definitely paints a less-than-optimistic picture for the overall narrative of this trilogy. The people who are looking for more story content will surely find some here, but not of particularly great quality. However, if just the act of playing Nioh 2 is enough to get someone back into the game, then this DLC is outstanding. Even if the narrative doesnt hold its end of the bargain, all of the improvements and additions to gameplay carry the entire DLC on their own. It remains to be seen how the third and final DLC will wrap things up, but if Team Ninja can keep up delivering gameplay of this high quality, then Ill consider it a success in spite of everything else.

Disclaimer: A copy of this game was provided to RPG Site by the publisher.

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Nioh 2 Darkness in the Capital Review - RPG Site

Raised in West Philadelphia, returning to television streaming TV at least on HBO Max.

Although the precise date hasnt been announced yet, theFresh Prince of Bel-Airreunion special will air on HBOs streaming service next month along with other new additions to HBO Max like the second season ofHis Dark Materials, the season finale of Last Week Tonight,and a special based onBetween the World and Me.Plus older titles joining the service includeEast of Eden,Grumpy Old Men,High Fidelity,The Mask,Menace II Society, and Swingers.

Heres the full list of whats coming to HBO Max in November:

Exact Dates to be Announced:12 Dates Of Christmas, HBO Max Original Series Premiere Colin Quinn & Friends: A Parking Lot Comedy Show, HBO Max Original Special Premiere Crazy, Not Insane, Documentary Premiere (HBO)The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air Reunion Special, HBO Max Original Special PremiereFull Bloom, HBO Max Original Series PremiereI Hate Suzie, HBO Max Original Series PremiereThe Mystery Of DB Cooper, Documentary Premiere (HBO)Sesame Street, Season 51 2020 Valley Of Tears, HBO Max Original Series Premiere Veneno, HBO Max Original Series Premiere

November 1:10,000 BC, 2008 13 Going On 30, 2004 2 Fast 2 Furious, 2003 (HBO) Above The Rim, 1994 All Is Bright, 2013 America, America, 1964 Anchors Aweigh, 1945 Another Cinderella Story, 2008 The Arrangement, 1969 Austin Powers In Goldmember, 2002 Autumn In New York, 2000 (HBO) Baby Doll, 1956 Battleship, 2012 (HBO) Beasts Of The Southern Wild, 2012 (HBO) Billy Madison, 1995 (HBO) Blast From The Past, 1999 Blood Work, 2002 The Bridge Of San Luis Rey, 2005 (HBO) Broadway Danny Rose, 1984 (HBO) The Bucket List, 2007 The Children, 2009 A Christmas Carol, 1938 Chronicle, 2012 (Directors Cut) (HBO) City Island, 2010 (HBO) City Slickers, 1991 (HBO) Clash Of The Titans, 2010 Critical Care, 1997 Cruel Intentions, 1999 (HBO) The Dancer Upstairs, 2003 (HBO)

The Dark Knight, 2008 David Copperfield, 1935 Dead Man Walking, 1995 (HBO) Desperately Seeking Susan, 1985 (HBO) The Devil's Advocate, 1997 Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, 2003 (HBO) Dolphin Tale, 2011 Dumb And Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd, 2003 The Eagle, 2011 (HBO) East Of Eden, 1955 Eight Legged Freaks, 2002 Elf Pets: Santas Saint Bernards Save Christmas, 2018 The Enforcer, 1976 A Face In The Crowd, 1957 The Fast And The Furious, 2001 (HBO) Femme Fatale, 2002 The Five-Year Engagement, 2012 (Extended Version) (HBO) A Flintstone Christmas, 1977 A Flintstone Family Christmas, 1993 Free Willy, 1993 Friday The 13th, 2009 G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra, 2009 The Gauntlet, 1977 Genius, 2016 (HBO) Get Santa, 2014 Girl In Progress, 2012 Grumpier Old Men, 1995 Grumpy Old Men, 1993 Guys And Dolls, 1955 Hacksaw Ridge, 2016 (HBO) Happy Gilmore, 1996 (HBO) Heidi, 2006 High Fidelity, 2000 (HBO) High Society, 1956 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, 2012 The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies, 2014 The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug, 2013 Hollidaysburg, 2014 House On Haunted Hill, 1999 Ice Age: Continental Drift, 2012 (HBO) Impractical Jokers: Inside Jokes The Iron Giant, 1999 J. Edgar, 2011 Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday, 1993 Jason X, 2002 King Kong, 1976 (HBO) The Last King Of Scotland, 2006 (HBO)

The Lego Batman Movie, 2017 The Lego Movie, 2014 The Lego Ninjago Movie, 2014 License To Wed, 2007 Life Stinks, 1991 Linda And The Mockingbirds, 2020 (HBO) Little Man Tate, 1991 (HBO) Looney Tunes: Back In Action, 2003 The Losers, 2010 Lowriders, 2017 (HBO) Made, 2001 (HBO) The Madness Of King George, 1994 (HBO) Magic Mike, 2012 The Magical Wand Chase: A Sesame Street Special, 2017 Magnum Force, 1973 Malibu's Most Wanted, 2003 The Man With The Golden Arm, 1955 The Mask, 1994 Menace II Society, 1993 Miss Julie, 2014 (HBO) Money Talks, 1997 Mr. Nanny, 1993 Music And Lyrics, 2007 Must Love Dogs, 2005 Mystic River, 2003 National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1, 1993 Needful Things, 1993 The Neverending Story, 1984 The Neverending Story II: The Next Chapter, 1991 New York Minute, 2004 Nights In Rodanthe, 2008 Nothing Like The Holidays, 2008 Now And Then, 1995 Ocean's 11, 1960 Old School, 2003 On The Town, 1949 Once Upon A Sesame Street Christmas, Special Premiere A Perfect World, 1993 Pleasantville, 1998 The Pledge, 2001 Popstar, 2005 Practical Magic, 1998 The Prophecy, 1995 (HBO) The Prophecy 2, 1998 (HBO) The Prophecy 3: The Ascent, 2000 (HBO) Prophecy 4: The Uprising, 2005 (HBO) Prophecy 5: The Forsaken, 2005 (HBO) Radio Days, 1987 Red Tails, 2012 (HBO) Rick And Morty, Season Four PremiereThe Right Stuff, 1983 Rock Star, 2001 Rosewood, 1997 Rumor Has It, 2005 Salvador, 1986 (HBO) Scoop, 2006 (HBO) The Sea Of Grass, 1947 The Secret Garden, 1993

Sesame Street, 1969 Sesame Street: Elmo's Playdate, Special PremiereSesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration, Special Premiere Sinbad Of The Seven Seas, 1989 (HBO) The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants, 2005 The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants 2, 2008 Smurfs Christmas Special, 1982 Some Came Running, 1958 Space Cowboys, 2000 Splendor In The Grass, 1961 Sudden Impact, 1983 Summer Catch, 2001 Swingers, 1996 (HBO) Swordfish, 2001 A Tale Of Two Cities, 1935 Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines, 2003 Terminator Salvation, 2009 Terms Of Endearment, 1983 Thief, 1981 (HBO) Thirteen Ghosts, 2001 Tightrope, 1984 The Time Traveler's Wife, 2009 Tis The Season To Be Smurfy, 1987

Titans, Seasons 1 & 2 Torque, 2004 Tower Heist, 2011 (HBO) The Town That Santa Forgot, 1993 Troll, 1986 (HBO) Troll 2, 1990 (HBO) True Crime, 1999 Tweety's High-Flying Adventures, 2000 Twilight Zone: The Movie, 1983 (HBO) Una Semana (HBO) Unaccompanied Minors, 2006 Untamed Heart, 1993 (HBO) Veronica Mars, 2014 A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, 2011 (Extended Version) (HBO) We Bought A Zoo, 2011 (HBO) When You Wish Upon A Pickle: A Sesame Street Special, 2018 Wild Wild West, 1999 Win A Date With Tad Hamilton!, 2004 (HBO) Witches Of Eastwick, The, 1987 The Wood, 1999 Wyatt Earp, 1994 Yogi Bear's All-Star Comedy Christmas Caper, 1982 Yogis First Christmas, 1980 Young Justice, Seasons 1-3 Zoo Animals (HBO)

November 2:Quadrophenia, 1979 We Are Who We Are, Season Finale (HBO) A Woman Under The Influence, 1974

November 4:Looney Tunes, 1930 - 1969

November 6:Pecado Original (Aka Original Sin) (HBO)

November 7:The Dead Don't Die, 2019 (HBO) The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2020 Inductions (HBO)

November 9:Food Wars! Shokugeki No Soma, Season 5 (Subtitled) (Crunchyroll Collection) Industry, Series Premiere (HBO)

November 11:Patria, Season Finale (HBO)

November 12:My Sesame Street Friends, 2020

November 13:De Lo Mio (HBO) Entre Nos: LA Meets NY (HBO)

November 14:Dolittle, 2020 (HBO)

November 15:Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, Season Finale (HBO) Murder On Middle Beach, Docuseries Premiere (HBO)

November 16:His Dark Materials, Season Two Premiere (HBO)

November 20:Porno Para Principiantes (Aka Porno For Newbies) (HBO)

November 21:Between The World And Me, Special Event Premiere (HBO)Real Time with Bill Maher, Season Finale (HBO) Underwater, 2020 (HBO)

November 24:Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel (HBO) Smurfs, Season 4, 1981

November 26:Craftopia: Craft the Halls, HBO Max Special Premiere Craftopia: Merry Craftmas!, HBO Max Special Premiere The Flight Attendant, HBO Max Original Series Premiere Superintelligence, HBO Max Original Film Premiere

November 27:Chateau Vato (HBO) How To With John Wilson, Season Finale (HBO)

November 28:The Call Of The Wild, 2019 (HBO)

November 29:The Undoing, Season Finale (HBO)

Gallery Hilarious Foreign Titles to American Movies:

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Everything New on HBO Max in November - ScreenCrush

TBS Orders New Season of Top-Rated Comedy Anthology Series MIRACLE WORKERS

Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi Brave the Oregon Trail in Series' Third Installment Executive Produced by Broadway Video

LOS ANGELES - OCTOBER 22, 2020 - TBS has ordered a third season of the top-rated anthology comedy series MIRACLE WORKERS, this time transporting cast members Daniel Radcliffe, Steve Buscemi, Geraldine Viswanathan and Karan Soni to the American Old West. The network has tapped Dan Mirk and Robert Padnick to serve as showrunners for the newest installment.

MIRACLE WORKERS debuted in 2018 as the #1 new cable comedy of the season. Hailed by Awards Daily as a "welcome cure for the winter blues," the second and most recent installment MIRACLE WORKERS: DARK AGES currently ranks as a top five cable comedy, reaching 27.5 million viewers across TBS' linear and digital platforms.

Set in the year 1844, the new season of MIRACLE WORKERS will follow an idealistic small-town preacher (Radcliffe) who teams up with a wanted outlaw (Buscemi) and a liberated prairie wife (Viswanathan) to lead a wagon train west on the Oregon Trail across an American landscape which, much like today, is fraught with both promise and peril.

"MIRACLE WORKERS is a perfect example of the fun, escapist humor that we take pride in delivering to our viewers," said Sam Linsky and Adrienne O'Riain, co-heads of scripted original programming for TBS, TNT and truTV. "We can't wait to see how this incredibly dynamic cast and talented group of storytellers hilariously rewrite 19th century history."

"Getting to tell an entirely new story with this ludicrously talented cast each season is a dream come true," said Mirk and Padnick. "We could not be happier that TBS has given us the reins on this unique and special show."

Mirk started his career in comedy as staff writer for The Onion. He has since gone on to write for FXX's "Man Seeking Woman" and Hulu's "Future Man." Mirk was a writer and producer on the first two seasons of MIRACLE WORKERS.

Padnick attended Harvard, where he was president of the Harvard Lampoon. He has written on NBC's "The Office," FXX's "Man Seeking Woman," NBC's "Great News," and Netflix's "Big Mouth." He was also a writer on the first two seasons of "MIRACLE WORKERS." Currently, Padnick serves as an executive producer on TBS' upcoming comedy "Chad."

Created by Simon Rich, MIRACLE WORKERS is executive produced by Lorne Michaels, Andrew Singer and Katy Jenson of Michaels' Broadway Video, along with Radcliffe, Buscemi, Mirk, and Padnick.

About TBS

TBS,a WarnerMedia brand, is a top-rated destination for television among young adults and known for escapist, lean-back entertainment, featuring smart, imaginative stories with heart and comedic edge. From scripted comedy series to late-night shows, game shows, and animated programming, TBS' Originals slate is comprised of some of the most popular shows on cable - "Miracle Workers," "CONAN,""Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,""The Last O.G."and"American Dad!,"as well as the upcoming comedy"Chad." The network's slate of premium unscripted series includes the popular game show"The Misery Index," upcoming reality-competition series "Go-Big Show" and "The Cube" and the revival of fan-favorite "Wipeout." TBS' lineup also includes comedy hits like"Family Guy"and"The Big Bang Theory," classic sitcom favorites"Friends"and"Seinfeld," blockbuster movies, and live event coverage of Major League Baseball, the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship and "ELEAGUE," WarnerMedia's eSports gaming competition. Viewers can watch shows on the TBS app, available for iOS, Android, Xbox One and other platforms and devices. Website:www.tbs.com

About WarnerMedia

WarnerMedia is a leading media and entertainment company that creates and distributes premium and popular content from a diverse array of talented storytellers and journalists to global audiences through its consumer brands including: HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros., TNT, TBS, truTV, CNN, DC Entertainment, New Line, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and others, as well as Xandr's suite of advanced advertising solutions designed to help to improve advertising for brands, publishers, and consumers.

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Breaking News - TBS Orders New Season of Top-Rated Comedy Anthology Series "Miracle Workers" - The Futon Critic

As wearing masks remains the new normal, why not have the best technology and filtration available, ... [+] even if it is not obvious, as in the versatile Buff Filter Tube.

Face masks, along with hand washing and social distancing, are the best safety protection you have against the coronavirus and risk of contracting COVID-19 in the current pandemic. Wearing a mask also protects the rest of society. The World Health Organization (WHO) puts it bluntly: People wearing masks are protected from getting infected. Masks also prevent onward transmission when worn by a person who is infected, whether they have symptoms or not.

Masks work, the science has shown it, anecdotal evidence is overwhelming, and countries and regions that have higher level of mask usage have had lower infection rates across the board (and vice versa). Just about every documented super spreader event has revolved around failure to wear masks, while potentially disastrous situations like the Missouri hair salon turned out fine because of masks. Consider flying: everyone on planes has to be masked, and infections linked to air travel have remained impressively low after millions of passengers traveled.

The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) just released new guidance on public transportation, stations and airports and its conclusion is a strong recommendation for wearing of masks by passengers. Comments by the CDC include Appropriately worn masks reduce the spread of COVID-19 and Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings, and Broad and routine utilization of masks on our transportation systems will protect Americans. The WHO also stresses masks above most other measures in its latest COVID-19 advice for the public (October 13): Masks are a key measure to suppress the spread of COVID-19 and save lives, and Make wearing a mask a normal part of being around other people, and simply Wear a mask.

Some people have heard the rumor that wearing masks can lead to CO2 intoxication but according to the WHO thats just fake science, FACT: The prolonged use of medical masks when properly worn, DOES NOT cause CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency. You can dislike wearing masks, I think most people do, or you can mistake it for a political issue, but it simply makes no sense to argue with the beneficial results.

In any case, like it or not, it looks like masks are here to stay for the foreseeable future, mandated in most states for shopping and other indoor gatherings, mandated by many municipalities, companies and retailers, as well as on planes. But not all masks are equally effective, and since you are likely going to be wearing one somewhat regularly for the immediate future, you might as well have one that works well.

Back in August I took a look at the masks being produced by the top specialty companies in the outdoor gear and fitness fields, based on the simple premise that their expertise with higher tech performance fabrics, precision fit and manufacturing, and features like comfort and breathability lent their skill set to mask making. Ive continued to use every one of the masks I featured in that piece, and all are still on the market and great choices, with several, including the two models from Kitsbow and the one from Outdoor Research among my personal favorites. But now there even are more options with some added benefits.

Having done a lot of research and having worn masks for long durations during flights for work, during a variety outdoor sports from cycling to hiking, and in hospitals, stores and homes, Ive narrowed down the key differentiators that elevate some masks about others. The first is filtration. All the masks worn by medical workers, from the standard blue or green pleated rectangle to the highly fitted N95 are basically wearable filters with no fabric at all, and that is why they work well. Bandanas and DIY masks made out of t-shirts or pillowcases, or the store-bought simple cloth equivalents, are still far better than nothing, but they are not true filters. So, personally at this point I use only masks with filters, I see no reason not too, and these have become widely available.

When placed in between the layers - such as with a pocket style opening allowing for insertion and removal - you could insert a filter which will make the mask more effective and provide extra protection against allowing viral particles into the air when you talk, cough or breathe, Dr. Ruth L. Bush, associate dean of medical education and a professor at the University of Houston College of Medicine, told TODAY.com. Research has shown that some loosely-woven masks only block 10-20% of particles, but by adding one or more layers of filter material, higher percentages of particles could be blocked.

There are three basic ways you can get high quality filtration in a face mask. One is to go the disposable route like the doctors do. The problem here is a lot of cost over time, a lot of waste, and dubious manufacturing for consumer models. For example, while the KN95 masks many consumers are buying (mostly online) as an alternative to the medical grade N95 versions (which are still in short supply for front line workers) work in theory, in practice many are made in China, infamous for mislabeling and safety shortcuts in manufacturing, and recent studies have shown that the majority simply do not functional as advertised. The most recent major study showed that 60-70% of imported KN95 masks do not filter 95% of aerosol particulates as they are supposed to.

The second but least common strategy is a mask with a permanent filter layer built into it, like the Kitsbow Wake ProTech model, developed by a North Carolina based cycling apparel specialist in partnership with medical professionals at Wake Forest. In general, double or triple layer masks are more effective than a single layer, but this model has four-layer construction, including two internal permanent filtering layers. This no fuss, no muss model is washable, comfortable, comes in several sizes with great coverage and easily adjustable around the head straps, and it is made domestically.

But the most common solution is a fabric mask with a pocket for a disposable paper style filter, some of which are single use and others reusable a certain number of times. Either way, the drawback is that you have to buy and keep extra filters on hand, but these tend to be the most comfortable and breathable solutions, and the disposable filters are highly effective, with many rated at around 99%. These also give you the flexibility to skip the filter when wearing in low risk uses such as a fitness walk around your mostly empty neighborhood to avoid burning through filters.

In addition to some sort of filter, the key elements I look at are fit and comfort, which often go hand in hand. The tailored, more volcano shaped masks that have a pointy top center designed to go around your nose tend to fit more closely and slip less than the basic rectangular models. In fact, while health authorities have made it abundantly clear that masks only work if they fully cover your nose and mouth, Ive already had several distressingly stressful encounters with cashiers or people in airports who have their mask dropping off their nose as we interact, and these have in every case been basic rectangles. Additional features that give you a closer fit (better seal) include an adjustable, bendable nosepiece, multiple sizes, and adjustable ear or head bands.

Finally, more and more better-quality masks are featuring antimicrobial coatings to keep them clean from your own hands, especially on the outside when you pull them up and down and touch them in between hand washing.

Many of the masks Ive tested recently have most or all of these features at affordable prices, combining comfort, breathability and protection. Here are my favorite new additions:

Long before the coronavirus pandemic, HALO used proprietary New Zealand based filtration technology ... [+] to protect users form air pollution and natural disasters.

HALOmask: Long before COVID, people in many parts of the world faced danger from the air they breathed, and the trademarked technology of the HALOmask was conceived in New Zealand more than four years ago, deployed on the streets of Bali when volcanoes erupted in Indonesia, and in Australia when wildfires ravaged the countryside. Maker HALOLIFE uses a proprietary nano filter material made in New Zealand - not China - that has been independently laboratory tested and shown to block harmful airborne particulates, including smoke, dust, exhaust fumes, toxins, odors, pollens, pathogens and pollutant, capturing a remarkable 99.37% at 0.1 microns, which is about as good as filters get.

But there are several other key benefits: an ultra-breathable honeycomb outer layer, durable foam nose pads to optimize fit and prevent glasses from fogging, adjustable ear loops with a toggle lock on each one, and a soft, comfortable lining of natural bamboo fabric. The sleek design provides an excellent seal on almost every face, and the ultra-thin filter combines maximum breathability and protection. The replaceable filter can be used for up to 200 hours and the HALOmask comes in sizes small through extra-large in order to fit adults and children as young as seven. It is offered in black, white, or two-tone sport mesh with grey trim ($30 with one filter).

Masks with high efficiency filters are desirable, but often cumbersome. The r mask has a better ... [+] perfectly fitted, user friendly solution

r Nanofilter Masks: Based in Prague, r takes a similar approach, using a disposable EU-made three-layer nano filter insert, which blocks up to 99.8% of particulates. In addition, the exterior is treated with Swedish made ViralOff, an antimicrobial treatment that reduces 99% of viruses on the surface within two hours. The front is also treated with Eco Aqua Zero, which makes the exterior water repellent and causes water to bead up and roll off, and while many mask buyers dont consider what it is like to wear one in the rain, you may have to at some point. The masks are light and comfortable, with a locking toggle on each ear loop for perfect fit.

Its important to note that r makes two versions, with and without an external exhalation valve. In general masks with valves have been not recommended (including by the WHO) because they allow users to expel unfiltered air which is dangerous to others, but unlike most competitors, the exhalation valve is entirely in front of the filter meaning that exhalation is still filtered but is supposed to be easier. However, while these are popular in Europe, when I flew recently on American Airlines, they had a policy of not allowing masks with valves, and the r models I have been testing are the valve-less ones.

The r mask has all the bells and whistles: filter, anti-microbial coating, high breathability and ... [+] adjustable ear loops

But my favorite thing about the r masks that sets them apart from similar high tech models is that the filter is a single fitted piece the same shape as the mask itself, attaching to the inside panel via three hook and loop strips, rather than the pocket just about everyone else uses. On many masks, inserting the filter evenly and without crumpling it up is a tedious process, but this one fits perfectly and securely every time with virtually no effort. In addition, the filter itself has an embedded aluminum strip in the nosepiece to match the perfect close fit of the mask, and the disposable filters can be used for up to two weeks. The r masks come in three sizes and seven color schemes but all are black, only the logo size and color changes ($30).

Ideal for hiking or running, the Buff Filter Tube combines the ease and comfort of a neck gaiter ... [+] with high efficiency filtration

Buff Filter Tube: This is by far the best option Ive seen for frequent on and off use, such as hiking when you pull up the mask only when you pass people the trail.

Neck gaiters as a category of masks got slammed by a widely publicized study calming the were worse than wearing nothing, which defied logic so much it should have given researchers a red flag. Since then the New York Times, Slate, Popular Since and many others have reported how the testing was flawed, but to me the bigger issue was that the researchers seemed to believe that a neck gaiter is a single consistent thing like a cotton bandana. In fact, neck gaiters cone in all thicknesses and materials, from synthetics to cotton to wool and some are literally hundreds of times thicker than others. It sounds like the one they tested was the lowest denominator, the promotional giveaway style.

On the other hand, Spanish manufacturer Buff pioneered the tubular multi-function headwear category for active outdoor use, and when the coronavirus surged throughout Europe early in the year, before it was as much of an issue here, Buffs brand teams felt the coming global impact at its headquarters in Spain. As employees were sent home for safety precautions and production paused, brainstorming ways to provide aid began. That's when the new corporate alliance with UNICEF and the new Buff Filter Mask were launched, with 2% of global revenues, including all sales from the new masks, to be donated to UNICEF next year. I covered this in my last story.

Now Buff has a newer product, the Filter Tube and while the mask is a highly fitted, strap-on mask, the filter tube is basically a classic Buff neck gaiter with a pocket that holds a disposable filter. The 3-layer filter uses melt-blown nano fiber, quickly becoming the top material choice, claiming 98% effectiveness, and the interior of the filter pocket is treated with Swiss HeiQ V-Block antimicrobial treatment. It also adds in UPF 50+ sun protection, and is wicking and quick drying. Basically, it can give you filtered mask protection while keeping the sun off you or keeping you warmer during a range of outdoor activities. Since most ski resorts are requiring masks for lifts and lift lines this season, and Buff is already a popular skier and snowboarder choice, this seems perfect for winter.

Besides myself, the only people I could find who have used and reviewed the filter tube were the truly obsessive gear junkies at running website roadtrailrun.com who wrote, We tested the Buff Filter Tube on a hike with 2400 feet of climbing in 3 miles to Lake Blanche in Utah.The trail was busy and narrow so masking was frequently required. Not only is the Buff with filter comfortable enough to remain on at all times under exertion but the ability to carefully and quickly (unlike masks) pull it up and down is very convenient when passing people on the trail. Of the masks tested it is clearly the most practical for runners while providing, when used and handled properly and instructions are included, a high level of filtration protection. Because of the four way stretch and generally comprehensive, form fitting nature, it only comes in two unisex sizes which cover pretty much everyone, and a whopping fourteen colors and patterns. Each filter tube includes five single use filters ($27-$29).

The Better Mask by Inex Gear has an integrated nano filter that does not need to be replaced.

Inex Better Mask: Los Angeles-based Inex Gear just launched The Better Mask as a stylish and high-tech protective option. It was designed in collaboration with Academy Award nominated costume designer Luis Sequeira (The Shape Of Water), and features a deep scalloped nose bridge so you can more easily see the wearers expression, and it comes in three sizes (suitable for kids 5 years and older) and four colors.

But while one of the key selling points is looking good, it is also packed with features. The chin cup makes for a tight seal, and it has an embedded nanofiber filter that spans the entire mask and is washable and reusable for daily wear - without having to remove or replace the filter. The nanofiber is sourced in Europe from a manufacturer that states it is 98% effective and the mask has been treated with Swiss HeiQ V-Block antimicrobial technology. Like the other (non-gaiter) masks here it has locking toggles on each ear loop for a highly adjustable, secure and comfortable fit ($33).

Read more from the original source:
Face Masks With The Best Filters, Features And Technology For Your Pandemic Safety - Forbes

Infusing your own cannabis oil is a stoner rite of passage, though made obsolete by recreational legalization. Pre-internet, the tradition nearly always necessitated a trusted stoner guide or, at least, a dubious counterculture cookbook. Post internet, the process became marginally easier with technological sharing of techniques and recipes. After adult-use legalization, however, this heritage craft has been aggrandized to commodity levels, resulting in dispensary shelves packed with all kinds of medicated edible delights.

But the bottom line remains; for those who still pursue the heritage craft of extracting cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils from fresh weed, the process is time consuming, complex, and enormously stanky.

The LEVO II countertop oil extractor has compartmentalized the most challenging aspects of at-home extraction most remarkably the processes of drying and decarboxylation all in a countertop device as inconspicuous as a Kitchen Aid mixer or an oversized cookie jar. And while it doesn't completely erase the persistent stank of slow-roasted weed, it is self-contained enough to significantly decrease overall cannabis vapors.

The LEVO II is a countertop oil infusion machine. Its compact design takes up about as much shelf real estate as a family-sized rice cooker, and it's available in a range of contemporary colors. A LEVO II can hold about a quarter ounce of crushed herbs, and can produce up to 19 ounces, or just over 2 cups, of infused oil. While the LEVO II can be used with any kitchen herb your culinary heart desires, it's enormous popularity with the cannabis community has given it quite the reputation as a cannabis oil extractor.

The LEVO II can dehydrate fresh botanicals, but perhaps the most remarkable feature of this kitchen appliance is how effectively it activates dried herbs activation being shorthand for decarboxylation, the process in which the cannabinoids are heat-activated.

Original LEVOs were a bit smaller, did not feature activation cycles, and seemed more functional for culinary or skincare endeavors. The LEVO II however, is firmly geared toward cannabis extractors.

Once your LEVO II is removed from the box, you will notice a large sticker on its face prompting a download of the LEVO II smartphone app, which will then trigger the LEVO II's Bluetooth, connecting the machine to your smart device. The machine can be controlled almost entirely by the app, but if you're more the hands-on type, the machine's interface is uncomplicated and easy to understand.

The LEVO II is sleek and modular, with a lid that pops open with a gentle push, revealing a ceramic reservoir, a stainless steel infusion pod with a silicone mat and lid, and a small silicone stirrer that looks a bit like a spiky miniature hockey puck. The components are all easily removable from the machine, and easily replaced after cleaning.

The operational interface is comprised of: a small LED screen that displays verbal prompts throughout the process, one button that triggers drying, activation, and infusion cycles, buttons for controlling temperature and time, a button that unlocks the lid mid-cycle, a start/stop button and, lastly, a button that dispenses the oil once it's been infused. Turn it on, choose your cycle, adjust your temperature and time, and you're ready to start the infusion process.

The app is not necessary to operate the LEVO II, but it does offer a nice bit of assistance, delivering value in its calculations of temperatures and cook times based on a database of usable oils and botanicals. Choose from a concise list of common herbs and oils and the app will provide the correct temp and cook time. Once your LEVO II is turned on and connected to your smartphone, users can then control the LEVO II from their device. When doing your first extraction, however, we suggest operating from the machine's interface and using the app for reference. This may save you confusion later in the process.

The app also features blog posts explaining things like why activation is critical and how to make a vegan pesto pizza in case you're up for light reading while your herbs infuse.

Before using the LEVO II in any way, it is important to rinse all of the removable components.

Note: Had we used a more sticky-icky variety of cannabis, the 3-hour, 115 degrees F drying cycle would have been our critical step one, but as our weed was already dry and crumbly, we went straight to the second step: activation. For our testing purposes, we infused an eighth of cannabis. The activation cycle took 30 minutes at 240 degrees F. Only the faintest perfume of cannabis escaped the machine during the activation process, and a soft chime announced the completion of the cycle.

Tip: Chrissy Bellman, the founder of LEVO II suggests visiting jeffthe420chefcalculator.com to get an approximation of your doses based on the cannabinoid percentage, amount of weed used, and the amount of oil being infused.

The LEVO II's components are all easily removable for cleaning. Each is also dishwasher safe.

Bonus: if any oil is spilled in the housing, it can be wiped up fairly easily. The exterior is also easily wiped clean with a cloth. The power cord even has its own compartment once the LEVO II is powered down. The general simplicity of the machine and its parts make cleaning relatively effortless, which is pretty remarkable considering how messy, stanky, and greasy the undertaking of herbal infusions has been historically.

Infusing one's own cannabis oils gives a person complete control over dosing, strain specificity, carrier oils and intensity, and LEVO II goes a step further by enabling users to create uncommonly small batches. For example, a LEVO II can be used to transform an otherwise caustic pre-roll into butter for a half dozen medicated cookies, or to create a tailored infusion medley for a couple days worth of topical use, or to make a really, really good rosemary/OG Kush salad dressing.

At $249, LEVO II's most practical value is in how greatly it has simplified the art of herbal infusions. And though the LEVO II is built to work with countless botanicals, a significant swath of its users are likely more interested in strain-specific, cannabis infusions with calibrated dosages than parsley-sage-chrysanthemum EVOO recipes though, admittedly, the crossover is probably pretty broad.

Bottom line: whether you're infusing your favorite cannabis strains or your best loved kitchen herbs, a tool that eliminates all the most disagreeably messy aspects of marrying herbs and oils is hard not to appreciate.

All photos courtesy of LEVO.

More:
Everything you need to know about the LEVO II countertop oil infuser - Weedmaps News

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ResidentialCommercial

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Originally posted here:
Global and United States Luxury Countertops Market To Record Exponential Growth During Projected Timeperiod 2020-2026 by Aristech Surfaces, Armas...

How many times this year have you thought to yourself, What's going to happen next? I've found myself asking that question related to the coronavirus, deaths, shutdowns, cancellations, civil unrest, politics ... even sports. (The University of Michigan is really going to play football even when students have been ordered to quarantine in place because of rising COVID-19 cases?)

So I shouldn't be surprised to see that even some experts aren't united on predicting how business will fare in the coming months.

Just look at two stories from this week's print issue of Plastics News. On the one hand, you've got consultant Laurie Harbour and her company, Harbour Results Inc., saying they expect 30 percent of North American manufacturers to close in the next 18 months, with almost half of those being tool and die shops.

That's in part due to automakers slowing orders.

But on the other hand, as PN Economics Editor Bill Wood notes, the number of bankruptcies is currently lower than the historic trend. And the Small Business Optimism Index actually climbed 3.8 points in September. Bill is forecasting a 5 percent climb in U.S. GDP in 2021.

As for me? I have no idea what is going to happen next.

See the rest here:
Kickstart: The future is either going to be fine or a looming disaster - Plastics News

Published 2:00am EDT, Friday, October 23, 2020

Renovated kitchen / $375,000

This 1923 white single-family has a freshly painted interior and carpet upstairs pulled up to show the gleaming hardwood floors. The home - which boasts six rooms and sits on 0.11-acres - has an updated and renovated extra-large kitchen with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances that leads to a dining area for all your entertaining needs. The kitchen - which has a nice flow into the dining area- also has an island. A large living room and full bath completes the first floor. An oversized deck and private, flat-level backyard on an inviting cul-de-sac add to this homes appeal. Upstairs you will find three nice-sized bedrooms and another full bath. The versatile lower level is for the family room and an office. The property which has great value is walking distance to the train station, shopping, restaurants and more. The home is being sold as-is.

Listing agents: Todd Auslander and Jeannie Kasindorf, Auslander Kasindorf Group / Keller Williams; 203-504-3067, Tauslander@kw.com and Jkasindorf@kw.com

45 Morris St., Stamford

Beds: 3 Bath: 2

Square footage: 1,452

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Renovated kitchen / $375,000 - The Advocate

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Instruction

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What Are Countertop Smart Ovens, and Do You Need One? - WFSB

A sink is undoubtedly an important part of any kitchen. Whether you opt for a stainless steel sink, a farmhouse sink, or any of the many other style and material combinations, you'll have to make another big decision: single bowl or double bowl? While two might seem better than one, there are other factors to consider.

In its most basic form, a double bowl sink is divided into two bowls and two drains. Some models feature bowls of equal size, while others have a larger bowl alongside a smaller, shallower one. Whatever the combination, a double bowl sink can be a good option for kitchens where there is no dishwasher -- one sink can be used for washing dishes and the other for food prep. If there's a garbage disposal, it's even better, as you can send the food scraps on their way in one bowl and leave the other free for cleaning.

While the double bowl sink is certainly functional, it can make washing very large pots and pans a bit more difficult depending on the size of the sink. And if you also plan to use the kitchen sink to bathe a baby -- or a fur baby -- you might find that the double bowl sink is too restricting.

Sink choice also depends on the size of the kitchen. Single bowl sinks are a better option for smaller kitchens, as the two-bowl model is larger and will take up more counter space. It will also take up more storage space underneath the sink, especially if you have a garbage disposal attached. But if you have a kitchen with countertops and cabinets to spare, a double bowl sink will fit in just fine.

It's hard to narrow down a price for a double bowl sink because they come in a variety of sizes and materials ranging from budget-friendly to high-end. Then there's the installation: undermount? Drop-in? Tight radius?

HomeAdvisor.com (NASDAQ: ANGI) reports that the average cost of a new kitchen sink including installation costs $390, but if you choose a higher-end model and setup, it could go up to $2,000 or higher. Drop-in sinks are on the lower end of the price range, while undermount and farmhouse-style sinks are pricier.

When comparing sinks of the same material, a double bowl sink will usually be slightly pricier. For example, a stainless steel double bowl sink will be more expensive than a single bowl because the entire unit is bigger. However, a single bowl quartz sink or a fireclay farmhouse sink would likely be higher in price than even a double bowl model made from a more economical material.

It's not the number of bowls but rather the material and style of the kitchen sink that holds the real value. Farmhouse sinks continue to be a trend and are often noted in real estate listings, which is evidence of their cachet for homeowners. But even more important than the style of sink is its installation. For example, undermount sinks that fit seamlessly into the countertop make cleaning up after cooking a breeze.

The kitchen is arguably one of the most important rooms of the home, and the sink plays a crucial role. When planning a kitchen remodel, consider the material and installation of the sink first and foremost; then consider single versus double bowl models, depending on the size of the space.

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Double Bowl Sink: Worth the Investment? - Motley Fool