Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

As some Fort Bend County residents stay at home because of the coronavirus pandemic, many are keeping busy with home improvement and remodeling projects.

Jason Pierce, the founder of Pierce Built Homes in Sugar Land, spoke to Community Impact Newspaper about which home improvement projects are in demand and when to call in a professional to help get a project off the ground.

4 things to know:

1) The effect of the coronavirus

Pierce said the coronavirus pandemic has made certain materials that come from countries or regions hit hard by the virus and related closures scarce. The affected materials include treated lumber, tile, granite and items necessary for pool construction.

2) Trends in home construction

Pierce said a lot of people interested in building a custom home or remodeling their existing home want an open floor plan. This floor plan refers to homes where walls are taken out so the kitchen is open to the living room.

3) Projects for homeowners versus projects for the professionals

Painting is one project Pierce said some homeowners are willing to take on. However, he recommended homeowners leave other projects such as electrical work, plumbing and framing up to the professionals.

If you start wanting to replace tile and cabinets, its probably time to call in the professionals just so that its done correctly, he said.

4) Routine home maintenance

Pierce said homeowners should check that the exterior of their windows and doors are properly caulked and that exterior paint, siding and stucco is maintained. He also said it is important for homeowners to keep up with air conditioning maintenance and to have the water heater checked once a year.

Pierce Built Homes is located at 526 Brooks St., Sugar Land. For more information, call 281-201-8711 or visit http://www.piercebuilthomes.com.

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Home improvement: Pierce Built Homes owner weighs in on remodeling projects - Community Impact Newspaper

Then the pandemic struck.

With my official graduation canceled, it felt like I'd be making my victory lap with no cheers -- just the echo of my feet crossing the finish line. Of course, if I'd had my moment to walk across the stage in front of thousands of people, it would have been embarrassing. I would have broken down crying; I just know it.

And yet I mourned the loss. More than anything, I wanted to leave my two adult children with a powerful impression of their mother, who against all odds, finally succeeded in completing her education -- and, in doing so, reclaimed her story.

In 1965, when I was three, my biological father disappeared. My mother, though never officially diagnosed with a mental illness, was a recluse. As my siblings and I grew older, our lives were about surviving her abusive episodes and dreaming of escape. Traumatized, without a support network, I knew my only way out was education.

Fourteen years later, when I was just 17, my mother dropped me off at a bible college in Oklahoma with a suitcase, $100 and a note to never return home. Without a means to pay for my education, I lasted a year.

In need of safety and stability, I married a devout Southern Baptist and returned to Texas, my home state, and then college at age 20. While studying interior design, I began designing custom homes. One project quickly blossomed to more than two dozen.

Three years later, I left my marriage.

At that point, entrepreneurial success felt like the ultimate measure of self-worth, so I dropped out of college and expanded my interior design business, designing hotels and working internationally. I didn't need a psychiatrist to tell me that there'd never be enough designer luxury goods to erase my pain, yet I kept shopping, addicted to the thrill of acquisition. And, for a while, making and spending lots of money filled the void.

A decade later, I married a man from France and helped form one of the first internet companies -- XOOM. When we started out, everyone wanted to know where I had attended college. I had a spiel, "Steve Jobs and Bill Gates didn't complete their degrees either." After our company went public and we cashed out, people stopped asking me that question.

But then I became a mother, and everything changed.

I wanted my children to have everything I hadn't -- stability, love and a great education. Though we were financially well off, I felt incomplete. I considered returning to college, but my vanity and buried shame of not finishing the first two times prevented me.

I thought making lots of money would make me feel better. It didn't. So, I took another difficult step -- leaving a hollow marriage in search of real meaning. I never thought not having a college degree would come up in court, let alone hurt me, but when my husband said, "She doesn't have a college degree," it struck a nerve. He was right, and I didn't want to be defined by what I hadn't accomplished.

Returning to school to write would be my way of taking control of my narrative.

In 2016, after attending two community colleges while raising my children, I showed up at Bard College with straight As and a $48,000 scholarship. My 17-year-old daughter, who'd just started at Mount Holyoke College, came along. An admissions officer offered my daughter a tour of the campus. "I'm the student," I said, wondering who felt more awkward.

I drove 44 miles round-trip, five days a week to Bard. Studying literature opened my eyes to a whole canon of writers challenging the status quo like James Baldwin, Rachel Louise Snyder and Tressie McMillan Cottom. When we discussed how people often chain themselves to worldly goods like money and luxury products, I had a lot to say about how those attachments produce biased judgments and distorted perceptions.

After two years, I left with a hard-earned Written Arts degree, a friendship with Cliff, Bard's beloved security guard, as well as the support of the dean whose program funded my free writing workshops for victims of violence and marginalized populations. But I never walked across the stage because my children were studying abroad, and it seemed pointless without them there.

I went on to pursue an MFA at The New School, which gave me the confidence to develop my voice in a community as diverse in culture as writing styles. Then coronavirus interrupted my academic career, robbing me of quality time with my thesis advisor, networking events and the opportunity to pitch my memoir about overcoming my Dickensian childhood.

I was determined not to let the pandemic rob me of my graduation celebration -- not entirely anyway. In partnership with Virginia Valenzuela, the editor of LIT Magazine, where I'm the book review editor, we decided to host a virtual commencement celebration.

I reached out to three writers to participate: Lara Love Hardin, a former opiate addict turned New York Times bestseller; Rachel B. Neumann, an author and alumna of my program; and Kristen Roupenian, the author of The New Yorker's viral essay "Cat Person."

On May 15, before our virtual event began, I woke up to balloons, which spelled out "Class of 2020 Quarantined," that my daughter and dearest friend hung across my living room. That discovery was followed by a range of congratulatory posts on my Facebook page from the Dean of Humanities from Austin Community College to a classmate I'd studied with 37 years earlier.

A relative stranger messaged me, "We met years ago when you sold me the couch I'm sitting on. As a 57-year-old woman myself, I'm in awe of your drive and determination. If you can make an impact on a stranger you met years ago for less than an hour, you can be sure that your children and their children will speak of your legacy for years to come." I wept.

My daughter then played a video she made of friends congratulating me. My sister-in-law and six-year-old niece read a commencement speech quoting Dolly Parton. "The way I see it -- if you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain."

I cried when I heard my son, who's studying music production in London, say, "You've shown us that no matter what age you are, you can still achieve happiness and pursue your dreams. That's a message I'll take with me forever."

Then, when I signed on to Zoom to co-host my commencement graduation, I scrolled through the 33 classmates and professors on my screen. Perhaps sensing my anxiety, Virginia texted, "Take a deep breath, smile and celebrate your four decades of hard work!"

Later that night, wearing masks and seated six feet apart, I shared cocktails on the rooftop of a new friend's apartment. I'd met her in a writing group I'd joined days before the pandemic. It felt like serendipity when we realized we lived a block apart in Manhattan, then fate when my best friend's daughter moved in next door to her. In a city with more than 8 million, we'd connected life stories -- from one spanning 25 years to a one just a few months old. I was reminded of how some of my greatest friendships were forged during the most uncertain times.

While reflecting on our virtual celebration the day after, Virginia said, "The speakers reminded me that, though it's okay to feel sorry for the things you've lost, it's more important to overcome those feelings and to change the narrative." And, after four decades of trying to change my narrative, I finally had.

But I'd done more. I'd taken Lara Love Hardin's message to our virtual graduation class to heart. When she spoke, she said she didn't want to be known for the worst thing she had done, but for the sum of her actions. And I didn't want my narrative to be just about an abandoned or abused child. Nor did I want to be the mother without a degree. My celebration was my opportunity to openly declare that my story matters -- that I matter.

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With graduation canceled, I still got to take a victory lap - CNN

Although some expected the COVID-19 pandemic to adversely affect the housing market (and in many ways, it has worsened conditions for some buyers), the crisis has done little to drive prices down inMississauga.

In fact, pricesthough down a bit month-over-monthare higher than they were in2019.

According to real estate brokerage and website Zoocasa, the average home price in Mississauga grew 5 per cent year-over-year to $796,577 but declined 4 per cent compared to April. The average home price in the region in May was 10 per cent lower than in February 2020, before COVID-19 measures wereintroduced.

Zoocasa says detached and semi-detached average house prices also grew annually by 2 per cent and 8 per cent to $1,118,835 and $795,856 respectively. In the condominium segment, the condo townhouse average price grew 7 per cent year-over-year to $631,185 and condo apartment average price increased 4 per cent to$498,640.

Since prices are stubbornly high, it's not surprising that some pretty magnificent properties changed hands inMay.

Here's a look at some of the swankiest homes that recently sold inMississauga:

2180 ParkerDr.

This Gordon Woods home sold for $3,305,000 after being listed for $3,649,000. The house boasts five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, 20 parking spaces and over 5,000 square feet of space on the ground floor. It also features a master retreat with a private courtyard and outdoor shower, an enclosed porch with a hot tub andmore.

1248 Lorne ParkRd.

This prestigious estate home sold for $2,700,000 after being listed for $2,799,888. The six-bedroom, six-bathroom, 10-parking spot home boasts a backyard retreat, a bright kitchen and a potential nannysuite.

4005 WoodchuckLane

This Kingsway-style home sold for $2,600,786 after being listed for $2,495,000. The home boasts six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and 14 parking spaces. It also features a premium ravine lot and a great room with a cathedralceiling.

1343 MiltonAve.

This custom-built home sold for $2,568,500 after being listed for $2,699,000. The home features four bedrooms, five bathrooms, approximately 5,000 square feet of space and six parking spaces. It also boasts a grand entrance with highceilings.

701 AtokaDr.

This custom-built home sold for $2,375,000 after being listed for $2,475,000. The house features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, up to 5,000 square feet of space and six parking spots. It also boasts a master retreat with a fireplace and sittingarea.

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5 swanky homes that recently sold in Mississauga - insauga.com

(MENAFN - GetNews) Tony's Windows and Siding is rated the best window and siding installation company in North Carolina for a number of reasons. Not only does their company possess the expertise, experience, and craftsmanship of professionals, but they also offer services that give clients the peace of mind they need, as well as a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

Greenville, NC - Tony's Windows and Siding is rated the best window and siding installation company in North Carolina for a number of reasons. Not only does their company possess the expertise, experience, and craftsmanship of professionals, but they also offer services that give clients the peace of mind they need, as well as a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Pushing to better meet the needs of clients in and around its primary service areas, Tony's Windows and Siding is proud to announce the expansion of its service area into Greenville, NC.

The expansion into Greenville, NC will bring superior quality siding and window installation services to the members of the area. With their office now open, residential and commercial property owners who are looking for qualified window contractors or siding installers can rest easy knowing that their needs will be well attended to.

At the opening of their new office in Greenville, NC, Mary Kathryn VanLandingham, the spokesperson for Tony's Windows and Siding said, 'Many homeowners live with old and outdated windows that aren't energy efficient. As a result, the air inside becomes polluted and you end up wasting controlled air. Instead, a new set of vinyl windows will improve your energy savings and reduce your utility bills. Whether you need improved weather stripping or replacement panes, choose us. Our experienced window installation contractors offer affordable solutions every day. Keep the elements outside with quality products and local technicians. Whether you have an aging house or a newer residence, call us for window installation services. We keep your place better protected against the outdoor elements with reliable contractors and quality windows.

The Window Installation contractors, as they begin operation in Greenville, NC, have also announced that they will be offering services like glass window repairs to the members of the community. Some of the common repair services that their team offers include repairs of leaky skylights, repairs of missing adhesives, window maintenance, repairs of torn screens, and more.

Added to this, the company also offers the sale of single hung windows, double-hung windows, sliding windows, accent windows, glass blocks, basement hopper windows, picture windows, projection windows, casement windows, storm windows, ceiling skylights, as well as awning windows.

Tony's Windows and Siding also offers comprehensive Siding Installation and Repair services. The team handles installation and repairs of all siding materials including wood siding, fiber cement, vinyl siding, engineered wood, shingle siding, cedar siding, stone veneer, brick veneer, and other materials.

'Whether your existing siding is in rough shape or it's time for new siding, call us. As your experienced team of local installation contractors, we offer affordable services. With our range of quality building materials, we always have a practical solution. From premium products to cost-effective siding, we carry it all, the company representative added.

Not only does quality siding keep a property safe, but it also offers many other benefits such as preventing moisture damage, pest problems, energy loss, and utility costs. Quality siding installation will also increase indoor air quality, curb appeal, and property value.

The company has earned tons of accolades from past clients whose properties have received a boost in value, appeal, and aesthetic appearance due to Tony's Windows and Siding's expertise.

Tony's Windows and Siding is located at 1920 Exchange Drive Suite 823, Greenville, NC 27858. For quality window and siding installation and repair services, contact their team by calling (252) 542-5594. For additional information regarding their services, send an email to or visit their company's website.

Media Contact Company Name: Tony's Windows and Siding Contact Person: Mary Kathryn VanLandingham Email: Send Email Phone: (252) 542-5594 Address: 1920 Exchange Drive Suite 823 City: Greenville State: NC Country: United States Website: http://www.tonyswindowsandsiding.com/

MENAFN0207202000703268ID1100423158

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Tony's Windows and Siding Opens a New Location to Serve Greenville, NC and the Surrounding Areas With Quality Window and Siding Installation and...

Brighten up your home with a beautiful new exterior with the help of Windows Hawaii. The company carries several types of siding that blends function and curb appeal for lasting reliability. Of Windows Hawaiis three different siding options from manufacturer Royal Building Products, which include Craneboard and Market Square, its Celect siding is a customer favorite.

Celect is a premium cellular composite siding skillfully engineered that boasts the appearance of wood without the draw backs of real wood. One of the reasons it is a popular choice is its little to no maintenance feature. Since it is made from sustainable components, it resists moisture and is warrantied to never warp, buckle or shift, unlike real wood or cement. The material is low-maintenance plus reduces worry about termites, saving homeowners money in the short and long term. Additionally, one of the best benefits is that there will be no need to paint ever again.

Speaking of paint, Celect offers an extensive color palette that general manager Mario Garcia says has just the color to please homeowners and satisfies policies of various town associations.

Topping it all off, the product has superior strength-to- weight ratio and locks together like a puzzle, so there is no need to worry about filling in the gaps. It also keeps the home cooler, saving costs on utility bills.

The product has been tested and proven by Windows Hawaiis customers and one such customer is Nancy Beggin who quickly became the envy of her neighborhood after installing Celect.

It was so funny because I actually had people coming up to me asking if I was going to sell my house, she chuckled. Of course, Beggin told the inquirers that her house was not for sale. Im really, really pleased. Its beautiful and a huge improvement. (Even) my friend drove by and said, You have a new house!

If Celect siding doesnt fit your preference, not to worry because Craneboard and Market Square is also available from Windows Hawaii. Craneboard combines stone, shake, and board and batten that also offers thermal resistance, low-maintenance features and has the look of cedar-grain wood.

As for Market Square siding, it is similar to the aforementioned options of virtually no maintenance beautiful wood looks and is environmentally-friendly. This vinyl product features strong wind load performance and also promises to not warp, buckle or sag.

To learn more about the different sidings, give Windows Hawaii a call at 671- 0808 or visit its website at trustwindowshawaii.com.

WINDOWS HAWAIICONTACT 671-0808 383-7233 (cell)ADDRESS 91-314 Komohana St., KapoleiEMAIL windows@windows-hawaii.comWEB trustwindowshawaii.com

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Siding with quality - Windows Hawaii | Hawaii Renovation - Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Clark Roofing & Siding is a widely known, Class A Roofing Contractor in Chesapeake, VA. If you are searching for a roofing and siding contractor in Chesapeake, VA, Clark Roofing & Siding is the one to choose. Clark Roofing & Siding has achieved many certifications and is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau. With years of experience and many testimonials from satisfied customers, you can rest assured that Clark Roofing & Siding is the best roofing contractor in Chesapeake, VA.

It is not always easy to find professional, experienced roofing contractors, or an experienced roofer, with a good reputation, and with Chesapeake, VA being a growing area, there is plenty of need for a roofing contractor. But dont just take our word for it. You can hear that we are the best for the job straight from our customers and see it in the before and after transformations of our homes.

Clark Roofing & Siding has been established on high-quality workmanship and professional service. Our employees receive ongoing training to reach the high standards set at Clark Roofing & Siding. We install all types of high-end materials including standing seam metal, Eco-Star products, metal roofing, copper roofing, and fiber cement siding, cedar siding, and Cedar Impressions. No job is too big or too small for Clark Roofing & Siding.

Customers looking for exterior home improvement and maintenance will be impressed by the affordability and professionalism that the team members at Clark Roofing & Siding offer. We wont leave a job until we know our customer is 100% happy and pleased with our work. The experts at Clark Roofing & Siding bring a personal touch and care for the quality of work to every single job we tackle, no matter the size. This is one of the biggest things that Clark Roofing & Siding have staked their reputation on in Chesapeake, VA after 19 years in operation as a roofing contractor.

Whether customers are looking to expand their home outdoors with beautiful, high-performance Trex decking, are in need of replacement roofing or siding, or need their gutters cleaned, Clark Roofing & Siding is the best in Chesapeake, VA. Your roof is your homes first line of defense to outdoor elements. If its missing shingles or showing signs of damage, it could be letting water into your home leading to costly repairs in the future. Clark Roofing & Siding is a roofing contractor that ensures every element of your homes exterior is in tip-top shape, protecting your investment.

Clark Roofing & Siding is open Monday through Friday allowing us to serve the demand for roofing contractors in Chesapeake, VA. Amidst COVID-19, we are able to use the latest technologies to provide an estimate and do the work without ever even entering your home. Clark Roofing & Siding can be contacted at 757-485-1000.

The roofing and siding of your home play a huge role in the homes value which is why we source the highest quality products and machinery to use on its exterior. The roofing contractors at Clark Roofing & Siding understand this and will make certain that every detail is covered to protect the investment that is your home.

Source:https://thenewsfront.com/clark-roofing-siding-roofing-siding-contractor-employs-the-best-roofers-in-chesapeake-va/

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Clark Roofing & Siding: Roofing & Siding Contractor employs the Best Roofers in Chesapeake, VA - The News Front

Doesnt it always happen that way? Just as Shamyla and Anthony Lando started to enjoy their freshly renovated dream home on a bluff above the Minnesota River, a new job is forcing the family to move from the leafily enchanting Eden Prairie neighborhood that some call Narnia, the fantasy world created by author C.S. Lewis.

Shamyla, an innovative leader in information technology, has already begun working as chief technology officer at Duke Health in Durham, N.C. Husband Anthony, a private banker, will soon follow. In the meantime, hes savoring the sunrises and sweeping panoramic views of the river valley from his bedroom, the deck off the owners suite, the bank of windows on the south side of the house and from as many spots as he can in the 5,184-square-foot house.

In the fall, the views are magnificent as the treetops become this amazing blaze of color, Anthony said, describing images that could have been painted by Monet or Van Gogh. There are not many places like this the amenities, the natural light, the privacy and the spectacular views. To be honest, we kind of want to hold onto it.

There are other houses with views of the river, a flyway for abundant wildlife such as cranes and eagles. But few look out only onto water and trees, not industrial plants or even Valley Fair amusement park.

Our view is all nature no factories or other houses or even people, Shamyla said. Even in the winter, you feel like youre on a ski slope or mountain somewhere. Youre elevated, and its just you and the valley down there.

The house on E. Riverview Drive in Eden Prairie isnt visible from the street. All you see is the long driveway that leads to the 1.64-acre lot. The sense of solitude extends to the siting of the four-bedroom, five-bathroom house that was built in harmony with the trees and is enhanced by the deer, turkeys, foxes, eagles and other fauna that regularly show up.

The Landos bought the house in a short sale nearly five years ago. The previous owners had run into a rough patch, leaving the place in need of serious repair. The new owners replaced the garage floors, redesigned a wall and upgraded all the windows to offer better views of the valley.

They also installed rot-resistant, maintenance-free siding.

The garage has three stalls, but two of them are extra deep, which means that the garage can accommodate five cars or a combination of boat and cars. There also is additional storage under the garage.

The 1987 structure was well-built, the Landos said, with three inches of concrete under the sunroom and steel beams across the house to support the main level.

In engineering and architectural terms, its solid, Anthony said.

Listing agent John Prins, RE/MAX, said that both house and site have made him gaga.

Ive been in this business since 1979, and you dont ever want to fall in love with the inventory but Wow! Prins said. The lot by itself is so spectacular, and then you put a house like this on it.

The only challenge the Landos had at first came from the creatures they liked so much. Deer demolished their hostas and other flora. So they planted deer- and rabbit-resistant foliage. And then they hoped to be able to enjoy their home for a lifetime.

Sitting in the sunroom and looking at the view outside is very calming, Shamyla said. Watching the kids just playing in the yard or sitting around the firepit in the evenings its such a great spot.

Before they bought the house, their extended family had reunions that moved around the country. But that all changed once they visited Minnesota. Everybody always wanted to come here, Anthony said. Theres lots of room for everybody, they love the privacy and the views, and you create some great memories.

John Prins, 612-845-0412, RE/MAX, has the listing.

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$1.195M estate in Eden Prairie sits on a bluff with incredible views of the Minnesota River - Minneapolis Star Tribune

New Delhi: The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked the Pakistan naval headquarters not to push for the conclusion of a water-sharing agreement with Afghanistan at present as a dialogue on the topic with the present Afghan government led by President Ashraf Ghani would be detrimental to Islamabads interests as it would open up contentious issues. The ministry has advised the naval headquarters to withhold the matter till the formation of a new political dispensation in Afghanistan.

The foreign ministrys recommendation has also mentioned that the topic (of water sharing) should be avoided as Pakistan is already receiving double the share of its water from Kabul river that originally flows from the Chitral river.

These recommendations, sent to the Pakistan naval headquarters last month, and accessed by The Sunday Guardian, have not identified the new political dispensation that the Pakistan Foreign Ministry is so sure of siding with Pakistans cause in the near future, but it is not rocket science that the Foreign Office is most likely alluding to a Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, which ISI has been pushing for even since the US-Taliban peace deal was signed.

On 7 March, The Sunday Guardian had written that the Taliban, in collaboration with Pakistans ISI, was working on the ground with an objective to remove the present political dispensation (Taliban eye replacing pro-India Ghani in Kabul).

The Foreign Office of Pakistan has also asked the naval office to reconvene the inter-ministerial group, which was constituted in March 2017 to strategize Pakistans national interest in light of Indian projects in Afghanistan, at the earliest to deliberate on the developments.

Strategic observers, who are following the issues, believe that these developments are possible signs of ISI and Taliban making a move to remove the present Afghanistan government in the near future, as India, one of closest allies of Afghanistan, both figuratively and literally, is facing challenges of its own with regards to China.

PAKISTAN COPYING CHINAS SALAMI-SLICING

Pakistan has also resorted to encroaching on territory belonging to Afghanistan along the Durand Line, leading to a war-like situation among the two countries.

The Foreign Ministry of Afghanistan recently lodged a strong protest with Pakistan after it found that 600 square metres of its territory, including a cemetery, has been encroached upon by the Pakistan army, which has now installed barbed wires there to stop Afghans from reclaiming it. This technique of clipping away small pieces of land and announcing it as its own is what China too has been doing for long now.

The Afghanistan government recently found that Pakistan military personnel have encroached on about 500 to 600 square metres of Afghan territory in the area of Sonzi and Warzhala in Tani district of Khost province and have installed barbed wire fencing around the encroached upon area.

With the installation of the barbed wire in the Sonzi area, even the cemetery belonging to the village of Sonzi and the tribes of Tani district of Khost province, has now gone to the other side (Pakistan side) of the Durand Line, The Sunday Guardian has learnt through official documents.

This encroachment, according to official reports, has caused a lot of anger amongst the locals. There was a fear that a conflict would break out in these areas, but this has now been disputed.

MORE TROUBLES FOR KABUL

Signs that troubling times lie ahead for Afghanistan can be gauged from the statement issued by Ambassadors of the European Union in Kabul last week on the escalating violence in the country.

The EU Delegation in agreement with EU Heads of Mission based in Kabul believe the situation has further deteriorated since 29 May when the EU Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers declared the level of violence as unacceptable, the statement reads.

The attacks by the Taliban against Afghan National Defence and Security Forces are undermining the prospect for intra-Afghan negotiations; this must end and a full-fledged ceasefire enter into force. Violence against civilians has also continued. It is a violation of international humanitarian law, which profoundly undermines the confidence and trust necessary for peace negotiations. It appears to be a deliberate attempt to stifle debate in advance of peace negotiations. These crimes need to be investigated and the responsible brought to justice, it further stated.

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Pak hoping to topple Ghani, install puppet in Kabul - The Sunday Guardian

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. One of the benefits of long summer days around your home is the opportunity to soak up the sun, enjoy the outdoors, cool off in the pool and master one's grilling techniques. The Army Public Health Centers Safety Officer Tim Sank has a few tips to make sure you stay healthy, happy and safe while still having fun in the sun.With COVID-19 concerns keeping some area and community pools closed, more people than ever are buying inflatable pools or installing above-ground or in-ground pools for their homes. According to Marketwatch.com, Amazon sales of inflatable pools and accessories has doubled over 2019 numbers. This can be a great way to beat the heat, but Sank has some critical pool safety tips.If you have a built-in or above-ground pool or hot tub, make certain that the children cant get to it, said Sank. Set water safety rules for your family. Install safety fences between the home and the water feature, and install locks on doors and windows high enough so that a child cant disable them.Sank recommends draining inflatable or wading pools promptly after each use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional deaths in the United States.All it takes is one inch of water for a child to drown, said Sank.Sank recommends taking CPR training, if not certified already, and keeping a phone and first aid kit near the pool.With Independence Day just around the corner, many families may plan to celebrate with some fireworks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates about 9,100 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2018. About 62 percent of those injuries occurred between June 22 and July 22.More than 50,000 fires are caused by fireworks every year, said Sank. Take the proper precautions when operating fireworks. Never disassemble or try to make your own fireworks. Dont point sparklers or fireworks at yourself or others, especially while theyre being lit.Before spending a fortune on your personal celebration to independence, ensure fireworks are legal to possess and use in your city and state. The National Council on Fireworks Safetys website is a good source of information on state fireworks laws. You should also always ask your local fire or police department if fireworks are legal in your area.Only light fireworks on the ground and in areas that are dry and fire resistant, said Sank. Dont attempt to light multiple devices at the same time, and never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.Sank said sparklers can also cause serious burns because their materials burn at very high temperatures. He recommends keeping a portable fire extinguisher close by, as well as a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.If fireworks malfunction, dont relight them! Douse and soak them with water then throw them away, said Sank.Although fireworks may be legal in your state, there may be reasons, such as a burn ban due to dry weather, why their use is prohibited in some areas. For more information, visit http://www.fireworkssafety.org.Another summer staple for many homeowners is firing up the outdoor grill or barbecue. Sank also has some tips to keep your grilling safe.July is one of the peak months for grilling fires, said Sank. Check gas grill hoses for cracks, holes and leaks, and keep children away from grills. Gas leaks, blocked tubes, and propane tanks can be a cause of grill fires and explosions.According to the National Fire Prevention Association, 10,600 fires are started by home grills every year. They also report 19,700 patients went to the emergency room because of grilling injuries, including 9,500 thermal burns.Sank says never grill indoors, in the garage, in any enclosed area or on a surface that might catch fire. Also, keep the grill at least two feet away from decks, siding, branches and any outdoor equipment that can catch fire quickly. The NFPA has a number of grilling safety tips and videos on their website.The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is also an excellent resource for more home safety information, said Sank.The bottom line is everyone should take time to enjoy the summer and get out of their houses, but following these tips will keep them happy and healthy.

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Army Public Health Center Safety Officer offers tips to keep your home, family safe this summer - United States Army

TOMS RIVER As summer holidays hit, and the coronavirus regulations are eased, the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention is urging everyone to have a safe summer by issuing easy-to-follow tips.

The first topic they wanted to tackle is fireworks. The message is easy: Leave it to the professionals!

State law allows the sale and use of non-aerial fireworks such as hand-held sparklers, smoke devices, and ground-based sparklers. However, even these can be dangerous. The temperature of a small sparkler after ignition is nearly 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, they said.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 200 people go the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. A third of those who are injured are younger than 15.

The following are tips on using fireworks safely:

State law prohibits the sale and use of any aerial explosives such as bottle rockets, firecrackers and Roman candles.

Grilling Safety

Barbecues are back on the menu, especially since outdoor gatherings are safer these days.

Here are some tips to keep yourself safe:

Water Activity Safety

While were talking safety, this is the time of year for boatingand boating accidents.

Here are some tips for safety near the water:

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How To Stay Safe Using Fireworks And Grills - Micromedia Publications