Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Ethan Lienwand , a gifted blues pianist, will perform a free livestream concert for Common Fence Music on Sunday, June 7, at 7 pm.

The concert can be accessed by a link provided atcommonfencemusic.org. on the day of the show.

Ethan Lienwand is a St. Louis-based barrelhouse blues piano player and preservationist. A student of the musics rich history and varied regional styles, Ethan presents personal interpretations of many of the great (and forgotten) old-time masters. He specializes in St. Louis pre-war piano blues, Texas barrelhouse, Deep South barrelhouse, early Chicago boogie-woogie, and good-time hokum stride. His influences include: Little Brother Montgomery, Black Bob, Jimmy Yancey, Henry Brown, Peetie Wheatstraw, and Hersal Thomas.

Sponsored in part by a generous grant from the Rhode Island State Council for the Arts.

Common Fence Music is a non-profit with a mission to promote culturally relevant but underexposed folk, roots and world music through concerts and educational activities.

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Common Fence Music to host free live-stream concert feateruing Ethan Lienwand - What'sUpNewp

Fencing in a yard seems like a simple project, right? Just hammer in a few posts, attach yourfencing, and there you go. Well, thats one way of doing it ... but its not the smartest.

Careful planning will save you tons of time, money and hassle once you actually install your fence. I talked with Joe Raboine, Director ofBelgard Residential Hardscapes, about what you must research before fencing in your yard, and a few things to watch out for.Bottom line, warns Joe, is to "make sure you dont do anything that will cost money later ... or have to be replaced!"

Laws and regulationsEnsure your plans comply with local regulations. Your homeowners association is the place to start; most require an architectural review before approving new fence plans. Interestingly, Joe points out, "The city will usually defer to the HOA."

If a permit is necessary for fence installation in your town, have that in hand before work begins. And find out whether underground utility pipes or cables run where you plan to dig.

Property lineDetermine your exact property line so you dont accidentally install the fence on your next door neighbors turf. Refer to theplat map(if its less than 5 years old) or hire a surveyor. Local law might specify an additional setback of several inches to one foot.

Ground conditionJoe comments, "Soil can play a big part in your fence planning. With new construction, you want to make sure the soil has settled. Otherwise, it should be thoroughly compacted.

"Beyond that, depending on the region of the country, you may need to reinforce the fenceposts. If the soil is very solid, like a heavy clay, often you can just pack itaround the posts. But when its really sandy, you may have to useSonotubes filled with concrete to keep the sand from collapsing while youprepare to set the posts.

"In some areas, youll run into bedrock or boulders, which may require drilling or bringing in special equipment. When youget fencing quotes, discuss how thats going to be handled."

MaterialsModern fencing options include natural wood, composite, vinyl, aluminum, steel, chain link, wrought iron and bamboo. (Read more aboutfence materials here.)

Four essential factors will help narrow your choice:1. Purpose: privacy, secure children's play area, keeping animals in (or out), etc.2. Budget3. Taste and style4. Amount of maintenance youre willing to put into the finished product: eg.painting a wood fence

To illustrate: Thoughchain linkis a cheap way of fencing in a yard, it may clash with the style of your home ... and doesnt quite cut it as privacy fencing or a noise barrier.

LandscapingPlan a fence that will work with your landscape and hardscape (existing or future). Consider whether youd like to bring in heavy equipment, perhaps to pour aconcrete patio. That should obviously be done before you have the fence installed.

Talk with your lawn sprinkler company to decide whether equipment will have to be repositioned. You do not want your new fence to be in the path of the lawn sprinkler spray.

OpeningsHow many gates will you need? Count on installing two minimum or possibly more - for example, if your driveway will pass through the fence. At least one opening should be wide enough for outdoor necessities like garbage cans or snow blowers.

Special featuresFence columns are trendy these days, according to Raboine, for decorative purposes and to hold lighting. Joe advises you to plan the lighting design out carefully with your fencing company for the best-looking results.

Also popular are trellises or vertical gardens incorporated into the fence. This not only softens your fences appearance, but also supplies you with freshvegetablesor flowers. Especially suitable for new houses with smaller lots.

Fencing in a yard - must-know numbers- Cost of fencing in a yard:$1-45 per linear foot depending on type of material (not including labor).- Cheapest fence material:barbed wire and electric (invisible) fencing both start at $1 per linear foot.- Priciest fence material:composite such asTrex ; upscale styles cost as much as $45 a linear foot.- Average cost offencing permit:$40.- Average cost of land survey:$500.- Fence height:generally 3-foot limit for front yard; 6 feet elsewhere on your property (pool fenceshave special regulations). Sometimes theres a 30-inchminimumheight. Confirm with your local building authority.- Fencepost spacing:maximum 8 feet apart.- Posthole depth:at least 3 feet in cold climates (6 inches below frostline).- Gate width:36 inches for a person walking and/or using a mobility device. 48+ inches for lawn equipment.- One-call numberto phone before digging:811.

Laura Firszt writes fornetworx.com.

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What you need to know before fencing in a yard - Gadsden Times

A string of artful flags, created by the children at the Riley School and representing positive messages of hope and love, is currently on display at the top of the Harbor Park in Rockland.

Last week students at the Rockport independent school, ages 2-15, and their families, worked from home with guidance from Riley Art Facilitator Alix Martin.

A prearranged scheduled day was arranged to pick-up art materials at the Riley campus. A day off from Zoom classes was planned to create the art at home with family.

On Friday, May 8, the flags were taken back to school and shared with others in a car parade with children displaying their flags, around the loop of Riley School driveway. Teachers and staff, dressed in festive clothes and face coverings, stood along the edge at a safe distance cheering them all.

Traditionally, the school celebrates a week dedicated to the arts during the month of May, with workshops and studio visits, culminating in a performance style finale.

The arts are an important part of the curriculum at Riley and some children may have up to four art classes a week. Classes are mainly driven by students interests and with the encouragement and guidance of Alix Martin.

Children often work with clay, build outdoor sculptural pieces, set up an area for figure drawing, hand sew clothing and work in individual notebooks. Often large collaborative projects are created. And there is an increasing element of art and poetry.

Martin envisaged this project as a, band of signal flags in this storm, creating sparks of light amidst these shadowy days.

Head of Riley School Becky Clappthanked the city of Rockland, especially David Gogel, who is director of Rockland Maine Street, and Riley parent for cooperation in finding a place for displaying the flags for the community to see.

In addition to designing a flag, the children were asked what they were grateful for and how art can make the world a better place.

ART MAKES THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE

It brings joy. It makes me feel peaceful. Elyse Coleman, age 9, Owls Head

It makes me feel like I can do something and its calming and its peaceful. Julia Staples,age 9, Appleton

You can make whatever you want. Ramona Simons, age 5, Rockland

It is so cool and you can do it in so many ways. BC, age 6, Tenants Harbor

I like art because I can express my feelings better...I think you can do a lot of stuff with art...without art I couldnt build all the things I build. Maddox, age 9, Rockland

There are lots of things...I have so much things I am grateful for. I am grateful for all the people in my whole entire family. Ossian, age 5, Rockland

I am grateful for art. Ian MacDonald, age 6, Rockland

Art makes the world a better place because it takes your mind off things. It is relaxing and enjoyable. You can put your thoughts and creative thinking on paper or other things. Rosalie Murphy, age 11, Camden

The Riley School guides children to become independent, lifelong learners and innovative thinkers. Founded as a progressive, ungraded elementary school in 1972, Riley recognizes each childs unique learning style. The individualized curriculum challenges children to express themselves and develop their own intellectual and creative capabilities through experimentation, discovery, and vigorous engagement.

Accredited by the New England Association of School and Colleges and the Maine State Department of Education, Riley School enrolls children K - 9thgrade, and 24 yrs for the Wade Acres pre-school program. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2020-21 school year. For more information visit http://www.rileyschool.org and call the office 207-596-6405 to schedule a visit.

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'Band of signal flags in this storm' decorate downtown Rockland fence - PenBayPilot.com

Keep your family and pets safe with a fence from Coastal Fence and Railing. We are a family-owned business with over 20 years of fencing experience within the Cape May County area. It is important to secure and protect your two-legged and four-legged family members.

Our professionals at Coastal Fence and Railing can help you choose what type of fence you will need depending on who you are trying to keep in or out of your fence. For example, we can offer a lower picket fence to protect smaller children and dogs or a privacy fence may be a better option for those older children and bigger dogs. We also offer safety hardware that is more difficult for children and dogs to open themselves. We have many different styles and options to fit residential and commercial requirements. We can offer your family a beautiful vinyl, wood, or metal fence. At Coastal Fence and Railing we also can keep your deck safe with our options of vinyl, glass, and metal railings.

At Coastal Fence and Railing, we have fencing and railing to keep everyone in your family safe especially your kids and dogs. Come visit us at Coastal Fence and Railing, located at 7 Bayshore Road in Green Creek. For more information, call 609-741-4264 or visit http://www.coastalfenceandrailing.com

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Building a Fence with Coastal Fence and Railing Is a True Investment For Your Family's Safety - Cape May County Herald

MONTCLAIR, NJ -The Montclair Planning Board had a very light agenda at its virtual meeting on May 18, devoting the bulk of the time to continuing and concluding the application for a wall and a fence along the edges of the green space behind the Fullerton condominium apartment building.

The Fullerton Condominium Association, which owns the green space, had originally envisioned a fence around the property and a retaining wall along Seymour Street, with the fence running along the top of the wall, but suggestions and skepticism from board members at the Planning Boards April 20 meeting led landscape architect Barry Yacker to come up with a different proposal a fence along the edge of the property adjacent to the Plymouth parking lot and a retaining wall along the edge of the property adjacent to Seymour Street, with thick ground cover behind the wall instead of a fence on top of it.

The Fullerton, which faces Roosevelt Place and sits along the corner of Roosevelt Place and Seymour Street, is built into a hill with two stories below the ground floor on its eastern end, a basement and a mezzanine. The topography of the green space on its northern side has a slope where pedestrians trespass to get between the Plymouth parking lot and Seymour Street. Sometimes trespassers have been known to urinate on the property. This project is an effort to correct that situation.

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Patricia Davis, the president of the Fullerton Condominium Association, said that previous efforts to curb trespassers taking shortcuts between the parking lot and Seymour Street, such as plantings and signs, had been destroyed, and she added that the property was becoming hazardous for the condominium association to maintain. She said that the revised plan will have the fence along the parking lot, as well as new landscaping on the green space and a four-foot retaining wall. (The original proposal had called for a three-foot wall.) The wall would prevent rainwater running off onto the sidewalk along Seymour Street and the pedestrian walkway to the Fullerton buildings rear elevation.

Board member Carmel Loughman said she wanted to make sure that the revised plan addressed the condominium associations issues. Davis replied that it did, and she added that the association was prepared to come back at a later date in the event that the plan turned out to be ineffective. The plan as revised eliminates the need for variances.

Yacker then testified and filled in the details of the plan. He explained that a six-foot fence would be installed along the perimeter of the parking lot, set back one foot from the Belgian-block curb on the lots edge. He said that the one-foot distance would help prevent motorists from driving into the fence. The fence, which runs to the propertys northeastern corner, is to be made of aluminum, and its western end would tie in with an existing six-foot wooden fence behind the Fullerton near its northwestern corner. The retaining wall, meanwhile, would run along Seymour Street and turn toward the northeastern corner of the building along the pedestrian walkway that leads to the back of the building. Two gates would be installed one at the northeastern end of the building where the new retaining wall along the walkway would join with an existing wall and another at an entrance to the rear of the property closer to the western end of the building, where the aluminum fence would tie in with the wooden fence.

To ensure that no one can sit on the top of the retaining wall, Yacker has proposed pyracantha, or fire thorn, bushes just behind the walls edge. The pyracantha bushes would discourage trespassers with its prickly thorns, and its white blossoms in the spring would provide aesthetic relief, as would the orange berries the plant generates from summer through the fall and into early winter. Right in front of the wall, Yacker plans to plant a mix of japonica and a variety of hastas to discourage people from climbing into the property. According to the plan submitted to the board, the japonica stays green throughout the winter to make the bed of plants look interesting all year. Boxwoods and day lilies would also be added, along with pachysandra to stabilize the ground, and there will be a mulch path between the plantings and the fence to allow residents to plant flowers of their own.

Were trying to do what the board is recommending as well as follow the guidelines of the town, Yacker said, and do whats right for the homeowners.

Loughman wondered about the wall tying in with the chain-link fence along the property line between the Fullerton and an apartment building at 11 Seymour Street. She asked how the wall would be worked into the chain-link fence and the smaller wall along the adjacent property to look aesthetically pleasing. Yacker said the post at the end of the existing chain link fence would likely have to be reset, but he hasnt talked to anyone in the residents of the neighboring building.

We havent approached our neighbors about it yet, Davis interjected. We plan to share with them the plans that we have and see if they would be willing to help us with the improvement of that corner of the property.

Board Vice Chair Keith Brodock known to be particular about keeping plantings to native plants only asked if native plants that could provide the same functions as the pyracantha bushes could be used instead. Yacker said that he thought the pyracantha would be fuller and thicker, and Loughman concurred that it was a good choice despite Vice Chair Brodocks possible objections, but the vice chair in fact had no such problem with Yackers choice of plantings.

Board member Anthony Ianuale asked if the green space would be flat when the area behind the retaining wall would be filled in. Yacker said it would be flatter, but there would still be a slight slope toward the retaining wall. Ianuale also pointed out that pachysandra might not make the green space usable for the residents and suggested that the area could be made more open for possible residential uses.

They havent decided yet what they want to do with the area use-wise, Yacker explained. If they want to put a garden in or have a little seating area, they could do that. It would just mean rearranging the pachysandra.

Board Chairman John Wynn said the new plan was a good revision that enhanced the neighborhood. He proposed that the plan be approved subject to conditions with the condominium associations next-door neighbors at 11 Seymour Street. The condominium association would have to report back to the board based on dialogue with their neighbors if there is a problem, but he didnt see a problem arising. Robert Griffin, the condominium associations attorney, asked if it were possible to avoid another full board hearing if there were any objections from the neighbors; Chairman Wynn said that the revisions committee could work it out, and Griffin promised to keep in contact with Planning Board attorney Arthur Neiss. The board approved the application unanimously.

The meeting ended with Planning Director Janice Talley reporting that she had correspondence with the master plan subcommittee about making changes to the master plan in order to integrate proposed pedestrian-safety recommendations into the Complete Streets implementation plan. While that committee is looking into that issue, no action has yet been taken.

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Montclair Planning Board Approves Wall and Fence for Fullerton Condo - TAPinto.net

Sanding with a 60- or 80-grit abrasive in a 6" random orbit sander is a necessary preparation step before finishing outdoor wood. Steve Maxwell

If your home has a wooden deck, a fence or both, and you intend to refinish them this season, you need to be aware of what I call the fence-and-deck nightmare. This happens when you become dissatisfied with the stain or sealer you applied, try something new, then find that it went wrong or doesnt last. Finish it again are just three short words, but they sure can do a number on your leisure time and mood. You can almost eliminate the risk of fence-and-deck finishing nightmares by following three key steps.

Step 1: Know Your Finish

Finishing outdoor wood so it looks good and lasts long is more difficult than it seems, in part because so many outdoor wood finishing products fail too soon. Sometimes even reliable outdoor wood finishes still fail prematurely if the surface prep isnt done right or if application conditions are wrong. Thats why you should never let hope get the better of you and try some new-to-you finish without testing. Just because you feel good about it or your brother-in-law used it, or its on special, is not sufficient. Aim to find a finishing regime you can trust, then stick to it. If you insist on using something untested on your deck, consider yourself forewarned.

After I explain the maintenance responsibilities that go with various fence and deck stains, many homeowners are happy to opt for something as simple and informal as possible. If that sounds good to you, Ecowood Treatment is something you should know about. Its my favourite low-key outdoor wood finish because its so efficient. Mix up the Ecowood powder with water in a pump-up weed sprayer, then spray the solution onto new, uncoated outdoor wood, once and only once. Beginning in a few minutes and continuing for months, Ecowood gives the surface an even, grey weathered appearance. Better than natural weathering that can be ratty and uneven, you can cover a lot of wood in a short time with no chance ever of peeling or finish failure.

Visit baileylineroad.com/36956 for a time-lapse view of Eco Wood Treatment darkening happening on a project of mine. (Link for an online version of the story: https://baileylineroad.com/eco-wood-treatment-video/ Anchor text: Eco Wood Treatment)

Translucent film-forming deck finishes like this Sikkens DEK look fabulous for two to four years. Stripping back to bare wood after this is usually necessary to renew finishes like this. Steve Maxwell

Step 2: Get Realistic

Even the best outdoor wood finishes involve compromises of some sort. Theyre far from perfect and you need to understand the compromises. Transparent film-forming deck finishes make your wood look as nice as furniture, but sooner or later theyll all peel, requiring complete stripping and sanding before recoating. Wood-darkening chemical treatments, by contrast, wont ever peel, but they also dont stop surface cracks from forming on your wood. If youre a deck first-timer and have no experience maintaining a deck, be sure to make up samples of your outdoor finishing repertoire so you know what they look like before you apply anything to your final project.

Step 3: Prepare for prep

There is almost no outdoor wood finish on the planet that performs optimally without at least some surface preparation. Even new wood needs to have mill glaze removed to prevent or delay finish peeling. Assuming your wood has a moisture content less than 16 per cent (gotta have this for most finishes so check it with a moisture meter on a fresh-cut board), then pressure wash followed by sanding with a 60- or 80-grit abrasive does the most to optimize the absorption of finish into the wood. And the better the absorption, the longer the finish will last, all else being equal. The problem with prep is that it takes time. You can easily spend more time preparing outdoor wood than actually applying a stain.

Fences, decks, gazebos and other outdoor wood projects are popular with us Canadians because they help make the most of our short summer season. Learning to finish these efficiently is a big part of getting down to backyard summer fun, nightmare-free.

Steve Maxwell has been finishing outdoor wood since 1980. Visit baileylineroad.com/deck-stain for some of the most detailed and complete deck finishing information online anywhere.

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Maxwell: How to avoid the fence-and-deck nightmare - The Sudbury Star

Effective and stunning interior design services require the assistance of professionals with a lot of experience. Remodeling and construction project management is a task that involves a wide array of responsibilities. This is why many homeowners and businesses choose to contact professional contractors for this purpose.

Americore Construction Inc. is one such business situated in the WA State. They are among the few constructors who use the aid of 3DRenderings to showcase their ideas. With the assistance of computer aided artists and architects, they are able to bring their clients bathroom remodeling ideas to life.

The businesses innovative way of thinking comes from the owner, Jimia Cain. She is an exceptional business woman whose guidance has made Americore Construction Inc. into what it is today. Under her leadership, Americore Construction Inc. has steadily grown into a premier name for all of ones bathroom and kitchen remodeling needs.

Jimia Cain believes in offering her clientele with a perfected service. This is why her team uses 3D renderings, as these allow them to picture exactly what their clients require. Jimia also ensures that they create the blueprints and assemble the correct team for the job prior to beginning any project. Through this, she is able to make sure that her clients visions can be turned into a reality.

Americore Construction Inc. is a renowned construction management service provider. Covering every aspect of development and renovation, their team looks into every intricacy so that their clients can remain worry-free. With Jimia Cains innovative approaches and customer-focused methodologies, the business has become a renowned name in the WA State.

Moving forward, they plan on delivering on the same high standards their customers expect of them. This means that they will continue to ensure that the cost, strategy, scope and schedule is all up to their customers needs and requirements.

About Americore Construction Inc.:

Americore Construction Inc. is a construction project management and renovation service provider. They focus on providing clients with a personalized and effective approach. This is one of their main focuses on all the projects they work on. By using 3D Renderings, they easily allow the visualizations in their clients minds to come to life. Under the leadership and guidance of Jimia Cain, the business has grown and become one of the most renowned names for construction and renovation. As a result, they cater to a wide array of clients and customers.

For more information: http://www.americoreconstruction.com

Media ContactCompany Name: Americore Construction IncContact Person: Jimia CainEmail: Send EmailCity: Kennewick State: WACountry: United StatesWebsite: http://americoreconstruction.com/

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Americore Construction Inc. Is Becoming One of the Premier Services for Interior Design and Renovation - Virtual-Strategy Magazine

Many of you know Charles Sykes when he worked for the Sweetwater County Health Department and retired due to health issues. On March 20, 2020, a medical-related issue caused him to be taken by life flight to the University of Utah where he is being treated for brain trauma. At this time it is unknown what all areas of the brain have been affected.

Once he is medically stable he will be assessed to return home. In order to return home, the house will be required to have facilities and safety measures that need to be met. To meet requirements, remodeling must take place to provide a bedroom, bathroom and handicapped facilities on the main floor to address safety needs. The requirement of the remodel and medical expenses that fell upon the family cause the family to ask for assistance.

If you would like more information or an update on his medical condition, please feel free to call a family member. An account for donations has been created at Wells Fargo Bank, in Charles Sykes name.

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Family Is Asking the Community for Help - SweetwaterNOW.com

An animal's inability to tell you when they aren't feeling well is one of the hardest parts of pet parenthood. Even when they're showing symptoms, you can't just ask them what's wrong. (Well, you canjust don't expect an answer.) Pretty Litter is a subscription-based litter service that wants to help when it comes to cats.

A litter box is a necessary part of coexisting with a cat, and Pretty Litter claims its crystals change color when your cat might have an illness, making it easy to tell when something might be wrong. The company's founder, Daniel Rotman, lost a beloved cat that showed no obvious signs of sickness. This litter is his solution to help monitor a cat's health at home, to hopefully prevent what happened to him from happening to other pet owners.

Iwith the help of my two cats, Huxley and Eely-Rueput Pretty Litter's crystals to the test for several weeks. I also spoke to veterinarians, cat behaviorists, and Pretty Litter customers to figure out whether the crystals accurately do their job. One thing I need to say before jumping into my experience is that Pretty Litter should be used only in addition to regular vet checkups. It is not a replacement for veterinary care.

Color Coded

Pretty Litter's crystals change color based on the pH level of your cat's urine. Normal pH urine will turn the crystals a yellow or olive green; a high pH, which could mean a urinary tract infection (UTI), makes the crystals turn blue; and low urinary pH turns them dark orange, and it could mean metabolic acidosis and kidney tubular acidosis, which can lead to kidney stones. Blood in the urine shows up as red, as expected, and could mean bladder inflammation, bladder stones, or a UTI.

It can be complicated to determine where on the scale the color falls, as it can look like it's somewhere in the middle. To test for high acidity (low urinary pH), I used vinegar. It turned the crystals a yellowish-orange, which could have been the mark of low urinary pH but could also have been the yellowish color of normal urine pH. After looking through my cats' used litter, I saw a similar color and couldn't quite determine its place between normal and low pH. I made an appointment with my vet to have both my cats looked at, just to be safe, and the doctor said they weren't showing any issues.

In my research, I found several Pretty Litter customers talking about false positives on Reddit. Their cats' litter crystals turned blue, but expensive vet visits concluded there was nothing abnormal. It's not all bad. I spoke to one customer on Twitter who regularly fosters cats and has been using Pretty Litter for around two years. She said when the color changed with a new batch of kittens, she took them to the vet and found they had worms. Another customer said the crystals turned blue, detecting a UTI that was later confirmed by a vet, who was impressed the litter caught it so early.

But there's also the possibility of false negatives. My friend's sister has a cat with a history of frequent UTIs, but the litter never changed color. When she called the company, a customer representative suggested buying more litter and boxes, a solution that didn't really make sense to her. (She noted that customer service really pushed her to buy more litter when she called to cancel her subscription, too.)

It's important to know that stress can also cause a change to a cat's urine pH level. And any number of factors could induce stress, like if you recently moved or if you're remodeling your kitchen, for example. Pretty Litter says you should wait 48 hours after seeing a change in color to see if it goes back to normal on its own. If it doesn't, make an appointment with a vet. If the crystals detect blood, make an appointment immediately.

Dust in the Wind

On top of the confusing color chart, the dust levels alone are enough to make me avoid using this litter going forward. All the veterinarians I spoke to said crystal litters generally create less dust than clay litters (which is what I usually use)and Pretty Litter claims to be low dust toobut I did not find that to be the case.

The crystals emitted clouds of dust so intense that I always waited for them to settle before I continued scooping. Other customers on Reddit also noted this. It's not just about my discomfort, either. My cat Huxley loves to scratch at the box for what seems like hours, so he's potentially inhaling these clouds of dust day in and day out, and that makes me nervous.

Shortly after I switched to Pretty Litter, Huxley started to get watery eyes. The vet and I both assume it's from the dust. For what it's worth, Eely-Rue hasn't had this issue, but I've switched them both back to their clay litter to see if the problem subsides. Dust-free clay litter formulas have come a long way (I typically use Arm and Hammer litter), so it's disappointing to see so much dust with Pretty Litter.

Crystal Clear

In my not-so-scientific survey of several cat owners, clumping clay seems to be among the most popular litter types. It's made of highly absorbent natural bentonite clay granules that clump together when liquid is absorbed. It's easy to scoop because everything is ... clumped. Scoop it daily and change out the whole thing about once a month (or more often, if you have several cats). Plus, it's widely available at a variety of price points.

Crystal litter is made of tiny silica gel beads that are highly absorbent but don't clump. You scoop out feces and mix the urine in so the beads absorb the odor. Pretty Litter recommends scooping and mixing daily, and replacing the box about once a month per cat. Since you aren't scooping away as much, you should be able to use less over time, which means less litter ends up in landfills. But it can get smelly if you aren't diligent.

You might be thinking, as I did, Isnt silica gel toxic? Thats a common misconception. The packs of silica gel you find in packages are labeled Do Not Eat, but Pretty Litter's founder says that's because it's a choking hazard, not because its toxic. If a cat licks its paws after using Pretty Litter, the silica should safely pass through their body. It's only a problem if ingested in large amounts, but that applies to clay litter, too.

Marci L. Koski, a feline behaviorist and training consultant, tells me she recommends Pretty Litter to her clients who have cats with a history of urinary issues. But, in general, she prefers fine-grained unscented clumping clay.

"My experience, and the problem I've run into with people, is they think its a very low-maintenance situation and they tend to forget about it," Koski says. "It leads to a buildup of solids in the litter box. At a certain point, the crystals stop absorbing and get really smelly."

Changing Your Cat's Litter

If you want to change the type of litter you're using, you should introduce it to your cat slowly. Vets recommend mixing old and new litter together first.

Some cats simply don't like the way it feels to walk on crystal litter. If you find your cat's bathroom habits are affected, don't force them. Go back to the litter they were using before. If your cat doesn't like Pretty Litter, or you don't want to be held to a subscription (which starts at $22 per month), you can still be aware of your cat's health at home.

"Usually by the time cats exhibit signs, it's well past the time to get them to the vet," Koski says. "You want to use a box you can scoop once or twice a day. Take note if the volume of urination has changed or if the frequency has changed. The only way you can note that is by scooping your cat's box every day."

Some other signs you can look out for, according to experts I spoke with, are:

I stopped using Pretty Litter due to the dust, but I still think it's worth trying, particularly if your cat has a history of urinary tract infections. (If you have a male cat, they're more prone to urethral blockages.) I suggest mixing it with other litter, as one customer recommended, to try and cut down on dust.

At the end of the day, there is no miracle litter. Pretty Litter could potentially help, but nothing will replace regular checkups with a vet and your own meticulous parenting.

Excerpt from:
Pretty Litter Review: Keeping Tabs on Your Cat's Health | WIRED - WIRED

Universal Pictures/Photo illustration by Mike Falco

Two months into quarantine, all the issues with your home or apartment have likely become abundantly apparent. If you rent instead of buy and youre trying to limit contact with people, this is the time to take charge minimally. There are repairs and upgrades you can execute without going overboard; obviously you need to be careful so you can still get your security deposit back.

To start, you should consult DIY For Renters: Dont Call the Landlord (Creative Homeowner/Fox Chapel Publishing) by DIY expert Charles Byers., the just-released maintenance guide for anyone on a lease who needs some home self-help.

DIY covers everything from drywall repair to painting to electrical and plumbing issues, all with straightforward, step-by-step instructions and plenty of photos. Its a bit more advanced than a For Dummies book, but anyone whos even moderately familiar with tools should be able to follow along with ease.

Byers, a former carpentry instructor at the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and a current teacher at the schools residential remodeling department, expanded on the books ideas for us during this time of being stuck at home when we really should be doing something useful with our time.

Five things we learned:

There are two basic repairs that take very little effort to do, and both deal with swinging doors, says Byers. The first is when the door sticks when its closed; there are multiple methods covered in the book, but the simplest involves removing the top-hinge short screw and replacing it with a 2 long screw of the same head diameter using a power screwdriver on low-speed. This will pull the door jamb closer to the framing behind it to secure the door, since during the doors life it shifted due to its weight.

And if you have a door that wont stay open without an object holding it back? Per Byers: First, see if any hinge screws are loose. Next, remove the bottom hinge pin. Lay the pin on a solid surface using a wooden block under the pin, then use a hammer to strike the pin in the center of its length. This will deform the pin slightly so that when it is re-inserted into the hinge, it will create friction. If this helps but does not eliminate the issue, remove the bottom pin and create an additional bend in the pin by repeating the striking method.

I suggest doing any repair that does not involve a lot of expense or time, says Byers, who gave us a list of some of the simplest and less expensive repairs or maintenance items, which include: replacing furnace air filters and inline water filters; checking clearances for weeds and overgrown grass and leaves around the outdoor heat pump or central air compressor units; removing and re-screening window screens; clearing floor registers and cold-air wall registers of cobwebs; changing batteries in smoke/CO2 detectors; power washing the walkways outside; and cleaning the gutters for the spring rains.

My rule is that anything that requires a licensed professional to perform the task or anything beyond your comfort zone, says Byers. Some examples include repairing sewer lines, or anything that involves the live electrical service panel in a building. As well, renters should avoid any repairs that would majorly alter any part of the building,because if you attempt something like this (e.g., replacing the vinyl floor thats over a concrete slab in the bathroom with carpet), you are assuming the entire expense and the possibility of the landlord not liking the type or quality of work you performed. Instead, contact the landlord to get permission for a professional to come in.

With electrical outlets in a building, especially older outlets that may cause issues, I recommend a polarity plug tester, says Byers. It can come in handy when, for example, the toaster doesnt work in the morning. A plug tester in a three-prong outlet will instantly signal if the receptacle is live, in good working order and if theres any other issue (which will be detected and readable by the testers LED light sequences). So if those three things are good, you need a new toaster.

An issue in this writers apartment doesnt have an easy answer. If you have access to the bottom of the floor, Byers says there are solutions (long story short, they involve attaching 2x4 pieces of wood to floor joists). But in a third-level apartment in a larger rental building in Brooklyn, my options appear limited to noise-canceling headphones and realizing were all in this together and hey, I do have a door that wont stay open.

More here:
Dear Renters: These Are the DIY Home Repairs You Can Make Without Getting in Trouble - InsideHook