Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Working from home? Youre not alone. Ford, General Motors and Chrysler have asked at least some employees to stay away from HQ. So have Google, Apple, Twitter, Amazon, Airbnb you get the picture.

If social distancing (literally unheard of a couple weeks ago) is the new normal, youre going to need to curl up with a good book. Here are some Autoweek favorites to get you started.

Uncommon Carriers, by John McPhee

This is a book about people who do everything from drive trucks to pilot ships to drive coal trainsits a book about transportation. Why should you read it? Because McPhee is a nonfiction-narrative master, one of those writers who makes you interested in subjects you didnt know you were interested in.Uncommon Carriersis a perfect example of McPhee practicing his craft. Wes Raynal

Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans, by A.J. Baime

$14.36

In the '60s, Ford was faltering, and Henry Ford II, Lee Iacocca and racer Carroll Shelby figured the best way to bring Ford some needed publicity was to do something no American automaker had ever done: Design, build and race a car that could beat Ferrari at Le Mans,the worlds mostprestigious race. Wes Raynal

Country Driving: A Chinese Road Trip, by Peter Hessler

Hessler is considered one of the best writers on China. AfterRiver TownandOracle Bones, this is the final book in his award-winning trilogy on the countrys economic rise. Hessler spent seven years traveling the country, tracking how the automobile and improved roads were transforming it, and hedescribes the massive effort to build factories and roads in the traditionally rural nation. Wes Raynal

100 Drives, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to Do, What to See, by Joe Yogerst

The title of this new road trip guide by the fine folks at National Geographic is self-explanatory. It lists 100 classic and off-the-beaten-path drives and offers tips, activities for the kids (theyre not in school!!!) and even has playlists. Wes Raynal

Reid Railton: Man of Speed, by Karl Ludvigsen

$140.22 (36% off)

Its about time Reid Railton, whom many consider one of the best automotive engineers of all time, got his due.Reid Railton: Man of Speedis a deep dive into his life, triumphs, tragedies and odd exploits.Im not going to lie: Its an expensive addition to the library at about $140. If you cant spare the cash, see if you can borrow a copy on interlibrary loan. Its worth it. Graham Kozak

Drive to Win: Essential Guide to Race Driving

$27.95

amazon.com

Drive to Win: The Essential Guide to Race Drivingis a book written byCarroll Smith,an engineer-turned-racing-driver-turned-team-manager that takes an unemotional approach to explaining how cars work and how to drive them better. The existing good books are all written from the point of view of the driver,says Smith.This book is not. Here we are going to look at what the driver does (or should do) from the point of view of the racing car. Robin Warner

My Years with General Motors, by Alfred P. Sloan, Jr.

Lets get one thing clear:Alfred Sloan is not a natural storyteller. Still, buried in his windy monologues are the roots of storied and beloved GM brands, the tough decisions and educated guesses that led to articles of gospel in modern business schools. And, most of all, the reminder of what GM once was: a seemingly unstoppable global economic powerhouse. Required reading for any student of automotive history. Andrew Stoy

Chiltons Auto Repair Manual, 1984: American Cars from 1977 Through 1984

$108.50

READTHE MANUAL. Good advice, but did you know you can gain incredible insights frompretty much any manual? Its true. My personal favorites are Malaise-era Chiltons automotive manuals, which are chock full of Rube Goldberg emissions control solutions and appalling specifications (190 hp from a 460-cid V8 engine in 1977, for example). If you cant find one on Amazon, check a local thrift store or library dollar "book" bin. Doesnt have to be about cars, even:appliance repair books, HVAC troubleshooting guides, you name ittheyllall make you a better mechanic. Andrew Stoy

Excerpt from:
Read These Car Books While Youre Quarantined - Autoweek

Area businesses that are remaining open amid the coronavirus outbreak. Please support all of these valuable parts of our local economy.

Want to add your business, or have a revision? Email news@bigcountry977.com. This page will be updated periodically.

A & B FAMILY FOODS - Open on 8th & Thain.

A & W MOSCOW - Open daily 8 AM-9 PM.

ALIBI SPORTS EDITION - Open normal business hours.

ARBY'S CLARKSTON - Drive-thru and carryout only. Hours 11 AM - 8 PM.

ARBY'S LEWISTON - Business as usual. Hours 11 AM - 8 PM. Salad Bar temporarily closed.

ARBY'S MOSCOW - Open daily 11 AM - 8 PM.

ARBY'S ORCHARDS - Business as usual. Hours 11 AM - 9 PM.

AMPERSTAND OIL & VINEGAR TAP HOUSE - We have grocery and food items and beer & wine!

ANTIONIO'S - We have delivery, pick up and dine in!!!

APPLEBEE'S - We're open. Dine in and carside both. Normal business hours.

BAMBOO GARDENS - (509)758-8898. Take out and delivery services. Monday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM; Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM.

BIRCH & BARLEY PULLMAN - Starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020, 11:30 1:30 - Carry out orders from the lunch menu, 3:00 5:00 - Carry out HAPPY HOUR + dinner menu items, 5:00 8:00 - Carry out dinner menu items and family style options.

THE BLUE LANTERN COFFEE HOUSE - Online orders only at: thebluelanterncoffeehouse.square.site Order Pick up days: Monday 12 PM- 3PM, Wednesday 12 PM- 3PM, and Fridays 12 PM- 3PM. Products available: Landgrove Coffee Beans, Fresh Scones, Fresh Sourdough Bread, Fresh Granola, Eggs, Cheese, Honey, Elderberry Syrup Kits, Loose-Leaf Teas, and more!

BOOMERS SPORTS CELLAR- Open normal business hours.

BRAVAS/BROCK'S SPEAKEASY - Remains open at this time.

CLEARWATER CANYON CELLARS - Our tasting room is temporarily closed, but we are offering curbside pickup Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-12pm and 2pm-6pm. Just give us a call and we'll meet you at your vehicle! We offer free shipping on six or more bottles to wine club members.

CORNER VILLA BAR -Open 7 days a week. Sunday - Wednesday 3:00 PM - 12:00 AM; Thursday - Saturday 3:00 PM - 2:00 AM.

DROVERS RUN AT JACQUES SPUR - Located alongU.S. Hwy 95, Culdesac, ID. Open normal business hours, Monday - Saturday 11am - 9pm; Sunday 9am - 9pm. Dine In or Take Out Available.

EL SOCIO MEXICAN RESTAURANT - Open regular hours in north Lewiston.

EMERALD GARDEN - Open for take out and curbside only. Call your orders in at 509-758-9618

ERNIE'S STEAKHOUSE - Open normal hours, 11 AM - Close. Curbside to go and door dash to go available.

FEEDING STATION RESTAURANT - Tekoa, Wa. (509) 284-3141. Open for take-out only 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday - Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

GOLDEN DRAGON - Open normal hours. Tuesday - Sunday, Noon - 8pm. Closed Mondays. Dine in and pick up available. Locally owned and operated. Get out enjoy the sunshine and good eats.

GROCERY OUTLET - Open 8am to 9pm daily and we are doing our part in the community to make sure everything is clean wiped down and disinfected to keep everyone safe!! We are also doing our very best to keep our shelves as full as we can with what we have available!! Thank you to the kind and understanding customers! We appreciate you!!

HAZEL'S - Open for to-go/carry out. Same hours as always. 6-2:30 weekdays, 7-2:30 weekends.

JACOBS BAKERY & RESTAURANT - Open in Uniontown, WA! Open normal hours for take out and curbside! Fully stocked bakery case as well.

JEFFREY'S RESTURANT - Open regular hours.

JOLLYMORE'S - Open. Offering delivery and take-out.

KODIAK COFFEE - Located in Mall 21 in Lewiston, we are open forcarry out, curbside service and delivery through Mad Dash!Follow us on Facebook at Kodiak Coffee, Lewiston Idaho for updates to business operations/hours.

MAD GREEK MOSCOW - Open regular hours. Extra precautions taken with sanitizing the restaurant and hand sanitizer available at the front door. We are offering children IN NEED a free slice of pizza TO-GO BAGS Monday-Thursdays 2-4pm for the next 3 weeks. We also offer FREE DELIVERY! 208-997-8333

MAIN STREET GRILL - Business as usual Hours Monday-Saturday 10 AM - 7 PM. Sunday 8 AM - 4 PM.

MYSTIC CAFE - Business as usual, with revised hours. Monday 8 AM- 2 PM. Tuesday thru Thursday 8 AM - 3 PM, and 5 - 8 PM. Friday & Saturday 8 AM - 3 PM and 5-9 PM. Sunday 8 AM - 2 PM.

PARADISE GRILL AND CAFE (MOSCOW) -Open regular business hours.

PARAISO VALLARTA - Open for to go orders, 11:00 to 9:30

PAREJAS CELLARS - Our location in Clarkston is closed, but will offer curbside pick up as well as deliveries locally. Please call for more info (208) 553-1236.

PHIL'S FAMILY FOODS - Open in Kendrick.

RED LION HOTEL - MERIWEATHERS - MJ BARLEYHOPPERS - Open normal hours. 20% Off Curbside Pickup orders, free delivery on orders $25 or more.

RED LOBSTER - Open normal hours.

RIVER CITY ESPRESSO - Open and ready to serve you! We are still offering deliveries!

RIVERPORT BREWERY - Riverport Brewery will also be open 3 to 7 for to-go sales only. We sell new growlers, grunts and crowlers, and we're filling growlers brought in.

SINALOA MEXICAN RESTAURANT - Taking TO GO ORDERS, call at (509) 758-9344, 800 Diagonal St., Clarkston

SEASONS BITES & BURGERS -Open normal hours, Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM we are encouraging take out food, but we will have our dining room open. Thank you. 301 Main St. Lewiston in Morgans Alley.

SEASONS RESTAURANT - Seasons Restaurant in Grangeville is open normal hours and ready to serve you.

SHARPS BURGER RANCH - Our Lewiston location is open as normal. Our Clarkston location is operating out of the drive thru only.

SHOOTERS SPORTS BAR - Open normal business hours. Monday thru Wednesday 3:00 p.m. to midnight. Thursday and Friday 3:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

SKALIICKY'S SWEET SENSATION BAKERY - Located inside Newberry Square! Open Monday - Saturday. Grab n Go, curbside, and Delivery available for those that dont want to dine-in.

SONIC DRIVE-IN - Open normal business hours. 9am - 9:30 p.m.

SOUTHWAY PIZZERIA - Business as usual. Hours 10:30 AM - 10 PM.

SPOT ON YOGURT - Open regular hours.

STARBUCKS - Both the Lewiston and Clarkston Starbucks are open. Our Lobbies are open for grab and go, and the drive-thru is open.

STATION 3 - Open for take-out and delivery.

STOMPING GROUNDS COFFEEHOUSE - located in Genesee, ID is serving up breakfast, lunch and black rifle coffee as usual for dine in (As state regulations permit), to-go and Curbside pickup. I sell bags of black rifle coffee too and can deliver it to the curb with your order. Call 208-285-1776 to schedule your time to pickup. You can pay over the phone with a card or pay in person. Operating normal business hours.

STRIKE & SPARE - open 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Stock up on your home made turkey noodle get it to go by half gallon or a gallon. We are open in the bowling alley, bar, and restaurant dine in or take out come see us!

TACO TIME CLARKSTON - Drive-thru and carryout only. Hours Monday-Saturday 7 AM - 10 PM, Sunday 7 AM - 9 PM.

TACO TIME LEWISTON - Business as usual. Hours Monday-Saturday 7 AM - 10 PM, Sunday 7 AM - 10 PM.

TACO TIME MOSCOW - Hours Daily 11 AM- 7 PM

TANACIOUS P'S TEA & COMMODITIES - Open at Newberry Square. Will even deliver.

THAI GARDENS - (509)758-1388. Take out and delivery services Monday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM; Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM.

TOMATO BROTHERS - Open for carryout, delivery and online ordering only.

THE TRAILS MAIN STREET GRILL & LOUNGE - Open on Main Street in Grangeville.

WAFFLES N MORE - Open regular hours.

WAYBACK CAFE - Open for full service. They also take over the phone orders and are partnered with DoorDash!

WHITE PINE FOODS - Open in Deary.

WRANGLER BULLROOM - Open as usual. We are taking every precaution to keep our customers and employees safe and still give great service and food.

ZANY'S - Business as usual. Opening at 11 AM daily, closing Monday at 9 PM, Tuesday thru Saturday at 9:30 PM and Sunday at 9 PM.

ZONE 208- Open normal business hours.

A-1 LOCK & KEY - Open regular hours, all services available.

A-L COMPRESSED GASSES - Open for all your welding gas, propane and welding supplies 7:30-5:00 Monday-Friday. Thank-you for your patronage.

AIRBIRDGE BROADBAND - Open in Grangeville.

ALL THAT GLITTERS - Will continue to stay open just in case proms/formals get rescheduled! Wed-Fri 5-8pm and Saturdays 11-4pm.

ALL VALLEY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT -836 6th St, Clarkston. Open regular hours, Monday - Thursday 9-12, 1-5; Friday 9-12, 1-4.

APPALOOSA EXPRESS BUS SERVICES - Beginning Monday, March 23 will have limited schedules for ALL routes. Monday - Friday 5-8 AM, 2-630 PM.

ARTBEAT - Open for all your shirt and printing needs.

AUTOPRO TECHNOLOGIES - Open Monday - Friday 8-5.

AQUATOUCH CAR WASH - Open for business, Monday - Saturday 8am - 5pm; Sunday 10am - 4pm.

ASHLEY KING OF WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE - Available to give virtual tours of homes!

BARBER DAN - 931 Bryden Ave, Suite B. Open my regular hours. Tuesday through Friday 8am to 5:30pm Saturday 8am til Noon.

BARGAIN HUNTER MALL - Open limited hours. This week on Thursday & Friday from 11-5. Check out our FB page for online pictures an more info!

BANN & BANN AUTOWORKS - 2812 Clearwater Ave Lewiston. Open 8-5, Monday - Friday.

BEAUTIFUL CREATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY - By Melissa Mayberry. Phone number: (208) 827-6729. Photographer for all your special occasions and events! Check out my Facebook page!

BECKY'S FABRICS - Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm. For those who don't want to come in, they also have a curbside pick-up! Call ahead at (208) 743-4448.

BECKY'S PET GROOMING/CENTRAL BARK GROOMING - Both open Tuesday - Friday 8 -- 2. (509) 780-7534. Central Bark (509) 758-9600. Hours may change day to day, but no plans to close.

BIG LOTS - Open regular hours.

BLUE MOUNTAIN AGRI-SUPPORT -Located at 620 Thain Rd. Open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm.

BOB JACKSON BODY REPAIR - Open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm.

BORN AGAIN CONSIGNMENT - Will remain open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm until further notice.

C & L LOCKER (MOSCOW) - (208)882-3396. Open normal hours, Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm. Located at 3025 Highway 8, Moscow, ID.

CELLULAR SALES VERIZON RETAILER - Open as usual hours at 821 21st Street, Lewiston.

CENTRAL BARK PET SALON - 520 5th St in Clarkston is still up and running for the valley's dog grooming needs. Open regular hours Tuesday - Friday from 8am-2pm. 509-758-9600.

CLASSIQUE CUTS - Open at 820 21st Street, Lewiston. Call (208) 746-6222.

CLARKSTON CBD CO. - Open 11 to 7 Monday through Saturday.

CLARKSTON VETERINARY CLINIC - Open normal hours. If youpart of a high-riskgroup of people and are concerned with being out in public during this time you can call to check in from the parking lot. We are also happy to come outside to get your pet while you wait in the car. Located at 1409 Peaslee Ave in Clarkston. (509) 758-9669

CM APPLIANCE REPAIR - Open and servicing your appliances. (208) 305-8696, 9am-5pm Monday - Friday.

COLLEGE CABS - Still running 24/7 offering rides & delivery in Pullman, Moscow, and the surrounding communities. 855-829-4487. We are the only service still offering 24/7 rides and we are not charging any hazard rates. Pullman & Moscow to Spokane for only $249 + $10 per additional passenger. Our cabs are being frequently fumigated, cleaned, and all high contact areas are being sterilized after every single run. We are asking customers to limit rides to 2 passengers and you will be asked to sit in the rear seat to maintain as much social distancing as possible.

COMMUNITY BANK - Effective Monday, March 23rd, Community Bank will be closing the lobbies of all bank branches until further notice. This step is an effort to help protect our customers and employees in addressing the potential risks presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Drive-thrus and ATMs at all branches will remain open at this time. For customers who require access to their safe deposit boxes, please inquire at the drive-thru window or contact the branch in advance.

COMPLETE SUITE FURNITURE - open normal hours located in the old Hastings building! Monday-Friday 9am-7pm Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 11am-5pm

COPPER STATE NUT & BOLT - 719 5th in Clarkston. Open 7-5 Monday - Friday.

CORNERSTONE TILE & CONSTRUCTION - Owner Chris Mayberry is a General Contractor. CT&C is a small business specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodels and small jobs. Licensed and insured. Phone number: (208) 553-2170. Call for a free estimate and check out our Facebook page!

Go here to see the original:
Yes, We're OPEN! List of Local Merchants Open for Business - bigcountrynewsconnection.com

UPDATED Sunday, March 22

The number of emergency orders, closures, and restrictions came at us fast this past week. Heres the list of whats open and closed on Miami Beach as of Sunday, March 22.

Miami-Dade Transit Update:As of Sunday, March 22, all Miami-Dade transit fares and parking fees at metrorail stations will be suspended.

Miami-Dade Transits Metrobus system will continue to run weekday routes across Miami-Dade County with reduced frequencies.The following Miami Beach routes may experience reduced frequency on weekdays:79, 103, 110, 112, 113, 119, 120 and 150.Metrobus weekend services will remain operating as published and will be monitored closely. Customers are encouraged to use contactless, online and mobile payment methods to ride transit and the Countys online services and mobile application (Go Miami-Dade Transit) to stay connected. For Miami-Dade County transit updates, please click here.

The Parkmobile app is a free download on iOS and Android. For details,click here.

Questions? Call the Citys Customer Service Call Center at 305.604.CITY (2489) which has expanded hours Monday through Friday from 8 am until 10:30 pm.

The City has also set up a webpage with coronavirus updates including information on closures, all of the emergency orders, business assistance and resources, impacted City services, Seniors/Special needs updates, and more.

The Florida Department of Health has established a Call Center that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1.866.779.6121.

Read the original:
Roundup of What's Open, What's Closed in Miami Beach due to the Coronavirus Pandemic - RE:MiamiBeach

What a difference a few weeks can make. In February, Americans were concerned about politics, March Madness, spring breaks and all the things that occupy us in good times and bad.

Now were talking about not inadvertently killing Grandpa and staying six feet away from strangers and loved ones alike. People whose work seemed solid are feeling the earth shift beneath their feet and everyone is being advised, perhaps for the first time in the history of modern dentistry, not to come in for a regular cleaning.

As they say on the Progressive commercials: What is happening here?

Thats an answer I dont have, but I do have advice, at least in the context of careers and job search: Keep calm, carry on. Youll recognize that as the now-famous counsel given to English citizens while they were dodging bombs and running households on half-rations of food.

That sentiment makes a good bumper sticker, but it makes an even better life philosophy. This is one of those times when it does no good to panic. Why? I just told you: Because it does no good. Seriously, panic is the one thing you dont want to do, for any number of reasons. Panicking wont change things, it blocks you from productive thinking and it compels you to do things you later regret.

If those reasons not to panic arent good enough, use this one instead: Because you have other things you need to do right now. If you are a worker in a critical field such as health care, you need your focus on self-management so you can stay healthy enough to help others.

If you are a manager or business owner, your leadership is needed so that others know what to do. If you are a communications professional, your ability to keep others informed is absolutely critical. If you are a teacher or school administrator, you dont need to be told that students and parents are looking to you for both guidance and continuity.

Mental health professionals, delivery drivers, food preparers, farmers, transportation workers, grocery store cashiers, gas station owners, home health aides (bless you), social workers, emergency plumbers, poets and artists, we need you all and we need all those I havent named here. And of course, if you have children or elderly people dependent on you, you are just plain needed, in ways that seem to be changing on an hourly basis.

So you see, you cant afford to panic. What should you (all of us) be doing instead? Heres advice for the uncertain weeks and months ahead.

Build cash reserves If youre receiving a paycheck, bank what you can. That might mean temporarily changing your withholding or pausing retirement contributions, with that money going to savings instead. Why? I dont know, except to say that cash reserves are important in the best of times, and certainly now.

If youre not receiving a paycheck, think about reducing outgoing expenses, bartering one of your skills for someone elses to lower costs, or even renting out a room or performing small jobs for cash if you can find takers. These are the pre-gig-economy gigs that kept our grandparents afloat in tough times.

Leverage unusual opportunities Every upheaval comes with a side helping of opportunity. For example, with interest rates so low, can you refinance your mortgage to improve cash flow?

Perhaps you have a skill, such as webinar development, that small businesses could use at this very moment. Even a simple notification on your Facebook page might be enough to attract interest. If youre currently out of work, getting a foot in the door in this way could translate to something bigger later.

Learn, learn, learn If you have a reliable internet connection and a computer, nows the time to download all the free training you can find, whether thats a video on appliance repair or an e-book on accounting practices. If you dont have the tools for online learning, theres still the library and independent bookstores. One way or the other, if youre not employed right now, it makes sense to prepare for being employed.

Plan the job search which brings us to this sticky wicket: Should you continue job searching, or pause? While many employers are struggling to support the workers they already have, others are all-hands-on-deck as they try to manage an overflow of work. Youll need a strategy that integrates the skills you can offer with the work employers need done.

For the moment, my advice is to plan, then act. Even if the action is necessarily delayed, youll still need the plan. Why? Because whatever your work is, you are needed. So stay sharp, keep calm, carry on. When this thing shakes out, well need clear heads and ready hands so we can pick up where we left off.

Read more from the original source:
Amy Lindgren: Workers of America: Keep calm and carry on - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press

Last year, European Union has ratified the Right to Repair regulation. According to these regulations, the manufacturers of the household electronic appliances i.e. lighting, washing machines, dish washers, and refrigerators, will have to make it easier for the consumers to get them repaired. Though the regulations does not include every aspect of the Right to Repair movement, as the activist claim, but its one of the starting step to be taken by developed countries in giving the consumers the liberty to own. Not only the EU, some US states are also thinking of implementing similar regulations in their respective states.

You can own a product, but cannot save it from dying. With the Right to repair, this paradigm will change. A right to repair refers to a consumer ability to have faulty goods repaired at a competitive price by a manufacturer, a third-party, or in some instances, self-repair, using available replacements parts and having access to information to make the repairs.

What are the regulations about?

The recently implemented regulation are part of measures taken by the EU to implement the Ecodesign directive. It is an effective tool for improving the energy efficiency of products. It helps eliminate the least performing products from the market, significantly contributing to the EUs 2020 energy efficiency objective. There are other non-EU countries like USA, Australia and Brazil among some, which have legislations similar to that of EU but the latter become the first to have an effective Right to Repair regulations.

The regulations, other than easing the repair of the household electronic appliances, also includes the manufacturers liability to supply the spare parts of the product for up to 10 years, ensuring that these appliances could be easily disassembled with common available tools, in addition to make them last longer. The rules further provide to make such appliances more user friendly.

The regulations are effective on the household appliances only and does not include our favourite smartphones within the domain. There was a long demand to include them within these regulation. A report from environmental groups recently stated that extending the lifespan of smartphones by just one year would significantly reduce carbon emission in the European Union. As smartphones has the largest impact climate impact, the inclusion to have proved to be boon for the EU Climate sustenance goals.

Why was this necessary?

Suppose you bought sophisticated device, say an expensive Refrigerator. After the warranty period, you come across some difficulty in the cooling. What you will do? Obviously, get it fixed. But when you went to a nearby repair shop, you came to know that the compressor needs to be changed, which is not available in the market. This forces you to go to the authorised companys service centre to get that changed, whose billing can cost you a hand and a leg.

With the passing of regulations giving effect to the right to repair, the manufactures will be obliged to provide the repair documentation and spare parts of the electronics to the consumers or to independent repair shops.

The curious case of Apple

In December 2017, it was discovered that Apple was intentionally slowing down phones with older batteries. They defended this tactic by saying it was intended to reduce performance issues, but had many people wondering if Apple was covertly pushing people to upgrade to a new phone. What you do when your car gets a dead battery or a flat tyre? Did you switch to a new car or you get that battery or tyre fixed. Almost all the consumers will go for the second option. In the Apples case, the company stated that the issue can be resolved by replacing the battery, which Apple Inc. doesnt make available to customers or third-party businesses.

Isnt this a sense of coercion on the consumers which the manufactures do by creating a sense of vacuum where there is no competition in the market so that they could charge exorbitantly and make a bank?

But in August 2019, Apple announced New Independent Repair Provider Programme to sell parts, tools and repair guides to independent shops so they can fix broken iPhones. Though the same comes with some conditions, its a big U-turn for a company which has spent years lobbying against the introduction of right to repair laws. Such type of programmes could help save the right of a triangle consisting of manufacturer, consumers and independent repairers offering a safe repair of the product.

Ill-Effects on the consumers

There are various problems faced by the consumer in the absence of Right to Repair.

Saving the mother earth

With the increasing awareness and apparent effects of Climate Change being observed, there was an increasing demand to reduce the electronic waste. Such types of regulations are a stepping stones towards saving carbon emissions and using the electronic resources more wisely. Australia and its jungle crisis

Libby Peake from the think tank Green Alliance told BBC News: The new rules are a definite improvement. We think they could have been better, but its good news that at last politicians are waking up to an issue that the public have recognised as a problem for a long time. The new rules will benefit the environment and save resources. (See here)

This was necessary to give effect to the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN and the commitments which the world demands from the leaders of the countries who assemble in the Climate Change Conference every year with little or no braveries to implement Climate saving measures.

Concern for the Manufacturers

In order to do the repairs, the consumers or the independent repair shops, other than the spare parts and service information, need a wholesome accessibility to the specialised tools and softwares. Thats where the things gets tricky.

Some manufacturers are afraid that the independent repairers might not have the required skill, techniques, and repair machines, which may lead to poor repair and damaging the machine, which might potentially render them dangerous.

Digital Europe, one industry group said: We understand the political ambition to integrate strict energy and resource efficiency aspects, but we are concerned that some requirements are either unrealistic or provide no added value. The draft regulations limit market access, deviate from internationally-recognised best practices and compromise intellectual property.(See here)

Last year we have surpassed 50 million metric tonnes of E-waste.

Its Viability in India

India, being a developing country and home to highest population of people living below poverty, must think to imbibe such laws in its legal system. The extra cost of repair pose a burden on the lower-middle and middle class strata. With the unemployment rate going high, and the slow economy also marks a burden on India, which is in a sheer need of some economic miracle.

India is also a signatory of the Paris agreement to limit Climate change and curb the emission of greenhouse gases. Therefore, in addition to the societal and welfare obligation, it also need to fund its programme working for the Climate Change. In such situations, the Electronic waste and its disposal is a worrisome task for the authorities.

The passing of Right to repair laws can act as a measure to assist the government in controlling above evils to a reasonable level, although not eradicating the same in toto.

Conclusion

As the liberty principle applies, you must have full control over the product which you own. Every person has the right to enjoy, manage and alienate his belonging, be it movable or immovable. But such right gets limited applicability, in case of electronic appliances, due to the policies of the manufacturers. With the changes coming in the western world, its time that we become aware of our Liberty to own. As it has been said, If you cant fix it, you dont own it.

More here:
What you can repair is what you own - Experts & Views - Legally India

Its chore time. Stepping back into the garden after a long, harsh winter can be overwhelming, but it is also a time of relief. Even with a winter chill still in the air, there are plenty of tasks to start handling now if you want to get your garden in party-ready shape by the time the temperatures rise. Spring is a fabulous time to assess damage from winter, fix tools, fill in holes in the landscape, tend to your lawn, perform essential pruning, make new beds, plant from bare-root or container-grown plants, feed everything, if all is healthy begin composting, be kind to the birds, add a layer of mulch and tune up your drip system.

1. Survey your yard: Check trees for dead branches, cut down last years perennial foliage and toss it into the compost pile. Rake and refresh mulch under trees. Check hardscape for disrepair caused by freezing and thawing. Do not clean beds until after April 15 in west central Nebraska we are zone 5 and prune roses back after April 25. Keep in mind the average frost-free date is around May 12.

2. Tune up tools: In case you didnt get this done before winter. Wooden handles benefit from being cleaned, sanded, and massaged with linseed oil. Sharpen and disinfect pruners. Make sure garden tools are in working order or replace them.

3. Refresh the lawnmower: The mower and leaf blower need to be serviced. Sharpen mower blades, refill mower with oil, install fresh spark plugs and lubricate moving parts. Clear the lawn of winter debris and look for areas that need reseeding before mowing.

4. Prune shrubs: Remove dead, damaged and diseased branches from woody plants. Summer blooming shrubs like butterfly bush and Russian sage should not be cut back too early, wait for these plants to have spring growth, then trim. Prune spring-flowering shrubs and trees after flowering.

5. Check soil quality: Through a soil test at a registered laboratory, do a soil quality check and check soil temperatures before planting vegetable crops.

6. Fertilize: Your garden is waking up, dont get in a hurry to apply fertilizer. Begin fertilizing perennials, shrubs, lawn and trees after there is growth.

7. Clean bird feeders and baths: If you have already made a home and feeding station for your feathered friends, now is a good time to clean, disinfect them with a weak bleach solution.

8. Mulch: When in doubt, mulching is possibly the single easiest thing you can do from both a functional and aesthetic point of view to give the garden a fresh layer. A 2 to 3 inch layer of your favorite mulch, wood chips, shredded cedar or finished compost, gives everything a clean, tidied up look, while helping to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

9. Know when the right time to plant is: Plant garden bedding plants and potted perennials two weeks outside before planting, after the frost free date. Bare root perennials, shrubs and trees can be planted earlier. Put all of your gardening information in a notebook. List what you plant in the garden, including names of companies, plant name, variety, planting date and harvest date. During the growing season, keep notes on how the plant performs. If the variety is susceptible to disease, record what was used to treat any problems. This helps to plan future gardens.

10. Monitor sprinkler system: Youll want inspect and repair your sprinkler system, and monitor your sprinkler water by zone for proper function. Use drip irrigation wherever possible to preserve our precious natural resource.

For additional information or questions and the Master Gardener Program classes and projects, please contact Nebraska Extension, West Central Research and Extension Center at 308-532-2683.

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Jacobson: Spring back into the garden with these early season tips - North Platte Telegraph

BATON ROUGE- Following the March 13th proclamation by Gov. John Bel Edwards, aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana, the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM) recently advised the public about how best to continue their business needs with the State Fire Marshals Office.

The public was informed of limited walk-in services at agency offices as well as changes to SFM-hosted trainings and meetings and SFM-conducted inspections.

Business owners need to know the changes to SFM-conducted operations do not apply to their requirement to have licensed Life Safety and Property Protection (LSPP) businesses and individuals conduct annual, quarterly or other code-required inspections of life safety systems and equipment. The LSPP industry includes mechanical or electronic locks, special locking systems and equipment, security systems and equipment, fire sprinkler systems and equipment, fire detection and alarm systems and equipment, fire suppression systems and equipment, portable fire extinguishers, fire hoses, and conveyance devices.

Due to SFM-conducted inspections being limited during this public health emergency, it is imperative that required inspections by LSPP businesses and individuals continue.

If any LSPP companies and/or individuals experience obstacles in continuing their required system inspections, the SFM remains committed to assisting with those issues. You can reach our Licensing team by calling our main phone switchboard line, 1-800-256-5452, and choosing the Licensing option when presented in the automated message.

The SFM appreciates the publics patience and cooperation with these temporary operations to ensure the health and safety of your families and ours.

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State Fire Marshal's Office Advises Life Safety and Property Protection Industry During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency - FOX 15

Gregory Losordo

SANDWICH On Wednesday, March 18, 2020 the Sandwich Police arrested Gregory Losordo, 35, of Sandwich for Fentanyl Trafficking in more than 10 grams. The Sandwich Police had conducted an investigation into Mr. Losordo and his alleged narcotics dealing over the past several weeks. That investigation led to a search warrant being granted to search Mr. Losordo and his home in Sandwich.

At approximately 2:15 PM, Sandwich Police observed Mr. Losordo as a passenger in a vehicle near his home. Based on warrant, the vehicle was stopped by the police. Mr. Losordo was uncooperative and fought with the police. During the struggle police observed plastic bags containing what is believed to be Fentanyl fall from his pants onto the ground. Mr. Losordo continued to fight as he was placed under arrest. He was additionally charged with Resisting Arrest.

Once the search was completed police found a total of 11 separate bags containing approximately 29 grams of Fentanyl. Mr. Losordo was transported to the Sandwich Police station and booked. He was held overnight on $20,000 cash bail. While in the cell, Mr. Losordo ripped the fire suppression sprinkler system from the ceiling resulting in an area of station being flooded. A felony charge of Vandalism was added to his list of charges.

Sandwich Police also conducted a search warrant at his address. Police located paraphernalia related to narcotic distribution. Mr. Losordo is scheduled to be arraigned by Barnstable District Court Thursday.Media release and mugshot furnished by Sandwich Police

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Sandwich man under arrest as the result of a narcotics investigation - CapeCod.com News

Aspinwall, a quaint sidewalk community tucked along the Allegheny River, was tightly knit before the coronavirus hit the Pittsburgh region. Its the type of community where people gather at the coffee shop or local pub, organize block parties, hold street concerts and love a good parade. In other words, a very Pittsburgh kind of place. But with coronavirus keeping people at home, Aspinwall neighbors were missing each other.

I feel its really important to see your neighbors after such a tough week, says resident Carrie Benson. Through an Aspinwall Facebook group, she invited every resident to step outside onto their porches, stoops or balconies on Saturday to share a happy hour toast.

Its the easiest party Ive ever planned, she laughs.

Sisters Martha Lightfoot and author Sarah Tuthill toast to Aspinwall.

With wide sidewalks and ample porches, residents here are naturally social. Aspinwall is built for this type of community response to social distancing, Benson points out. All her posts, texts and word of mouth invitations worked at exactly 5 p.m., despite the chill in the air, hundreds of residents emerged from their homes, drink in hand, eager to see their neighbors.

We couldnt wait to get out here, admits resident Kristin Dowd from her apartments porch, where she and her husband, Jimmy, were greeting passers-by. People are waving, horns beeping and were all having a nice conversation. Even the fire trucks are out, Dowd says of a custom typically reserved for Aspinwalls famous Memorial Day Parade. But the best part was being able to toast to our friend across the street who, as a pharmacist, has been working tirelessly since the pandemic hit, she added.

A few blocks away, 6-year-old Niko Barii provided the highlight, treating neighbors to a live concert from his front stoop. Billed (using sidewalk chalk, of course) as Lil Elvis, his show included an original tune about the coronavirus (check out his performance in the video below).

The Kearney family joins in the porch toast.

I suggested he sing, says his mom, Megan. But I didnt expect him to prepare with a microphone and a program. A few neighbors put their chairs on their lawns and Nico said, my audience is coming.

Just keep swimming.

Just a week into the national emergency, Aspinwall residents have come up with other ways to encourage human connection that can be enjoyed from a distance.

On Saint Patricks Day, people were asked to hang pictures of shamrocks in their windows so neighborhood kids could hunt for them during their daily walk. Kids of any age were also inspired to chalk the walk, filling stoops and driveways with colorful pictures and poignant words of encouragement.

Benson and her husband Jonathan Weingarden are grateful for the community in which they plan to raise their first baby, due next month. My ultimate hope is that we keep looking for opportunities to help each other. We are all anxious for our loved ones, our families, the elderly people in our lives, she says. I take some solace in looking over at my neighbors, knowing that we are all in this together. Cheers to that.

Know of an inspiring and creative idea for get-togethers or things to do while were under quarantine? Email NEXTpittsburgh. We would love to hear from you.

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On Saturday night, hundreds of folks in Aspinwall held a porch toast - NEXTpittsburgh

Although more than a century and a quarter has passed since publication of Arthur Conan Doyles first story, Sherlock Holmes continues to inspire novels, movies, TV, and the stage. I will review some of the actors who played Holmes in this concluding essay in my Holmes duology; and assess how true each was to Conan Doyles artistic vision.

Where possible, Ill contrast each actors portrayal with the Holmes described by Dr. Watson, which I have paraphrased as, His very person was such as to strike the attention of the most casual observer. He was rather over six feet, and so lean that he seemed considerably taller. His eyes were sharp and piercing, and his thin, hawk-like nose and prominent chin gave his whole expression an air of alertness, decision, and determination.

Note that I occasionally will refer to the canon in this essay, which consists of the 56 short stories and four novels written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and published in the Strand Magazine.

This is no easy task. In 2012, one of the worlds most reliable sources, i.e., The Guiness Book of World Records, awarded the title for most portrayed literary human character in film & television to Sherlock Holmes, who had already been presented on screen, at that time, more than 250 times. He has been played. in some manner, by nearly 100 actors, including Michael Caine, Benedict Cumberbatch, Christopher Lee, Robert Downey Jr., Ian McKellen, Jonny Miller, Peter OToole, Christopher Plummer, and Basil Rathbone.

However, I will focus only on the MSM, that is, the Main-Sherlock-Media, and exclude the Sherlocks in parodies like Without a Clue, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Smarter Brother, and The Great Mouse Detective.

Sherlockian Literature After Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Award-winning American playwright, Ken Ludwig, set The Games Afoot at a cast party in 1936 Gillette Castle. Published in 2012, the play was presented at the Ivoryton Playhouse in 2017. Jim Bennet, of Mystic, has written three historical mysteries regarding William Gillette under the pen name James Walker; in these, Gillette uses his stage persona as Sherlock Holmes to investigate murders and other crimes.

In addition, a growing group of authors is writing short stories and novels in the style of Arthur Conan Doyle. Many of these pastiches are quite accurate in their portrayals and have begun to form a subcategory of popular literature.

Sherlock in the Cinema and on TV

Rather than attempt an exhaustive review of every actor who has portrayed Sherlock in any television or movie production, I will begin this review in the late 1930s with Basil Rathbones interpretation, and continue chronologically to the present.

I feel that any review of Sherlock must also consider the associated Dr. Watson. However, I will not review the concomitant LeStrade or Moriarty characters in this essay.

I dont pretend to have the expertise of Old Lyme resident David Handlers character Mitch Berger of Dorset in judging these actors, but I can certainly distinguish good acting from bad; and sloppy dialog from a well-constructed plot. Moreover, in the spirit of some current American politicians, theres absolutely no science in these assessments, although Ill start with the null hypothesis that Basil Rathbone is Sherlock, and attempt to disprove that premise.

Basil Rathbone

Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository.

In 1939, Basil Rathbone played Holmes in The Hound of the Baskervilles with Nigel Bruce as Watson. They continued through 1946 and completed 14 Sherlock Holmes movies. Almost concurrent with movie production, they also starred in a serialized radio drama, The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, that aired in the United States from late 1939 through mid-1947.

With the exception of Hound, these films were only loosely based on Arthur Conan Doyles canon, but were updated to reflect the issues of the day. Im not claiming that all 14 were great cinema; but they certainly were respectable wartime productions.

So, by mid-century, the Rathbone/Bruce team was recognized and accepted in both America and Great Britain as Holmes and Watson. Ill reference only two movies to support my claim.

In Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon, Holmes, disguised as an elderly book seller, smuggles a Swiss scientist and his advanced bomb sight into England just as the Gestapo prepared to arrest him and seize control of his laboratory. Many of the Holmes wartime movies ended with a soliloquy by Basil Rathbone. This one always brings a few tears to my eyes.

At the end of Secret Weapon, Holmes and Watson, with a contingent of the British war cabinet, are observing a squadron of Lancaster bombers equipped with the bombsight as they leave for Nazi Germany.Watson: Things are looking up, Holmes. This little Islands still on the map.Holmes: Yes. This fortress built by nature for herself; This blessed plot, this Earth, this Rome, this England.This latter line is, of course, from Act II of Richard II by William Shakespeare.

In Sherlock Holmes in Washington, Holmes breaks up a Nazi spy ring operating from a high-end D.C. antiques shop, and recovers the secret microfilmed documents that they had stolen from a murdered British intelligence agent.

As Holmes and Watson prepare to leave the District, driving towards Capitol Hill, the conversation goes like this:Holmes: Look up there ahead the Capitol, the very heart of this democracy.Watson: Democracy; the only hope for the future?Holmes: Its not given to us to peer into the mysteries of the future, but in the days to come the British and American people will, for their own safety and for the good of all, walk together in majesty, in justice, and in peace.In citing Churchills then recent address to Congress, Sherlock reminds us of how great that legislative body once was.

While Basil Rathbone was Sherlock, both physically and intellectually, Nigel Bruce regularly presented Watson as a befuddled English gentleman and a somewhat slower associate of Holmes. His interpretation of Watson is inconsistent with the more intelligent Watson of Arthur Conan Doyles canon.

Ronald HowardIn 1954, British actor Ronald Howard began a two-season run of 39 episodes on the American television series Sherlock Holmes. He played a relatively light-hearted and campy Sherlock along-side H. Marion Crawfords Dr. Watson; who played a sharp, and sometimes aggressive Watson, unlike Nigel Bruce above. Of the 39 episodes, only The Red-Headed League was based on Arthur Conan Doyles original body of work. The series included such titles as: The Case of the Texas Cowgirl, and The Case of The Shoeless Engineer. However, there were occasional allusions to the Doyle canon.

Douglas WilmerIn 1965, the BBC began its presentation of Sherlock Holmes with British classical actor Douglas Wilmer as the lead, and Nigel Stock as Watson. This sometimes noirish series continued until 1968, with 13 episodes wholly- based on the original stories. Wilmer plays a shrewd, but arrogant Holmes; and sports all the expected trappings: deerstalker cap, pipe, prominent nose, and obsessive nature. Nigel Stock is another affable, but intellectually inferior Watson.

Jeremy BrettIn the Granada Television series that aired in the UK from 1984 to 1994, Jeremy Brett played a more emotional and physically graceful Sherlock than the predecessor Sherlocks described above. His manner was more swaggering with occasional outbursts of passion used to re-focus Watson or LeStrade

His sometimes overly-precise and dramatic presentation quality demonstrate his background in musical theater. He played Freddy Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady. Heres a clue for you: I have often walked down this street before; but the pavement always stayed beneath my feet before. All at once am I several stories high, knowing Im on the street where you live

There were two Watsons over this decade-long series, namely David Burke and Edward Hardwicke. Both played the character as a highly intelligent and intuitive associate of Holmes, and true to Doyles canon. Many consider Jeremy Bretts characterization of Holmes as the defining Sherlock performance. To get a feel for his style, watch this video clip to see Holmes leap the couch at 221B in The Red Headed League.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch during filming of Sherlock in Chinatown, London. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository.

Sherlock is a contemporized version of Arthur Conan Doyles consulting detective now operating in 21st century London. Cumberbatch is Holmes, and Martin Freeman is Watson. Thirteen 90-minute episodes were produced in this BBC/PBS series between 2010 and 2017. The Cumberbatch Holmes is more arrogant and self-centered than the predecessors described above, and less-willing to contend with Inspector LeStrades plodding manner.

The deerstalker cap is absent, although other traditional detective attire (long coat and scarf) frequently appear. I believe that, although updated with contemporary technology, and despite the unruly hair, Cumberbatchs portrayal of the character is first rate. His Holmes still has exceptional intellect, is excitable, and delights in solving puzzles no one else could solve.

Dr. Watson is a younger veteran of the Royal Army Medical Corps in the Afghan War than those reviewed above and is certainly played as a more independent self-starter. He blogs about their adventures rather than writing by hand for publication in the print media.

However, Watsons blog provides the pair some unwanted celebrity and the press begins reporting on the cases and Sherlocks sometimes eccentric personal life. Their cases, like those in the canon, come from both ordinary people and the British government.

Jonny Miller

Elementary first aired in 2012, and ran for seven seasons and over 150 episodes. There is little connection to Arthur Conan Doyles body of work beyond some character names and occasional allusions to the original stories.

Elementary is really a police procedural with Jonny Miller as Sherlock Holmes, and Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson. Sherlock is a recovering drug addict and former consultant to Scotland Yard, who has re-located to a Brooklyn brownstone in present-day New York City for addiction treatment.

Watson is a former surgeon who has left practice, and is hired by Sherlocks father to assist in his rehabilitation as his sober companion. Watsons relationship with Holmes evolves from sober companion, to investigative apprentice, and into a professional crime-solving partnership with Sherlock and the NYPD.

This Holmes is, of course, indifferent to proper procedure as he works with the NYPD. one critic describes the series as, pretty good television; the stories are unpredictable, and often draw on contemporary issues like hacking, cyber-espionage, and corruption in international finance. I dont recall whether the latter was Deutsche Bank. There is a definite psychological component underlying the series and the plots often include the characters struggles to deal with their many demons.

Robert Downey Jr.

Downey is not, by any stretch of the imagination, Sherlock Holmes. Others disagree, as a third movie is apparently in progress, beyond Sherlock Holmes (2009), and A Game of Shadows (2011). His interpretation is more vulgar and more cynical than those reviewed above. There is significant violence in the plots, perhaps because the movies are targeting a less-sophisticated and/or a teenaged audience. The first two movies are totally lacking in subtlety and I think of them as the violent video games that you want your children to avoid.

Some Final Thoughts

I always pass my penultimate draft by my wife, Christina. Her comments were that, the essay is well-punctuated, but maybe a little obsessive. I agree that I punctuate well.

I have watched each of theafore-mentioned movies or TV shows at least once; either on DVD, or for the more recent ones, on television or in the theater. To explain, nine years ago next Halloween, I had just finished a two-year period during which I had almost unlimited time for reading and the media. I wasnt incarcerated or unemployed; and, although I am a Navy veteran, I was not a member of a ballistic missile submarine team rotated ashore.

I have also concluded that Senator Blumenthal does bear some resemblance to the Holmes described by Dr. Watson in the first paragraph of this essay; and certainly, his activities as Connecticut Attorney General also required some of the fundamental skills of a consulting detective. Our junior senator could, conceivably, be Watson. This is not a political column, so I wont name any of the more obvious candidates for Moriarty.

The next essay changes focus from human icons to Connecticuts iconic Long Island Sound and the rising water levels that I have observed from my porch over the past several years.

Tom Gotowka

About the author:Tom Gotowkas entire adult career has been in healthcare. He will sit on the Navy side at the Army/Navy football game. He always sit on the crimson side at any Harvard/Yale contest. He enjoys reading historic speeches and considers himself a scholar of the period from FDR through JFK.

A child of AM Radio, he probably knows the lyrics of every rock and roll or folk song published since 1960. He hopes these experiences give readers a sense of what he believes qualify him to write this column.

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A View from My Porch: Almost 100 Actors Have Played Sherlock Holmes, Who Were They (Well, Some of Them) and How Did They Do? - lymeline.com