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    Its not the cheating that matters. The Astros scandal cuts deeper than that. – Houston Chronicle

    - January 17, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Its not the cheating that matters. For as long as theres been baseball, ballplayers have stolen signs, doctored balls, and cut corners, anything to give them a little edge over the other guys. Its tattooed into the game. In 1948, Cleveland Indians owner Bill Veeck gave a Tribe employee a pair of binoculars and an Army surplus walkie-talkie, and stationed him inside the Municipal Stadium centerfield scoreboard, where he picked up the opposing teams pitching signs and radioed them to the Cleveland dugout. Eight years earlier, the Detroit Tigers used a slightly less sophisticated system, employing the scope from a hunting rifle and a series of hand gestures in their chicanery. The 1948 Indians won the World Series. Today, Bill Veeck is beloved as an innovator, a master showman, and a lovable scamp. The 1940 Tigers also won the Series, and no less an authority than star first baseman Hank Greenberg, a Hall of Famer, credits cheating. In 1989s Hank Greenberg: The Story of My Life, the slugger tells ghostwriter Ira Berkow, I think it was picking up those signs that were instrumental in enabling us to win that 1940 pennant sign stealing is a fascinating aspect of the game.

    Ballplayers cheat. Astros ballplayers cheat. They always have. In the 80s, former Astros knuckleballer Joe Niekro, then with the Minnesota Twins, was infamously caught on the pitchers mound with an emery board in his back pocket. Emery boards are used to illegally mar the ball surface, enabling a pitcher to alter pitch trajectories in maddening and unexpected ways. Mike Scott led the 1986 Astros to a National League West title with equal parts skill, scuffing, and judicious dollops of KY-Jelly, the 1980s ball-doctoring foreign substance of choice. Billy Hatcher, one of the heroes of that 86 club, earned a 10-game suspension in 1987, when his bat cracked during a game against the Cubs, revealing that the barrel had been illegally hollowed out and filled with cork. Several former Astros have been accused of using steroids and other performance-enhancing illegal substances.

    Its not the cheating. This latest disaster, this new heartbreak, goes far deeper than that. Yes, the Astros stole signs, like the 48 Indians and the 40 Tigers and probably every other club thats ever won a championship in baseball history. The Astros cheating was institutionalized. It was organized, and cynical and, as far as anybody can tell, countenanced at the highest levels of the organization. This wasnt a guy with binoculars and a walkie-talkie. This was sophisticated surveillance equipment, camera and wires and monitors and transmitters installed in a massive, massively expensive stadium. Lots of people were involved. Lots of people knew about it. This is Lance Armstrong level conspiracy, with Armstrong-like dissembling to cover it. What the 2017 Astros stolen Series reminds us is that we cant trust anybody, least of all our sports heroes.

    The Astros were Houstons post-Harvey rainbow, a sign from the Baseball Gods that after the despair of having half of the city underwater, there was a reason to hope, a reason to keep going. The Stros were our guys. They were Houstonians, in the very best sense, young and strong and confident, the embodiment of the diversity that Houstonians constantly brag about. Yuli Gurriel is a Cuban immigrant. Jose Altuve comes from Venezuela. Alex Bregman is a white kid who played his college ball at LSU, and who taught himself Spanish so that he could help his Latino teammates feel welcome. George Springer hits the Houstonian Diversity Trifecta: His mom is Puerto Rican, his dad is Panamanian, of African heritage, and he grew up in Connecticut. Theyd already attracted our attention before Harvey. After Harvey, they held us together. And when they won the Series, we stood among our piles of waterlogged carpeting and sodden sheetrock and we screamed and we cried and we felt a whole lot better about what had been a really rotten year. All of that is gone now. The whole thing was a lie. And those 2017 memories seem as rotten and reeking as those mountains of flood-ruined belongings we hauled out of our homes.

    Everything feels dirty. Astros owner Jim Cranes press conference, announcing the firings of manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow, seemed disingenuous and contrived. There was a Nixonian mistakes were made vibe, and the firings, while deserved, felt a little phony, a tattered fig leaf vainly covering the entire clubs shame. Even in Cranes firing of Luhnow and Hinch there was no suggestion that they masterminded this conspiracy. The players were behind it, and some video tech guys, and maybe a coach or two. But the World Series victory isnt tainted, not at all. Everybody in the dugout (except Hinch, of course) was in on the cheat, but by golly, we earned that title!

    Lives and reputations are ruined. In 2017, Carlos Beltran was the beloved graybeard of the Astros roster, a future Hall of Famer whose decades of experience were an inspiration to a very young ballclub. In postgame interviews, he took on the appearance of one of those Olmec stone heads, looking both impossibly intimidating and endlessly wise. It turns out that Beltran was one of the chief architects of the cheat. He will go to his grave not as one of the greatest players of his generation, but as the guy who helped the Astros steal a title. Luhnow and Hinch may never again work in organized baseball. Guys like Yuli, Bregman, and Springer will be dogged by doubts for the rest of their careers.

    Its already started with Jose Altuve. Long before 2017, Altuve was on his way to being the greatest second baseman in Astros history. His batting numbers for the first six years of his career dwarf the numbers put up by Craig Biggio, who ended up in the Hall of Fame. Altuve was a legend, long before the Stros started stealing signs.

    This morning on The Dan Patrick Show, a listener from Los Angeles called in to complain about the Astros. He mentioned, Whats-his-name, that little guy who plays second base, and said, I guess now we know hes just a cheater. Jose Altuve doesnt need stolen signs to be a great hitter, but for many fans, Altuve is just a cheater. The greatest moment in Houston sporting history, the greatest team in Astros history, is as ruined as a flood-ravaged house. We will never trust those memories, never feel completely comfortable with those memories, ever again.

    On Dec. 5, 1985, I asked a Houston girl to marry me. Improbably, she agreed. On Dec. 6, I walked into a sporting goods store at the University Mall in Orem, Utah, and bought my first Astros ballcap. From now on, Im an Astros fan, I told my roommates. For 34 years I have loved this club and hated this club and rooted for this club and been driven half out of my mind by this club. Ive felt let down by the Stros, but never betrayed by them.

    Until now. And feeling that betrayal, I dont know that I can ever be an Astros fan again.

    McMurray is a Houston businessman and a frequent contributor to Gray Matters.

    Note: A correction was made to this article at 3 p.m. Jan. 17. Joe Niekro was caught with an emery board while playing for the Twins not the Astros.

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    Its not the cheating that matters. The Astros scandal cuts deeper than that. - Houston Chronicle

    The Air in Your Home Is Making Your Family Sick. Heres What to Do About It. – Fatherly

    - January 17, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    We often think of air pollution as car exhaust, smoke-spewing factories, and smog, but the air your family breathes while sleeping, eating, and vegging in front of the TV is anything but clean. Indoor air is teeming with toxic chemicals and allergens that can singe the eyes, trigger asthma attacks, and bring on headaches. Over time, airborne toxins can disrupt hormones, damage vital organs, and possibly even lead to cancer.

    But pollution isnt the only problem lurking in the air. Homes that are too dry are a potential health hazard too. Along with causing cracked skin and nosebleeds and increasing the risk of dehydration, overly dry air keeps influenza aloft and makes us more likely to get infected. But on the flipside, too-humid air encourages mold growth and attracts dust mites, creating a whole new set of health problems.

    Whether polluted, too dry, or too humid, imperfect indoor air is likely making your family sick. So what can you do about it? Well, contrary to popular demand, the answer to the pollution problem is not to fill your home with potted plants. They do purify the air very slightly, but youd have to turn every room into a jungle to have any meaningful effect. Here are some more real, actionable solutions to keep your family safe from illness both now and in the future.

    Believe or not, indoor air is actually more polluted than outdoor air, says Josh Jacobs, director of environmental codes and standards at independent safety certifier UL. Because we seal up buildings and control ventilation rates, anything we add inside drywall, flooring, furniture, paint, electronics can give off VOCs, which do not dissipate in an indoor environment.

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    Short for volatile organic compounds, VOCs include some 13,000 toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde, aldehyde, benzene, and toluene, that off-gas from manmade household products and building materials. In fact, Jacobs says that only items made entirely of steel, glass, concrete, or stone do not give off VOCs that we then breathe in. Along with irritating the eyes, nose, and throat, these hazardous chemicals can worsen asthma symptoms and cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, skin rashes, and fatigue. Prolonged exposure can harm the kidneys, liver, or central nervous system and potentially cause cancer.

    Although plenty of VOCs are emitted outdoors, those chemicals can escape, whereas the VOCs given off inside the home get trapped, turning problematic. Think about it like red dye, Jacobs says. If you put one drop in the ocean, it will dissipate quickly and nothing will really happens. But if you put one drop in a fishbowl, it will turn the water pink or even bright red.

    Besides VOC contamination, indoor air can also be sullied by allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, mold, or even pollen tracked in from outside. Along with hovering in the air, these pollutants accumulate in house dust. Whats more, everyday activities like cooking on a gas stove and scouring the kitchen floor conjure up gasses that can cause health problems when inhaled.

    How to Fit It

    Youll never totally eradicate VOC emissions, but you can do a lot to lessen your familys exposure, starting with the types of products you bring into your home. When shopping for paint, furniture, countertops, drywall, mattresses, bedding, window treatments, and many more home-improvement needs, look for ULs GreenGuard Gold certification. Any product bearing this seal will have passed rigorous third-party testing to prove it has low VOC emissions.

    Similarly, for carpeting, flooring, and the adhesives and sealants they require, pick products that carry the Carpet and Rug Institutes Green Label Plus seal, which have also passed ULs stringent VOC emissions tests. Another certification to know is ECOLOGO, also administered by UL, which signals low VOCs as well as a minimal environmental footprint. Look for this seal on cleaning products especially, but also paper products, electronics, office equipment, and more. (For a full list of certified GreenGuard, Green Label Plus, or ECOLOGO products, go to UL Spot.)

    To lessen the VOC threat from household items you already own, open windows as much as possible to circulate outdoor air through your home. If you have a forced-air heating and cooling system, use filters designed to remove small particles (Check Consumer Reports Air Filter Buying Guide for best options) and change it out regularly; this should help minimize airborne allergens as well. Also consider a standalone air purifier, which wont do much for VOCs but can capture allergens, dust, and other particles. These require regular filter swap-outs too.

    Additionally, vacuum, sweep, and dust your entire home frequently to mop up all the allergens and other nasty stuff thats settled onto floors, furniture, and electronics. And if you have a gas stovetop with an exhaust hood, use it whenever you cook and leave it on for a few minutes after youre done. Research shows that hoods drastically limit the pollutants pushed into the air.

    If you live in the northern U.S., at high elevation, or anywhere that gets cold enough to necessitate turning on the heat for part of the year, dry indoor air is practically a given. The Environmental Protection Agency advises keeping humidity levels between 30 percent and 50 percent, but rarely do homes with the heat running constantly even scratch 30.

    Some of what happens when the air is too arid is obvious and annoying: scaly skin, staticky hair, itchy scalp. Nosebleeds are common as well, because when the tiny blood vessels in our nasal passageways dry out, they become brittle and burst easily. But dry air introduces more health hazards than many people realize. First of all, its easier to get dehydrated because the body loses fluids while we breathe. And along with causing headaches, dizziness, or nausea, dehydration can make us more prone to respiratory ailments.

    Our immune system relies on a certain amount of moisture to create thick, gooey mucus that traps viruses and bacteria in the nose and mouth before they can infect us, says Daniel Allan, M.D., a family medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic. Those secretions carry antibodies so they work almost like a filter. But if youre not well hydrated, your nose and mouth will dry out, leaving you more vulnerable to illness.

    Making matters worse, some viruses especially influenza thrive in dry air. Research shows that flu epidemics in the U.S. almost always come a few weeks after the relative humidity drops. This is likely because dry air helps the virus to travel better and stay activated longer, says Jennifer Reiman, Ph.D., who researched humiditys effects on influenza while at the Mayo Clinic.

    As soon as someone sneezes or coughs, the [influenza-containing] droplets they expel start shrinking, she says. Under low humidity, they shrink more rapidly, and when they are smaller, it takes longer for them to fall out of circulation and onto the floor. They hang around in the air longer and are more easily picked up by others. Also, those smaller particles can reach deeper into the airways and get into the lungs where they can infect, Reiman adds, whereas bigger particles dont make it as far into the body.

    How to Fit It

    To keep your home from drying out, make sure its well insulated. The more air leaks you have in your doors, windows, crawl spaces, and weather stripping, the more dry, cold outdoor air comes into the home, Allan says. Then the furnace has to work harder, making it harder to control humidity in the house. Insulating well is good for your monthly energy bill but also could help reduce your chances of getting sick.

    If you suspect the humidity in your home is too lowand again, even if your house is sealed well, if the heat has been on for a while, it probably is first buy a hygrometer to test it. These instruments are sold at most hardware stores or on Amazon, often for under $20. If the humidity level reads below 30 percent, then consider buying a humidifier, which shoots a fine mist of water into the air to bump up the moisture level. There are console units, which are generally bigger, stay parked in one spot, and can treat the air of a large space, as well as tabletop humidifiers, which are smaller and easier to move from room to room. Depending on the size and layout of your house, you might need more than one unit.

    When it comes to flu protection, humidifiers have been proven to help. Reiman ran a fascinating study a few winters ago in which her team installed humidifiers in two preschool classrooms to raise the humidity level to between 42 percent and 45 percent. They left two other classrooms untreated. Then, along with tracking the number of kids who reported flu symptoms that year, the researchers collected air samples from each classroom and swabbed wooden blocks, markers, playdough utensils, and other surfaces the tots touched.

    Analyzing all the samples in their lab, Reimans team found significantly more influenza present in the classrooms without the humidifiers. And of the virus samples found, those from the dryer rooms were more virulent. This synced up to the data from the kids, as 2.3 more cases of influenza-like illness were reported from the non-humidified classrooms.

    While they can make your home feel more comfortable and decrease virus risk, be careful with humidifiers. They require refilling daily and a deep cleaning at least once a week to ensure they keep working efficiently and, more importantly, to prevent mold from forming and bacteria from building up in the stagnant water you dont want that junk misting into the air.

    With humidity, too much of a good thing is very, very bad. Although indoor air above 50 percent humidity is more common in the Southeastern U.S., it can happen anywhere that gets hot and humid in the summertime or whenever a homes air conditioning system isnt working properly. Basements, bathrooms, and very small spaces can see humidity levels creep.

    Homes that are too humid risk sprouting mold, which produces allergens that can cause sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, skin rashes, and feverlike symptoms. Mold is particularly pesky for people with asthma, upping the risk of attacks. Another common allergen, dust mites, thrive in humidity as well. So do many species of bacteria that can make us sick. Oh, and heres one more problem: Research shows humidity higher than 60 percent can increase concentrations of VOCs.

    How to Fit It

    If your home is harboring unhealthy humidity levels, youll likely be able to feel it and notice condensation on windows and mirrors. But it never hurts to bust out the hygrometer to check. To keep levels under control, get your air conditioning looked at by a professional to ensure that you have the most efficient system for your home and that its working as it should.

    Also, make sure to use the exhaust fans over your stove and in your bathrooms to draw out excess moisture. Run fans in your home to keep air circulating and humidity low. Even taking shorter showers and covering steaming pots on the stove will help stop humidity from rising.

    If humidity is an ongoing problem, consider investing in a dehumidifier, which sucks moisture from the air, collecting the water in a removable reservoir. Dehumidifiers come in multiple capacities based on how many pints of water they can draw from the air within 24 hours. Your home or rooms size and current humidity level can inform how strong of a horse you need. (Consumer Reports offers a comprehensive buying guide and product reviews.) Just like with a humidifier, though, you have to stay on top of cleaning dehumidifiers or you could have a pool of bacteria before long.

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    The Air in Your Home Is Making Your Family Sick. Heres What to Do About It. - Fatherly

    Best Buy has so many great deals today here are the 10 best ones – BGR

    - January 17, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    If you follow along with the BGR Deals teams coverage over in our deals channel, then you know that there are some truly outstanding daily deals out there right now. Some examples from today alone include Amazons single best-selling TP-Link WA855RE Wi-Fi Range Extender for $15.99 and the upgraded W-Fi extender thats twice as fast for $22.99, the Fire TV Stick 4K at an all-time low price of $24.99 with coupon code 4KFIRETV, the crazy wireless camera that lets your smartphone see anywhere for $28.79 when you clip the coupon on the site, Apples AirPods 2 for $129 and $30 off the version with wireless charging, tons of discounted Nintendo Switch games, the lowest price ever for the waterproof Kindle Paperwhite, a renewed Ring Video Doorbell 2 for just $119 instead of $200, up to $200 off Apple iPad Pro models, a best-selling Crock-Pot Slow Cooker for just $17.99 and more.

    Those deals are all fantastic, but theres another big sale going on right now that the deals team hasnt gotten to. Its happening over at Best Buy, where there are dozens of terrific deals today offering big discounts on some wonderfully popular products. We dug through all the deals and came up with 10 in particular that youll definitely want to take a look at. You can check them all out down below.

    Apple AirPods with Charging Case (Latest Model): $139.00 (save $20)(lower price available at Amazon)

    Apple MacBook Air 13.3 Display Intel Core i5 8GB Memory 128GB Flash Storage: $799.99 (save $200)

    Radial Root Cyclone technologyAlong with a self-adjusting cleaner head ensures you can clean thoroughly without losing suction.

    Multiple carpet height adjustmentsAllow you to take on a variety of carpets and bare floor with ease.

    Combination and stair tool with tool holsterHelps you take on the stairs and other tough-to-clean areas in the home.

    Reusable cyclonic cloth filterRemoves dust and other potential allergens to promote a healthy living environment.

    30 cordEnables you to clean a large area before needing to change outlets.

    Bagless technologySaves you time and energy with no bags to replace.

    13.39 cleaning pathHelps you clean large areas efficiently.

    0.55-gallon dust cup capacityFor emptying the cup less often.

    Rides on a ballFor simple maneuverability.

    Dyson Ball MultiFloor Bagless Upright Vacuum: $199.99 (save $200)

    Cookware setIncludes a 2-quart saucepan with a cover, 3-quart saut pan with a cover, 5-quart stockpot with a cover, 8 nonstick skillet, 10 skillet, slotted turner, solid spoon, slotted spoon and nylon tongs.

    Stainless steel constructionWith an impact-bonded aluminum base, it provides even heating for consistent cooking results.

    Dishwasher-safe kitchen toolsEnsure easy cleaning.

    Oven safeOffers versatile cooking options.

    Tempered glass coversSleek flat glass lids with stainless rims seal in moisture and flavor. Glass is tempered for durability to ensure lasting performance.

    Ergonomic handlesProvide a secure and comfortable grip. Riveted stick handles stay cool on the stovetop.

    Cuisinart 12-Piece Cookware Set Stainless Steel: $79.99 (save $220)

    64.5 screenLarge enough to provide an immersive experience for everyone in the room.

    100% Color Volume with Quantum DotOver a billion shades of brilliant color deliver our most realistic picture.

    2160p resolution for breathtaking HD imagesWatch 4K movies and TV shows at 4x the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current HD content to gorgeous, Ultra HD-level picture quality.

    Quantum HDR 4XShades of color and detail leap off the screen in dark and bright scenes.

    Quantum Processor 4KAn intelligently powered processor instantly upscales content for sharp detail and refined color.

    Ambient ModeComplements your space by turning a blank screen into enticing visuals or at-a-glance news.

    Smart TV with access to streaming services for countless entertainment optionsStream shows, movies, games and more with the TVs built-in Wi-Fi and integrated apps.

    LED TVs perform well in all lighting conditionsThey also deliver plasma-like deep blacks and rich colors.

    Motion Rate 240Enjoy great motion clarity during fast-action moments.

    Advanced TV soundTwo 10W speakers.

    4 HDMI inputs for the best home theater connectionHigh-speed HDMI delivers picture and digital surround sound in one convenient cable. HDMI cable not included.

    2 USB inputsEasily connect your digital camera, camcorder or other USB device.

    Manage the viewing experience for your kidsThe built-in V-chip lets you block content based on program ratings and check ratings of unfamiliar programs.

    Samsung 65 Class LED Q60 Series 2160p Smart 4K UHD TV: $999.99 (save $200)

    Auto Game ModeFor the smoothest action, lowest latency and the best picture settings for gaming.

    Premium designA dark finish, slim profile and jewel eye power button lend style and sophistication to your home theater.

    Free Roku remote appTransform your smartphone or tablet into a full-function Roku remote with voice control.

    54.6 screenLarge enough to provide an immersive experience for everyone in the room.

    2160p resolution for breathtaking HD imagesWatch 4K movies and TV shows at 4x the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current HD content to gorgeous, Ultra HD-level picture quality.

    Watch high dynamic range (HDR) content on your TVWith an HDR-compatible 4K TV, you can enjoy HDR movies and TV shows, in addition to all your current content.

    Smart TV with access to streaming services for countless entertainment optionsStream shows, movies, games and more with the TVs built-in Wi-Fi and integrated apps.

    Built-in Roku smart platform delivers access to a world of entertainmentStream from Disney+, Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Prime Video, or choose from more than 4,000 other streaming channels.

    LED TVs perform well in all lighting conditionsThey also deliver plasma-like deep blacks and rich colors.

    240 Natural MotionEnjoy fast-moving movies, sports and video games with virtually no motion blur.

    Advanced TV soundTwo 8W main channel speakers.

    4 HDMI inputs for the best home theater connectionHigh-speed HDMI delivers picture and digital surround sound in one convenient cable. HDMI cable not included.

    Enjoy the picture from multiple angles178 horizontal and vertical viewing angles provide a clear picture for viewers seated near the side of the screen.

    1 USB inputEasily connect your digital camera, camcorder or other USB device.

    Manage the viewing experience for your kidsThe built-in V-chip lets you block content based on program ratings and check ratings of unfamiliar programs.

    TCL 55 Class LED 5 Series 2160p Smart 4K UHD Roku TV: $329.99 (save $120)

    PurColorEnjoy millions of shades of color, fine-tuned to create an incredibly vibrant picture.

    Essential contrastDiscern lifelike details in the brightest and dimmest scenes.

    Game modeGet a leg up on the competition, thanks to an optimized gaming experience with minimal input lag.

    UHD EngineA powerful processor optimizes your content for 4K picture quality.

    Contrast enhancerExperience a greater sense of depth with optimized contrast across all areas of the screen.

    HDR formats supportedHDR10 (Static MetaData), HDR10+ (Dynamic MetaData), HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma). All Samsung 4K UHD TVs also meet the CTA HDR-Compatible Definition.

    Slim designAn elegant, slim design for a modern look youll admire. From finish to function, a thoughtful design that amazes.

    Clean Cable SolutionNeatly manages cords for a crisp, clean look.

    Universal browseAn easy way to find streaming content and live TV shows with a single universal guide.

    Connect & ShareSync your TV to your compatible smartphone to access and control your content on the big screen.

    Samsung remote controlAdjusts TV functions and navigates Samsung Smart TV menus.

    64.5 screen (measured diagonally from corner to corner)Large enough to provide an immersive experience for everyone in the room.

    2160p Ultra HD1080p times four. With 4x the pixels of Full HD resolution, youll view progressive images in clean, gorgeous detail with the highest picture quality.

    Watch high dynamic range (HDR) content on your TVWith an HDR-compatible 4K TV, you can enjoy HDR movies and TV shows, in addition to all your current content.

    Smart TVAccess your streaming services all in one place using the Samsung remote control.

    LED TVs perform well in all lighting conditionsThey also deliver plasma-like deep blacks and rich colors.

    Advanced TV soundTwo full-range 10W speakers.

    Dolby Digital PlusEnjoy the ultimate digital sound quality on all your favorite movies, TV shows and streaming content. Dolby Digital Plus optimizes your entertainment experience with enhanced sound richness and clarity.

    2 HDMI inputs for the best home theater connectionHigh-speed HDMI delivers up to 2160p picture and digital surround sound in one convenient cable. HDMI cable not included.

    Motion Rate 120Enjoy high-speed action with good motion clarity.

    USB inputEasily connect your digital camera, camcorder or other USB device.

    Samsung 65 Class LED NU6900 Series 2160p Smart 4K UHD TV: $479.99 (save $70)

    Runs the latest Windows operating systemIncludes Windows 10 Home in S Mode, to do the things you want with protection you can count on and performance that lasts.

    15.6 displayBrightView glossy screen maintains the vivid colors in your photos and videos. Typical 1366 x 768 HD resolution. WLED backlight.

    10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 mobile processorSmart quad-core, eight-way processing performance. Intel Turbo Boost Technology delivers dynamic extra power when you need it, while increasing energy efficiency when you dont.

    12GB system memory for full-power multitaskingPlenty of high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.

    Solid State Drive (PCI-e)Save files fast and store more data. With massive amounts of storage and advanced communication power, PCI-e SSDs are great for major gaming applications, multiple servers, daily backups, and more.

    256GB Solid State Drive accelerated by Intel OptaneIntel Optane H10 with SSD offers speedy storage and accelerates opening your frequent programs.

    Intel UHD GraphicsOn-processor graphics with shared video memory provide everyday image quality for Internet use, basic photo editing and casual gaming.

    Weighs 3.86 lbs. and measures 0.7 thinUltrathin and ultralight for maximum portability, featuring a smaller screen size and omitting the DVD/CD drive to achieve the compact form factor. 3-cell lithium-ion battery.

    HDMI output expands your viewing optionsConnect to an HDTV or high-def monitor to set up two screens side by side or just see more of the big picture.

    Built-in media reader for simple photo transferSupports select memory card formats.

    Wireless-AC connectivity (11, 433 Mbps)Connect to a Wireless-AC router for nearly 3x the speed, more capacity and wider coverage than Wireless-N (150 Mbps). Backward-compatible with all other Wi-Fi networks and hotspots.

    Built-in HP TrueVision HD webcam with dual-array digital microphoneMakes it easy to video chat with family and friends or teleconference with colleagues over Skype or other popular applications. Automatically adjusts for available light.

    Additional portHeadphone/microphone combo jack.

    HP 15.6 Laptop Intel Core i5 12GB Memory 256GB SSD + 16GB Optane: $549.99 (save $80)

    All-day activity trackingFitbit Charge 3 tracks your all-day activity, such as steps, distance, floors climbed, active minutes, and calories burned to show how every part of your day makes an impact on your goals.

    Intuitive touch-screen displayWith this large backlit display that automatically adjusts to lighting conditions, Fitbit Charge 3 makes it easier to see statistics, notifications, or the time in sunlight, at night and anytime.

    Goal-based exercise modesChoose from 15+ exercise modes, such as running, biking, swimming, yoga, circuit training and more, set a goal, and get real-time statistics during your workouts to see how you can keep getting better.

    SwimproofWater-resistant up to 164, Fitbit Charge 3 automatically tracks swimming workouts and can be worn in the shower, pool and beyond.

    Wireless synchronizationAutomatically synchronizes with computers and 200+ Android, iOS, and Windows devices to show your statistics, trends and progress on your Fitbit dashboard.

    App dashboardSet goals, track progress, and get a more complete picture of your health and fitness all on your dashboard in the Fitbit mobile app.

    Up to seven days of battery lifeFitbit Charge 3 keeps insights and inspiration coming day and night.

    Fitbit Charge 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate: $99.95 (save $50)

    Cool Select PantryFull-width pantry drawer that provides optimal temperature control for your food storage needs with Deli, Fresh and chilled options.

    Twin Cooling PlusIndependent fridge and freezer controls keep food fresher longer.

    24.2 Cu. Ft. CapacityLarge capacity to fit all your favorite foods.

    Ice MasterProduces up to 10 lbs. of ice per day.

    Wi-Fi and Bixby EnabledUse your smartphone to control the temperature and monitor your refrigerator remotely.

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    Best Buy has so many great deals today here are the 10 best ones - BGR

    9 ways to brighten your home this winter – The Westmorland Gazette

    - January 17, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Chase away those winter blues and give your home a complete refresh with these local businesses.

    A family run business est. 1957, we offer a full range of carpets, furniture and beds from leading quality brands with free local delivery! Our expert team, many of whom have been with us for over a decade now, are always here to help and deliver the best advice (not to mention the best price and best brands).

    Call: 01524 732062

    E-Mail: info@mjbird.co.uk

    http://www.mjbird.co.uk

    A Cut Above offers you a wide range of luxurious bespoke carpets and rugs. Our superior carpets and rugs are made to measure to your exact specifications; whatever design you have in mind, whatever style of home you have, we can provide you with carpeting that matches your taste and your personality. We can design and install completely customised carpeting for homes, businesses, caravans or vehicles. Put simply, no other carpet company in the region can do what we can do. If you have a specific vision in mind for your carpets, we can make your dream a reality. We are a family run business based in Lancaster, providing professional carpeting services throughout Cumbria and Lancashire.

    To find out more about our services, or to arrange a quote, please contact our carpet and rug experts today.

    Call: 01524 35660

    E-Mail: acutabove@btconnect.com

    http://www.acutabovecarpets.com

    Beetham Nurseries

    Plants are our passion; we've been growing our own for over 30 years!

    We pride ourselves on being different. We invite you to come and discover the unusual, the rare, the beautiful and the quirky! Visit our traditional retail plant nursery (now open!), have a bite to eat in the Garden Cafe, explore our new Home & Lifestyle space, discover our new Food Hall (stocked with fresh local produce and artisanal goodies!) or unwind in our Tearoom with a freshly ground coffee.

    Call: 015395 63630

    E-Mail: enquiries@beethamnurseries.co.uk

    http://www.beethamnurseries.co.uk

    A family run business based in the Yorkshire Dales, we manufacture superbly detailed freestanding and fitted furniture, kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, finished according to your own taste in a wide range of natural woods, veneers and special paint effects such as rag rolling and distressing.

    Should you have a special requirement or piece of furniture in mind, a fitted library perhaps, remember that Brian Ramwell Classic Interiors are fully experienced cabinet makers and can design and create any item of furniture you require.

    We are authorised dealers for Neff, Franke, Liebherr, Miele and many more.

    If you would like to arrange a home design visit or wish to discuss your ideas with an experienced design consultant, please get in touch.

    Call: 01524 241 662

    E-Mail: info@ramwell.co.uk

    http://www.ramwell.co.uk

    Visit our showroom at Milnthorpe and view our stunning range of fabulous kitchens to suit every taste, we can transform your kitchen and make it the one of your dreams. Whether a traditional kitchen or ultra-modern - packed with the latest appliances and of the newest design. Free design, free quotation... We have many, many years of know how. Based at Milnthorpe we fit kitchens and bathrooms mostly in Kendal, Arnside, Kirkby Lonsdale, Ambleside & Windermere but when the phone rings, the appointment and measure (which is free) can be anywhere.

    Arrange a free design visit where one of our designers will visit your home, for free, and with no obligation, when it is convenient for you.

    Call: 015395 83695

    E-Mail: info@carlgrahaminteriors.co.uk

    http://www.carlgrahaminteriors.co.uk

    Roofing and Building Specialists

    We are a new, dynamic business specialising in roofing services. With over 30 years experience, we have built a large portfolio of happy and satisfied customers from both the domestic and commercial sectors, priding ourselves on the quality of service we provide.

    We are a registered QA contractor for Sika Liquid Plastics.

    Free Survey - Free Initial Consultation - Free Quotes

    Call: 01229 580 057

    E-Mail: cumbria.roofing@btconnect.com

    http://www.cumbriaroofingulverston.co.uk

    Brighten up your home with a beautiful new kitchen or fitted bedroom furniture, from the local company you can trust for a perfect finish every time!

    Mike Hughes Fitted Interiors of Barrow-in-Furness have been the leading kitchen and bedroom specialist for almost 33 years, supplying and installing thousands of homes in Furness and the South Lakes. Offering a complete service including small building work. Their knowledge and expertise in design and installation is second to none, and its all project managed by Mike Hughes. The family run business has won awards for design and customer service, and their showroom on the Park Road approach to Barrow covers two floors of beautiful kitchens and fitted bedroom furniture. Its well worth a visit!

    Call: 01229 871122

    E-Mail: sales@mikehughes.co.uk

    http://www.mikehughes.co.uk

    At Different Strokes we offer a wide range of painting and decorating services to clients of every size, across the North West.

    We've been in business for over 20 years, so our knowledge of the industry is second to none. As members of the Painting and Decorating Association and Dulux Partners, we decorate projects of all sizes and have the experience and knowledge to advise you on which paint system and application method is right for you. We offer a free colour consultation and work with a large variety of paints and protective coatings to achieve the best possible finish. More than half our custom is return business, and we are extremely proud that 99% of our clients would recommend us to a friend.

    Call: KENDAL: 01539 735 960 LANCASTER: 01524 230 707 GRANGE: 01539 535 832

    Email: info@differentstrokes-kendal.co.uk

    http://www.differentstrokes-kendal.co.uk

    Celebrating its 10th birthday in April 2020, Rugs to Riches is one of the many independent businesses that make Carnforth a great place to shop. While customers come from as far afield as Liverpool and Penrith, there is very much a local feel to this specialist shop, where personal service and knowledgeable advice come as standard and locally crafted pottery and glass complements a collection of Fair-Trade giftware.

    The stock, featuring more than 600 rugs, is keenly priced to cover everything from budget-conscious to push-the-boat-out, and ranges from colourful kilims to fine Orientals and fun rugs for children, luxurious shaggies and the long hall runners, all the way through to modern designs in a mix of sizes and styles. Open from 10-ish till 5-ish, the shop welcomes browsers, so give yourself time for a good, long mooch.

    Call: 01524 720180

    Email: askus@rugstoriches.co.uk

    http://www.rugstoriches.co.uk

    Link:
    9 ways to brighten your home this winter - The Westmorland Gazette

    ‘Time to get tough on work permits’ – Bahamas Tribune

    - January 17, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    LABOUR Director John Pinder.

    By Khrisna Russell

    krussell@tribunemedia.net

    DEPARTMENT of Labour Director John Pinder wants employers work permits revoked if they fail to appoint and properly train apprentices as part of their succession planning.

    The move, Mr Pinder told The Tribune yesterday, would give the department teeth and earn it more respect in the eyes of employers who have not ensured Bahamian employees are trained for certain jobs He said it had been the departments intention to have this stipulation enforced by this month. However, now it could be longer before the rule can be officially enforced, with Mr Pinder saying there needed to be further discussions with the Department of Immigration to ensure labour officials have a functioning plan.

    His department has to also make amendments to application forms to accommodate a breakdown of apprentice training guidelines.

    The departments special projects unit is handling the process, he said.

    We have met cases where persons say that I didnt know they were the understudy, but on the application form their name is listed, Mr Pinder said yesterday when asked about enforcing the rule this month. He was also asked how the department intended to protect employees from retribution once they are interviewed by officials about employers training practices.

    If the employer tries to victimise the employee for giving us the correct information or tries to terminate them for that we will always have some sort of conciliation regarding that dismissal or wrongful dismissal, so there are things in the law that can protect that individual.

    In addition to that we will then review the application form for labour certificates when it comes back to us and in consultation with the Department of Immigration well have to do this so immigration and us are on the same page with this and immigration will also tell us what is expected of us so that at the end of the day when we give a labour certificate immigration is satisfied that we did do the necessary due.

    He also said: Simultaneously we just want to have that relationship with immigration for instance when the employer is not doing what it should be, (but) I think once immigration (is involved) with the authority to revoke the permit I think we would get more respect and it will have more teeth.

    Asked to clarify if the intention was to ensure work permits were revoked for noncompliance, Mr Pinder said; Actually, yes, thats our intention now.

    So what we are doing now is once we think what we are doing is something workable, we will then sit with immigration to get guidance from them to ensure that it can work.

    As far as a timeline is concerned, Mr Pinder said on his end the framework is just about complete.

    However there needed to be further engagement.

    After this its just engaging immigration to review what we got to see if its workable. Then after that it has to go to the permanent secretary and the minister so it may take a little bit more time but the minister is aware of what we are doing. The permanent secretary is aware so its just a matter of them putting their blessing on it.

    Last year, Mr Pinder said labour certificates, which confirm there are no qualified Bahamians willing or able to take a particular job, will only be issued to companies that provide evidence they have identified a Bahamian understudy who will be trained to replace the expatriate worker once their work permit has expired.

    See more here:
    'Time to get tough on work permits' - Bahamas Tribune

    Smiley: Humans are so hard to train… | Smiley Anders – The Advocate

    - January 17, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Dear Smiley: Many years ago I had a big black Lab named Brutus. Just before the teal hunting season, I would take him along the jogging trail on Lake Pontchartrain in Kenner.

    I would throw a training dummy in the lake and send him after it.

    The lake was choppy, it was a really hot day and he had already made several retrieves. He was dog-tired.

    I threw the dummy in the lake one last time and he just laid down and wouldn't go after it. So, not wanting to lose the training dummy, I took my shoes and shirt off and went in after it.

    As I was swimming back with the dummy I saw a jogger approaching. As I got out of the water he said, "How long did it take that dog to teach you to retrieve that thing?"

    I said, "Not long!" and we had a good laugh.

    BYRON ANDERSON

    LaPlace

    Dear Smiley: I was introduced to Charley, my mixed black Lab, over 10 years ago on the steps of my LSU laboratory.

    He had been seen all across campus with no collar before he wandered up to one of my assistants.

    Across the street were the campus police and animal control. I was called outside and made a quick decision. I told them the young Lab was going home with me.

    One day, a few years later, utility workers were outside my house repairing our electrical service as a result of a fallen tree limb.

    The supervisor on the ground kept reminding the lineman to make sure the wires were reconnected correctly.

    Suddenly, the supervisor heard Charley start barking like crazy. He knew something must be wrong, because neither of my dogs had uttered a peep prior to that.

    He ran to the fence and saw smoke pouring from my ridge vents. He screamed at the lineman to disconnect everything. My attic wiring was fried, just shy of setting my 50-year-old house on fire.

    At over 11 years old, Charley remains my special hero. When he barks, I listen.

    MARY H. MANHEIN

    Baton Rouge

    Dear Smiley: My older brother has a friend who is a retired plumber. He tells the story of how a lady called him and said her toilet would not flush.

    He went to the home, and using some form of rotor device tried to dislodge the clog. Each time he tried, he struck something hard that left a small piece of pink substance on the device.

    Calling the homeowner into the bathroom, he inquired about what it could possibly be. She sheepishly admitted that after a party several nights before she had lost her dentures while bending over the facility.

    He advised her that he could save the teeth, but it would require him to break the toilet and replace it with a new one.

    The deed was done, and she was so thankful that he had recovered her teeth that after cleaning them and putting them in her mouth, she reached out to kiss him on his way out of the house.

    He promptly turned a cheek to her and held his breath!

    TONY FALTERMAN

    Napoleonville

    Dear Smiley: Reading some of the cat funeral stories prompted me to write and tell my tale:

    As young children, aged 5 and 7, my sister and I found a dead cat beside the sidewalk.

    Feeling sorry for the cat, we decided to bring it home and try to find a way to bring it back to life.

    My sister took the back legs and I took the front legs and we carried it home. It was long dead and stiff as a board.

    We knew that we had to find a place to hide it from our mother until we could figure out how to revive it.

    So we put it in the refrigerator. We thought this would keep it as fresh as it did the food.

    I think the screams that came out of our mother can still be heard 60 years later.

    COOKIE PECQUET

    Metairie

    Write Smiley at Smiley@theadvocate.com. He can also be reached by mail at P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. Follow Smiley Anders on Twitter, @SmileyAndersAdv.

    Original post:
    Smiley: Humans are so hard to train... | Smiley Anders - The Advocate

    Automotive Engine Wiring Harness Market 2019 Global Analysis, Research, Review, Applications and Forecast to 2025 Dagoretti News – Dagoretti News

    - January 17, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Automotive Engine Wiring Harness Market primary data collection was achieved by interviewing the retailers and the consumers. The interviews were conducted through one to one structured questionnaire supervision.

    Global Automotive Engine Wiring Harness Market report provides an in-depth analysis of all market dynamics including drivers and restraints, and trends and opportunities. Important factors supporting growth across various is also provided. Using the industrial figures, the market finds growth figures between the forecast timespan.

    In order to present an executive-level model of the market and its future perspectives, Automotive Engine Wiring Harness Market report presents a clear segmentation based on different parameters. The factors that affect these segments are also discussed in detail in the report.

    Request Exclusive Free Sample PDF Of This Report At https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/85689

    Major Players included in this report are as follows company 1company 2company 3company 4company 5company 6company 7company 8company 9

    Automotive Engine Wiring Harness Market can be segmented into Product Types as Type 1Type 2Type 3

    Automotive Engine Wiring Harness Market can be segmented into Applications as Application 1Application 2Application 3

    Automotive Engine Wiring Harness Market: Regional analysis includes:Asia-Pacific (Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia)Europe (Turkey, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.)North America (United States, Mexico, and Canada.)South America (Brazil etc.)The Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries and Egypt.)

    Buy This Report with Full Access & Complete ToC At https://www.upmarketresearch.com/buy/automotive-engine-wiring-harness-market-2019

    The research provides answers to the following key questions: What is the global (North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, China, Japan) production, production value, consumption, consumption value, import and export of Automotive Engine Wiring Harness? Who are the global key manufacturers of Automotive Engine Wiring Harness industry? How are their operating situation (capacity, production, price, cost, gross and revenue)? What are the types and applications of Automotive Engine Wiring Harness? What is the market share of each type and application? What are the upstream raw materials and manufacturing equipment of Automotive Engine Wiring Harness? What is the manufacturing process of Automotive Engine Wiring Harness? Economic impact on Automotive Engine Wiring Harness industry and development trend of Automotive Engine Wiring Harness industry. What will the Automotive Engine Wiring Harness market size and the growth rate be in 2025? What are the key factors driving the global Automotive Engine Wiring Harness industry? What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Automotive Engine Wiring Harness market? What is the Automotive Engine Wiring Harness market challenges to market growth? What are the Automotive Engine Wiring Harness market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global Automotive Engine Wiring Harness market?

    For More Information on this report, Request Inquiry At https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/enquiry_before_buying/85689

    Automotive Engine Wiring Harness Market track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, research and developments, with respect to the current market size and future prospective.

    For Best Discount on purchasing this report, Visit https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/request_for_discount/85689

    About UpMarketResearch:Up Market Research (https://www.upmarketresearch.com) is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.

    Contact Info UpMarketResearchName Alex MathewsEmail [emailprotected]Organization UpMarketResearchAddress 500 East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States.

    Read more from the original source:
    Automotive Engine Wiring Harness Market 2019 Global Analysis, Research, Review, Applications and Forecast to 2025 Dagoretti News - Dagoretti News

    Surveying All the Proteins on a Neuron’s Surface – Howard Hughes Medical Institute

    - January 17, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Scientists have found a new way to home in on the proteins covering a particular cells surface. The feat offers insight into how brain cells form intricate networks during development.

    As if casting a tiny net, a new technique has rounded up all the proteins on the surface of neurons in the brains of fruit flies. The roundup uncovered 20 new molecules involved in wiring the developing brain.

    The find furthers scientists understanding of how neurons in the brain form complex networks, researchers report January 16, 2020, in the journal Cell. And it demonstrates for the first time that this protein-finding method actually works in intact brain tissues not just cells grown in the lab, says study coauthor and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, Liqun Luo.

    Thats important because the tissue environment is crucial for cells development, and lab cell cultures cant replicate it. Until now, scientists had no way to monitor all the proteins on cell surfaces in complex tissues like the brain. The new approach provides a way to survey this previously mysterious landscape.

    What really blew me away was the biological follow-up, says biochemist Matthias Mann of the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry. Luos team was able to find a trove of proteins whose biological role was previously unknown, says Mann, who was not involved with the work.

    Cell surfaces are incredibly dynamic places, especially for cellular communication, says Luo, a neurobiologist at Stanford University. In the nervous system, proteins on the surfaces of nerve cells help the cells find each other and link up. Luos team wanted a complete view of the proteins that direct connections in the developing fly brain. The researchers focused on proteins involved in forming olfactory networks, which control a flys sense of smell.

    Luo, along with his doctoral student Jiefu Li and collaborators at Stanford and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, modified a method pioneered by study coauthor Alice Ting. In this method, called proximity labeling, researchers use an enzyme to add a molecular tag to a particular protein of interest, plus all the neighboring proteins. Researchers can then identify the tagged proteins using a chemical analysis called mass spectrometry.

    Luos team added a new twist to the technique. They made the enzyme target proteins on fruit fly olfactory neurons at a particular point in brain development: when neurons are making decisions about which connections to form. The team compared the proteins present in adult cells with those present in the developing brain. The difference is actually very striking, Luo says.

    The team identified 20 proteins that were more abundant on the surfaces of developing neurons and knocked them down one by one to see if their absence had an effect on brain wiring. Surprising even to the researchers, all 20 were involved in wiring the fly olfactory network. Whats more, many of the proteins they found hadnt even been known to play a role in neural development.

    Luo and Li hope their approach will be useful for researchers in other fields as well. Li says it could be applied to immunology as well as to understanding how organs develop or modeling disease. For example, he adds, cell surface proteins are altered in cancer cells, so profiling those proteins could help scientists understand how cancer cells behave within tissues.

    Id love to use [this technique], says Joshua Sanes, a neuroscientist at Harvard University who was not involved in the research. Like Luo, Sanes (who is a member of HHMIs Scientific Review Board) is interested in how neurons form the precise patterns of connections that lead to all the complex neural circuitry underlying behavior. But he studies the brains of mammals, not flies. So, first, Sanes says, the method will have to be optimized for mammalian cells a goal that has so far been elusive.

    ###

    Citation

    Jiefu Li et al. Cell-Surface Proteomic Profiling in the Fly Brain Uncovers New Wiring Regulators. Cell. Published online January 16, 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.12.029

    Read more here:
    Surveying All the Proteins on a Neuron's Surface - Howard Hughes Medical Institute

    Renovation Issues in Older Homes – Think Realty

    - January 17, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    What are some of the common issues found in older properties, and can they still be good investments?

    Fix and flip investors often acquire older properties, which can bring a host of their own issues.

    These properties can have a lot of character but also underlying problems the investor will need to tackle. Older properties might have been built to different building standards, make use of hazardous materials or have ageing infrastructure dangerous to occupants.

    These problems can have a significant effect on the length and cost of the flip, but with the right approach, they can be overcome.

    Pipes and Wiring

    The most common issues found in older homes are related to plumbing and electrical work. Many of the properties built pre-1970s made use of galvanized pipes for plumbing at the time, but these have been found to corrode quickly and need replacing often. Fix and flip investors who find galvanized pipes in their property are highly recommended to replace it with a modern solution like copper or PVC which is more long-lasting. Electrical issues are also common, and will likely need to be brought back up to code prior to selling the home.

    Outdated wiring is a dangerous fire hazard, and also typically not compatible with the appliances found in the home today. For this reason, its best to have an electrician inspect the property and make suggestions.

    Hazardous Materials

    Certain building materials used in the past have since been exposed as unsafe for human contact. Hidden throughout an older property there may be lead paint, asbestos flooring, popcorn ceilings and other lurking dangers. If these materials are disturbed during the renovation process, it can quickly become hazardous to contractors and occupants. Fix and flip investors can test for some of these materials themselves and use a professional to detect or remove the rest.

    Removing these materials from the property can be pricey removing asbestos materials alone can cost between $200 to $700 per hour. However, the cost is an essential part of your investment for such a property and peace of mind.

    Questionable Building Standards

    Older properties, having had more owners, are likely to have had previous renovations done. If the property has been maintained well, only basic fixing may be needed. However, with changing building standards over the years, it can be difficult to establish the quality of previous renovations. Its best to have a property inspector review the property to identify anything not up to modern standards and advise next steps.

    Fix and flip investors should also put aside a contingency fund up to 20% to tackle these issues.

    Sourcing Materials

    Properties constructed in previous decades may have made use of materials not commonly found today. This can be challenging for investors who want to restore these materials rather than replacing them. To keep the character of these features, investors should try checking centers that offer reused materials or consult with local remodeling professionals to source them. This method can be expensive, and investors can also turn to modern replicas of the original features for the same effect.

    For example, wooden floors can be replaced with laminate that looks similar but is more affordable. Its best to compare the costs of both solutions before deciding on a final plan of action.

    Older properties make great fix and flip investments, but its also expected that some hard-to-deal-with issues will come up. Some properties built a few decades ago have safety hazards lurking under the surface which need to be addressed. Fix and flip investors will come across dubious building standards and should budget accordingly for the cost of these surprises. Investors targeting older homes get to benefit from lower acquiring costs, and with the right approach, the investment property can bring good profits, no matter its original age.

    New Silver is a tech-first non-bank loan originator, with a vision of making the private lending process easy for the borrower. New Silvers technology allows borrowers to get approved for a loan online, in under 10 minutes, and close within 7 days. Technology and strong customer relationships give New Silver an edge in addressing the $70bn per year fix and flip real estate-backed lending space, with a focus on single-family residential and small balance commercial investment properties located on the East Coast of the United States. Visit newsilver.com for more information.

    Follow this link:
    Renovation Issues in Older Homes - Think Realty

    Global Neoprene Market 2019-2023 | 6% CAGR Projection Over the Next Five Years | Technavio – Business Wire

    - January 17, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The global neoprene market size is poised to grow by 122 thousand tons during the period 2019-2023, according to the latest market research report by Technavio. Request a free sample report

    The growing construction industry is expected to increase the demand for neoprene during the forecast period. Neoprene is a rubber material that exhibits superior heat and electrical resistance, ozone resistance, and anti-weathering properties and is used in the construction industry for fire-proof insulation, electrical wiring, and expansion joints in civil engineering applications. It is suitable for construction applications due to its ability to withstand extreme climatic conditions. Urbanization is a key driver for the construction market and has led to the development of smart cities. In countries such as China and India, the increase in government spending on construction for industrial and public infrastructure will augment the consumption of neoprene during the forecast period.

    To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR30033

    As per Technavio, the innovations in neoprene will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other important trends and market drivers that will affect market growth over 2019-2023.

    Neoprene Market: Innovations in neoprene

    The neoprene market has been witnessing consistent innovations over the years. One such emerging trend is the development of noble gas-infused neoprene closed-cell foams for achieving ultra-low thermal conductivity. Closed-cell foams are widely used for insulation and thermal management of protective garments for extreme environments. Technological advances focusing on the combination of noble gases into neoprene foam cells improve the insulation properties of neoprene foam. Noble gases infused into the neoprene foam cells act as blowing agents and result in excellent foam insulation. Thus, innovations in neoprene will have a positive impact on the growth of the market during the forecast period.

    Other factors such as the increasing demand for medical gloves, and the expansion of chloroprene production capacities will have a positive impact on the growth of the neoprene market during the forecast period, says a senior analyst at Technavio.

    Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports.

    Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform

    Neoprene Market: Segmentation Analysis

    This market research report segments the neoprene market by application (technical rubber, adhesive industry, and latex industry), by end-user (automotive, manufacturing, consumer goods, and medical), and geographical regions (APAC, EMEA, and Americas).

    The APAC region held the largest share of the market in 2018, followed by the Americas and EMEA respectively. During the forecast period, the APAC is expected to maintain its dominance as well as register the highest incremental growth owing to the thriving automotive and infrastructure industries and the increasing urban population and disposal income in the region.

    Technavios sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more.

    Request a free sample report

    Some of the key topics covered in the report include:

    Market Landscape

    Market Sizing

    Five Forces Analysis

    Market Segmentation

    Geographical Segmentation

    Market Drivers

    Market Challenges

    Market Trends

    Vendor Landscape

    About Technavio

    Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

    With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavios report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavios comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

    If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

    See the original post:
    Global Neoprene Market 2019-2023 | 6% CAGR Projection Over the Next Five Years | Technavio - Business Wire

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