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The metaphorical War of the Currents between AC and DC started by reigning geniuses of the 1880s, George Westinghouse Jr., Nicola Tesla, and Thomas Alva Edison. As we all know, initially three phase alternating current (AC) won and ruled the power transmission arena; however, with the increasing bulk power transmission capacity and longer transmission distances, DC technology has again started to make sense as a transmission medium. Just like other power converter-based technologies in the early 1900s, high voltage direct current (HVDC) started its journey with mercury-arc-rectifiers. After a series of experiments and small scale implementation projects in 1930s, the first commercial HVDC was installed in 1954 between the island of Gotland and the Swedish mainland by Allmnna Svenska Elektriska Aktiebolaget (ASEA, also known as General Swedish Electric Company), the Sweden based company in Vsters, now ASEA Brown Bovari or ABB,. Based in Zurich.

With advancements in voltage-source converters (VSC), HVDC is now considered a mature technology for bulk power transmission over long distances while providing flexibility for connecting asynchronous power grids. The potential benefits of HVDC over a conventional AC transmission system are highly recognized, primary among them is the controllability which increases the overall reliability of an interconnected grid. This article explores how HVDC transmission will be the key enabler of emerging single energy market.

Flexibility for integrating clean energy

For many utilities around the globe, the integration of low carbon energy sources with the transmission and distribution (T&D) grid is a critical topic. As the distribution of these renewable sources is uneven and often at long distances from electricity load centers (especially offshore wind), AC transmission systems face additional challenges in terms of losses and reactive power requirements. In extreme cases, HVDC remains the only viable option when the life cycle cost (LCC), including system losses of the transmission systems, is taken into consideration.

Several cross border HVDC links installed in Europe serve the purpose of transmitting clean renewable energy across the grids. Country-wide HVDC projects in some European countries are also installed for transport of renewable energy towards load centers. For example, Germany has several HVDC projects (in operation and planned) which connect offshore wind power with its transmission grid. A shift was observed in Chinese market as well, where previously HVDC projects were installed for long-distance bulk power transfer, which now has many HVDC projects planned and in-operation to integrate wind power with its grid. Similarly, a lack of HVDC projects in the US is expected to end with the Plains and Eastern clean line HVDC project which promises to transport renewable energy across different states.

Because of increasing maturity in the technology, HVDC presents opportunity in terms of cross-continent interconnections for renewable energy integration. For example, there are some Euro-African HVDC projects under consideration which can potentially bring the benefits of massive solar potential in North Africa to the European grid. One such study shows that roughly 5 gigawatt (GW) of carbon-free electricity can be transferred via HVDC links from the Sahara solar complex to the European grid, where reduced dependence on fossil fuel and nuclear generation is a necessity to comply with regional clean energy goals.

China, the global leader

Over the past decade, China has emerged as a global leader in the HVDC market in both installed projects and R&D efforts. From 2009, began the era of ultra high voltage direct current (UHVDC), primarily due to multi-GW HVDC transmission projects constructed by China. Roughly 60% of the HVDC projects installed in China after 2010 were of a 3GW size or more. In addition, State Grid of China (SGCC) plans to spend roughly US$90billion just in UHVDC interconnections from 2009 to 2020, and making more than 20 UHVDC transmission links operational by 2030. The recently commissioned Zhundong-Wannan 1100kV UHVDC link in China is a real breakthrough in DC transmission having a total capacity of 1GW. In addition to UHVDC, China has implemented unique HVDC topologies such as multi-terminal vehicle stability control (VSC) projects, paralleled LCC and VSC, and even a hybrid LCC and VSC project is in the pipeline. Under the Belt and Road Initiative there are currently discussions around building multiterminal HVDC connections between China and Europe, including several other Asian countries. With multiple R&D institutes and HVDC labs operating under SGCC, it can safely be predicted that China will continue to introduce new technologies in this field, maintaining its position as a global HVDC market leader for the next decade.

United States lagging in HVDC?

As described earlier, an uneven geographical distribution of renewable generation is a key driver of HVDC market, the US being a model example. A distribution of wind power in the US is depicted in the heat map below.

The generation density clearly necessitates the need for long distance DC transmission system to evacuate the wind power from the high-density mid-west to the eastern part of the country. Despite this need, there has not been a single HVDC project since 2010. If we look at the operating DC voltage (kV) and transmission capacity (GW) of existing HVDC projects, the US has yet to achieve UHVDC (>800kV DC). In terms of HVDC topologies, US has installed few VSC based HVDC projects whereas Europe and China have several VSC HVDC projects. Upcoming HVDC projects like the Plains and Eastern clean line could be a positive start to a bigger goal of a North American Supergrid (NAS or Supergrid) which proposes a 52-node HVDC connection throughout the lower 48 states. Such a DC connected paradigm would result in a resilient network and provide the necessary competitive boost to the renewable energy against currently dominant fossil fuel-fired generation in the US.

Multi-terminal HVDC - a step towards a DC grid

With the deployment of larger capacity offshore wind plants, there is a need for operational characteristics like bi-direction power flow and enhanced control. The mature conventional technology known as line commutated converters (LCCs) using thyristors is not enough to provide this flexibility due to its constant current-carrying capability. This technology only allows the control of the active power and lacks the black start capability, a unique quality of voltage source converters (VSC) using insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) as the switching elements. Though less mature, VSC based multi-terminal DC (MTDC) grid is going to be the core of future HVDC meshed networks.

The successful implementation of point-to-point HVDC suggests the concept of Supergrid is most likely to be achieved via MTDC lines, which provide the most cost effective and efficient solution of interconnecting multiple converter stations through DC network. However, there are few examples of implementation of MTDC using LCC based technology because of its high capacity carrying capability like North East Agra MTDC HVDC project that has been put into operation in 2017 (LCC based three terminal project having total capacity of six GW).

Implementation of future meshed HVDC grids is feasible only with VSCs. Like a conventional AC grid, VSC has the capability of power reversal within an MTDC grid simply by the reversal of current direction while maintaining the voltage at both ends making it an ideal choice for meshed DC grids. Zhoushan multi-terminal HVDC project commissioned in 2014 in China is the first high voltage project interconnecting five terminals using VSC HVDC. Though its capacity is only 400 megawatt (MW), much less than the conventional LCC based HVDC, but the flexibility and control outweigh this aspect.

Future HVDC grids along with numbers of benefits also require efforts in terms of its protection and control. Major HVDC market competitors like ABB, Siemens, GE and some other players are all involved to resolve these issues. Unlike the AC grids, there is no possibility of zero-crossing clearance in DC grid fault protection. The present day HVDC converters possess non-fault blocking capability and in case of fault, the short circuit current continues to build inside the DC system unless the AC side protection is operated and shut down the whole DC network, which is obviously an inefficient method. This issue can be resolved by DC circuit breakers which are way more complex and expensive compared to AC circuit breakers and require high degree of precision. With the advancements in DC breaker, new possibilities are opening towards realization of meshed DC networks.

Edisons DC + Multi-terminal VSC = Grid 2.0

It took over a century but Edisons vision for a DC grid may be closer than ever with the help of VSC technology. China has now become the technological polestar of HVDC transmission due to several ultra high capacity projects installed and planned for its grid. Europe will continue to see growth in HVDC market specially in VSC based projects. Plus, we can expect new projects in emerging markets like South America, Pakistan and Africa.

Power Technology Research is a T&D World media partner.

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HVDC: A Building Block for a Resilient, Flexible and Interconnected Grid - Transmission & Distribution World

SPRINGFIELD,Mo. (KY3) -- The Springfield Fire Department is reminding you to check your smoke detectors after a fire damaged three mobile homes Thursday afternoon.

According to Springfield Fire Chief David Pennington, the last time the fire department delivered free smoke detectors to the neighborhood in northwest Springfield was in November 2018.

Thursday, three homes caught on fire and none of them had a working smoke detector.

Everyone inside the homes on West Atlantic escaped without injury thanks to neighbors knocking on their doors.

"You've go three minutes from when the fire starts until your window for escape is small or nonexistent," Pennington said. " In that three minutes it's whether you've been notified or not the clock starts when the fire starts."

He said it's smart to test your smoke detectors often, which can be as simple as pressing a button.

"Test them at least annually, but monthly is my preference as the chief that's what I do in my home," Pennington said.

Council member Phyllis Ferguson said the city created "zone blitz" in northwest Springfield to solve problems like an influx in fires.

"Public safety is always of great concern," Ferguson said. "We looked at what was going on in the northwest quadrant in Springfield and we identified some things that we could do to make it a safer area."

One of the solutions they came up with is "Project Red Zone." Firefighters go door-to-door to install and test smoke alarms for people in the community. The services are free of charge.

Pennington said the neighborhood on the city's north side was one of the their first targets, but isn't the only one to reap the benefits.

"Smoke alarms are available at all times, whether you're in the Project Red Zone area or not," he said. "[Call] 417-874-2300... and they'll get you to us."

Pennington said the fire department will circle back to the neighborhood if it needs to, but in the mean time firefighters will be canvassing a few new neighborhoods.

Follow this link:

Firefighters warn the community to test their smoke detectors after fire rips through three Springfield, Mo. homes - KY3

During their regular meeting Tuesday morning at the Pierce County Courthouse, Pierce County's Board of County Commissioners voted to adopt the county's Comprehensive Plan.

Comprehensive plans serve as policy guides for decisions about land development and growth, and to establish goals and objectives for future land use. Requirements of comprehensive plans include that they be general, long-range, "focus on physical development" and "relate physical design proposals to community goals and social and economic policies."

Prior to the Tuesday passage, the last time the county's Comprehensive Plan received revisions was 1987.

Other actions

- The board approved by a 4-1 vote (with District 4 Commissioner Terry Hoffert being the sole no vote), a property tax incentive application for Home of Economy.

- The board reappointed Lonnie Anderson, Alan Beaver and Mike Voeller to the county's Planning & Zoning Board.

- The board approved precincts for the 2020 election. The polling location will be the courthouse and hours will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

- County Tax Director Kelsey Siegler met with the board to discuss how the county wants to handle mobile homes that are delinquent on taxes. Pierce County States Attorney Galen Mack requested copies of notices sent to the owners, and said he would look into the procedure.

- The board approved a raffle permit application for the Knights of Columbus.

- The board approved a transfer of $1,741.08 from the Victim Witness fund to the county's general fund.

- The board approved a resolution for B&J Excavating for graveling and reshaping from nine miles south of Rugby (starting at Highway 3) and east seven miles.

- The board approved beer and liquor licenses for the Rugby Golf Club, Rugby Eagles and Larry's Bar in Selz.

- The board approved abatement applications for Perry & Rose Armstrong and for Russell H. Bezanson II.

- Heart of America Correctional & Treatment Center Administrator Mike Graner informed the board that the facility house 99 inmates in November and is currently housing 98; 23 of 24 officer positions are filled; and the facility made a $12,628.18 profit in October, pushing the year-to-date to a $2,848 profit.

- Pierce County Sheriff Josh Siegler met with the board. Siegler informed the board his department received 50 calls in November. Siegler and the board discussed Sheriff's Department bills and a law enforcement complaint.

- The board approved the meeting agenda, November meeting minutes, bills, financial statements, treasurers checks and HACTC bills.

- The board voted to nominate Dave Migler for board chair and Brossart for vice chair.

Link:

County Commission adopts comprehensive plan - ThePierceCountyTribune.com | Rugby, Pierce County and North Dakota news, sports and information - Pierce...

Carl Falls genuinely feels for former and current River Valley Trailer Park residents.

However, the Aweres Township Local Services Board chairman says he fears his hands are tied in terms of offering help to those who have fled and, perhaps most importantly, to those who have opted to stay.

The Aweres park, north of Sault Ste. Marie, was officially ordered closed late last year chiefly due to a failed septic system. Falls said hes aware of at least six families that have stayed put and toughed it out last winter, powering their mobile homes with generators as electricity is no longer supplied to the site. Wood stoves are often used to provide heat.

Its a heart-wrenching story to begin with, Falls told The Sault Star in a recent interview. You have to remember those are real peoples lives that were destroyed there. I know people who have lived there and thats their home and was their home for many years.

Unfortunately, as a local services board, there is nothing we could do other than just stay in touch.

Which is something he and other officials, including Aweres Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert Hiiemaa, have been doing for more than a year, occasionally driving through the park and speaking to residents. Fire services are maintained.

Were mandated for anything we can access, Falls said. Even if they didnt have their roads plowed, we would take our Argo back and throw a pump in the river. We are going to answer the calls because we are mandated to, even if the taxes werent being paid. Were there to protect life and limb. And if somebody ever demised in a trailer fire there and we didnt show up We just said, We dont care about the fees or anything. Were just going to answer the call.

Hiiemaa readily agrees.

We help whoever we can when we can, he told The Sault Star. We dont get into the politics part of it. So, if anyone needs help, we do whatever we can.

Along with the promise of fire protection the department has received no serious calls since the Oct. 30, 2018 park closure assistance also includes counsel relating to fire safety.

As a fire prevention thing, we try to make sure they know what they should be doing, Hiiemaa said. They spent one winter there already pretty rugged individuals.

Falls said Local Services Boards essentially have four mandates: 911 service, fire department service, recycling and library service.

Because Aweres is unorganized, forest fires are covered by Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and sanitation is also looked after by the province.

Everybody kind of has a role here, he said.

River Valley Trailer Park is eerily quiet during a late morning earlier this week. The elements have taken their toll on abandoned trailers, with some already beginning to collapse. The road throughout the park is plowed in some places, while other sections dont appear to have been cleared since a previous snowfall. Tire tracks are deep in one unplowed stretch.

Smoke rises from chimneys of the few occupied trailers and the only sound throughout the park this day seems to be the low humming produced by generators. Knocks on doors of apparently occupied trailers mostly go unanswered, but one young woman, a resident at the park for the past two years, agrees to speak only on condition ofanonymity.

Life there has been very rough said the woman, who lives alone.

She had shared the residence with an elderly relative until health concerns became too much.

We were snowed in last year, and my nannys sugar went up really high and we were scared we werent going to be able to get her out if something happened, said the woman, breaking down in tears.

She said attempts since last summer to find alternate housing have been frustrating.

Its so hard to even just find a place, she said, but added she believes something positive may be on the horizon.

She didnt provide details about possible new digs, but said shes very disappointed officials didnt step in to assist residents when the situation began to go south.

The government didnt help, she said. Im living without water. Im living without normal power. I have to use a generator. Its stressful. Im up sometimes all night trying to get it to stay going because I need to be able to eat.

A wood stove provides heat, but fuel can be expensive, up to $100 per cord, the resident said.

Its absolutely ridiculous, she said, adding when wood is low, she gathers fallen tree branches from the woods.

Sometimes it gets so cold and I dont have any wood, she said.

It can cost up to $30 a day for gas to run the generator and she pays someone to bring her fuel.

The park is a mess, she said. Its hard to have company you cant do anything.

A faint smile crosses her face as her dog barks from inside the trailer.

Thats the one thing that does keep me going, she said.

Indeed, life at River Valley Trailer Park has been sour for some time.

A July 21, 2018 Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks notice advised residents to remove their belongings from the park by the closure date after its owners opted not to replace the aging, failed septic system that officials concluded posed a health risk to residents. The letter notes ownership is not able to run the operation due to a Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care closure order.

Then, on July 25 of that year, MECP advised River Valley Trailer Park its application for sewage works would be considered withdrawn, and the file closed, if additional information was not received by Aug. 10. River Valley Park submitted an application for a new sewage system to MECP the previous October, but the file wasnt processed because the ministry needed more detail from the owners. Financial assurance was also required in case of bankruptcy or closure.

Algoma Public Health also started legal action against River Valley Trailer Park, with documents exchanged on June 27, 2018.

Prior to the closure, APH inspectors continued to visit the park about once a week, the unit confirmed.

Contending with park waste, of all sorts, naturally poses challenges.

Residents, Falls said, may take garbage to the dump or have it picked up by a private contractor.

As for personal sanitation, Falls said he did not poke my nose into that one.

Thats the other question , he said, adding that concern is the domain of other authorities, such as APH.

They have the officers with the badge, he said. I carry no badge and I dont carry any authority.

Algoma Public Health confirmed to The Sault Star that following a lengthy period of time and in the absence of repairs, it ordered the closure of River Valley due to health risks to residents from a malfunctioning sewage system and environmental contamination.

At this time, APH is satisfied that the health hazard to the general public has been mitigated and will continue to monitor and respond if new public health concerns arise, the unit wrote in an email.

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha has kept an eye on the River Valley situation for some time.

He confirmed six families have chosen to stay in the park with generators and some type of outhouse accommodation.

Its unfortunate what (has) happened there, Mantha said in a recent interview with The Sault Star. I thought there was a possibility to get something done. However, there was the finances, securing the finances for the landlord was very challenging.

The MPP said he had earlier communications with the park owners, but contact has since dried up.

The park owner has seemed to have walked away from the park, Mantha said.

An emailed request for comment to River Valley Park was not returned. A contact phone number is no longer in service.

The park resident, who described the owners as immigrants, doesnt place full blame on them.

They became Canadian citizens, which is awesome, she said. (But) they let the park get to this point and our government didnt do anything.

Mantha said he has followed up with APH and MECP, which have no concerns with what is there onsite or what is being done.

APH has been to the site, said Mantha, who was told there are no public hazards or concerns.

There was no evidence of public safety concerns over the course of the summer, he added. If there are issues, if there are further complaints the come, (APH) would be going back and inspecting the park.

Those still occupying the site are, essentially, on their own, paying no rent, the MPP said.

Theyre just kind of there, said Mantha, adding responsibility for the mess must ultimately fall on the shoulders of trailer park owners.

There was a failure of the owner to secure the financial needs in order to make the appropriate investments to bring the sewer system (up to code), he said. When you buy it, you buy it with all the liabilities that come with it.

Winter access to the park is now a chief concern.

Those individuals are staying in their homes and thats their homes, Mantha said. Thats their investment and theyre doing what they need to do to get by.

Mantha said he understands both MECP and APH filed charges against the owner and, for whatever reason, the latter withdrew charges. Mantha said the APH explanation he received basically said having both agencies file charges was kind of a doubt jeopardy. The MPP said he awaits a more thorough legal explanation.

I have not seen that documentation, Mantha said.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks confirmed to The Sault Star that on Aug. 24, 2018, River Valley Park Inc. was convicted of one offence under the Environmental Protection Act and was fined $60,000 plus a victim fine surcharge of $15,000, and was given one year to pay. On the same date River Valley Park Inc. was also convicted of two offences under the Ontario Water Resources Act and was fined $5,000 plus a victim fine surcharge of $1,250 and was given one year to pay. Also, on Aug. 24 of that year, Harjeet Singh Dusanjh, formerly a director of the company, was convicted of two offences under the Ontario Resources Water Act.

APH told The Sault Star its case against the park was, indeed, withdrawn acknowledging successful conviction and fine by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

MECP says it is aware that some people are staying at the site.

To be clear, the ministry has no authority to deal with persons living without permission at the park, ministry spokesperson Gary Wheeler told the Sault Star.

The province says it no longer monitors the site becausethe owner closed the park and all park services, including the large septic sewage system, no longer in operation.

The ministrys role and involvement was related to concerns about the sewage systems that were not properly approved on the property, Wheeler said. As that system is no longer operating and there is no off-site environmental impact, the ministry is no longer involved.

Meanwhile, many River Valley Trailer Park residents merely abandoned their units, most of which were 40 to 50 years old.

They couldnt move them, Falls said. And when they tried to move them, they broke them.

I know people who just walked away. They locked their door, walked away and when they came back, the place had been broken into and anything that was there that was any good was gone.

Its a very sad looking place.

And very bleak this Christmas for those toughing it out.

Christmas is coming and I cant even have a Christmas, the resident said. I cant do anything .. I cant bake. I love baking. I love doing everything like that. It sucks. I cant have a normal life.

jougler@postmedia.com

On Twitter:@JeffreyOugler

Link:

Its a very sad looking place - Sault Star

Custom built in 2000, complete main floor renovation w/high quality finishes in 2017-2018. Main level features 12' ceilings, ceramic tile, 8' doors, sep office, master w/frpl, luxury bath w/jet tub & sep shower. The kitchen/great rm & brkfst room is fabulous w/brkfst bar that seats 8, sep center island w/quartz counters, GE Cafe SS appl & over-sized Eletrolux refrig. A new gas frpl, large butler pantry/wet bar, w/wine fridge & ice maker, walks out to composite deck overlooks level lot backing to Des Peres Park.Sep DR, mud rm, laundry rm & 2 1/2 baths finish the main floor. The extensive finish LL w/8-9' ceilings, most at or above grade, 3 BR's, walk-in closets, 2 full baths, bar w/fridge & DW, fam rm w/movie screen w/rear projector, pool & game table (negotiable), sep work-out room & 2nd laundry room. Zoned HVAC, tank-less WH, carpet (Nov '19), plantation shutters, alarm system, surround sound, irrigation system & 3 car garage are just some of the amenities to this amazing home!

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3 stories, 8600 square feet! See some of the biggest homes that just hit the St. Louis market - STLtoday.com

HOUSTON Budget retailers T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods sold 19 different recalled products after they were recalled between 2014 and 2019, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced this week.

The recall involves about 1,200 units of recalled products from rocking sleepers to speakers. In the case of the infant sleepers involved in the recall, multiple children have died in cases linked to the products use.

The CPSC and TJX Companies Inc. advised that people should stop using the recalled products immediately and contact the recalling firms to receive the remedy listed in the recall, which is either a refund, replacement or repair.

TJX said in a statement issued to one news outlet:

At TJX, product safety is very important to us. We deeply regret that in some instances, recalled products were not properly removed from our sales floors despite the recall processes that we had in place. We are taking appropriate steps to strengthen these processes moving forward. We apologize to our customers and encourage anyone who believes they may have one of these products to participate in the recall."

The CPSC advises consumers to contact the recalling companies listed below directly. Go to the Recall Details section for the remedy. T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods can be reached as follows:

T.J. Maxx at 800-926-6299 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at http://www.tjmaxx.com then click on Contact Us at the bottom of the page.

Marshalls at 888-627-7425 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at http://www.marshalls.com and click on Contact Us at the bottom of the page.

HomeGoods at 800-888-0776 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at http://www.homegoods.com and click on Customer Service at the bottom of the page.

Here are the products:

Inclined Sleeper Accessory for Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yards Recalled by Fisher Price

Recall Date: June 27, 2019

Original Sale Dates: October 2014 through June 2019

Hazard: Infant fatalities have been reported while using other inclined sleep products, after the infants rolled from their back to their stomach or side while unrestrained, or under other circumstances.

Remedy: Refund (see Press Release #: 19-151)

Contact: Fisher-Price online at http://www.service.mattel.com and click on Recalls & Safety Alerts or at 800-432-5437 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Portable Speakers Recalled by ION Audio

Recall Date: May 21, 2019

Original Sale Dates: March 2016 through March 2019

Hazard: Hydrogen gas can leak from the portable speaker battery when charging and the speaker can burst, posing an explosion hazard.

Remedy: Refund (see Press Release #: 19-124)

Contact: ION Audio toll-free at 833-682-0371 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at http://www.ionaudio.com and click on recalls located at the top of the page.

Rocking Sleepers Recalled by Kids II

Recall Date: April 26, 2019

Original Sale Dates: March 2012 through April 2019

Hazard: Infant fatalities have occurred in the Rocking Sleepers, after the infants rolled from their back to their stomach while unrestrained, or under other circumstances.

Remedy: Refund (see Press Release #: 19-112)

Contact: Kids II toll-free at 866-869-7954 from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit http://www.kids2.com and click on IMPORTANT RECALL INFORMATION.

Rock n Play Sleepers Recalled by Fisher-Price

Recall Date: April 12, 2019

Original Sale Dates: 2009 through April 2019

Hazard: Infant fatalities have occurred in Rock n Play Sleepers, after the infants rolled from their back to their stomach or side while unrestrained, or under other circumstances.

Remedy: Refund (see Press Release #: 19-105)

Contact: Fisher-Price online at http://www.service.mattel.com and click on Recalls & Safety Alerts or toll-free at 866-812-6518 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Glass & Ceramic Drawer Knobs Recalled by TJX

Recall Date: December 13, 2018

Original Sale Dates: October 2015 through October 2018

Hazard: The glass and ceramic drawer knobs can break or shatter when pulled, posing a laceration hazard.

Remedy: Refund (see Press Release #: 19-050)

Contact: T.J. Maxx at 800-926-6299 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday or online at http://www.tjmaxx.com and click on Contact Us at the bottom of the page. Marshalls toll-free at 888-627-7425 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday or online at http://www.marshalls.com and click on Contact Us at the bottom of the page. HomeGoods at 800-888-0776 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday or online at http://www.homegoods.com and click on Customer Service at the bottom of the page.

Bistro Chairs Recalled by Jimco

Recall Date: September 11, 2018

Original Sale Dates: January 2018 through June 2018

Hazard: The chairs seat can break, posing a fall hazard.

Remedy: Refund (see Press Release #: 18-219)

Contact: Jimco Lamp & Manufacturing Company at 800-643-0092 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at http://jimcolamp.com/ and click on Recall Information at the bottom of the page.

Swivel Barstools Recalled by TJX

Recall Date: September 6, 2018

Original Sale Dates: September 2017 through December 2017

Hazard: The wood joints on the barstool can break, posing a fall hazard.

Remedy: Refund (see Press Release #: 18-216)

Contact: HomeGoods at 800-888-0776 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at http://www.homegoods.com and click on Customer Service at the bottom of the page. Marshalls toll-free at 888-627-7425 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at http://www.marshalls.com and click on Customer Service at the bottom of the page. T.J. Maxx at 800-926-6299 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at http://www.tjmaxx.com then click on Contact Us at the bottom of the page.

Childrens Cardigan Sets Recalled by Carters

Recall Date: May 2, 2018

Original Sale Dates: July 2017 through March 2018

Hazard: The cardigans toggle button can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Remedy: Refund (see Press Release #: 18-148)

Contact: Carters Consumer Affairs department at 800-692-4674 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at http://www.carters.com and click on Product Recalls at the bottom of the page.

Sharper Image and Frigidaire Mandoline Slicers Recalled by Premier Kitchen

Recall Date: May 1, 2018

Original Sale Dates: May 2017 through April 2018

Hazard: The small blades in the julienne slicer attachment can separate from the plastic assembly, posing a laceration hazard.

Remedy: Refund (see Press Release #: 18-147)

Contact: Premier Kitchen Products at 800-304-4035 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at recall@pkpny.com or online at http://www.pkp-recall.com.

Glass Beer Mugs Recalled by TJX

Recall Date: July 13, 2017

Original Sale Dates: May 2017 through June 2017

Hazard: The glass beer mug can break if heated or used with hot liquid, posing burn and laceration hazards.

Remedy: Refund (see Press Release #: 17-187)

Contact: HomeGoods at 800-888-0776 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at http://www.homegoods.com and click on Product Info/Recalls at the bottom of the page.

Coffee Presses Recalled by Bradshaw International

Recall Date: May 16, 2017

Original Sale Dates: July 2016 through March 2017

Hazard: The glass beakers of the coffee presses can break during normal use, posing a laceration hazard to users.

Remedy: Replace (see Press Release #: 17-153)

Contact: Bradshaw International toll-free at 877-614-9571 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at http://www.bradshawintl.com and click on Recalls.

Oball Rattles Recalled by Kids II

Recall Date: March 2, 2017

Original Sale Dates: January 2016 through February 2017

Hazard: The clear plastic disc on the outside of the oball rattles can break, releasing small beads, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Remedy: Refund (see Press Release #: 17-104)

Contact: Kids II toll-free at 800-230-8190 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit http://www.kidsii.com and click on Recalls at the bottom of the page.

Cutlery Knives Recalled by Calphalon

Recall Date: February 22, 2017

Original Sale Dates: September 2008 through December 2016

Hazard: The blade on the Contemporary Cutlery knives can break during use, posing a laceration hazard.

Remedy: Replace (see Press Release #: 17-092)

Contact: Calphalon at 800-809-7267 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at http://www.calphalon.com and click on Customer Support at the bottom of the page.

Self-balancing Scooters/Hoverboards Recalled by Swagway

Recall Date: July 6, 2016

Original Sale Dates: September 2015 through March 2016

Hazard: The lithium-ion battery packs in the self-balancing scooters/hoverboards can overheat, posing a risk of the products smoking, catching fire and/or exploding.

Remedy: Repair (see Press Release #: 16-211)

Contact: Swagway toll-free at 844-299-0625 from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at https://swagway.com and click on Product Recall.

Foldable Lounge Chairs Recalled by TJX

Recall Date: May 25, 2016

Original Sale Dates: During March 2016

Hazard: The chairs can collapse unexpectedly, posing a fall and injury hazard.

Remedy: Refund (see Press Release #: 16-174)

Contact: T.J. Maxx at 800-926-6299 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at http://www.tjmaxx.com then click on Product Recalls at the bottom of the page or Marshalls toll-free at 888-627-7425 or online at http://www.marshalls.com and click on Customer Service at the bottom of the page.

Originally posted here:
T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods sold 19 recalled products, some deadly, after they were recalled, CPSC says - KPRC Click2Houston

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If you open your closet doors to find an environment that feels like an interrogation room or a black hole well, you can do better. The goal is to find a lighting solution that helps maximize your closets potential as useful storage and also makes it the most attractive space it can be within your home. The good news is that its easier than ever to make both of those things happen simply and at an affordable price.

To find the best closet lighting ideas, we reached out to the pros to learn how to choose closet light fixtures that make the space safe (i.e., not a fire hazard), bright, and functional. Heres how to choose the best closet lighting, according to interior design experts.

Fluorescent lighting is still a popular choice for closets because it runs cool and is energy efficient. Erin Strasen, an interior designer for the online home refresh resource Spoak, recommends them for those reasons but with caveats. With all the lightbulb options out there, fluorescent bulbs are a good middle ground if youre looking for something that lasts but isnt overly expensive. However, she adds, A consideration with fluorescent bulbs is what to do with them when they do burn out. You have to dispose of these at specific drop-off sites, so theyre higher maintenance in the long run.

That's one reason you might consider light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs), she says. If you own your home, or youre willing to take your lightbulbs with you when you leave your rental, then LEDs are the way to go, Strasen recommends. Theyre more expensive up front but they are better at mimicking a traditional incandescent bulb, which is by far the most flattering light because the warm glow prevents colors from feeling stark and washed out.

Brittany Zachos of Zachos Design Group in Westchester, New York, also suggests LEDs specifically, ones that allow you to select the color temperature. I like to recommend a color between 2,500 and 3,500 kelvins, she says.

While Strasen suggests battery-operated or rechargeable light fixtures in situations where hard wiring a light fixture is cost prohibitive. However, the added expense for hard wiring can be worth it. A hard-wired light fixture offers more flexibility since you don't have to depend on an outlet and its always nice to not be concerned with batteries or recharging a fixture, she says.

Zachos agrees when considering the tradeoff. I think a battery-powered light or pendant that is plugged into the wall is best in reading nooks or art accent lighting an area where you arent using it every day, she says. Otherwise I think it is worth the investment to have an electrician install a hardwired light.

LE

She also suggests another option that costs little but offers a great solution: LED tape lighting. The color temperature can be selected, and its a very affordable option, she says.

The tape can be run along a door frame or up above closet shelving and some even come with remote controls. Since it is LED, it can last a lot longer than a fluorescent or battery-operated light. And they can be concealed, so it is a nice accent for a smaller closet.

Strasen is another fan of LED strip lights. You can stick them anywhere and cut them to the length you need Just make sure you secure the plug somewhere easily accessible so you can turn them on and off [easily]. They do require a plug, but the cables are often thin so you can snake the cord outside your closet to the nearest outlet.

Of course, no matter which choice you make with bulbs and fixtures, youll want to keep safety a top priority. Although the regulations vary, its always a good idea to allow at least 12 inches of space between a light fixture and the items being stored if you want to play it extra safe, Strasen says. Most building code regulations require that you stay away from exposed or bare bulbs as well. When in doubt, consult an electrician or the latest version of the National Electrical Code.

Zachos gives a simple rule of thumb. Any fixture that has an exposed bulb can get too hot," she says. "It is best to use a light fixture that is concealed with a glass or cover.

... consider functionality, Strasen advises. If youre lucky enough to have a walk-in closet, then you probably want two options for lighting: a dim option for when youre winding down for the night and just need enough light to find your way around, and a brighter option that lets you double-check that the sweater youre wearing is, in fact, navy and not black.

But form matters just as much, she says, and closet lighting should be pretty and appealing, too. Flattering light is always nice in larger closets with mirrors. Downlights directly overhead cast unflattering shadows so make sure your light is well placed and ideally coming from more than one source to avoid looking ghoulish, she notes. If you have a dresser in a large closet, consider styling it with a light both for functionality purposes and to make the space feel cozy."

Ultimately, you'll want to choose a safe set of lights that appeals to your design sensibilities. "Lights are just objects when theyre turned off," Strasen says, "and theyre a great opportunity to show your personality.

Excerpt from:
How to Choose the Best Closet Lighting - Closet Light Fixture Ideas - GoodHousekeeping.com

Boasting beautifully restored hardwood floors and rustic floor to ceiling barn doors, this home is the perfect blend of modern and historic charm. It offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a detached two car garage, a large fenced in backyard and is close to town. The bathrooms have been remodeled to include stunning tile showers and floors. The kitchen has also undergone a full renovation, featuring two-tone cabinets, open shelving, and stainless steel appliances. The washer and dryer are also staying with the home. This home has had many updates including: water heater (2014), windows and siding (2015), electric wiring (2015), plumbing (2015), ductwork (2015), privacy fence (2015), remodeled kitchen (2015). remodeled bathrooms (2015), drywall (2016), roof (2017), doors and trim (2017), refinished hardwood floors (2019). Call to make your appointment to see this one of kind property today.

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Less than $100K? Check out some affordable homes for sale in the St. Louis area - STLtoday.com

The open living room and 48" hallways is easily accessible for a wheelchair users in the Gill family's ADA-compliant home in Naperville, Illinois. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

The open living room and 48" hallways is easily accessible for a wheelchair users in the Gill family's ADA-compliant home in Naperville, Illinois. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

The open living room and 48" hallways is easily accessible for a wheelchair users in the Gill family's ADA-compliant home in Naperville, Illinois. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

The open living room and 48" hallways is easily accessible for a wheelchair users in the Gill family's ADA-compliant home in Naperville, Illinois. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

Homes with accessibility are in great demand, but that doesn't mean they're easy to find

Matthew Gill, 25, was 19 years old when he jumped into the Rock River in Wisconsin. He dove in, not realizing the depth of the water he was diving into, and hit his head, according to his father, Bill Gill.

Matthew's spinal cord injury put him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

The accident changed the trajectory of the Gill family in many ways, including in terms of housing. Matthew's childhood home in Lisle, Illinois, was no longer conducive to his new mobility. The split-level, five-bedroom, three-bath residence was too small.

"I am in a wheelchair, full time we got a chair lift put in. I would transfer to that and use that up the stairs and someone would have to bring up the wheelchair," Matthew said.

"That led to a lot of frustration for my son early on," Bill said.

And despite Bill being in the real estate industry for 32 years, his experience and expertise did not make it easier to find a home that was compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

When the Gills started looking for homes, they wanted to stay in their current school district for their youngest daughter (then in elementary school). But after looking at "hundreds of homes online" and viewing about 80 homes in person -- seeking residences with first floor masters or ranch homes that could be remodeled -- and not finding anything suitable with the help of colleagues and competitors, Bill, Baird & Warner's branch manager in Naperville, Illinois, decided to design and build their own home.

"Some of the homes just needed so much work," he said. "And we were doing all of this with everything else going on -- trying to work, a sixth grader, three kids in college, and then Matt. The entire family was just devastated at this injury."

But before their custom home was built, a six-bedroom, 4.5-bath home in Naperville became available. The Gills remodeled and moved in during March 2015.

"The house was about the same floor plan that we were designing and yet buying it was half the cost of building a house," Bill Gill said. "And the modifications we did were about half the cost of what any other house we looked at would have been."

The modifications entailed:

Taking out a pantry to add a vertical platform lift for Matthew's wheelchair (A cross between an elevator and a forklift, it doesn't require inspections like an elevator).

Hardwood floors.

A bedroom with a fan, thermostat and lights controlled by Matt's phone

A video-monitoring system to see who is coming up the walk/driveway.

A roll-in luxury shower.

Custom bathtub.

Custom-built vanity.

Hallways and doorways that are wider than his 28-inch chair.

No steps in the house, including to the outside deck.

A refrigerator with shallow shelves and wide doors, so he can reach all the shelves.

A kitchen island that allows Matt access to the oven and stove.

A three-car garage with a ramp that allows Matt direct access to the house.

Bill says these are all things that you don't think about until you have to.

"This is where the real challenge lies: Accessible means different things to different people. To some people it means a ranch home, but it might be a ranch home with steps down to the family room. The biggest problem is defining what exactly an accessible home is. Here, Matthew can get into every room in the house," he said.

Options for aging in place

The Gills aren't alone in their search for a home centered around a loved one's mobility needs. While they were looking for a home that provided a new normal for them, others may be looking to age in place and add features to their living space. According to the Housing America's Older Adults 2019 report released by Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS), just 3.5% of all U.S. homes had basic accessibility features, including grab-bars or handrails in the bathroom, extra-wide hallways and doors, and a bedroom on the entry level, in 2011. Given that mobility and other difficulties increase with age, the report projects many older homeowners will need to make accessibility improvements if they want to remain in their homes.

"We have been doing a lot more jobs where we're basically getting houses more accessible as our clients age," said Bob Zuber, a partner at Morgante Wilson Architects. "I think we're also seeing a lot of in-laws staying with clients and getting that ready to go. We're talking about bigger bathrooms, elevators, wider hallways, and first floors that are closer to ground level with the possibility of ramps integrated into the landscape or into the front porch."

Knowing a client's needs means fewer broad strokes and more specificity when it comes to finding or designing for one's accessibility, says Dave Ernst, a principal with Morgante who designed Susan and Jon Newsome's Winnetka, Wisconsin, residence to adhere to Jon's myotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) needs. Their home includes:

A ceiling-mounted lift system that uses a sling to transport Jon between the master bedroom and bath, which features an ADA-compliant vanity and tub/wet room area.

Wide halls and doorways that accommodate wheelchair accessibility.

An elevator that accesses the basement and second floor.

A main hallway that transverses the center of the home and provides access to all major first-floor living spaces. (A reinforced handrail is gracefully incorporated into the hallway's wainscot paneling chair rail.)

Jon, 77, was diagnosed in 2010 and is completely immobile now. Susan said that although they had some idea of what adaptations the house would need, architects were helpful in the research that they provided. Communication is key too.

"It's important that they find out what that person is going to need based upon their lifestyle and what they want to do," she said.

Ernst said the Newsomes brought the idea of the lift system to Morgante when designing. He also said Morgante is currently working on homes for 30-somethings that will leave room for accessibility features to be added when the time comes.

Matthew is now working toward becoming a full-time financial adviser; and "getting ever so slightly tolerant of his situation," per his dad. Matthew said he and his brother are talking about eventually moving into a Chicago apartment together. One possibility for an accessible space is 640 N. Wells St., which has 30 ADA-compliant units with roll-in showers, kitchen countertops and cabinetry that can be lowered to fit the needs of the resident and electrical wiring to allow for notification systems for those who are deaf, according to Ericka Rios, leasing director and co-founder of Downtown Apartment Co., a matchmaker for buildings and renters.

Bill looks back and says networking with more people in the same situation is essential when looking for and preparing to buy an accessible home. Finding out what worked and what didn't work for other individuals and their different experiences would have prepared the Gills a bit more for their circumstances.

"Finding resources to help you -- people who have gone there before -- that's the biggest thing," Bill said. "I felt like we were doing that, but the bottom line is we were not doing it enough. You need more perspectives and input and that's going to be the best help you can get. You'll see themes. If you talk to six people and they tell you the same thing, you better listen. The more you interact and the more you network, the more it helps you."

When looking for accessible homes, Zuber recommends focusing on properties with most of the living space on one level; doorways that are oversized; and 5-foot diameter spaces for wheelchair turnaround.

"A lot of people aren't familiar with what the requirements are, so we educate them so that they know why we are providing those extra spaces," Ernst said. "Giving clients exactly what they want and need, making it less of a house and more of a home."

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Homes with accessibility are in great demand, but that doesn't mean they're easy to find - Manistee News Advocate

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Grab these Alexa and Google enabled smart plugs $4.95 each before they sell out - BGR