Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

There are few activities as relaxing as a soak in the bath, yet whirlpool tubs take this experience to the next level. Whirlpool tubs have underwater jets that propel streams of water. These luxurious bathtubs provide a soothing massage at the press of a button.

When shopping for a whirlpool tub, look for an option thats the right style and size for your bathroom, has an attractive and comfortable design, and includes all the water and massage features you want to banish tension and welcome serenity. Read on to learn about important factors and features to keep in mind, and find out why the following models made our lineup of the best whirlpool tubs.

Whirlpool tubs (sometimes known as Jacuzzis, for the name of the Italian manufacturer that pioneered them) bring the relaxation of an outdoor hot tub into the home. There are several primary factors as well as a host of extra features to consider when choosing the best jetted bathtub for your needs. When shopping for the best whirlpool tub, consider the tub type, jets, size, pump system, material, and assorted bells and whistles for comfort, safety, and convenience.

Whirlpool bathtubs come in various types, which refer to how they are installed. Consider the bathroom configuration when choosing from these common types:

In a whirlpool tub, the jets are located on the sides (including along the front and back) and sit under the intended waterline to prevent splashing. The number of jets in a whirlpool tub usually ranges from six to 10 or more. The more jets, the better the tub can offer a full-body massaging experience.

Besides the number of jets, also consider adjustability. Many tubs allow users to adjust the jet direction to target specific areas and pressure points. Some also have the option to adjust jet intensity, so users can choose between a gentle bubbling soak or a more vigorous massage.

Along with the bathtub type, size is one of the most important factors to consider. Measure the bathrooms square footage and the area that can be devoted to a whirlpool tub prior to shopping for one. Also consider where the drain is located on the floor to ensure it will work with the tubs drain configuration.

Capacity in a whirlpool tub refers to both water volume and the number of occupants. A larger bathtub will require more water to fill, and users will want to make sure that their water heater is up to the task. Tubs can vary in size from 25 to 150 gallons in capacity, so consider how the tub size will affect water heating and usage costs. Also consider if the bathtub will be used for one person at a time or for soaking with a partner.

Once the tub is filled with water and a bather, it will become very heavy. Consider the filled weight and verify that it will not compromise the structural condition of the home. In some cases, it may be necessary to reinforce bathroom structures to accommodate the bathtub.

The mechanics of whirlpool tubs include a pump system that circulates the water through the jets. To simplify installation, many whirlpool tubs have a pump that fits within the tubs overall footprint, tucked against one of its sides. Some whirlpool tubs have separate pumps that can be placed away from the tub and hidden in a nearby closet or cabinet. Its prudent to check the pump location to avoid buying a whirlpool tub that wont fit into the intended space.

A whirlpool tub with a heater can make bathing even more luxurious. Whirlpool tub heaters maintain the water temperature, which means users dont need to fill the tub with more hot water when it starts cooling off. Some whirlpool tubs come with built-in heat systems. Others have the option to add an in-line heater later on, which allows for more flexibility for those who want to upgrade their whirlpool tub down the line.

Whirlpool tubs come in a range of materials, which can affect their price, durability, and ease of cleaning. The three main options are:

A range of extra features can make a whirlpool tub even more appealing. Many are designed with molded back support and armrests to allow users to recline in comfort while bathing. Ambient lighting and aromatherapy features can create an even more tranquil atmosphere.

Some whirlpool bathtubs have air jets (or air channels) as well as water jets. These small jets blow air instead of water to create an effervescent, bubbling massage rather than the deeper, concentrated pressure of water jets.

In terms of safety, whirlpool tubs can include grab bars and textured, slip-resistant bottoms. For those with mobility concerns, walk-in whirlpool tubs are an option.

To keep the piping system clean, whirlpool tubs can include antimicrobial-coated piping and jets as well as automatic cleaning systems to prevent bacteria, algae, mildew, and mold buildup.

The best whirlpool tubs described ahead are comfortable and filled with features, ideal for turning bath time into a serene, luxurious, spa-style experience.

Photo: amazon.com

The American Standard EverClean 60 x 32 Whirlpool Tub tops our list since its simple, attractive, and boasts eight whirlpool jets. Measuring 60 inches long by 32 inches wide by 21.5 inches deep, this alcove tub is a convenient option designed to fit into most bathroom alcoves.

This tub is made of acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement for excellent durability, which also keeps the tub relatively lightweight and budget friendly. Bathers can adjust the direction of the eight jets to target their tight spots. A form-fitted backrest and molded armrests offer relaxing support, and a side-mounted on-off control makes it easy to control the jets.

For peace of mind, this tub also features American Standards patented EverClean technology, an antimicrobial additive molded directly into the water system that inhibits mold and mildew growth for a cleaner whirlpool tub.

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Get the American Standard 60 x 32 whirlpool tub at The Home Depot.

Photo: amazon.com

The luxury of a whirlpool bathtub can be had at an affordable price with the American Standard EverClean 60 x 32.75 Whirlpool Tub. This pared-down and budget-friendly option is made from acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement. It has a drop-in design and measures 60 inches long by 32.75 inches wide by 19.75 inches deep, making it suitable for many bathrooms. As a drop-in tub, its usable in a wide variety of platform styles.

While this tub has only six jets, they are adjustable and multidirectional. Plus, the tub is built for comfort and safety with molded-in arm rests, lumbar support, and a slip-resistant floor. This tub also features American Standards EverClean system, which means its pump system contains an antimicrobial additive that helps inhibit mold and mildew.

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Get the American Standard 60 x 32.75 whirlpool tub at The Home Depot.

Photo: amazon.com

A freestanding tub will be a stylish statement maker in any bathroom that has enough space for it. With its simple, sleek design, the Woodbridge 71 Whirlpool Freestanding model is an ideal choice for modern and contemporary homes. This elegant tub offers a luxurious experience, with both massaging water jets and soothing air jets. The tub features 16 combined total jets for a truly spalike soak, with six direction-adjustable whirlpool jets and 10 air channel jets that can be used together or separately. An underwater light adds to the premium feel.

This model measures 71 inches long by 31.5 inches wide by 29.125 inches deep for a spacious spa-style bath. To ensure durability, its made from high-gloss lucite acrylic that is reinforced with resin and fiberglass. The pump is hidden inside its freestanding design, simplifying installation.

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Get the Woodbridge whirlpool tub at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.

Photo: amazon.com

With 10 adjustable water jets, a contoured design, and underwater lighting, the Empava 59 Whirlpool LED Corner Bathtub can create a couples oasis in the bath. Its made of glossy acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement to be scratch-resistant and extra smooth. This tub for two has a pair of molded seats with lumbar jets and a cozy headrest. It measures 59 inches long by 59 inches wide and 28 inches deep. The generous length gives plenty of room to stretch out, while the 14.5-inch soaking depth should immerse most adults to the shoulder. When its time to rinse off, this tub boasts a built-in retractable showerhead.

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Get the Empava 59 whirlpool tub at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.

Photo: amazon.com

Walk-in tubs make it safer and easier for anyone to bathe, particularly those with mobility issues. This comfortable Anzzi model combines a walk-in tub design with soothing whirlpool jets. It features 15 adjustable whirlpool jets, 115 air bubble channels, an in-line heater, and bath lighting to create a luxurious and therapeutic bathing experience. It measures 52.75 inches long by 26.37 inches wide by 37 inches deep for a thorough, relaxing soak.

Along with its walk-in design and luxurious whirlpool and air-jet features, the Anzzi Walk-In Bathtub is also durable and stylish. Its made from white fiberglass with a triple-gel coat that gives it an attractive, glossy, easy-to-clean finish. An included quick-fill waterfall faucet and handheld showerhead adds to functionality. In terms of safety features, theres a low step threshold, slip-resistant flooring, an ADA-compliant built-in seat, and a small grab bar.

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Get the Anzzi whirlpool tub on Amazon.

Photo: amazon.com

Made for two to relax, the Empava 71 Acrylic Alcove Whirlpool Bathtub is a quality choice for couples as well as individuals who like a little more space. This wide alcove tub is made from acrylic reinforced with fiberglass and measures 71 inches long by 47 inches wide by 27 inches tall. It has a double-walled reinforced design to help maintain desired water temperature longer.

With a generous length and width, this tub is designed for two people to relax side by side, with two headrests next to each other. Sixteen adjustable water jets, including three in each back region, provide a relaxing massage. This tub has a 16-inch soaking depth to immerse most users to the shoulder. Ergonomic control knobs and a built-in retractable showerhead add to the tubs functionality.

Product Specs

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Get the Empava 71 whirlpool tub on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Photo: amazon.com

With a classic rounded interior, the Kohler Devonshire 60 x 32 Alcove Whirlpool Bath combines traditional design with modern massaging water jets. Made of hard-wearing acrylic, it has a clean and simple look to suit a host of decor styles, and its alcove configuration should fit many popular bathroom layouts.

This whirlpool tub measures 60 inches long by 32 inches wide by 20 inches deep. It features molded armrest and lumbar supports as well as eight adjustable jets. The flow and direction can be controlled at each jet for a catered massage experience. A textured bottom surface makes it safer to get in and out of the tub.

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Get the Kohler whirlpool tub at The Home Depot or Lowes.

With a minimalist design, eight adjustable jets, and a patented mold-inhibiting pipe system, the American Standard 60 x 32 whirlpool tub is our choice as the best jetted tub for most bathrooms. Those looking for a more cost-friendly whirlpool tub should consider the American Standard EverClean 60 x 32.75 whirlpool tub, which offers six whirlpool jets and an attractive design for a more affordable price.

Purchasing and installing a whirlpool tub may be a big investment, so shoppers will want to choose the best fixture for their space. To suit different bathrooms, we selected a range of whirlpool-tub types, including a stylish freestanding tub, a roomy two-person version, and even a walk-in option for those with mobility issues.

Among all the different types, we looked for a few key features: attractive design; comfortable shape; and effective, adjustable jets. We also paid attention to materials, choosing durable options that should last upwards of a decade. For extra comfort and relaxation, we prioritized whirlpool tubs with additional features, like safer nonslip floors, ambient lighting, air bath jets, and extra-comfortable seating.

Whirlpool tubs share many of the same benefits as an outdoor hot tub. Soaking in warm water delivers a variety of physical and mental benefits, relaxing muscles while helping users unwind mentally for both tension and stress relief. The addition of massaging jets in a whirlpool tub greatly enhances the therapeutic experience. Reducing stress and muscle tension can have positive impacts down the line, including better sleep, improved exercise recovery, and pain relief.

The best jetted tub options bring all these benefits home, making it easy to access this relaxation from the coziness of the bathroom. This proximity is appealing for those who dont have the space or resources to install an outdoor hot tubor who simply prefer an indoor experience. Unlike a hot tub, a whirlpool tub doubles as a practical bathtub, making it an even more appealing choice. In short, a whirlpool tub can provide the following benefits:

Many whirlpool tubs are designed to fit in the same space as a standard tub, making them almost as easy as installing a standard tub. For homeowners looking to upgrade to a whirlpool tub, the procedure is similar. Start by taking accurate measurements of the bathroom, making sure to note the appropriate tub type, drain and plumbing location, and suitable electrical receptacle to power the pump. Consult a contractor, especially for heavier tubs, to ensure that the bathroom floor can support the weight of the new tub. Installing a whirlpool tub is usually a job best left to the professionals due to the plumbing and wiring expertise required.

Since theyre a jetted tub with an internal pipe system, whirlpool tubs require more maintenance than standard tubs. Its important to clean the tub frequently to prevent mold and mildew in the pipes. Most times, the tub itself can be cleaned like a regular bathtub. Consult the manufacturers directions for the process and frequency for cleaning the jets and interior piping.

With so many options to consider and a range of important specifications to keep in mind, shopping for a whirlpool tub can be challenging. Weve compiled some frequently asked questions and their answers to help with the research and decision-making process.

To install into a pre-existing bathtub space, take careful measurements to determine the right tub size, paying attention to the drain location, proximity of electrical receptacles, and the tubs pump configuration. For a brand-new tub installation space, consider the size of the bathroom and your preferred tub size and capacity.

It depends on the tub. Many whirlpool tubs have pumps that fit within the tubs footprint, which means theres no need to save any additional space for the pump. Some whirlpool tubs have a separate pump, which must be accounted for when planning.

Water jets are more powerful than air jets, offering a deeper massage.

Not usually. While it is more work than cleaning a regular tub, simply stick to the manufacturer-recommended cleaning schedule and maintenance process, and it should not be difficult to clean the jets of a whirlpool tub.

Whirlpool tubs should last upwards of 10 years, with some durable acrylic and cast-iron options made to last several decades.

For healthy users, theres no need to speak to a doctor before buying or using a whirlpool tub. However, those with pre-existing conditions that can be exacerbated by heat (such as pregnant individuals and those with heart conditions) should talk to a doctor before using a whirlpool tub.

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The Best Whirlpool Tubs of 2022 - Picks from Bob Vila - Bob Vila

Table Of Contents In 2022, the nine flying stars fly to the new positions from February 4, 2022. If you want to make the fortune of yourself and your family smoother, you need to take some favorable measures in the corresponding direction based on 2022 Fengshui Flying Stars Chart. CENTRAL PALACE: FIVE YELLOW STAR (EXTREMELY OMINOUS)The Five Yellow Star will fly to the Central Palace in 2022. The Five Yellow Star is the most ominous star, representing accidents, bad luck, illness, injury, death and other bad things. As such, the position of the Central Palace will be inauspicious this year. If the direction and orientation of the door, bedroom, sofa and so on fall exactly in this position, it will cause all kinds of catastrophic events, resulting in damage to your health, which is not good for maintaining good health.

Fengshui Cures: In order to avoid injury, special care should be taken to improve the layout of the home, or place some white or gray ornaments to drive away the evil spirits of the Five Yellow Star, and for the daily activities, it is advised to stay away from the position of the Central Palace in your home.

The Three Blue Star will fly to the due east in 2022. It is a quarrelsome star may lead to competition, lawsuit, dispute, quarrel and theft. In the living rooms of some large houses, sofas or dining tables are often placed in the due east. Such a layout will often trigger family quarrels in this area this year. However, it will be beneficial for people in special professions, such as judges, lawyers, debaters, athletes and other professions.

Feng Shui Cures: This year, you should not break ground or make decorations at the due east in your home, and green color, blue color or green plants should also be avoided. If the front door, bedroom and office are all in this location, you can place a red or purple carpet at the door to help solve the problem. In addition, it will be a year of official trouble and disputes. So, you should abide by the law and handle the documents carefully. In 2022, you may wish to hang a string of peach wood axe or sword at this position to avoid dubious talk and disputes, which will help keep your family away from the villains, work smoothly, and have a good life.

The Four Green Star will fly to the southeast, which is the Wenchang Direction (direction of Wenchang Star) according to Feng Shui (the Chinese Geometry) in 2022. Although the Four Green Star is also the retreating star of the current luck, the Five Elements of the Four Green Star belong to wood, and the Five Elements in the southeast are also wood. This year, the five elements of the star palace are superimposed, but there is an advantage that it can improve learning, culture, official status and career, which is very beneficial to families with students.

The Wenchang Position/direction of the year will be in the southeast. You can put the desk or bed of your student child in the southeast, which can help improve their efficiency of learning, especially for the boy student in the family.

Fengshui Cures: Place four evergreen plants in the southeast to create a Feng Shui cluster of Wenchang. You can also place the Wenchang Pagoda on the table for a better effect on Wenchang Feng Shui. During this year, it is not advisable to break ground in the southeast of your home, or place red or yellow objects.

The Nine Purple Star will fly to the south of Li Palace, and the south is Feng Shui position for happy god in 2022. The Nine Purple Star is a lucky festive star, representing a variety of happy events, marriage and relationships. For example, if the south area in your home is well arranged, happy events will come to the family this year, such as marriage, popularity, engagement, breeding of children, joy, and recognition. The south side should be kept neat, clean, ventilated and with sufficient light, which will be conducive to occurrence of happy events. It is particularly fit for the mistress of the family.

Fengshui Cures: You can place the Qilin (Kylin/unicorn) ornaments in this direction/position. It will be conducive to boost the auspicious effect of the Nine Purple Star, resulting in the advent of happy events, promoting the development of career, and the prosperity of home. Improving the lighting in this area and placing a red carpet will have the effect of promoting Feng Shui.

The Two Black Star will fly to the southwest, which is a symbol of disease according to the Feng Shui (Chinese geometry) in 2022. The Two Black Star, also known as the Sickness Star, will bring illness and injury everywhere. Any residence with a seat, bed, or stove located in the Sickness position will be much more likely to deal with hospitals. It is necessary to pay close attention to the changes in your own health and that of your family members, and have a comprehensive medical checkup as early as possible to prevent any problems. The southwest area should not be piled up with debris or rubbish, and it should be kept neat and tidy.

Fengshui Cures: Air conditioners, fans, and windows located in the southwest will blow sickness air into the room. If the door, bedroom, kitchen and so on are situated exactly in the direct north, you can put a gray or white carpet in the doorway to help solve the problem. In addition, you and your family can have a health check-up to prevent illness and also imply that you have already been to the hospital. You can also make some charitable donations to accumulate good fortune for yourself and your family.

The Seven Red Star will fly to the west in 2022, which is the location of broken wealth fortune in Feng Shui in 2022. The Seven Red Star is also the retreating star of the current luck, which dominates the bad luck in loss of wealth. Therefore, the due west is not a favorable direction for the Year of the Tiger. The Seven Star represents the events of ruin, loss, gossip, drunkenness and scandal. Moreover, the west area of the house should not be stacked with all kinds of sundries, and should not be placed with knives, swords and other dangerous items, so as to avoid the bleeding disaster, injuries, family health problems.

Fengshui Cures: To solve the problems caused by the Seven Red Star, you are advised to place a black crystal ball in the west, which can better drive away the evil spirits of the Seven Red Star.

The Six White Star will fly to the northwest, which is the location for wealth luck from sideline sources according to the Feng Shui in 2022. As the Six White Star is the retreating star of the prevailing luck, there is still residual energy compared to the Eight Luck Star. And the Six White Star rules the luck in wealth and official promotion. Therefore, this year, the northwest location will be favorable to promote wealth accumulation.

If sundries and debris are piled in the northwest chaotically, the luck of the owner will be easy to decline this year, and especially for people engaged in technology, real estate, mining, agriculture and other industries, this trend will be more obvious. If the seat or bed is in the northwest, you should change its orientation when conditions permit. Otherwise, in this Feng Shui environment, both work and life, will be prone to some lowly mistakes, causing minor trouble. So, you should be careful not put to red products in the northwest.

Fengshui Cures: If you want to promote the Feng Shui of the Central Palace position, you can place a treasure pot in this position to promote auspiciousness fortune of the Six White Star, which will enhance the financial luck and promote the prosperity of wealth.

The One White Star will fly to the due north, which is the position of luck in romance and relationship in 2022.

If you want to find someone you like, you can place a photo of your favorite celebrity on the romance-lucky position at home and put a lucky Feng Shui mascot, then your luck in romance and relationship will proper soon. Married families need to pay attention to dissolving this Feng Shui atmosphere and avoid extra-marital affairs. It is especially bad for the eldest daughter and young housewife in the family. Pregnant families need to pay attention to protecting the fetus, and unmarried men and women need to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancies. For those who are involved in sales industries and need to deal with people, they should take advantage of the due north direction of the home. If you can promote prosperity in this direction, it will help improve performance and harmony in interpersonal relationships.

Fengshui Cures: No pile of debris and garbage in the due north position, keep it neat and tidy.

The Eight White Star will fly to the northeast, which is the favorable position for obtaining wealth from full-time business in 2022 according to the Feng Shui (the Chinese geometry). The Eight White Star is beneficial for promotion in career and wealth, etc. The Eight White Star belongs to earth in the Five Elements. In the eight lucky stars of the Feng Shui, it is considered the lucky star for boosting the financial luck.

Fengshui Cures: It is appropriate to set the door, windows, seats, bed, and stove in the northeast. If the main gate, bedroom and office are located in this position, red or purple carpets can be placed at the door to help promote the prosperity and luck.

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2022 Feng Shui Flying Stars Chart, Feng Shui Directions with Cures

The attraction behind a mirror in any room of the home is understandable. This timeless staple is admired for its ability to reflect light around a space, whilst making it feel larger but in all its aesthetic qualities it may be better to avoid having one in the bedroom.

While it is true that the right bedroom mirror ideas are both good-looking and practical, Feng Shui experts have warned that the existence (and the placement) of a mirror can have an impact on your sleep and consequently your wellbeing. So, if you're wondering how to sleep better, removing your mirror could be the answer.

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

The question of whether you should have a mirror in your bedroom comes down to the energy in your space. If the space has negative energy, it should be avoided.

'Mirrors can readily make your room feel larger but at the same time they tend to reflect much energy throughout the room. This will affect and deplete [the room's] energy,' says expert Nishtha Sadana from Decorated Life (opens in new tab). This can 'impact your health and wellness by disturbing your sleep and fostering insomnia.'

How can you tell if your bedroom has negative energy and where does it come from? Negative energy or qi may already be in your home, inherited from previous occupants. Feng shui principles also suggest a difficult period for a person's astrology can create negative energy. Or a person's negative attitude can invite in negative energy. All of this be felt in a room.

So, while it has its benefits in terms of decoration, it is better to avoid all mirrors when following bedroom Feng Shui principles.

(Image credit: Future / James Merrell)

And Nishtha is not alone in her teachings. Professional astrologer and numerologist Johanna Agusta (opens in new tab) similarly explains that a mirror reflects the energy around your room so if you decide you need a mirror it's important to assess the space.

'If [a mirror] is placed opposite your bed, then it will reflect back the energy you emit while you sleep,' she says. Therefore, 'if you have a lot of negative energy in your bedroom, it is said that mirrors can amplify this and make it worse.'

However, if you have good energy in your bedroom, mirrors can help to magnify this and create a more positive space.

'It is thought that at night, when the bedroom is reflected in the mirrors, all kinds of energies are reflected back, which might even sap your own energies,' adds certified life coach, Jod Kapilakan. 'They could thus encourage insomnia and interfere with the quantity and quality of your rest.'

(Image credit: Future / James Merrell)

So should you have a mirror in your bedroom? There is no definitive answer as the atmosphere in your space is subjective. If you feel as though your room has a good energy, then it may be possible to continue decorating with mirrors. However, if your space has negative energy, it should be avoided.

Read more:
Should you have a mirror in your bedroom? Why Feng Shui experts warn against it - Homes & Gardens

Cho, Levinger, and professional intuitive and author of Angel Intuition Tanya Carroll Richardson are all open to the idea of ghosts. Levinger and Richardson, in fact, both say they've experienced ghostly energy firsthand.

However, Richardson caveats, "When discussing topics like ghosts, I think it's important to note that no one has all the answers, and I encourage people to make up their own minds. I have seen ghosts a few times with my physical eyes, but they can also be sensed with your feeling or clairsentient psychic pathway."

Levinger concurs, noting that after working as a medium and intuitive for years, she's received enough validation through her readings to believe the information that comes through to her. "If this isn't your line of work or if you aren't used to trusting your intuition, it can be hard to believe that ghosts, which live in a realm where the only way to be aware of them is to trust that intuition exists."

She adds that, again, some people just don't believe that there is an afterlife. "There are so many religious and belief systems that don't include ghostsand I personally respect that, even if that's not what I believe."

Ultimately, though, the experts in the fields of mysticism, the occult, and the paranormal are (more than likely) going to believe, or at least be open to, the idea of ghosts. Those who are more concerned with the physical realm, and prefer to base belief on science (as well as proof), are going to have a hard time warming up to the ideaunless, of course, they were to experience something ghostly themselves.

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So, Are Ghosts Real? Here's What Spirituality Experts Have To Say - mindbodygreen.com

The authors perfectionism counted for everything in the meticulousness of the novels conception, the confidence of its structural devices and especially in the lavishness of its rhetorical displays. A summary of the book does not really give a sense of its constant alertness, its insistent attention to the smallest detail in a scene. Moreover, Ellison succeeds in getting the reader to wear the invisible mans mask, to look through the eyeholes he provides. Sinister forces want people in Harlem to be guilty of their own deaths. In the end, the invisible man has fallen into a manhole, where he takes up residence to wait out the chaos, to learn to live with his head in the lions mouth.

Dancer From the Dance by Andrew Holleran, 1978: Set largely in New York in the early 1970s, Dancer From the Dance is a hymn to gay liberation in the city, and to male beauty. Cruising is an honorable quest, no matter how sordid the baths or open the subway station. Magic can happen see the dark-eyed, grave young man who might stay beyond morning. Beautiful, enigmatic Malone has such a face; hes a Midwesterner who has made, or is trying to make, his peace with being gay, his constraint. It is hard for him to be faithful to one man or to hang on to what he says he wants, and when he meets Sutherland, a veteran of every conceivable high who challenges Malone to be real, not to fool himself, he has already lost one true love.

We watch Malone in his travels from door to door to door, and New York City gay nightlife is rendered in shimmering prose. The novel is saturated with the homoerotic, too mesmerized by the cohorts of the brave to be sorry. Holleran was part of a new wave in American literature that said the gay character didnt have to die at the end of the book anymore. To bring up the subject of same-sex love no longer meant that a dream hunk had to pay for the vision by getting murdered. No one knew when it was published that Hollerans was to be a portrait of a gone world, a vanished city: We lived only to dance. The best fiction turns into a work of history as time goes by.

Sleepless Nights by Elizabeth Hardwick, 1979: New York City is the best place for Elizabeth, the first-person narrator of Hardwicks Sleepless Nights (1979), as she concludes early on in the book. We know that she is a reader of profound intensity, and that she is alone but was once part of a we. Hardwicks husband, the poet Robert Lowell, had treated their marriage and divorce at length in his work. Sleepless Nights has telling omissions. The novel is a meditation on a life, and has the feel of lyric poetry in that the I is perhaps meant to stand for the general significance of the solitary self.

Hardwicks I is a woman, and the experiences of others that she is drawn to wonder about tend to be those of women. Her social range is broad: a rich girl is a Stalinist with a boyfriend who wont shape up; here is the sad arithmetic of a drawn-out love triangle, and here are the cleaning women she has watched go about their work. Hardwick remembers from her youth the women alone in their rooming houses. Or she encounters on the street older women at the mercy of their decay. Joan Didion noted that Hardwicks method was like that of the anthropologist Claude Lvi-Strauss in her hunt for the revealing detail. But Hardwicks freedom of speculation about the people she meets comes from her ability to achieve parity with whomever she is thinking about or talking to. She never talks down; shes never bamboozled. It is a great historical pageant that New Yorkers are a part of, they who live in this place where people come to get away from somewhere else. In Hardwicks work, the city is a drama of those who dont fit elsewhere, a cast of souls calling out for memorial.

Latin Moon In Manhattan by Jaime Manrique, 1992: A droll picaresque like no other. Manriques fabulous cast of characters includes artists, hustlers and a cat living la vida loca in the lowdown Times Square of the 90s.

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Candace Bushnell, Hanya Yanagihara and More on Their Favorite New York City Novels - The New York Times

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The Worthington Board of Education voted unanimously June 27 to proceed with a combined $234million bond levy and 1.9-mill continuing permanent-improvements levy inthe Novembergeneral election.

If approved by voters, it would fund facility improvements to both district high schools and vehicle replacements,technology updates, grounds upkeep anddeferred maintenance.

The combined bond issue and PI levy would amount to an additional cost of$101.50 annually per $100,000 of appraised property value.

The board also unanimously approved an incremental operating levy starting with an additional 2.9 mills in 2023 or an additional $101.50 annually per $100,000 of appraised property value followed by three 2.0-mill increments in the next three years or an additional $70 per $100,000 of appraised property value each year from 2024-2026.

The incremental operating levy would fund district operating expenses, with collectionsphased in so the district could collect funding when it needs it.

The board's vote wasthe final decision needed to getthe bond issue, PI levy and incremental levyon the Nov. 8 ballot, according to board member Jennifer Best. It gives district treasurer TJ Cusick the green light to file the necessary paperwork with the Franklin County Board of Elections by the deadline of 4 p.m. Aug. 10.

Now the treasurer can organize all the paperworkand get everything filed and ready to go, she said.

Cusick said the bond issue and PI levy would be presented as one measureand the incremental levy would be another.

This bond issue would fund improvements at Thomas Worthington and Worthington Kilbourne high schools, following improvements to the middle schools conducted through phase 1 of the districts master facilities plan that were completed last summer.

If the bond issue is approved, both schools would receive new facilities and amenities, as well as upgrades to essentialunderlying building systems, such as HVAC and roofing.

Although taxpayers would take on more debt by approving abond issue this fall, a large percentage of that would be offset by $47.5 million in debt thats scheduled to come off the books between now and 2027, as well as a tax rate thats scheduled to decrease by approximately 3.6 mills or $126 per $100,000 of property value.

Currently, the district has $113.8 million in outstanding debt at a bond rate of 5.6 mills.

The PI levy would fund repairs and technology updates at all other buildings, as well as bus and vehicle replacements and upkeep of district grounds, including athletics fields.

PI levy funds may not be used for salaries or benefits for staff, general supplies or other items that do not have an estimated life of five years or more.

Superintendent Trent Bowers addressed the need for additional operating funds in his April "It's Worth It" column.

"First, Worthington Schools will see little impact to the amount of state funding it receives as the result of the new state funding formula, approved as part of the Ohio General Assemblys latest two-year budget bill," he said. "Second, our revenue is expected to flatten this year when the last installment of the levy that was approved in 2018 is realized.

sborgna@thisweeknews.com

@ThisWeekSteve

Link:
Worthington Schools bond issue, pair of levies headed to fall ballot - The Columbus Dispatch

SACRAMENTO - Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco)s Senate Bill 1144, the Safe and Efficient Water Act, passed the Assembly Education Committee by a vote of 5-0. It will now head to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. SB 1144 requires public and charter schools and state agencies to complete a water quality and efficiency assessment on their facilities. This bill ensures our public schools and state agencies have safe, drinkable water. Far too many school children and other California residents currently lack access to clean water.

Under SB 1144, the water systems at public schools and state agencies must undergo testing to determine if lead is present. It will also require schools and agencies to test their water appliances and fixtures for water use efficiency. If any plumbing fixture is found to contain levels of contaminants beyond the legal limits, remediation methods such as filters, testing, or full replacement is expected at the earliest practice time, subject to funding. If any fixture or appliance is found to use more water than the current standards for water efficiency, the operating agency must replace the fixture with a more efficient equivalent at the earliest practical time, subject to funding.

School drinking water is frequently contaminated at unacceptable levels. 53% of reporting school districts in California found lead in at least one of their drinking water fountains on a campus. As with many other environmental pollutants, children are particularly at risk of experiencing the adverse health effects of water contamination. Exposure to contaminated water can result in an array of health issues that vary depending on the contaminant, as well as the intensity and duration of the exposure. Common health complications can include Legionnaires disease, liver and kidney problems, developmental and behavioral issues, and in some cases, cancer.

Finally, under SB 1144, agencies or schools with any covered buildings that use a cooling tower system over ten years old must create a Legionella management program. This program will include routine bacteriological culture sampling and Legionella culture sampling, as well as remediation and disinfection plans. Legionella is bacteria that can grow in water, HVAC or cooling tower systems and can cause a serious type of pneumonia, known as Legionnaires disease.

For environmental and health reasons, California must do better when it comes to water safety and efficiency. We cannot allow people across the state including children and low income communities to continue to be exposed to harmful contaminants. Californias water shortage is another serious problem that threatens the future of our state. Increasing water efficiency is an important strategy for saving Californias water supply and protecting our environment.

SB 1144 is sponsored by the California Pipe Trades Council.

Children in schools deserve clean water, said Senator Wiener. People who work at or visit public agencies deserve clean water. Clean water is a basic human right. California is one of the wealthiest and most innovative places in the world. The least we can do is ensure people have access to drinkable, clean water free of harmful contaminants.

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Senator Wiener's Legislation to Ensure Public Schools and State Agencies Have Safe Drinking Water Passes the Assembly Education Committee - Senator...

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Company NameUniversal Windows Direct of SyracuseContact NameUniversal Windows Direct of SyracusePhone3152886855Address311 Gordon AveCitySyracuseStateNYPostal Code13211CountryUnited StatesWebsitehttps://www.universalwindowssyracuse.com/

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Universal Windows Direct of Syracuse Is Offering Diverse, Customized Replacement Window Services in Syracuse, NY - Digital Journal

In May, the Office of the State Comptroller approved 1,326 contracts for state agencies and public authorities valued at $2.4 billion and approved more than 2.5 million payments worth nearly $15.6 billion. The office rejected 123 contracts and related transactions valued at $276.8 million and more than 4,500 payments valued at nearly $11.5 million, primarily for mistakes, insufficient support for charges, and improper payments. More information on these contracts and payments is available at Open Book New York.

OSC rejected tax refunds and credits valued at more than $7.8 million. The Comptrollers auditors also recovered nearly $397,000 from vendors owing debts to the state and held payments of more than $99,000 pending resolution of disputes between subcontractors and prime contractors.

Cumulatively through May for calendar year 2022, the Comptrollers office has approved 7,254 contracts valued at $24.8 billion and has approved nearly 15.1 million payments worth nearly $83.5 billion, including more than 3.3 million unemployment insurance payments valued at nearly $1.2 billion. The office has rejected 560 contracts and related transactions valued at $2.3 billion and nearly 31,300 payments valued at more than $85.4 million primarily due to errors, improprieties or lack of documentation.

Track state and local government spending at Open Book New York. Under State Comptroller DiNapolis open data initiative, search millions of state and local government financial records, track state contracts, and find commonly requested data.

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State Contract and Payment Actions in May | Office of the New York State Comptroller - Office of the State Comptroller