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From Cristopher Nkunku and Karim Adeyemi to Amine Gouiri and Jonathan David, Liverpool have been linked with a plethora of potential attacking options to replace Roberto Firmino in the future.

One name who is yet to be linked but could be an astute transfer option for Liverpool as early as January is the Bologna forward, Musa Barrow.

The Gambian striker may not have been mentioned in relation to Liverpool just yet, but there were whisperings of a Real Madrid transfer back in March, with a price of 18m cited. Instead, Bologna's obligation to buy went through as expected, after a six-month loan from Atalanta.

Barrow has averaged 0.55 goals and 0.55 assists per 90 minutes this season, combining for a total of 1.10 goal contributions per 90. That alone should be enough for Liverpool to take notice, but there is even more to Barrow than meets the eye.

The 23-year-old fits Liverpool's profile in the sense that he is young and has abundant potential. He is also versatile, which is a key tactical trait of most of Jrgen Klopp's players at Liverpool.

At various points throughout his career, Barrow has played on each flank, as a centre-forward, a false no.9 and an attacking midfielder. This is in the vein of Roberto Firmino prior to his arrival at Anfield.

Barrow shares an eerie resemblance to Liverpool's Brazilian no.9 in multiple respects. Like Firmino, Barrow has the game intelligence to be able to adapt to various roles. He also has the selflessness to play as a striker but create chances for his team-mates instead of always looking to put the ball into the back of the net.

The Gambian international is comfortable on the ball. He attempts 2.57 dribbles per 90 as per FBRef. That's comparable to Firmino, who averages 2.32 dribbles per 90.

As well as their comfort on the ball, both are excellent at creating chances for their team-mates.

Barrow averages 3.06 shot-creating actions per 90. Meanwhile Firmino averages 3.39 per 90.

The range of goals they score is impressive, too. Roberto Firmino has scored a plethora of outstanding strikes during his time at Liverpool and Hoffenheim, and Barrow is in the same mould in his career to date.

He has already scored two goals from outside the box, and his shooting is one of his strengths.

"For me his fitness, and his shooting is his best trait. I have never seen another play who shoots as well as him.

"He works on this a lot thats also his best quality, he is always working to improve and get better," Luigi Sorrentino, the man who discovered Barrow in The Gambia explained to First Time Finish.

Barrow's speed also gives him the edge over Firmino. His underlying numbers have been quite solid, even beyond this season. Since arriving at Bologna, he has averaged 0.68 goal contributions per 90, scoring 22 goals and registering 17 assists in 68 games.

He is still relatively young and with room to improve.

Sorrentino, who also acts as Barrow's agent, told First Time Finish the dream is to join the Premier League in the future.

"Our dream is to go to the Premier League. Its the best league in the world and its the dream of most Gambians."

If Barrow continues his form this season, Liverpool should consider granting him the dream. It might even make sense to weigh up a transfer move as early as January, before other rivals join Real Madrid in sniffing around for his services and driving up his value.

More here:
Liverpool have perfect 18m Roberto Firmino replacement ahead of January transfer window - Liverpool.com

Racing Optics will be demonstrating the installation and layer removal of Windshield Defense at The SEMA Show which takes place November 2 through November 5, 2021, at the Las Vegas Convention Center

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Racing Optics, Inc. the windshield industry leader in multi-layer, removable windshield films, will feature its WINDSHIELD DEFENSE KIT, which includes a vehicle specific, 3-layer, pre-cut and pre-formed, windshield system, which protects windshields from breaking, cracking, and pitting. The kit includes everything required to provide dealers, installers, and their customers with a quality installation.

An estimated 14 million windshields are replaced every year in the US alone, making Windshield Defense a solid alternative to replacing damaged windshields, and reducing the time, expense, and frustration related to replacing a windshield.

WINDSHIELD DEFENSE KITs are available for popular vehicle windshields including Ford F Series, Toyota, Tesla, BMW, Jeep, and many more. The multi-layer material is pre-cut and pre-formed to specific windshield specifications, making for an easy and quick installation. WINDSHIELD DEFENSE is also available in bulk rolls for dealers who may require larger volumes.

Racing Optics' process is simple; dealers order a vehicle specific kit, Racing Optics cuts, forms and delivers the kit which is then installed on customer windshields.

"Our goal is to provide an easy to install solution that can protect a large segment of the market, while providing peace of mind to installers and their customers." - said Christophe Fremont, Chairman of The Board at Racing Optics, Inc.

"Embedded ADAS Technology and the popularity of large panoramic windshields, coupled with complex shapes, continues to drive up the cost of OEM windshields. Windshield Defense provides a solid alternative to windshield replacements, while creating a new market opportunity using an American made product." added Fremont.

Story continues

For PPF dealers and window film installers, WINDSHIELD DEFENSE is an ideal complement to their business as it provides an additional source of profitable and recurring revenue. The Racing Optics, team encourages attendees of The SEMA Show to visit booth # 50101 for an installation demonstration or schedule a meeting.

Earlier this year, Racing Optics announced that it had become an official partner of INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES making them the official Aeroscreen and helmet protective solution. "Our industry-leading technology is trusted by racing teams and professional drivers to help them see clearly and maintain a focus on safety and performance. Our company is now bringing that same tear-off technology, born from racing to the consumer vehicle market" said Racing Optics, President Bart Wilson.

ABOUT:Racing Optics, Inc. has a deep heritage in motorsports going back to the 1940s. Founded in 1999, Racing Optics, is a trusted industry source whenever visibility is critical.

From the beginning, RO has been helping our customers see more clearly, focusing on safety and performance. Its multi-layer, removable optical films have been a game-changer for racing, medical, military, and various other industrial applications. Our made-in-the-USA surface protection business extends our expertise and innovation in the laminated film to protect valuable public and commercial surfaces.

Media Contact:Todd R. LevyCrowd Siren Social Media & Advertising 322564@email4pr.com775-287-2003

Cision

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Racing Optics Offers Dealers and Installers Its WINDSHIELD DEFENSE KIT, Which Includes Its Multi-Layer Windshield Film System Which Provides Three...

Even if theyre not afraid of heights, it still takes someone with nerves of steel to work as a window washer, dangling a hundred floors above the ground with a squeegee in hand. A company called Skyline Robotics wants to make window washing much safer because instead of humans, the lift thats lowered down the side of a building is staffed with robots instead.

According to Skyline Robotics, the window cleaning industry, including those towering structures dotting the skylines of major metropolises, is a lucrative business with over $40 billion in revenue every year. The problem is that 74% of trained window washers are over 40 years old, and theres not enough young blood to replace them. Its easy to see why thats the case. As anyone whos ever seen the local news reporting on a daring window washer rescue already knows. Its a risky gig, even if it comes with amazing views. One possible solution? Enter the robots.

Until real windows are eventually all replaced with ultra-high-resolution screens (mark my words, its gonna happen) Skyline Robotics hopes to solve the window washer dilemma with robots: specifically, what appears to be KUKA Robotics arms outfitted with a large cleaning brush and a system that automatically pumps clean water through it.

Officially named Ozmo, the robot can be mounted to the same lift mechanisms that carry multiple window washers up and down the side of a building through the use of a motorized crane system on the roof. Unlike humans, however, Ozmo has a much longer reach, allowing one or two of the robotic arms to potentially clean a much larger region on every pass. As with other robotic workers, Ozmo doesnt take breaks, need lunch, or ever have to go to the bathroom. And since its permanently bolted to the lift its riding, there are no harnesses to check and re-check before a shift, and should something go wrong, theres less risk to human life.

If you live in New York and work in a high-rise structure, theres a good chance you might get a chance to see one of the Ozmo robots at work because Skyline Robotics recently announced a new partnership with a company named Platinum, Inc. that currently has cleaning and maintenance contracts with 65% of the Class A buildings (a classification applied to the newest, most modern skyscrapers) in New York City. Its the first time the Ozmo robots will be deployed in the US, so you can soon expect a sharp decrease in the number ofwindow washers dangling in peril stories on your local news.

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Skyscraper Window Washing Robots Are Here to Take Over One of Our Most Terrifying Jobs - Gizmodo

Windows 11 is a mixed bag. On the one hand, many people would be happier sticking with Windows 10. On the other hand, there are some solid reasons to upgrade to Windows 11 right now, including better window snapping options, more control over virtual desktops and fresh design flourishes such as rounded corners on windows.

If you choose to move to Windows 11, whether via upgrade or clean install, you'll notice several significant annoyances, including a context menu that makes you click an extra time, a hobbled taskbar and a default browser menu that makes it more difficult to switch away from Edge.

These are the worst features of Windows 11 and how to fix or, at least, mitigate them.

Throughout its history, Microsoft has struggled to decide whether its UI should target computer-literate users or dumb things down for the not-so-tech-savvy. In a move that's sure to please everyone who still uses an AOL email address, the company has decided to limit the number of items on all of Windows 11's context menus.

In Windows 10, when you right-click a file, you'll see just about every possible program you can open it with, along with a slew of other options that depend on what apps you have installed. In Windows 11, you see a maximum of five choices for files and not necessarily the most useful choices.If you want to see all the choices, you have to click "Show more options" or hit Shift + F10.

For example, when I right-clicked on a .txt file, I was not shown the option to open it with Notepad++, my favorite text editor. I only saw Notepad++, along with several other key choices such as "Scan with Microsoft defender" after I clicked for more options. Thanks for the extra click, Microsoft.

Apparently, Microsoft thinks that, after years of having all your choices in front of you, your tiny brain cannot handle the data stream anymore, lest your head explode like the guy at the beginning of Scanners. Or perhaps Microsoft has been watching too much Marie Kondo and decided, on your behalf, that having full functionality does not spark joy.

Whatever Microsoft's lame reason, you can get the all your options back, using a simple registry tweak.

Fix: How to get full context menus in Windows 11

You want the ribbon? You can't handle the ribbon or, at least, that's what Microsoft thinks. In File Explorer for Windows 11, the company has gotten rid of the ribbon and buried many of the options where it's harder to find them. For example, with the ribbon in Windows 10's File Explorer, you can find the options to open the navigation pane or details pane under the View tab. But in Windows 11, you have to open the View submenu and then the show menu and it's just less intuitive.

The good news is that, at least for now, you can get the Windows 10 File Explorer in Windows 11 by changing a registry value. If you use the StartAllBack app, a Start Menu replacement which costs $4.99, you can also select this as an option.

Fix: How to get the Ribbon Back in Windows 11 File Explorer

How about some humility, Microsoft? What we want out of Start menu isto give us quick access to all of our programs and then get out of the way. However, in Windows 11, the Start menu is designed to be showy rather than functional, sitting in the middle of the display by default and taking up more screen real estate for fewer icons than in Windows 10. Even worse, Windows 11 makes you click a second time to see a list of all your apps.

I compared the size of the Start Menu on a 1920 x 1080 display on both operating systems. Excluding the height of the taskbar, which is about the same, the Windows 11 Start menu measured 645 x 740 and housed 18 pinned apps and four "recommended" shortcuts, a total of 22 icons (with room for 2 more, a total of 24). The Windows 10 Start menu measured 648 x 639 and held 30 icons. Better still, in Windows 10, you can scroll down an alphabetical list of all your apps right away, but in Windows 11, you have to hit the "All Apps" button to get there.

Fix: Fortunately, there are three good Start menu alternatives. See our article on how to replace the Start menu in Windows 11.

Imagine you've been riding a bike for many years, you know how to ride just fine and then you buy a new bike and it comes with training wheels soldered on and no gears to choose from. That's the taskbar in Windows 11, which infantilizes users by taking away options they have had for years.

One simple option that Windows 11 takes away is the ability to resize your taskbar. But there is a registry tweak that lets you choose among small, medium or large sizes. That's not very flexible, but it's something. Also, if you're using StartAllBack or Start11, both $4.99 Start Menu replacements, you can use those to accomplish this task.

Fix: How to Change the Taskbar Size in Windows 11

With Windows 11's UI, Microsoft is like an arrogant chef who, after cooking your dinner, instructs the waiter to remove all the salt and pepper shakers from the table because they don't want you changing the flavor of their dish. The software giant wants you to have your taskbar at the bottom of the screen and, if you want it on the top or side (as you were able to in previous Windows versions, that's just too bad.

Windows 11 does not provide any officially-supported way to move the taskbar. However, there's a registry hack that, as of this writing, will allow you to position your taskbar at the top of the screen, with a few caveats. Most notably, while the taskbar will sit on the top of the screen if you perform this tweak, notifications, the calendar and volume menu will still be in the lower-right corner. The Start menu will be on top but align to the left side of the screen.

Also, if you use the Start11 Start menu replacement, there's an option that allows you to align your taskbar to the top and, unlike the registry hack method, it aligns the menus with the taskbar.

Fix: If you still want the taskbar on top, even with those caveats, see our article on how to move the Windows 11 taskbar to the top.

In both Windows 11 and 10, all the windows for one program are represented by a single taskbar button. So, if you have four Chrome browser windows open, there's just one for all of them. However, in Windows 10, there was an option to give each Window its own button, complete with the window title in it. In Windows 11, that option is gone.

I prefer having the taskbar icons uncombined, because it allows me to get a better sense of what I have open and an easier way to click through to it. Fortunately, there is a way around this Windows 11 problem.

Fix: In StartAllBack, a Start menu replacement app, you can set the taskbar to uncombine by selecting None on the Taskbar tab.

Microsoft's need to make decisions for you in Windows 11 is most evident in its strictly-enforced hardware requirements. Where previous versions of the OS will run on just about any PC of the last 10 to 15 years, Windows 11 setup will prevent you from installing it on a system that doesn't have one of its limited list of supported AMD or Intel CPUs, which excludes many processors that were sold as recently as a couple of years ago (first gen Ryzen for example).

Even worse, Microsoft insists you have TPM 2.0 encryption, a feature that many older motherboards don't have. The reason for these requirements is not performance, but enhanced security. However, if Windows 10 can run fine without TPM there's no reason why TPM can't be optional in Windows 11.

In fact, you can get around Windows 11's TPM, CPU and RAM requirements by using one of a couple of simple methods.

Fix: See our article on how to bypass Windows 11's TPM requirement. The same steps will bypass the other requirements as well.

It's no surprise that Windows 11 installs with Microsoft Edge as its default browser. However, what is annoying is that switching to Chrome requires some manual settings changes, at least at present.

On Windows 10, when you switched to an alternative browser, you were able to set it as the default as part of the installation. In Windows 11, it's not quite so simple. Not only can Chrome not do this on its own, at least at present, but there are several different settings to change. If you want Windows 11 to use Chrome instead of Edge for all things you might want a browser for, you'll have to manually change the assignment for .htm, .html, .pdf, .shtml and several other file types.

Even after you make the changes in settings, clicking a link from Windows search or the widget panel will open in Edge. Fortunately, there are workarounds.

Fix: How to Change the Default Browser in Windows 11

Windows 10 shows your current temperature and weather in the taskbar , just to the left of the volume control and clock. I know not everyone likes this feature, which you can easily turn off, but I love it because it's great to get this information at a glance, without clicking anything.

Unfortunately, Windows 11 does away with the built-in weather widget, instead making you click on its lame widget panel before you can see the conditions and forecasts.

Fix: Install Weather Bar (preferred) or Weather Bug, which are both free widgets that live in your system tray and show the temperature. You do have to click them to get the forecast and cloudiness, however. Be sure to go into Taskbar settings and set the weather icon to always be on in the "taskbar overflow" menu.

Just as Microsoft wants you to use its Edge browser for all your web surfing needs, the Redmond software giant also would like you to rely on its OneDrive service for Cloud Storage. With a clean install of Windows 11, OneDrive comes preloaded and set to start every time you boot the operating system.

Unfortunately, if you prefer Dropbox, Google Drive or just not storing files in the cloud, you have a piece of software running and eating up CPU cycles, RAM and network bandwidth all the time for no functional reason.

Fix: Right click on the OneDrive icon (it looks like a cloud) and select settings. Then uncheck "Start OneDrive automatically..."

From the green pastures of Windows XP's background to Windows 7's bright blue sky with its vibrant Windows logo and the aurora borealis-like look of Windows Vista, the default wallpapers in Windows have always been an important part of its aesthetics.

While not quite as repulsive as the weak-sauce wallpapers in Windows 8, the default background you get in Windows 11 screams "beta product." It looks like someone took a wad of blue crepe paper or the output from a frosting gun applied some filters to it. Among the other preloaded wallpaper options, not one of them showcases the Windows logo or branding, things which would indicate a strong visual identity for the OS rather than just a placeholder.

Fix: There are a lot of choices here, but I recommend going back to basics with a variation on the Windows 10 wallpaper (or the 10 wallpaper itself). Wallpaper Cave has a nice collection of free wallpapers to choose from.

Read this article:
11 Worst Features of Windows 11 and How to Fix Them - Tom's Hardware

Last week, the Figge Art Museum repaired its damaged windows and hosted a prominent presentation for a new Quad Cities brand campaign.

But the downtown Davenport landmark still has a lot of work to do to repair gaps inside and outside the glass-paneled museum. The Figge is in the midst of raising $100,000 for a new Art Diversity and Equity Fund intended to combat systemic inequality in the art world. The fund was launched with a lead gift from locals Jim and Michelle Russell of Russell Construction.

Last week, the museum also announced an initiative thats raised $1,625 in support of art experiences in the Quad Cities. Community members were invited to visithttps://www.mightycause.com/story/Safe-Communityto contribute.Thanks to the generous support of Brad Fugate, financial representative for Modern Woodmen of America, donations will be doubled up to $2,000.

It was deeply troubling to experience the damage we received to the exterior of our building, and we are incredibly grateful that no one was injured, Michelle Hargrave, the Figges executive director and CEO, said.

We recognize that our community isnt always so lucky. At the Figge, our staff and board are keenly aware of the role that arts and the Figge play within the community, specifically how our work of bringing art and people together improves lives, empowers individuals, and makes the Quad Cities a stronger and safer place.

Around 1:30 a.m. June 6, police were called from the Redstone parking ramp at the intersection of 2ndand Brady streets. Police said dozens of shots were fired when they responded to an active shooter situation.

About 80 shell casings were recovered from a shootout at the parking ramp, which (across Main Street) shot out 10 windows of the Figge. Davenport Mayor Mike Matson (who was just re-elected Tuesday) formed a community task to address gun violence, and East Moline Glass replaced the windows last week at a cost of $30,000.

So they needed to be custom-fabricated, and that required special materials and special processing in order to make them match the rest of the building, Hargrave said, noting thats why the process took months. Were quite happy to have the Figge whole again.

Last week, the museum also announced plans to improve outreach to the community, to help prevent further violence.

Anything that we can do to turn the tide to really fight the systemic issues, including unequal access to education and economic opportunities, Hargrave said recently. Education has always been part of our mission. And in recent years, weve really made special efforts to reach students and kids who need the support the most, including low-income youth and at-risk youth.

The Figge wants to help break the cycle of hardship and inequality through art.

Theres extensive research that has shown that interactions with art, including through our diverse range of programs and exhibitions, fosters creativity; understanding critical thinking; improves empathy, expands perspectives, improves school performance, teaches communication skills, and mood control and relieves stress and anxiety, Hargrave said.

Students in lower-income schools are less likely to receive arts instruction than kids attending schools with higher incomes. So thats why were so committed to providing meaningful art experiences, to help students learn to build creativity and confidence, improve mental well-being and open up their eyes to possibilities for the future, she said.

Enlarging the Big Picture

The Figges educational programs serve all ages and reach 65,000 community members a year, supporting eight school districts and eight partner colleges and universities along with over 40 other educational and social service partners, such as Humility Homes and Services, Spring Forward Learning, and Safer Foundations Youth Empowerment Program.

The Big Picture outreach program brings Figge staff to schools within 60 miles of the museum to lead presentations and discussions that use art to explore subjects across the curriculum, from math and science to language arts and social studies. The program also reaches audiences outside the traditional school settings, like the Scott County Juvenile Detention Center, Humility Homes and Services, and Hand-in-Hand.

We truly believe that art can transform lives, said Melissa Mohr, the Figges director of education. When we help individuals build creativity and confidence, we help them see all the wonderful things theyre capable of accomplishing. Our hope is those skills, along with all the others we teach through art, help them take steps forward, toward their brightest possible futures.

In recent years, the Figge has made efforts to reach students who most need support, including sharing art kits with kids and adults temporarily residing at Humility Homes, bringing Big Picture and collaborative mural projects to the Scott County Juvenile Detention Center, and piloting a program to promote positive educational outcomes for at-risk students in the Rock Island-Milan School District.

In its pilot year, through a grant from theWindgate Foundation, Figge educator Laura Wriedt is working with at-risk students to broaden their exposure to the museum, working artists and the variety of artforms they can personally engage in to inspire their future.

The Windgate Foundation grant is $40,000 each year for at least two years, Hargrave said.

Its important that we do address systemic issues, including the unequal access to educational and economic opportunities that are preventing all residents of the Quad Cities from thriving and there is an equity gap in arts education, she said.

We are committed to championing art in all its many forms to help turn the tide on the root causes of the recent violence, and safety issues that weve been experiencing in our region, Hargrave said. We want to make sure that everyone feels that this is their museum; that we are accessible to all and we are representing the experiences, the cultures of everyone within the Quad Cities, and that they see themselves on our walls.

Increasing diversity on the walls

This past August, the Figge announced it acquired a Kehinde Wiley 1998 painting this past year, as part of its broad effort to diversify its collection. Wiley is the African-American artist best known for doing the official presidential portrait of Barack Obama.

In July, the Figge showcased the 98 painting in the Grand Lobby, when themuseum announced creation of the Art Diversity and Equity Fund, dedicated to the acquisition and preservation of artworks for the Figges permanent collection that represent artists from underserved and marginalized groups.

The groups that the $100,000 fund will impact are Black artists, artists of African, Native American, Hispanic, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous and Middle Eastern descent as well as works from women, LBGTQA+, and any other artists that are subsequently identified as marginalized, oppressed, or underrepresented in the museums permanent collection.

We spent 98% of our acquisition dollars on works by female artists or artists from underrepresented and historically marginalized communities, Hargrave said of the 2020-21 fiscal year, noting the Wiley was one of those works. Weve made some significant progress with the fund, but are still in the process of fundraising for it in order to meet our goal.

Were committed to diversifying our collection, to making it more inclusive, she said recently. People want to see themselves representedWe want to make sure that people have an opportunity to have higher grades, to have in place what they need to motivate them to attend college, and to have those experiences that will drive to make them more inclined to engage in civic-minded behavior, like volunteering, voting and participating in politics.

Its important that everyone feels like this is their art museum, Hargrave said, noting the Figge has focused on diversifying its collection for several years.

It wasnt a causal relationship it wasnt that the shooting happened and we thought, okay, lets try to expand our collection, she said. It just reinforced our diversification of our collection, making the museum more equitable and inclusive. And our outreach within the community are both important.

The Figge is currently celebrating the life and work ofRobert Blackburn (1920-2003),an influential Black artist, teacher and master printmaker, through Jan. 9, 2022. The exhibit has over 75 artworks, including lithographs, woodcuts and watercolors that trace Blackburns evolution from figurative work to highly colored abstraction, alongside art of his contemporaries.

Off The Wall auction fundraiser

A major way the museum is boosting its educational outreach is Friday, Nov. 5, when the Figge will host one of its oldest events of the year,Art Off the Wall.

This unique cocktail party features both a silent and live auction of donated one-of-a-kind, high-quality collectible art, antiques, jewelry, furniture, and more. The proceeds from this event supports the Figges mission of bringing art and people together.

This years auction will include exceptional art pieces for all tastes and interests including a soapstone piece from Haiti and a diamond necklace from Tom Allard auction. Over 50 pieces will be available for auction from well-known, local, and national artists such as Isabel Bloom, John Bloom, J.R. Lewis, Barbie Priester, John Schmits, and many more. A prime silent auction item was for two Broadway tickets to a new Music Man production starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster, Jan. 15, 2022 (bidding has closed for those).

You can bid this week for auction items HERE and registration for the in-person party (Friday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) is $25, available HERE.

For more information, visit figgeartmuseum.org.

Excerpt from:
Figge in Davenport makes repairs to its windows and to bridge community gaps - WHBF - OurQuadCities.com

HAMILTON, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bacardi, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, has announced that this holiday season its range of gift packs will contain 50% less plastic than last year.

Bacardi is removing 147 tons of single-use plastic used annually in its gift packs through innovative new designs, which remove the need for plastic, and by replacing plastic inserts or trays with sustainable alternatives made from cardboard certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

This years 50% cut is a giant step towards Bacardi achieving its 2023 goal of removing 100% of all single-use plastic from its gift packs and point-of-sale materials, and the companys 2030 goal of being 100% plastic free.

The range of gift packs from Bacardi now includes 100% plastic-free designs, available for the first time this holiday season, including beautiful gift packs for many of the companys iconic brands like BACARD Reserva Ocho, GREY GOOSE vodka, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, BOMBAY BRAMBLE gin, MARTINI Fiero and DEWARS 12 Year Old Blended Scotch whisky.

As a family-owned company for nearly 160 years, we have crafted exceptional drinks enjoyed by generations of consumers, said Rodolfo Nervi, Vice President Global Safety, Quality & Sustainability for Bacardi. We have achieved this long success by always looking to the future and doing the right thing for our consumers, our customers and our company. Todays announcement confirms this. We want to be the most environmentally responsible global drinks company and we will only achieve this ambition by constantly exploring and investing in new innovations, like sustainable alternatives to plastic, which will help us meet our environmental goals.

As part of its Corporate Responsibility program, Good Spirited, and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Bacardi has set a number of goals which it is committed to achieving by 2025. These goals, which are in addition to the companys commitment to be 100% plastic free by 2030, include:

The new 100% plastic-free gift packs are available in select markets globally throughout the holiday season.

Find out more about Bacardis sustainability commitments and its vision to become the most environmentally responsible global spirits company at https://www.bacardilimited.com/corporate-responsibility/environment/

Always drink responsibly.

About Bacardi

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARD rum, GREY GOOSE vodka, PATRN tequila, DEWARS Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, MARTINI vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSONS Scotch whisky, ST-GERMAIN elderflower liqueur, and ERISTOFF vodka. Founded nearly 160 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 7,000, operates production facilities in 10 countries, and sells its brands in more than 170 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.

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Bacardi Cuts Plastic in Its Gift Packs By 50% - Business Wire

Some injuries are worse than others. For fantasy football mavens like The Loop who have depended on the wondrous services of Derrick Henry, his broken foot has brought on the armageddon of absences.

Sure, Aaron Rodgers testing positive for COVID is a big deal. But the possibly season-ending injury to the NFLs No. 1 running back not only decapitated the Tennessee Titans offense, it forced us to postpone our annual review of the top first-half players, at least until next week. But it is now time to start scrambling for a replacement running back who can, at least partially, fill Henrys big shoes.

There are not a lot of great options on the waiver wires. But we begin with the ancient one that everyone was talking about the past couple of days:

Adrian Peterson (Titans) Youve probably heard of him. The Artist Formerly Known as All Day was signed by Tennessee and will get one last chance in Nashville to make a Super Bowl run to cap a hall of fame career. Whats left in the tank? Who knows? But the Peterson we saw last season in Detroit would fit quite nicely in the Tennessee offense. Certainly worth a gamble.

Jeremy McNichols (Titans) Hes the leading incumbent in the Tennessee backfield who has been almost entirely a pass catcher. Can he pivot into, say, a goal-line running role? Were not going to pretend we know for sure. Tennessee Titans running back Jeremy McNichols (28) runs to the outside during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)

Mark Ingram (Saints) After appearing nearly washed-up in Houston, Ingram was dealt back to New Orleans, where he had some of the best times of his career paired up with Alvin Kamara. He would strictly be a goal-line option for fantasy mavens. New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (14) leads a stadium chant before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)

Derrick Gore (Chiefs) He appeared out of nowhere Monday night against the Giants to offer a significant running option to the K.C. offense. Looked pretty good doing it. But Clyde Edwards-Helaire is coming back soon, so The Gore Not to Be Mistaken As Frank has a very limited window to prove his worth. Kansas City Chiefs running back Derrick Gore runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Jordan Howard (Eagles) The former Philly standout was gone and forgotten. Then he scored two touchdowns in his return to the Eagles last week. While that seems much more a coincidence or fluke than a career resurrection, hes certainly worth a flyer for those who are especially runner deficient. Philadelphia Eagles running back Jordan Howard (24) runs against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

David Johnson (Texans) Fantasy historians will remember when Johnson was one of the top RBs in the game. Ancient history. But with Mark Ingram sent back to New Orleans, Johnson could wind up the unchallenged No. 1 in Houston. Unless you count Phillip Lindsay, so nevermind

SITTING STARSThe Vikings are probably going to need to throw a lot to beat Baltimore in their must-win game Sunday, so Dalvin Cooks numbers could take a hit. Taking a much bigger hit will be Tennessee QB Ryan Tannehill without Derrick Henry. Say goodbye to those easy TD runs after fakes to King Henry. This week, Rams defense will limit all Titans numbers, even A.J. Browns. San Fran RB Elijah Mitchell is banged up and will not be a great start vs. Arizona. Jets RB Michael Carter will come back to earth vs. the Colts, along with most of the Jets. Atlanta QB Matt Ryan will have fewer options against New Orleans with all the Falcons missing stars. Philly WR Devonta Smith wont begin any comeback against the Chargers. And were guessing the Packers keep Tyreek Hill in check in their Super Bowl I rematch with the Chiefs. Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson (6) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

MATCHUP GAMEChargers QB Justin Herbert has struggled lately, but were thinking he rebounds vs. Philly. Raiders QB Derek Carr has been under-the-radar-great this season, and hell continue to shine against the Giants. Want a longshot running back pick? Try Green Bays A.J. Dillon against the Chiefs. If Dallas Michael Gallup returns, you should start him against Denver. Buffalos Cole Beasley will continue to be a poor mans Cooper Kupp against the Jacksonville defense. Miami rookie WR Jaylen Waddle will have a big day against Houston. .. And if you want a longshot to have a big day out of the blue, try Houston RB Phillip Lindsay against the Miami. Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/John McCoy)

INJURY WATCHJameis Winstons comeback lasted eight weeks. Hes done for the year after blowing out his knee. But New Orleans will likely split the QB duties between Trevor Siemian and Taysom Hill, at least in the short term. Should you consider starting Green Bay QB Jordan Love when he fills in for Aaron Rodgers? Uh, no. Kyler Murray is said to be day to day, but he will still be worth starting at QB for Arizona. Atlanta WR Calvin Ridley is stepping aside for a personal matter, which proved damaging for the Matt Ryan-led Falcons offense and will continue to. Jaguars RB James Robinson could be sidelined, with Carlos Hyde stepping up for a week or two . Is this the week that Christian McCaffrey or Saquon Barkley return? We now know that New Orleans WR Michael Thomas will not be returning this season. Players listed as questionable include Dallas QB Dak Prescott, Vegas RB Josh Jacobs, 49ers RB Elijah Mitchell, Bears RB Damien Williams, Niners WR Deebo Samuel, Jets WR Corey Davis, Titans WR Julio Jones, Eagles WR Jalen Reagor and Raiders TE Darren Waller. New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) is carted off the field after being injured from a horse collar tackle in the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)

THE DEEPEST SLEEPERIn a week with such prominent tight ends on bye like Rob Gronkowski and T.J. Hockenson, you should take a long look at Pittsburghs Pat Freiermuth, a rookie out of Penn State. He is fast becoming a favorite of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Freiermuth has been targeted seven times in each of the past two games, and he has two touchdowns in the past five weeks, including his acrobatic game-winner last Sunday in Cleveland. He could be a Week 9 winner for you with his Monday night matchup against Chicago. Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) catches a pass for a touchdown while being defended by Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. (33) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)

THE THURSDAY PICKJets at Colts (-10):Pick: Colts by 7 Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) throws a pass for an interception as hes tackled by Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Bud Dupree (48) in the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. The Tennessee Titans scored a touchdown on the interception. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

BREAKING NEWSWell be updating our column, based on the latest injuries and innuendo, right up until Sundays kickoff. Go to TwinCities.com/theloop.

You can hear Kevin Cusick on Wednesdays on Bob Sanseveres BS Show podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on Twitter @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.

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The Loop Fantasy Football Report Week 9: Is there life after Derrick Henry? - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press

A detailed report entitled, Global Countertops Market recently published by Adroit Market Research offers a comprehensive outlook of the global Countertops market. It is an all-inclusive report that provides lucid and precise information about the crucial aspects of key components and players of the market. The report offers a robust assessment of the Countertops market to understand the scope of the growth potential, revenue growth, product range, and pricing factors besides analysis the market size, market performance, and market dynamics of the Countertops market. Moreover, the report is thoroughly assessed to draw a broader picture of the market by a detailed study of the current market trend and examines the potential expansion and growth of the Countertops market during the forecast period, 2021-2028.

Free Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts @ https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/838?utm_source=PTH

This report focuses on the Global Countertops Market status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players. The study objectives are to present the Countertops development in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Central & South America.

Besides presenting notable insights on Countertops market factors comprising above determinants, the report further in its subsequent sections of this detailed research report on Countertops market states information on regional segmentation, as well as thoughtful perspectives on specific understanding comprising region specific developments as well as leading market players objectives to trigger maximum revenue generation and profits.

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Leading players of Countertops Market including:

Arborite, ARISTECH SURFACES LLC, Cambria, Wilsonart LLC, Caesarstone, Formica, Cosentino S.A., and Masco Corporation.

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The pandemic of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected every aspect of life globally. This has brought along several changes in market conditions. The rapidly changing market scenario and initial and future assessment of the impact is covered in the report. The Countertops market report puts together a concise analysis of the growth factors influencing the current business scenario across various regions. Significant information pertaining to the industry analysis size, share, application, and statistics are summed in the report in order to present an ensemble prediction. Additionally, this report encompasses an accurate competitive analysis of major market players and their strategies during the projection timeline.

Countertops Market research report delivers a close watch on leading competitors with strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis and a holistic overview of the market situations in the forecast period. It is a professional and a detailed report focusing on primary and secondary drivers, market share, leading segments and geographical analysis. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The report contains basic, secondary and advanced information pertaining to the Countertops global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts from 2021-2025.

Countertops market Segmentation by Type:

by Material (Granite, Solid Surface, Quartz, Laminate, Marble, Others)

Countertops market Segmentation by Application:

by Application (Residential and Non-residential)

Key Highlights Questions of Countertops Market:

1. What will be the size of the global Countertops market in 2025?2. Which product is expected to show the highest market growth?3. Which application is projected to gain a lions share of the global Countertops market?4. Which region is foretold to create the most number of opportunities in the global Countertops market?5. Will there be any changes in market competition during the forecast period?6. Which are the top players currently operating in the global Countertops market?

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Table of Content:

1 Scope of the Report1.1 Market Introduction1.2 Research Objectives1.3 Years Considered1.4 Market Research Methodology1.5 Economic Indicators1.6 Currency Considered2 Executive Summary3 Global Countertops by Players4 Countertops by Regions4.1 Countertops Market Size by Regions4.2 Americas Countertops Market Size Growth4.3 APAC Countertops Market Size Growth4.4 Europe Countertops Market Size Growth4.5 Middle East & Africa Countertops Market Size Growth5 Americas6 APAC7 Europe8 Middle East & Africa9 Market Drivers, Challenges and Trends9.1 Market Drivers and Impact9.1.1 Growing Demand from Key Regions9.1.2 Growing Demand from Key Applications and Potential Industries9.2 Market Challenges and Impact9.3 Market Trends10 Global Countertops Market Forecast11 Key Players Analysis12 Research Findings and Conclusion

Do You Have Any Query Or Specific Requirement? Ask to Our Industry Expert @ https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/contacts/enquiry-before-buying/838?utm_source=PTH

ABOUT US:

Adroit Market Research is an India-based business analytics and consulting company. Our target audience is a wide range of corporations, manufacturing companies, product/technology development institutions and industry associations that require understanding of a markets size, key trends, participants and future outlook of an industry. We intend to become our clients knowledge partner and provide them with valuable market insights to help create opportunities that increase their revenues. We follow a code Explore, Learn and Transform. At our core, we are curious people who love to identify and understand industry patterns, create an insightful study around our findings and churn out money-making roadmaps.

CONTACT US:

Ryan JohnsonAccount Manager Global3131 McKinney Ave Ste 600, Dallas,TX 75204, U.S.APhone No.: USA: +1.210.667.2421/ +91 9665341414

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Countertops Market Overview and Forecast Report 2021-2026 | Arborite, ARISTECH SURFACES LLC, Cambria, Wilsonart LLC, Caesarstone, Formica, Cosentino...

The Plan Collection Announces Its 2022 Design Trends & Predictions

SCARSDALE, N.Y., Nov. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- It's no surprise that home design is changing. The past 18 months have allowed homeowners to really assess what they want their home to reflect. As a result, the overarching trend in home design is creative expression, individuality and design freedom.

"It makes sense as people have gone from having to be home to wanting to be at home in an environment that expresses their personalities and individual tastes," says Laurel Vernazza, home design expert at The Plan Collection, the pioneer of online home design plans. "Since no one could travel, homeowners had to bring those experiences into their homes."

For 2022, The Plan Collection's team of home and building experts identify the following top home design and building trends and predictions. Photos are available here.

IT'S ALL ABOUT CURVES - Curves, when done well, add character and an element of surprise and delight to any home. This trend counters the 'straight-line syndrome' of recent years.

Inside, expect to see more arched openings, barrel-vault ceilings and curvy furniture

Outside, arched windows and doors, arched openings and ceilings for porches or decks, and curved walkways

PATTERNS ADD PIZZAZZ TO HARDWOOD FLOORS - New trends include:

Incorporating lighter wood into designs, whether it is in one room or part of a room

Greater interest in Old World craftsmanship with two-tone inlays, patterns, or even different tones

With supply chain interruptions and lumber prices soaring, homeowners are upcycling flea market finds of reclaimed wood

BRINGING NATURE INDOORS - Incorporating nature elements indoors, homeowners will continue to embrace this "biophilic design" philosophy rather than simply mimicking colors found outside.

Increased use of local, organic materials while maximizing sunlight, fresh air, plants and other natural elements within the home

More place-based relationships between homes and the distinctive geographical and ecological features surrounding the home

Integrate natural shapes and forms into the architecture

KITCHENS ANYTHING BUT WHITE (ALMOST) IN CABINETRY AND COUNTERTOPS - Homeowners are tiring of the all-white kitchens and counters - they want to add some spice.

Story continues

Expect painted or wood cabinets in appealing, warm and neutral hues, countertops will feature alternative material choices while granite remains popular

Mixing two countertop materials will gain in popularity i.e. granite countertops and hardwood for the kitchen island

MAXIMALISM STARTS TO MAKE INROADS AGAINST MINIMALISM - Maximalism will be embraced as seen in a Bohemian cottage or an ornate English manor as it provides individual expression and conveys freedom to show off personality.

While inventory of new furniture wanes, demand for high-quality and kitschy antiques will be in big demand

While people are traveling less, they have more expendable income so creative expressions of personality infuse interior design. Furnishings, rugs, art and paint reflecting past travel destinations or future dream locations bring this idea home

BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK - While natural, subtle colors and warm tones will continue to trend in 2022, black accents will be the exception. Examples include interior and exterior black window frames, black lacquered entryway doors and black appliances either shiny or matte.

REVISITING CONCRETE HOMES AS LUMBER PRICES CONTINUE TO INCREASE - Concrete block and insulated concrete form construction deliver benefits such as higher energy efficiency which leads to lower energy bills, strength to better withstand weather extremes (e.g., hurricanes, fires) and a variety of home styles.

ECO-FRIENDLY, LONG-LASTING AND STYLISH THE METAL ROOF - Either on the roof as a whole or as an accent on a porch roof or awning roof over windows; metal roofs are durable and last for 40-70 years.

ABOUT THE PLAN COLLECTIONThe Plan Collection offers more than 20,000 affordable house plans developed by the nation's most talented architects and designers. Through the use of pre-drawn yet customizable plans, both builders and those looking to build can develop their dream homes at a lower cost. In addition to the wide selection of available plans, the site offers detailed how-to articles and knowledgeable customer service representatives to help visitors find swift answers to their questions. For more information, visit https://www.theplancollection.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTJessica PrahParamount Public Relations jessica@paramountpr.com 312-953-3257

Cision

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SOURCE The Plan Collection

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2022 Home Design And Building Trend Forecast - Curves, Personal Design Expression And Connecting Nature To Indoor Living - Yahoo Finance

Julia Child on a designed background

Getty Images / ABC Photo Archives

After years of cooking for public television audiences, Julia Child eventually began taping her show from her own home kitchen in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That home kitchen became so iconic that it was donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where everything from the pegboards full of saucepans to the green countertops are preservedincluding some of Child's favorite kitchen gadgets.

That includes the trusty tool she used in her own recipe for pie crust and kept within arm's reach in her kitchen: her food processor.

In Child's kitchen at the Smithsonian, there's a KitchenAid food processor just like the one that would have been available to typical consumers at the time. The brand's 13-cup model (buy it: $250, Williams Sonoma) is still racking up five-star reviews. The museum notes that Child also owned a prototype of one of the first food processors ever made, a Robot-Coupe Magimix (buy it: $300, Williams Sonoma), in the 1960s.

Related: Julia Child Served This Really Surprising No-Cook Appetizer Before Thanksgiving Each Year

She even stopped by the Dick Cavett Show in 1978 to show off her lightning-fast food processorby that point, Cuisinart had developed its own version for American cooks. (You can pick up a Cuisinart food processor for as little as $40, depending on the size you want.) While some "food snobs," as Child called them, may have turned up their noses at the mechanized chopper, the chef said that any reasonable tool that makes home cooking easier and more accessible was worthwhile to her.

"The important thing, I think, about the machine is that it makes it possible to do what we would consider haute cuisinereally fancy dishesjust in seconds," Child told Cavett on the show. "If you're the home cook, and you've got to get the meals out every single day on time, the faster you can do it, the better."

Her longtime cooking partner on television and in cookbooks, Jacques Ppin, also remembers Child pioneering the food processor. "She was really happy to be able to use [the food processor]," Ppin tells EatingWell. "And it was the beginning of that type of equipment, and she certainly wasn't against it." (Ppin himself occasionally uses a KitchenAid food processor on his own showyou can pick up a smaller version for $100 at Home Depot during their early Black Friday deals event.)

We're pretty big fans of a sturdy food processor at EatingWellour Test Kitchen and Editorial Operations Manager Breana Lai Killeen says the machine is a must-have for Thanksgiving dinner prep. And if that's not enough, just trust Ina Garten, who says her Cuisinart model is an essential piece of kitchen equipment.

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Julia Child Was Ahead of the Game When It Came to Using This Trusty Kitchen Tool - Yahoo Lifestyle