Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Residential bathrooms are evolving into more than just rooms purely dedicated to getting clean. Customers are wanting bathrooms that act as more of a living space, a sanctuary within their home where they can go to relax and unwind.

According to Caroma Industrial Designer Luke Di Michiel, people want beautiful bathrooms that can form a harmonious relationship with other interior spaces in their home.

Once perceived as a place dedicated to hygiene, the modern bathroom has evolved to cater more holistically to a sense of wellbeing and personal expression, he says.

The use of timber in bathrooms is one way to help achieve this by giving the bathroom a more natural and homely feel.

Luke explains that incorporating timber into the design shifted the clinical feel often associated with bathrooms. Caromas new Elvire Collection taps into this growing trend. Elvire is a full suite of bathroomware products that brings elements of nature into bathroom design.

Showcasing a beautiful selection of locally grown and sustainably sourced Tasmanian timbers, the collection is a lovingly crafted celebration of Australias natural environment, Di Michiel says.

The Elvire Collection pairs stylish thin edged enamelled steel with beautiful timber accents finished with a satin seal with no staining to accentuate the natural beauty. The complete collection includes basins, vanities, showers, tapware and a luxurious freestanding bath.

Homeowner Glenda Green recently had the Elvire Collection installed into her luxury Wahroonga home in Sydney as part of a larger major renovation. She chose to have the Elvire Collection across all five of her bathrooms, commenting that she was drawn to the collection specifically for its beautiful integration of Tasmanian timbers.

The collection seamlessly integrates with the house's high vaulted timber ceilings and dedicated outdoor spaces that again celebrate the stunning established gardens and extensive Australian native trees, Di Michiel says.

Composite material manufacturing company Liner Supply has also noticed a paradigm shift emerging in residential bathroom design.

Peoples perceptions and experiences of their bathrooms have become of increasing importance and value, sales manager for Liner Supplys Jackoboard product range, Debra Hofman says.

They have changed the way they view this space, seeing it now as more of a living space, she says.

Bathrooms are viewed as a space purposed for calmness and wellbeing, where they can relax and rejuvenate the mind and body, with the use and visual appeal of organic and smoother surfaces conducive to creating a soothing environment.

With this shift comes the demand for more open plan bathrooms, frameless shower screens, panels and shower trays without hobs, small feature walls and built-in niches for both functionality and aesthetics.

Hofman believes Liner Supplys Jackoboard range is the perfect solution to meet this challenge. Jackoboard is a new alternative to plasterboard but unlike plasterboard, plywood and other wood type boards it is water repellent.

This means any water penetration from the finished surface will not penetrate through to the structural elements of the building, she explains.

The construction boards have a robust core made of extruded polystyrene foam and are covered with an extra smooth non-woven coating on both sides.Theyre easily shaped and trimmed to desired dimensions and are compatible with virtually any type of wall finishing. This means they easily allow for attractive combinations of different materials on a single board such as wallpaper, paint, plaster, and tiles.

Within the range there are Jackoboard Plano and Flexo boards which both provide leak proof solutions for the bathroom and other wet areas such as laundries.

Because they are so simple and easy to work with, they are particularly suited to customised solutions for interior furnishings, Hofman says.

Jackoboards Plano and Flexo can be used to cover, seal and provide thermal insulation for the bathroom as well as other wet area walls and floors.They can be used to create shower enclosures, install washstands, other furnishings such as shower seats, as well as creating that feature wall and niche shelving for functionality and aesthetic appeal, she says.

Jackoboard Aqua and Aqua Flat, on the other hand, have been purposely designed for tile-over shower trays.

This means that the trades professional can very easily install a leak proof solution to meet their customers need, and because it is so simple to install, save plenty of time in the process saving both them and their customer time and money, she says.

The availability of the product in both standard and custom shapes and sizes makes it a convenient way to ensure functionality and visual appeal for those customers after a more designer looking bathroom.

And thanks to the lightweight properties they don't require heavy machinery and complex tools to install, yielding a quicker turnaround time without sacrificing the quality of your project.

United Kingdom- based tile and bathroom fitter Darryl Howarth was one of the first in the UK to start fitting extruded polystyrene tileable shower cases for wet rooms and walk-in showers.

The time and energy saved compared to traditional methods transformed the whole approach to wet rooms, especially on suspended timber floors, he says.

In a recent family bathroom refurbishment in Greater Manchester, England, Howarth installed a Jackoboard Aqua Flat 20mm thick shower base and Jackoboard construction boards on the walls and floors. He commented that it is a great surface to tile on, helping him to achieve elegant results for his clients.

Another bathroom and wetroom trend emerging is bringing the outdoor experience and nature inside.

This can translate into having plants and other organic elements such as timber in the bathroom, in particular in urban multi-residential environments, StormTechs managing director Troy Creighton says.

In residential single dwellings this can be translated into opening the bathroom onto an internal landscaped courtyard, he says.

To achieve this seamless look, Stormtechs range of threshold drains can be used to create a zero threshold for seamless indoor to outdoor integration. This style of drainage is available for sliding and hinged doors and bi-folds with a variety of grate designs. The low-profile design features a linear stainless steel drainage system with a concealed channel section for door tracks and thresholds. The external linear grate sits flush beside the door track, in precise alignment with the ground surface. By integrating drains into the door-track, threshold drains allow for an unbroken path between internal and external surfaces, dissolving the traditional barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Additionally, this allows for universal access and mobility. This is a great benefit when designing bathrooms for those in wheelchairs, those needing mobility assistance or those who are vision impaired.

An integrated, concealed subsill collects water flows and condensation around the doorway, conveying it to the external drainage system, Creighton explains.

All our products are available in a variety of colours, including electroplating over stainless steel as a decorative finish, he says.

Stormtech drainage systems remove water along their length, which allows for narrower profiles to have greater intake of water than traditional drains.

Stormtechs zero threshold drains were used for the award-winning Guerilla Bay house by Peter Stutchbury Architecture on the South Coast of NSW. The home was to be built on a beautiful open woodland block so Stutchbury deliberately kept the building small. He also placed it in such a way that it engaged with the primary aspect of the site, a stunning view across the bay to the rocks that Guerilla Bay is well known for. The build incorporated the rocks from the site which have deep Aboriginal meaning.

I wanted to connect with those; the story of the rocks is now a part of the house, he said.

When it came to seamlessly connecting this outside beauty, including the rocks, into the propertys unique open plan bathroom spaces, Stormtechs zero threshold drains were the perfect choice.

In terms of providing answers to the problem of drainage in any situation, be this external or internal we always specify Stormtech, except in situations where for whatever reason thats inappropriate but thats very rare, Stutchbury says.

Aluminium distributor Danmac has also seen a rise in the clean line, open plan trend and commented that less is more right now when it comes to bathroom design. This comes in the form of stepless tiled floors with threshold-free sills on shower screens to give that continued seamless look. This look can be achieved through the companys Ultimate Sill-less Pivot Clamp Shower System.

The innovative glass clamp system doesn't require any glass cut outs. There is only a single hole at the top and bottom of the door glass and the pivot pin is incorporated in the clamp itself.

The pivot clamp is manufactured from forged brass, stainless steel screws and chrome plated, making it more durable with less parts. Its designed to suit 6mm glass and is available in sill-less or with sill. The result is a minimalist sleek design shower.

Minimised and decluttered areas, simple lines and increased functionality are trends that spill over into the homes other major wetroom, the laundry.

According to Everhard Industries, consumers are looking for solutions for smaller areas that dont compromise on storage, and thus many turn to custom cabinetry as the solution due to minimal market products.

The look of traditional spaces and colours are now becoming less prominent as rustic and industrial styles rise in popularity like utility sinks and matte colours, Everhard Industries, Brand & Communications manager Mel Smith says.

Homeowners, spending more money than ever before on areas such as the laundry to create a more appealing space.

For these reasons Everhard Industries Nugleam and Excellence laundry drawer system units have become increasingly popular. Both are available in 35L and 45L options, the units address the functionality requirements of small spaces and introduce a modern design into the once forgotten space.

These unit systems are a unique offering in a rather saturated market and cater to a large range of customers with the Nugleam laundry being a subtle redesign of the traditional white laundry unit and the Excellence Matte Black suitable for those wanting to branch out from the normal.

By introducing these products, we are bridging the gap between the traditional budget laundry unit and custom cabinetry - creating a cost effective solution for the homeowner that doesnt compromise on design aesthetics and allows them to maintain the functionality that comes with having cabinets.

Ultimately, todays consumers are wanting their bathrooms and laundries to be no-fuss and streamlined but without making them look clinical or boring. This means using intelligently designed products like Jackoboards, threshold drains, sill-less shower screens and smart storage systems paired with warm timber accents and biophilic design.

Suppliers

Caroma

Liner Supply

Stormtech

Danmac

Everhard Industries

More here:
The bathroom as a living space - Architecture and Design

Rachel Berry|Times-News

Some people meet their future spouse at a bar or on a dating app.Phillip Baulding and Raven Hazelwood met while responding to a late-night burglar alarm call at a laundromat.

Baulding and Hazelwood are both officers with the Burlington Police Department. Soon after Hazelwood began at the department in summer 2018, she went on a call with Baulding.

They hadn't met before, but after working together that nightthey began to talk more and became friends. They soon began spending time together outside of work, and they began to develop feelings for one another.The couple began dating in November2018.

"We could really talk to each other about the job," Baulding said. "It's definitely important to have somebody who understands law enforcement. It's hard to talk to somebody who knows it, but doesn't really know some of the stressors that we have to go through."

Hazelwood said she knew from when they started datingthat Baulding was the one.

They dated for two years and had a son together in February 2020. They had talked about the possibility of marriage, but once their son was born, he became the priority, and marriage fell to the back burner.

In September2020, Baulding proposed during a vacation at Carolina Beach.He had planned in advance to propose during the vacation, but spent the whole tripwaiting for the right moment.

"I was a nervous wreck all the time. I don't know how she didn't notice it," Baulding said.

It came down to their final day there, and he suggested they go for one last walk along the beach.

They walked down a boardwalk, and at the endwas a gazebo, where he wanted to propose. Once they reached the gazebo, they saw it was full of people.

This worked out well, though, as they had a crowd of strangers cheering them on, Baulding said. He asked a woman to take photos, and he got down on one knee.

"I didn't expect it at all," Hazelwood said. "It wasa huge surprise to me."

Baulding was so nervous that he tried to put the ring back in his pocket after Hazelwood said yes.

"I was like, 'Well, are you gonna give me the ring?'" Hazelwood said.

After becoming engaged, the couplebegan to make wedding plans. They didn't have a lot of money saved up for a large ceremony and at first thought, they would only be able to afford a small wedding with close family. Hazelwood has family members who aresick, so they want to have the ceremony soon, so they're able to come.

It hurt them not to be able to invite their friends, especially the other officers they work with.

"There's a special bond and a special friendship that comes with the people that we work with," Hazelwood said."It's indescribable. I would take a bullet for these people, and it wouldn't feel right celebrating our wedding day without them."

When they began touring wedding venues, they fell in love with the Bella Collina Mansion in Stokesdale. It was out of their price range, though, and they wouldn't be able to afford a wedding there.

Then Hazelwood's mother heard about a contest the venueis doing to give away a free wedding. The coupleentered, and they'renow finalists for the prize along with three other couples.Once they discovered the contest, they realized it might be possible for them to have the wedding of their dreams and to invite all their friends.

After receiving around 540 applications, the Bella Collina Mansion's owner narrowed the pool down to the top 10 based on essays written by the applicants. The top 10 applicants went to the venuefor interviews with a panel of judges.

The judgeswere supposed to narrow the pool to three couples after the interviews, but the owners said it was such a hard decision that they chose four couples instead.

Voting runs from Feb. 7-14 to decide who will be the ultimate winner. People can vote on the venue's website as many times as they want.

Baulding and Hazelwood said one reason they decided to do the contest is to engage with the community. They knew if they made it to the final stages, their hometown would need to vote for them to win.

They hope by hearing about their story, people will realize police officers are human, too. Although the uniform can sometimes put people off, Baulding and Hazelwoodare members of this community just like everyone else, and they hope this contest helps them connect with the community and helps people to look beyond the badge.

"We're not there for the money. We don't get paid that much," Hazelwood said. "We're not there because we're malice people who want to cause harm to anyone. We're there because we want to help. And we want the community to be able to see that we're their friends. We're on their side."

Thank you for being a subscriber! It's your support that keeps the Times-News going.

Breaking news reporter Rachel Berry can be reached at rberry@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @racheldberry.

More: Graham business seeks GoFundMe donations to stay afloat during COVID-19

More: Burlington police looking for educators, youth and justice practitioners to join advisory team

See original here:
Burlington cops in love; need community's help to win dream wedding - Burlington Times News

You're probably familiar with Bucks County Community College for their educational offerings, but they're also the site of the beautiful Tyler Gardens. The Tyler Mansion is arguably the grandest home ever built in Bucks County and believed to be the last of the great estates ever constructed in the United States. In 1987, Tyler Hall (as the mansion is now known) and Tyler Formal Gardens were placed on the National Register of Historical Places. The Formal Gardens were constructed in 1931 by George F. and Stella Elkins Tyler to provide a formal landscape setting for their estate, Indian Council Rock. The four-tier Formal Gardens were influenced by French and Italian gardens and feature varieties of flora, beautiful lush lawns, dramatic stone walls and staircases, gravel walks, fountains, and bronze sculptures. Today, the Gardens provide a stunning backdrop for a wedding with immaculate landscaping, historic buildings and plenty of old world charm. (Tip: Piccolo Trattoria, a Happening List Winner for Catering, is one of the exclusive vendors at Tyler Gardens.) Tyler Gardens are located within the Bucks County Community College's Newtown Campus at 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA.

See more here:
8 Unexpected Spots to Tie the Knot in and Around Bucks County - Conejo Valley Happening

Warning: SPOILERS for Firefly Lane are ahead.

Netflix's latest addition is Firefly Lane, and it has all the makings of a hit, binge-watchable drama: There's love, family issues, and conflict all within the span of a three-decades-long friendship. The show centers around Tully Hart (Katherine Heigl) and Kate Mularkey (Sarah Chalke), who become best friends in middle school.

As they grow up, they attempt to remain close despite having different ideas about careers, right vs. wrong, and the love of Johnny Ryan (Ben Lawson).

The series was adapted from the 2008 novel of the same name by Kristin Hannah, but there have already been key differences that have kept readers-turned-viewers on their toes.

The character of Tully's boyfriend, Max Brody (Jon Ecker), was added to the show, and the two face one considerable hurdle in their relationship in the early aughts.

Does Tully have a baby in Firefly Lane? Keep reading for the refresher on the storyline, and to find out what happens.

Even at the beginning of Tully and Kate's friendship in the '70s, it was clear that Kate was the nurturer, and Tully wasn't interested in being beholden to a family.

Though Kate struggles when she finds out she is pregnant with Johnny's baby in the '80s, she ends up dedicating herself to motherhood.

Meanwhile, Tully has admitted several times that she likes the idea of having kids but that she's not sure she ever wants to be a mom.

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"Raising kids seems like the most impossible thing ever," Tully tells Kate in an early '00s scene in "Love Is a Battlefield." "I literally can't imagine it, and you do it every f-----g day."

As Tully laments the idea of motherhood, she learns that the pregnancy test she has taken is positive.

In the following episode, "Sweet Child O' Mine," Tully chats with Kate about what she should do about her surprise pregnancy.

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"I don't know how to be a mother," Tully shares.

When she tells the father, Max, about the news, he's fully on board. But, Tully still isn't convinced.

Once she meets with her mom, Cloud (Beau Garrett), Tully decides that she isn't hesitant about motherhood anymore. She marries Max, but she loses the pregnancy after getting an infection in the penultimate episode of Season 1.

"It feels like a dream. I lost the baby," Tully tells Kate.

Afterward, Tully and Max explore getting an annulment, but Tully later acknowledges that she was deeply affected by the loss.

In the season finale, she shares that she's not sure if she would want to try again but that she wants to start over with Max. He is done chasing her, but she asks him to meet her at the gazebo where they got married for another chance.

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But, it doesn't appear as if he feels the same way about a new beginning. Max fails to show up at the gazebo, leaving Tully heartbroken.

The emotional storyline has some viewers wondering if Tully will have a baby in the future on the show or if she'll reconcile with Max.

The rest is here:
Does Tully Have a Baby in 'Firefly Lane'? She's Unsure of Motherhood - Distractify

Posted: Feb 4, 2021 / 04:18 PM EST / Updated: Feb 8, 2021 / 11:52 AM EST

Downtown Troy BID

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) Troy Mayor Patrick Madden virtually broadcast the 2021 State of the City Address on Thursday evening. The address was broadcast ontheCitys official YouTube channelandFacebook page, and can also be viewed below:

During the address, Mayor Madden outlined the Citys response to the COVID-19 pandemic and how the Troy community has navigated an unprecedented year of challenges. This was the first-ever virtual State of the City Address, held in accordance with public health guidelines that limit gatherings due to the coronavirus.

Mayor Madden detailed steps taken to preserve essential services and protect employee health in response to COVID-19, as well as revenue shortfalls and reductions in state aid. The address also highlighted major accomplishments in neighborhood revitalization, water and sewer infrastructure, expanding public access to the waterfront, renewable energy, and investments in City parks.

Some of the key highlights of the 2021 address included:

Mayor Madden also identified several ongoing initiatives and unfinished projects that would be prioritized in 2021, including the replacement of Fire Station 1 in Lansingburgh, and strengthening relationships between the community and the Troy Police Department through the Police Reform & Reinvention Collaborative.

For additional information, visit the Citys website.

Originally posted here:
Troys 2021 State of the City Address - NEWS10 ABC

Throughout the past 10-15 years, shed hunting has become increasingly popular amongst hunters across the country. Once hunting season ends, shed season begins and if you want to find that white gold, here are a few things that I have found to work. With that being said, I am not exactly a master at the craft, but I certainly spend a lot of time doing it.

1. Scout Early - Theres about a 2-3 month period in which just about every buck in your area will shed his antlers and waiting until late March or April may not be the most efficient thing to do. In order to make the most of your shed hunting opportunities, you need to start scouting in January at the latest. If you hunt in an area that sees a decent amount of snow throughout the winter, January is the best time to scout. You can see what travel patterns the deer are on and which food sources theyre hitting the most.

If you wait until March, and base your shed hunting strategy on where the deer were in October and November, youre in for some potentially long and shed-less walks. But if you do your homework in January and know where the deer are traveling the most, you could have some of the best shed hunting days ahead of you.

2. When You Should Be Looking - Rainy days and cold days when the snow is packed down hard, are typically the best days to go shed hunting.

The gloominess that comes on rainy days makes the antlers pop out a bit more than on sunny or partly cloudy days. The rain might make the trip a little miserable, but once you realize how much better it is for finding sheds, itll pay off.

Another great time to look for sheds is in the hard-packed snow. This typically helps the trails, beds and feeding areas stand out a bit more.

Not to mention that any fresh sheds will usually just be sitting on the top of the snow, waiting to be found!

3. Always Have Binoculars With You - As a hunter and outdoorsman, its always a good idea to have binoculars with you when in the field, or in your truck. Being able to scan areas for potential sheds makes for less walking and more efficient shed hunting trips.

Even when driving around in your truck, its smart to have a set of optics handy. When something out in a field catches your eye, its nice to have some binoculars there to check it out, instead of potentially trespassing and finding out its just a stick. If you can identify it as a shed from afar, you can now find the landowner or farming and ask for permission to shed hunt. Regular non-hunters are more likely to allow you to shed hunt than deer hunt. And who knows, maybe after a year or 2 of just shed hunting, the landowner might allow you to start deer hunting that spot.

4. Look for A Piece Of An Antler, Not The Whole Thing - The most successful shed hunters out there, are the best at picking out a shed by just seeing a single tine sticking up, or the telltale curve of a main beam. If youre expecting to scan an area and see the full antler, youre going to miss a lot of those hidden gems.

Most of the time sheds are either buried in snow, covered in grass or leaves, or just stuck down in mud and dirt. So if you look for a piece of an antler, and not the whole thing, youre going to be way more successful doing it that way.

5. Start Looking In the Obvious Spots - Food sources, thick cover, heavily used trails... These are all some of the best and most obvious spots to start looking. Deer spend a majority of their time during the winter going from food sources to bedding areas. So hit those spots 1st and youll be able to find some of the easier sheds.

Another great spot that is often overlooked is any south-facing hillside. These areas get more sun during the winter and are generally used for bedding or browsing. After hitting your main food sources and heavily used trails, dont forget to check your south-facing hillsides.

6. Dont Be Afraid Of the Overlooked Areas - Dont be deterred by those odd spots, especially on public land. Why not check those trails that run close to the parking area? What about that big swampy area? If there are a couple of small islands of dry land amongst a large wetland, those could be the perfect spots to find a big old bucks sheds.

Even those little ravines in a big open field that youve never seen a deer use. Most of these places are overlooked by the average shed hunter, but they shouldnt be overlooked by you. Part of the challenge of shed hunting, especially on public land, is hitting those random areas where a desperate buck wanders around when looking for food in the late winter. So dont miss those overlooked areas.

7. Dont Be Afraid To Ask For Permission - You shouldnt be afraid to talk to a new landowner, especially a farmer. Shed antlers getting stuck in big, expensive tractor tires can cause major headaches for a farmer. Even if you are in an area that is heavily hunted, not every hunter looks for sheds. The promise of removing sheds from ag fields, and potentially saving a few tractor tires are bound to get you permission on a new piece.

And who knows, maybe that farmer isnt on the best of terms with whoever currently hunts there, and is looking for a way to kick them off his farmland. Landowners and farmers are more likely to allow you to shed hunt a spot once or twice, instead of deer hunt an area all fall. So dont be afraid to ask for permission. The worst thing they can do is say no.

8. Always Use A Mobile Mapping App - Using an app like HuntStand or OnX to keep track of exactly where youve walked, and where youve been, is the best way to stay efficient. Where you think youve walked, and where you actually walk, can be more different than you think. You may not realize it, but using an app can help you figure out all the spots that you havent checked, even though you thought you already did.

More often than not, youll come home after a long day of shed hunting, thinking that youve scoured your property from north to south. When in actuality, there are a few large areas youve missed. Using a mapping app can help you hit those spots and find the sheds that you would have missed if you werent using an app.

See more here:
Tips to finding a few more sheds | Sports | hampshirereview.com - Hampshire Review

NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Pulse of the Primary: 2021 NYC Mayor's Race, a recurring series of quantitative voter surveys, was unveiled today to provide fresh insights on the upcoming New York City Democratic primary and key issues in the race for mayor. The project, sponsored by Fontas Advisors and Core Decision Analytics, takes an independent look at major candidates as well as key issues. Results released today from the first poll of N=842 NYC Democratic Primary likely voters offer a revealing peek at the fiercely contested race to replace term-limited incumbent Mayor Bill de Blasio.

"New York City is at a crossroads and the election of the new mayor will be a pivotal milestone in our recovery from the pandemic and the resulting economic devastation," said George Fontas, Founder and CEO of Fontas Advisors, a leading NYC-based government affairs consultancy. "Our poll found that New Yorkers seek mayoral candidates who offer clear plans to tackle the many pressing issues facing the city, and voters especially value proven experience demonstrated in government or the public sector."

"Our survey shows that voters are concerned about the many challenges facing the city, though their pick for mayor is still quite fluid at this time," said Adam Rosenblatt, President of Core Decision Analytics (CODA), a non-partisan national public opinion research and analytics firm based in Washington, DC. "Awareness appears to aid three candidates as of late January, though the vast majority of voters are unfamiliar with the wider set of prominent candidates running."

The full survey results, including complete question wording, all questions asked, as well as demographics and screening criteria, will be publicly available at PulseOfThePrimary.com.

This first Fontas/CODA Pulse of the Primary Poll suggests that the COVID pandemic will be the dominant issue on the campaign trail. Key findings included:

Fielded from January 20-25th, the first Fontas/CODA Pulse of the Primary poll presented voters with nine candidates to assess across several key metrics including familiarity ("awareness"), as well as the "horserace" ("If the Democratic Primary election for mayor of New York City were held today"). The survey also examined ranked choice voting as well as attributes voters often consider when evaluating candidates. Key findings included:

"The lack of awareness concerning ranked choice voting is worrisome," said Rosenblatt. "This process is likely to be a major factor in the race for mayor and other offices, yet 9 in 10 voters are in the dark. We will examine this closely in the next survey since ranked choice will influence how campaigns communicate as they attempt to persuade New Yorkers to cast a ballot for more than one candidate."

"While this is where things stood in late January, it's essential to remember that there's five months of campaigning still ahead and most voters are just starting to recognize the significance of the June Democratic primary in determining our new mayor," said Fontas. "Awareness is still low for many of the candidates, endorsements have just begun, and, for the most part, retail campaigning has yet to kick off although candidates will need to utilize different tactics this year due to the pandemic. Our next poll will present a great opportunity to assess how the race for mayor is progressing."

The Fontas/CODA Pulse of the Primary Poll is a three-part series which will publish poll results and analysis leading up to the New York City Democratic primary. The next poll is slated to field in March, followed by a final poll in May in advance of election day on June 22nd. Visit PulseOfThePrimary.comfor the latest poll reports, analysis, and to subscribe to receive updates.

Methodology

Core Decision Analytics (CODA) conducted N=842 online interviews among New York City Democratic primary likely voters from January 20-25, 2021. By definition, all likely voters interviewed had to say they currently live in one of the five boroughs, are registered to vote as a Democrat, and will "definitely" or "probably" vote in the June primary election for NYC Mayor and other elected offices. The overall margin of error is +/-3.38% at the 95% confidence interval. The report of findings, including all survey questions, screening criteria, and demographics, are available at PulseOfThePrimary.com

About Fontas Advisors

Fontas Advisors is a boutique government affairs consultancy focused on the New York metropolitan area. Leveraging our strong knowledge of city and state administrations combined with our robust network honed over decades of experience, we drive results by serving the next-generation needs of corporations, nonprofits, and trade associations. Learn more at fontasadvisors.com

About Core Decision Analytics

Core Decision Analytics (CODA) provides actionable opinion insights and cutting-edge data analytics programs grounded in trustworthy quantitative, qualitative, and advanced analytics methods. CODA leverages decades of experience in over 20 countries on behalf of governments, campaigns, business organizations, associations, and corporate clients. Learn more at coredecision.com

SOURCE Core Decision Analytics; Fontas Advisors

Read more:
New Poll Released by Fontas Advisors and Core Decision Analytics Sheds Light on the NYC Mayor's Race - PRNewswire

Dating back to the bombshell January 2019 PhillyVoice story, anonymous sources have never been shy to weigh in on Carson Wentz. More recently, Wentz drew criticism via an Inquirer report that detailed how the Philadelphia Eagles have coddled their (soon-to-be-former) franchise quarterback.

And now theres a new PhillyVoice report from Joe Santoliquito titled Inside the downfall that led to Carson Wentzs likely exit from Eagles that further sheds some light on why the team could be looking to trade him in the very near future. I highly recommend checking out the expansive article but here are some highlights that stood out.

Is there anyone in here whos going to believe in [Wentz]? I cant speak for everyone, but I have a good feeling that there are a lot of guys who dont right now, said one source within the organization, who wished to remain anonymous, because if he can get an NFL head coach fired, theyll have no problem cutting anyones ass.

All one respected veteran would say is that theres a problem here.

Players were pissed that Wentz reportedly planned to ask for a trade and wants out if he is not going to be the starting quarterback, sources said. They interpreted it as if Wentz was quitting on them. Some thought it was Wentz quitting on himself, running away from an open competition for the starters role with rookie Jalen Hurts.

Wentz never refuted the reports. In fact, he hasnt said a peep in over eight weeks and counting.

Everyone was looking at each other thinking, does he want outta here? How are you supposed to follow a leader like that? said one source of the reports suggesting Wentz wanted out, which started as far back as December 20. When he does address it, do you really think anyone will believe him?

While team captains like Fletcher Cox and Jason Kelce publicly spoke out in support of Wentz shortly after he was benched, hes at least lost some of the locker room. And this despite some efforts to grow as a leader last year.

Wentz himself hasnt outright denied hed be willing to participate in a quarterback competition, no. But theres hardly any indication he would welcome such a setup. And so it feels like theres an untenable dynamic here. How do the Eagles merely hand the team back over to Wentz when his teammates have seemingly lost faith in him?

On that note, it sounds like theres been growing internal support for 2020 second-round pick Jalen Hurts.

As last season was winding down, a large number of people in the building with the obvious exceptions of Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman, sources say felt Hurts was the better option at QB going forward. That made the hiring of new quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson, who has a long history with Hurts, quite intriguing. Initially, it didnt seem like it would mean much, as Lurie and Roseman seemed hellbent on refurbishing Wentz, as reports suggested that the two made that sticking point during interviews with prospective coaches with the hope that a new coach would fix the relationship between quarterback and team.

The feeling, at least last season, was that Hurts possessed superior leadership, a willingness to be coached (one source said he was in the coachs offices so much they thought they had to get him a cot) and players support. The twist of it was that coaches and players both feel Wentz has the better physical skills and the stronger arm.

Still, some see enough in Hurts that his intangibles could more than make up for that gap.

A few SEC coaches are amazed how much Hurts passing has improved, though they still have doubts if he will ever have an NFL arm like Wentz. Hurts was described as an extremely likable, high-character leader who cant get enough coaching and is a tireless worker.

If only the Eagles could have the best of both worlds and combine Wentzs talent with Hurts coachability. With the former expected to be traded as soon as this week, the Birds seemingly have some comfort level moving forward with the latter. Of course, well see how they approach the quarterback position when it comes to the 2021 NFL Draft.

Whatever the Eagles decide to do, itd probably be nice if they can find someone who doesnt inspire people to talk to the media to complain about him.

Originally posted here:
Another new Carson Wentz report sheds light on why the Eagles could be looking to trade him - Bleeding Green Nation

The icy continent has historically been a place for men. First discovered in 1820, Antarctica would not be visited by a woman for well over a century.

In 1935, Norwegian Caroline Mikkelsen, a whalers wife, became the first woman to do so, some 24 years after her compatriot Roald Amundsen had trekked all the way to the South Pole.

It wasnt until the 1950s that women were finally allowed to participate in Antarctic science.

How had Antarctica come to be so dominated by men? Where were all the women?

In 2016, one of us (Meredith) took part in the largest non-scientific expedition of women to Antarctica in history.

Among the group were 77 women working in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM), who took part in a three-week leadership program. As part of our study of this program, Meredith travelled with the group to Antarctica to gather womens first-hand accounts of their experiences.

But in terms of unlocking Antarcticas history, one of the biggest answers came from a surprising source: a map on the wall of the galley, where Meredith looked every morning to see where the ship was headed.

One morning, she spotted Marguerite Bay, on the Western Antarctic peninsula. It turns out there were women here, symbolically at least.

Marguerites name reached the Antarctic because her husband, Jean-Baptiste Charcot, leader of the French Antarctic Expedition in 1909, named a bay after her.

Author and environmentalist Carole Devine has been doing a mapping project to uncover the stories of women like Marguerite she has found more than 200 places in Antarctica named after women.

The portrayal of Antarctica as a female body that must be mastered and penetrated by men is central to Heroic Era narratives of the continent. Given this framing, it is unsurprising women were long denied access to Antarctica.

Many polar institutes around the world have traditionally justified the exclusion of women by arguing there were no facilities such as toilets for them on stations.

It certainly wasnt due to a lack of interest. In 1914, three British women named Peggy Pegrine, Valerie Davey and Betty Webster wrote to Ernest Shackleton to apply for his next expedition. They described themselves as three sporty girls and offered to wear mens clothes if there were no suitable female ones available. They added:

we do not see why men should have all the glory, and women none, especially when there are women just as brave and capable as there are men.

Shackletons reply noted his regrets there are no vacancies for the opposite sex on the expedition.

Mikkelsen became the first woman to set foot on Antarctica in 1935. But it was not until 1956 that women began to be properly involved in Antarctic science.

Russian geologist Maria Klenova landed in Antarctica to make the first Soviet Antarctic Atlas. Women were finally charting maps, rather than just having their names written on them.

In 1969, an all-female group of US scientists led by Lois Jones landed in Antarctica. They wanted to collect their own samples from the McMurdo Dry Valleys something they had so far been prevented from doing.

Pointing to the anxiety and scepticism surrounding the voyage, the New York Times described the expedition as an incursion of females into the largest male sanctuary remaining on this planet.

Read more: How to keep more women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

From the 1980s, the Australian Antarctic Program and the British Antarctic Survey allowed women to stay on research stations and conduct land-based Antarctic fieldwork.

Today, women are more fully integrated into National Antarctic Programs and women often lead field teams. Nearly 60% of early career researchers in polar science internationally are women.

Yet while womens participation in the Australian Antarctic Program is increasing, women still comprise only 24% of expeditioners. Women make up 33% and 30% of US and UK Antarctic expeditioners, respectively.

These low numbers are tied to the fact that women still face a range of barriers in a polar science career and especially during fieldwork, including:

gender bias and discrimination

caring responsibilities

gender and sexual harassment

lack of recognition such as prizes and awards

physical barriers, such as field gear not being available in womens sizes.

Antarctica is strategically important to Australia and many other nations. Yet the credibility of Australias Antarctic leadership is at risk without a substantial commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Existing power relations may prevent women and those from other underrepresented groups (such as people of colour and LGBTIQ+ people) from participating, or even considering, the possibility of an Antarctic science career.

Read more: As China flexes its muscles in Antarctica, science is the best diplomatic tool on the frozen continent

Equity and inclusion in Antarctic science will not come about simply by waiting for more women to volunteer to become expeditioners.

Here is how we can proactively promote inclusion:

Change the image of a polar scientist. The typical polar scientist is still assumed to be a straight, white man who works for many months away in Antarctica. Yet polar scientists work in a range of settings. In fact, many polar scientists work indoors at a computer!

Grow the leadership pool. National Antarctic Programs must develop targeted recruitment campaigns, gender-neutral hiring practices, awareness of unconscious bias, training to be an upstander rather than a bystander, and parental leave policies and flexible work arrangements that can facilitate a womans ability to succeed in polar science.

Women are in Antarctica to stay. They play important roles in the scientific, logistical and managerial realms of Antarctic operations.

Making polar research more inclusive will enrich the diversity of the scientific community and have flow-on effects for the quality of Australias Antarctic science.

Here is the original post:
White continent, white blokes: why Antarctic research needs to shed its exclusionary past - The Conversation AU

Rough-sawn 1x8 shiplap cedar siding is rot-resistant and weathers well.Photo by David Stiles

Ask a dozen shed owners what they keep in their sheds, and youll probably get a dozen different answers. But a shed doesnt have to be a catchall for storing extra household items. It can have a special use and provide a pleasant space in which to work on hobbies.

This 10-by-11-foot structure is the perfect size for a potting shed. Its big enough to store all the necessary garden equipment and still provide ample room. It features a 4-by-6-foot skylight, which floods the interior space with natural light, and it has an overhang in back for additional storage.

A 10-by-11-foot shed is small enough to fit comfortably in a backyard, but large enough to accommodate most projects.Diagrams by David Stiles

The directions specify using cedar timber framing with simple lap joints; however, they can be easily adapted for 2x4 construction. The walls are built with 1x8 shiplap cedar, but any siding, including board and batten, can be used. Similarly, any roofing material can be used.

Diagram by David Stiles

If you dont want to build your own windows, you can order single-sash barn windows from a lumberyard. Or, to save a bit of money, salvage windows from old houses to use in your shed just make sure theyre all the same size.

Install braces at each corner of the wall frame using 3/8-by-5-inch lag screws.Diagram by David Stiles

When building the roof framing create a base for the shingles with 1x8s and 1x4s.Diagram by David Stiles

Clear a flat surface, and measure and mark the space on which your shed will be built. The floor frame will be supported by concrete blocks under each corner. This will allow you to move the shed, if necessary.

From the 12-foot 2x6s, cut six 10-foot-9-inch boards. (Two for the frame sides and four for the floor joists.) Assemble the floor frame with two 10-foot 2x6s for the front and rear, and two 10-foot-9-inch 2x6s for the sides. Nail the frame together so the rear and front pieces overlap the side pieces.

Diagram by David Stiles

Settle the concrete blocks into place on the ground, and then position the floor frame on top of the blocks. Square the floor frame so the diagonals measure 14.86 feet (178-3/8 inches). Make sure the frame is level. Adjust the concrete blocks with shims if necessary. Install four floor joists at 2-foot intervals. Cut and toenail 2x6 blocking between floor joists. Nail down 2-1/2 sheets of plywood using 6d nails every 8 inches. Create the floor of the open deck by nailing the 10-foot decking boards across the floor frame.

Illustration byDavid Stiles

From the 4x4s, cut four corner posts 691/2 inches long, and two rear posts 56 inches long. Use 1x2s to temporarily prop up the posts while toenailing them to the floor.

Notch the ends of the 10-foot and 8-foot 4x6 beams to form lap joints. Position the 10-foot beams on the tops of the corner posts, and nail a 6-inch spike through each beam into each corner post.

Fit 8-foot beams into the notches in the 10-foot beams, and spike again. Cut ten 2-foot knee braces, and then miter-cut the ends at a 45-degree angle. Install braces at each corner using 3/8-by-5-inch lag screws.

Install 4x4 posts for the door frame. The doorway posts should be 32 inches apart. Cut ten 2x4 studs, measuring 69-1/2 inches long each. Install window studs, spaced 25-5/8 inches apart. Install interior wall studs, spaced approximately 24 inches on center. Install rough sills using screws (to allow for adjustments). Check for plumb.

The walls are covered with 1x8 shiplap boards. Rough-sawn cedar works well for this, because its rot-resistant and weathers to a soft gray. Start installing the siding at the bottom of each wall using 2-inch galvanized siding nails. To prevent rain from entering the shed, make sure each successive board overlaps the one below.

Cut the tops of the 6-foot roof rafters at a 40-degree angle. Using the shed floor as a work platform, lay two rafters down flat, and join the tops using 2-1/2-inch screws.

Diagram by David Stiles

To mark the location of the birds mouth, temporarily lay an 8-foot 2x4 (representing the width of the shed) approximately 6 inches up from the bottom end of each rafter, and mark with a pencil. Cut the ends of the collar ties off at a 40-degree angle. Screw the collar ties to the rafters, making sure the ends dont protrude past the outer edge of the rafters, so as not to interfere with roofing. Cut birds mouth notches, and screw each pair of rafters to the top beam. Use a 1x4 to temporarily hold the rafters in place. Hold the end of one 4-foot rear rafter up to an existing rafter end and rear beam, and mark where the next birds mouth and rafter joint should go. Cut out the notches, and screw the rear rafters in place with 3-inch galvanized deck screws. To provide a base for the cedar shingles, nail a 1x8 to the bottom of the rafters, overlapping the bottom edge of the rafters by 3/4 inch. Space the remaining 1x4s 2 inches apart.

Screw 4-foot-long 1x2 side ledges to sides of rafters 6 feet apart, with upper edges aligned. Build a curb out of 2x4s that measures 46-1/2 by 73-1/2 inches, and then screw it directly over the existing rafters, placing sides over side ledges. Headers arent necessary here, because the rafters remain intact. Bend over four 1/2-by-5-inch metal straps to form J-hooks, and screw them to the bottom of the curb to hold the bottom edge of the Plexiglas.

Lay glaziers tape over the top edge of the skylight curb.

Diagram by David Stiles

Carefully lay a piece of Plexiglas on top of the glaziers tape. The Plexiglas and J-hooks should overhang the curb by 1 inch to allow for water runoff. After the skylight is installed and youre shingling the roof, make sure to use stepped flashing where shingles meet the skylight curb. Once shingling is finished, complete the skylight by screwing aluminum angle bar to the sides and top.

Trim the two gable roof ends with 1x4 cedar. Nail the ends of the spaced sheathing to the top of the gable trim. Add the front and rear 1x4 fascias, the 1x2 gable trim, and the 1x2 fascia trim, in that order. Cover the four corners with two 1x4s nailed to each other and to the walls. Attach the eave trim and insect screen.

Diagram by David Stiles

Install flashing. Cover the 1x4 spaced sheathing with cedar shingles. Use 1-inch galvanized roofing nails. Double the first row of shingles, and overhang the edge of the roof by 3/4 inch. Stagger each row so the seams are unaligned. Make each row 5-1/2 inches above the previous one, using a 1x6 board as a guide on which to rest the bottom of the shingles before nailing them in place. Cap off the ridge with two 1x4 beveled boards caulked and nailed together.

On a flat surface, place the shiplap cedar boards side by side. Saw off the edges on the two end pieces so the door measures 32 inches wide. Cut two pieces of 5/4x8, each 31 inches long, for battens. Screw the battens to the door. Mark and cut the 5-foot-long 5/4x4 as a diagonal brace to fit between the top batten and the hinged side of the bottom batten. Screw two 10-inch strap hinges to the front of the door.

Diagram by David Stiles

To hang the door, screw the other half of the hinges to a piece of 2-1/4-inch cedar door casing. Hold the door in place, and, allowing for a 3/16-inch clearance, screw the trim and the door to the shed. Add the pent roof and the 2-1/4-inch casing to the doorway. Install door latch hardware of your choice.

Diagram by David Stiles

Alternatively, A wooden latch can be made from a piece of 1x2, two pieces of 2x3, and an 1/8-inch diagonal dowel. Cut a 1-1/4-by-3-inch slot in the door for the dowel to extend to the exterior. Mount the latch on a piece of 5/4x8, and screw it to the inside of the door.

Diagram by David Stiles

For each of the three windows, cut two 33-inch-long pieces of 2x3 for the stiles and two 22-inch-long pieces of 2x3 for the rails.

Using a table saw, make a 7/8-by-1-1/2-inch rabbet cut in one edge of each 2x3. Cut a 2-1/2-inch shoulder notch in each end of the 33-inch 2x3s. Make a 5/8-inch-wide, 5/8-inch-deep dado cut in the middle of each 2x3 to accept the muntins, which youll add later.

Diagrams by David Stiles

For each window, glue and screw the sash together using 2-inch screws. Lay a bead of clear silicone in the rabbeted groove provided in the window, and insert a Plexiglas panel into the groove. Use brads to nail waste strips (left over from cutting the rabbets) over the edges of the Plexiglas to hold it in place. Cut and glue 5/8-by-5/8-inch muntin strips to the front of the window. Install a window catch to the top of the window.

Diagrams by David Stiles

To hang a window, build a 4-3/4-inch-wide window frame to fit inside the rough opening, allowing 1/8 inch of clearance between the window and the frame. On the 30-5/8-inch-long windowsill, bevel the front and back edges at a 15-degree angle. The windowsill should extend 1/4 inch past the outside edges of the 2-1/4-inch casing. Install the sill over the rough opening. Cut the bottom ends of the two window casings at 15 degrees to fit the sill, and nail them in place. Frame the inside and outside of the window opening with 2-1/4-inch casing. Mortise a small hole for the window catch bolt, and install a screw eye and cord to hold the window open. To keep the window in place, cut and nail 3/4-by-3/4-inch stops to the side window frames. Open the window by releasing the catch and tilting it back. No rain will get in, and the window can be easily removed for maintenance. Repeat with the other two windows.

Excerpted with permission from Sheds: The Do-It-Yourself Guide for Backyard Builders, 4th Edition, by David and Jeanie Stiles.

Build the ultimate garden shed with this Boscobel Garden Shed E-Plan! This e-plan has all the instructions you need to build this 10-by-10-foot shed, including a complete materials list and step-by-step instructions. This product is available at our storeor by calling 800-234-3368. Item #5033.

Do you have a great garden shed thats dressed to the nines? Or a versatile shed thats creatively built with repurposed materials? We want to see it? From top to bottom, photos by Barbara and James Stanley, and Sharon and Dan Clements, respectively.

Do you have a tool or garden shed thats a beautiful focal point on your property? Mother Earth News invites you to enter our Great Garden Shed Showoff! Any small structure used to store garden tools and equipment or house livestock is eligible. Well choose grand prizewinners in two categories:

Each winner will receive a $250 gift certificate to the Mother Earth News store, where they can choose from hundreds of gardening and farming tools and books, plus a years access to our online courses and webinars.

To enter, email a photo of your shed and at least 50 words describing it and what makes it outstanding, with subject line Great Garden Shed Showoff, to: Letters@MotherEarthNews.com by May 1, 2021.

More:
How to Build a Potting Shed - Mother Earth News