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Which sage green comforter is best?
Sage green is a staple of contemporary interior design. This subtle hue is surprisingly dynamic, soothing to look at and a breeze to use when decorating. Ever the hospitable backdrop, sage green is a team player that elevates its surroundings.
Your comforter is one of the largest visual features in your home. This makes it the perfect candidate for a colorful update. If you’re looking to adjust the tone and vibe of your bedroom, start here. Which you choose will depend on whether you’re a hot or cold sleeper, but the all-season Luxlovery Sage Green Comforter Set should suit most users.
What to know before you buy a sage green comforter
Advantages of sage green
A good sage-green comforter is like a fertile forest floor. Rich with design potential, this modest hue helps various decor options thrive, from natural-wood finishes to aged metal hardware.
But the beautiful pale tone also has plenty of psychological benefits. Associated with the qualities of wisdom, experience and good judgment, this sage green can make your bedroom feel like a safe and calm space, filling you with confidence. Like most greens, sage has the life-affirming and peaceful properties associated with nature.
Colors that go with sage green
When envisioning your bedroom’s palette, look to nature. Sage green is warm and blends nicely with cedar, walnut and teak. That’s not to mention its harmonious relationship with houseplants.
Sage green is also soft, meaning vibrant primary colors and neons can clash. Instead, pair sage green with ochres, siennas, rust oranges and reds, and muted purples such as mauve or neutral grays like taupe.
Comforter vs. duvet
Despite frequent confusion, comforters and duvets are separate types of bedding. Both are stuffed with filling to trap heat, but that’s about where their similarities end.
A comforter is a single piece of bedding, quilted to distribute its filling evenly. They’re generally more affordable than duvets, and the variety of stitches allows for greater temperature control.
On the other hand, a duvet is a two-piece form of bedding. It consists of a stuffed insert and a cover like a giant pillowcase. These are typically more expensive out the outset. The insert also isn’t always quilted. Duvets make cleaning your bedding easier. You only have to wash the cover. And you can swap it out for another color if your design sense changes.
What to look for in a quality sage green comforter
Fill material
- Down: Taken from the soft underbellies of ducks and geese, down is the warmest and fluffiest filling you can get. This makes it great for cold winters, and its lofting properties also make for breathable all-season comforters. Down is luxurious, though, so you’ll pay a premium.
- Synthetic down-alternatives: Made to simulate the properties of down, synthetic alternatives such as polyester, rayon and lyocell are a great hypoallergenic substitute if you’re on a budget. These fillings don’t fluff as well as down but are breathable and lightweight for year-round use.
- Natural down-alternatives: Primarily wool and cotton, natural-alternative comforters are a kinder approach to animal-based filling. Wool is typically warmer and denser, with excellent moisture-wicking properties for hot, sweaty sleepers. Cotton is cheaper and lighter and is a good choice for warmer climates.
Fill measurements
There are two important measurements to determine how warm and fluffy your comforter will be: fill power and fill weight.
- Fill power: This number, denoted in the hundreds, indicates how fluffy your comforter will be. It represents the volume a single ounce of filling takes up. The higher the fill power, the fluffier your comforter will be, and thus the better it will be at capturing and transferring heat.
- Fill weight: This measures the total weight of all the filling in your comforter. But a high number doesn’t necessarily mean warmer. With fill weight, you want a balanced relationship to fill power. A low fill weight with a high fill power will be much better at insulating because there’s more space between the fibers to trap and distribute heat. A super-heavy comforter, on the other hand, can be stifling. And one that is too light with a low fill power will feel flat and cold.
Comforter stitch
Comforters are quilted in one of two ways, which affects fill distribution and temperature:
- Sewn-through: This stitch sutures your comforter’s top and bottom layers in a grid. The result is a series of pockets that taper at the edges so the filling bunches in the center. This can lead to flat and cool spots along the seams. But that doesn’t mean a sewn-through comforter is inferior, as the variability in filling allows for greater breathability and comfort in warm climates and for hot sleepers.
- Baffle-box: This quilting style inserts a vertical piece of fabric between each pocket to form a three-dimensional box. This way, the stuffing is evenly distributed throughout each pocket. Baffle-box comforters are some of the warmest and fluffiest you can get and pair great with down. They will get hot, so you need the right filling for year-round use.
How much you can expect to spend on a sage green comforter
You can purchase lightweight synthetic comforters on a budget for around $30-$70. Premium options with high thread count, down filling or baffle-box stitches cost $120-$250.
Sage green comforter FAQ
How do I clean my comforter?
A. Comforters — even down — are machine washable. The secret is more than one rinse cycle. Put your machine on a delicate setting and use warm or cold water with a small amount of detergent. After the first load, put it through for one or more rinse cycles. The water flushes the filling of excess suds while the machine’s rotation helps dry out the interior.
Can I use a duvet cover with my comforter?
A. Yes, a duvet cover is a great way to increase the longevity of your bedding. This additional barrier limits how much sweat penetrates the filling and reduces the number of times you have to wash the full comforter.
What’s the best sage green comforter to buy?
Top sage green comforter
Luxlovery Sage Green Comforter Set
What you need to know: Cast in a gorgeous, light-sage hue, this comforter is soft, plush and cozy.
What you’ll love: Filled with microfiber, this comforter is designed for all-season use. Its stuffing is lofty yet lightweight and it won’t clump in the wash. You also get two matching shams.
What you should consider: The filling layer is thin and won’t be as warm in cold climates.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top sage green comforter for the money
Hig Three-Piece Green Down Alternative Comforter Set
What you need to know: Made with a baffle-box stitch, this reversible comforter is great for year-round use, even in colder climates.
What you’ll love: With this down-alternative comforter, you get to flip between a sage and rich forest green. The thick and soft shell helps to insulate the heat pockets that build up in the microfiber fill. And the bedding has tabs at the corners to prevent your comforter from sliding off in your sleep.
What you should consider: This runs small, so size up.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Royal Luxe Lightweight Microfiber Color Down Alternative
What you need to know: A modern take on sage, this vibrant comforter will look great with contemporary decor.
What you’ll love: The sewn-through construction of this comforter suits hot sleepers and cold climates. You won’t toss and turn looking for cooling relief thanks to its lightweight, hypoallergenic polyester. If you’re in a warmer region, this is an ideal comforter for summer use or guest beds and kids’ rooms.
What you should consider: The stuffing clumps in the wash, so be sure to use multiple rinse cycles to shake it loose.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s
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Karl Daum writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/bed-bath-br/bedding-br/best-sage-green-comforter/ | 2022-04-15T14:40:17 | 1 | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/bed-bath-br/bedding-br/best-sage-green-comforter/ |
Which vessel sink faucet is best?
If you are looking to add an elegant touch in one of the most underrated rooms in the house, consider adding a vessel sink. Vessel sinks sit on top of the counter and come in an extensive range of styles and finishes to add sophistication and class. Once you select your sink, you’ll need to find the best vessel sink faucet to match.
The top choice is the attractive BWE Waterfall Vessel Sink Faucet. It offers a neutral yet timeless design paired with high functionality and easy installation.
What to know before you buy a vessel sink faucet
How it’s mounted
When selecting the best vessel sink faucet, you’ll first need to consider how it will be mounted. While most faucets can be mounted directly onto the countertop behind the sink, it’s also an option to mount faucets on the wall. Some vessel sinks can even take a faucet attached directly to them.
Wall-mounted faucets are the most complicated and require plumbing lines to run up inside the wall. Because of the height of the vessel sink and the requirement of the faucet to be above it, you may need to relocate lighting or mirrors above the sink, too.
If you don’t want to mess with opening a wall or moving a large mirror, consider a countertop-mounted faucet. These require some drilling in the countertop, but for most people that is preferable over putting in a hole in their bathroom wall.
Finally, it is possible to mount the faucet directly on some vessel sinks, but only if the sink is designed to take a faucet (e.g., it has holes already present).
Finish
The finish of your faucet should match the other finishes in your bathroom. This will help your bathroom aesthetic to look more cohesive.
Some common finishes include:
- Copper
- Chrome
- Brushed nickel
- Black metal (a cast iron look)
- White powder-coated brass
Height
When it comes to choosing the height, measure twice, and then measure another time. Your faucet will need to easily clear the lip of your vessel sink, with at least two inches between the lip of the sink and the end of the faucet.
Don’t buy one that is too tall, though. This will make your sink look inadequate and small. Look for the Goldilocks height: not too short, not too tall but just right.
What to look for in a quality vessel sink faucet
Touchless
A touchless faucet is operated with a wave of a hand. This is convenient in a high-traffic powder room where small children wash their hands. If you choose a touchless option and do have children in your home, make sure that your water is set to a maximum safe temperature. This will help to prevent any accidental burns.
Mounted on a swivel
A faucet that swivels can be easily moved out of the way when you need more room in the sink. This is an extra feature that just adds to the utility of the faucet and sink.
Easy installation
If you are looking for easy installation, stick with a counter-mounted vessel sink faucet. Look for packages that include all installation hardware, including hot and cold supply lines, to make installation a breeze.
If you are feeling adventurous, a wall-mounted or sink-mounted faucet is the way to go. Wall-mounted faucets are best left to experienced DIYers or for new construction, but sink-mounted faucets are easier (if more involved).
How much you can expect to spend on a vessel sink faucet
A vessel sink faucet is not a cheap upgrade. Expect to spend $80-$300 or more.
Vessel sink faucet FAQ
How should you choose a faucet spout length?
A. The faucet spout should be long enough to extend well into the sink, but not so long that it interferes with hand- and face-washing. For counter mounting, measure from where you plan to mount the faucet on the counter to where you would like the spout to end in the sink.
Wall-mounted faucets should extend easily into the sink from the wall. Measure that distance, and you are all set.
Do vessel sink faucets come with a separate hot and cold knob?
A. Some wall-mounted vessel sink faucets come with a separate hot and cold knob, but the majority of counter-mounted faucets use one lever.
What’s the best vessel sink faucet to buy?
Top vessel sink faucet
BWE Waterfall Vessel Sink Faucet
What you need to know: It has a simple, classic design that works in a variety of bathroom styles.
What you’ll love: It is available in four finishes (brushed nickel, chrome, copper and oil-rubbed bronze). Water flows beautifully out of the faucet. The package includes all hardware needed for installation, including hot and cold water hoses.
What you should consider: It is noisy, and water pressure is difficult to regulate.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top vessel sink faucet for the money
VC Cucine Modern Vessel Sink Faucet
What you need to know: If you prefer a more modern style, this square faucet is a great choice.
What you’ll love: A brushed-nickel finish surrounds solid brass interior construction for a sturdy, affordable faucet. It is easy to install and feels substantial. It’s a great value and a unique design.
What you should consider: Some users found it loud. Some also reported low water pressure.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Kohler Fairfax Collection Vessel Sink Faucet
What you need to know: It’s a high-quality faucet from a trusted brand.
What you’ll love: The supply lines are pre-installed, which means you could be up and running in 30 minutes. It comes in two other finishes. A high-temperature regulator means this faucet works well for houses with small children.
What you should consider: This may not be tall enough for high-sided vessel sinks. Measure carefully.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
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Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/bed-bath-br/sinks-vanities-br/best-vessel-sink-faucet/ | 2022-04-15T14:40:23 | 1 | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/bed-bath-br/sinks-vanities-br/best-vessel-sink-faucet/ |
Which Thunderbolt 3 dock is best?
Thunderbolt 3 is an exciting technology that streamlines connectivity by delivering impressive bandwidth and charging capabilities over a single cable. It uses the USB-C physical connector, and a wide selection of docking stations support it. In some cases, the docks are backward-compatible with 5-gigabit or 10-gigabit USB connections, but they’re generally engineered to take advantage of the high-speed standard.
The Cable Matters Hybrid 107044 is the best Thunderbolt 3 docking station for most people because it has plenty of ports and is one of the most reliable models.
What to know before you buy a Thunderbolt 3 dock
If your laptop offers Thunderbolt 3
If you’ve recently bought a midrange or high-end laptop, you’re probably in the clear. One of the popular Intel Evo certification requirements for ultraportables is that the laptop must support the Thunderbolt 4 bus. If your laptop has a USB-C port, check if it uses Thunderbolt 3 or 4 or if it’s limited to slower USB 3.1 speeds.
How much charging power do you need
The majority of laptops require 100 watts of Power Delivery or less, with many able to charge at full speed with only around 60-80 watts. Although they’re somewhat rare, a select few laptops demand over 100 watts. Nonetheless, high-powered business laptops sometimes require as much as 130 watts to charge at full speed. If you get a docking station that can’t quite put out enough power for your laptop, you’ll have slower charging speeds or even a discharging battery when your laptop has a high workload.
What to look for in a quality Thunderbolt 3 dock
USB expansion ports
All docking stations have USB ports. It’s up to you to get one that has the number you need. They usually have a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 data pass through in addition to two to six USB-A ports.
Integrated charging
Generally speaking, docking stations plug into the wall via a wall wart with a DC barrel plug. You’ll sometimes need to supply your own power via an external charging brick. If that describes your situation, look for a USB-IF certified USB-C charger.
External monitor support
Support for additional monitors usually comes in a DisplayPort or HDMI connectors on full-size docking stations. Note that some laptops don’t have the processing power to drive more than one external display. In contrast, others (in particular, M1 MacBooks) are limited to a single secondary monitor due to technical reasons. In those cases, consider a docking station or USB-C hub with a DisplayLink chipset inside. This novel chipset takes the load off the graphics processor and allows for multiple monitors with greater compatibility.
How much you can expect to spend on a Thunderbolt 3 dock
You can spend as little as $40 on a capable USB-C hub, but docking stations that take full advantage of the Thunderbolt protocol will run you $150-$350.
Thunderbolt 3 dock FAQ
Do Thunderbolt 3 docks work with standard USB-C?
A. In some cases, they are backward-compatible. However, this varies from dock to dock and results in significantly lower bandwidth and reduced features. If your laptop only supports USB 3.1 over the Type-C port, but you want to future-proof your setup, make certain that the Thunderbolt dock you choose will work with standard USB 3.1 bandwidth.
What is USB-C Power Delivery?
A. The Power Delivery protocol supplements the USB-C standard that allows for high-wattage charging and data transfer over a single port. Thunderbolt 3 maxes out at 100 watts. Thunderbolt 4 theoretically maxes out at 240 watts, although there aren’t any chargers or laptops that approach that power.
What’s the best Thunderbolt 3 dock to buy?
Top Thunderbolt 3 dock
Cable Matters Hybrid 107044 Thunderbolt 3 Dock
What you need to know: It sports a wide variety of ports and works with the biggest range of laptops in real-world tests.
What you’ll love: Its long list of expansion ports includes pairs of HDMI and DisplayPort connections that allow for dual 4K displays. It delivers up to 96 watts using the Power Delivery protocol, enough for most modern laptops. Most importantly, it’s particularly reliable and supports most notebook PCs.
What you should consider: It can’t charge the most power-hungry laptops at full speed and only supports a single external monitor on the newest M1 MacBooks.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Thunderbolt 3 dock for the money
UtechSmart 15 in 1 Docking Station
What you need to know: This is an especially full-featured docking station with interesting inclusions such as an SSD enclosure.
What you’ll love: It has the USB ports, SD card readers and Ethernet jack you’d expect from a competent Thunderbolt docking station, but it doesn’t stop there. You can outfit it with an M.2 solid-state drive for high-speed storage above and beyond what an SD card offers. There’s even a special graphics controller chip inside that offloads the graphics workload to the CPU and enables up to four external displays. The DisplayLink graphics controller even makes this feature work on computers like M1 MacBooks, which don’t normally support more than one external monitor.
What you should consider: You’ll need a 100-watt USB-C charger to make it work, and it doesn’t include one.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Dell WD19TB Thunderbolt Docking Station
What you need to know: Consider this high-powered Dell docking station if your laptop requires more than 100 watts to charge at full speed.
What you’ll love: While it’s for Dell’s most power-hungry laptops, it works with most models that require up to 130 watts of Power Delivery. It has a pair of DisplayPort outputs and Thunderbolt 3 and 10-gigabit USB-C data passthrough. It even has both a combination headset jack and a separate audio line out, which are managed by an internal audio processor that helps to get the job done without the interference and CPU hogging that sometimes comes with integrated laptop audio.
What you should consider: It costs quite a bit, especially in light of its relatively low port selection.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Chris Thomas writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/computer-components-br/best-thunderbolt-3-dock/ | 2022-04-15T14:40:30 | 1 | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/computer-components-br/best-thunderbolt-3-dock/ |
Which nasal decongestant is best?
Whether you’re stuffed up from allergies or are dealing with the common cold, the best nasal decongestants help reduce the symptoms of a stuffy nose. These medicines can help lessen swelling and inflammation, making breathing easier. Nasal decongestants can minimize sniffling and sneezing, and they help you get a good night’s rest.
The best option is the Vicks Sinex Severe Nasal Spray because it works quickly to clear up the nasal passageway for near-immediate relief.
What to know before you buy a nasal decongestant
What are nasal decongestants?
Nasal decongestants are a form of medicine that provides temporary relief for a stuffy or runny nose. It also alleviates sinus pressure and general breathing issues caused by general illness or allergies. They are available at your local pharmacy, and you can purchase them without a prescription. They come in nasal sprays, liquids, pills and drops.
If you are experiencing a runny, stuffy nose due to allergies or a cold, a decongestant could help. But if your symptoms include sneezing, itching or watery eyes, an antihistamine might be more beneficial.
One exception is if you get a medication such as Allegra-D or Zyrtec-D, which is an antihistamine and decongestant combined in one.
How decongestants works
Decongestants shrink swollen tissues and blood vessels through a process called vasoconstriction. This process lessens the inflammation, letting air pass through the nasal passages unhindered. While these medicines provide relief, they cannot cure the root problem. If you want a more long-term solution, connect with your primary care physician for more guidance.
Form
Nasal decongestants come in two main forms:
- Liquid: Nasal sprays, nose drops and liquids come in small portable containers. They sometimes have a bitter taste but are easy to use. For sprays, simply tip the container back into the nasal passage, press the top down and inhale.
- Pills: These take longer to kick in and should be taken with a spray or nose drops for maximum benefit. You can take these with water.
Concerns and side effects
Decongestants are generally safe to take, but you should consult a doctor before if any of the following conditions apply:
- High blood pressure
- Heart conditions
- Thyroid or prostate problems
- Glaucoma
- Diabetes
- You take SSRIs
Some medications cause jitters, rapid heartbeat or difficulty sleeping. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headaches. If you experience any of these or have an allergic reaction, stop taking the decongestant immediately. If you take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), some oral nasal decongestants can increase your serotonin levels and may put you at risk for serotonin syndrome. Consult your doctor or psychiatrist if you’re unsure if you should take an oral nasal decongestant.
What to look for in a quality nasal decongestant
Active ingredients
Most decongestants have pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine or oxymetazoline as their main active ingredient. These ingredients are typically non-drowsy and target nasal congestion. Some of the most common medicines are Vicks, Sudafed and Silafedrine.
Some medicines, such as Benadryl Allergy and Claritin-D, act as a decongestant and antihistamine. These both contain pseudoephedrine, which can alleviate nasal congestion, watery eyes and other symptoms caused by hay fever or seasonal allergies.
Proper usage
When using any form of medicine, follow the directions listed on the packaging or as provided by your doctor. Generally, it’s safe to take a pill form once every 4-6 hours, with a maximum of four doses each day. With nasal sprays and drops, try to limit them to one to three times a day. You should stop using a nasal spray after three days. Otherwise, you could build up an immunity to it, making the medicine less effective.
Duration of effect
How long it takes for the decongestant to take effect depends on the medicine and person. For example, Afrin’s nasal spray could start working immediately and last between three and 12 hours. Some oral decongestants may take a bit longer to start working.
How much you can expect to spend on a nasal decongestant
Most over-the-counter nasal decongestants, including tablets and sprays, cost around $5-$25. The price range depends on the brand, formula and quantity.
Nasal decongestant FAQ
Should children use nasal decongestants?
A. You should not give cold or cough medicine that contains decongestants or antihistamines to children under 2 years old. These medicines could cause severe or even life-threatening conditions or side effects. For older children, use decongestants sparingly and make sure they’re formulated specifically for them. For example, Children’s Mucinex is safe for kids ages 6 and up.
What are some ways to alleviate congestion naturally?
A. Other options include getting a humidifier, neti pot or taking a steam bath. You should also stay hydrated and try to keep your nasal passages moist, so they remain clear.
What’s the best nasal decongestant to buy?
Top nasal decongestant
Vicks Sinex Severe Nasal Spray
What you need to know: This two-pack of nasal sprays uses a fine mist to provide up to 12 hours of relief.
What you’ll love: These sprays come in 15-milliliter containers and last for approximately 530 sprays each. They’re great for the common cold, seasonal allergies and upper respiratory allergies. They’re also suitable for individuals over the age of 6.
What you should consider: Those trying to manage high blood pressure should consult a doctor before using these sprays, as they can result in higher blood pressure.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top nasal decongestant for the money
Sudafed PE Sinus Congestion Maximum Strength Non-Drowsy Decongestant Tablets
What you need to know: This non-drowsy decongestant comes in pill form and is easy to take with water.
What you’ll love: Available in 18-count, 24-count and 36-count bottles, this medicine provides maximum strength to clear sinus congestion and pressure. It’s recommended for individuals 12 years old and up.
What you should consider: Many feel the newer formula isn’t as effective as the original formula.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Afrin Original Maximum-Strength 12-Hour Nasal Congestion Relief
What you need to know: Offering up to 12 hours of relief, this nasal spray is a great option for tackling congestion related to allergies or the common cold.
What you’ll love: The pump mist design delivers the maximum strength formula easily, and it works quickly. It contains 15 milliliters and can alleviate pressure in the nose, ears and head.
What you should consider: The nozzle for the spray is not very long, so it can be tricky to spray it effectively.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/health-wellness-br/ears-nose-throat-br/best-nasal-decongestant/ | 2022-04-15T14:40:37 | 1 | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/health-wellness-br/ears-nose-throat-br/best-nasal-decongestant/ |
Which coastal throw pillow is best?
Throw pillows add a customizable element to any space, letting you transform the room’s decor with just a few decorative touches.
Coastal throw pillows bring the beach to your couch with ocean-blue colors, nautical stripes and creatures of the sea. They come in various shapes, sizes, designs and materials that determine how to clean and care for them.
If you’re looking for the most versatile and high-quality coastal throw pillow at a reasonable price, go with the set of two Highland Dunes Britton Indoor/Outdoor Throw Pillows.
What to know before you buy a coastal throw pillow
As you shop for these beachy decor elements, consider the shapes and sizes you like and where you plan to use them to help find the perfect pillows for your space.
Shape
These special throw pillows come in square, rectangular and novelty shapes. Examples of novelty pillows include shapes like a starfish, an ocean buoy and a seahorse.
The most common shapes are squares and rectangles, which are easy to layer on a couch, chair or chaise. Because these shapes are more common, there is a wider variety of designs available in those shapes, and they are often less expensive than novelty shapes.
Size
Measurements for coastal throw pillows follow the typical sizes for regular throw pillows. A regular-sized coastal throw pillow measures 18-20 inches tall and wide. You can also find them larger, up to 24 inches tall and wide, or as small as 16 inches tall and wide.
Typically, you want to layer throw pillows with the tallest in the back and the shortest in the front. If you’re looking for a coastal throw pillow to complement your existing throw pillows, consider where you want to place it, then find one that fits the size you need.
Filling
Polyester is the most common and cheapest type of pillow filling. You may also find pillows stuffed with down feathers or hypoallergenic alternatives.
Polyester filling holds its shape longer than down pillows and is safe to use outdoors on a patio, deck or porch.
Indoor vs. outdoor
Both the outer and inner materials determine whether a pillow is safe to use outdoors or not. Consider where you plan to decorate with your coastal throw pillows. If you’re looking for a versatile option, find pillows that can withstand rain and other outdoor elements.
Polyester is the top choice for outdoor decor, as it is inorganic and resists mold and mildew better than organic materials like cotton and hemp.
What to look for in a quality coastal throw pillow
The best pillow features include removable covers, intricate design elements and easy maintenance options.
Removable covers
Some pillows are encased in a cover with a zipper or button closure so you can remove them. Others are manufactured as one unit and cannot be separated from their cover material.
If you want easily washable pillows, find ones with removable covers. Separate covers also let you reuse the inner pillow with varying covers if you prefer to change your decor through the seasons.
The most common material for pillow covers is polyester, followed closely by cotton blends. You can also find covers made of linen or hemp.
Polyester is the most durable material and you can often use it outside. Cotton blends, linen and hemp covers are softer to the touch but generally too delicate to use outdoors. However, if the cover is removable, they are often machine washable.
Embellishments
Coastal throw pillows are an excellent way to add detail and character to your decor. They often feature unique embellishments that stand out from other throw pillows. These can include embroidery, beading, tassels, buttons or other accessories.
These types of embellished pillows tend to cost more. Though they may limit how you can wash the pillow, these embellishments can last a long time.
Maintenance
You don’t need to wash throw pillows as often as the other linens in your home. However, sometimes it can be helpful to choose pillows that are easy to clean.
The easiest option is to look for machine-washable pillows. This includes finding pillows with removable covers that you can toss in the washing machine.
If it’s not machine-washable, look for pillows you can spot clean. If you’re using a detergent or stain remover, check an inconspicuous place on the pillow to confirm it won’t bleed or bleach the cover before using it on the area you need to clean.
When in doubt, you can also hand wash your pillow covers, which will help them keep their same size and shape rather than shrinking in the laundry.
How much you can expect to spend on a coastal throw pillow
Depending on its size and features, you can expect to spend between $15-$60 on a coastal throw pillow.
Coastal throw pillow FAQ
Are coastal throw pillows machine-washable?
A. Possibly. It depends on the material of the cover and pillow filling. Generally, cotton blend materials are safe for washing with the laundry, while polyester pillows should be hand washed. However, be cautious about throwing any covers in the washing machine that have chunky accessories or embellishments on the outside. You may need to turn the cover inside out to wash it. Furthermore, if the cover is removable, you may be able to wash the cover separately from the inner pillow. Check with the manufacturer to confirm whether your specific pillow is suitable for the washing machine.
Can I replace the pillow insert or cover?
A. Yes, if the cover is removable. When buying a throw pillow, consider whether you plan to replace the design. If you’re looking for something versatile, try to find a pillow with a removable cover so you can swap out pillow covers when it’s time to spruce up your space. Similarly, some pillow inserts are more or less supportive than others. If you’d like to replace the insert to make your pillow more comfortable, you’ll need a removable cover. Then, you can shop for a throw pillow insert in the same size and use the same cover on the new insert.
What’s the best coastal throw pillow to buy?
Top coastal throw pillow
Highland Dunes Britton Indoor/Outdoor Throw Pillow, Set of 2
What you need to know: This pair of indoor/outdoor throw pillows features a simple and elegant design on a removable cover.
What you’ll love: These pillow covers feature embroidered waves in varying shades of blue and white. Zipper closures make the covers easy to remove and wash, and the pillow inserts are included. The polyester blend of fabrics makes these pillows perfect for either indoor or outdoor lounging. The pillows measure 20 inches wide by 20 inches tall.
What you should consider: You may need to spot clean the covers as they aren’t machine washable.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
Top coastal throw pillow for the money
Klear Vu Liza Coastal Linen Decorative Throw Pillow, Set of 2
What you need to know: These two throw pillows are a steal and a great way to add a coastal touch to any space.
What you’ll love: The pair of thick striped pillows come in two colorways: blue and taupe. They measure 18 inches wide by 18 inches tall. While the covers are not removable, the polyester and linen blend is safe to use indoors and outdoors. The price is far lower than other coastal throw pillows on the market.
What you should consider: These pillows are not machine-washable.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Nautical Buoy Novelty Throw Pillow
What you need to know: These handmade throw pillows mimic the shape of an ocean buoy, adding unmistakable beach vibes to your home.
What you’ll love: These buoy-shaped pillows measure 15 inches tall by 7 inches wide. They come in three different pattern options of varying coastal stripes. The top of the pillow features a metal grommet and cotton rope. They’re stuffed with polyester filling.
What you should consider: These pillows are spot clean only.
Where to buy: Sold by Etsy
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Katy Palmer writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Which metal wall art is best?
If you want to vary your decorating, a good piece of metal wall art can enliven your space and add some texture. This dynamic alternative helps create some dimension and interest in your interior design.
Finding the right kind of metal wall art depends on your budget, available wall space and taste. But when it comes to decorating a home or office, you can’t go wrong with the sturdy, intricate Dekadron Metal World Map Art.
What to know before you buy metal wall art
Types of metal wall art
Metal wall art comes in all shapes and sizes. It varies from abstract to literal to sentimental. Abstract pieces tend to feature the metal in interesting shapes and designs, whereas literal works use the metal to depict recognizable images or even text.
Modern metal wall art
Metal wall art looks great in all kinds of design schemes. For modern, minimalist and mid-century modern decor, consider simple pieces that highlight the material in the sculpture. These activate the space by creating a focal point for guests in otherwise subdued interiors.
Vintage metal wall art
Vintage and classically inspired styles have a little more room for play. You might want to opt for a symbolic or textual piece in this style, like a metal depiction of flowers or grass. This kind of metal wall art looks great with rustic or boho decor, and iron sculptures of iconic pop culture items shine in an urban or farmhouse design. Text can be a fun way to add a little visual contemporary cheer, and it defines a space around a concept.
What to look for in quality metal wall art
Material
You can find metal wall art in various materials, but the most common are steel and iron. Lightweight, rustproof alternatives to iron and steel include aluminum, copper and brass. These have a glossy finish that reflects natural light, making them great for abstract sculptures. However, light metals do require consistent care as the surfaces can oxidize and tarnish.
Size
Since most metal wall art is three-dimensional, you should make sure you have enough space on and around the wall. You won’t want your wall art to jut out and obstruct your movement or view. It’s best to reserve the larger pieces for big walls, so it has ample room on either side. Smaller pieces are more flexible and can act as textural accents to your decor.
Weight
Metals can get pretty heavy, especially if you’re hanging steel or iron. The larger you go, the more weight you’ll need to support. If you want a statement piece, make sure your walls can take it. Take time to find studs and use heavy-duty anchors. It’s best not to hang them where falling presents a hazard. And if you have kids, hang your metal wall art out of reach, so they aren’t tempted to pull on it.
How much you can expect to spend on metal wall art
Metal wall art varies in cost depending on the material, size and quality. A mass-produced, budget-friendly option usually costs between $15-$70, depending on size. Larger customized pieces cost as much as $80-$400.
Metal wall art FAQ
How do you hang metal wall art?
A. Hanging metal wall art requires a little more finesse than a picture frame. The biggest concern is the weight, and you want to be sure you use the studs on your wall to hang it. When you’re getting ready to hang your metal wall art, make sure you have a drill, stud finder, level and pencil.
How do you care for metal wall art?
A. Powder-coated and finished steel or iron only need to be dusted and occasionally wiped down with a damp cloth. Lighter metals such as aluminum, copper and brass are prone to oxidization, which tarnishes their exteriors. Use a polish specifically formulated to restore their luster without damaging the surface.
What’s the best metal wall art to buy?
Top metal wall art
What you need to know: This silhouetted world map with compass points adds a sense of sophistication to your home or office.
What you’ll love: It’s made from lightweight steel, so you don’t have to worry about it being too heavy for your walls. It’s great for hanging above a desk or mantle, and it has a powder coating to protect it from rust. The world map comes in two sizes: 39 inches by 29 inches and 47 inches by 36 inches.
What you should consider: Some customers received maps with bent arrows due to shipping issues.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top metal wall art for the money
FirsTime and Co. Metallic Leaves Decor Wall Plaque Set
What you need to know: These mirrored slatted leaves can bring energy to contemporary interior design on a budget.
What you’ll love: It offers a boho and rustic aesthetic, creating a modern take on natural imagery. The sturdy coated iron comes in gold, silver and black finishes to create color variation. The frames are shallow, so you don’t have to worry about hanging them over furniture.
What you should consider: These pieces don’t come with hanging hardware.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Statements2000 Aqua Wave 3D Abstract Metal Wall Art
What you need to know: This set of wavy sculptures fills the room with light by reproducing the mesmerizing shimmers of surface water.
What you’ll love: It’s made by artist John Allen and has a contemporary, pop-art vibe that’s sure to be a hit in modern decors. You have your choice of seven colors to match your interior. And it’s made from aluminum, so you don’t have to worry about rust if you hang it outdoors.
What you should consider: Some felt this sculpture was smaller than they expected.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Karl Daum writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Tips to protect your home
Your home is your greatest investment and a safe place for your most beloved people and possessions. But how can you ensure it’s truly safe?
While securing it can seem daunting, a few key upgrades can make a big difference in making your home safe from intruders. While pricey security systems can be effective, even small investments in your home’s defenses can make a big difference. Low-ticket items like window guards, door stoppers and an extra smart lock can stymie would-be intruders and make it more likely your home will be passed by.
Make your home an inhospitable target
Lighting
Potential burglars rarely make a choice about which home to rob without first assessing the potential difficulty of a break-in. It’s no secret that break-ins generally happen at night. They are aimed at homes that look both like they might have enticing goods to steal and don’t have much security. Doing anything to minimize either of these perceptions can go a long way to deterring would-be robbers.
Lighting is a great first step in making your home look like a hard target. Begin by walking your home’s perimeter at night. Are there dark spots, especially near first-floor windows, where a burglar might work undetected? Are there chairs or other outdoor furniture that might easily be dragged over to a window for easy access?
Even a series of inexpensive, simple solar-powered outdoor lights can remedy this issue. Placed strategically around the home, they will make it look well-tended and too lit up as a potential target.
Security cameras
Security cameras are not a strict security measure in that they only record what’s going on and don’t actively work to stop it. Even so, they can be an important addition to your security plan. Burglars are well aware of the effect of cameras on apprehending criminals and actively avoid them. While first-generation outdoor security cameras were expensive and required professional wiring, today’s options cost much less and can be installed wirelessly. They’re usually powered by either solar energy or batteries.
Vegetation
When you do your nighttime walk-through, be sure to look for how your vegetation causes blind spots near entrances and windows. If you find that any foundation planting is potentially giving cover to a burglar, cut it back or relocate it.
Security system signs
A well-known trick for making a house look like a tougher target is to post security monitoring signs outside the home, even if you’re not actually subscribing to the service. More a psychological trick than an actual security measure, it’s been known to deter crimes of opportunity.
Focus on access points
Windows
Perhaps your home’s weakest points are its windows and the glass in its doors. While glass is necessary and desirable for letting much-needed light into a home, it’s inherently weaker than the wood, metal and stone of other surfaces. It’s usually the way robbers gain access to homes.
There are several things you can do to make your windows harder to break and get through. First, be sure your home’s windows close and lock properly. If they don’t, replacement windows are in order. Beyond that, you can secure first-floor windows with inconspicuous security bars that sit on the inside of your windows. These can prevent your windows from being slid open from the outside in the event you forget to lock them.
To prevent smashed-in windows, coat the inside of the glass with clear security film. It won’t prevent the glass from breaking entirely but will make it hard to smash. At the very least, it will slow a burglar down to the point of making detection far more likely. While it may cut back slightly on the crispness of the view from a window, it’s an inexpensive and highly effective way of preventing people from breaking into your home.
Security alarms on first-floor windows can also be a great investment, as they’ll alert you to any potential intrusion attempts. Some will even alert you on your phone when you’re away from home.
Doors
Hardening doors is another key part of securing your home. Strengthening doors can be expensive, particularly if you choose to replace existing doors with solid core ones that are more difficult to breach. There are lower-cost alternatives that can make a real difference in your door’s strength.
Installing a smart lock can help prevent the most obvious weakness of a door: forgetting to lock it. You can get a smart lock to lock automatically at a certain time of day or gain access to it from an app to lock it remotely. Ensuring your deadbolt is grade 3, the highest available, will also make your door a harder target.
You can also get an indoor security bar, for use while you’re home, which installs on the inside of your door and makes it virtually impossible to kick in. A door barricade will do a similar job.
What you need to buy for securing your home
Defiant 180-Degree White Solar-Powered Motion-Activated Outdoor Integrated LED Flood Light
Installing solar-powered motion-activated lights ensures every part of your home is well-lit. This deters would-be burglars, who prefer to work in darkness.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Blink Outdoor Wireless HD Security Camera
This camera allows you to get motion detection alerts on your phone and store video of your home when you’re not around. It’s easy to install with no wiring or professional help.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot and Amazon
Ring Alarm 8-Piece Home Security System
A good starter, this easy-to-install security system offers window sensors and a motion detector. It’s compatible with Alexa and can be set up with 24/7 monitoring.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
A low-cost way to deter would-be burglars. Most effective when used in conjunction with other “site hardening” techniques like motion-activated lighting and window guards.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Lock-it Block-it High-Impact Plastic White Security Burglar Bar
This easy-to-install, low-cost window burglar bar makes a window impossible to open from the outside, keeping you safe.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
VViViD 8MIL Security Window Film
Installing this window film on the inside of glass accessible from the ground outside your home makes it much harder to smash to gain entry. It goes on easily with a minimum of work and is remarkably effective.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Lock or unlock this from anywhere in the world you’ve got internet access, for the peace of mind that comes from being able to check if your door is locked at any time of the day or night. Pair this with a door motion sensor for added peace of mind.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Master Lock 265D Door Security Bar
Instantly increase your door’s security with this bar that prevents forced entry by jamming the door from the inside. The simple but effective construction makes it easy to use. Stock up on extras to use in hotels while traveling.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Maria Andreu writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/home-br/safety-security-br/how-do-i-secure-my-home/ | 2022-04-15T14:40:58 | 1 | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/home-br/safety-security-br/how-do-i-secure-my-home/ |
Which healthy cookware is best?
Now more than ever, it’s crucial to pay attention to everything that goes into your body — and not just the food you eat. With some nonstick surfaces getting negative attention for their use of potentially dangerous chemicals, it may be time to re-evaluate what’s in your kitchen cabinets, too.
When you’re ready to replace your old pots and pans with healthy cookware, you’ll need a set that’s safe and functional. The GreenPan Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Set uses a material derived from sand to create a smooth, nonstick interior surface.
What to know before you buy healthy cookware
Full set vs. individual pots and pans
Whether you are swapping over to healthy cookware or stocking a kitchen from scratch, you’ll need to consider if you’d like to purchase pans individually or start with a set. If your budget is tight, you might lean toward purchasing one or two pans at a time. This also allows you to focus only on the cookware that you use most.
However, a full set of pans is often cheaper than buying each pan individually. This also allows you to instantly build your cookware collection. On the other hand, some cooks purchase a set and then realize that they only use one or two pans. Consider your cooking style and your needs before deciding between a full set or individual pots and pans.
Cook surface
While people with gas and electric stoves take it for granted that every pot or pan that they encounter will work on their cooktop, those with an induction stove know better. Induction stoves use magnets to heat magnetic metals in the pots and pans. For this reason, not every type of cookware will work on an induction cooktop.
Aluminum, glass and copper cookware will not work on an induction stove. If your heart is set on these materials, make sure that they are combined with some sort of magnetic material or they will not heat.
What to look for in quality healthy cookware
Nontoxic
All surfaces should be free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium. These poisonous coatings can leach into food as it’s cooking. Healthy cookware manufactured without these chemicals is safe even if pans are heated above their oven-safe threshold.
Oven safe
If you typically move from stovetop to oven, you want to make sure your pans are safe to the temperatures you need. Look for oven-safe temperatures to at least 500 degrees.
Lids
While not all pans will come with lids, they are very helpful when cooking food that splatters and splutters on your stove. Some lids are glass for easy viewing, while others are made of stainless steel.
Regardless of the material you choose, check to be sure that they are oven-safe. Many are, but they may not be safe to the same temperature as the pan they cover.
Accessories
Some healthy cookware sets include accessories, too. These might include:
- Slotted spoons
- Serving pieces
- Steamer baskets
- Strainers
Look for accessories that are stainless steel (or labeled as BPA-free if plastic).
How much you can expect to spend on healthy cookware
The price tag depends on the number of pieces you purchase. For a set of 10 or more pots and pans (and accessories), expect to spend $150-$200.
Healthy cookware FAQ
Can’t you just use cast iron?
A. When it comes to healthy cookware, cast iron is one of the best. The main issue with this durable material is that it can be difficult to care for. Pots and pans require occasional seasoning to restore a fading nonstick surface.
Additionally, even the smallest cast-iron pans are very heavy. For cooks with hand pain or difficulty lifting, just getting the pan out of the cabinet can be challenging.
Modern healthy cookware is lightweight and just as safe as cast iron.
How do you care for healthy cookware?
A. Care and maintenance will vary depending on the material of your cookware. Check with the manufacturer’s directions.
In general, most cookware should be hand-washed in hot, soapy water with mild detergent. A gentle plastic scrubbing sponge can be used to remove stubborn dried food, or allow the pan to soak in hot water before cleaning.
Unless the pan is specifically marked, do not clean it in the dishwasher. Hand-washing prolongs the life of your pots and pans and protects the nonstick surface.
What’s the best healthy cookware to buy?
Top healthy cookware
GreenPan Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Set
What you need to know: This is a great starter set for the beginning home cook.
What you’ll love: It has 11 pieces, including 1- and 2-quart saucepans with covers, a 5-quart covered casserole, two frying pans, a 3-quart covered skillet and a steamer basket. The cookware is safe to 600 degrees (lids to 425) and it’s free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
What you should consider: These do not work on induction stoves.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top healthy cookware for the money
Farberware Go Healthy Nonstick Cookware
What you need to know: This is a durable set for everyday use.
What you’ll love: QuiltSmart nonstick coating means less fat is needed for food to release easily. It’s free from all toxic coatings and chemicals. This 14-piece set includes not only pots and pans but also cooking utensils like slotted spoons, ladles and grill pans. The lids are glass with riveted handles.
What you should consider: The pots and pans are only oven safe to 350 degrees.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s
Worth checking out
Homichef Nickel-Free Stainless Steel Cookware Set
What you need to know: This set is beautiful, functional and affordable.
What you’ll love: This set of 10 pans includes some of the most commonly used pieces, including two covered saucepans, one 7-quart covered stockpot, two covered frying pans and a covered saute pan. It heats evenly and is safe for every type of stove top — including induction burners.
What you should consider: Because they have no nonstick coating, pots and pans need to be seasoned.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Which DeWalt drill is best?
The DeWalt company started in the mid-1920s and has been making drills and more ever since. It has specialty drills for almost any possible need, including right-angle drills for hard-to-reach areas and hammer drills for getting through tough materials. For first-time do-it-yourselfers, it’s hard to go wrong with its standard drill.
The best DeWalt drill is the DeWalt 20-Volt Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit. It includes two types of drill, each with its own battery; a battery charging plate; and a bag to keep it all together.
What to know before you buy a DeWalt drill
Types of DeWalt drill
DeWalt makes many types of drills, but the most commonly purchased are the standard, right-angle, impact and hammer drills.
- Standard drills are the do-it-all drill for the do-it-yourselfer. They’re compatible with a multitude of accessories that let you accomplish the widest range of tasks.
- Right-angle drills are similar to standard drills, except their body curves to 90 degrees. This lets you tackle jobs that would otherwise be impossible.
- Impact drills are also similar to standard drills, except they have much higher torque for handling tough-to-turn nuts and bolts.
- Hammer drills pound forward while rotating to help push your screws and bolts into hard materials such as concrete.
Corded vs. cordless
Corded and cordless drills are the same overall product, but there are a few differences.
- Corded drills don’t have to worry about running out of power, and they’re also able to capitalize on an outlet’s electricity to provide the strongest drilling. The cord does limit your locations, however, and can get in the way.
- Cordless drills use either DeWalt’s “Max” or “FlexVolt” batteries. Max batteries come in either 12- or 18-volt powers while a FlexVolt battery can be switched between 20 and 60 volts of power at will. They can also be combined to reach 108-volt strength, almost as powerful as a corded drill.
What to look for in a quality DeWalt drill
LED light
Some DeWalt drills have LED lights around the tip so you can better see your target. They are surprisingly bright and eliminate the need to balance a light source.
Revolutions per minute
Rpm measures how fast your drill can spin, and most DeWalt drills have variable rpms of 300-1,500. Slow speeds are better for precision, fast speeds for power.
Beats per minute
Hammer drills have a second measurement that relates how many times it will impact your target bpm. The higher the bpm, the better it’s able to drill.
Torque
Torque is a measurement of how powerfully your drill can twist. The harder the material you need to drill into, the more torque you need.
Tool Connect
Some DeWalt drills have Bluetooth compatibility, called “Tool Connect.” This system lets you find misplaced drills around your shop, receive diagnostic information, customize the drill and even render it unusable if it “walks away.”
How much you can expect to spend on a DeWalt drill
Depending on its type and power, DeWalt drills can cost $50-$500. Standard drills are the most affordable, topping out around $150. Right-angle, impact and hammer drills top out around $300, $400 and $500, respectively.
DeWalt drill FAQ
How do I know what parts will work with my DeWalt drill?
A. DeWalt’s website maintains a list of its products, with many including diagrams that precisely show which parts are compatible with which drills.
How do I find authorized repair centers for my DeWalt drill?
A. Again, the DeWalt website has your answers. There, you can find a section where you can input your zip code or city and state to pull up a list of repair centers.
What does it mean when DeWalt drills are designated ‘XR’?
A. DeWalt’s XR tools typically have more advanced systems, such as LED lights with several modes rather than just on/off. They often use less energy, too, so your batteries last at least a little bit longer.
What’s the best DeWalt drill to buy?
Top DeWalt drill
DeWalt 20-Volt Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit
What you need to know: This combo kit is a fresh do-it-yourselfer’s dream.
What you’ll love: The DCD771 drill has a three-speed transmission that can reach up to 450 or 1,500 rpm with 300 unit watts out. The DCF885 drill is ultra-small and lightweight for tackling tasks in hard-to-reach spots and uses a three-LED-light ring to illuminate its target.
What you should consider: It’s a big investment but consumers agree it’s worth the money. A few had issues with low battery life.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Top DeWalt drill for the money
DeWalt 20-Volt Max Cordless Drill Kit
What you need to know: It’s a simpler kit for simpler tasks.
What you’ll love: The drill is the same DCD771 included in the combo kit, plus it includes two batteries, a battery charging cradle and a carrying case. The drill grips bits tightly using a half-inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck and it has an ergonomic handle.
What you should consider: A few reviewers had issues with batteries failing to charge or failing to hold a charge as long as they should.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
DeWalt 20-Volt Max XR Brushless Drill – Bare Tool
What you need to know: This is an excellent addition for those who already have DeWalt products.
What you’ll love: It uses a brushless motor and a 20-volt two-speed transmission that can reach rpms of up to 550 or 2,000. It’s small at only 6.9 inches long and ultra-lightweight at only 3.4 pounds. The handle is ergonomic, and it has LED lights with several lighting modes.
What you should consider: A few people had issues with the chuck failing to grip bits as it should. Others had problems with high speeds causing uncomfortable vibration in the handle.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/tools-br-lawn-garden-br/drills-br/best-dewalt-drill/ | 2022-04-15T14:41:12 | 1 | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/tools-br-lawn-garden-br/drills-br/best-dewalt-drill/ |
Lawmakers on the Maine Legislature's budget writing committee have reached an agreement on how to spend the state's estimated $1.3 billion surplus.
The unanimous vote early Friday morning includes Gov. Janet Mills' proposal to send half of the surplus back to Maine residents by way of $850 checks.
The payments are a key feature of the spending plan and have been framed by supporters as way to help Mainers absorb the soaring costs of goods, gas and heating prices.
The spending plan also includes the permanent expansion of the property tax fairness credit, a boost in the earned income tax credit, as well a trust fund to address PFAS contamination on Maine farms.
It also includes the governor's plan to provide free community college for high school students who graduate between 2020 and 2023.
The full Legislature is expected to vote on the budget next week before scheduled adjournment. | https://www.mainepublic.org/politics/2022-04-15/maine-lawmakers-reach-agreement-on-850-budget-surplus-checks | 2022-04-15T14:41:15 | 0 | https://www.mainepublic.org/politics/2022-04-15/maine-lawmakers-reach-agreement-on-850-budget-surplus-checks |
Which electric chainsaw is best?
Whether you’re working deep in the woods clearing land or simply cleaning up brush around your home, an electric chainsaw can make a daunting task easier. These environmentally friendly yard tools clear brush and downed trees, and they make short work of other large landscaping tasks.
The Makita-UC3551A Chainsaw has all the power without any gas-guzzling. It’s easy to operate and a good choice for felling trees up to 14 inches in diameter.
What to know before you buy an electric chainsaw
Corded or cordless
Electric chainsaws come in either corded or cordless options.
- Corded: Corded chainsaws are lightweight, rarely weighing more than 5-6 pounds. They are quiet, easy to start and produce zero emissions. On the other hand, they are not as durable as cordless electric chainsaws, and your cutting range is limited.
- Cordless: Cordless, battery-powered chainsaws are also easy to use and don’t give off the emissions you find with gas-powered models. They can also be used out in the bush, away from a power source. But they are heavier than corded models, cost more and need to be charged. Cordless chainsaws are often less powerful than corded.
Bar size
The bar size refers to the length of the metal plate that holds the chain, and it influences the type of cutting you can do with your saw. Most chainsaws designed for residential use have a bar between 12-16 inches. The 12-inch bars are best for cutting brush, bushes and small trees. If you need to cut a slightly larger tree for firewood, a 14-inch bar is your best bet. If you want an all-around tool for all types of wood, a 16-inch chainsaw will do the trick.
Power
Manufacturers measure power in amps. They range from 8-15 amps, and the higher the number, the more power you’ll get. While it’s nice to have extra power occasionally, there’s no sense in spending money for more power unless you’re cutting down trees on a regular basis.
What to look for in a quality electric chainsaw
Auto-oiling
Automatic oiling is a feature that allows you to keep working without the risk of your chainsaw overheating or getting stuck. The only thing you need to do is make sure there is oil in the chainsaw’s reservoir.
Automatic tensioner
You may want an electric chainsaw with an automatic tensioner, which senses when the chain is getting loose and tightens it appropriately. This keeps the chain on the bar and prevents a potentially serious accident.
Ergonomic grip
Cutting wood can be hard on your hands. Look for padded, ergonomic grips to keep you comfortable throughout your work.
Safety features
Operating any kind of chainsaw can be quite dangerous. Safety features like handguards and auto shut-off provide an extra layer of protection.
How much you can expect to spend on an electric chainsaw
The price depends on the brand, size and how much power it has. Expect to spend between $50-$250 on a quality electric chainsaw.
Electric chainsaw FAQ
How do you safely operate a chainsaw?
A. Chainsaws can cut through thick bark and wood incredibly easily. This same power makes them extraordinarily dangerous to work with, but a few safety precautions can help.
- Wear chainsaw chaps or pants: These have a special fabric in the thigh that protects against cuts if a chainsaw slips from a log.
- Wear other safety gear: Other safety gear includes a helmet, eye and ear protection, long sleeves, gloves and steel-toe boots.
- Stay sober: Do not operate a chainsaw under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This includes prescription medication that dulls your reflexes.
- Operate the chainsaw correctly: Do not start the chainsaw when it is resting on your body. Don’t carry it while it’s running or leave it unattended.
- Work with a buddy: Never operate a chainsaw alone.
- Move slowly: Don’t rush. Many preventable accidents occur when chainsaw operators are working too quickly.
What is the largest diameter wood an electric chainsaw can cut?
A. This depends on the size of the bar and the power of the chainsaw. Most chainsaws with a 14-inch bar and 15 amps can easily cut a tree that is 14 inches in diameter.
What’s the best electric chainsaw to buy?
Top electric chainsaw
What you need to know: The power of this saw rivals gas-powered chainsaws of the same size.
What you’ll love: This high-performing chainsaw gets the job done. The rubber grip is comfortable and easy to hold, and the overall operation is straightforward. You can easily check the oil levels through a glass window.
What you should consider: The only downside of this chainsaw is it’s a bit expensive.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Top electric chainsaw for the money
Worx WG303.1 Electric Chainsaw
What you need to know: This electric chainsaw has some of the same features you’ll find on more expensive models.
What you’ll love: It is an affordable, entry-level chainsaw. It is self-lubricating for smooth operation and features a molded grip for more comfortable use.
What you should consider: Spare and replacement parts are hard to find, and some users report problems with reliability.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Worth checking out
Black and Decker 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw
What you need to know: This is a good choice for homeowners who want to clear trees and brush in all kinds of conditions.
What you’ll love: The low-kickback bar and chain make cutting smooth and effortless. Chain tension adjusts easily without tools. A front handguard and lock-off button increase safety.
What you should consider: The 12-inch bar might be a little short for big jobs. Users noticed they had to charge the battery often.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
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Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Science Friday is a weekly talk show focused on science topics that are in the news. Hosted by veteran science journalist Ira Flatowhe, the program brings an educated, balanced discussion to bear on the scientific issues at hand.
Science Friday is a weekly talk show focused on science topics that are in the news. Hosted by veteran science journalist Ira Flatowhe, the program brings an educated, balanced discussion to bear on the scientific issues at hand. | https://www.mainepublic.org/show/2-pm-public-affairs-programs/2022-04-15/science-friday | 2022-04-15T14:41:21 | 0 | https://www.mainepublic.org/show/2-pm-public-affairs-programs/2022-04-15/science-friday |
Which scroll saw is best?
Whether you’re trying to develop a new skill or are seeking to invest in more tools to improve your creative business, scroll saws are an excellent addition to your home workshop. Their easy slicing of wood and other materials lets you create fascinating works of art. There are low-powered models for beginners and high-cost and efficient models for professionals.
The best scroll saw is the Jet JWSS-18B Scroll Saw. It has integrated blade storage and a dust port for easy dust management.
What to know before you buy a scroll saw
How it works
Scroll saws hold a short blade between a top and bottom arm that moves up and down at high speeds. The user then slowly pushes their material against the blade to cut out their chosen shape.
Arm types
Scroll saws use one of three arm types: parallel, parallel link and C.
- Parallel arms are the most common. They hold blades nearly vertical and stop moving if the blade breaks.
- Parallel link arms are better but more expensive. They produce little vibration by converting horizontal motion into vertical motion.
- C arms are used in commercial scroll saws. They cut in a slight arc but are dangerous due to their tendency to continue running even if the blade breaks.
Capacity
There are two elements of capacity: throat depth and cut thickness.
- Throat depth is the length between the blade and the back of the saw’s frame. Most have depths of 14-18 inches, but top-of-the-line saws can have depths as deep as 30 inches.
- Cut thickness is rarely different from roughly 2 inches.
What to look for in a quality scroll saw
Speed
Speed is measured in strokes per minute. Today’s scroll saws have variable speeds that let you cut at your own pace or make slicing through any given materials easier. The average range of speeds available is between 400 to 1,600 SPM, with the best saws letting you take advantage of the full range.
Lights
Being able to see what you’re sawing clearly is less about accuracy and more about safety. Better saws include working lights pointed directly at the saw. Others may include separate lights you can position freely.
Hands-free control
If you spend long hours at the scroll saw, you can increase your efficiency by using a foot pedal. These allow you to turn the saw off and on and adjust the speed. Some saws include them, but most need to be purchased separately.
How much you can expect to spend on a scroll saw
Scroll saws can cost anywhere between $100 and thousands of dollars. Entry-level options typically cost $250 or less, while professional models start around $500-$1,000. You can find many excellent models for $250-$500.
Scroll saw FAQ
What is blade tension and why is it important?
A. Blade tension needs to be set just right to cut through wood effectively without damaging the blade, wood and anything else in the blade’s path. It’s set by adjusting the blade tension knob. A blade that’s too loose will bend as you try to cut, leading to a high risk of breaking. A blade that’s too tight can mostly cut as intended, but the high stress will also lead to a high risk of breaking. Blade tension needs to be adjusted the more you use a blade, as it will stretch out from use. With practice, you’ll be able to set blade tension properly, quickly and easily.
Can I cut more than wood with a scroll saw?
A. if you have the appropriate blade, you can cut many other materials. Softer metals such as bronze, aluminum and brass can be cut, but not harder metals like steel and iron. You can also cut plastic and rubber, and even bone.
Where can I find designs to cut out with my scroll saw?
A. In all manner of places, from books to the internet. Scroll saw-focused websites are a great option for finding patterns and connecting to and learning from experienced scroll saw users.
What’s the best scroll saw to buy?
Top scroll saw
What you need to know: This has enough power for a professional without being too much for a beginner to handle.
What you’ll love: The arm can tilt 45 degrees to the left and right, and it has a throat depth of 18 inches. It has a removable dust port and includes an onboard dust blower for simple dust management. It also has adjustable leveling feet and can be hooked up to an optional foot switch.
What you should consider: It’s among the pricier saws. A few consumers were unhappy with the amount of vibration the motor causes.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Top scroll saw for the money
What you need to know: This is a perfect starter saw. It has variable speed control that can be set between 400 and 1,600 strokes per minute and has a 16-inch throat depth.
What you’ll love: Thanks to the saw’s thumbscrew blade adapter, you can change the blades tool-free. It has a cast iron base, dust port, onboard storage and work light.
What you should consider: Professionals need more power and precision than this saw provides. A few consumers had issues with the work lights starting to strobe.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This is a good midrange saw for a more affordable price.
What you’ll love: The blade tension is easily adjustable, and the blades are simple to swap out. It operates smoothly and with little noise, plus consumers found the controls simple to understand. You can purchase it in packages with a stand, a light or both.
What you should consider: A few consumers had issues with the blade alignment becoming off-center. Others had issues with too much vibration at faster speeds.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/tools-br-lawn-garden-br/saws-br/best-scroll-saw/ | 2022-04-15T14:41:25 | 0 | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/tools-br-lawn-garden-br/saws-br/best-scroll-saw/ |
Which roof snow rake is best?
If your climate is snowy in the wintertime (and sometimes in spring), you know how dangerous snow can be if it accumulates on your roof. All the extra weight can damage your roof, or it may suddenly slide off and hit you, your children or your pets. Roof snow rakes are an effective, simple tool for eliminating these dangers.
The best roof snow rake is the Garelick Aluminum Snow Roof Rake. It’s quite long and wide, plus the wheels protect your roof from scrapes and scratches.
What to know before you buy a roof snow rake
The pole
Roof snow rakes have long poles that extend above your roofline. There are three aspects to consider in a pole: material, length and extension type.
- Material: Most poles are made of aluminum because its lightweight, affordable and resistant to corrosion. Some companies also use fiberglass for roof snow rake poles.
- Length: Most poles can extend as far as 21 feet, while others only go up to 15 feet. Extra-long poles can extend to 24 feet or further.
- Extension: Most poles have segmented or telescoping features. Segmented poles are easier to store since you can break them down completely. Telescoping poles typically have more length control.
The blade
Roof snow rakes also consist of a blade. There are two aspects to consider: the width and material.
- Width: Most blades are roughly 24-inches wide. Some are shorter, around 16 inches. Smaller blades are slightly easier to use, but it takes longer to clear the snow since they cover less ground.
- Material: Most manufacturers make blades out of plastic or aluminum. These are low impact on your roof, lightweight and easy to lift. Some blades use steel, but these are heavy, and there’s a higher risk of harming your roof.
Assembly
All roof snow rakes require some assembly, which is usually limited to securing the blade to the pole and connecting the pole segments. Everything you need for assembly will be in the box, so you shouldn’t need any tools to put it together.
What to look for in a quality roof snow rake
Wheels
Some of the best roof snow rakes have wheels on either edge of the blade. These wheels provide several benefits, the largest being they prevent the blade from coming in direct contact with your roof. The wheels protect your roof from scratches and unintentional damage. It also makes it easier to move the rake up and down the roofline.
Slides
While slides are less common than wheels, some roof snow rakes have slides that wrap around the blade. These slides provide a slick surface for the snow to slide down. They also prevent snow from accumulating in your eaves and gutters.
How much you can expect to spend on a roof snow rake
Roof snow rakes typically cost $40-$100. Budget choices are rarely more than $50, and most midrange rakes cost $50-$80. The best rakes usually cost $100 or more.
Roof snow rake FAQ
Can roof snow rakes damage my roof?
A. Yes. If you don’t use your snow rake properly, you can scratch and damage your roof. Be gentle with the rake and try not to slam it down onto the rooftop. If you’re concerned about this, opt for a roof snow rake with wheels and plastic blades.
Are heated cables a good alternative to roof snow rakes?
A. Unfortunately, heated cables don’t offer the same results as roof snow rakes. Snow rakes scrape and shake off accumulated snow from the entire roof, while heated cables only wrap around your roof’s gutters or eaves. They are also quite expensive. Snow rakes may require more physical effort, but they are more effective in every way.
What is an ice dam?
A. An ice dam forms when the snow melts and drips onto the edge of your roof. It refreezes and continues to accumulate as the snow melts and then freezes again, forming a dam. Eventually, this can start to leak through your roof and into your home. They are a hassle to get rid of once they form, so make sure to scrape off your roof after each snowfall.
What’s the best roof snow rake to buy?
Top roof snow rake
Garelick Aluminum Snow Roof Rake
What you need to know: Perfect for any roof, this snow rake only weighs 6 pounds. The metal is both rust- and corrosion-proof.
What you’ll love: The three-piece segmented pole is 21 inches long. It has a 24-inch-wide blade that never touches your roof, thanks to the set of small plastic wheels.
What you should consider: A few consumers had issues with the wheels rolling incorrectly or breaking. It can also be a struggle to use in heavy snow.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top roof snow rake for the money
What you need to know: The lightweight aluminum telescoping pole on this quality snow rake can extend up to 21 feet.
What you’ll love: The blade head is 16 inches wide and uses a 15-foot-long oxford cloth tarp to guide snow off the roof, so it won’t gather in your eaves.
What you should consider: The tarp makes the rake a bit top-heavy and more difficult to handle.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This snow roof rake reaches a few inches longer than other rakes. The 24-inch blade can sweep out large swaths of snow, too.
What you’ll love: It’s made of polyethylene to prevent any damage to your roof. The aluminum poles segments are each 5 feet long, and when put together, it only weighs 4.2 pounds.
What you should consider: It isn’t as effective against thick and heavy snowfall. And when you extend to its longest length, it can be a little wobbly and hard to control.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/tools-br-lawn-garden-br/snow-tools-br/best-roof-snow-rake/ | 2022-04-15T14:41:32 | 1 | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/tools-br-lawn-garden-br/snow-tools-br/best-roof-snow-rake/ |
Best barbecue grills that don’t use gas
Now that gas prices are reaching record levels, there’s never been a better time to invest in a non-gas grill. A large majority of options use charcoal as a heating source, which results in better flavor than gas, especially if you’re cooking meat. You’re not limited to charcoal, though. If you’re willing to spend a little longer cooking, pellet grills are also a viable option, although they work differently than charcoal grills.
Why is charcoal good for grilling?
All grills use both radiant heat and convection for cooking food, but charcoal grills rely on radiant heat more than gas grills do. When you’re grilling meat, the juices absorb the flavor of the meat itself as well as any seasonings on it. As those juices escape the steak, chicken or burger, they drip down onto the layer of red-hot charcoal. Those coals are considerably hotter than the burners and deflectors in gas grills, leading to instant vaporization of the flavorful and aromatic compounds in the juices. Those aromatic vapors then circulate around the meat, imparting their complex flavors.
How to make sure you get the most flavor possible
First, use self-lighting coals or lighter fluid and make sure every coal is fully lit and the flames are completely out.
For best results, give the flavorful vapors plenty of time to get to know the food on the grill. To do this, place the meat on the grill, let it sear lightly and keep the lid closed for a decent amount of the cooking time. The exception to this rule is if you’re cooking for a large group and plan to pack the entire grill with meat. In that case, the full spread of meat helps to trap the smoke all on its own.
Are non-gas grills good for smoking meat?
Charcoal grills and pellet grills are perfect for smoking meat, fish and other foods. To impart wonderfully smoky flavors using a standard charcoal grill, all you need is a smoker box and some wood chips. Just put some high-quality wood in the smoker box, and place it on top of the coals.
Because wood burns so quickly, it’s better to put the smoker box on a slightly cooler section of coals. Don’t put it directly on the bottom of the grill, or it won’t smoke. Contrary to one popular belief, soaking wood chips in water does nothing whatsoever to increase smoke volume or flavor. All the water does is slow down the wood’s combustion. Since the combustion is where the flavor comes from, all soaking wood chips does is slow down the process.
If you’re new to smoking and not familiar with specific wood flavors, consider a variety pack of wood chips to get used to the different flavor profiles.
How do pellet grills work?
A pellet grill consists of a cooking space complete with one or two grilles and a separate smoker box that uses an electric heating element to burn compacted wood pellets. Unlike charcoal grills, pellet grills work almost exclusively with convection instead of radiant heat.
Pellet grills take much of the guesswork out of smoking because their temperature is easy to regulate. However, they don’t get nearly as hot as charcoal grills, so you’ll likely need to sear your meats before or after smoking. Pellet grills also take considerably longer. However, that added time means the end result is usually far more flavorful and tender.
Best non-gas grills
It’s one of the most recognizable, straightforward and affordable options. With proper care, it should last for years.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
This is the premium version of the Weber classic. It has a slightly sturdier build plus better ash management and significantly improved ventilation.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Char-Griller E1416 King-Griller
If you don’t need a ton of volume, this compact model lets you make the most out of your coals and wood chips by concentrating the aromatic smoke in a small barrel.
Sold by Amazon
Kamado grills like this one sport thick walls that retain a significant amount of heat and a tightly sealing lid that ensures you don’t lose any valuable flavor.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
This kamado grill offers great performance at a reasonable price. It also has a decent amount of workspace for prepping and plating meats.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
With 450 square inches of cooking space and surprisingly good build quality, this pellet grill is as good as the ones from more well-known brand names but doesn’t cost as much.
Sold by Amazon
From the original pellet grill manufacturer, this massive smoker is perfect for big parties and boasts the most advanced features available.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
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Chris Thomas writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Choosing the best doghouse for summer
Doghouses come in many shapes and sizes, so what works for one breed of dog won’t work for another. Some also come with features, such as windows for ventilation or an overhang for extra shade, that make them better for hot days. Whatever style of doghouse you choose, make sure it has what your pet needs and can protect it from the elements.
What to know before you buy a doghouse for summer
Coverage
According to PetMD.com, heavy exposure to ultraviolet light can cause your dog to get a sunburn. This is generally characterized by red, dry or cracked skin. In severe cases, it could lead to hair loss, skin ulcers or skin infections.
Choose a doghouse that offers enough coverage to protect your dog from the sun. Make sure it doesn’t have large gaps in the roof or along the sides so the sun doesn’t get in.
Material
The main structure of most doghouses is either wood or plastic. Some also use insulating materials such as foam to keep the internal temperature consistent on hot days.
- Wood is best if you live in a humid environment, as it breathes well and prevents moisture from building up. If it’s coated with epoxy, it should also be resistant to wear and tear from the wind, rain or falling debris.
- Plastic is ideal in places with low to moderate levels of humidity. It’s also usually more durable than wood. Plus, it is easier to clean, making it convenient for people with dogs that track mud in.
If it rains a lot in the summer where you live, consider getting a specialty doghouse. Those that use asphalt or stainless steel in the roof and exterior are effective at keeping water from coming in.
Design
Most doghouses have a slanted or A-frame roof, though some have a dome shape or flat roof. In terms of design and color, there are many options. For example, one doghouse might have a dark green roof and trim with beige sides. Another could look similar to a wood cabin or have a lot of open space for natural lighting and airflow.
Size
A doghouse should be large enough for your pet to comfortably stand up, lay down and turn around in. The dog should also be able to stretch without hitting the sides of the structure. If the doghouse is too small, it could cause your pet undue discomfort or stress.
If you’re not sure what size to choose, start by measuring your dog from the base of its tail all the way to the tip of its nose. Multiply this measurement by two to find the length of the house. Then, multiply it by three for the width.
Next, when the dog is standing upright, measure it from its paw to the top of its head. Multiply this number by 1.75 to get a good baseline of how high the ceiling should be inside the house.
For the door size, use a tape measure to determine the distance from the ground to the top of your dog’s shoulder. Also, calculate the width across its chest. Add a few inches if your pet is still growing or has trouble with small spaces.
If you plan to add a dog bed or let your pet bring dog toys into the house, account for that when determining which size doghouse to get.
Airflow
Traditionally, doghouses let air in through the front door. However, many modern models also feature air vents on the sides, back and above the door for extra ventilation.
Having proper airflow and ventilation is important considering the doghouse is meant for summertime use. Not only does it keep odors down, but it can also keep your pet cool on hot days.
Best doghouses for summer
Petsfit Weatherproof Wooden Outdoor Doghouse
Available in light gray, red and yellow, this wooden outdoor doghouse is a great choice for almost any breed. It comes in three sizes, making it ideal for puppies or adult dogs. It has spruce panels and asphalt shingles for significant weather protection. Plus, if you use the adjustable feet, it has nice airflow through the base. The weight limit is 80 pounds.
Sold by Amazon
Destar Durable Waterproof Plastic Pet Doghouse
This doghouse comes in two height options, 28 inches and 33 inches. It features two vents, one at the front and one at the back, that dissipate hot air and let the wind in. It’s constructed from tough polypropylene plastic and has a raised floor to keep it off the dirt. It’s best for medium or small breeds.
Sold by Amazon
Made from plastic, this doghouse comes in three sizes and has an elevated floor. It also boasts a built-in ventilation and drainage system. Plus, it’s easy to assemble without tools.
This option constructed of resin material is highly durable, making it great for outdoor use. It comes with several vents that help circulate the air, and the roof is thick enough to keep out the sun’s rays. The crowned floor has a channel around the edges to capture any water that makes its way inside.
Sold by Home Depot and Amazon
MidWest Homes For Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Doghouse
This wooden doghouse comes in three sizes, as well as three insulation kit sizes, and is a solid option for anyone who wants something well ventilated. It has an elevated base that increases the overall airflow and prevents water from getting trapped beneath it. It also has strategic gaps in the floor for additional cooling.
Trixie Small Natura Classic Outdoor Doghouse
This smaller doghouse comes in four sizes and is made of wood, metal and plastic. It has asphalt shingles for additional protection from the rain and wind. Plus, it comes with elevated plastic feet that provide extra ventilation from below.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
New Age Pet Ecoflex Bunk Style Doghouse
Constructed from nontoxic recycled plastic-wood polymer composite, this durable doghouse is ideal for dogs that weigh under 150 pounds. It is weatherproof, easy to clean and has an elevated floor.
Sold by Home Depot
Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin Doghouse
Available in three sizes, this doghouse features a raised floor and a slanted asphalt roof that provides a great deal of protection from ultraviolet light. It’s a combination of wood and stainless steel, so it’s durable enough for most environments. It’s also lightweight enough to move around.
Sold by Amazon
A 4 Pet Outdoor Wooden Doghouse With Hinges
This option features a roof that can be opened for easy access to the inside. It’s made from stained wood and stainless steel. Plus, it has durable asphalt shingles. It’s also elevated for extra airflow on hot days.
Sold by Amazon
This elevated doghouse consists of breathable, water-resistant materials and has a tent-like design. It offers great air ventilation at the top and is lightweight.
Sold by Amazon
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Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/pets-br/housing-furniture-br/which-doghouse-is-best-for-summer/ | 2022-04-15T14:41:46 | 0 | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/pets-br/housing-furniture-br/which-doghouse-is-best-for-summer/ |
Why and how players tape their lacrosse stick
Whether it is refusing to wash a particular piece of your uniform or eating the same food before every game, athletes have more than their fair share of superstitions. However, taping your lacrosse stick before playing is not one of them. While some players do it ritualistically to help center their focus before a game, if you want to play your best, it’s a necessity.
For it to be effective, however, it must be done the right way.
Why tape a lacrosse stick?
In sports such as baseball, basketball, football and rugby, ballhandling is a major factor in determining a player’s quality. In lacrosse, however, except for the goalkeepers, athletes never touch the ball with their hands. Instead, these players are rated according to their stickhandling capabilities. If a player cannot get a firm grip on their stick, they won’t be in full control of the lacrosse ball.
A lacrosse stick is a thin, hollow piece of lightweight metal or carbon fiber. They are often very smooth. Even textured lacrosse sticks can be difficult to hold and control when you’re wearing gloves or there is some precipitation.
To combat this inherent slickness, players carefully wrap the bottom portion of their stick in lacrosse tape — though athletic tape will work just as well. The wrapping gives the player the confident grip they need to perform best.
Benefits of taping a lacrosse stick
The main benefit of taping your lacrosse stick is to provide extra grip. However, there are a few other benefits of taping your lacrosse stick.
- Ritual: Taping your lacrosse stick before a game can be a ritualistic activity that helps a player mentally prepare. It puts them in the moment, gets them focused on the upcoming competition and can help them relax.
- Power: If you have a firmer, more confident grip, you can apply more power to your shots.
- Moisture: If the weather turns bad, any player who has tape on their stick has an immediate advantage.
- Positioning: If you tape your lacrosse stick, you know where to put your hands without even looking. Beginners can use tape so they know where to place their hands when holding, catching and shooting.
The standard way to tape a lacrosse stick
The most popular way to tape a lacrosse stick is to start at the butt end of the stick with one straight wrap. On the second wrap, start spiraling the tape up the shaft.
On each turn, overlap the tape slightly — by a quarter- to a half-width — making sure there are no gaps in coverage. As you wrap, keep the tape tight and even. Continue doing this until you get a quarter way up the stick.
Finish with a couple of straight turns. This is called a standard quarter wrap. If you prefer a longer grip area, you can wrap to your preference, although most players do not go beyond half the shaft. This is called a half box wrap.
Two other lacrosse stick taping styles
While these methods are not nearly as popular, you can use a candy-cane wrap or a crisscross wrap.
- Candy-cane wrap: Start and finish the same way you would for a standard wrap. However, leave a gap between tape passes so your stick looks like a candy cane.
- Crisscross wrap: Perform a candy-cane wrap, then repeat in the opposite direction to create a crisscross pattern on your stick.
Tips for taping your lacrosse stick
- To get the best adhesion, clean your lacrosse stick before applying tape.
- Always start at the butt of the stick.
- Be patient when wrapping to make sure the tape lies flat on the stick.
- If you do not like a tacky feeling, don’t wrap your stick just before a game. If you want to remove some of the tackiness, wear gloves and hold the stick tightly while twisting in the direction of the spiral wrapping. This should remove some of the adhesive.
- To get the smoothest application, after wrapping your stick, briefly run a hair dryer over the tape and press down on the edges. This should eliminate any fraying.
What you need to buy to tape a lacrosse stick
Lizard Skins DSP Camo Lacrosse Wrap
This lacrosse tape is patterned to create an enhanced grip. It features a camo design so you can add a personal flair.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
This two-pack is a good value for people who use a lot of tape. It is precut for players who prefer using thinner strips of tape.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
This roll of lacrosse tape is precut in 1-inch and half-inch bands. It’s an affordable way to get the job done.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
If you prefer wrapping your stick in something other than white tape, this black tape is an appealing alternative. It’s precut for the player’s convenience.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Which garden gloves with claws are best?
Digging in the dirt is one of life’s great pleasures. Whether you farm for a living or harvest microgreens from a container garden on a tiny urban balcony, growing your own plants is deeply satisfying. What is not so satisfying is digging the dirt out from under your nails or patching up tiny cuts caused by stray debris in the soil.
Protecting your hands with garden gloves goes well beyond preserving your perfect manicure, and if you want to dig in packed soil you’ll need some garden gloves with claws. Nnbb Garden Gloves With Claws are comfortable and really turn the soil over.
What to know before you buy garden gloves with claws
Material
Gardening gloves come in a wide variety of materials, including:
- Leather
- Plastic
- Fake leather
- Cotton
While it is possible to find them in other materials, garden gloves with claws come most often in a flexible combination of latex and plastic. The gloves are thick, waterproof latex, and the claws are made from plastic.
Comfort
Even though the primary use of garden gloves with claws is to protect your hands as you dig deeply into the soil, you’ll want to also consider your comfort. Since most of these gloves are made with plastics, things can get sweaty fast.
What to look for in quality garden gloves with claws
Before purchasing gloves, consider how often you garden and for how long. This will determine what features are most important for you.
Breathable
Since most people garden in warmer weather, look for breathable gloves to keep things cool. Some garden gloves with claws feature breathable, stretchy fabric on the back of the hand.
Multiple sizes
It should go without saying that your gloves should be comfortable, but some gardeners suffer through their chores in poorly fitted gloves. Some gloves labeled one-size-fits-all may prove too large or small. If you have had trouble with poorly fitting gloves in the past, stick to kinds with more size options.
Adequate length
Don’t waste your money on garden gloves that stop at the base of your hand. These will not offer protection from sharp sticks or brambles as you dig in dirt. The best garden gloves with claws have cuffs that extend at least 3 inches past the base of your hand. This also lets you tuck them neatly into a long-sleeved shirt — a good thing when you’re working in an area with poison ivy.
Removable claws
With removable claws, you can turn any pair of gardening gloves into a digging machine. And because the claws are so sturdy, chances are good you’ll wear out your gloves before the claws are done. If they are removable, simply transfer them to another pair.
How much you can expect to spend on garden gloves with claws
This is one of the most affordable pieces of safety gear you’ll ever buy. A pack of two or more pairs costs $10-$40.
Garden gloves with claws FAQ
Do you have to wear gloves when you garden?
A. It’s entirely optional. However, even the cleanest soil can harbor dangerous bacteria. The most common is toxoplasmosis, which is a bacteria found in animal feces. Most gardeners will not contract a serious infection when coming into contact with toxoplasmosis. However, if you are pregnant or immunocompromised, it can be quite serious.
Wearing gloves in the garden also protects your hands from scrapes, scratches and cuts. If you are working in a reclaimed garden area, you won’t have to worry about coming into contact with sharp debris.
Can garden gloves with claws go in the washing machine?
A. It depends on the material. Leather garden gloves should not, but other materials may be washer-safe. Leather gloves can be wiped clean with a damp paper towel, then conditioned using a leather soap or conditioning cream. Check the label on your gloves for care instructions.
If the claws are removable, they can likely be rinsed with hot water.
What are the best garden gloves with claws to buy?
Top garden gloves with claws
What you need to know: These are no-frills gloves that get the job done.
What you’ll love: These one-size-fits-all gloves are unisex, waterproof and flexible. The latex is resistant to cuts and rinses off easily. They come with a carrying case and their bright green color is easy to spot if you drop them.
What you should consider: Latex isn’t breathable, so if you’re working in hot weather, hands can get sweaty.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top garden gloves with claws for the money
What you need to know: With this pack you can buy a pair of work gloves for every gardener in your family.
What you’ll love: They’re unisex and come in small, medium and large. There are five pairs of gloves and two sets of claws (eight claws total). Palms and fingers are made of eco-friendly latex foam. A longer cuff protects wrists.
What you should consider: These run large, and even the small sizes may not fit very petite gardeners.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: Use a pair and keep a spare — each set has its own claws.
What you’ll love: The gloves are puncture-resistant on the palms and fingers, and the claws are durable plastic. Stretchy fabric on the back of the hand keeps things cooler. They come in three colors and rinse clean. The claws can be removed and used on other gloves too.
What you should consider: Some users report that these gloves run large. Measure your hands carefully and check the glove measurements before purchasing.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Choosing the best air mattress for guests
When guests come to stay, finding a good spot for them to sleep can be a challenge. A quality air mattress offers more comfort and support than they’d get sleeping on a couch, plus there’s more flexibility over where you set it up.
You want your guests to have a comfortable stay, which is why it’s all the more important to choose a decent air bed. Ample support is vital for stays of more than a night or two, and picking one that doesn’t leak air significantly will keep your guests from waking up on the floor.
Do you need an air mattress for guests?
It’s a great option for anyone who wants to host guests but doesn’t have a spare room. Even if you do have a spare room, there may be times when you have more guests than beds, for instance, if your whole family descends on you at Thanksgiving. While adults can certainly sleep on air beds, they’re also ideal for kids’ sleepovers.
If you don’t feel comfortable asking guests to sleep on an inflatable mattress, you can always be the one to sleep on it, relinquishing your bed to your guest. That said, quality mattresses of this kind are comfortable.
Air mattress features
- Single-height vs. double-height: Single-height mattresses measure around 9 inches tall, while double-height ones measure roughly 16 to 24 inches tall. Single-height versions are affordable and quick to inflate. Double-height versions are more comfortable, especially for anyone who finds it hard to get down to and up from the floor, and you aren’t left touching the floor if they deflate a little during the night.
- Built-in pump: Many air beds meant for home use have built-in pumps. These pumps have power cords that you simply plug into an outlet for quick and easy inflation. Some even monitor air levels and top the mattress up during the night if necessary when you leave them plugged in.
- Size: You can choose sizes from twin to king. Twin and full sizes are great for people sleeping alone, while queen and king sizes are best for two adults sleeping in the same bed. Full mattresses can just about accommodate two adults if they don’t mind getting cozy, but it’s a better choice for a single adult or a couple of kids.
- Air coils: Air coils or air beams are reinforced areas inside the mattress that help provide even support. They’re especially important in double-height versions, as they’re prone to sagging in the center without air coils.
Best air mattresses for guests
Top single-height air mattresses
Intex Dura Beam Pillow Rest Classic Air Mattress
A great choice for tight spots or people without much storage space, this compact twin air bed packs down small and is quick to inflate with its built-in pump. The flocked top and raised pillow rest end create a comfortable sleeping surface.
Sold by Amazon
Active Era Luxury Air Mattress
While this one doesn’t have a built-in pump, an electric pump is included for quick and easy inflation. It’s available in either twin or queen sizes.
Sold by Amazon
Aria Queen Inflatable Air Mattress
Thanks to the built-in battery pump, this inflatable mattress is just as well-suited to camping as it is to providing a bed for guests. It also has inflatable pillows. The flocked top is not only comfortable if your guest sleeps directly on it, but it also keeps sheets from slipping if you choose to use them.
Sold by Amazon
Coleman EasyStay 4-N-1 Air Bed
This air bed straddles the line between single-height and double-height. You can use it in single-height mode as two twin mattresses or one king mattress. You can also configure it as a single twin double-height mattress.
Sold by Amazon
Intex Dura-Beam Standard Single-High Air Bed Series
With its internal contoured support system, this mattress will keep guests comfortable for short to medium-length stays. It comes in twin, full and queen sizes. You can buy it without a pump, with a battery pump or with a built-in foot pump.
Sold by Amazon
EnerPlex Never-Leak Inflatable Mattress
Using the included air pump, this mattress takes roughly two minutes to inflate, so tired guests won’t need to wait long to hit the hay. It comes in twin and queen sizes with internal air coils for added support.
Sold by Amazon
Top double-height air mattresses
Intex Dura-Beam Series Pillow Rest Raised Air Bed
From a big name in inflatable mattresses, you can trust that this one is durable and supportive. You can choose between twin and queen sizes in both standard and deluxe versions.
Sold by Amazon
SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
Measuring 19 inches tall, this mattress is comfortable and easy to get on and off of. It comes in five sizes, and all of them have internal air coils for additional support, helping your guests get a good night’s sleep.
Sold by Amazon
SleepLux Durable Inflatable Air Mattress
This durable queen mattress has internal air coils for support and a pillow rest at one end. At a generous 22 inches tall, you’ll be pleased to know it comes with a built-in electric pump that inflates it in around five minutes, so you won’t have to spend hours with a foot pump blowing it up.
Sold by Amazon
King Koil Luxury California King Air Mattress
Thanks to its advanced air coil technology, this mattress is highly supportive. You can choose from three sizes: twin, queen and California king. There are also three height options: 13, 16 and 20 inches.
Sold by Amazon
Intex Dura Beam Elevated Fiber Tech Air Mattress
The inflatable headboard makes this mattress stand out from similar models. It is easy to inflate and deflate with the built-in pump and has Fiber Tech technology for added durability.
Sold by Amazon
Englander Luxury Double High Inflatable Bed
Made with a microfiber material, it’s thermoregulated so guests won’t get too hot at night. It inflates in less than three minutes and comes in twin, queen and California king sizes.
Sold by Amazon
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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://fox59.com/reviews/which-air-mattress-is-best-for-guests/ | 2022-04-15T14:42:06 | 1 | https://fox59.com/reviews/which-air-mattress-is-best-for-guests/ |
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information on a man wanted by both the U.S. Marshals Service and the Niagara Falls Police Department.
Federal authorities are looking for Malachi Gates on controlled substance and weapon possession charges, while local police have accused him of assault and criminal mischief.
Gates is 5’10” and 190 lbs.
Anyone with information that could lead to his arrest can call Crime Stoppers at (716) 867-6161 or submit a tip through the Buffalo Tips app.
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Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. | https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/niagara-county/niagara-falls/reward-offered-for-man-wanted-by-marshals-niagara-falls-police/ | 2022-04-15T14:45:32 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/niagara-county/niagara-falls/reward-offered-for-man-wanted-by-marshals-niagara-falls-police/ |
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — This morning, Hope Rises had a surprise for the President of The Summit Center.
It’s a powerful title, but Tom Rosenecker prefers to just be called “Claudia’s dad.” Claudia went through therapy at home for years, but it wasn’t until she got help from The Summit Center that walking became easier.
The Summit Center in Getzville is there for people faced with social, behavioral and developmental challenges. That includes autism.
During his appearance on Wake Up, Rosenecker shared more about Claudia and The Summer Center Autism Walk — a fundraiser for therapies happening this May.
More from Wake Up!
Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. | https://www.wivb.com/wake-up/hope-rises-summit-center-president-shares-about-autism-walk/ | 2022-04-15T14:45:38 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/wake-up/hope-rises-summit-center-president-shares-about-autism-walk/ |
Alabama’s special teams had that game-breaking potential a year ago. Jameson Williams became the first Crimson Tide player to return two kickoffs for touchdowns in a single game when he pulled the repeat against Southern Miss.
That became an incentive for opponents to kick away from the lightning-fast receiver while Alabama’s punt returns were stuck in neutral. When JoJo Earle wasn’t injured, persistent blocking penalties negated a few electric runs from the freshman receiver Nick Saban compared to Jaylen Waddle.
A year later, Alabama’s working through those special teams with a few new options now that Williams is a projected first-round draft pick.
“I think we’re much improved in the kicking game,” Saban said Thursday, ahead of the 2 p.m. CT Saturday A-Day Game in Tuscaloosa. “I think we’re much more competitive. I like the energy and enthusiasm that we’ve shown in the kicking game. We’ve really tried to develop a lot of players in the kicking game.”
Earle is back working with the punt return team after averaging 5.9 yards on the 15 returns that counted last year with a long of 29 yards. Slade Bolden, now pursuing the NFL, had the other 15 for an average of 6.2 yards with a long of 25.
The only issue Earle had was a muffed punt in the second quarter of the Cotton Bowl win over Cincinnati. Kool-Aid McKinstry recovered the loose ball deep in Alabama territory to avoid disaster but that was the last time Earle was the punt returner last season.
McKinstry is also competing for the job, Saban said, along with Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton who didn’t record a punt return in his two seasons in Athens.
Another transfer has experience in the kickoff return category.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs was No. 23 nationally at Georgia Tech with a return average of 25.6 yards. That included a 98-yard touchdown against Boston College.
Freshman Aaron Anderson, who had a highlight run-after-the-catch play in Alabama’s first scrimmage, is also impressing at kickoff return. The Edna Karr High School product has great speed in his 5-foot-9, 185-pound frame.
“We’ve got a lot of guys that we’re working but not really trying to make any final decisions right now as to who we think would be the best,” Saban said. “We’re just trying to develop each one of them.”
Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook. | https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2022/04/a-few-of-the-speedy-options-alabama-has-returning-kicks.html | 2022-04-15T14:48:06 | 0 | https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2022/04/a-few-of-the-speedy-options-alabama-has-returning-kicks.html |
Bruce Pearl let out a subtle “boom” late Thursday night. Auburn’s head coach could finally celebrate the “really good piece” he could only allude to last week.
Five-star big man Yohan Traore, the nation’s No. 15 overall player, sent in his signed letter of intent Thursday night on the second day of the spring signing period for basketball. Pearl discretely acknowledged the signing with a tweet, and Auburn officially announced it Friday.
Read more Auburn hoops: What the addition of Yohan Traore means for Auburn in 2022-23
Chris Moore out 10-12 weeks after shin surgery
Bruce Pearl finds “beauty” in challenge of retooling Auburn’s roster for 2022-23
“I am so pleased to welcome Yohan to the Auburn Family,” Pearl said. “I have great respect for players like Yohan, who come to the U.S. to pursue their academic and athletic dreams, far away from their families. Talk about a cultural fit to our program. Yohan is humble and hungry. He is incredibly disciplined, a hard worker and wants to be coached. He has tremendous upside because of his effort, his attitude, his size and his skill level. Assistant coach Wes Flanigan did an outstanding job of spearheading his recruitment to Auburn.”
Traore is the third member of Auburn’s 2022 class, joining four-star swingman Chance Westry and three-star point guard Tre Donaldson, both of whom signed with the Tigers back in November. With Traore officially on board, Auburn’s class is ranked 13th in the country and third in the SEC — behind Arkansas and Alabama, whose classes rank second and third in the nation, respectively — according to the 247Sports Composite team rankings.
Traore is the second-highest rated signee in Auburn history, behind only Jabari Smith, the consensus All-American and national Freshman of the Year who led the Tigers to their first-ever No. 1 ranking and a regular-season SEC title last season. Traore is the fourth five-star prospect to sign with Auburn out of high school, joining Smith, Sharife Cooper and Mustapha Heron; all four have come during Pearl’s tenure as head coach. A fifth five-star prospect has also come through the program during the Pearl era, though he spent his freshman season at North Carolina before joining Auburn as a transfer this past season.
The signing of Traore -- a one-time LSU commit to pledged to Auburn on March 31 -- also means that nine of the top-10 high school signees in program history have come under Pearl’s watch. The lone exception is Korvotney Barber, who joined the program in 2005. Two of the top-five signees in program history are in this year’s recruiting class, with Westry — the nation’s No. 31 overall player this cycle — checking in just behind the Tigers’ four all-time five-star signees.
In Traore, Auburn adds a versatile frontcourt piece who should help soften the blow of the departures of Smith and Kessler, who both declared for the NBA Draft following their breakout seasons on the Plains.
The 6-foot-10, 225-pounder from France projects long-term as a stretch-four but could slot right in at center in Auburn’s lineup this season. He has the skillset, size and athleticism to play either position in the frontcourt, but he still needs to fine-tune some areas of his game to truly flourish at power forward in Pearl’s system.
Traore can stretch the floor and has a quality jump-shot from 15 feet and beyond, though he doesn’t have quite the sharpshooting ability of Smith — who shot 42 percent from beyond the arc last season and was often described by Pearl as the best jump-shooter he has ever coached. He stands to improve playing with his back to the basket as well, but he excels at attacking the rim as both a diver off high screens and off the dribble as a ball-handler, and he can finish with both authority and finesse at the hoop.
On the defensive end, Traore has the quickness and footwork to switch onto smaller players on the perimeter but also has the tools — length, instincts — to be an elite rim defender. Auburn believes he can develop into a quality stretch-four with a good feel for the offense and who can be an elite inside-out defender.
Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde. | https://www.al.com/auburnbasketball/2022/04/auburn-basketball-signs-5-star-combo-forward-yohan-traore.html | 2022-04-15T14:48:12 | 1 | https://www.al.com/auburnbasketball/2022/04/auburn-basketball-signs-5-star-combo-forward-yohan-traore.html |
Alabama tied its all-time record low unemployment rate in March.
According to the Alabama Department of Labor, the state saw 65,485 unemployed people in March, the lowest number ever on record, for a rate of 2.9%.
That ties the rate from September 2019, six months before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
March’s number was down from February’s rate of 3%, and below March 2021′s rate of 3.7%.
Gov. Kay Ivey hailed the news as “proof positive” that Alabamians are “eager to get to work.”
“We are not relenting our efforts, and I am confident Alabama will continue powering in the right direction because of our hardworking men and women,” Ivey said. “Truly, the best is yet to come.”
Over the past month, the biggest gains in employment were seen in the government sector, with more than 2,500 jobs, more than 2,200 jobs in construction and another 2,200 in leisure and hospitality.
Alabama Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington said the construction sector and the professional and business services sector attained new record high weekly wages, with yearly increases of $104.19 and $124.52, respectively.
Counties with the lowest unemployment rates were Shelby County at 1.7%, Cullman County at 1.8%, and Morgan, Marshall and Limestone Counties at 1.9%. Wilcox County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.8%. | https://www.al.com/business/2022/04/alabamas-unemployment-rate-ties-all-time-low.html | 2022-04-15T14:48:18 | 0 | https://www.al.com/business/2022/04/alabamas-unemployment-rate-ties-all-time-low.html |
Americans are deeply divided over how much children in K-12 schools should be taught about racism and sexuality, according to a new poll released as Republicans across the country aim to make parental involvement in education a central campaign theme this election year.
Overall, Americans lean slightly toward expanding — not cutting back — discussions of racism and sexuality, but roughly 4 in 10 say the current approach is about right, including similar percentages across party lines. Still, the poll from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows stark differences between Republicans and Democrats who want to see schools make adjustments.
About 4 in 10 Republicans say teachers in local public schools discuss issues related to sexuality too much, while only about 1 in 10 say too little. Among Democrats, those numbers are reversed.
Read more: Gov. Kay Ivey signs ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, transgender healthcare restrictions into law.
Read more: Is critical race theory taught in Alabama schools? What is it?
The findings reflect a sharply politicized national debate that has consumed local school boards and, increasingly, state capitols. Republicans see the fight over school curriculum as a winning culture war issue that will motivate their voters in the midterm elections.
In the meantime, a flurry of new state laws has been introduced, meant to curtail teaching about racism and sexuality and to establish a “parents’ bill of rights” that would champion curriculum transparency and allow parents to file complaints against teachers.
The push for legislation grew out of an elevated focus on K-12 schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, when angry parents crowded school board meetings to voice opposition to school closures, mask mandates and other restrictive measures intended to prevent the spread of illness.
“All that that’s happening these days kind of goes against the longer history of school boards being relatively low salience government institutions and, in a lot of cases, they are nonpartisan offices,” said Adam Zelizer, a professor at the University of Chicago Harris School researching school board legislation.
What distinguishes this moment, Zelizer said, is the “grassroots anger” in response to school policies and the national, coordinated effort to recruit partisan candidates for school boards and local offices.
What started as parents’ concern about virtual learning and mask wearing has morphed into something larger, said Republican pollster Robert Blizzard, describing parents as thinking: “OK, now that we have the schools open, what are these kids learning in school?”
The poll shows 50% of Americans say parents have too little influence on curriculum, while 20% say they have too much and 27% say it’s about right. About half also say teachers have too little influence.
Kendra Schultz said she and her husband have decided their 1-year-old daughter will be homeschooled, at least initially, because of what friends have told them about their experiences with schools in Columbia, Missouri.
Most recently, she said, one 4-year-old’s pre-K class talked about gender pronouns. Schultz offered that and mask requirements as examples of how the public school system “doesn’t align with what we believe or how we would like to see our children educated.”
“I’m just like, you’re a little kid, you should be learning your ABCs and your numbers and things like that,” said Schultz, a 30-year-old conservative. “That’s just not something that me and my husband would be interested in having teachers share with our children.”
In Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in March signed into law a bill barring instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Opponents, including the White House, have dubbed it the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
The poll shows Americans are slightly more likely to say the focus on sex and sexuality in local schools is too little rather than too much, 31% to 23%, but 40% say it’s about right. The poll didn’t ask about specific grade levels.
Blizzard, who has been working with a group called N2 America to help GOP candidates in suburbs, said the schools issue resonates with the Republican base and can motivate voters.
In the Virginia governor’s race last year, Republican Glenn Youngkin won after campaigning on boosting parental involvement in schools and banning critical race theory, an academic framework about systemic racism that has become a catch-all phrase for teaching about race in U.S. history. His Democratic opponent, Terry McAuliffe, had said in a debate that parents shouldn’t tell schools what to teach.
The poll also shows Americans have mixed views about schools’ focus on racism in the U.S.
Charkia Lang-James, a mother of three who lives near Mobile, Alabama, said that she believes schools should be teaching the truest, fullest version of history, especially on issues that touch on race and racism.
“The truth should be taught, whether it looks good or bad,” she said. “All of the truth.”
Lang-James, who is Black and identifies as a political independent, said as an adult, she learned that many things she had been taught in school were lacking in depth and accuracy.
“We learned about Christopher Columbus, and how he discovered America,” she said. “But how can he discover something that was already there? … I feel like it’s just not the whole history.”
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said parents and teachers alike are frustrated after pandemic disruptions and should partner to help kids recover. The efforts to predetermine curriculum and restrict teaching are getting in the way, she said.
“The people who are proposing them, they’ve been pretty clear ... they just want to sow doubt and distrust because they want to end public education as we know it,” Weingarten said.
Parents of school-age children aren’t more likely than other adults to say parents have too little influence in schools. But there is a wide partisan gap, with 65% of Republicans saying that, compared with 38% of Democrats.
Michael Henry, a father of three in Dacula, Georgia, says he’s wrestled over what the right level of involvement is. It didn’t sit right with him, for example, that his 6-year-old was taught about Columbus in an entirely positive light. He says he’s reflected on “some of the lies” and “glorifications of history” in his own public school education and thinks race needs to be talked about more.
But ultimately, school curriculum is “outside my area of expertise,” said Henry, 31, an actuary who is also the acting president of the Gwinnett County Young Democrats.
“I have to do a lot of studying and work to be able to make informed decisions, and I don’t feel like parents generally have that kind of skill set” for curriculum, he said. “I think professionals should mostly be determining what the curriculum should be.”
Henry worries that new restrictions are “adding extra hassle for teachers, who already have a lot on their plate, to solve a problem that doesn’t exist.”
___
The AP-NORC poll of 1,082 adults was conducted March 17-21 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4 percentage points. | https://www.al.com/educationlab/2022/04/talk-of-race-sex-in-schools-divides-americans-ap-norc-poll.html | 2022-04-15T14:48:24 | 0 | https://www.al.com/educationlab/2022/04/talk-of-race-sex-in-schools-divides-americans-ap-norc-poll.html |
Adam Lambert. Jennifer Hudson. Taylor Hicks. Scotty McCreery.
They’re the Final 4 in AL.com’s “American Idol” bracket, as fans vote to determine the greatest contestant in the reality TV competition’s 20-year history.
“Idol” watchers have been eager to pinpoint their favorites in polls for the bracket, casting thousands of ballots in each of the first four rounds. (See full results from Round 4 here (Elite 8), results from Round 3 here (Sweet 16), results from Round 2 here (top 32) and results from Round 1 here (initial pool of 64).
Now we need your help for Round 5, as the list of epic “Idol” singers has been trimmed to four. The latest matchups turn up the heat, as Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson face off and Taylor Hicks and Scotty McCreery duke it out.
If you’re surprised that Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson are no longer in the running ... well, we are, too. Voters in our polls have pushed adored “Idol” alumni to victory in previous rounds, and the country queen and pop star/TV host were eclipsed. Vote in our polls right now so you have a say in the best American Idol ever.
Vote in the Round 5 polls below, or print and fill out your own bracket for fun! (Right-click, and click Save Image As or Open Image in New Tab)
Voting in Round 5 closes on Sunday afternoon, April 17. We’ll follow up with results and the final poll -- with voting for the top two -- on Monday, April 18. The champion will be announced next week.
If you need some voting inspiration, here are videos with memorable performances from the Final 4 during their “American Idol” seasons. | https://www.al.com/life/2022/04/american-idol-bracket-final-4-you-pick-the-greatest-contestant-in-series-history.html | 2022-04-15T14:48:30 | 1 | https://www.al.com/life/2022/04/american-idol-bracket-final-4-you-pick-the-greatest-contestant-in-series-history.html |
Taylor Hicks kicks things off with a solo, and other voices chime in.
Please look at me/Tell me do you see/ that I am so much more/than my history.
That’s the start of “Hope of Alabama,” the theme song for the 2022 World Games. The all-star anthem -- officially unveiled on Friday -- celebrates the spirit of the games, calls for global unity and pays tribute to the power of love.
People heed these words/ It’s time to make a change/ Look at me, look thru my eyes/ You’ll see we’re all the same.
In a style reminiscent of 1985′s “We Are the World,” “Hope of Alabama” features vocal vignettes by artists with Alabama ties: Hicks, Yung Bleu, Sara Evans, Jamey Johnson, Ruben Studdard, Martha Reeves, Randy Owen, Pastor Mike Jr., the Blind Boys of Alabama, Bo Bice and Worth the Wait.
Chuck Leavell, longtime keyboard player for the Rolling Stones, also contributed to the track.
Listen to “Hope of Alabama” in the video below. It’s available to stream or purchase on platforms such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, iTunes, Spotify and Deezer.
The World Games are set for July 7-17 in Birmingham. About 3,600 athletes from more than 100 countries are expected to compete in the games over an 11-day span, in sports such as softball, flag football, gymnastics, sumo wrestling, sport climbing, drone racing and other events.
Venues for the games include Protective Stadium, Legion Field, Boutwell Auditorium, Railroad Park and more.
Artists featured on the “Hope of Alabama” track are set to appear at the opening and closing ceremonies of the games at Protective Stadium, 1020 24th St. North. The song will be performed at both events, organizers said.
The lineup for the ceremonies also includes Nelly, the Alabama band, Yolanda Adams, Sheila E. and Tony! Toni! Tone! Bootsy Collins -- a Parliament-Funkadelic veteran, space-age bassist and flamboyant bandleader -- will serve as the master of ceremonies.
RELATED: Alabama, Sara Evans, Nelly, Yung Bleu and more to perform at Protective Stadium
Two versions of “Hope of Alabama” are available in digital form: a full rendition lasting nearly 6 minutes and a radio edit that clocks in at 3:47.
The song was produced by Henry Panion, artistic director of the World Games. Panion is a co-writer for “Hope of Alabama,” teaming with Randy Owen and Owen’s daughter, Allison Owen.
“‘Hope of Alabama’ brings a fresh voice to the world from a community that has experienced its share of trials, hardship, and tribulations,” Panion said via a press release. “Yet, through its music, represented here by the broad range of artists from the world of rock, country, R&B, gospel and hip-hop, the message of ‘Hope of Alabama’ is one of eternal unity and love to the world, especially in these troubled times.
“As athletes from across the globe descend on Birmingham, Alabama, for the World Games this summer, these Alabamians send them back to their homelands with more than just medals, but with this message: ‘Hope of Alabama is the hope for all the world. Every man can hold on, every woman, boy, and girl. It is the dawn of the new day, when love is what we bring. Ev’rybody sing, sing, sing!’”
The World Games 2022 are organized with the support of the International Olympic Committee. Charles Barkley, Randy Owen, Alan Hunter, Vonetta Flowers, Noah Galloway and Cat Reddick Whitehill are honorary co-chairs of the games. | https://www.al.com/life/2022/04/yung-bleu-sara-evans-pastor-mike-jr-and-more-join-for-all-star-anthem-listen-to-it-here.html | 2022-04-15T14:48:36 | 1 | https://www.al.com/life/2022/04/yung-bleu-sara-evans-pastor-mike-jr-and-more-join-for-all-star-anthem-listen-to-it-here.html |
The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating a cluster of E. coli and Rotavirus cases in the northeast part of the state.
Health officials have identified four cases of E. coli O157:H7 and two cases of Rotavirus, all in younger children.
In 2021, ADPH investigated 113 cases of E. coli, Shiga-toxin producing illness. People of any age can be infected with this germ but young children and the elderly and more likely to develop severe illness and kidney problems.
Symptoms vary but frequently include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting and fever up to 101 degrees. Most people improve in 5-7 days of illness, but are advised to talk to their healthcare provider, especially if the person is having bloody diarrhea or are very young or elderly.
Rotavirus is a common virus that can be transmitted by touching contaminated objects, surfaces or foods. Symptoms typically start about 2 days after a person is exposed and can include vomiting and watery diarrhea, loss of appetite and dehydration.
To reduce the risk of E. coli and other gastrointestinal illnesses, the Centers for Disease Control recommends:
- Wash young hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
- Wash young hands after contact with animals or their environments (at farms, petting zoos, fairs, even your own back yard).
- Cook meats thoroughly. Ground beef and meat that has been needle-tenderized should be cooked to a temperature of at least 160 degrees F/70 degrees C. It is best to use a thermometer as color is not a very reliable indicator of “doneness.”
- Avoid raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products and unpasteurized juices (like fresh apple cider).
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming or playing in lakes, ponds, streams, swimming pools and backyard “kiddie” pools.
- Prevent cross contamination in food preparation areas by thoroughly washing hands, counters, cutting boards and utensils after they touch raw meat. | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/alabama-health-officials-investigating-cluster-of-e-coli-rotavirus-cases.html | 2022-04-15T14:48:42 | 0 | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/alabama-health-officials-investigating-cluster-of-e-coli-rotavirus-cases.html |
It could be stormy at times over the Easter weekend.
NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has forecast a marginal risk for severe weather in varying parts of Alabama today (really tonight), Saturday and Sunday.
Storms could begin during the overnight hours tonight and last off and on through Sunday.
Damaging winds and hail are the main concerns, but a tornado can’t be ruled out, especially in southwest Alabama.
A cold front will move into the state from the north tonight and sink southward on Saturday. The front will stall out somewhere over south or south-central Alabama and could set off more storms on Sunday.
Drier weather will finally arrive by the first half of next week, and no severe weather is in the forecast after Sunday.
Here’s what to expect:
TONIGHT
A line of strong to severe storms is expected to move into Alabama from the north late tonight or early Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Damaging winds, heavy rain and hail will be the main risks.
The storms are expected to be moving fairly quickly, but 1 to 2 inches of rain will be possible in some spots.
The storms will move southward through the day on Saturday.
SATURDAY
Storms will continue to shift southward through central and into south Alabama during the day on Saturday.
Wind gusts up to 60 mph, heavy rain and hail will be possible with any stronger storms, according to the weather service.
The northern half of Alabama will see rain chances decrease by Saturday evening, but rain could linger across south Alabama.
SUNDAY
The front is expected to stall somewhere over south Alabama on Sunday, and it could be the focus for more rain and storms across that part of the state.
Rain chances will increase again on Sunday, especially Sunday afternoon and evening.
Damaging winds, hail and heavy rain will again be possible with any stronger storms, and a tornado can’t be ruled out in south Alabama, according to the weather service.
North and north-central Alabama could see rain showers and maybe a storm, but severe weather isn’t expected. | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/strong-storms-possible-in-alabama-the-next-three-days.html | 2022-04-15T14:48:48 | 1 | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/strong-storms-possible-in-alabama-the-next-three-days.html |
A young man was killed in a hail of gunfire early Friday morning in Ensley.
Birmingham police identified the victim as Mickey Collins. He was 25.
West Precinct officers were dispatched just before 4 a.m. to a report of a person shot in the 1700 block of Avenue D.
They arrived to find Collins unresponsive in a running vehicle that was in a parking space on the side of the road, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald. Collins was pronounced dead on the scene.
Investigators marked at least 20 shell casings around Collins’ vehicle. Some of his family members were at the scene and were notified there of his death.
Fitzgerald said police are asking anyone who lives in the nearby residential area to call police if they saw or heard anything at the time of the shooting. Investigators also are asking for any surveillance footage from the area.
Collins is Birmingham’s 38th homicide this year. Of those, three have been ruled justifiable and therefore aren’t deemed criminal.
In all of Jefferson County, there have been 47 homicides, including the 38 in Birmingham.
Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. | https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2022/04/25-year-old-killed-in-hail-of-gunfire-while-sitting-in-running-vehicle-in-ensley.html | 2022-04-15T14:48:54 | 1 | https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2022/04/25-year-old-killed-in-hail-of-gunfire-while-sitting-in-running-vehicle-in-ensley.html |
A Sylacauga man was killed in a single-vehicle crash in Talladega County.
Alabama State Troopers identified the victim as William E. White. He was 48.
The crash happened at 5:21 p.m. Thursday on Sylacauga Fayetteville Highway, about two miles west of Sylacauga, said Cpl. Reginal King.
White was driving a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria that left the road and struck a tree. He was not wearing a seat belt, King said, and was pronounced dead on the scene.
Troopers are investigating. | https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2022/04/man-48-killed-in-single-vehicle-crash-in-talladega-county.html | 2022-04-15T14:49:00 | 1 | https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2022/04/man-48-killed-in-single-vehicle-crash-in-talladega-county.html |
Cornerback Darious Williams has gone from the NFL’s best team to its worst this offseason, choosing to sign as a free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars about one month after helping the Los Angeles Rams win Super Bowl LVI.
But Williams has defied conventional thinking before and prospered.
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With a season of NCAA Division III football experience, Williams joined the UAB football team as a walk-on. In his first year in Birmingham, he played in every game and started five in 2014. Then UAB dropped its football program.
To keep playing, the Blazers with eligibility had to transfer. Williams didn’t.
When UAB’s program returned to the field in 2017, Williams was ready and waiting. He made All-Conference USA, and Pro Football Focus picked him for its All-American team.
Passed over in the 2018 NFL Draft, Williams chose to sign as a rookie free agent with the Baltimore Ravens, which had starting cornerbacks Brandon Carr and Jimmy Smith returning and had just used its first-round draft choice on Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
Williams made the regular-season roster, although Baltimore waived him four games into the season when Smith returned from an NFL suspension.
Williams joined the Rams as a waiver claim. He played in only one game for Los Angeles in the 2018 season as the Rams won the NFC championship. In the three seasons since, Williams has been a regular in the Los Angeles secondary.
To win the NFL championship last season, the Rams swept through four postseason opponents. The Jaguars won three games in the entire 2021 season.
Jacksonville defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell said Williams had a reason to choose the Jaguars that went beyond a three-year, $30 million contract, which included a $1.5 million signing bonus and $18 million in guaranteed money.
Williams played football at Creekside High School, about 25 miles from TIAA Bank Field, the Jaguars’ home stadium.
“It’s always exciting to come home and play in a stadium where you grew up watching the team play in or you grew up watching them on TV,” Caldwell said, “but he actually gets to come home and play for and be part of the Jacksonville team, so that’s the most important thing for him. He was excited, his family’s excited, and to go out and play in front of kids you grew up with, your family and they can get to the game easily, that’s exciting for him, and we’re excited to have him.
“He’s a guy that brings a lot of energy. Someone that can go out there and make plays for us. And he’s a homeboy. It helps a lot.”
The Jaguars wanted Williams even though they return their 2021 starting cornerbacks – Shaquill Griffin and Tyson Campbell. Although Jacksonville gave up fewer passing yards than Los Angeles in 2021 (likely a product of the strength of the teams’ rushing defenses), the Jaguars yielded 24 touchdown passes and had seven interceptions and the Rams yielded 17 touchdown passes and had 19 interceptions last season.
Although Williams played primarily on the outside with Los Angeles, he’ll probably get a long look as the nickel corner for the Jaguars. Last season, Tre Herndon was supposed to be Jacksonville’s slot corner, but when he got hurt the Jaguars filled that spot with safety Rudy Ford, a former New Hope High School and Auburn standout. Herndon and Ford also remain on the Jaguars’ roster.
“It has veterans back there and also a little bit of youth,” Caldwell said of Jacksonville’s cornerbacks room, “so it’s going to mix together real well.”
Over the past three seasons, quarterbacks targeting Williams have compiled an 81.25 passing-efficiency rating, completing 111-of-185 passes for 1,335 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions.
For most of that time, Williams has lined up across the field from Jalen Ramsey, who was a Pro Bowl cornerback annually and a first-team All-Pro selection the past two seasons.
Caldwell said Williams comes to the Jaguars after going through the fire as quarterbacks tried to throw away from Ramsey.
“Once you’re put to the forefront and it’s your time, they have an all-star corner on the other side and they think they’re going to pick on you on the other side,” Caldwell said, “and you come there and you stand up and you get the stops, that’s something that we’re looking for down here, that he can come in and develop with the others corners we have on the back end. Trying to keep him making plays like he did last year.”
In 14 regular-season games, with 13 starts, Williams made 71 tackles and broke up nine passes in 2021.
In the Rams’ 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI to cap the 2021 NFL season, Williams led Los Angeles with a career-high eight tackles and broke up a pass to complete his fourth season in the NFL.
FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1. | https://www.al.com/sports/2022/04/former-uab-standout-changes-neighborhoods-in-nfl.html | 2022-04-15T14:49:07 | 0 | https://www.al.com/sports/2022/04/former-uab-standout-changes-neighborhoods-in-nfl.html |
Although Fargo hasn’t seen any snow yet, the city is prepared for what may come
Snow cleanup will take a while for many communities in the Red River Valley and for others, they are ready and able to deal with it, when it comes.
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - While many cities in the area are starting the process of snow removal, Fargo is preparing for the spring snowfall.
Fargo street supervisor, Corey Houim, says the department is not surprised with the weather we are experiencing.
“All the equipment behind me we had checked out from last weeks potential storm and we go through all the equipment, check all of the oils and fluids and then we make sure everything’s ready to go,” Houim said.
For now, street sweepers are still on the roads to unclog drains from the rain Fargo has seen in the area.
But, Houim says if the wet roads begin to freeze.. the city would send out their sand trucks to treat the roads but not with sand salt.
“Beings we’re in the middle of seasons we’ve already started street sweeping out there so we’re trying to not use any sand salt we’ll just be using salt, that’s so we don’t have to clean all that debris back up off the roads when Mother Nature helps us out,” he said.
Houim says they can handle the fluctuating weather but one challenge is getting drivers to share the roads.
“It’s a good thing to stay back 50 feet at least, just because when we turn to spin around, we’re kind of spraying that product out onto the lanes and sometimes people get too close and they’ll end up getting some product into their car which we’re trying to prevent if they stay back, give us some room, greatly appreciate it,” he said.
He says the department has experienced past accidents with drivers following too close to their equipment.
Plans are to start the citywide street sweeping when the warmer temperatures officially arrive.
Copyright 2022 KVLY. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/although-fargo-hasnt-seen-any-snow-yet-city-is-prepared-what-may-come/ | 2022-04-15T14:49:53 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/although-fargo-hasnt-seen-any-snow-yet-city-is-prepared-what-may-come/ |
Amazon: IMDb TV will be renamed Amazon Freevee
(AP) - Amazon announced Wednesday its free streaming service IMDb TV will be renamed Amazon Freevee.
The new name will take effect on April 27, the company said in a news release.
The retailer said the streaming service will also expand its original programming by 70% in 2022, with spinoffs of shows such as “Bosch: Legacy” and other series. It will also add more original movies.
Amazon.com Inc. said the ad-supported service has tripled its monthly active users in the past two years and is expected to launch in Germany later this year.
“We’re looking forward to building on this momentum with an increasing slate of inventive and broadly appealing Originals, and are excited to establish Freevee as the premier AVOD (advertising-based video on demand) service with content audiences crave,” Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, said in the news release.
Wednesday’s announcement comes as the retail giant embraces a path to boost its streaming services. Last month, the company closed an $8.5 billion deal to acquire Hollywood studio MGM, making it Amazon’s second-largest acquisition following its $13.7 billion deal with Whole Foods in 2017. That acquisition was targeted to make the company better compete against Netflix and Disney+.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/amazon-imdb-tv-will-be-renamed-amazon-freevee/ | 2022-04-15T14:50:00 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/amazon-imdb-tv-will-be-renamed-amazon-freevee/ |
California lawmakers propose 4-day work week
(KOVR) - A California proposal to shorten the work week is gaining traction.
The measure would implement a four-day work week, dropping from 40 hours to 32 – and require overtime pay beyond that.
The four-day work week would apply to companies with 500 hundred employees or more.
California state Rep. Evan Low co-authored the bill.
“We’re hearing time and time again about greater worker flexibility. That’s what workers are demanding. And this provides us an opportunity to reimagine the workforce, uplifting the voice of workers while also helping to ensure that we can do the type of things in a more efficient manner, and also taking care of our families and our loved ones.”
Workers would still make the same amount of money, despite working less.
The California Chamber of Commerce has pushed back, saying the proposal would be a “job killer” by making hiring more expensive.
Copyright 2022 KOVR via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/california-lawmakers-propose-4-day-work-week/ | 2022-04-15T14:50:10 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/california-lawmakers-propose-4-day-work-week/ |
Children as young as 8 should be screened for anxiety, task force says
(CNN) - Mental health in children and adolescents has only worsened during the pandemic, experts say.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is set to recommend that children ages 8 and older should be screened for anxiety.
The task force is made up of an independent panel of experts who makes recommendations on screenings and preventative medicine.
The decision to recommend early screenings in children for anxiety was based on a review of studies that evaluated screening tests in adolescents and the benefits of early treatment.
The task force found with moderate certainty that screening for anxiety in children older than 8 would lead to improving outcomes.
The draft report was released on the task force’s website on Tuesday.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/children-young-8-should-be-screened-anxiety-task-force-says/ | 2022-04-15T14:50:16 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/children-young-8-should-be-screened-anxiety-task-force-says/ |
Looking for a home: Adoptable pets in Lane County
Cat Rescue & Adoption Network
Mustang Sally (pictured) and Sarge are a wonderful, friendly pair of bonded black panther kitties. Sarge is an affectionate and confident 6-year-old boy with a fun personality, and Sally is his 1½-year-old twin “sister” who has such a sweet and gentle presence.
They are both playful and talkative, and will make loving companions for their forever family. They aren’t good with other cats, but they are great with humans of all ages (guys and gals alike).
Sally and Sarge are in excellent health, altered, vaccinated, microchipped, and negative for FeLV and FIV.
To meet this pair, call 541-225-4955, option 1, or visit catrescues.org.
Greenhill Humane Society
Meet the very adorable mother-daughter guinea pig duo, Ziggy and Paris! Ziggy, the mom, is 9 months old and her daughter, Paris, is about a month old. These two are bonded and must be adopted together.
They have black fur with big brown eyes. They are Abyssinian guinea pigs so their fur is long and grows in multiple directions. They can be a little shy when it comes to being picked up, but they’ve warmed up quickly since getting to the shelter.
These two must be adopted to an inside-only home and would do best with older children who can respect their space. They both weigh a little less than 2 pounds and will go home with a certificate for a free vet exam.
If you are interested in adopting some of our wonderful guinea pigs or just want to learn more about guinea pigs as family pets, call Greenhill for resources.
Greenhill Humane Society is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 88530 Green Hill Rodd in Eugene.
For more information, call 541-689-1503 or visit green-hill.org.
Oregon Coast Humane Society
Thor has been waiting for several months for the right person to come along and choose him. This smart boy is looking for a foster or adopter who understands the breed and is willing to teach him some new skills.
He needs mental and physical exercise to be his best self, and we can't wait to hear about what a good and smart dog he is when he's in a home.
If you'd like to consider a trusty sidekick like Thor, stop by the shelter or call with questions. Applications also can be filled out at oregoncoasthumanesociety.org. | https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/2022/04/15/adoptable-pets-lane-county-dogs-cats-rabbits-eugene-springfield-oregon-coast/65349536007/ | 2022-04-15T14:50:23 | 0 | https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/2022/04/15/adoptable-pets-lane-county-dogs-cats-rabbits-eugene-springfield-oregon-coast/65349536007/ |
Dad accidentally runs over 2-year-old, killing him, police say
TULSA, Okla. (Gray News) – A father in Oklahoma ran over his 2-year-old son, killing him, in a situation police deemed a tragic accident.
According to the Tulsa Police Department, officers arrived at the home Tuesday night and learned the man accidentally ran over the toddler with his Dodge pickup while trying to park in the driveway.
Investigators said that the family arrived home from the grocery store and parked the truck in front of their home. The mother and the toddler got out of the truck and began walking toward the house.
The father then pulled the truck into the driveway and “felt a bump,” police said. He got out of the truck and found out that the 2-year-old had ran back toward the truck and had been run over with the right rear wheel.
Police said the child was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, and he died overnight.
Police said this is a “tragic situation for everyone involved” and that no charges are being filed.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/dad-accidentally-runs-over-2-year-old-killing-him-police-say/ | 2022-04-15T14:50:23 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/dad-accidentally-runs-over-2-year-old-killing-him-police-say/ |
Helping children become more 'kind'ful
A lack of kindness changes lives.
Commenting on the recent doubling of Lane County youth suicides, suicide survivor Zak Gosa-Lewis told KEZI, "As a kid, I just didn't feel like I could talk to anybody.”
The Eugene-based Choose Kindness Foundation surveyed a group of 50 young people of color with a history of trauma about how they would like to change their lives; 88.9% agreed with this statement: “I feel I need more close relationships with people who really care about me.”
In March, the Oregon Health Authority described youth of color in particular as suffering from increased stress, depression and self-hate, all of which stand in the way of kindness. From science, personal experience and the teachings of the world’s religions, we know that kindness is essential for the close caring relationships that bring us happiness and that can keep us from self-harm.
The majority of CKF’s $1.4 million first-year budget supported programs for youth of color and other at-risk youth to reduce their stress and increase their kindness. The first CKF evaluation of its mindful-kindness program involved Latinx students in Eugene, Indigenous youth in Southern Oregon and African American youth attending the New Beginning alternative high school in Florida. The youth reported a significant drop in stress.
In Florida, CKF is training personnel in an array of social service organizations to lead CKF-designed mindful-kindness group sessions. More than 80% of the 800 youth in these groups face the everyday stresses of racism and poverty. In addition, they come from a range of stress-inducing situations:
- Forced out or dropping out of school
- Growing up in foster care programs
- Food, housing and employment insecurities
- Being victims of human trafficking
- Overcoming barriers to go to college
- Under supervised probation or parole
- Heading toward gang involvement, gun violence or teen pregnancy
“Because I’m African American I could only do certain stuff because my family was scared I would get hurt,” says Christine, a participant in a Florida group. “I had this mindset that I had to be cautious, especially when I was going to school when I was little. My mom would tell me don’t say anything you’re not supposed to. That type of mindset has an impact on how you see things and how you go into life. Take it from me that’s a horrible, miserable life.”
She noted that participating in the group helped her see she doesn’t have to see life that way, that she can be nicer without getting hurt.
CKF also funds kindness programs in schools, so far reaching 43,000 students in 79 schools (15 grants went to local schools), as well as four urban school districts. Two of those districts — San Antonio, Texas, and Philadelphia — have decided to invest district funds to massively expand kindness programs throughout the districts. Small rural schools are also benefiting, according to school counselor Megan Busby. She says, “Our students and faculty are constantly promoting kindness and prompting others to be kind. It’s become a way for us to identify ourselves.”
CKF challenges youth to go beyond healing themselves and start teaching others about the importance of kindness. For example, five Florida students who participated in the CKFpilot project last spring asked if they could join another group in the fall and several of them volunteered to be the teacher by leading a group session. One of those volunteer leaders, who did a terrific job teaching, is a young man named Nathan. Nathan had been through 54 foster home placements before joining the pilot group! He has accepted CKF’s challenge to teach others about the importance of mindful kindness.
A “group mate” of Nathan’s wrote, “I learned that I need to allow myself to be vulnerable so that I can break from this negative cycle I have plunged myself into. By doing so, I can better express myself, help lower all negative self-talk and thoughts and finally be able to love myself so I can show kindfulness to others.”
Douglas Carnine is professor emeritus at the University of Oregon and president of the Choose Kindness Foundation. | https://www.registerguard.com/story/opinion/columns/2022/04/15/children-lane-county-oregon-trauma-stress-depression-help-treatment-kindness/65350016007/ | 2022-04-15T14:50:29 | 1 | https://www.registerguard.com/story/opinion/columns/2022/04/15/children-lane-county-oregon-trauma-stress-depression-help-treatment-kindness/65350016007/ |
Find your park: National parks waiving entrance fees to start National Park Week
(Gray News) - As part of National Park Week in April, all national parks will be waiving entrance fees to kick off the week of activities.
On April 16, guests can head to any national park for free, according to the National Park Service.
National Park Week 2022 will run from April 16-24. Parks across the country will host various special programs, events and digital experiences.
Representatives with the NPS said there are more than 400 national parks available to visit, and this year’s National Park Week theme is “sPark Connections.”
A list of this year’s theme days is below:
April 16: sPark Discovery National Park Week kicks off with a fee-free day to encourage everyone to find something new by visiting a national park, especially one that may be close to home, a park you haven’t considered visiting, or one you never realized is a national park! What new national park will you discover? #sParkDiscovery
April 17: sPark Creativity National parks have inspired artistic expression and creativity for generations. What is your park muse? What masterpiece can you create? #sParkCuriosity
April 18: sPark Collaboration We get along with a little help from our friends. Meet our many partners that help expand our reach and offerings and connect people to parks. How can you get involved or participate in opportunities? #sParkCollaboration
April 19: sPark Innovation The National Park Service incorporates the latest technology to support conservation and preservation efforts while consistently working to improve the visitor experience. How can we surprise you with innovation? #sParkInnovation
April 20: sPark Opportunities On Workforce Wednesday, learn about the work we do and the employment opportunities available in the National Park Service and with partner organizations. How can you join? #sParkOpportunities
April 21: sPark Preservation The National Park Service is a leader and partner in the preservation of historic, cultural, natural and recreational resources nationally—and even internationally! How can you get involved in preservation? #sParkPreservation
April 22: sPark Action On Earth Day, we look at the health of the environment and how we impact its well-being and vice versa. What actions can you do to contribute to a healthy world? #sParkAction
April 23: sPark Curiosity The National Park Service preserves and protects unique places with fascinating stories and unique landscapes. What are you curious about? What fascinating things can you discover? #sParkCuriosity
April 24: sPark Memories Generations of visitors have created lasting memories in national parks. What memories and traditions will you create? #sParkMemories
Find your nearest national park here. According to the park service, entrance fees are waived on the first day of National Park Week to encourage people to come out to enjoy their national parks.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/find-your-park-national-parks-waiving-entrance-fees-start-national-park-week/ | 2022-04-15T14:50:30 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/find-your-park-national-parks-waiving-entrance-fees-start-national-park-week/ |
Flyer points to US Postal Service plague
The United States Postal Service announced that postage on a first-class letter will rise to 60 cents this summer to keep up with inflation. It also reported losing money again in 2021, for the 14th consecutive year. President Biden signed the U.S. Postal Service Reform bill into law last week, which will overhaul its finances.
It’s easy to accept the premise that modernizing its equipment and systems will cure what ails the Post Office. I’m afraid the systems that need reform most are not technological but social. Machines are easier to update than people.
I was at my local post office in mid-January to pick up a package that had supposedly been delivered. I had the tracking number and an email notice from the vendor. It took them a while, but they figured out the tracking number was for a different package that was delivered to a different address. It wasn’t my package. It wasn’t even my tracking number.
I stood at the service window for half an hour as three or four people tried to sort out the confusion. At one point, the shift supervisor and manager for the office got involved. I waited for long spells with no available reading material. I couldn’t help perusing the bulletin board adjacent to the window.
At eyeball height was this flyer, printed in all caps: “USPS IN EUGENE IS CURRENTLY HIRING / PLEASE GO TO OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.USPS.COM/EMPLOYEMENT / THEN SEARCH AND APPLY FOR JOBS / DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!
I noticed immediately that “employment” had been misspelled in the web address. Since I had time to kill between attempts to track the package, I used my phone to confirm that the web address on the flyer didn’t work but the correct spelling did.
I shared this information with the shift supervisor. “If you’re looking for proofreaders and copy editors, this flyer is brilliant,” I teased. “Otherwise, that misspelling might be why you’re not getting much of a response, despite a starting wage of $22 per hour.”
The supervisor shook his head, tilted slightly down. “I’m not surprised,” he muttered. And then he promised to fix it.
Let’s break down his response. Before he uttered a word, his downward glance told the story. His expectations for his flyer producers is very low. Even if he wasn’t surprised by the error, was that the best thing to share first with a customer? It didn’t sound like anyone would be held accountable for the misstep, including him.
Accountability is tricky business. Managers must always be willing to ask questions of themselves first. Did they assign that task to the wrong person? Was somebody improperly trained? Does this failure fit a larger pattern? Does the system require a failsafe? Are employees overworked or careless? Is morale flagging, producing this flag? Only then can accountability be applied to the problem at hand.
Maybe they’ve filled every vacancy and the flyer is moot. But it’s not mute. The flyer is still up, three months later. Has the misspelling been corrected? (Shake your head with me.) We’re not surprised.
Don Kahle (fridays@dksez.com) writes a column each Friday and Sunday for The Register-Guard. Past columns are archived at www.dksez.com. | https://www.registerguard.com/story/opinion/columns/2022/04/15/flyer-eugene-us-postal-service-office-plague-joe-biden/65350011007/ | 2022-04-15T14:50:35 | 1 | https://www.registerguard.com/story/opinion/columns/2022/04/15/flyer-eugene-us-postal-service-office-plague-joe-biden/65350011007/ |
Homebuyers stymied by fewer homes, high prices, rising rates
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shortly after moving to South Florida for a new job with the U.S. military, Shannon Kaufman and his wife, Wendy, signed up for a whole other mission: buying a home.
For months, they scoured listings, strategizing late into the night on which homes to target and working out how much they could afford, even if it meant using some of their retirement savings.
After visiting 200 listings and making offers on 15 homes that ultimately didn’t pan out, the Kaufmans finally found a home that fits at least some of their needs. They’ll be renting it, however.
“We found a place that’s smaller than we want, but it’ll work until we have something built or until the market cools off,” said Shannon Kaufman, 47.
America’s housing market has grown increasingly frenzied, and prices are out of reach for many buyers, especially first-timers. This spring, traditionally the busiest season for home sales, is more likely to deliver frustration and disappointment for aspiring homebuyers than it is homeownership.
The number of homes for sale nationally remains near record lows, fueling fierce competition among buyers vying for fewer homes. From Los Angeles to Raleigh, North Carolina, when a house does hit the market, it typically sells within days.
Bidding wars are common, often driving the sale price well above what the owner was asking. And would-be buyers planning to finance their purchase with a home loan are often losing out to investors and others able to buy a home with cash. A quarter of all homes sold in February were purchased with cash, up from 22% a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors. Real estate investors accounted for 19% of transactions in February, up from 17% a year ago.
Nichol Khan, a project manager, and her husband Ed moved to Mesa, Arizona, from Phoenix two years ago to shorten their commute to work. Home prices in the Phoenix area have jumped 20% from a year ago to $500,000, according to Realtor.com.
“The prices just keep going up and up,” Khan said.
The couple has lost out on more than a dozen homes they bid on. Some of the homes ended up selling for less in cash than the couple had offered.
“We don’t have $500,000 in cash,” said Khan, 42. “We just could not be competitive with that.”
Fewer homes on the market and high prices have been the hallmark of the housing market for the past 10 years or so. Now, rising mortgage rates further complicate the homebuying equation. Higher rates could limit the pool of buyers and cool the rate of home price growth — good news for buyers. But higher rates also weaken their buying power.
The average rate on a 30-year home loan has climbed to around 4.7%. A year ago, average rates hovered just above 3%, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac. The increase follows a sharp move up in 10-year Treasury yields, reflecting expectations of higher interest rates overall as the Federal Reserve moves to hike short-term rates in order to combat surging inflation.
Would-be buyers who applied for a home loan in February faced a median monthly mortgage payment of $1,653, including principal and interest, an increase of 8.3% from a year ago, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
“It’s hard to believe, but I do think it’s going to be tougher this year, in some respects, than it was in previous years,” said Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist. “So far, at least, we have seen the number of homes for sale continue to decline and prices continue to rise. Those two factors combined suggest that the competitive market is going to keep buyers on their toes.”
Buyers should set their sights on homes that are listed well within what they can afford, experts say.
“You should be looking 15%-20% below their limit; that gives them room for appraisal gaps, it gives them room for negotiating,” said Tracy Hutton, a broker with Century 21 in Indianapolis.
Being well prepared sometimes isn’t enough when a homeowner prefers to accept an all-cash offer, rather than sell to a buyer with financing.
Wendy Kaufman in South Florida couldn’t even get into an open house for a property on the market after she revealed the couple had a mortgage backed by the Veterans Administration.
“When they saw I had a VA preapproval they said, ‘Sorry we don’t want to work with you.’” she said.
Sometimes, buyers don’t have a chance to make an offer before a home is snapped up, sight unseen.
In the Miami area, so-called “blind offers” have become common as a way to get around other buyers, said Rafael Corrales, a Redfin agent.
One reason is the ultra-low level of homes for sale, which for the greater Miami metropolitan area, was down 55% in February from a year ago, according to Realtor.com.
While every market is unique, there is one common hurdle across the U.S.: affordability. The median U.S. home price jumped 15% in February from a year earlier to $357,300, according to the National Association of Realtors.
The San Jose, California, metro area had 40% fewer homes for sale in February than a year ago, according to Realtor.com. Buyers there have to navigate some of the most expensive home prices in the nation. The median home listing price climbed 13.3% to about $1.36 million in February from a year earlier.
The market trends are a bit more welcoming for buyers in the Midwest, including the Indianapolis metropolitan area, where the number of homes for sale was down about 23% from a year ago. The median home price there stood at $287,000 in February, up 8.5% from a year earlier.
In Raleigh, home listings were down a whopping 55% in February from a year earlier. Competition for fewer homes helped push the median home price to $430,000, a 9% increase from February 2021.
Those trends made for a more competitive market for first-time buyers like Lisa Piercey and her husband, Alex Berardo. First-time buyers made up 29% of all homes sold nationally last month. That share has averaged 31% annually over the past 10 years.
The couple began looking in December for homes at $350,000 or below. They offered $5,000 over the asking price on two properties but lost out to rival bidders.
“That was all we could afford,” said Lisa Piercey, a 32-year old project manager. “It’s really defeating, really disappointing.”
In the end, the couple bought a townhome in a new construction community, though they see it as a stepping stone to a more spacious house with a big yard.
“Its big enough that we can still start our family and then move when the market hopefully dies down in a couple of years,” she said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/homebuyers-stymied-by-fewer-homes-high-prices-rising-rates/ | 2022-04-15T14:50:37 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/homebuyers-stymied-by-fewer-homes-high-prices-rising-rates/ |
How to tell you’re being phished and 9 other common online scams to watch out for
(Twingate) - The internet can feel packed with scams sometimes, especially for anyone who’s had their credit card or other information stolen. But most scams fall into a small variety of types that are easy to identify and avoid once you know about them.
There are only so many ways to reinvent the wheel—scammers will usually fall into a set number of categories. Twingate assembled a list of common online scams that internet users should be wary of, drawing on research from government organizations, payment processors, and tech companies.
One of the major categories of scamming is called social engineering. An old-fashioned method that still works surprisingly well, social engineering is any fraud where a human being communicates with you to obtain information in person, online, or over the phone. Scammers will use manipulative, deceptive, or psychological tactics to get someone to reveal confidential information.
As our lives increasingly have shifted online, scammers have followed, posing as everything from fake online boyfriends to made-up charities. So the next time you get a voicemail claiming to be from Microsoft, an email that says your antivirus service is out of date, or a pop-up ad from “newy0rktimes.com,” take a few seconds and think about whether it’s a genuine message before doing anything. Continue reading to learn about the most common online scams today.
Phishing
Phishing is one of the most common online scams. It’s a form of social engineering, meaning a scam in which the “human touch” is used to trick people. One offline form of phishing is when you receive a scam phone call where someone claims to be calling from the fraud department at your bank and requests your account number as verification.
With online phishing, scammers do the same kind of thing but use emails and links to fraudulent websites to fool users. In your spam folder, you’ll often see messages claiming to be from Bank of America and others. These links lead to imitation bank sites designed to capture your personal banking information.
Advanced fee scam
These email messages are notorious—and the stuff of internet legend: “Hello sir, I have a huge sum to send you!” In this scam, a forlorn prince, bank manager, church reverend, or otherwise reputable-sounding stranger has a large amount of money that they need you to hold for them. All you have to do is send them several hundred or thousand dollars to cover some kind of transactional cost upfront.
Never believe any stranger who wants to send you money, and listen to your gut. If something sounds too good to be true, it is highly likely that it is a scam.
Romance scam
Romance scams are one of the darkest and most sinister scams because of the time investment and emotions involved. Romance scammers pretend to be regular people, often older people, who are looking for love and want to meet eligible singles in other countries. They’ll build an emotional connection with their target by exchanging romantic messages and pretending to be in love.
The scam comes in when, eventually, a series of misfortunes befall the romantic partner. They might plan a visit to finally meet—but suddenly won’t have money to pay for the plane ticket. Then they’re hospitalized with a mystery illness and need money to pay the bill. This continues until the victim grows suspicious of the mounting costs.
Formjacking
Formjacking is a web scam that works the same way as a credit card skimmer does in real life. You go to a website to place an order and enter your information as usual. The transaction even goes through and seems to be fine, except that some code hacked into the website has copied your financial data to someone else.
The owners of the website may not even realize something is happening because they don’t pay close attention to their infrastructure. Make sure the websites you deal with are secure.
Phony tech support
Phony tech support is a form of social engineering. This scam may come as an email or a phone call, claiming that your computer has been compromised in some way and that you must call a number or visit a website to fix it.
From there, the scammer may install malware like keyboard capture software (or worse). On the phone, they may request remote access to your computer to help you. These scammers often claim to be from Microsoft or Apple as a way to establish legitimacy.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a kind of malicious software that is installed without your knowledge. This is usually from an email or fraudulent site, meaning it also uses phishing to imitate your bank or another institutional website. Someone calls or emails with a link that installs the ransomware on your machine. What makes ransomware different is what comes next.
The software locks certain kinds of information on your machines, like your saved documents, photos, and other files. You have to pay to unlock the data and get your files, although the FBI cautions against actually paying.
Scareware
Scareware is a form of manipulative scamming that threatens users by making them believe they need new software on their machines. One of the common forms is to tell users they need new antivirus software and to offer that software from a fraudulent source.
It’s often easy to tell these websites or emails apart from real ones: Look closely at the URLs or email addresses, which usually have strange spellings or other clues that signal you’re not dealing with legitimate companies.
Sextortion
Sextortion is an especially grim crime that targets minors, although it can also affect adults. Now that so many people meet romantic partners online, it’s common to exchange explicit photos. That’s also true of teenagers or even of younger children, who can find themselves in online relationships with people who ask for personal information and photos.
Once someone has this material, they can use it as a way to demand more and will threaten to share info or post photos publicly if their target refuses. Unlike the other crimes on this list, sextortion doesn’t always have financial goals.
Charity and disaster fraud
Crowdfunding and mutual aid are becoming more common as a way for people to share resources and help others pay for medical bills and other costs, or to donate following natural disasters. Unfortunately, this well-meaning way to help others in the community has also been targeted by scammers through charity and disaster fraud.
Scammers can make fake Twitter accounts to imitate people in need. They’ll even set up bots to make new accounts that look like your friend’s account to reply with Paypal links that redirect to the scammer. If you aren’t sure about the credibility of a group or crowdfunding page, it is always best to seek more information.
Work from home
This scam is simple and it’s a variation of an age-old, real-life scam. Think of those signs you see on street corners that say, “I make $16,000 a month working from home!” When you call, these people want you to buy training materials to become a real estate agent or something similar.
The same is true of many online ads that say you can work from home and make $500 a day or some other attractive amount. The best advice is also the oldest: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
This story originally appeared on Twingate and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
Copyright 2022 Stacker via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/how-tell-youre-being-phished-9-other-common-online-scams-watch-out/ | 2022-04-15T14:50:43 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/how-tell-youre-being-phished-9-other-common-online-scams-watch-out/ |
High tree pollen counts dampened by rainy Oregon weather, but doesn't disappear
The abnormal snow and rain showers this April have improved air quality by reducing pollen counts measured in the Eugene-Springfield area, but it could be an indicator of allergy season coming back in full force once the region dries out.
Early spring tends to bring an elevated tree pollen count as opposed to grass pollen, and on April 8 the Oregon Allergy Association measured a "very high" tree pollen count of 1,254, more than double the 500 required to reach the highest category. In contrast, Wednesday saw a noticeable decrease in tree pollen count, with a "moderate" rating of 28 due to the rain, and zero grass pollen recorded.
Registered nurse Judy Moran, who works for the Oregon Allergy Association, said the counts typically reflect the weather activity over the past 24 hours of when it was measured.
Rain and fire:Ongoing rain, snow valuable for Oregon drought, but another dry fire season expected
"If it was a really nice or hot day, and someone is seeing the count, presuming that I did the count that next day and published it, then it could be weather like this (snow) outside and they're going, 'Oh, I can't go outside today because the count was sky high.' Well, weather conditions are totally different, so their exposure is probably going to be less outside."
Still, air quality agencies are recommending Oregonians take steps to protect themselves from allergies and respiratory problems.
While this week's rain and snow creates a short-term reprieve from pollen in the air, it could also be a double-edged sword, according to Travis Knudsen, the public affairs manager for Lane Regional Air Protection Agency. The rain is beneficial for the local forests that have endured a drought so far this year, but it also will encourage plant growth and can lead to higher pollen counts, he said.
"It could be great now, but then in a couple of days it will sort of double down and see the pollen everywhere again," he said, noting that grass pollen season tends to start around late May or early June.
More on LRAPA:How Lane County knows when the air is bad for your health
One basic tip for those who suffer from allergies mentioned by Knudsen was to make sure all doors and windows are closed to prevent pollen or other particles from getting in. He also suggested using a HEPA air purifier to improve indoor air quality, and noted having a HEPA filter on vacuum cleaners helps prevent sending harmful particles airborne inside homes.
"With any sort of dust or pollen that can be aggravating to people that gets into the carpet, the moment you vacuum, if it doesn't have one of those filters on it, it sort of throws it all back up in the air," Knudsen said.
To measure the pollen count, the allergy association uses a vacuum pump that pulls air through a small port on a measurement device, which is directed into the wind. The air hits a greased microscope slide, and afterwards Moran and others use a microscope and count how many pollen grains there were over a 24-hour period to calculate the amount of pollen period per cubic meter.
In comparison to last week's high tree pollen, the grass pollen count was rated as "moderate" for April 8, with nine grains of pollen measured per cubic meter over 24 hours. A "high" rating for grass pollen starts at 20, and goes up to "very high" at 200.
Moran noted that grass pollen tends to be more harmful to people in the area with allergies than tree pollen, given the amount of grass seed harvesting in the Willamette Valley. Oregon has some of the highest grass pollen counts in the world, she said, typically reaching its peak in late May and June.
"When some of these fields pollinate and you know it's actually visible to the naked eye," she said.
Following the rain and snow earlier in the week, Eugene, Oakridge and Cottage Grove all had "good" air quality ratings Monday with air quality index ratings of 11, 4 and 5, respectively. To keep an eye on new local pollen counts, updates are online at oregonallergyassociates.com/pollen-counts.
Louis Krauss covers breaking news for The Register-Guard. Contact him at lkrauss@registerguard.com, and follow him on Twitter @LouisKraussNews. | https://www.registerguard.com/story/weather/2022/04/15/rain-dampens-pollen-count-allergies-in-eugene-oregon/65349590007/ | 2022-04-15T14:50:47 | 0 | https://www.registerguard.com/story/weather/2022/04/15/rain-dampens-pollen-count-allergies-in-eugene-oregon/65349590007/ |
Mahnomen Co. Sheriff’s Office releases video of officer involved shooting
Mahnomen Co., Minn. (Valley News Live) - The Mahnomen Co. Sheriff’s Office has released video of a March 13th shooting involving Deputy Dakota Czerny and 20-year-old Shequoya Deanne Basswood.
Deputies say around 1:30 a.m. on March 13th, Deputy Czerny responded to the area north of Naytahwaush to help another deputy with a traffic stop that turned into a pursuit. The vehicle was eventually sent into the ditch, after Deputy Czerny performed a PIT maneuver.
In the video, you can see that Basswood and another female are standing outside of the vehicle as Deputy Czerny orders them to place their hands on the vehicle. The Sheriff’s Office says while Deputy Czerny started putting handcuffs on the other female, he saw a gun in Basswood’s possession, backed away while drawing his gun, and ordered her to drop the gun. Basswood is then seen turning towards Deputy Czerny and pointed a gun at him. The video then ends when Deputy Czerny fires and hits Basswood.
The department says they wanted to release the video for transparency, adding that a coalition out of the Twin Cities believes that Deputy Czerny tried to kill Basswood.
Basswood is facing seven charges including 1st Degree Assault and 1st Degree Murder - Attempt. Deputies add that at the time of March incident, Basswood had warrants out for her arrest related to an assault from June 30th of 2021 at Roy Lake.
Copyright 2022 KVLY. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/mahnomen-co-sheriffs-office-releases-video-officer-involved-shooting/ | 2022-04-15T14:50:50 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/mahnomen-co-sheriffs-office-releases-video-officer-involved-shooting/ |
Man arrested after shooting dog in face, police say
JUPITER, Fla. (Gray News) – Police in Florida arrested a man who they say shot and injured a dog, leaving the animal for dead.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said Boots the dog was shot in the face at Kennedy Estates Park in Jupiter on Friday. He suffered a fractured lower jaw, causing several of his teeth to be knocked out.
Boots was taken to an emergency vet where he is currently recovering.
The investigation led police to Benjamine Brown, who they say surrendered Wednesday without incident.
Brown was arrested and booked into Palm Beach County Jail.
Police said Boots will be adopted once he is fully healed.
Anyone else with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/man-arrested-after-shooting-dog-face-police-say/ | 2022-04-15T14:50:57 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/man-arrested-after-shooting-dog-face-police-say/ |
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Nestle Toll House to roll out stuffed cookie dough
Published: Apr. 13, 2022 at 10:46 AM CDT
(CNN) - Nestle Toll House is stuffing its cookie dough.
The iconic brand has been baking up some tasty new creations with its first-ever stuffed cookie dough.
You’ll have two flavors to choose from – chocolate chip cookie dough with fudge filling and double chocolate cookie dough with salted caramel filling.
The new dough delights are expected in the refrigerated aisle in July.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/nestle-toll-house-roll-out-stuffed-cookie-dough/ | 2022-04-15T14:51:04 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/nestle-toll-house-roll-out-stuffed-cookie-dough/ |
Police identify student killed in Kansas City middle school stabbing as 14-year-old boy
Published: Apr. 13, 2022 at 1:58 PM CDT
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Law enforcement has identified the child killed Tuesday in a middle school stabbing.
The Kansas City Police Department said that 14-year-old Manuel J. Guzman died from his injuries after he was stabbed at Northeast Middle School.
Officers stated that the student suspect has been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon. His case will be handled through juvenile court in Jackson County.
Kansas City has experienced four homicides in a 24-hour span, prompting Mayor Quinton Lucas to make a plea on social media for more youth mental health services, as well as cracking down on illegally trafficked firearms.
Copyright 2022 KCTV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/police-identify-student-killed-kansas-city-middle-school-stabbing-14-year-old-boy/ | 2022-04-15T14:51:13 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/police-identify-student-killed-kansas-city-middle-school-stabbing-14-year-old-boy/ |
Police: No charges for man who killed teen in self-defense during fight
LAS VEGAS (KVVU/Gray News) - Las Vegas police are investigating a fight between a teen and a man that led to a deadly shooting earlier this week.
FOX5 reports officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said the shooting happened in a neighborhood in the west part of town early Monday morning.
A police department spokesperson said a man was walking in the area when he encountered the teen. The two then got into a dispute, and the 16-year-old pointed a gun and threatened the man.
According to police, the man was lawfully armed and shot the teen out of self-defense.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office later identified the teen as Christian Murphy, of Las Vegas.
Police said no criminal charges were filed against the man involved in the incident and he was not arrested. The case will be submitted to the Clark County District Attorney’s office for review.
The original altercation is part of an ongoing investigation, according to police.
Copyright 2022 KVVU via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/police-no-charges-man-who-killed-teen-self-defense-during-fight/ | 2022-04-15T14:51:20 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/police-no-charges-man-who-killed-teen-self-defense-during-fight/ |
Toyota recalls 460,000 vehicles for stability control glitch
Published: Apr. 13, 2022 at 4:25 PM CDT
DETROIT (AP) — Toyota is recalling about 460,000 vehicles in the U.S. to fix a software problem that can inadvertently disable the electronic stability control system.
The automaker says that when the vehicles are restarted, the software in rare cases may not automatically switch the system into the “on” mode. That can disable the system.
The recall covers 2020 to 2022 models including the Toyota brand’s Venza, Mirai, RAV4 Hybrid, RAV4 Prime, Sienna Hybrid, and Highlander Hybrid. Also included are the LS500h, LX600, NX350h, and NX450h-plus from the Lexus luxury brand.
Dealers will update software on the skid control computer to fix the problem.
Owners will be notified by mid-June.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/toyota-recalls-460000-vehicles-stability-control-glitch/ | 2022-04-15T14:51:34 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/toyota-recalls-460000-vehicles-stability-control-glitch/ |
Two arrested after vehicle search reveals an estimated $20,000 worth of drugs
MOORHEAD, MN (Valley News Live) - Two residents of Moorhead face felony drug charges after a traffic stop on I-94
40 year-old David Keen, Jr. and 25 year-old Samantha Riggles, both of Moorhead, are facing several felony drug charges after Moorhead police conducted a traffic stop on I-94 on Tuesday, April 12.
Investigators say they had obtained information showing the suspects frequently traveling to the Minneapolis area to pick up shipments of drugs to distribute in the community. During the search a Moorhead Police Canine located several large quantities of drugs including approximately 2 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, 222 suspected fentanyl pills and approximately 2 pounds of suspected marijuana. The street value of the drugs is estimated to be $20,000.
Keen and Riggles were booked into the Clay County Correctional Facility. Moorhead Police submitted long-form complaints to the Clay County Attorney’s Office for each to be charged with two counts of First Degree Controlled Substance Distribution and one count of Fifth Degree controlled Substance Distribution.
Moorhead Police say this is the second significant seizure of drugs in the community within the last month after two individuals were arrested in March with powdered fentanyl with a street value of $15,000.
Copyright 2022 KVLY. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/two-arrested-moorhead-after-vehicle-search-reveals-an-estimated-20000-worth-drugs/ | 2022-04-15T14:51:41 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/two-arrested-moorhead-after-vehicle-search-reveals-an-estimated-20000-worth-drugs/ |
What happened to Aaron? Death of boy with autism exposes issues in Kansas care system
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH/Gray News) - Part 1 of the KWCH investigation into the death of Aaron Carter, a 6-year-old with autism who died within two months of being adopted, reported on his needs of those of children like him, particularly in the foster system.
In Part 2, KWCH spoke to people about struggles in Kansas to meet those needs and what needs to be done to make things better.
Aaron Carter came into Jamie and Tina Miller’s home as a foster child just before he turned 3 years old in 2017. It took time to discover he had autism, and it took every bit of the three years he spent with the Millers to bring him from a child who could not communicate and didn’t respond to anyone around him to a boy who liked to dance, helped with chores and rode horses.
When the Millers decided they wanted to adopt Aaron, they found out that the cost to provide him the therapy and care he required would be overwhelming once he was no longer a ward of the state.
“We couldn’t pay for it out of our own pocket. We financially couldn’t do it, but by then we’d had him long enough and he had made such huge strides. It was like tearing you apart,” Tina Miller said.
A young, recently married couple in Wichita said they wanted to adopt Aaron. The couple met him, began the adoption process and eventually became acquainted with the Millers.
“We ate supper with them, and we just told them everything that had happened, that could happen and that needed to happen to keep him safe and happy,” Jamie Miller said.
Aaron went to live with his prospective new parents in December 2020. Less than two months later, the boy who’d made such huge strides was dead.
The official account of Aaron’s death reads that he had a tantrum while taking a bath and hit his head on the tub. Tantrums were something the Millers had cautioned Aaron’s new parents about.
“If he got upset he would yell and scream or throw a tantrum, but that’s the only way he could voice any of his feelings or opinion or anything was by throwing a tantrum,” Jamie explained.
Struggling to implement applied behavior analysis therapy
Sean Swindler with the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training explained tantrums for those unfamiliar with children with autism.
“When I put $1 in the candy machine, and the candy bar’s dangling and just won’t come down, I know I want it. What do I do? I shake the candy machine,” Swindler said. “Kids with autism are the same way. If I can’t communicate what I want, what I need, I’m going to figure out a way to tell you.”
Aaron was figuring that out with fewer tantrums, thanks to applied behavior analysis therapy.
“ABA therapy is applied behavior analysis,” Swindler explained. “Therapy that’s been shown, through research, to help kids with autism improve. Especially if it’s delivered before the age of 6 to 8 years old.”
The Millers say Aaron received ABA therapy four to five times a week. Once he moved to Wichita that therapy stopped, ending both his routine and stifling his path to communication.
“A lot of children with autism, having that routine is incredibly important,” Swindler said. “By stopping that therapy, you are reducing that child’s ability to communicate. You’re reducing that child’s ability to kind of learn and grow and giving him those tools.”
Those tools are difficult to find in Kansas, and they’re often out of reach of those who need them most.
“Mental health isn’t treated the same as physical health by a lot of our health care system. Take all those in your mind, magnify by 10 when you put autism in the middle of that,” Swindler said.
In 2014, Kansas passed a law saying private insurers must cover ABA therapy for autism, but experts say that’s not as clear cut for children on Medicaid.
Medicaid reimbursements can be slow and don’t necessarily pay enough for the required therapy. Consequently, questions of whether ABA therapists will be paid enough, or at all, prompt many to practice in other states.
“I think a lot of states with large rural populations are having a brain drain and have trouble keeping people at home. For people that practice a particular field like ABA therapy. The things that do keep people at home are the ability to actually bill for services and serve your population for one,” Swindler said.
Few qualified therapists practicing in Kansas means those seeking the therapy can be left waiting.
“Even if you have the best insurance and the best circumstance, you might be waiting quite a while to get that autism evaluation. When you add in a child in foster care who might be going between different foster parents or doesn’t have that permanent oversight of their medical history, kids do get missed, or kids get a diagnosis but that doesn’t catch back up to them. All sorts of things happen there,” Swindler said.
What happened in Aaron Carter’s case?
Aaron died while waiting to be seen by a new ABA therapist. In Kansas, the autism waiver program provides support and training to parents. Currently, the program is funded for just 65 children with 386 on the waiting list.
Swindler suggested people contact state lawmakers to have them make changes to keep ABA therapists in Kansas and get children like Aaron the chance they deserve.
“The way to make it better is you have to have a concerted effort among all the interested parties to strategically attack the problem,” Swindler answered.
ABA therapy is the most widely used therapy for autism spectrum disorder. The University of Kansas was one of the first schools to begin developing the therapy in the 60s and 70s. It continues to train world-class ABA therapists. Many of whom then go to other states to practice.
Copyright 2022 KWCH via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/what-happened-aaron-death-boy-with-autism-exposes-issues-kansas-care-system/ | 2022-04-15T14:51:47 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/what-happened-aaron-death-boy-with-autism-exposes-issues-kansas-care-system/ |
‘You don’t want this feeling’: 3-year-old killed by stray bullet while lying in bed
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB/Gray News) - Devin Page Jr. had just started preschool, loved playing with his siblings and loved his family.
“He was a great, a very smart, intelligent 3-year-old. He was always happy, you know he loved the dance, he loves school, he loves green, he loves trucks, he loves everything,” his mother, Tye Toliver, told WAFB.
On Tuesday night, bullets flew through his window and killed him in his sleep.
“Until it happens to you, until the gun is shot at your house, you know, until the bullets come through your window, you don’t get involved. You have nothing to say,” his grandmother, Cathy Toliver, said. “But you don’t want this feeling that we have right now. You don’t want the feeling of knowing that you’ll never see your grandbaby or your son again. You don’t want that feeling.”
The family said they tried to leave their house after hearing gunshots nearby several nights in a row.
“After the first couple of weeks I was trying to move out because of the neighbors because of the drama, it was always fighting. they were shooting at each other with guns,” Tye Toliver said.
But the mother was told she would have to pay thousands to move.
“I try to stick it out, now that I stick it out, this is the outcome of what happened - my son got killed,” Tye Toliver said.
Neighbors said this street was not always like this.
“When I hear these shootings, I roll over on the floor and get down on the floor, scared to death,” neighbor Hattie Scales said.
The people who live on the street want the violence to stop.
“I want something to be done. I want the killers firsthand, I want justice for my son,” Tye Toliver said.
“It’s the only way we’re going to find strength right now is by the grace of God and with family and friends. you’ve got to keep hope alive and we are going to continue to fight for our grandson,” Cathy Toliver said.
A memorial balloon release will be held at Sherwood Park on North Sherwood Forest Drive Saturday, April 16 at 3 p.m.
The family has also set up a GoFundMe to cover his funeral expenses. You can donate to it by clicking here.
Copyright 2022 WAFB via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/you-dont-want-this-feeling-3-year-old-killed-by-stray-bullet-while-lying-bed/ | 2022-04-15T14:51:54 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/04/13/you-dont-want-this-feeling-3-year-old-killed-by-stray-bullet-while-lying-bed/ |
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Judge: Parts of lawsuit can proceed in Reed shooting | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/tools-br-lawn-garden-br/snow-tools-br/ | 2022-04-15T14:52:02 | 0 | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/tools-br-lawn-garden-br/snow-tools-br/ |
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Activate your digital account | https://www.registerguard.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.registerguard.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fhigh-school%2Fbaseball%2F2022%2F04%2F15%2Foregon-high-school-baseball-thurston-colts-ashland-grizzlies-2022-series%2F65350177007%2F | 2022-04-15T14:54:23 | 1 | https://www.registerguard.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.registerguard.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fhigh-school%2Fbaseball%2F2022%2F04%2F15%2Foregon-high-school-baseball-thurston-colts-ashland-grizzlies-2022-series%2F65350177007%2F |
Kathy, who asked to only share her first name, said she didn't realize she was being played until she watched the popular Netflix show "The Tinder Swindler," but by that time, she had already shelled out her entire life savings.
She said after nearly two years of staying home during the pandemic, she was lonely.
"And that got me thinking. If something like this happened, you know, again, I don't want to be alone. You know, I want somebody here," Kathy said.
So she decided to try online dating and signed up for SilverSingles, a site for people aged 50 and older. She said she met a handsome older gentleman who swept her off her feet.
"I thought I was in love because every time I would hear from him, my heart would just burst open. And it was interesting, exciting," she said. "And after every phone call before we hung up, we took turns praying and even that, he was really cute."
Kathy said he wooed her with messages like "Good morning wifey, I hope you had a good night's rest" and "I love you more than you can ever imagine."
But she never met her new love in person.
"I asked to meet him. And he said, 'well, I'm leaving for a job up in Toronto, and I have to go quickly,'" Kathy said. "A couple of weeks after he was there in Toronto, supposedly, he said, 'I need these permits to work here and I need $5,000 for this permit. And they won't take a check or anything.' So I'm thinking, well, yeah, I want to help this man. You know, I'm falling in love with him. Why wouldn't I want to help them?"
Kathy said she sent him $5,000 for the permit. Then she gave him more money after he got into an accident. And then she gave even more money for his surgery.
"And I said, 'I don't have that kind of money.' And then we started talking about where we could get that money. And he kept offering suggestions, you know, so I ended up doing a refinance and taking out money against my house," she said.
And when he needed more money for his various misfortunes, she said she took out loans and sent him the funds.
Kathy said the love of her life sent her a screenshot of his bank account, showing he had the money to pay her back. And though she still hadn't met him in person, she had faith that he would be with her soon.
Then one evening she said her friend recommended she watch "The Tinder Swindler" on Netflix, where several women said they lost thousands of dollars to a man they met online. And that's when everything clicked.
"I'm going 'Oh my gosh,'" she recalled. "Everything matched."
"I'm robbing Peter to pay Paul so I can get this payment in because he ruined my credit too," Kathy said. "I got kicked out of my bank. They closed my account and they were afraid I was laundering money."
The total amount she sent him is sobering.
"A little over $92,000," Kathy said.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, in the past five years, people have reported losing a staggering $1.3 billion to romance scams, the highest of any FTC fraud category.
In fact, money lost to romance scams increased sixfold from 2017 to 2021.
Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, said reports of online dating scams went up during the pandemic, but still remain grossly underreported.
"Some feel that they're really embarrassed that their family will find out and some that we've talked to still believe that they exist and they're gonna come out of the woodwork again," Bernas said. "People lose their life savings, and it's all being done by a scammer doing this to hundreds of people."
Our sister station WLS-TV has chosen not to show a picture of Kathy's love interest because most of these fraudsters steal photos online to draw you in.
The bottom line, Bernas said, is you can't fall in love with someone you've never met.
"And it's always a reason they can't meet you. And that's what we call the tip off to the rip off," Bernas said.
It was a sobering realization for Kathy, who still can't believe she fell in love with a scammer. Now she is paying what she can on her loans and has delayed her upcoming retirement until she can get out of debt.
SilverSingles warns its users that if someone online is asking you to send them money, stop communicating with them and report the profile.
Full Statement from Spark Network, parent company of SilverSingles:
Safety is always a top priority in everything we do, across all our brands at Spark Network. Upon detection of any potential fraudulent behavior, we apply many countermeasures. Spark utilizes external AI-based tools, robust transaction detection, internal filters and employs a sizeable, dedicated fraud team for the manual review of cases. Unfortunately, as with any online activity, there are "bad actors" out there, however we remain dedicated to keeping our users safe on our platforms.
We also invest in user education, as exhibited by the safety pages on our sites (see links below), because it's crucial to arm our community/audiences with the right tools to mitigate against the risks of online dating. We also refer our users to the Federal Trade Commission's Online Dating Scams site: http://www.onguardonline.gov/articles/0004-online-dating-scams.
Dating should be fun, so we want to ensure our platforms are a safe and comfortable space for our users. We urge any user who has suspicions about someone they are in contact with, or if they find themselves in any of the below listed situations, to immediately cease communication and report the account to our Customer Care team.
Below is a list identified by our fraud/security team of potentially concerning behavior that should be flagged to our Customer Care team.
Additional information on safe online dating can be found on our safety pages:
https://www.zoosk.com/safety
https://www.silversingles.com/about/safety
https://www.elitesingles.com/staying-safe
https://about.christianmingle.com/en/safety-en/
Thank you for getting in touch on this important topic. | https://abc11.com/tinder-swindler-scam-online-dating-netflix-illinois/11751101/ | 2022-04-15T14:55:18 | 0 | https://abc11.com/tinder-swindler-scam-online-dating-netflix-illinois/11751101/ |
GARY, Ind. — The death of an Indiana woman whose remains were found this week has been ruled an accident.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office said 23-year-old Ariana Taylor suffered trauma consistent with a car crash complicated with drowning. The findings are preliminary, and other results are pending, reported WGN.
Taylor’s family last saw her on April 2. Her mother said her daughter went out with friends that evening and didn’t come home.
On April 3, Gary police investigated a crash near the I-65 and I-80/94 interchange in which a vehicle went off the road and crashed into an embankment. The vehicle’s owner told police Taylor was supposed to be the last person with the car.
Taylor was reported missing that day, setting off a search effort that lasted more than a week. A search dog found Taylor’s remains in a shallow drainage ditch Wednesday morning. The location was more than a mile from where her vehicle was found.
Taylor’s mother positively identified the remains Wednesday afternoon. | https://fox59.com/indiana-news/coroner-says-missing-indiana-woman-died-from-crash-trauma-drowning/ | 2022-04-15T14:56:24 | 0 | https://fox59.com/indiana-news/coroner-says-missing-indiana-woman-died-from-crash-trauma-drowning/ |
INDIANAPOLIS — James Kelly started making bubbles just to have fun with his grandkids.
He kept researching and working on the recipe to make them better, and eventually they were good enough to take on the road.
Kelly, aka Bubble Jim, creates giant bubble shows for parties and events, including weddings, street fairs, concerts, business grand openings, farmer’s markets and more.
He’s also an artist. If Kelly looks familiar, it might be because we also featured him on the show for his custom pet portraits.
Learn more about Kelly on his website or follow him on Instagram at @MadLabStudio.
Let’s get social: follow your friends at Indy Now
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes fun, the latest on what’s happening in central Indiana, information about the local businesses featured on the show, and much more. | https://fox59.com/indy-now/bubble-jim-giant-bubbles-indianapolis/ | 2022-04-15T14:56:27 | 0 | https://fox59.com/indy-now/bubble-jim-giant-bubbles-indianapolis/ |
INDIANAPOLIS — A federal judge ruled parts of a lawsuit from the family of Dreasjon Reed can proceed.
Thursday’s ruling is related to a lawsuit filed by Reed’s mother in connection with the May 2020 shooting.
Reed was shot on May 6, 2020, after leading police on a chase that he livestreamed on Facebook. The incident started on I-65 near 30th Street, with IMPD pursuing Reed until he stopped his vehicle and got out near West 62nd Street and Michigan Road.
Officers pursued Reed; IMPD said Officer Dejoure Mercer deployed his Taser but it was ineffective. The department also said Reed exchanged gunfire with the officer; a gun was found with him at the scene.
Reed died from multiple gunshot wounds. His family disputes IMPD’s account of the events.
The high-profile case led to the appointment of a special prosecutor. A grand jury returned a “no bill,” meaning it didn’t find enough probable cause to charge Mercer with a crime.
After the grand jury’s decision was announced, Indiana State Police shared the evidence presented to the panel.
Reed’s family is pursuing a federal wrongful death lawsuit regarding the shooting seeking punitive and compensatory damages. While Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson said some parts of the lawsuit can proceed, others have been dismissed.
According to the judge’s ruling, the lawsuit can move forward with the following claims:
- A Fourth Amendment excessive force claim against Mercer related to the use of an Electronic Control Device (Taser)
- The federal inadequate medical care claim against Mercer
- Claim against the city of Indianapolis concerning an alleged policy of excessive force
- Claim against the city of Indianapolis concerning inadequate training
- The state law wrongful death and Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (NIED) claims against Chief Randal Taylor and Deputy Chief Kendale Adams
The judge denied other parts of the lawsuit as moot:
- A Fourth Amendment excessive force claim against Mercer related to the shooting
- The state law battery claim against Mercer
- The state law battery claim against the city of Indianapolis
- The state law NIED claim against the city of Indianapolis
A June 20 trial date has been set, although the judge wrote in the ruling, “The parties are encouraged to work with the Magistrate Judge to reach a resolution of this case short of trial.” | https://fox59.com/news/indycrime/federal-judge-rules-some-parts-of-lawsuit-can-proceed-in-dreasjon-reed-shooting/ | 2022-04-15T14:56:28 | 0 | https://fox59.com/news/indycrime/federal-judge-rules-some-parts-of-lawsuit-can-proceed-in-dreasjon-reed-shooting/ |
CHICAGO (WGN) — A Chicago man says a falling skyscraper window narrowly missed him as he was walking on the street Thursday evening.
Dustin Curtis got quite a shock while walking near State and Superior amid high winds.
He said a huge piece of falling glass landed right in front of him, leaving Curtis frozen in place. It came from the new One Chicago building.
“Oh yeah, big chunk of it landed right before me and another girl walking,” Curtis said. “I’ve been thinking about it all day, a few moments; a different life or a shorter life.”
He said he saw people around him looking up and pointing out a missing window in the building.
Feeling lucky to be alive, Curtis said, “I’m gonna be buying a lottery ticket, and I think the beer is gonna taste a lot better.”
Some trees were reported down around the area as a high wind warning expired at 7 p.m.
Evanston resident Jim Blachowicz watched a tree come down next to his garage. Power was knocked out and it left a number of birds homeless.
“We’ve had about 30 birds come to our feeder since it fell down,” he said.
Gusts around 65 mph were recorded in the area as a cold front continued to hover. | https://fox59.com/news/national-world/chicago-man-walking-on-street-narrowly-avoids-falling-skyscraper-window/ | 2022-04-15T14:56:29 | 0 | https://fox59.com/news/national-world/chicago-man-walking-on-street-narrowly-avoids-falling-skyscraper-window/ |
April 15 typically marks a dreaded annual event: Tax Day.
But this year, that’s not the case. Taxes are due in most states, including Indiana, on Monday, April 18.
Why?
Emancipation Day, a federal holiday, falls on Saturday. As a result, Friday is the observed holiday in D.C. Federal offices, including offices for the Internal Revenue Service, are closed.
That means this year’s tax deadline moved to Monday, April 18. While that applies to the vast majority of states, residents in Maine and Massachusetts get an additional one-day reprieve. Taxes aren’t due in those two states until April 19, due to the observance of Patriots’ Day.
Not ready to file your taxes? You can get an automatic six-month extension using Form 4868. Your new filing deadline would then be Oct. 17, 2022. As long as you send the form by April 18, you’ll avoid late-filing penalties.
You can also file for an extension online at the IRS website.
There is one caveat: if you owe money, you’ll still need to pay it by the April 18 deadline. The extension is for the tax paperwork, not your tax liability. The IRS recommends paying at least some of your liability on time to avoid any potential penalties. | https://fox59.com/news/national-world/why-doesnt-tax-day-fall-on-april-15-this-year/ | 2022-04-15T14:56:29 | 0 | https://fox59.com/news/national-world/why-doesnt-tax-day-fall-on-april-15-this-year/ |
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts addressed the cornerback position in a major way Friday by agreeing to a deal with former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore.
Gilmore and the Colts have agreed on a two-year, $23 million contract with $14 million guaranteed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
The 31-year-old cornerback was one of the most sought after free agents on the market, and for good reason. His lockdown coverage skills have earned him five Pro Bowl nods (2016, 2018-2021), two First-Team All-Pro honors (2018 & 2019) and the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019.
Cornerback became an area of need after Indianapolis traded Rock Ya-Sin — who has started for the team since his rookie season in 2019 — to the Raiders in exchange for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue.
This is a developing story and will be updated. | https://fox59.com/sports/colts/colts-agree-to-deal-with-cornerback-stephon-gilmore/ | 2022-04-15T14:56:44 | 0 | https://fox59.com/sports/colts/colts-agree-to-deal-with-cornerback-stephon-gilmore/ |
KETTERING, Ohio – Bryson DeChambeau says he had surgery on his left wrist Thursday for a fracture hamate that has been bothering him for the last two months and likely will keep him out of the PGA Championship.
DeChambeau said on Instagram the surgery at The Kettering Medical Center was for the fractured hook of the hamate.
The former U.S. Open champion says he slipped on a marble floor in Saudi Arabia while playing table tennis and landed on his hip and hand. He withdrew after the first round of the Saudi International and did not return for seven weeks until the Match Play. He played three rounds at WGC-Match Play, missed the cut at the Texas Open and said at the Masters he was at 80%. He shot 80 the second round at Augusta National and missed the cut.
“I made attempts to play through this injury at three recent events, including the Masters, but this is typically an injury that requires surgical treatment,” DeChambeau said. “Through continued discomfort from the fracture, it has caused me to alter my grip and swing, resulting in my inability to compete at golf’s highest level. This has not been easy physically and mentally for me.”
DeChambeau said he would take appropriate time off to rest and recover and he looked forward “to competing at the highest level within the next two months.”
The PGA Championship starts in five weeks, May 19-22, at Southern Hills in Tulsa. The U.S. Open is a month later at The Country Club outside Boston. | https://www.golfchannel.com/news/bryson-dechambeau-has-surgery-left-wrist-likely-miss-pga-championship | 2022-04-15T15:00:15 | 1 | https://www.golfchannel.com/news/bryson-dechambeau-has-surgery-left-wrist-likely-miss-pga-championship |
EWA BEACH, Hawaii – Hyo Joo Kim birdied three of the final six holes for her second 5-under 67 and a three-stroke lead Thursday after the second round of the LPGA Tour’s Lotte Championship.
Kim closed with birdies on the par-4 13th and 16th holes and the par-5 18th to reach 10 under at windy Hoakalei Country Club, the first-year venue on the south shore of Oahu about 20 miles west of Honolulu. Kim had her second bogey-free round.
“First of all, I’m satisfied,” said Kim, the 26-year-old major champion from South Korea. “I played the same score and bogey-free round as yesterday, but more satisfied with today’s play than yesterday.”
Kim, who tied for eighth at Mission Hills in the California desert two weeks ago and has four victories on the tour, birdied the 13th and 16th holes for the second straight round. She has played the back nine in 7 under.
Kim has played in the Lotte Championship every year since the tournament debuted in 2012. Her best finishes at the event came in 2014, when she was fourth, and 2015, when she tied for fourth.
Sarah Kemp of Australia was second after a 69. She chipped in for birdie on the par-4 14th.
“Really solid. Lots of fairways, greens,” Kemp said. “I had a chip-in. Rolled it really well. It was just steady. I hit one fairway bunker short, but just overall really steady.”
Full-field scores from the Lotte Championship
Ariya Jutanugarn birdied two of her first five holes in a 68. She was four strokes back at 6 under with Haeji Kang (70). A Lim Kim followed an opening 72 with a 67 to get to 5 under, along with Na Rin An (68).
“It’s really windy here and sometimes there’s a gust (of) wind,” A Lim Kim said. “I think it’s a place where you have to play smart because the greens are firm.”
Australia’s Hannah Green, the first-round leader at 66, shot a 76 to fall eight strokes back.
Two-time Lotte champion Brooke Henderson withdrew due to illness prior to the start of her round Thursday. The Canadian shot a 74 on Wednesday. | https://www.golfchannel.com/news/hyo-joo-kim-grabs-lotte-championship-lead-hannah-green-shoots-76 | 2022-04-15T15:00:21 | 1 | https://www.golfchannel.com/news/hyo-joo-kim-grabs-lotte-championship-lead-hannah-green-shoots-76 |
BRISBANE, Australia — Jack Newton, who lost to Tom Watson in a 1975 Open Championship playoff and tied for second behind Seve Ballesteros at the 1980 Masters before his professional golf career ended in a near-fatal aircraft propeller accident, has died. He was 72.
Newton, who had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, died early Friday due to “health complications,” his family said in a statement.
″[He] was a fearless competitor and iconic Australian, blazing a formidable trail during his professional golfing career,” his family added. “He fought back from tremendous adversity as only he could.”
Newton won the PGA Tour’s Buick Open in 1978 and the Australian Open in 1979 and three tournaments in Europe before his career — and nearly his life — ended when he walked into the propeller of a small plane he was about to board at Sydney airport on July 24, 1983.
His right arm was severed, he lost sight in his right eye and also sustained severe injuries to his abdomen. Doctors gave him only a 50-50 chance of surviving, and he spent nearly two months in intensive care and required lengthy rehabilitation from his injuries.
“Things weren’t looking too good for me. I knew that from the priest walking around my (hospital) bed,” Newton said later. He was 33 at the time of the accident.
Despite his near-death experience, Newton and his jovial personality returned to public life. He became a popular television, radio and newspaper golf commentator, golf course designer and chairman of the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation, which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for golf’s up-and-coming players in Australia.
The foundation’s annual tournament attracted a who’s who of celebrities and pro golfers in Australia, most of whom dressed up in outlandish costumes as encouraged each year by Newton.
Not to be denied from playing the game he loved, he taught himself to play golf one-handed, swinging the club with his left hand in a right-handed stance. He regularly had scores in the mid-80s for 18 holes. That translates to a handicap of about 12 or 14, one that most able-bodied amateur players would aspire to.
Newton turned professional in 1971 on the European Tour and won his first event, the Dutch Open, the following year. A week later, he won another tournament at Fulford, England and, in 1974, the tour’s match play championship.
The Australian’s playoff loss in the 1975 British Open at Carnoustie came after Watson had a few rather fortuitous shots. A wire fence kept Watson’s ball in bounds on the eighth hole and the American chipped for eagle at the 14th to claim the Claret Jug by a shot over Newton.
“I always felt that if I came into a major with some good form, then I could be dangerous,” Newton had said. “That’s the way I played golf. Once I got my tail up I wasn’t afraid of anybody.”
Australian golfer Greg Chalmers said on Twitter: “Every journey starts somewhere, mine was in golf tournaments under the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation.” Fellow Aussie pro James Nitties said: “Jack Newton not only an amazing golfer but what he and his family did for charity and junior golf in Australia was truly amazing.”
PGA of Australia chief executive Gavin Kirkman praised Newton’s impact on the game Down Under.
“Jack has been such an influential figure in Australian golf and his contribution and legacy will live on for many decades to come,” Kirkman said. “He was as tough off the course as he was on it. Yet underlying everything was his deep passion for the game of golf and the positive impact it could have on people’s lives, particularly young people.”
Newton is survived by his wife, Jackie, and two children, Kristie and Clint, and six grandchildren.
Kristie was a pro golfer and Clint Newton, who was born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, played rugby league in Australia and Britain and represented the United States at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
“His passion for sport and contributing to future generations of golfers and the Australian community demonstrates the character of our father, beloved husband, proud brother, adoring grandfather, and maverick mate,” his family said in the statement. | https://www.golfchannel.com/news/jack-newton-fearless-competitor-and-iconic-australian-dies-72 | 2022-04-15T15:00:27 | 1 | https://www.golfchannel.com/news/jack-newton-fearless-competitor-and-iconic-australian-dies-72 |
GOVERNMENT
Gov. Kate Brown has appointed Andrea Bell director of Oregon Housing and Community Services. She will lead the agency responsible for state housing supports, financing and coordination across the housing continuum. She previously was acting director, helping OHCS receive $16 million from the U.S. Treasury Department for rental assistance. Bell began serving as acting director in February, when OHCS’ then-executive director was appointed by the Biden administration to serve as the Department of Housing and Urban Development regional administrator for Region 10. Bell joined OHCS in April 2019 as the assistant director of homeless services.
Please send your announcements for DJC People to djcpeople@djcOregon.com. | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/bell-named-oregon-housing-and-community-services-director/ | 2022-04-15T15:00:56 | 0 | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/bell-named-oregon-housing-and-community-services-director/ |
CONSULTING
Wenaha Group has added Hunter Byrnes as a project manager in its Portland office. With experience in both architecture and construction, Byrnes approaches project management holistically. He strives to create a trusting and collaborative relationship with each client. Byrnes has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Please send your announcements for DJC People to djcpeople@djcOregon.com. | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/byrnes-joins-wenaha-group-as-project-manager/ | 2022-04-15T15:01:02 | 1 | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/byrnes-joins-wenaha-group-as-project-manager/ |
CONSULTING
Wenaha Group has promoted Kaliska Day to senior project manager I. Her key responsibilities include leading major project teams, clients and market sectors as well as contributing to marketing and business development efforts. In addition, Day will mentor and directly supervise a team of project managers. She currently is leading multiple complex public agency projects.
Please send your announcements for DJC People to djcpeople@djcOregon.com. | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/day-named-senior-project-manager-by-wenaha-group/ | 2022-04-15T15:01:09 | 1 | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/day-named-senior-project-manager-by-wenaha-group/ |
ENGINEERING
Ana Maria Coca has joined GRI as pavement engineering staff. She is responsible for assisting pavement design, evaluation and management. She has extensive experience in full-scale accelerated pavement testing (APT) projects, field and laboratory testing for asphalt paving materials, asphalt recycled materials and teaching. Coca has served as instructor for the Civil Engineering Materials Laboratory and as a research assistant for several projects funded by the Texas Department of Transportation, Tran-SET and Louisiana State University.
Please send your announcements for DJC People to djcpeople@djcOregon.com. | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/gri-adds-coca-as-pavement-engineering-staff/ | 2022-04-15T15:01:15 | 0 | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/gri-adds-coca-as-pavement-engineering-staff/ |
ENGINEERING
Joe Heidgerken has joined GRI as a project geologist. He has more than 20 years of geologic engineering and pavement design experience. As a project geologist, he is responsible for managing and coordinating project field applications with scheduling, permitting, fieldwork and field mapping. Heidgerken is familiar with coordinating and managing pavement field loads with falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing and ground penetrating radar (GPR).
Please send your announcements for DJC People to djcpeople@djcOregon.com. | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/gri-hires-heidgerken-as-project-geologist/ | 2022-04-15T15:01:22 | 0 | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/gri-hires-heidgerken-as-project-geologist/ |
CONSTRUCTION
Deacon Construction has promoted Arthur King to assistant project manager/estimator of its Special Projects team. He joined the firm in 2018 and has since served as a superintendent, professional engineer, estimator and tool watch manager with the General Construction group. King currently is helping close out a project in Grants Pass, supporting a Target store project in Clackamas and a PacifiCorp tenant improvement, and assisting estimates for special projects.
Please send your announcements for DJC People to djcpeople@djcOregon.com. | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/king-promoted-by-deacon-construction/ | 2022-04-15T15:01:28 | 1 | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/king-promoted-by-deacon-construction/ |
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As Easter is the highest of Holy Days in the Christian Year, it’s a day of great celebration at First Christian Church. This year, we’re starting out with a Potluck Brunch before worship, for a time of celebratory fellowship and fun. | https://www.annistonstar.com/features/faith/religion_roundtable/how-does-your-congregation-celebrate-easter/article_3f5d14f2-bc1b-11ec-a28e-27699261aac1.html | 2022-04-15T15:01:34 | 0 | https://www.annistonstar.com/features/faith/religion_roundtable/how-does-your-congregation-celebrate-easter/article_3f5d14f2-bc1b-11ec-a28e-27699261aac1.html |
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If you feel your login credentials are being used by a second party, contact customer service at 877-615-9536 for assistance in changing your password.Already a paid subscriber but not registered for online access yet? For instructions on how to get premium web access, click here. | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/two-engineering-firms-combine-forces-2/ | 2022-04-15T15:01:35 | 0 | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/two-engineering-firms-combine-forces-2/ |
April 15, 1947, in The Star: Walley Gaddis, who will toe the mound as the opening-day pitcher for the Anniston Rams in their clash with their arch rivals, the Gadsden Pilots, this afternoon at 3 at Johnston Field, now has an added incentive to win. Last night, back home in Iowa, his wife gave birth to a baby boy at St. Francis Hospital in the city of Waterloo. Officials with the local Junior Chamber of Commerce this morning said that a record crowd is expected at the game based on the number of booster tickets sold so far. Also this date: In the market for a new car? N. G. Alford & Co. will sell you a 1947 Oldsmobile from its dealership office at 19 W. 12th St. in Anniston. If you’d rather own a dramatically styled postwar Studebaker, the local agent for that make is Model City Motors, 1317 Noble St., Anniston.
April 15, 1997, in The Star: This spring will be an important time in the life of 21-year-old John David Phillips as an Alabama athlete. There’s a new head football coach, and a new offensive coordinator and completely new offensive terminology. If Phillips has ever had a chance to supplant Freddie Kitchens as the Crimson Tide starting quarterback this fall, the coming weeks might be that time. “Mentally, I told myself it was do-or-die this spring. I don’t want to say I thrive on pressure, but I enjoy pressure,” says Phillips, the former standout for Anniston High School. But coach Mike DuBose and coordinator Bruce Arians, with his complicated offensive scheme, have not speculated publicly on what Phillips might be doing this fall. | https://www.annistonstar.com/features/look-back-to-a-crucial-time-for-john-david-phillips-1997/article_d45f7a4e-bc80-11ec-9b98-5328fe8c8600.html | 2022-04-15T15:01:40 | 0 | https://www.annistonstar.com/features/look-back-to-a-crucial-time-for-john-david-phillips-1997/article_d45f7a4e-bc80-11ec-9b98-5328fe8c8600.html |
CONSULTING
Jennifer Huang has joined Wenaha Group’s Portland office as a project manager. With extensive experience in construction management and architectural project management, she will support Wenaha Group’s continued efforts in the affordable housing market. Huang has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Smith College and both a master’s degree and an ecological design certificate in architecture from the University of Oregon.
Please send your announcements for DJC People to djcpeople@djcOregon.com. | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/wenaha-group-adds-huang-as-project-manager/ | 2022-04-15T15:01:41 | 0 | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/wenaha-group-adds-huang-as-project-manager/ |
OXFORD — Melissa Bennett admits doubts arose in her own house during her first four seasons coaching Oxford’s girls.
She knew struggles were coming.
“They kind of gave me a heads up when I got hired, but there were definitely some times when my husband even asked, like, what have you done?” Bennett said.
Four years of raising her own team led to two great seasons. For getting Oxford to its second consecutive 20-win season and first-ever Final Four in basketball, Bennett will repeat as The Anniston Star’s Class 4A-6A Calhoun County coach of the year for girls basketball.
Oxford finished 28-5, falling to undefeated Hazel Green in the Class 6A title game.
The Yellow Jackets’ accomplishments included their first-ever Northeast Regional title, their first Calhoun County title since 2006 and an area title.
Those accomplishments were the promise she brought to Oxford when hired in 2016 to replace Tonya Peoples. Bennett came to Oxford after six years as a head volleyball coach and assistant basketball coach at Opelika.
Oxford overcame injuries that kept senior captain Lauren Ellard and freshman forward Jaslyn Montgomery down for most of the season.
Bennett credits a senior class that included KaLeah Taylor, who hit the 3-pointer to force overtime against Chelsea, Bennett’s alma mater, in the Northeast Regional final, as well as Ellard and Mikiya Wilson
“All of the credit goes to these young ladies, especially this senior class,” Bennett said. “Their freshman year, five or six wins, and to turn it completely around and go all the way to the first-ever Final Four goes to their class, their dedication, their work ethic.” | https://www.annistonstar.com/sports/high_school/class-4a-6a-all-calhoun-county-girls-basketball-oxford-reached-new-heights-under-bennett/article_a703f83a-bc68-11ec-b90e-db7bf937a0dd.html | 2022-04-15T15:01:46 | 1 | https://www.annistonstar.com/sports/high_school/class-4a-6a-all-calhoun-county-girls-basketball-oxford-reached-new-heights-under-bennett/article_a703f83a-bc68-11ec-b90e-db7bf937a0dd.html |
CONSULTING
Alsea Fishel has joined Wenaha Group’s FF&E and move management team as a logistics project manager in the Portland office. Fishel’s background in education and counseling allows her to empathize and build trusting relationships. She has two degrees from Seattle Pacific University – a bachelor’s in global development studies and a master’s in social and sustainable management.
Please send your announcements for DJC People to djcpeople@djcOregon.com. | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/wenaha-group-hires-fishel-as-logistics-project-manager/ | 2022-04-15T15:01:47 | 1 | https://djcoregon.com/news/2022/04/14/wenaha-group-hires-fishel-as-logistics-project-manager/ |
OXFORD — People think of Oxford’s girls basketball team as a statewide player after the Yellow Jackets made their first-ever Final Four this past season. They also think of Xai’Onna Whitfield as a big reason why.
For leading Oxford to the Class 6A state final, the 5-foot-8 sophomore is The Anniston Star’s Class 4A-6A Calhoun County player of the year for girls basketball. She was also a finalist for the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s 6A player of the year.
Undefeated state champion Hazel Green’s Samiya Steele won the award and was also voted Alabama Miss Basketball.
Whitfield averaged a team-high 14.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists. She had more than 100 steals in leading Oxford to a 28-5 finish under Melissa Bennett, the 4A-6A county coach of the year.
Whitfield participated in The Star’s player-of-the-year Q&A:
Question: Looking back at the season, how do you feel about what the team accomplished?
Answer: I feel good about it. I mean, it’s like, just a big accomplishment. I think it’s going to cause us to set goals for next year.
Q: Such as?
A: Being back but winning state instead. We already know what to expect now.
Q: When you guys got to Birmingham as the first Oxford team to do it, what did you think?
A: We were excited, probably a little nervous. Other than that, we were just excited and happy to be there.
Q: You guys didn’t look nervous in the first half of the semifinal game against Pelham. How big was it to come out knocking down 3-pointers like you guys did?
A: It was huge for us. It helped us win the game. We just try to shoot better every game, and that game we shot good.
Q: How do you feel like you improved as a player this season?
A: My shot got better, ball handling and being a leader on the court, helping my team out.
Q: You still have a lot of high school basketball to play. What are your long-term goals?
A: I’m just hoping to go to college, win a state championship before I leave Oxford.
Q: You’re an all-state player, and your brother Shay’nadd is an all-state player in football. What’s it like to be part of a sports family?
A: I mean, I taught him everything he knows. It runs in the family. It’s nothing really special about it.
Q: What’s it like playing for Coach Bennett?
A: It’s getting me ready for college. I feel like she’s going to get me ready for college. I feel like, by the time I get there, I’m going to already know what to expect, how hard she is on me. | https://www.annistonstar.com/sports/high_school/class-4a-6a-all-calhoun-county-girls-basketball-whitfield-helped-oxford-reach-first-ever-state/article_be0ba074-bc67-11ec-b58c-e3dc2ede8b1f.html | 2022-04-15T15:01:59 | 0 | https://www.annistonstar.com/sports/high_school/class-4a-6a-all-calhoun-county-girls-basketball-whitfield-helped-oxford-reach-first-ever-state/article_be0ba074-bc67-11ec-b58c-e3dc2ede8b1f.html |
PELL CITY— Pell City High School’s baseball team defeated Springville 10-3 to clinch a berth in the Class 6A playoffs on Thursday. With the win, the Panthers secured the second seed in Class 6A, Area 13. This is Pell City’s first time making the postseason since 2018.
“This was our goal from the beginning of the year, “Pell City head coach David Collins said. “We knew that Springville was a really tough team. We were in the same scenario last year, win or go home in the Springville series and Springville sent us home. That’s something that we have focused on all off-season. The kids did all the work, I can’t tell you how hard they worked in the off-season and it paid off.”
The Panthers put themselves in position for this winner-take-all game by handling business on Tuesday with an 8-4 win over the Tigers.
“Everyday coach (Collins) told us that he wouldn’t want to be with anybody else, so we all bought in and we put our heads down and worked,” senior Kentrell Borden said. “We are not the most talented team, but we are going to outwork everybody. That’s one thing about us; we are always going to work.”
After giving up a run in the first, Pell City responded by scoring two runs in the bottom half of the frame. Borden led off the inning with a triple. Allen Taut Nunnally hit a fielder's choice to the shortstop which allowed Borden to score. A few batters later, Austin Greene grounded out to second base which allowed Nunnally to score to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead.
Springville got back into the game in the third inning. After the first two batters of the inning got on base, Ethan Davis would deliver his second RBI of the game as he hit a single to left field to score Caleb McCarty.
Springville’s lead however was short-lived as the Panthers replied by scoring three runs in the bottom half of the frame.
Greene came through with another big hit for the Panthers in the third inning. The senior hit a two-run single up the middle to give Pell City a 4-2 lead. Greene would score a few batters later as Springville made an error on a throw to third base on a bunt by Andrew Hardy.
That would be all the run support that the Panthers would need. Pell City received strong performances from a pair of pitchers on Thursday. Daniel Cain earned the win as he recorded five strikeouts while allowing two runs in four-innings on the mound. Brady Laminack shut the Tigers in the last three innings as he only allowed one run while striking out two batters.
Pell City added insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings. The Panthers scored a run in the fifth and they exploded for five runs in the sixth to seal the win.
What to know
—Nick Wilson led the way for the Panthers with three hits against Springville. The senior hit a two-run double in the six-inning for the Panthers.
— Greene led the way for Pell City with three RBIs
—Nunnally recorded two hits and two RBIs for Pell City. Nunnally hit an RBI single to score Borden in the sixth inning.
—Ethan Davis was the losing pitcher for Springville.
Who said
—Collins on the insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings: “Timely hits are huge; we had some two-out hits. “It’s a momentum game, chipping away in those middle innings really helped. It felt close there in the fifth then Ashton Hamm was able to get that bunt down and a single from Daniel Cain to push that run across really changed the momentum of the game.
—Springville head coach Jonathan Ford on the loss: “We had a mixture of some bad luck and bad baseball. That’s not a good combination. I was talking to our coaches and we made mistakes today that we haven’t made all year. Tip your hats to Pell City, but I know we didn’t play our best today. That’s tough and it’s tough for these guys, especially with that game being that important and that big. I’m proud of the year and I’m proud of the position that we were in. Half of the team in the state weren’t in this position fighting.”
Up next
Pell City will close out the regular season on Saturday at Oak Mountain at 2 p.m. | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_daily_home/pell-city-defeats-springville-to-earn-playoff-berth/article_f186dc7c-bcbf-11ec-af7e-0b2d46ac73a7.html | 2022-04-15T15:02:05 | 0 | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_daily_home/pell-city-defeats-springville-to-earn-playoff-berth/article_f186dc7c-bcbf-11ec-af7e-0b2d46ac73a7.html |
A nearly three-month long search by police for the person who allegedly assaulted a transgender teen in Brooklyn while making hateful statements has resulted in an arrest.
The NYPD said the assault took place Jan. 18 in the 100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. The 15-year-old, identified by police as a transgender female, was standing in front of the location when the suspect approached her, punched her in the face and made "anti transgender statements."
Authorities said the victim refused medical attention.
Officers made an arrest late Thursday, taking into custody a 17-year-old male on charges of assault and assault as a hate crime.
The suspect's name was not released by police due to his age.
Copyright NBC New York | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/cops-make-arrest-in-january-assault-against-brooklyn-transgender-teen/3647915/ | 2022-04-15T15:04:00 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/cops-make-arrest-in-january-assault-against-brooklyn-transgender-teen/3647915/ |
Ryan Poe and Jenival Santos live nearly 1,200 miles apart but they are facing similar struggles.
Their livelihoods rely on wheat.
Poe grows it on his Washington State farm and Jenival uses it in almost everything on his menu at City Bakery Cafe in Denver.
Wheat prices have gone up since Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine. The countries are two major global wheat producers.
Selling crops at a higher price can be good news for farmers, but Poe says what’s different today is how much his expenses, like the cost of fertilizer and the fuel, have increased.
The diesel fuel that goes into one 10,000-gallon tank on his farm costs more than $4.00 a gallon.
"Then you look back to a year ago, paying $2, so essentially it’s almost $20,000 more to fill this tank today versus a year ago,” Poe said.
Not only are costs impacting how crops are grown, but also how they're sent down the supply chain.
In the first two weeks of March, as the War in Ukraine was just beginning, diesel prices soared. The USDA says the cost of transporting grain by truck rose more than 20% between March 2 and March 16.
At Santos' cafe, the costs from a strained supply chain are rolled into ingredients like his bread.
"We used to pay $13 to $14 for a bag of flour," he said. "Now, we pay for a bag of flour— $23-$24 a bag."
Santos raised his menu prices only once during the pandemic. He feared raising the prices more would drive people away.
Business at both ends of the supply chain can be unforgiving.
"If you’re looking at a loaf of bread at a grocery store that costs an average of $4, the farmer, out of that $4 loaf, is receiving $0.17 a loaf," Poe said, “So if that price goes up from $4, we’re still basically getting those $0.17 and that's what kind of makes the other challenges, yeah, tricky.”
But, both the farmer and cafe owner, are keeping their faith in what they see as the true product of their work.
“As a farmer I mean you know that you’re feeding the world," Poe said.
“I like to see people's faces, you know when they feel the taste and come out in their face," Santos said of his love of making food. "I mean, you can see it clear, the people's happiness in the face when you see people eating and enjoy the food. That's what makes me happy.” | https://www.wptv.com/news/national-politics/the-race/how-high-wheat-prices-are-impacting-those-on-both-ends-of-the-supply-chain | 2022-04-15T15:11:46 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national-politics/the-race/how-high-wheat-prices-are-impacting-those-on-both-ends-of-the-supply-chain |
CHICAGO — In most states, it is common practice to strip convicted felons of their voting rights while they serve their sentences. In some cases, the right to vote can be rescinded permanently. But Illinois could become the first in the nation to restore voting rights to prisoners through legislative action.
For Renaldo Hudson, the lock hanging from a light in his apartment is a symbol and constant reminder of the 37 years he spent behind bars.
“Every time I come in my kitchen, or I turn on this light, I feel that I know they'll never, ever, ever because of my doing lock me up again,” he said.
In 1983, when Hudson was just 19 years old, he took a man’s life.
“I committed the act of murder, robbery. I was a teenage drug addict who simply wanted to be high. I did not have a sense of my ability to act in a way that I should have,” said Hudson.
Originally sentenced to die by lethal injection, the sentence was commuted to life in prison where Hudson learned to read, got his bachelor’s degree in divinity, and was eventually granted clemency. Today, he’s the director of education for the Illinois Prison Project.
“The death penalty of execution is one thing. Death by incarceration exists because people in prison don't have the right to vote,” said Hudson.
In 37 states, felons lose their eligibility to vote while incarcerated. In Maine, Vermont and Washington D.C. they’ve never lost the right. And in 11 states. the right to vote can be permanently stripped.
“In 2015, I was wrongfully convicted, and I served about four years in federal prison. And during that time, I was unable to vote,” said Avalon Betts-Gaston, project manager for the Illinois Alliance for Reentry and Justice.
For Gaston, disenfranchisement while incarcerated meant a loss not only of her own political voice but as an advocate for her young children.
“We're not just hurting that person, we're actually hurting their family and as an extension, their community,” she said. “Because we're saying your voice doesn't matter and you're no longer part of this community.”
According to the Sentencing Project, in 2020, 5.2 million Americans were disenfranchised because of a felony conviction.
“Individuals who are in prison and committed felonies are individuals who have shown basically complete contempt for the laws and rules that all the rest of us have agreed on to govern our civil society,” said Hans Von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow at the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation.
Allowing inmates serving felony sentences to vote he says is bad policy.
“Judges and prosecutors are elected. And you're going to give individuals who break the law the ability to choose who those prosecutors, judges are. Again, not a good idea,” said Spakovsky.
But Illinois is poised to become the first in the nation to restore those voting rights with Senate Bill 828, The Voting in Prison Bill.
“It's a bill that would re-enfranchise community members in prison,” said Ami Gandhi, senior counsel at advocacy group Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights.
Gandhi says the bill is about bringing equity to those unduly impacted by imprisonment.
“Black people have been very disproportionately affected by our mass incarceration system and as a result have been disproportionately disenfranchised as well,” said Gandhi.
Gandhi says while Black people make up about 15% of the state's population, they account for more than half of Illinois’ prison population.
For Renaldo Hudson voting for the first time in decades after being released in 2020 was empowering beyond his imagination.
“It was amazing, man. It was like, imagine, like dreaming of being a part of the electoral process and then all of a sudden, it just being put into your hands,” he said.
It’s why activists like him and Gaston are waging a fight to restore those rights.
“When you don't have power at the ballot box, then you don't have power over your everyday conditions. And so, people who are incarcerated lack that necessary power,” said Gaston.
Taking away that power for any reason they argue fits within the paradigm of punitive justice but not in the space of restorative justice. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/activists-fight-for-voting-rights-of-convicted-felons-serving-time | 2022-04-15T15:11:52 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/activists-fight-for-voting-rights-of-convicted-felons-serving-time |
In an effort to keep flights in the air this summer, airlines are racing to boost their staff numbers to new heights.
Representatives with United Airlines say they're hoping a Chicago-based career fair will help fill some of their many job openings.
The airline's openings include customer service agents, technicians, flight attendants and some corporate positions.
Despite shortages, United hopes to expand transatlantic and domestic service this summer. But other airlines, like Alaska and JetBlue, are cutting back flight schedules because of those same staff shortages.
Representatives with United say they are hopeful that competitive wage offerings and benefits packages will help capture attention. But industry experts warn it will take some time and a continued decline in COVID-19 cases for airline staffing to fully rebound to where it was before the pandemic began.
It's not just airlines that are looking to bolster staff. Walmart has announced it's raising pay for first-year long-haul truck drivers to $95,000 in an effort to expand its force amid high consumer demand.
JPMorgan Chase is another company looking to fill openings, announcing this week that it hired thousands of people with criminal records to fill its worker needs.
Newsy is the nation’s only free 24/7 national news network. You can find Newsy using your TV’s digital antenna or stream for free. See all the ways you can watch Newsy here. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/airlines-face-staff-shortages-as-summer-travel-season-approaches | 2022-04-15T15:11:58 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/airlines-face-staff-shortages-as-summer-travel-season-approaches |
High up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Andrew Schwartz is gathering data that tells us a lot about snowpacks and their importance to the overall water supply.
“We have seen just massive weather whiplash up here,” Andrew Schwartz, Station Manager and Lead Scientist at the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab, said. He’s referring to the record-breaking December snowfall – almost 18 feet – followed by the record longest period from January to mid-February with no precipitation.
“It’s looking like it could be another drought year in which we don't have enough water to go around,” he said.
These mountains hold a very important water source for California. At the Central Sierra Snow Lab, they measure and research all things atmosphere, especially snow.
“Particularly this year we are seeing ahead of schedule melt,” Schwartz said. “When it came to our April 1 measurement this year, which typically tells us how much water we’re going to have for use throughout the year, we were only at 38%. Well below, of course, where we would hope to be and well below recent years.”
The amount of snow up in the mountains has a direct impact downstream.
“Any water shortage is ultimately going to mean we’re all gonna have to pinch on our water usage,” Schwartz said.
“Because of shortages, we have to fallow ground. We have to leave the ground idle. So this year, my farm has got 200 acres that's been left fallow, because we don't have enough water to farm it,” Bill Diedrich, a farmer in California’s San Joaquin Valley, said. He grows everything from almonds, to grapes for raisins, and processing tomatoes.
“Our focus is primarily on water supply as a result of what has happened over the last 30 years in water supply in California,” he explained. Diedrich said it’s due to regulatory changes, climate change, and infrastructure issues with collecting and transporting water. “It’s forced us to change our farming practices.”
“If you're in New York or Boston or Miami or North Dakota and you’re putting pizza sauce on a pizza or dipping a chip in some salsa, chances are the tomatoes that went into that product are from California,” Mike Wade, the executive director of the California Farm Water Coalition, said. Wade said the coalition is expecting around 800,000 acres of farmland in California to sit idle this year. A number, he said, is unprecedented.
“If you are a farmer and you live to make things grow, that opportunity is becoming more and more difficult to maintain,” Diedrich said.
“We’re looking potentially at 40 to 45% of farmland having little or no water at all,” Wade said.
This will impact availability and prices on certain foods.
“We’re already seeing price increases for fresh produce and it's going to be worse this year because of the reduced production that’s coming from the state,” Wade said.
While the snowpack is not the only water supply in California, it tells experts a lot about future water availability.
“We're seeing wetter wet years and dryer dry years than we did 20 years ago,” Wade explained.
“Given where we are in time, we’re at a tipping point,” Schwartz said. “There’s going to have to be some hard decisions moving into the future. Where is somebody's livelihood more important than someone's right to water?” | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/california-snowpack-levels-are-low-now-its-affecting-farmers-and-grocery-prices | 2022-04-15T15:12:04 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/california-snowpack-levels-are-low-now-its-affecting-farmers-and-grocery-prices |
The newest member of Orlando Health Hospital team isn't a doctor or nurse. In fact, he's not even human. But, he's already making a difference with some impressive skills and his ability to capture hearts in the hallways.
Parks, a two-year-old Labrador retriever, is the first "facility dog" for Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
He trained with Canine Companions, an organization that provides its service and facility dogs at no cost. It has 475 active facility dog teams, with 70 of them now working in a hospital setting.
Now, Parks works full time, Monday through Friday, visiting patients in the children's hospital.
His handler, child life specialist Kimberly Burbage, says Parks knows dozens of commands to help patients and perform tasks, and he's learning even more ways to help, from brightening days to aiding in rehab.
"He's learned how to get into a wagon so that way the kids can pull him in that, so that's a new command," Burbage said. "We're working on getting kids things like bowling, working on getting a t-ball set that's lightweight he can hold, hit the ball and play with the kids that way."
Parks graduated from his training program after months of learning to help patients, including tasks specialized to a hospital— like moving around beds, pulling wheelchairs or picking up dropped items.
The dogs are different from many other therapy dogs because they undergo more training to be able to help either the person they're working with or the place they're working in.
Newsy is the nation’s only free 24/7 national news network. You can find Newsy using your TV’s digital antenna or stream for free. See all the ways you can watch Newsy here. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/dogs-are-helping-hospitals-lift-spirits | 2022-04-15T15:12:10 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/dogs-are-helping-hospitals-lift-spirits |
This year, the tax filing deadline is back to its regularly scheduled date – Monday, April 18.
The IRS had extended the tax filing deadline for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But as things settle, taxpayers will need to send in their tax returns by Monday at midnight.
Those who need more time can still file an extension. This will allow taxpayers to file until October 17.
People will need to file Form 4868. It is a one-page form that asks for basic information, including name, address and Social Security number. An ITIN is not required to file for an extension, but it is necessary to file taxes.
Those requesting an extension will also need to estimate how much they may owe.
If taxpayers don’t request an extension by April 18, they could face a “failure to file” penalty. The penalty rate is 5% of unpaid taxes for each month that taxes are unfiled.
Numbers from the IRS show that many U.S. taxpayers are already behind on filing their taxes.
91 million people have filed their returns as of April 1.
That’s down from the 93 million who had filed by this time last year.
This year’s average refund is expected to be more than $3,200. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/dont-wait-your-deadline-to-file-taxes-is-monday-april-18 | 2022-04-15T15:12:16 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/dont-wait-your-deadline-to-file-taxes-is-monday-april-18 |
BOSTON (AP) — An Arizona woman who lost a leg to a rare cancer is closing in on what would be a new world record — at least 102 marathons in 102 days.
Jacky Hunt-Broersma began her unusual quest in mid-January, covering the classic 26.2-mile marathon distance every day.
The South Africa native runs on a special carbon-fiber blade, completing most of her marathons on a loop near her home or indoors on a treadmill.
She'll be running the Boston Marathon on April 18, which will be No. 92 in her streak.
Hunt-Broersma says she hopes others realize they're stronger than they think. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/jackys-quest-1-woman-1-leg-102-marathons-in-102-days | 2022-04-15T15:12:23 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/jackys-quest-1-woman-1-leg-102-marathons-in-102-days |
New York City Mayor Eric Adams honored members of the city’s Metropolitan Transit Authority on Friday following this week’s mass shooting.
Frank R. James is accused of wounding 10 people in the New York subway. He was arrested on Wednesday and faced a judge Thursday.
MTA CEO Janno Lieber credited those in the subway system for assisting each other.
“But we also saw in that moment of emergency, the way New Yorkers respond,” he said during an interview on MSNBC. “You saw people helping people who are wounded. You saw people standing over people to try to make sure they had the best chance of recovery and looking after each other.”
John Samuelson, a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board, credited transportation workers for evacuating trains during an interview with NPR.
“These New York City transit workers that acted so heroically today, evacuating the multiple train stations - whether any of them got hurt. And also, thankfully, none of the workers were injured,” he said. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/nyc-honors-transit-heroes-following-subway-attack | 2022-04-15T15:12:29 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/nyc-honors-transit-heroes-following-subway-attack |
LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have visited Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle on their first joint visit to the U.K. since they gave up formal royal roles and moved to the U.S. more than two years ago.
The couple’s office says they met with Harry’s grandmother Thursday on their way to the Netherlands to attend the Invictus Games.
Harry is a founder and patron of the international sports competition for wounded military veterans.
Harry and Meghan are expected to attend a reception in The Hague on Friday for the games, which run from Saturday to April 22.
Harry was noticeably absent from the memorial service last month for his late grandfather, Prince Phillip.
The 95-year-old queen has battled health issues recently. She contracted COVID-19 earlier this year and is not expected to attend the royal family’s Easter Sunday church service. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/prince-harry-meghan-make-surprise-visit-to-the-queen-at-windsor | 2022-04-15T15:12:35 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/prince-harry-meghan-make-surprise-visit-to-the-queen-at-windsor |
Until a few days ago, Volodymyr Musyak was on the front lines defending Ukraine from Russia’s devastating assault on his nation.
Now he’s preparing to pick up a bow and arrow in the Invictus Games archery competition. The sporting event for active service personnel and veterans who are ill, injured or wounded opens Saturday and ends April 22 in The Hague which calls itself the global center of peace and justice.
Those concepts seem a world away to the team of 19 athletes from Ukraine and their supporters as they settle in The Hague for the games.
According to Team Ukraine, most of the members of the team are active service members.
“Because of their stories, what they have seen and experienced from their own experience - they will tell the international community about the act of inhuman aggression by an unprovoked war that kills Ukrainian military and civilians,” Team Ukraine said.
On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered his support to the team.
“The Ukrainian team will participate in the international sports competition 'Invictus Games.’ Members of the team include current service members who are defending Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said. “To win every day and everywhere is important for us today.
“We are proud that, at this time, you represent our country. You are showing the rebellious spirit of the Ukrainian people. Support you. Victory to you!”
The competition was originally scheduled for 2020, but pushed back two years due to the pandemic. The competition was last held in 2018.
The competition of service members was spearheaded by Prince Harry. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/team-ukraine-represents-countrys-military-at-invictus-games | 2022-04-15T15:12:41 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/team-ukraine-represents-countrys-military-at-invictus-games |
"It's one of the premier cross country courses," she said. "I like to watch the cross country runners here, it's natural."
Running came very naturally to Barrett as a girl.
"I just liked to run and do things like the boys did," she said.
But the idea of her running didn't come naturally to everyone else.
"In those days, they thought it was kind of strange to run," she said.
Running especially wasn't considered natural for girls in school, as Barrett found out when she sought to join the cross country team. There was no team for girls at her school: St. Rose Catholic School in central New Jersey.
"I actually ran with the boys team," she said, adding that the school coaches and teachers were very kind despite the shortage of opportunities for girl athletes at that time.
There was also a lack of opportunities for women in the Boston Marathon.
"The AAU wouldn't allow it at first," she said. "(They thought) it would hurt women, hurt the reproductive organs."
Barrett said one doctor at the time even asserted that a woman's uterus would "fall out" if she ran long distances.
In 1972, when Barrett was 17 years old, Title IX was just months from being signed. The new law would require that women and girls have equal access and funding for opportunities like sports.
As the historic legislation was about to be signed, Barrett just so happened to run the race of her life.
"I didn't expect to really run the marathon that fast at that point," she said.
To her surprise, it qualified her for the Boston Marathon, which had just decided to allow women to race.
After some convincing from her coach, Barrett decided to forgo her high school championship to become a part of history. She and eight other women became the first to ever officially run the Boston Marathon.
"It was exciting yet kind of nerve-wracking because we all have this unspoken agreement that we all have to finish this," she said.
This year's race, on Monday, will mark the 50th anniversary of women officially running in the Boston Marathon. However, unofficially, women have been running for longer.
"Roberta ("Bobbi") Gibb, she snuck in. Jumped out the bushes in 1966," Barrett said of the woman who attempted to force her way into the race. It led to the now-infamous picture of a male race organizer trying to forcibly remove her as she ran the race.
Women like Gibb, Barrett and others helped pave the way for people like Aimee Blanchette and Crystal Corley of the Wissahickon Wanderers trail running club. They now run alongside Barrett.
"I think now we know that was a huge glass ceiling she smashed," said Corley.
"And she's so humble about it," said Blanchette.
Fifty years after her historic run, Barret does more walking and stretching than running, but she's still headed to Boston for this year's marathon as five of the eight women will return to the race to be honored.
"They gave us a seat at the finish line. It's really cool," she said.
They're all being celebrated for a victory that went far beyond the finish line.
"It's nice to see other generations have that opportunity and enjoy it," Barrett said. | https://abc11.com/boston-marathon-2022-title-ix-women-runners-patricia-barrett-belmont-plateau/11749092/ | 2022-04-15T15:12:41 | 1 | https://abc11.com/boston-marathon-2022-title-ix-women-runners-patricia-barrett-belmont-plateau/11749092/ |
For this Earth Day, National Geographic has focused its lens on humanity's relationship with the world's 3 trillion trees and 10 billion acres of forest, which cover one-third of the planet's surface.
The world has lost one-third of its forests over the past 10,000 years -- half since 1990, which amounts to more tree loss globally than the total tree count of the United States.
This single-subject special May issue explores what's happened to these forests, the trees we still have and what new techniques could save them before it's too late.
Every ecosystem, including the humans within them, rely on forests and trees to maintain balance. They absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, harbor habitats for countless species and are the backbone of the most beautiful and beloved spaces on Earth.
Logging and land clearing are the biggest factors driving tree loss, but climate change is posing an increasingly dangerous threat.
Forests are specifically vulnerable to heat and drought, killing billions of trees directly and indirectly over the past 20 years. To cope with the lack of moisture, trees will close the pores on their leaves or shed leaves entirely, meaning they're both hungry from lack of carbon dioxide absorption.
In Texas, for example, a 2011 drought killed more than 300 million trees -- one out of every 16 in the state. And trees weak from drought are more vulnerable to insect infestation and pathogens.
Wildfires, worsened by climate change, have played a significant role in decimating forests. Five of the eight most abundant tree species in the American West have declined significantly just since 2000, mostly from fire and insect infestations. Californians are especially familiar with their devastation -- from the Mojave Desert, where the 2020 Dome Fire killed more than 1 million Joshua trees, to the north, where fires over the past two years killed up to a fifth of the largest Sequoias.
Even changing sea levels affect forests all over the world: For example, seawater that seeped into North Carolina's freshwater wetlands devastated its bald cypress population.
Without action, the world's forest cover could drop by half by 2100.
Still, there is hope.
If nations keep current promises to curb fossil fuel emissions would prevent the planet from warming more than three degrees Celsius, which could limit tree loss for many of the world's forests.
Researchers and communities around the world are also devising creative solutions to curb damage.
Farmers in Niger now grow cereal grains by planting around, rather than clearing, woodlands. Since then, more than 200 million trees have regrown.
Australia's Aboriginal people are renewing their homelands with ancient planned burning techniques, significantly diminishing the total area burned by wildfire.
Foresters in British Columbia have planted more than 150,000 seedlings from 15 tree species at 48 sites from Northern California to the southern Yukon to determine which locations are best suited for the rapidly changing climate conditions.
Additionally, a scientist in New York may finally be on the verge of bringing back the chestnut by altering DNA to resist a fungus that killed billions in the early 1900s.
The Earth's forests will never be the same, but we can save what's still left today.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of National Geographic Partners and this ABC station. | https://abc11.com/earth-day-trees-forests-natgeo/11751182/ | 2022-04-15T15:12:43 | 0 | https://abc11.com/earth-day-trees-forests-natgeo/11751182/ |
NEW YORK -- Players across Major League Baseball are donning Jackie Robinson's No. 42 - and all of them in Dodger blue this year - for the 75th anniversary of Robinson's big league debut.
In New York, Commissioner Rob Manfred hosted an event for youth baseball players from the city in Times Square with special guests Ken Griffey Jr., Mariano Rivera, CC Sabathia, Joe Torre, Willie Randolph and Butch Huskey.
The Dodgers, of course, will be at home in Los Angeles, facing the Cincinnati Reds. They'll be joined by Robinson's 99-year-old widow, Rachel, and her son David.
Earlier in the day, David Robinson will read the book "I Am Jackie Robinson" at Longfellow Elementary School in Pasadena, California, where Robinson grew up.
He'll be joined by Robinson's granddaughter, Ayo, pitcher David Price and Players Alliance founders Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson.
Outfielder Mookie Betts will join the Robinson family at nearby John Muir High for the unveiling of a mural of Robinson. He starred in football, basketball, baseball and track at the Pasadena school in the 1930s.
Jackie Robinson's legacy continues to influence Major League Baseball 75 years after he first broke the league's color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Robinson was a star from the moment he stepped on the field, excelling despite an environment of hatred and abuse from other players and fans.
Baseball retired Robinson's No. 42 leaguewide in 1997, and in 2004 established Jackie Robinson Day, on which the league would honor his memory on the anniversary of his April 15, 1947, debut.
Players, managers and umpires all wear No. 42 every April 15, and each team pays tribute to Robinson in its own way.
This year, the 75th anniversary of Robinson's first Opening Day, is a special one.
"Robinson spent his later life weaving his impact into other areas of American life," ESPN writer and former player Doug Glanville wrote. "He had no intention of stopping progress at first base, and his post-baseball efforts became an extension of his Hall of Fame career, hitting the conscience of the board room, the political elite and the institutions of power, including MLB."
(ESPN and the Associated Press contributed to this report) | https://abc11.com/jackie-robinson-day-baseball-mlb-no-42/11751211/ | 2022-04-15T15:12:44 | 0 | https://abc11.com/jackie-robinson-day-baseball-mlb-no-42/11751211/ |
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Miss Ukraine International Elena Dunder came to Palm Beach County to work and raise money for her charity. Now, she can’t return to family and the country she loves as Ukraine is being attacked by Russian forces.
Dunder works in the glamorous fields of fashion, modeling and television, but right now her heart is heavy with concern for her family and friends back home.
“It’s been horrific to be honest,” she said.
If you ask, Dunder knows the exact number of days and hours it’s been since the Russian attacks began.
“This is a very bright example of barbarism, of unreasonable cruelty and aggression,” she said.
Dunder arrived in West Palm Beach in the fall of 2021 to work and raise money for her charity, “The Soul’s Beauty.” It had focused entirely on children struggling with disease and displacement. Now, she wants to extend help to all Ukranians who are without bare basics, and are racing to safety. She is planning a fundraiser that is likely to be held in May 2022.
She was raised in Odessa, Ukraine, which cradles the coastline of the Black Sea. It’s a major seaport, transportation hub, and now a Russian target.
“Very, very hard and stressful time even for me to realize I have no more home, I have no more place to go to,” she explained.
The Russian siege has crept across the country for weeks, now bearing down on her home city.
“A couple of days ago, I got a call from my family that the bombs, that they heard the sound of bombs in Odessa,” she said.
Almost every day, Dunder uses FaceTime to connect with her parents, grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins. She’s concerned the communication could be disconnected at some point. At this time, her family refuses to leave their home.
“They will just get the weapons and stay and protect their houses, everything they’ve been working for their whole life, they don’t want to leave it for somebody to rope, to steal and to destroy, they want to protect it,” she said.
Dunder says her best focus for now will be on charity, and standing more proudly in her title as Miss Ukraine International than ever before.
“Ukrainians are shoulder to shoulder like never before, we have never been as united as we are right now,” she said.
To learn more about Dunder’s charity, click here.
To learn other ways to help the people of Ukraine, click here. | https://www.wptv.com/news/palm-beach-county/miss-ukraine-international-reflects-on-war-while-living-in-palm-beach-county | 2022-04-15T15:12:47 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/news/palm-beach-county/miss-ukraine-international-reflects-on-war-while-living-in-palm-beach-county |
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — The COVID-19 pandemic inspired a lot of people to try new outdoor activities, one of those being paddle boarding. However, it wasn't an easily accessible or cheap sport to try, until PADL came along.
The first on-demand, app-based paddle board rental company in Florida started when Andres Avello and his friends were tired of lugging around the over-sized boards.
"I myself had 3 paddle boards at my house and I moved to an apartment, and I had nowhere to keep them," Avello said. "I wanted to keep paddle boarding. I wanted something near my house and where I could easily have access to it, and that was part of the implementation of this."
PADL can be downloaded onto your phone. After entering basic information, the boards can be rented from your phone for an hourly rate.
"It just made all the sense in the world to really make this as accessible as any other sport is. And if you look at the equipment it is large and difficult to transport. So, if you want to purchase the equipment and you live in an apartment, it's almost impossible to do so."
There are currently 20 locations in Florida. In Palm Beach County, PADL has rental stations at Juno Beach Park, Burt Reynolds Park in Jupiter, and Ocean Inlet Park In Boynton Beach. They also have a station at South Beach Place Hotel in Vero Beach. All locations can be found here.
Avello says this is only the beginning. They plan to launch 30 more locations by 2023.
For Florida residents, PADL offers a membership option costing $25 per month. The boards can also be rented hourly for $19.95 per hour. | https://www.wptv.com/news/palm-beach-county/region-c-palm-beach-county/self-service-paddle-board-app-gaining-popularity-in-florida | 2022-04-15T15:12:53 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/news/palm-beach-county/region-c-palm-beach-county/self-service-paddle-board-app-gaining-popularity-in-florida |
STUART, Fla. — A woman who noticed fraudulent charges in her bank account took matters into her own hands.
She went to where the charges were made on April 13 at the WaWa gas station on Federal Highway in Stuart. There she learned the suspect was a man who drove a white truck.
She returned to the WaWa the next day at the same time as the charges, hoping the man was a creature of habit.
According to police, she saw the man pumping gas into his white truck then watched as he threw several credit cards into the trash.
Police say while watching the suspect, the victim received fraudulent alerts from her bank which matched the time and location where she was. She then called 911.
When police arrived, they found multiple steel tanks and 28 fraudulent credit or debit cards still in the truck driven by Rosniel Jimenez Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was arrested and charged with trafficking in or possessing counterfeit credit cards, unlawful conveyance of fuel, obtaining fuel by fraud, fraudulent use of credit card more than two times within six months, and unlawful possession of personal ID of five or more persons. | https://www.wptv.com/news/region-martin-county/stuart/bank-fraud-victim-tracks-down-suspect-herself-at-stuart-gas-station | 2022-04-15T15:12:59 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/news/region-martin-county/stuart/bank-fraud-victim-tracks-down-suspect-herself-at-stuart-gas-station |
Unlike affordable housing options right now, the stories of struggle in Florida are in no short supply.
Across the state, people are being priced out of homes and rentals. The crunch has forced 62-year-old Vernita McCaskill into a Tampa hotel for the past month and a half.
“I don’t see my way out right now. You don’t know what to do day-to-day,” she told us recently.
McCaskill is now behind on her hotel payments and fears the streets are next.
“I’m terrified. I’ve never been in this situation at all,” she said.
Florida’s affordable housing crisis has become so dire, cities are redirecting cash to assist residents. In Miami-Dade, the mayor recently declared a state of emergency over its “affordability crisis.”
But why housing in the Sunshine State went from budget-friendly to extravagantly out of touch goes beyond rising inflation, stagnant incomes and increasing demand.
Some of it can be directed at raids on a state trust fund. Called the Sadowski Fund, it became Florida law back in 1992 as a dedicated annual revenue source to keep affordable housing projects thriving across the state.
Funded through stamp tax fees from real estate deals, the Sadowski includes two trust funds. 70% of the money in the Sadowski fund goes to local housing assistance known as SHIP and the other 30% goes into a state housing trust fund known as SAIL. SHIP helps homeowners with downpayment, repairs or preservation and rental assistance while SAIL goes to developers to help build more affordable housing.
But during the housing boom of 2002, under Governor Jeb Bush, the legislature started raiding the trust fund for other projects. Many of those projects had nothing to do with housing at all.
But raids of the Sadowski fund kept going explained Jaimie Ross, CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition.
“It became sort of a habit that the legislature was taking a whole bunch of Sadowski trust funds and sweeping it into general revenue,” she said.
Ross has spent years leading campaigns to stop the legislature’s “Sadowski sweeps.”
“So the fact that this fund had been raided for two decades helped put us in this crisis,” asked reporter Katie LaGrone.
“True, true” said Ross. “To be frank, it added up to more than $2 billion,” she explained.
Actually, Ross explained it’s much more than $2 billion since each dollar from the fund is leveraged 6 to 1.
After years of those sweeps, last year, lawmakers finally passed a bill to stop the raids. And last month, they agreed to devote all the Sadowski money for its intended purpose, affordable housing. The trust fund is now worth more than $362 million. But it all comes a little too late.
“We’re very far behind,” said Ross. “In no small part those many, many years of sweeps really hurt Florida’s production of affordable housing and preservation,” she said.
With demand for high-end housing still strong, Ross said, catching up now has new challenges since developers are more likely to build where they can get the most profit which is in high-end luxury housing.
“You can’t blame them for that,” she said.
As a result, Ross believes solving the state’s current housing crisis calls for more affordable housing developers and more incentives to attract them, which includes money, tax credits and creative new partnerships.
It’s all on the table as Floridians continue to struggle while the government’s scramble to help them comes years too late.
“The sweep of the Sadowski Trust Fund year after year has really hurt our ability to meet the housing needs in Florida,” said Ross.
Last month, the legislature also agreed to pour $100 million into a newly created program known as the “Hometown Heroes” housing program. While not implemented yet, it will help first responders, including teachers, with downpayment and closing costs. | https://www.wptv.com/news/state/how-lawmaker-raids-to-a-trust-fund-for-affordable-housing-helped-create-floridas-crisis | 2022-04-15T15:13:05 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/news/state/how-lawmaker-raids-to-a-trust-fund-for-affordable-housing-helped-create-floridas-crisis |
MIAMI (AP) — A jury took just over an hour to convict a Miami-Dade officer of felony battery and official misconduct in the rough arrest of a Black woman who had called police for help in 2019.
Alejandro Giraldo insisted he acted lawfully in subduing an unruly woman who was interfering with an investigation.
Giraldo was suspended after cellphone video circulated on social media showing him tackling Dyma Loving, who had called police after a neighbor pointed a shotgun at her.
Police body cameras also recorded the encounter.
Giraldo's attorney said they're “disappointed" by Thursday's verdict.
Giraldo could be sentenced to up to five years in prison. | https://www.wptv.com/news/state/miami-dade/miami-dade-police-officer-convicted-in-womans-rough-arrest | 2022-04-15T15:13:11 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/news/state/miami-dade/miami-dade-police-officer-convicted-in-womans-rough-arrest |
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It’s a melty, gooey staple of many casserole dishes and dip recipes, but what is Velveeta, exactly? Should it be considered a real cheese, alongside the likes of cheddar, Swiss and American?
Here is what you should know about this distinctively orange-colored food before eating it, from its ingredients to how it’s changed with the times and even some tips for using it in recipes. Plus, we’ve found some entertaining video clips from Velveeta’s ever-evolving marketing campaigns over the decades. You might even be shocked to learn how old this brand is!
Keep reading to unlock the mysteries of Velveeta.
Is Velveeta Real Cheese?
So, what is Velveeta? The most important thing to understand about Velveeta is that it isn’t a cheese so much as a “pasteurized process cheese product.” That’s its official designation by the Food and Drug Administration. However, because it tastes like a mild processed cheese that’s similar to American cheese, many people think of Velveeta as a cheese, even though it’s technically not anymore.
The original Velveeta that was created in 1918 was, in fact, made from discarded bits of Swiss cheese, but over the years, the brand has tweaked its formula. Swiss-born cheesemaker Emil Frey reportedly invented Velveeta while working at a cheese factory in New York as a way to salvage broken cheese wheels that would otherwise go to waste.
Frey realized that by adding a bit of whey to the cheese, he could create a smoother cheese product that kept a consistent texture when melted (unlike regular cheese that tends to separate and become stringy upon melting). Frey reportedly dubbed it “Velveeta” because its texture was as smooth as velvet.
These days, Velveeta is still as smooth as ever, but it’s considered a highly processed food with a long ingredient list. Its main ingredients include whey, milk, milk protein concentrate, modified food starch, canola oil, sodium citrate. These ingredients work together to create a shelf-stable and easy-to-melt cheese-like substance. However, take note that cheese is not among Velveeta’s listed ingredients any more, although whey, milk and cheese culture are.
Popular Velveeta Uses
Thanks to its smooth texture, Velveeta is ideal for incorporating into macaroni and cheese, casseroles (including in some versions of the perennial Thanksgiving favorite, green bean casserole) and just about any recipe that calls for a cheese sauce, like queso dips and soups.
While typically sold in a block — or a “loaf” as it’s called by the brand’s owner, Kraft Heinz — Velveeta is also easy to cut up and shred. This means it can be used as a cheese replacement in recipes that call for melted or cooked cheese. Some creative recipes that utilize Velveeta in more unusual ways include Velveeta cheese fudge and Velveeta tuna shortcake!
You can even find vintage Velveeta recipe books on eBay from generations past if you want to dive deep into the strange culinary world unlocked with a box of this food.
Where to find Velveeta
Velveeta is ubiquitous at pretty much any grocery store you’ll find in America, but you won’t typically see it with the cheese. It’s usually in one of the middle aisles with pantry staples. Amazon also sells it if you don’t feel like searching for it at the store.
You may find it for sale as a loaf, as pre-cut slices, in sauce packets or as part of ready-to-serve meals, like the classic boxed Velveeta Shells and Cheese.
What Is Velveeta’s Reputation?
Not all of the publicity Velveeta has received in recent years is positive. An article from Delish, entitled “Seven Reasons Why You Should Never, Ever Eat Velveet,” pointed out some downsides to the snack: chiefly, it is especially high in lactose, has a rubbery texture in its non-melted state and has what some consider a bland taste. Velveeta is also a high-calorie and high-fat food. A single box reportedly has over 2,500 calories.
Still, in the 100-plus years since its invention, Velveeta has attained iconic status, even if it isn’t given much respect among gourmet circles. It’s got a devoted following and remains a huge seller after all these years. Even people who’ve never had it likely know what Velveeta is, thanks to its prominence in stores and its many marketing campaigns.
If you simply take a look at Velveeta commercials that have aired over the decades, you’ll notice that the brand has tried to change with the times. For instance, in a commercial that aired in 1958, Kraft highlighted the brand’s purported nutritional benefits.
Meanwhile, a Velveeta commercial that aired in the 1980s was a bit more Hollywood and featured the slogan, “There is no single cheese like Velveeta.” It even starred a young Kirk Cameron before he gained fame on “Growing Pains.”
Capitalizing on the low-fat food craze that dominated the 1990s, the brand introduced Velveeta Light, a version of the cheese product that contained less fat and no cholesterol. They showed it off in this commercial.
In more recent years, it seems Velveeta has embraced its place as an offbeat, kitschy staple of the American pantry. It dubbed itself “Liquid Gold” in a popular marketing campaign in the early 2010s that opted for humor.
In 2021, Kraft Heinz debuted a new logo and another tongue-in-cheek commercial entitled “That’s La Dolce Velveeta.” Inspired by Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini’s iconic 1960 film, “La Dolce Vita,” the ad shows people indulging in Velveeta in a variety of hyperrealistic ways, from a woman riding around a lawnmower holding a martini glass of Velveeta mac and cheese to several people having a tea party where melted Velveeta is poured from the kettle into cups.
What do you think of Velveeta — do you love eating or cooking with it or do you only prefer “real” cheese?
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories. | https://www.wptv.com/what-is-velveeta-anyway | 2022-04-15T15:13:17 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/what-is-velveeta-anyway |