Daily Archives: November 28, 2021

There's nothing more festive than putting up the Christmas tree and going totally overboard with the decorations.

Once you've got your best artificial Christmas tree out, baubles at the ready, the next hurdle is untangling the lights. The Home Depot has shared a golden rule that will make your tree shine extra bright this year.

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

Sarah Fishburne is the Director of Trend and Design at The Home Depot. Working in Atlanta, she leads a team of interior designers. When it comes to Christmas lights, she has a 'go big or go home' philosophy.

'For live trees and shrubs, use 100 mini lights or 50 C7 lights for every vertical foot,' she advises.

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

More sparse-looking, asymmetrical trees have proven popular this year, with people embracing slimline trees with a branch out of place.On such trees, Sarah says can use half that number of lights, so you'll only need 50 for every vertical foot.

However, if you want the brightest tree in your neighbourhood, the key is to double that number. 'Depending on your preferences, you may want a brighter tree,' Sarah says. 'In which case you can double the number of recommended lights,' she says.

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

We knew it, more is always more when it comes to Christmas decorating ideas.

With Black Friday home deals and Cyber Monday offers ongoing, you may just bag yourself some additional string lights at a great price. The Home Depot Christmas lights that have been most popular this year are the Holiday 300-Light Clear Incandescent Mini Lights and the Set of 100 Warm White LED Lights on Green Wire.

You might want to add some festive Christmas lighting to other areas of your home besides the tree to help set the mood. Wherever you're hanging your lights, Sarah recommends starting with 'at least 60 feet' of string lights.

The same goes for exterior Christmas lights, and if you have the time and patience, you can measure your eaves and awnings to determine the exact length of string lights you need.

Turning on the tree lights each morning is one of the joys of the festive season, so make sure you have plenty for that extra Christmas magic.

Read the rest here:

The Home Depot's secret to creating the brightest tree with Christmas lights - Real Homes

November 23, 2021

By Mark Cox

The prospect of festive flying is looking anything but jolly this year.

The Transportation Security Administration said that it expected to screen an estimated 20 million people over the Thanksgiving travel period, which began last week. And airports are bracing for near pre-pandemic levels of holiday travel next month as well.

As air travel has ramped up, so have the headaches: expensive fares, canceled flights, airport crowds, sardine-packed planes and disruptive passengers.

Dont worry, though: Jeff Price, Metropolitan State University of Denver Aviation professor, has some expert advice to help you avoid any nightmare trips.

Book early, if possible

Its the golden rule of booking flights: Prices will go up the longer you wait. There definitely is an optimal window when airfares are typically at their lowest, Price said, and thats usually around three months out. But there may still be some good deals out there for the holiday season since airlines sometimes add late flights.

Get to the airport early

The security-checkpoint lines can change, ebb and flow considerably at DIA, which recommends arriving in the terminal at least two hours in advance of your flight. During busy periods, its worth arriving earlier than usual since you may need to navigate around the airport to find your line entrance, especially if youre a member of Clear or TSA PreCheck. Check the DIA website for all the latest parking, airport and flight information and to subscribe for updates.

Remember to mask up

If youre heading to an airport, dont forget your mask. The federal government requires all passengers, regardless of vaccination status, to wear their mask at all times with the exception of when they are eating or taking a drink, Price said.

Id suggest buying a mask that is comfortable to wear, easy to breathe in and doesnt get too hot, said Price, who has travelled by air twice in the past two weeks. Its a worthy investment if you want a more comfortable flight.

Stay Covid-safe and sanitize

A crowded airport is like a giant petri dish filled with germs. To help protect against the spread of Covid-19, the Transportation Security Administration is allowing travelers to bring up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer, plus alcohol or anti-bacterial wipes, in their carry-on bags.

Check your flight, then check it again

When youre traveling during the holidays, one thing you can rely on is that you cant really rely on anything. During holiday season, Price said, there are always lots of flight changes, delays and, unfortunately, cancellations especially if there is bad weather.

He recommends downloading a flight app so you can regularly check for delays or changes to your itinerary.

Many airline apps, such as FlightAware and FlightRadar, now enable you to track the real-time status of your flight, which is incredibly useful, Price said.

Flying internationally? Check for travel restrictions

Travel rules have been eclectic and fluid lately, so international travelers should carefully check the latest requirements for all stages of their journey.

The Department of State website is a good place to find clear guidance on restrictions regarding international locations, Price said. And Id also recommend checking websites in the actual country youre visiting for additional information, restrictions or rules.

Listen to airport staff

The TSA has warned that its going to be a busy holiday season. And as passenger numbers start ramping up again, airport security staff have a simple request: Listen to them because they can help.

Travelers should pay attention to the guidance TSA officers provide at checkpoints, TSA Administrator David Pekoske said. They could be directing you to a shorter line or guiding you around someone who is moving slowly. And they may give you advice that will lessen the likelihood that youll need a pat-down.

Unruly passengers

Pandemic-era flying has seen an unprecedented rise in air-rage incidents. More than 85% of flight attendants have had to deal with unruly passengers this year. And Prices advice is stark: Dont be one of those people.

Interference with a crew member is a federal offense, he said. Unruly passengers may find themselves under criminal prosecution and ultimately have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Its really not worth it.

If youre on a flight and someone starts acting up, however, then its up to you whether to intervene.

There could be repercussions, of course, just like if you tried to stop a fight on the street, Price said. But in most cases, passengers who assist crew members have not been arrested for trying to help.

See the rest here:

Have a stress-free flight this holiday season - MSU Denver Newsroom

What Marylander had the biggest impact on the state in 2021?

Send your nominations for The Suns 2021 Marylander of the Year to talkback@baltimoresun.com, with Marylander of the Year in the subject line. Well announce the finalists in mid-December and a winner before the end of the year.

As inspiration, heres the roster of The Suns previous honorees:

1987: Steven Muller The Johns Hopkins president won The Suns inaugural award for his relentless drive, intelligence, vision, institutional ambition, smooth tongue and grasp of the possible.

1988: Vincent DeMarco Mr. DeMarco was the essential element in the coalition that won support for landmark restrictions on guns known as Saturday night specials.

1989: Anne Tyler The novelist won the award in the same year that Breathing Lessons won the Pulitzer Prize and The Accidental Tourist became a hit movie.

1990: Robert Linowes Montgomery County attorney Robert Linowes won for the work of a commission he chaired that sought to create a fairer, more equitable state tax system.

1991: Cal Ripken Jr. The Sun honored Cal Ripken after a season in which he was the All-Star game MVP, American League MVP and Sporting News and AP Player of the Year.

1992: Bea Gaddy The Sun said of Baltimores advocate and helper for the poor, Others preach the Golden Rule; Bea Gaddy lives it.

1993: James W. Rouse The Sun said the developer makes people believe. He lends his credibility and contacts and ideas. For lack of a better label, he is called a visionary.

1995: Kweisi Mfume The Sun honored Kweisi Mfume when he took over leadership of the NAACP. His whole life seems to have been mapped out for this day.

1996: Cast and crew of Homicide The Sun said Homicide was so true that a real fleeing shoplifter ran onto a film location and surrendered to actors."

1997: Nancy Grasmick, Del. Howard Pete Rawlings and Walter Sondheim The Sun recognized the three people who made possible a landmark agreement to provide higher funding for Baltimore schools.

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1998: Peter G. Angelos The Sun said the attorney could easily be Marylander of the Decade. Few have given such philanthropy, and very few have tried to exercise such influence.

1999: Freeman Hrabowski UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski III earned the 1999 award for nurturing excellence in mathematics and science among African-American men.

2000: Bill Struever The Sun honored developer Bill Struever because he adopts buildings that others have discarded" and helps them fulfill a potential he sees in them.

2001: The Ravens The Ravens won the Super Bowl and (collectively) Marylander of the Year in 2001.

2002: John Waters Hairspray became a Broadway smash, and John Waters became Marylander of the Year.

2012: Buck Showalter The Sun resumed honoring Marylanders of the Year in 2012 with the Orioles manager who helped bring the team back to the postseason for the first time in 15 years.

2013: Ben Jealous The NAACP head was instrumental in Marylands decisions to abolish the death penalty and enact marriage equality.

2014: Larry Hogan The Republicans improbable win in the governors race upended our notions about political campaigns and shook up the states power structure in a way that will have lasting impact.

2015: Barbara Mikulski The longest-serving woman in Congress has always had an uncommonly good ear for what the common man and woman thinks and repeating it to the powers-that-be.

2016: Kevin Plank The Under Armour CEO was recognized for his bold plan to remake Port Covington and his willingness to work with the community on job opportunities and affordable housing.

2017: Erricka Bridgeford The co-founder of the CeaseFire movement sparked hope that we can make Baltimore a less violent, more peaceful place.

2018: Staff of the Annapolis Capital Gazette After its newsroom was the site of the deadliest attack on American journalists in history, the staff bravely put out a damn paper the next day.

2019: Elijah Cummings Even as his health quietly faded, the congressman from Marylands 7th Congressional District never stopped fighting for Maryland nor urging us toward our better selves.

2020: Kathleen Neuzil and front-line workers In this unusual pandemic year, we chose two winners: Dr. Neuzil for being a leading vaccine researcher at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and front-line workers in the health care and service industries, who saved lives and preserved our quality of life amid stay home orders.

See the article here:

Nominate The Suns 2021 Marylander of the Year | COMMENTARY - Yahoo News

Ive been in orthopedic practice in this community for approaching 35 years. Id like to believe Ive either helped, or at least tried my very best to help, as many of my patients as I possibly could. I appreciate the fact that Ive made many of my patients more than that and were also now friends. Friends who trust me to care for them, their spouses, their children, and their parents.

Ive always tried to practice medicine by the golden rule of doing for your patients as if they were your own family.

So I ask you, those that are not vaccinated, or havent received your boosters, to please do so. There are many untruths about the COVID vaccine that exist.

As in anything that happens in health care there is whats called a Risk Benefit Ratio. There are risks in receiving a treatment and there are risks in not receiving a treatment. For those of you who are undecided as to get vaccinated, as your friend, your caregiver, someone that you may have trusted to provide you spinal care, injury care, to care for your families, I beg you, I beseech you all, to please set aside any fears, political standings, the inconvenience and get vaccinated.

At our beloved community hospital alone weve had 135 deaths and sadly the number continues to rise unnecessarily.

Many unvaccinated people have exposed not only themselves but also their families to this potentially lethal virus and the outcome has been deadly.

Our hospital staff has been overwhelmed with the sadness and sense of helplessness that occurs when trying to save someone who is dying from COVID. The human cost to this can be crushing.

Whenever I see a veteran wearing a military hat, I always go out of my way to thank them for their service to our country. As a final note, consider doing the same when you see a health care provider these days. It makes a difference to them I know.

I accept the fact that some will never get vaccinated, but if youre on the fence, and you trust me, please do it, for yourselves, for your family, for our country.

Dr. Paul S. Lin,

Lewisburg

See the article here:

If you're on the fence | Opinion | dailyitem.com - Sunbury Daily Item

Ozark is one of the most popular series on Netflix, and the fourth and final season will release in January 2022. The first seven episodes will come out first, with the remaining seven to follow later. In the meantime, you can check out other movies and shows on the streamer starring Ozarks leading man Jason Bateman.

Bateman is anactor, director and producer who started his acting career in the 1980s when he starred in Little House on the Prairie.He would go on to star in other 80s shows such asSilver Spoons and The Hogan Family.

Since that time, Bateman has become a seasoned actor as well as a director. He has directed Bad Words, The Family Fang and Ozark, and starred in Juno, The Switch, The Break-up, Horrible Bosses and its sequel.

Be sure to check out the movies starring Bateman that are available to watch on Netflix.

This series sees Bateman as the patriarch of the Byrde family, Marty. The title is the location he transplants his family to when he becomes embroiled in a huge money-laundering scheme.

The Byrdes meet many unsavory people who they eventually get into business with to maintain the laundering of so much money. The first three seasons have been outstanding, and the fourth and final is likely to be even more dynamic.

Arrested Development

Bateman playedMichael Bluthon theFox/NetflixsitcomArrested Development from 2003 to 2019, a role for which he would earn a Golden Globe and Satellite Award.

This series follows the Bluths, a once-wealthy and always dysfunctional family. Michael is forced to keep the crew on track after his father is arrested for shifty accounting practices in the family-owned business.

In this superhero comedy, Bateman stars with Melissa McCarthy,Octavia Spencer,Bobby Cannavale,Pom Klementieff,Taylor Mosby and Melissa Leo. This film is written and directed by Ben Falcone, McCarthys husband, marking their fifth collaboration.

Thunder Force is a Netflix original that follows two childhood friends who have discovered a way to become superheroes.

Bateman portrays a villain called The Crab who doesnt have superpowers but has crab legs, complete with claws where his arms should be. There is an interesting backstory to how he acquired his crab claws.

The political thriller State of Play is based on a British series of the same name.

Russell Crowe plays journalist Cal McAffrey, who digs into the story of a suspicious death of a Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) mistress.

Dominic Foy, played by Bateman, is a PR executive at a subsidiary of PointCorp, aprivate defense contractor being investigated by Collins for its controversial operations involving mercenaries.

It is a thrilling movie with a great cast that also includesRachel McAdams, Robin Wright Penn, Jeff Daniels and Helen Mirren.

Starsky & Hutch is an adaptation of the 1970s TV series of the same name. Ben Stiller plays David Starsky andOwen Wilson plays Ken Hutch Hutchinson in the comedy action movie.

This movie is a prequel to the TV series and explains how Starsky and Hutch became partners. They are undercover cops in Bay City, California, who bust drug criminals with the assistance of Huggy Bear (Snoop Dogg), an underworld boss.

Bateman plays Kevin Jutsum, right-hand man to drug kingpin Reese Feldman (Vince Vaughn). They develop a new type of cocaine that is untraceable by scent or taste.

The comedy The Sweetest Thing isdirected byRoger Kumbleand written byNancy Pimental, who based the characters on herself and friendKate Walsh (fromGreys Anatomy).

Best friends Christina (Cameron Diaz) and Courtney (Christina Applegate) abide by their golden rule when dating: Avoid searching for Mr. Right and focus on Mr. Right Now. One night Christina meets Peter (Thomas Jane) and hes nowhere to be found the next day, so the girls head out on a road trip to find him. Like any road trip, this one becomes wild with many hilarious moments along the way.

Bateman plays Peters womanizing brother Roger.

Is your favorite Jason Bateman movie or show on Netflix?

More here:

All of the Jason Bateman movies and shows on Netflix - Netflix Life

Construction of a new 8,000-square-foot building dedicated to the skilled trades on the Fauquier campus of Lord Fairfax Community College is expected to begin in February and be open for classes in fall 2022.

An LFCC press release said that the building is being made possible through a gift of 60 acres adjacent to campus from Fauquier County to theLFCCEducational Foundation. The college has been leasing space for trades instruction at Vint Hill, but that site is not ideal for those needs, the release said, and the lease expires in 2022.

With the new trades building, the college will be able to offer trades classes for the first time in Fauquier, and even begin a new carpentry program. Electrical, HVAC, plumbing and heavy equipment operator programs will be held in the new structure.

Providing career training and apprenticeships in the trades requires a custom-designed facility we need flexible labs for hands-on learning, hard floors, high ceilings, state-of-the-art ventilation systems, multiple outlets and drop cords to accommodate the industrial and commercial training equipment, said Jeanian Clark, vice president of Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education, in the press release.

Thats why this new building is such exciting news. And it couldnt come at a better time. With the states investment in the G3, FastForward and Re-Employing Virginians initiatives, enrolling in skilled-trades programs and high-demand career pathways has never been more affordable for students. Our area businesses and industries need our trades graduates, Clark said.

In addition to expanding trade offerings, the new facility will allow the college to explore partnerships with Fauquier County and Rappahannock County schools for potential new ventures, such as a trades academy.

The expansion of trades programs on the Fauquier campus is good news for the home construction industry, saidLFCCFoundation Board Member Joel Barkman in the press release. He is founder and president/CEO of Golden Rule Builders in Catlett.

By investing in the infrastructure to develop the next generation of building trade professionals,LFCCis a valuable partner in addressing the skilled labor shortage. Im proud to support the college, he said.

The foundation, which will own the building and lease it to the college, has established the Building the Future Fund with a fundraising goal of $1.5 million. According to the press release, the money raised will go toward fully equipping the site; bringing in experienced instructors; offering scholarships, and expanding instruction to more fields within career and technical education.

There are naming opportunities for the building itself, as well as spaces inside, according to the press release.

For more information or to donate to the Building the Future Fund, anyone interested may contact Tami OBrien, development officer, at 540-351-1046 ortobrien@lfcc.edu.

Read more from the original source:

LFCC's Fauquier campus will add building dedicated to skilled trades education - Fauquier Times

Published: 11/25/2021 10:00:27 PM

Modified: 11/28/2021 10:00:03 AM

At this time of year we give thanks, and we thank by giving. Here in the Upper Valley are numerous local organizations that receive support of work and money from those who are able.

Organizations often print an annual list of donors to recognize the support from larger donors and individuals with more limited means. It heartens me that many volunteers and donors recognize the importance nonprofits have in nurturing our community. This year, I am thankful that my neighbors participate in helping organizations such as Red Logan Dental Clinic, the Upper Valley Land Trust and the Lebanon Opera House.

Nov. 30 is this years Giving Tuesday. This day is a way to balance the materialism celebrated on Black Friday with care for the world and those in need. Thank you to all who support others and work to preserve and protect the Earth, which is our home.

INGRID CURTIS

Etna

Thank you, Valley News, for highlighting folks shopping locally this year (Shoppers thinking outside the box, Nov. 22).

We are fortunate to live among so many talented craftspeople. Shopping locally directly benefits the community by supporting local businesses and crafters. It also benefits our community in a less direct way when the local craft fair is associated with a fundraiser for social services. As one example, the Bugbee Senior Center is hosting a craft fair Dec. 3 and 4 at the center in White River Junction.

Revenue from the event supports the center, which provides a variety of services to Upper Valley seniors. This past year we served more than 25,000 meals through Meals on Wheels and daily lunch at the center. We provided local seniors with fitness and health programs, including fall prevention. Seniors who came back to the center after the isolation of COVID-19 are so grateful. Now they are back to their card games, crafts, trips, educational activities and, of course, bingo. Please keep local craft fairs in mind when shopping for your loved ones, some of whom might even frequent the Bugbee Senior Center.

SUSAN MANLEY

Wilder

The writer is volunteer and activity coordinator at the Bugbee Senior Center.

This holiday season, please add the Hanover Garden Club to your list of organizations doing things differently! In addition to our traditional in-person sale, we are offering items via an online order format: https://form.jotform.com/212916992795170. (Payment is made at the time of pick up or delivery.)

The clubs sale is one of the last of the season, so our products are fresh for holiday gatherings. They include tabletop boxwood trees, mixed green centerpieces, English cracker/poppers (very fun!) and gift boxes of cookies. All items are made by club members. The traditional holiday sale will take place at the RW Black Community Center, 48 Lebanon St., Hanover, on Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon. The above-mentioned items will be available, along with the clubs Gardeners Nook, Attic Treasures and jewelry tables. While shopping, enjoy some free coffee, tea and homemade treats.

All proceeds from this sale are used to plant the 13 gardens around the town of Hanover. Thank you for keeping the gardens alive for all to enjoy.

BETSY EATON and MARY WAUGH

Hanover

The writers are co-chairs of the Hanover Garden Club holiday sale.

Suzanne Lupiens Perspectives column in the Sunday Valley News touched my heart (Weve forgotten how much we really need each other, Nov. 21). I agree with her when she says people dont have a choice about getting the vaccine, and I too believe that the actions of individuals affect us all.

But take heart, because people are still giving and concerned about their neighbors. Two years ago, my husband was struck with an illness that put him in the hospital for a week and left him unable to perform the many chores that we do on our farm in Grantham.

One of these chores is throwing in wood for my woodstove. Yes, I still cook on a woodstove, and we put in our own wood, just like we did in Cornish when I was a child. Hearing of our situation, neighbors, friends and relatives all came on a Sunday afternoon, some from many miles away, to throw wood into our cellar.

Yes, the ancient golden rule of the countryside was being observed at our farm in Grantham that Sunday, and it was not just elderly but young and old who came to help. The only thing that could have made that day more wonderful would have been a platter of Bernice Johnsons wonderful doughnuts, which I have been lucky enough to have shared with her.

CINDY TOWLE

Grantham

See the rest here:

Forum, Nov. 26: Thanks to everyone who supports nonprofits - Valley News

You can choose only one of the following.

The Tyrod Taylor-led Texans show improvement in the second half of the season and finish 5-12 or Sundays stunning road win over Tennessee is the highlight of the Texans season and they end up with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

Easy, right?

No-brainer.

Youre rooting for the 2-15 or, at best, 3-14 Texans. You want the honor of taking the second-best player available when the next draft rolls around. You want a young, super-talented name that the rebuilding Texans can actually build around.

Which means you already know the best thing for the Texans in 2022 and beyond is for the bottom-of-the league New York Jets to improve to 3-8 this Sunday inside a half-empty NRG Stadium and the bottom-of-the-league Texans to fall to 2-9, staying within sight of NFL-worst Detroit and remaining as close as possible to the top of the first round of the 2022 draft.

Texans 22, Tennessee 13 on Sunday was truly a beautiful, perfect day for Houstons NFL team. The morning after, reality returned. And we were reminded yet again that winning a single game is complicated for the Texans franchise in 2021.

Its been a long time since we felt that, David Culley said. Its tough to win in this league no matter who you play.

Culley, whos in his first year as an NFL head coach, keeps going out of his way to emphasize his cement-strong belief in the power of win now. In Nashville, Tenn., with the 2-8 Texans easily playing their best game of the season even though they recorded only 190 total yards of offense there was nothing wrong with Culleys all-in approach in Week 11.

Its just winning, just winning in this league, Culley said. Thats our job. Thats what we play for.

The Texans badly needed a victory, and they fought hard for what became their best win in two very long seasons. Considering how bad the 2020 offseason was and how frustrated fans are with the overall state of the franchise, the power of that single victory over the Titans will last all season.

The only downer?

The Texans enter Week 12 now tied with the Jaguars and Jets for the second-worst record in the league, and theres a decent chance the Texans will beat equally bad New York this Sunday.

The Texans also could win in Week 15 at Jacksonville. Seattle is falling apart Pete Carroll struggles to finish postgame press conferences now and the Seahawks are a backward 3-7. When the Texans host the Titans in Week 18 at NRG, playoff-bound Tennessee could be resting its starters.

You can see how this all gets messy and overly complicated, right?

Theres a path for the Texans to finish 5-12. Or 6-11 if things get really crazy and that gutsy, resilient road win in Nashville becomes contagious.

Normally in the NFL, going 5-12 without a franchise quarterback gets you fired.

Week 12 at home against a 2-8 Jets team would also normally be a perfect time for the Texans to place the ball back in the hands of rookie QB Davis Mills.

But Culley keeps saying things like this while coaching a roster that will continue to churn and veteran players who wont be playing for the Texans in 2022:

You always want the win, Culley said Monday. You get the win; the thing is to get the win. Thats all were thinking about right now.

Having the best shot possible at drafting the best college QB or a franchise-changing defender would be a much bigger win for a franchise that will spend 2021 paying its best player, Deshaun Watson, $10.5 million not to take a single snap.

The Texans have also consistently failed to explain what their franchise vision is for 2022 and beyond. On Monday, Culley hinted at a plan but went quiet when specific details were requested.

Well, the plan, its a big plan, Culley said. I cant give you all that information.

What does general manager Nick Caserio truly want? For the Texans to finish 5-12 this season with a second-half surge or for the team to end up with the No. 2 overall pick in next years draft?

What will be more meaningful in 2023, 24 and 25 for a fractured fanbase? The Texans winning a few extra games in 2021 or finally resetting their franchise with the 2022 draft?

If youre going to be bad, youre better off being horrible. Thats the golden rule in modern pro sports. Thats what the Astros did. Thats what the Rockets are doing.

The Texans finally impressed us by fighting for a tough win against the Titans. Then things got complicated again.

brian.smith@chron.com

twitter.com./chronbriansmith

Read this article:

Smith: A reality check after Texans' win over Titans - Houston Chronicle