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Host Dr. Nate Pennell and his guest, Dr. Chloe Atreya, discuss the ASCO Educational Book article, “Integrative Oncology: Incorporating Evidence-Based Approaches to Patients With GI Cancers,” highlighting the use of mind-body approaches, exercise, nutrition, acupuncture/acupressure, and natural products. Transcript Dr. Nate Pennell: Welcome to ASCO Education: By the Book, our new monthly podcast series that will feature engaging discussions between editors and authors from the ASCO Educational Book. We'll be bringing you compelling insights on key topics featured in Education Sessions at ASCO meetings and some deep dives on the approaches shaping modern oncology. I'm Dr. Nate Pennell, director of the Cleveland Clinic Lung Cancer Medical Oncology Program as well as vice chair of clinical research for the Taussig Cancer Institute. Today, I'm delighted to welcome Dr. Chloe Atreya, a professor of Medicine in the GI Oncology Group at the University of California, San Francisco, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health, to discuss her article titled, “Integrative Oncology Incorporating Evidence-Based Approaches to Patients With GI Cancers”, which was recently published in the ASCO Educational Book. Our full disclosures are available in the transcript of this episode. Dr. Atreya, it's great to have you on the podcast today. Thanks for joining me. Dr. Chloe Atreya: Thanks Dr. Pennell. It's a pleasure to be here. Dr. Nate Pennell: Dr. Atreya, you co-direct the UCSF Integrative Oncology Program with a goal to really help patients with cancer live as well as possible. And before we dive into the review article and guidelines, I'd love to just know a little bit about what inspired you to go into this field? Dr. Chloe Atreya: Yeah, thank you for asking. I've had a long-standing interest in different approaches to medicine from global traditions and I have a degree in pharmacology, and I continue to work on new drug therapies for patients with colorectal cancer. And one thing that I found is that developing new drugs is a long-term process and often we're not able to get the drugs to the patients in front of us. And so early on as a new faculty member at UCSF, I was trying to figure out what I could do for the patient in front of me if those new drug therapies may not be available in their lifetime. And one thing I recognized was that in some conversations the patient and their family members, even if the patient had metastatic disease, they were able to stay very present and to live well without being sidelined by what might happen in the future. And then in other encounters, people were so afraid of what might be happening in the future, or they may have regrets maybe about not getting that colonoscopy and that was eroding their ability to live well in the present. So, I started asking the patients and family members who were able to stay present, “What's your secret? How do you do this?” And people would tell me, “It's my meditation practice,” or “It's my yoga practice.” And so, I became interested in this. And an entry point for me, and an entry point to the Osher Center at UCSF was that I took the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program to try to understand experientially the evidence for this and became very interested in it. I never thought I would be facilitating meditation for patients, but it became a growing interest. And as people are living longer with cancer and are being diagnosed at younger ages, often with young families, how one lives with cancer is becoming increasingly important. Dr. Nate Pennell: I've always been very aware that it seemed like the patients that I treated who had the best quality of life during their life with cancer, however that ended up going, were those who were able to sort of compartmentalize it, where, when it was time to focus on discussing treatment or their scans, they were, you know, of course, had anxiety and other things that went along with that. But when they weren't in that, they were able to go back to their lives and kind of not think about cancer all the time. Whereas other people sort of adopt that as their identity almost is that they are living with cancer and that kind of consumes all of their time in between visits and really impacts how they're able to enjoy the rest of their lives. And so, I was really interested when I was reading your paper about how mindfulness seemed to be sort of like a formal way to help patients achieve that split. I'm really happy that we're able to talk about that. Dr. Chloe Atreya: Yeah, I think that's absolutely right. So, each of our patients is more than their cancer diagnosis. And the other thing I would say is that sometimes patients can use the cancer diagnosis to get to, “What is it that I really care about in life?” And that can actually heighten an experience of appreciation for the small things in life, appreciation for the people that they love, and that can have an impact beyond their lifetime. Dr. Nate Pennell: Just in general, I feel like integrative medicine has come a long way, especially over the last decade or so. So, there's now mature data supporting the incorporation of elements of integrative oncology into comprehensive cancer care. We've got collaborations with ASCO. They've published clinical practice guidelines around diet, around exercise, and around the use of cannabinoids. ASCO has worked with the Society for Integrative Oncology to address management of pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue – lots of different evidence bases now to try to help guide people, because this is certainly something our patients are incredibly interested in learning about. Can you get our listeners up to speed a little bit on the updated guidelines and resources supporting integrative oncology? Dr. Chloe Atreya: Sure. I can give a summary of some of the key findings. And these are rigorous guidelines that came together by consensus from expert panels. I had the honor of serving on the anxiety and depression panel. So, these panels will rate the quality of the evidence available to come up with a strength of recommendation. I think that people are at least superficially aware of the importance of diet and physical activity and that cannabis and cannabinoids have evidence of benefit for nausea and vomiting. They may not be aware of some of the evidence supporting these other modalities. So, for anxiety and depression, mindfulness-based interventions, which include meditation and meditative movement, have the strongest level of evidence. And the clinical practice guidelines indicate that they should be offered to any adult patient during or after treatment who is experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. Other modalities that can help with anxiety and depression include yoga and Tai Chi or Qigong. And with the fatigue guidelines, mindfulness-based interventions are also strongly recommended, along with exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy, Tai Chi and Qigong during treatment, yoga after treatment. And some of these recommendations also will depend on where the evidence is. So, yoga is an example of an intervention that I think can be helpful during treatment, but most of our evidence is on patients who are post-treatment. So, most of our guidelines separate out during treatment and the post-treatment phase because the quality of evidence may be different for these different phases of treatment. With the pain guidelines, the strongest recommendation is for acupuncture, specifically for people with breast cancer who may be experiencing joint pain related to aromatase inhibitors. However, acupuncture and other therapies, including massage, can be helpful with pain as well. So those are a few of the highlights. Dr. Nate Pennell: Yeah, I was surprised at the really good level of evidence for the mindfulness-based practices because I don't think that's the first thing that jumps to mind when I think about integrative oncology. I tend to think more about physical interventions like acupuncture or supplements or whatnot. So, I think this is really fantastic that we're highlighting this. And a lot of these interventions like the Qigong, Tai Chi, yoga, is it the physical practice of those that benefits them or is it that it gives them something to focus on, to be mindful of? Is that the most important intervention? It doesn't really matter what you're doing as long as you have something that kind of takes you out of your experience and allows you to focus on the moment. Dr. Chloe Atreya: I do think it is a mind, body and spirit integration, so that all aspects are important. We also say that the best practice is the one that you actually practice. So, part of the reason that it's important to have these different modalities is that not everybody is going to take up meditation. And there may be people for whom stationary meditation, sitting and meditating, works well, and other people for whom meditative movement practices may be what they gravitate to. And so, I think that it's important to have a variety of options. And one thing that's distinct from some of our pharmacologic therapies is that the safety of these is, you know, quite good. So, it becomes less important to say, “Overall, is Tai Chi better or is yoga better?” for instance. It really depends on what it is that someone is going to take up. Dr. Nate Pennell: And of course, something that's been really nice evidence-based for a long time, even back when I was in my training in the 2000s with Jennifer Temel at Massachusetts General Hospital, was the impact of physical activity and exercise on patients with cancer. It seems like that is pretty much a universally good recommendation for patients. Dr. Chloe Atreya: Yes, that's absolutely right. Physical activity has been associated with improved survival after a cancer diagnosis. And that's both cancer specific survival and overall survival. The other thing I'll say about physical activity, especially the mindful movement practices like Tai Chi and Qigong and yoga, is that they induce physiologic shifts in the body that can promote relaxation, so they can dampen that stress response in a physiologic way. And these movement practices are also the best way to reduce cancer-associated fatigue. Dr. Nate Pennell: One of the things that patients are always very curious about when they talk to me, and I never really feel like I'm as well qualified as I'd like to be to advise them around dietary changes in nutrition. And can you take me a little bit through some of the evidence base for what works and what doesn't work? Dr. Chloe Atreya: Sure. I do think that it needs to be tailored to the patient's needs. Overall, a diet that is plant-based and includes whole grains is really important. And I often tell patients to eat the rainbow because all of those different phytochemicals that cause the different colors in our fruits and vegetables are supporting different gut microbiota. So that is a basis for a healthy gut microbiome. That said, you know, if someone is experiencing symptoms related to cancer or cancer therapy, it is important to tailor dietary approaches. This is where some of the mindful eating practices can help. So, sometimes actually not just focusing on what we eat, but how we eat can help with symptoms that are associated with eating. So, some of our patients have loss of appetite, and shifting one's relationship to food can help with nutrition. Sometimes ‘slow it down' practices can help both with appetite and with digestion. Dr. Nate Pennell: One of the things that you said both in the paper and just now on our podcast, talking about how individualized and personalized this is. And I really liked the emphasis that you had on flexibility and self-compassion over rigid discipline and prescriptive recommendations here. And this is perhaps one of the real benefits of having an integrative oncology team that can work with patients as opposed to them just trying to find things online. Dr. Chloe Atreya: Yes, particularly during treatment, I think that's really important. And that was borne out by our early studies we called “Being Present.” So, after I was observing the benefits anecdotally among my patients of the ability to be present, we designed these pilot studies to teach meditation and meditative practices to patients. And in these pilot studies, the original ones were pretty prescriptive in a way that mindfulness-based stress reduction is fairly prescriptive in terms of like, “This is what we're asking you to do. Just stick with the program.” And there can be benefits if you can stick with the program. It's really hard though if someone is going through treatment and with GI cancers, it may be that they're getting chemotherapy every two weeks and they have one week where they're feeling really crummy and another week where they're trying to get things done. And we realized that sometimes people were getting overwhelmed and feeling like the mindfulness practice was another thing on their to-do list and that they were failing if they didn't do this thing that was important for them. And so, we've really kind of changed our emphasis. And part of our emphasis now is on incorporating mindfulness practices into daily life. Any activity that doesn't require a lot of executive function can be done mindfully, meaning with full attention. And so, especially for some of our very busy patients, that can be a way of, again, shifting how I'm doing things rather than adding a new thing to do. Dr. Nate Pennell: And then another part I know that patients are always very curious about that I'm really happy to see that we're starting to build an evidence base for is the use of supplements and natural products. So, can you take us a little bit through where we stand in terms of evidence behind, say, cannabis and some of the other available products out there? Dr. Chloe Atreya: Yeah, I would say that is an area that requires a lot more study. It's pretty complicated because unlike mindfulness practices where there are few interactions with other treatments, there is the potential for interactions, particularly with the supplements. And the quality of the supplements matters. And then there tends to be a lot of heterogeneity among the studies both in the patients and what other treatments they may be receiving, as well as the doses of the supplements that they're receiving. One of my earliest mentors at Yale is someone named Dr. Tommy Chang, who has applied the same rigor that that we apply to testing of biomedical compounds to traditional Chinese medicine formulas. And so, ensuring that the formulation is stable and then formally testing these formulations along with chemotherapy. And we need more funding for that type of research in order to really elevate our knowledge of these natural products. We often will direct patients to the Memorial Sloan Kettering ‘About Herbs, Botanicals, and Other Products' database as one accessible source to learn more about the supplements. We also work with our pharmacists who can provide the data that exists, but we do need to take it with a grain of salt because of the heterogeneity in the data. And then it's really important if people are going to take supplements, for them to take supplements that are of high quality. And that's something in the article that we list all of the things that one should look for on the label of a supplement to ensure that it is what it's billed to be. Dr. Nate Pennell: So, most of what we've been talking about so far has really been applying to all patients with cancer, but you of course are a GI medical oncologist, and this is a publication in the Educational Book from the ASCO GI Symposium. GI cancers obviously have an incredibly high and rising incidence rate among people under 50, representing a quarter of all cancer incidence worldwide, a third of cancer related deaths worldwide. Is there something specific that GI oncologists and patients with GI cancers can take home from your paper or is this applicable to pretty much everyone? Dr. Chloe Atreya: Yeah, so the evidence that we review is specifically for GI cancers. So, it shows both its strengths and also some of the limitations. So many of the studies have focused on other cancers, especially breast cancer. In the integrative oncology field, there are definitely gaps in studying GI cancers. At the same time, I would say that GI cancers are very much linked to lifestyle in ways that are complicated, and we don't fully understand. However, the best ways that we can protect against development of GI cancers, acknowledging that no one is to blame for developing a GI cancer and no one is fully protected, but the best things that we can do for overall health and to prevent GI cancers are a diet that is plant-based, has whole grains. There's some data about fish that especially the deep-water fish, may be protective and then engaging in physical activity. One thing I would like for people to take away is that these things that we know that are preventative against developing cancer are also important after development of a GI cancer. Most of the data comes from studies of patients with colorectal cancer and that again, both cancer specific and overall mortality is improved with better diet and with physical activity. So, this is even after a cancer diagnosis. And I also think that, and this is hard to really prove, but we're in a pretty inflammatory environment right now. So, the things that we can do to decrease stress, improve sleep, decrease inflammation in the body, and we do know that inflammation is a risk factor for developing GI cancers. So, I think that all of the integrative modalities are important both for prevention and after diagnosis. Dr. Nate Pennell: And one of the things you just mentioned is that most of the studies looking at integrative oncology and GI cancers have focused on colorectal cancer, which of course, is the most common GI cancer. But you also have pointed out that there are gaps in research and what's going on and what needs to be done in order to broaden some of this experience to other GI cancers. Dr. Chloe Atreya: Yeah, and I will say that there are gaps even for colorectal cancer. So right now, some of the authors on the article are collaborating on a textbook chapter for the Society for Integrative Oncology. And so, we're again examining the evidence specifically for colorectal cancer and are in agreement that the level of evidence specific to colorectal cancer is not as high as it is for all patients with adult cancers. And so even colorectal cancer we need to study more. Just as there are different phases of cancer where treatments may need to be tailored, we also may need to tailor our treatments for different cancer types. And that includes what symptoms the patients are commonly experiencing and how intense the treatment is, and also the duration of treatment. Those are factors that can influence which modalities may be most important or most applicable to a given individual. Dr. Nate Pennell: So, a lot of this sounds fantastic. It sounds like things that a lot of patients would really appreciate working into their care. Your article focused a little bit on some of the logistics of providing this type of care, including group medical visits, multidisciplinary clinics staffed by multiple types of clinicians, including APPs and psychologists, and talked about the sustainability of this in terms of increasing the uptake of guideline-based integrative oncology. Talk a little bit more about both at your institution, I guess, and the overall health system and how this might be both sustainable and perhaps how we broaden this out to patients outside of places like UCSF. Dr. Chloe Atreya: Yes, that's a major focus of our research effort. A lot of comprehensive cancer centers and other places where patients are receiving care, people may have access to dietitians, which is really important and nutritionists. In the article we also provide resources for working with exercise therapists and those are people who may be working remotely and can help people, for instance, who may be in, in rural areas. And then our focus with the mind-body practices in particular has been on group medical visits. And this grew out of, again, my ‘being present' pilot studies where we were showing some benefit. But then when the grant ends, there isn't a way to continue to deliver this care. And so, we were asking ourselves, you know, is there a way to make this sustainable? And group medical visits have been used in other settings, and they've been working really well at our institution and other institutions are now taking them up as well. And this is a way that in this case it's me and many of my colleagues who are delivering these, where I can see eight or ten patients at once. In my case, it's a series of four two-hour sessions delivered by telehealth. So, we're able to focus on the integrative practices in a way that's experiential. So, in the clinic I may be able to mention, you know, after we go over the CT scans, after we go over the labs and the molecular profiling, you know, may be able to say, “Hey, you know, meditation may be helpful for your anxiety,” but in the group medical visits we can actually practice meditation, we can practice chair yoga. And that's where people have that experience in their bodies of these different modalities. And the feedback that we're receiving is that that sticks much more to experience it then you have resources to continue it. And then the group is helpful both in terms of delivery, so timely and efficient care for patients. It's also building community and reducing the social isolation that many of our patients undergoing treatment for cancer experience. Dr. Nate Pennell: I think that makes perfect sense, and I'm glad you brought up telehealth as an option. I don't know how many trained integrative oncologists there are out there, but I'm going to guess this is not a huge number out there. And much like other specialties that really can improve patients' quality of life, like palliative medicine, for example, not everyone has access to a trained expert in their cancer center, and things like telemedicine and telehealth can really potentially broaden that. How do you think telehealth could help broaden the exposure of cancer patients and even practitioners of oncology to integrative medicine? Dr. Chloe Atreya: Yes, I think that telehealth is crucial for all patients with cancer to be able to receive comprehensive cancer care, no matter where they're receiving their chemotherapy or other cancer-directed treatments. So, we will routinely be including patients who live outside of San Francisco. Most of our patients live outside of San Francisco. There's no way that they could participate if they had to drive into the city again to access this. And in the group setting, it's not even safe for people who are receiving chemotherapy to meet in a group most times. And with symptoms, often people aren't feeling so well and they're able to join us on Zoom in a way that they wouldn't be able to make the visit if it was in person. And so, this has really allowed us to expand our catchment area and to include patients, in our case, in all of California. You also mentioned training, and that's also important. So, as someone who's involved in the [UCSF] Osher Collaborative, there are faculty scholars who are at universities all over the US, so I've been able to start training some of those physicians to deliver group medical visits at their sites as well via telehealth. Dr. Nate Pennell: I'm glad we were able to make a plug for that. We need our political leadership to continue to support reimbursement for telehealth because it really does bring access to so many important elements of health care to patients who really struggle to travel to tertiary care centers. And their local cancer center can be quite a distance away. So, sticking to the theme of training, clinician education and resources are really crucial to continue to support the uptake of integrative oncology in comprehensive cancer care. Where do you think things stand today in terms of clinician education and professional development in integrative oncology. Dr. Chloe Atreya: It's growing. Our medical students now are receiving training in integrative medicine, and making a plug for the Educational Book, I was really happy that ASCO let us have a table that's full of hyperlinks. So that's not typical for an article. Usually, you have to go to the reference list, but I really wanted to make it practical and accessible to people, both the resources that can be shared with patients that are curated and selected that we thought were of high-quality examples for patients. At the bottom of that table also are training resources for clinicians, and some of those include: The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, where people can receive training in how to teach these mind-body practices; The Integrated Center for Group Medical Visits, where people can learn how to develop their own group medical visits; of course, there's the Society for Integrative Oncology; and then I had just mentioned the Osher Collaborative Faculty Fellowship. Dr. Nate Pennell: Oh, that is fantastic. And just looking through, I mean, this article is really a fantastic resource both of the evidence base behind all of the elements that we've discussed today. Actually, the table that you mentioned with all of the direct hyperlinks to the resources is fantastic. Even recommendations for specific dietary changes after GI cancer diagnosis. So, I highly recommend everyone read the full paper after they have listened to the podcast today. Before we wrap up, is there anything that we didn't get a chance to discuss that you wanted to make sure our listeners are aware of? Dr. Chloe Atreya: One thing that I did want to bring up is the disparities that exist in access to high quality symptom management care. So, patients who are racial and ethnic minorities, particularly our black and Latinx patients, the evidence shows that they aren't receiving the same degree of symptom management care as non-Hispanic White patients. And that is part of what may be leading to some of the disparities in cancer outcomes. So, if symptoms are poorly managed, it's harder for patients to stay with the treatment, and integrative oncology is one way to try to, especially with telehealth, this is a way to try to improve symptom management for all of our patients to help improve both their quality of life and their cancer outcomes. Dr. Nate Pennell: Well, Dr. Atreya, it's been great speaking with you today and thank you for joining me on the ASCO Education: By the Book Podcast and thank you for all of your work in advancing integrative oncology for GI cancers and beyond. Dr. Chloe Atreya: Thank you, Dr. Pennell. It's been a pleasure speaking with you. Dr. Nate Pennell: And thank you to all of our listeners who joined us today. You'll find a link to the article discussed today in the transcript of the episode. We hope you'll join us again for more insightful views on topics you'll be hearing at the Education Sessions from ASCO meetings throughout the year and our deep dives on approaches that are shaping modern oncology. Disclaimer: The purpose of this podcast is to educate, educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience, and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity, or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement. Follow today's speakers: Dr. Nathan Pennell @n8pennell @n8pennell.bsky.social Dr. Chloe Atreya Follow ASCO on social media: @ASCO on X (formerly Twitter) ASCO on Bluesky ASCO on Facebook ASCO on LinkedIn Disclosures: Dr. Nate Pennell: Consulting or Advisory Role: AstraZeneca, Lilly, Cota Healthcare, Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genentech, Amgen, G1 Therapeutics, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Viosera, Xencor, Mirati Therapeutics, Janssen Oncology, Sanofi/Regeneron Research Funding (Institution): Genentech, AstraZeneca, Merck, Loxo, Altor BioScience, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Jounce Therapeutics, Mirati Therapeutics, Heat Biologics, WindMIL, Sanofi Dr. Chloe Atreya: Consulting or Advisory Role: Roche Genentech, Agenus Research Funding (Institution): Novartis, Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Guardant Health, Gossamer Bio, Erasca, Inc.
Matt Capozzi has always loved being in the mountains, but he's also enjoyed an incredible career working in product design for brands like Burton, Nike, Nixon, and Smith. In 2015, Matt had a wild idea to help people ‘bring the mountains home,' which led to the creation of North Drinkware, which produces beautiful, artisanal products — like handblown glassware — made in Oregon.Today I talk with Matt about how a life spent designing everything from snowboarding bindings, to wearable fitness tech, to watches led him to the improbable (and rather harrowing) launch of North Drinkware. We also get into the art of glass blowing, the science of crafting your favorite mountains into the bottoms of drinkware, why authenticity is everything, and what the future of North looks like.RELATED LINKS:Check out the Blister Craft CollectiveBecome a BLISTER+ MemberNorth DrinkwareTOPICS & TIMES:Blister Craft Collective (1:20)What is North Drinkware? (3:12)Matt's Love of Snow (7:08)Designing for Burton, Nike, Nixon, & More (11:44)The Initial Idea of North (16:05)The Highs & Lows of Launching (21:55)How Their Glasses are Produced Today (38:02)Other Products (41:42)Selecting the Next Mountain? (45:40)How North Thinks about Growth (49:19)SEE OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Season 4, Episode 169: Hey Thrive Tribe!!! Hope all is well. If you are a parent with a child headed to college, this episode is for you. Let's embark on a transformative episode as we delve into 'Preparing Your Child for College' with our esteemed guest, Dr. Pamela Ellis, renowned as the Education Doctor. Join us as Dr. Ellis shares her expertise in guiding parents and their children through the essential steps of preparing for the college journey. In this insightful conversation, discover practical tips, valuable insights, and the essential mindset needed for a successful transition to higher education. Whether you're a parent navigating this process for the first time or seeking valuable advice, Dr. Ellis's expertise is your essential guide to preparing your child for a fulfilling college experience. Dr. Ellis's Contact: Email: drpamela@compasscollegeadvisory.com Website: www.compasscollegeadvisory.com Link to Planner. www.collegeprep.store Link to Other Products: https://collegeprepstore.com/products/wtk-book-scholarship-calendar-shipping collegeprepmadeeasy.com Social Media: Dr. Pamela Ellis
In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, we chat with Chirag and Lauren from Blaze App about their journey into Web3, crypto, and blockchain. They share how Blaze App leverages blockchain data to create personalized marketing campaigns and trading tools. We also discuss the challenges of analyzing on-chain data, the future of AI in trading, and the latest trends in the Web3 space. Whether you're a crypto trader or curious about blockchain innovation, this episode offers valuable insights. Tune in to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of Web3! Key Learnings with Timestamps [00:01:44] Background: Lauren: from Goldman to Coinbase in 2017; Chirag: captivated by its abstract nature. [00:04:20] Problem Blaze AI Solves: Issues with data usage and seeking to maximize it [00:08:05] Automations: How Blaze helps with marketing using AI to create automations. [00:10:01] Web2 vs Web3 Socials: Why Web3 social platforms don't get as much traction as Web2 [00:15:15] Workflows: Using Blaze to create workflows [00:18:09] Target Audience and Main Users: GameFi, DeFi, infrastructure layer, etc [00:18:49] Differences from Other Products: how does blaze differentiate from other automation and workflow building platforms? [00:21:07] Blaze AI and Dune Analytics: Are they similar? [00:25:08] Handing Disclaimers: How they ensure they aren't seen as providing financial advice. [00:26:37] Bloomberg terminals: Web3 companies making Bloomberg terminals? [00:30:12] Possible Big Changes: ETF approval and other possible big developments in Web3 [00:34:11] Grass: A tool used to scrape through websites [00:34:48] AI Trends: What does the future hold? [00:39:09] Requests or Current Concerns: Whether funding, hiring, etc. Disclaimer Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Connect https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-rothwell-8403b052 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiragmahapatra/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/withblazeapp/ https://www.withblaze.app/ https://x.com/blaze_ai https://x.com/_laurenrothwell Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/
Camille Jaccoux, co-founder of Black Crows Skis, is back on GEAR:30 to catch up on what the brand has been up to since last we spoke four years ago; the legacy of the iconic Corvus; how they overhauled it for 24/25; other new products they're rolling out this winter; and a whole lot more.RELATED LINKS:Bag Balm: use code BLISTER to get 20% offBLISTER+: Become a MemberCamille Jaccoux on Blister Podcast Ep.144Camille & Julien Regnier on GEAR:30 Ep.64TOPICS & TIMES:Black Crows Since the Pandemic (4:04)Touring Lineup (7:33)New Octo & Octo Birdie (9:59)Global Market Share (15:39)The Corvus Legacy (20:09)New 24/25 Corvus (25:42)24/25 Lineup Highlights (33:00)Other Products (42:30)Ghost Resorts (45:06)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister PodcastOff The Couch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Following Episode 133 with Lee Wright, CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe, we head back to the company's 2024 Brand Summit in Dallas, TX to take a look behind the scenes with some key leaders on the formulation and regulatory side of the company. Inside the Vitamin Shoppe Brands Episode 134 of the PricePlow Podcast is a double feature — first, we talk to Senior Brand Manager, Tabitha Daley, and Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Brian Tanzer. After that, we patch in a conversation with Dustin Elliott, who was also Senior Brand Manager at the time of recording. In this episode, you'll understand how The Vitamin Shoppe approaches formulation within their house brands, manages relationships with their third parties, and deals with regulatory concerns regarding dietary supplement ingredients. We learn a bit about PLNT, BodyTech Elite, and VThrive, three major parts of the Vitamin Shoppe's strategy — these aren't just traditional white label brands! https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/vitamin-shoppe-brands-134 Video: An Inside Look at The Vitamin Shoppe's Brands https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikO8FwxmngY Detailed Show Notes (0:00) – Introductions (3:00) – Vitamin Shoppe Summit (7:00) – New Ingredients (11:15) – PLNT (14:30) – Employee Insights (18:10) – Education (24:30) – Ozempic and the Supplement Industry (27:45) – Dustin Introduction (33:45) – Testosterone-Boosting Supplements (41:45) – Other Products (45:45) – Private Label Where to Find Brian, Tabitha, and The Vitamin Shoppe The Vitamin Shoppe Instagram: @VitaminShoppe LinkedIn: Brian Tanzer, Tabitha Daley Thanks again to The Vitamin Shoppe for hosting the 2024 Brand Summit, and for everybody's time we were allowed to take up! Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your platform of choice, sign up for our Vitamin Shoppe blog alerts below, and leave us reviews on iTunes and Spotify!
Eco Instant is a Colombia Farmland Investor who owns almost 100 acres. In this episode we discuss how to buy and manage farmland in Colombia. Buying farmland in LatAm is everybody's dream, and here's how to do it.
On this week's episode, Alora McKinley speaks with 4-Legger founders Melissa Boland and Angela Copple about the potential harms of dog shampoos laden with harsh chemicals. They highlight symptoms of skin irritation and allergies provoked by certain shampoo ingredients. They also unpack 4-Legger's dedication to organic and natural components. Show Notes: (00:00:40) Introduction of Melissa Boland & Angela Copple (00:01:20) How Dog Shampoos Cause Skin Allergies (00:05:10) Chemicals Pet Parents Should Know About (00:10:00) Effects of Environmental Toxins on Humans and Our Dogs (00:15:00) Do Dogs' Skin Dry Out From Frequent Bathing? (00:16:40) Ingredients in 4-Legger Products (00:18:22) Pet Shampoo Ingredient Database (00:23:04) Feedback on 4-Legger From Pet Parents (00:29:45) Why You Should Use The Ingredient Database When Buying Pet Shampoo (00:31:30) Other Products of 4-Legger Follow 4-legger: http://www.4-legger.com https://www.instagram.com/4leggerz/ Follow our Dog Health Host, Alora Mckinley, at https://www.instagram.com/centerfyr_gsp. Want to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummits Check out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/
Are you struggling with food sensitivities but don't want to eliminate your favorite foods? I've got good news for you! In this episode of the Love Your Gut podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Brian Kaufman, an expert in digestive health and infectious disease, about how to improve your food sensitivities without having to cut out all the foods you love. Discover how you can achieve the outcome you desire – finding relief from food sensitivities – while still enjoying a wide variety of delicious meals. We dive into the fascinating world of food sensitivities, discussing practical strategies and tips to alleviate symptoms while still enjoying a diverse diet. If you're tired of feeling restricted by your food sensitivities, this episode is a must-listen! Topics covered in this episode: Deep dive the role of serum bovine immunoglobulin in promoting a healthy digestive system.Learn the vital role of immunoglobulins in boosting your body's defenses.Uncover the hidden connection between serum bovine immunoglobulin and the improvement of leaky gut symptoms.Grasp the complex connection between stress and its impact on gut health.Get to know how Immunolin effectively aids in managing and improving digestive health conditionsRecommendations:LMNT electrolytesPurchase Immunogoblin products hereFollow Brian Kauffman:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immunolin/Website: https://phb1.com/Follow Dr. HeatherInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drheatherfinley/Website: https://www.drheatherfinley.co/podcast/KEY MOMENTS:04:57 - The Benefits of Immunoglobulin,09:34 - Importance of Gut Health,10:42 - Why Immunoglobulin is Needed Now,15:27 - Understanding the Safety and Dosing of a Protein Supplement,17:42 - Clinical Efficacy and Dosage for Specific Disease States,19:06 - Personal Experience and Benefits of Immunolin,24:54 - Immunolin and its Binding Properties,30:07 - Accessing the Product,31:15 - Other Products,32:59 - IGGI Shield,34:56 - Positive Implications,36:58 - Life Begins in the Gut,
FullyVital Hair Wellness - Are you interested in getting thicker, fuller and longer hair using natural ingredients? Make sure to check out https://fullyvital.com to get the natural products that stimulate hair follicles in 4 unique ways. Use code ANTIAGINGHACKS to get 15% off your first order. Dr. Nick Bitz is a Naturopathic Physician that specializes in Ayurvedic medicine. He is a leading voice in the natural products industry and currently serves as Senior VP of Product Development at Neurohacker Collective. His areas of expertise include nootropics, anti-aging medicine, biohacking, herbology, nutrition and dietary supplements. Get 15% off all Neurohacker products using the code ANTIAGINGHACKS Here are the items we discuss: 2:40 Dr Nick & How He Got Into Health & Wellness 06:10 How Dr Nick Brings Naturopathic Principles Into Products 08:00 What Are The Hallmarks Of Aging? 10:15 What Is Cellular Senescence As A Hallmark Of Aging? 13:05 Do Senescent Cells Harm Surrounding Tissues Or Also Tissues Far Away? 14:30 How Do Senescent Cells Survive Despite Your Body Trying To Get Rid Of Them? 17:20 Can We Target SCAP Networks To Disrupt Senescent Cells? 19:40 Why Use A Natural Approach For Senolytics? 26:00 Is A Systemic Or A Local Approach Better For Senolytics? 27:55 How Did Neurohacker Create This Senolytics Supplement? 29:00 At What Age Should People Start Using Senolytics? 31:00 How Often Should People Use Senolytics? 31:45 Is There A Test To Identify Senescent Cell Burden? 34:40 What Lifestyle Factors Can Help Cellular Senescence? 43:15 Where Can People Get The Neurohacker Senolytic and Other Products?
Links Buffalo Bully Fab Website Matt's Review of the Bully Glyder Episode Outline (0:33) What is Buffalo Bully Fab? (1:06) More about Marc & getting into fabrication (3:14) Buying vs. Building (3:48) Where did the name come from? (4:39) Top product (7:47) What's in the works? (12:21) Second batch of pre-orders (14:09) Moving (17:32) Other Products (22:46) Dealing with copycats (23:29) Glyder update (25:36) What's next? (26:25) Giveaway!
Protect your family from the harmful effects of Cell towers, wifi, blue tooth, smart Tv's computer, your car, and dirty electricity.To purchase the devices mentioned in the show, go to https://www.livingwaterscleanse.com/store/c6/Other_Products.htmlAn overview is available at https://www.livingwaterscleanse.com/electro-magnetic-radiation-protection.htmlWhat can you do to protect your city or county from the harmful effects of Cell towers, and how to regulate Cell towers properly. www.Idahoansforsafetechnology.orgSupport the showwww.LivingWatersCleanse.com Follow us on www.facebook.com/livingwaterswellnesswww.instagram.com/livingwaterswellness Stem Cell Activation Patches www.StemCellPatch.netSupplements www.Bitchchute.com/livingwaterswellnesswww.Youtube.com/livingwaterswellnesscenter
https://youtu.be/_HmFvTbhflU Your weekly source for locksport news and sometimes interviews. Full show notes, including links, can be found at http://www.thelocksportscast.com In this week’s episode: Is ASSA Abloy selling or acquiring Stolen Locksmith Van Recovered Postal holdup leads to car theft ring bust Kromer Protector 1st public pick Sparrows Facepalm The Lock Picker 1969 doing interviews LockMasters Combi Plus Safe Lock Manipulator Other Products Events & Meetups Sales Giveaways and more Announcements: Corrections: News: Exclusive: Assa Abloy considers selling Yale, Emtek brands to win U.S. approval for Spectrum deal | Reuters ASSA ABLOY acquires DoorBird | Security Info Watch Stolen Locksmith Van Recovered – with all the Equipment Onboard Postal worker holdup leads to muscle car theft ring arrests Community News: Kromer Protector (Patent-Post-Kassetten-Eingerichte) Picked and Gutted Albert Lebel - YouTube Videos: Interview with a Lock Picker - Episode 1 Abloy Protec2 #yabende500 #2213 Review HAOSHI Abus DD tool #2228 Who is Lock Pick Mall ? Safe Manipulation & auto dialer PT.1 setup and overview safecracker tool HKS Systems Lock & Safe Safe combination lock manipulation: How to read a Vernier scale Products: Lockmasters. Combi Plus Group II Combination Lock Manipulator & Dialer Hazzertous MFG Ordering - Ratyoke Custom Lockpicks Other Resources: Meetups: Yankee Security Convention DC207 Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite SecureWV Locktoberfest – Pumping Station: One SAINTCON – Keynote Speakers BSides Charleston Pacific Hackers Conference 2022 LPU Karate Belts: beltranking - lockpicking (reddit.com) Mentorship Monday 3: The Belt System 2: Breaking Rules and Getting the Belt All About The Lockpicking Belt Rankings System Speedlocks: Speedlocks.org Lock Stories: Criminals: Sales: Peterson’s Code I0378F2U38EN 25% selected products https://thinkpeterson.com/gsp-flat-roll-pick-set https://thinkpeterson.com/4-wonder-waves-euro-pick-group https://thinkpeterson.com/3-diverse-0-025-gsp-hooks https://thinkpeterson.com/3-bogies-0-025-gsp https://thinkpeterson.com/4-wonder-waves-gsp-pick-group https://thinkpeterson.com/deep-cut-access-picks Lock Picking Sale Items Southord sale items Law Lock tools sale - Review Guru post https://bareboneslockpicking.com/ code ‘Bones15’ for 15% off (excludes Law Lock Tool products) expires end of October https://www.3dlocksport.com/ 10% off. CODE: LSCAST10 https://makolocks.com/ 15% off with code BUYMAKO Unknown exp https://uklockpickers.co.uk/ 10% off with code GIFT Giveaways and Contests: Snake 200 sub giveaway 200 Sub Giveaway & LSK Shop Winner Lady Locks - 300 Subscriber Giveaway 300 Subscriber Giveaway Pugs Picks Locks - 100 Subscriber Giveaway 100 Subscriber Giveaway Dmac 1000 sub giveaway 1000 subscriber DOUBLE giveaway!!!
Homeowners have plenty of options to create their backyard paradise. A traditional concrete patio or wooden deck is simple and functional, or you can show off your style with something like a brick paver patio. But styles and trends change as the years go by, and nothing lasts forever. That's the concern for Vic, who lives in a 1970s home in Hickory, North Carolina. He says, "I have an aging brick paver patio, roughly 9 feet by 20 feet — there are some loose bricks and separating brick posts. It appears pavers are laid on a solid concrete base that is raised and brick-faced." Vic wants to expand the area's footprint for decking, but he's not keen on jackhammering all the current building materials and starting over again. So, he wonders, "Can I, or should I, remove the pavers to the concrete base and use that to build a composite deck? The paver removal would allow for stepdown relief at the slider." Listen to the full segment on the Today's Homeowner Podcast. Also in this episode: Tips for Filling in Mortises on Interior Doors Covering Asbestos Above Basement DuctWork Pro Tips on Replacing Asphalt Shingles with Metal Roofing Best New Product The Ryobi Link Modular Storage System revolutionizes how you store your tools and equipment, and the Ryobi Link Rolling Tool Box lets you take that storage technology on the go. Simple Solutions Ice-Cream Cone Seed Starters—Starting plants from seeds indoors is a great way to get a jump start on summer planting. But, instead of using small plastic pots, try making seed starters out of flat-bottom wafer ice cream cones. Just fill the cones with potting soil, poke a hole in the soil with a pencil and drop in the seeds. Cover the seeds with soil and place the cones in an aluminum baking pan. Mist the soil in each cone with water and place them in a sunny window. Once the seeds have sprouted and the weather is consistently warm enough, plant the seedling—ice-cream cone and all—right into your garden. The cones are biodegradable and will decompose into the garden soil within a week or so. Watch: DIY Seed Starter Made of Ice Cream Cones Add Accent Lighting to Kitchen—Here's how to add subtle accent lighting in your kitchen, without having to call an electrician. For a nice, warm glow, place two strands of LED battery-powered lights on top of the kitchen cabinets, one near the wall and one closer to the front edge of the cabinets. And if you get the lights with a built-in six-hour timer, the lights will automatically turn on each afternoon and off each evening. Watch: The Easy Way to Add LED Accent Lighting Question of the Week Q: I'm installing a new mailbox and want to set the post in the hole and then pour concrete around it. How deep and wide should I dig the hole? Also, I was planning to mix the concrete with water and then pour it into the hole. However, my neighbor said that I can just dump in the dry concrete mix and then add water. Is that right? How does the concrete harden if it's not mixed with water? Skip to 32:35 for the full segment on the Today's Homeowner Podcast. Other Products and Links Mentioned Ryobi Link Modular Storage Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue
Lawn plug aerators are a great tool to get your yard looking its best. But before you start giving your lawn some breathing room, make sure your sprinklers won't get damaged. Listen to this week's podcast to learn how. Also on this episode: Repairing a Drywall Nail Pop, Getting Rid of Squirrels in an Attic, Solving Low Water Pressure in a Bathroom Best New Product This DeWalt Compact Impact Driver makes working in cramped spaces easy! Simple Solutions Fast Fix for Stripped Screw Holes — Here's a quick and clever way to fix a stripped screw hole using a cable tie (a.k.a.: zip-tie). First, remove the screw from the stripped hole, then snip off the end of a cable tie, which is smooth. For this tip, you need to use the ridged part of the cable tie. Press the snipped end of the cable tie into the hole until it bottoms out. Then, cut the cable tie to length, matching the depth of the screw hole. Put the piece of cable tie into the stripped screw hole, then drive in the screw. The ridges in the cable tie give the screw something to bite into, securely holding the screw in place. Homemade furniture polish — Make an affordable, nontoxic furniture polish by mixing 1 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 1/8 cup of lemon juice. Pour the solution into a plant mister and spray it onto wood surfaces. Rub in circles with a dry cotton cloth to remove dust, dirt and grime. Then, use a second cloth to polish the surface in straight lines parallel with the direction of the wood grain. Remove scratches by rubbing with walnut. Question of the Week I'm installing a new mailbox. How deep and wide should I dig the hole, and how do I mix the concrete for it? Listen to this week's podcast for the answer! Other Products and Links Mentioned Moss Out! Moss Killer Lawn Granules, Scotts MossEx, Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix, Sika Fence Post Mix
If replacing an ugly bathtub isn't in your budget, try painting it with a do-it-yourself refinishing kit. The prep work might be grueling, but the payoff is worth it! Listen to this week's podcast for more details. Also on this episode: Fixing Front Porch Cracks Changing Brick Color Painting Dark Wood Paneling What to Ask When Contracting a House Painter Best New Product Gorilla Ladders 18-foot MPXA Aluminum Multi-Position Ladder is four in one! Simple Solutions Easy Organizer for Garden Tools — Most people store their lawn and garden tools in the garage by simply standing them up and leaning them in the corner. There's nothing particularly wrong with this except that it's a little messy and makes it hard to get a tool out. You have to go through a bunch of tools, and sometimes, they fall over. Here's a super simple solution to that problem that only requires three concrete blocks. All you need to do is stack up the blocks wherever you want to store your tools. What you end up with is two deep compartments for storing long-handled tools. The blocks are heavy enough that you don't have to worry about them falling over, no matter how many tools you put in there. If you don't have enough headroom, you can use two blocks so you can lift the tools out. This will give you a neat place where your tools are out of the way and easily accessible, and you don't have to worry about them falling over. Garden Coffee Break — Use leftover tea leaves and coffee grounds to acidify the soil of acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, gardenias and even blueberries. A light sprinkling of about one-quarter of an inch applied once a month will keep the pH of the soil on the slightly acidic side. Question of the Week Q: The wood vertical 4x4 posts on my deck are starting to rot at the bottom where they go down into the concrete. Is there a way to repair the posts or must I replace them entirely? Listen to this week's podcast for the answer! Other Products and Links Mentioned Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer Romabio Paints Rust-Oleum Tile and Tub Refinishing Kit
Small window air conditioner units overall are more efficient than they were a decade ago, but you want to take these things into account before you buy one. Listen to this week's podcast to learn what to look for. Also on this episode: Repairing Cracks in Stucco Recreating This Accent Wall Replacing a Whole House Generator Advice on Range Hood Exhaust Best New Product Complete your smart home and take control of your water quality with this water softener. Simple Solutions Quick and Easy Grout Cleaner — There are plenty of specialty products on the market that are specifically made for cleaning dirty, grungy tile grout. But you might just have something in your home right now that works just as well: toilet bowl cleaner. That's right — the same squeeze bottle of cleanser used to clean toilets does an excellent job of cleaning tile grout. Just squirt a bead of liquid toilet bowl cleaner along the grout joint, wait a few minutes and then wipe off with a scouring sponge. Wall Protector — When prying off baseboard molding, it's often necessary to pry against the wall. However, if you're not careful, it's very easy for the pry bar will dent or bust through the drywall. Prevent this by placing a 1-by-4, 1-by-6 or even a 2-by-4 between the pry bar and wall. And be sure to cut the board about 24 inches long so it spans two studs. The board will not only protect the wall, but it'll also act as a fulcrum, making it easier to pry off the molding. Other Products and Links Mentioned Quikrete Stucco Repair Sealant
John Oozoonian is installing some outdoor flooring for a friend. He wants to know the best way to lay down porcelain tile on a concrete porch and walkway. Listen to learn how. Also on this episode: Danny's Soil Mixture Recommendation for Raised Beds Cleaning a Long Dryer Vent Daich's Tracsafe Anti-Slip Color Coat Installing Cable Deck Railing on a Pond Deck Chelsea's Review of Her Favorite Paint Sprayer Best New Product This portable flooring saw will save you back-and-forth trips to the wood saw table. Simple Solutions Trimming Hard-to-Reach Branches — A pair of loppers is the perfect tool to trim tree branches, especially branches you can easily reach. But what happens when you want to trim a branch that's 10 or 12 feet in the air? You can't easily reach it with the loppers, but you can extend the handles with a PVC pipe. Go out and buy a 10-foot-long PVC pipe and cut it in half. Then simply take the handles of the lopper and slip them inside the pipe. I used a 1¼-inch diameter pipe and it fits perfectly. Now, with five feet of extra reach, you can easily trim high branches without using a ladder. Clean and Disinfect Cutting Boards — Cut a lemon in half crosswise, then sprinkle coarse salt onto the cutting board. Use the cut side of the lemon to scrub the salt into the cutting board. Scrub for 2 – 3 minutes, adding more salt, if necessary. Wipe the board clean and let it dry overnight. If it's a wooden cutting board, treat it with food-grade mineral oil (not vegetable oil) or cutting-board oil made specifically for wood. Question of the Week After applying the grout on my kitchen tile, it turned out to be a different color than what was on the bag. Can I stain or paint it to get the color I want? Listen to this week's podcast for the answer! Other Products and Links Mentioned Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Control RedGard Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane VersaBond White Fortified Thinset Mortar Deflecto Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit Feeney CableRail System TracSafe Anti-Slip Color Coat by Daich Coatings Aqua Mix Grout Colorant Aqua Mix Sulfamic Acid Crystals Polyblend Grout Renew
The previous owners of Rhonda Marko's stucco home in Naples, Fla., loved climbing jasmine growing around the front door. Rhonda, however, isn't a big fan of the venturing vines. She's carefully removed the vines, but some small pieces are left behind. Now, she's wondering how to eliminate them once and for all. Listen to learn how to get rid of them. Also on this episode: A caller's tip for fending off squirrels Ridding a yard of rodents What to do about cracked caulk Best New Product Stylishly store your essentials in plain sight with this easy-to-install hook and rail rack Simple Solutions DIY Soil Test — Each year, it's important to test the pH value of the soil in your garden and lawn to make sure it's not too acidic or too alkaline. You can buy a soil test kit or make your own with baking soda, white vinegar and water. Start by adding a little soil to a clean container, then pour in a half-cup of vinegar. If it starts to fizz and bubble, then the soil is alkaline and you must add sulfur. If there's no reaction, take a second clean container, add some soil, pour in half a cup of water and mix well. Then, add half a cup of baking soda. If it starts to fizz, then the soil is acidic and you must amend it with pulverized lime. If there's no reaction after conducting both tests, then the soil has a neutral pH and there's no need to add any amendments. Question of the Week Q: How can I create a balanced tile pattern around my kitchen peninsula? Listen to this week's podcast for the answer! Other Products and Links Mentioned Daich Coatings Titebond DuraMaster
Power Rangers TTRPG from Renegade Games Studios Episode Introduction Brandon pretty much goes full nerd in this one. He doesn't get a ton of opportunities to talk about Power Rangers and Super Sentai, though, so give him a break. This week he and Josh review Renegade Games Studios' new "Power Rangers Roleplaying Game" which, if you needed a hint, is based on the classic Power Rangers franchise, specifically the first six seasons from the 1990s. It originally was supposed to use the Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition system, but the developers made a late change and created their own system instead, but it still feels a lot like 5e. There are ups (relatively simple to get started) and downs (sloppy production) to this game, but it's worth checking out if you're a fan of Power Rangers. Do you own it? Have you run a game yet? Tell us what you think of it or what you might have done differently if you were the game designer. ----more---- Topics The new Obi-Wan trailer (2:10) Power Rangers RPG (6:00) How the System is Set Up (10:00) So It's Not 5e After All? (13:30) More Like 5e with Another Coat of Paint(17:00) Point Buy and Character Creation (19:00) Powers (27:00) Advanced Spectrum Rangers/Brandon Nerds Out (29:00) More Character Creation - Why A New System Again? (37:00) Clear Production Issues with the Book (39:00) Metal Heroes and Kamen Riders (46:00) Origin of Super Sentai - Thanks, Spiderman (51:00) Zords, How Do They Work? (54:00) Locations and Bestiary (1:04:00) Other Products in This Line (1:09:00) Alter Arms (1:11:00) Wrap Up (1:15:00) Final Nerd Out (1:17:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEvrg5OPft4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-pmgT9aKXY Additional Resources Power Rangers RPG by Renegade Game Studios: https://renegadegamestudios.com/game-world/power-rangers/power-rangers-roleplaying-game/ Alter Arms by Duffy Austin: https://www.alterarms.com/ https://twitter.com/AlterArms "Japanese Spider-Man Is Bonkers" - Caravan of Garbage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6UkKP42jrI Metal Heroes Series Super Sentai Series Kamen Rider Listen, rate, and subscribe! If you like the show, please tell a friend about it. And if you want to tell more people, then please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. You can find and/or support us at all the places below: https://twitter.com/WayOfBrandolore https://twitter.com/BlackCloakDM https://patreon.com/goblinsgrowlers https://facebook.com/GoblinsAndGrowlers https://goblinsandgrowlers.podbean.com (and basically any other podcatcher) https://quidproroll.podbean.com (our sister podcast, an actual play) JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/goblindiscord The Goblins and Growlers Podcast is produced by Goblins and Growlers, a Richmond, Virginia-based tabletop-roleplaying-game content and events company dedicated to inclusivity through TTRPGs.
Bay windows vs. bow windows: A lot of folks wonder about the difference, and which is right for their home. That's the case for Erica from Huntington, Calif. She's wanting to remodel a large flat picture window in her living room to either a bay window or a bow window. Erica asks, “Do you know any reason why we should choose one over the other?” In this week's Podcast Question of the Week, we'll break down the differences. Also on this episode: Removing a Stone Fireplace Mantel Thoughts on Porcelain Flooring Planks Attaching Exterior Front Door Trim Ridding a Pool Deck of Mold and Mildew Repair or Replace Aluminum Windows Getting Rid of Roof Moss Best New Product The Kohler Sous faucet brings the convenience and performance of a professional faucet to your home kitchen. Simple Solutions Fast Fix for Sagging Gutter — If you notice that a section of rain gutter is sagging, chances are the spike that holds the gutter in place has pulled free from the fascia board. The solution is to use pliers to pull out the spike, and then replace it with a long structural screw. And, if possible, always drive the screw through the fascia and into the end of a rafter tail. Paint Color Reminder — This home-decorating tip was submitted by a listener, Betty Dodson. Whenever you paint a room, save two or three extra paint chips of that color, and put them in your wallet, purse or car's glove compartment. Then, when shopping for new curtains, towels, rugs, or other room accessories, you can pull out the paint chips to help you select accessories that best complement the room paint. Other Products and Links Mentioned Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue Envirosafe Algae Mildew Cleaner Quikrete Concrete and Masonry Waterproofing Sealer MOSS OUT! for Roofs and Walks Wet and Forget Xtreme Reach
Crawl space moisture control is a constant worry for people living in high-humidity areas. Moisture in your crawl space can lead to bigger home problems, like warped floorboards and mold, so it's important to keep it under control. Sometimes natural groundwater migrates up into your home, and other times there's a drainage issue you might not be aware of that could be contributing to your crawl space moisture. Flowerbeds and other landscaping can end up damming rainwater and routing it under the house. Next time it's raining, put on your rain gear and look around to see where that water is going when it comes off the roof or through your downspouts on your gutters. Encourage the water to move away from the house by redirecting your downspouts. Listen to the Today's Homeowner Podcast to learn more about this topic. Also on this episode: Swapping Tub and Shower Locations Soil Combinations for Flower Gardens Dealing with Condensation in a Tiny Home Reducing Dust When Sawing Concrete Best New Product The O-Cedar Easywring Rinse Clean Microfiber Spin Mop ensures no shortage of clean water. Simple Solutions Filing System for Owner's Manual — Here's a quick, efficient way to organize owner's manuals for all your tools. Rather than storing all the manuals in one box or drawer, place each one in a zip-lock plastic bag. Then, clip together the individual bags with a binder clip and hang them a nail above your workbench. You can even organize each group of bags into separate categories, such as portable power tools, hand tools and accessories, stationary machinery, and lawn and garden tools. The bags keep the manuals clean and you can easily see through the bags to find the manual you're looking for. Fast Furniture Assembly — Assembling kit furniture often requires the use of a hex-key wrench, also known as an Allen wrench, which is painfully slow. Here's how to speed up the process: Secure the hex-key wrench in a vise and cut off the shorter end of the wrench with a hacksaw or grinder. Then, chuck the long straight section into a cordless drill. Adjust the drill's torque setting to the lowest number, and drive in the fasteners in mere seconds. Question of the Week Q: We just bought a 1,200-square-foot condo that was built in 2010. It has popcorn ceilings throughout, which are in perfectly good shape. I don't really mind the popcorn, but my wife hates it. Can I remove the popcorn myself or should I hire a contractor? Listen for the answer! Other Products and Links Mentioned National Gypsum Gold Bond Sound Break XP Wall Board Homax Ceiling Texture Scraper for Popcorn Ceiling Removal Armstrong Popcorn Ceiling covering products Black Kow Compost Miracle-Gro Expand 'n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix Hilti brand concrete saws
Brick wall insulation can be costly to install. If your brick home feels drafty, there are some ways to remedy the cold before jumping into installing extra insulation. Mary from Colorado Springs says her brick home doesn't heat evenly and questions if insulation was even installed in the 1957 home. We doubt insulation was not put in place when the home was first built, but as always in home improvement, you never know what kinds of “improving” the person before you did. Listen to The Today's Homeowner Podcast for a simple way to check for insulation behind brick walls, along with tips to install brick wall insulation and how to check your home's envelope for air leaks. Simple Solutions Finding a Stud Without a Stud Finder — When hanging or mounting objects to a wall, it's best to drive the nail or screw into a wall stud. But how do you know exactly where the studs are? You could purchase an electronic stud finder, but they're not very reliable. Here's a simple way to locate studs, using items you probably already have on hand. First, get a small magnet and tape it to a length of string. Then, hold the end of the string and slide the magnet along the wall about four feet above the floor. When the magnet passes over a nail or screw, it'll stick in place, indicating the location of a stud. Paint Color Reminder — Here's a clever way to remember wall paint colors: Write the paint's brand and color on a piece of paper and then stick it to the back of the light-switch cover plate in the room. Then, when it's time to repaint, just remove the cover plate to discover which paint to buy. You can also ask the associate at the paint department to print out an extra sticker with all the paint's information. Question of the Week Q: I have a paver driveway that's made up of six-by-nine-inch concrete pavers. I want to reseal and re-sand it, but the gaps between the pavers are very small, only about 1/16- to 1/8-inch wide. I'd like to use polymeric sand but heard that it's only good for joints measuring a quarter inch or larger. We get pretty heavy rain here in north Florida, and I'd like to prevent the sand from being washed out. Listen for our answer! Other Products and Links Mentioned Daich Coatings Quikrete PowerLoc Jointing Sand Fluidmaster Toilet Repair Kits
Converting your bathtub into a tub shower combo is easier than you may think. You'll need to make the waterline vertical so it can supply water to a showerhead. You'll also need to install a diverter valve on the waterspout in the tub. Skip to 17:36 for an overview of converting your bathtub into a tub shower combo. Also in this episode: Insulation Basics Hot Patch Drywall Repair Tips for Increasing Humidity Easy Sidewalk Installation Cleaning a Glass Shower Door Simple Solutions Nylon String Pipe Cutter — As improbable as it sounds, you can cut PVC pipe with nothing more than a length of nylon mason's line. Here's how: First, tie a wooden stick to each end of the line to create two handles. Loop the line under the pipe and pull up on the handles so the line is tight against the underside of the pipe. Now, pull up on the handles with alternating hands to “saw” through the pipe. This works because friction caused by the nylon line against the pipe actually melts the plastic. It's important to keep the line moving at all times, otherwise, the melted plastic will harden, trapping the line. Wall Protector — Installing casings around a window or door often requires drilling pilot holes into the miter joints prior to driving in the finishing nails. However, because of the close proximity to the wall, the spinning drill chuck can easily mar the wall. Prevent this by holding a thin sheet of cardboard against the wall. And leave the cardboard in place when nailing to protect the wall from the hammerhead. Question of the Week Q: My wife would like to change two standard doorway openings into curved archways. I'm pretty handy, but I don't have any idea how to even start. Must I cut out the existing wall frame, and how can I create the curve along the top of the doorway opening? Listen to the podcast for the answer! Other Products and Links Mentioned CurveMakers Arch Kits
The BBBs celebrate the Bengals' monster comeback win over the Chiefs to reach Super Bowl LVI and discuss the Royal Rumble and AEW Beach Break. In this episode, Brett and Beaumont talk about: The Bengals Are Going to the Super Bowl! (0:00) Manscaped - The Plow 2.0 and Other Products (32:12) WWE Royal Rumble 2022/AEW Beach Break (36:19) Use promo code “BBB” at Manscaped.com for 20% off and free shipping Follow @BrainBusterBoys on Twitter and Instagram Brought to you by Visionaries Global Media
The BBBs celebrate the Bengals' monster comeback win over the Chiefs to reach Super Bowl LVI and discuss the Royal Rumble and AEW Beach Break. In this episode, Brett and Beaumont talk about: The Bengals Are Going to the Super Bowl! (0:00) Manscaped - The Plow 2.0 and Other Products (32:12) WWE Royal Rumble 2022/AEW Beach Break (36:19) Use promo code “BBB” at Manscaped.com for 20% off and free shipping Follow @BrainBusterBoys on Twitter and Instagram Brought to you by Visionaries Global Media
Installation of vinyl floor over ceramic tile is an inexpensive way to hide old, worn-out tiles. That's the case for Vicky in Kentucky. Her half-century-old house's vinyl flooring is a dreary gray color. She can't afford to rip up the tile, and she's worried that installing more tile over the ceramic will raise the threshold and become a tripping hazard. The installation of vinyl over a ceramic tile floor can be intimidating, but it's actually simple. Listen to The Today's Homeowner Podcast for more information! Also in this episode: Using Kitchen Cabinets for Garage Storage Fixing Cracks in Crown Molding Combatting Condensation on Windows The Basics of Blown-In Insulation Question of the Week Q: What are some tips for installing crown molding and cutting the angles for corners? A: Most importantly, you'll need a power miter saw. The easiest way is to place the crown molding upside down in the miter saw at a 45-degree angle. Miter cut the outside corners and cope-cut the inside corners. Use scarf joints when joining two lengths of molding together. Other Products and Links Mentioned SimplePrep Pre-Mixed Floor Patch Owens Corning ThermaFiber Insulation
Blockchain Space is one of the most popular guild tool providers with almost 4k guilds using their core Discord bot product. They previously raised a private round led by Animoca and Spartan. Blockchain Space's founder and CEO Peter Ing is joined to discuss: • What the future of the guilds landscape looks like • What the drawbacks are for asset-heavy guilds models • What the appetite is for guild M&As • Why there won't be only 1 guild tool provider • Why there will be different guilds in different jurisdictions • Why Blockchain Space targets micro guilds … Intro: (0:00) Background: (0:15) Blockchain Space (14:20) Asset-Heavy Guild Model (18:38) Future of the Guilds Landscape (20:28) Guild M&A (23:47) Local Guilds (27:12) Discord Bot (29:22) Other Products (33:00) Micro Guilds vs Macro Guilds (43:51) Guild Tools (45:55) Competition (48:27) Roadmap: (53:29)
In this episode of the Level of Infection Prevention Podcast, our guest is Debora Carrier. She is the Founder and CEO of Twice as Nice Uniforms, a company that creates stylish scrubs with a performance liner that regulates your body temperature, wicks moisture, and is antimicrobial. For the last five years, Debora has been dedicated to developing the best temperature regulating, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial uniforms. Today, she talks with us about how she started her company and the importance of comfort, style, and protection in medical garments. Starting her Business [1:27] Debora has been a hygienist for over 40 years. She started her uniform company Twice as Nice Uniforms in 2015 because of spending too much time battling the thermostat with the dental assistant. She learned that the thermostat is one of the main conflicts in the dental office between the employees. Debora then started her journey to resolving that issue to get more comfort in her office. Another problem she saw was that people were not wearing their PPE's because of the heat. So that appalled her to her uniform journey. Building Twice as Nice [3:54] As Debora started her journey into the uniform business, she changed everything she did not like about uniforms. She made her products nicer fabrics, more fitted, stylish, and comfortable. She found that there wasn't a uniform company that focused on the needs in dentistry, so she made a dental jacket that made sense to all dental practitioners. [6:15] What started out as making herself comfortable turned into making everybody comfortable, professional, and safe. And because of COVID-19, safety became the main priority in Debora's products. Dressing Professionally and Comfortably [7:20] If you're dressed comfortably, safely, and you look good, you will perform way better at work. When we look good, we feel good. So everybody reaps the benefits of Twice as Nice. Disinfecting the Gowns [9:53] When you're finished with your patient, when you're wiping down your room, you can just wipe down your gown with whatever it is that you want. Many of Debora's customers would wipe down their gown in-between patients and change it at lunchtime, and then it goes to be laundered. The beauty of wiping it down is an excellent alternative to changing it out every after every patient. Signature Products [13:40] Debora's products are 100% made in the USA. One of her signature products is their surgical caps. What makes it unique is that it has buttons and can attach a mask. But if you constantly autoclave it, it will break down the thread holding that button. The fabric used by Twice as Nice [16:16] With the fabric of every product, they have a liner that regulates the temperature. The gowns have sleeves that were explicitly made for practitioners who had tattoos. And because they're made out of a temperature regulating fabric, people liked the product and its protection. The Comfort Shield [18:20] The comfort shield was designed to be super lightweight, and it clips right into your loops, glasses, and even on your scrub cap. It is so light and clear that many of Debora's customers don't realize that they still have their comfort shield on. Protection against Radiation [21:27] One of Debora's products has radiation protection that was thought of by Dr. Kwane Watson from a mobile dentistry practice in Kentucky. Debora and Dr. Kwane wanted to make a vest with a fabric that protected the wearer from radiation. They made it lightweight and with temperature regulation and can also be worn by the patient as a better fitting “lead apron”. Though not everyone in a clinic needs one, it is handy, especially if a practitioner constantly needs to be in the X-Ray room. [24:57] The process of traditional X-Rays is long, and the process for one X-Ray to develop would take long enough. But with digital, X-Rays can be done multiple times until the perfect result is achieved. But with the constant radiation, the protection of Twice as Nice's products is essential. Other Products [25:52] Twice as Nice also has patient bibs in 2 sizes. These bibs are made where you don't have to use the boom clip and do all the other hassle stuff and actually act as a bib!. It is basically a piece of paper that adheres to the patient's clothing and lays flat. The bibs have an activation process when you open them up, and it makes this adhesive so it sticks to a patient's clothing. Learn more about Debora Carrier and Twice as Nice Uniforms: Website: https://twiceasniceuniforms.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/twiceasniceuniforms Twitter: http://twitter.com/twiceasniceunis LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/deboracarrier
**This episode is brought to you by MuteSix and Repeat** The Story of a Brand Show with Ramon Vela Guest: Suzannah Raff, Founder & CEO of Cleo and Coco Suzannah Raff is the founder and CEO of Cleo and Coco. Suzannah is a New York native and mother of four committed to living an authentic life spiritually, physically, and professionally. Over the years, she has earned both a Master's degree in Business and a Master's degree in Social Work. Cleo and Coco were born out of a passion for learning more about toxic ingredients, the negative effect on our bodies, and the benefits of plant-based ingredients to create authentic products that are safe and effective. After years of listening, experimenting, teaching, and learning, Cleo and Coco's next generation of natural was born. Cleo and Coco are an award-winning deodorant combined with natural charcoal, botanicals for protection that lasts all day. Suzannah was also using a deodorant that she made for herself and realized that a massive shift in this category was about to occur, and Suzannah was sitting on a winning formula. So Suzannah looked for a professional chemist and manufacturer and launched Cleo and Coco. From the beginning, Suzannah had a clear vision and jumped in and started making the products, learning about the industry, gathering feedback, and growing the brand. Suzannah did a soft launch in 2017. Suzannah went to a lot of beauty shows and spoke to many brands and a lot of consumers and learned that that packaging was vital. Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week's show: * So, who is Cleo and Coco? * Why did she start the company. * What is her motivation for building Cleo and Coco? * What are the Benefits of Natural Ingredients on a Deodorant. * Other Products that Coco and Cleo offer. Connect with Suzannah Raff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannah-raff-06061027/ Guest Contact Info Website: www.cleoandcoco.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleoandcoconatural/ * OUR SHOW IS MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE SUPPORT OF MUTESIX. MuteSix is the leading agency in performance marketing. They have been in this space for nearly eight years, growing and scaling the world's most recognizable e-commerce brands with breakthrough creative, targeted media buying, and data-driven results in every step of the funnel. They're currently offering listeners a FREE omnichannel marketing audit. Their team of auditors will perform a deep dive analysis into your current marketing efforts and identify which strategies might be budget wasters and which strategies will improve performance. The audit covers all digital marketing channels, including Facebook, Google, Email, Amazon, Snapchat, TikTok, Pinterest, Influencer, Programmatic, and Website CRO. For your free digital marketing consultation, visit: mutesix.com/storyofabrand * This episode was brought to you by Repeat. Repeat is the easiest way for your customers to reorder products they love. Repeat will automate a frictionless reordering experience for the most significant part of a CPG brand's customer base: The non-subscriber. Repeat uses machine learning to analyze one-time shopper behavior, automates reorder notifications, and delivers personalized replenishment carts that aid in up-sell and cross-sell efforts. The result? Higher LTV, better margins, and more insights on your best customers. To learn more, visit https://signup.getrepeat.io/
A lot of homeowners notice grout separating from the wall between the tile backsplash and their countertop. And they’re left wondering how to fix that separation: with grout or caulk under the tiles. We'll talk about that, and much more, on this episode of The Today's Homeowner Podcast. [1:33] What to know when painting an old house [8:56] Tips for re-grouting in the kitchen [13:03] Home Depot Best New Product – Lifeproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring [14:52] Can you re-stain or paint hardwood flooring? [20:28] Which insulation is better: open cell or closed cell? [28:28] Simple Solution: How to cut vinyl siding or thin plastic with a circular saw [30:38] Question of the Week: How do you take masonry paint off a cement block foundation and replace it with surface bonding cement? Simple Solutions Clean Cuts in Vinyl Siding—Next time you cut vinyl siding with a circular saw or other thin plastic, try this trick: Put the saw blade on backward, so its teeth are facing back toward you. Now, when you cut the siding, the blade will produce a clean, chip-free edge. Spot Cleaning Tip—Remove stubborn stains from upholstery and carpeting by making a spot cleaner from oxygen bleach powder (such as OxiClean). Put one tablespoon of oxygen bleach in one cup of hot water. Stir well until the oxygen bleach powder is completely dissolved. Dip a toothbrush into the spot cleaner and scrub the stain. Repeat, keeping the area wet for at least five minutes. Blot dry with paper towels and let dry. Question of the Week Q: I have an outside cement block foundation, and I had put masonry paint on it. Now, I want to take the paint off and replace it with a surface bonding cement. Any suggestions as to the easiest way to take the masonry paint off and then put the surface bonding cement on? Other Products and Links Mentioned Home Depot Lifeproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Dean, from South Carolina, has a house with a concrete patio and a brick inlay. The mortar is aging, and he needs to remove it and match colors. He isn’t sure how to tackle this repair, so he’s asking us for some advice. Learn the fix, and much more, on this episode of The Today's Homeowner Podcast. [1:15] How to equalize the temperatures in your home [5:04] Tips for matching grout color [8:18] Home Depot Best New Product: Pergo Southern Grey Oak Laminate 4-in-1 Molding [9:52] A listener shares the importance of taking care of appliances [13:50] How to create a smoother transition for your threshold [16:27] Use these tools when removing wallpaper [21:09] Tips for replacing tile over a fiberglass form base [25:58] Simple Solution: How to convert a banquet table into a portable workbench [27:31] Question of the Week: What you should know about gas fireplaces, and how to properly maintain them Simple Solutions Banquet Table Workbench—Folding tables are great to have when extra people visit for dinner. However, once they’re beaten up and past their prime, they’re no longer appropriate for family gatherings. But you can repurpose an old, beat-up banquet table by transforming it into a workbench for your shop or garage. Folding tables are about 29 inches tall, which is fine for sitting, but uncomfortable for working while standing up. Here’s how to raise the table height: Cut four 1-inch-diameter PVC pipes to about 12 inches long. Slip one pipe over each metal leg and cover the end with a plastic cap. You can secure the cap with PVC glue, but it’s not really necessary. Now, you have a table that has a comfortable working height of 36 inches. Paintbrush Cleaning Tip—To clean stubborn paint from paintbrushes, soak the bristles in hot white vinegar, then rinse with warm, soapy water. And when soaking paintbrushes, don’t simply stand them up in a can; the bristles will get permanently bent out of shape. Instead, drill a small hole through the handle, and pass a short-length wire hanger through the hole. Now, set the wire across the top of the can, suspending the bristles above the bottom of the can. Question of the Week Q: I have never owned a home with a gas fireplace before, and I know very little about them. I have recently noticed my ceramic logs are turning black where the flame touches them. Is this normal? Also, should I have someone come out to do a yearly service on it like I would for my HVAC system? Other Products and Links Mentioned Custom Building Products Grout Colorant EZ-ACCESS Transition Mat Paper Tiger DIF
Touching up varnish isn’t easy. So, when it flakes and makes furniture look unsightly, that’s a problem. You may be able to lightly sand the area and apply a new coat, but old varnish sometimes yellows, and the new varnish simply can’t match up. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for the answer, along with more home improvement tips! [1:30]: Tips for venting bathrooms to the outside [6:01]: How to make a dumb-waiter with a garage door opener [7:39]: Tips for removing wallpaper [12:49]: Best New Product: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool [16:07]: The projects Danny is working on at his house [18:46]: Tips for making laminate countertops look like granite [20:10]: Simple Solution: Extension Cord Safety Tips [23:08]: Question of the Week: What to do about flaking varnish Simple Solutions Quick Trick for Deodorizing Bathroom Sinks — Bathroom sinks often become clogged with soap scum and hair, which then produces a funky odor. Here’s how to re-freshen and deodorize the sink. Start by dumping one-third cup of baking soda in the sink drain. Next, take one full cup of white vinegar and pour it down the drain. When it hits the baking soda, it’ll start to fizz. Wait for a few minutes for the fizzing to calm down, then follow up with a full kettle of boiling water. This will, in combination with the vinegar and the baking soda, cut through anything that might be clogging up the sink. Repeat this treatment once a month to keep the sink smelling sweet and flowing freely. And if you need to use a plunger to clear a clog, plug up the overflow hole on the side of the sink. Extension Cord Safety Tip — Here’s an important safety tip to remember next time you use an extension cord: Always unplug the cord from the electrical outlet before winding it up. That’s important because if the cord has a short or is damaged in any way, you can receive a potentially lethal electrical shock. Other Products and Links Mentioned Daich Coatings Home Depot Ryobi
Major home renovations like flooring installations don’t come cheap — that’s why homeowners expect perfection. So, what do you do when a newly installed floating wood floor starts creaking? That’s the situation Jo, from Mobile, Alabama, faces. A company recently installed flooring in her master bedroom. Once the installation was complete, she noticed creaks. The contractor told Jo the creaking will continue because it’s a floating wood floor, as opposed to hardwood that’s traditionally nailed on. But she’s wondering if there’s anything to do about it. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for our advice and more home improvement tips! [1:48] The best options for deadbolts and how to install them [5:50] How to securely install a fan [9:53] When and how to replace barriers [11:05] The most efficient way to remove tile [13:49] Best New Product: DeWalt Flexvolt Advantage Circular Saw [14:55] How to deal with damage from a magic eraser [19:36] What to know before using mold-removing products [24:26] All About Daich Coatings’ SpreadStone Countertop Finishing Kit [26:11] Simple Solution: Using a 1×4 as a brace when prying molding from drywall [27:45] Question of the Week: Is there a way to fix creaky wood floors? Simple Solutions Wall Protector — When prying moldings off a wall, such as baseboard, chair rail or window or door casing, slip a short piece of 1×4 behind the pry bar to act as a fulcrum and to protect the wall from damage. If the moldings are particularly difficult to pry off, cut the 1×4 long enough to span two wall studs as extra protection against crushing the drywall. Secret Slot — Replacing a faulty lockset on an interior door is a simple enough job: Slide off the knob and unscrew the locket. The problem is that there’s no obvious way to remove the knob to access the screws. Here’s the secret: Look closely at the shank of the lockset on the interior side of the door; that’s the locking side of the knob. You’ll see a tiny slot or hole. Push the tip of a narrow-blade screwdriver or nail set into the slot or hole, then tug on the knob and it’ll slide right off. Pry off the round decorative plate, called the rose, to expose the screws that hold the lockset to the door. Question of the Week Is there a way to fix a creaky floating wood floor? Unfortunately, after engineered wood floors are installed, there is not much that can be done about creaks. Your best option is to wait and see if the creaking goes away after settling and acclimating to the house. When installing floors in the future, a floating wood floor should be put down over a thin rubber underlayment. Other Products and Links Mentioned Daich Coatings Home Depot Hunter Fans Kilz
If you want the look of hardwood flooring, you can purchase stylish, low-maintenance vinyl planks. But there will be tradeoffs, and that’s when you have to weigh the pros and cons to decide on the best option for your home. That’s the situation Lisa in Illinois faces. She had vinyl plank flooring installed in her basement, and she loves the look — not to mention that it’s scratch-resistant and waterproof. On the main floor, she has 17-year-old hardwood floors — and they look their age. They’re dented, scratched and worn. She wonders whether to sand, stain and refinish them or simply replace them with vinyl planks. Lisa is leaning toward the vinyl planks, but her husband wants to keep the hardwood flooring. Meanwhile, a real estate agent told her hardwood floors are her best bet for resale value. This is a house divided, and now, she wants us to share our thoughts. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for our recommendation and more home improvement tips! [1:21] The best option for filling grout lines: caulking or grout? [6:14] How to keep your lawn alive through the winter [8:26] Chelsea shares how she put together a clothes rack for her kids using only glue [12:25] Hardwood floors or vinyl plank flooring? [17:05] Best New Product: Custom Building Products’ SimpleGrout [18:22] How to easily scrape your popcorn ceiling [21:22] How do you fix a sliding glass door? [23:52] Simple Solution: How to make a cap that REALLY works to preserve left-over caulk [26:33] Question of the Week: How can you clean solid oak cabinets without removing the finish? Simple Solutions Caulk Saver — Tubes of caulk and sealant are not cheap, so how do you keep them fresh once you snip off the tips? Twist-on caps are available at the home center, but most of them don’t work very well. I’ve found it’s much easier to grab some plastic tubing and make one myself. Just take some tubing that’s 5/8-inch diameter by half-inch inside-diameter. Then use a pair of snips to cut a section of tubing that’s 4 or 5 inches long. Next, heat one end of the plastic tube with an electric heat gun. You’ll need to heat it until it’s nice and soft — almost melted. Then set the heated tube in a vise and clamp it pretty tightly to melt that end together. You should wait approximately 20 or 30 seconds before you take it out of the vise. Before using your makeshift caulk cap, test it by blowing into the open end. You’ll want to make sure it has an airtight seal. So, now all you need to do is get the open tube of caulk, slip on the modified plastic tube and press it on. It only has to go on maybe a half-inch or so. And now, next time you need to use this tube of caulk, just pop it off and get to work! Watch: How to Save Opened Caulk with a Plastic Tube Sledgehammer Helper — It can be frustrating when you try to nail together boards that aren’t solidly supported, such as when nailing pickets to a fence rail or trim to a thin lattice panel. The board tends to bounce away each time the nail is struck. The solution is to use a sledgehammer — not to hit the nail, but to serve as an anvil of sorts. Hold the head of the sledgehammer against the back of the board, then hammer in the nail. The heavy head of the sledge will absorb the hammer blows and prevent the boards from moving. Question of the Week Q: How do you fix a sliding glass door that gets stuck a lot? A: Do not use a multi-purpose lubricant, like WD-40, to lubricate the track. Instead, use a dry silicon sealant spray. Pulling off the door will allow you to inspect the track, and you should use a vacuum cleaner to clear debris around the roller. Other Products and Links Mentioned Titebond Checking In With Chelsea
Have you ever wondered, “Can you paint vinyl siding?” It’s a reasonable question because people usually think of vinyl siding as low maintenance. But “low maintenance” doesn’t mean “no maintenance!” Oftentimes, people want to change the look of vinyl siding because it’s faded or they’re just sick of the color. That’s the situation that Richard, from South Dakota, faces. Not long ago, he had vinyl siding installed on his home, but he isn’t happy with the color, and he wants a custom look. The good news is, you can paint just about everything, including vinyl siding. But first, you need to prep the surface. Learn more about that, and much more, on this episode of the Today's Homeowner Podcast. [ 1:11] What to do with old composite decking and how to enlarge a landing [5:02] How to make a tub and shower safer for senior citizens [ 6:35] Can you use wood studs when raising a floor? [9:58] How to set up the post on a new mailbox [12:28] Best New Product – Werner LeanSafe 3-in-1 Ladder [13:46] Can you paint vinyl siding, and what is the best way to do so? [22:12] Simple Solution: How to keep your dog from getting under a gate [25:27] How do you repair delamination on plastics? Wood casing on a front door? [18:47] Question of the Week: How to get rid of odors in a washing machine Simple Solutions Dog-Deterrent Gate — Dogs are notorious for digging escape routes under gates, so here’s a way to deter even the most determined pooch: First, dig a shallow trench across the gate opening from post to post. Then, set into the trench a pressure-treated 4×4 or 4×6, creating a wood-timber threshold. Secure the threshold by toe-screwing into the posts on either end. Now, with the timber in place, the dog will no longer be able to claw dirt out from under the gate. Watch How to Keep Dogs from Digging Under a Fence Gate for more information. Leveling Slopes — Here’s how to use a level to establish the proper slope or pitch of a drainpipe, porch floor, rain gutter, or anything else that must be angled down slightly to drain away water. First, determine the desired pitch, then tape a woodblock to one end of the level to represent the desired amount of pitch. For example, let’s say you’re using a 4-foot level to install a drainpipe that must slope ¼ inch per foot. Tape to the level a 1-inch-thick woodblock, which represents ¼-inch of slope per foot over 4 feet. Set the level on the pipe with the taped-wood block end on the low side of the pipe. Now, adjust the pipe until the level reads level, resulting in a pipe that slopes ¼ inch per foot. Question of the Week Q: We bought a new front-loading washing machine last year, and about four months ago it developed a strong moldy odor. I’ve scrubbed the tub with bleach, but that only helps for a short while. Any idea how to get rid of the smell? A: A common suggestion is to leave the door cracked so mold and mildew won’t build up inside a front-loading washing machine. But if you do that, bugs, pets and small children can easily enter the machine, and you don’t want that. A door plunge latch is a better option. It keeps the door open just an inch or two so the machine can air out, but prevents pets and children from entering the machine. In addition, open the door and regularly clean the gasket. Use hot soapy water diluted with some vinegar. Or you can use a special cleaning agent like Affresh, or a mold and mildew cleaner from the home center. Finally, if you have a laundry room, and you have small children, lock that door to keep the kids out! That way, you can protect them from harmful chemicals and possible entry into the machines. Other Products and Links Mentioned Affresh — Washing Machine Cleaner The Home Depot Trex Transcend Composite Decking Board
We’re spending more time at home these days, and ventilation couldn’t be more important! In this special podcast, Dave Jones, from Broan-NuTone, shares the three ways to properly ventilate your home and introduce clean air. 3 Ways to Bring Clean Air into Your Home There are three ways to ventilate your home: • Exhaust ventilation: These fans remove moist air and let fresh air enter the room • Supply fans: These systems continuously provide fresh, filtered air inside the home • Balanced air system: An energy recovery ventilator brings in clean, filtered outdoor air to replace stale indoor air exhausted from the home Remember, air must go outside — not just into the attic. The ventilation system, whichever you choose, should go all the way to the outside, whether it’s through the roof or a wall. Listen to the podcast to learn more about proper home ventilation! [1:16] Danny recalls his trip to the Broan factory [3:28] Tips for choosing a bathroom exhaust fan [5:27] Like to sing in the shower? The Broan-NuTone Sensonic Speaker Ventilation fan is just what you need. [9:07] How Broan-NuTone’s SurfaceShield, powered by Vital Vio, prevents mold and bacteria from growing in your room [12:03] People are putting ventilation fans in more than just bathrooms and kitchens [13:24] The latest kitchen trend: replace over-the-range microwaves with an efficient range hood [16:36] Danny and Dave talk about whole-house ventilation Other Products and Links Mentioned Broan NuTone
Cherry wood cabinets give any kitchen a rich, warm glow, but over time, they can dull in appearance. That’s the issue for Dan in Alaska, who cleans his cabinets with a hot sponge, just like we recommend, but worries that they’ve lost their luster. If you have the same concern, listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for this and more home improvement tips! [1:09] What to do when a toilet won’t clear waste [5:52] How to reduce noise from an AC unit [10:22] Home Depot Best New Product: DeWalt Trimmer / Blower Combo Kit [16:47] What is the purpose of an uncoupling membrane — and is it worth the extra cost? [19:02] How to clean cherry wood cabinets and make them beautiful once again? [25:01] Simple Solution: How using a plane before you sand lessens the time spent sanding [28:34] Question of the Week: Which is better for insulation: paper side up to flooring or down? Simple Solutions Cut Sanding Time with Block Plane — It’s often necessary to remove the sharp edges of boards by sanding them by hand or with an electric orbital sander. But you can save a considerable amount of time — and create much less dust — by first knocking off the sharp edges with a block plane. Set the plane for a shallow depth of cut and run it over each edge two or three times. That’ll cut your sanding time in half, and as a bonus, you’ll save on sandpaper, too. Easy-Saw Sole Plate — When building a wall out of 2x4s or 2x6s, it’s common practice to frame the wall flat on the floor and to run the sole plate at the bottom of the wall full length, right across any doorway openings. That way, the wall stays nice and straight. However, before standing up the framed wall, cut halfway through the underside of the bottom plate at each side of the doorway rough openings. Then, after the wall is erected and secured in place, removing the sole plate from the doorway openings is easy because you only need to saw through about 3/4 inches of wood. Question of the Week Q: “I’m wanting to install R-25 insulation under my floor in a vented crawl space. Which is better: paper side up to flooring or down?” A: When you’re installing insulation, you have a 50-50 chance, and so many people do this wrong! Always have craft paper facing toward the heated and cooled area. In this case, the paper would be up and you would use tension wires to keep the insulation in place. No stapling is necessary; just squeeze the insulation between those wires. Better yet, mineral wool insulation has no facing, so you can put it up any way you want, and you can hold it in place with chicken wires. Other Products and Links Mentioned Home Depot Ridgid Toilet Auger Schluter Ditra Uncoupling Membrane
Climbing plants add character and interest to a plain arbor, pergola or trellis. But one thing you don’t want hanging around is poison ivy. Spotting it is easy, thanks to definitive leaves with three leaflets, not to mention the itchy, painful rash that follows after you touch it. This plant has a bad reputation, no doubt, and it’s understandable why people often ask questions like, “How do you kill poison ivy? What helps with poison ivy?” Homeowners like Susan in New Hampshire want this stuff gone — it’s that simple. But they’re just not sure how to go about removing this pest of a plant from their yard. In this episode of the Today’s Homeowner Podcast, Joe Truini comes to the rescue, with five methods that Susan can try to remove poison ivy. [1:20] Can you just paint over wallpaper? [6:52] Chelsea talks about remodeling her 1959 ranch-style house, and creating a screen for her outside A/C unit. [12:37] How to remove mold and mildew from vinyl porch posts [19:32] The best way to get rid of poison ivy — permanently [23:53] Simple Solution: 5 Tips for Planting Trees [26:14] Question of the Week: “What is causing the intermittent working of the garage door opener?” Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips! Simple Solutions Foolproof Tree-Planting — You wouldn’t think there’d be much to know about planting a tree, right? Dig a hole, drop in the tree (branches pointing up), shovel the dirt back in, then go have a beer. What’s to know? As it turns out, there’s much more to it. Here are five tips for planting any tree: The two most common mistakes are digging the hole too narrow and too deep. The hole must be two to three times wider than the tree’s root ball. And the depth of the hole should equal the distance from the bottom of the root ball up to the root flare, minus 2 inches. (The root flare is the point where the tree trunk spreads out to form the roots.) It’s crucial not to bury the root flare because it’ll severely stunt the tree’s growth. After digging the hole, sprinkle a handful of super-phosphate into the bottom of the hole. Super-phosphate is phosphate rock that’s been treated with acid and it’ll give the newly forming root system a healthy head start. Set the tree into the hole, then remove all twine and burlap from around the root ball. Use a small three-tine cultivator to scratch up the surface of the root ball. That’ll loosen up the compacted dirt and expose thousands of tiny roots. Next, add some super-phosphate and 3-4-3 fertilizer to the dirt removed from the hole. Use a rake to thoroughly mix up the dirt, then shovel it back into the hole. Shovel dirt around the entire root ball, but don’t stomp down the dirt; compacted soil doesn’t absorb water very well. Now, saturate the exposed dirt around the tree with a garden hose, then add 2 to 3 inches of bark mulch. Continue to water the tree every day for the next six to eight weeks. Quick Tip for Cleaning Tarnished Brass — Brass is prized for its durability, corrosion-resistance and beauty. But over time, brass hardware, hinges, faucets and light fixtures can become blackened with tarnish. Here’s how to restore them to shiny, new condition. First, many solid-brass pieces are protected by a coating of lacquer. Strip off the lacquer by scrubbing the brass with a cloth soaked with acetone or lacquer remover. Then clean the brass piece by soaking it in hot, soapy water. Use an old toothbrush to remove any caked-on dirt. Rinse well and then dry it with a clean cloth. To clean away tarnish, squeeze the juice of one lemon into a small bowl. Add two teaspoons of baking soda and mix to form a thick poultice. Use a microfiber cloth to rub the cleaning solution onto the tarnished brass. Force the solution into small holes and crevices with a cotton swab. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse with water and dry the piece. If there’s still some residual tarnish, repeat the poultice treatment. Once the tarnish is gone, coat the piece with mineral oil and then buff with a clean microfiber cloth. And to deter the brass from tarnishing again, repeat the oil and buffing process every six months. Question of the Week Q: “When pushing the remote control on my Raynor garage door opener, the light will come on the opener, but the motor intermittently comes on to move the door. “What do you think is causing the intermittent working of the garage door opener?” A: Your garage door may be experiencing radio frequency interference. Security lights, ham radios and even other nearby garage door openers could trigger this. If your remote control only works when it’s close to the motor, such as a few feet, there’s probably some radio frequency interference. Otherwise, this garage door opener may have a failing motor, the remote control may have failing batteries, or you may need to reprogram the garage door to a different frequency. Other Products and Links Mentioned Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate OxiClean Stain Remover RMR Instant Mold Stain Remover
Kitchen flooring is installed all kinds of ways, depending on the home’s age and whether the room is new or renovated. It’s important to know what you’re dealing with before considering floor replacement. That’s just what Mary, in Iowa, is doing. “When we redid our kitchen, the floors were laid first, then cabinets over them,” she says. “Is there any way to change the flooring without tearing out the cabinets?” Floor replacement — specifically, whether it’s even possible in this case — is one of the top questions we receive. Well, Mary and anyone else in this situation will be happy to know that yes, in most cases, there is a way to update that flooring without making major changes to your kitchen. We’ll talk about that, and much more, during this episode of the Today’s Homeowner Podcast! [1:16] How to clean popcorn ceiling around AC vents [3:21] Garden statues have broken — how to put them back together again [4:22] The best way to repair holes from a sagging towel rod [6:24] How to fill cracks in plaster walls [8:44] Simple Solution: How to convert a 5-gallon bucket into a cutting tool [11:55] Best New Product: Rust-Oleum Outdoor Fabric Spray Paint [12:54] Danny and Joe discuss uses for the Best New Product and Danny talks about his community project for the University of South Alabama [15:21] What to do when dryer lint blows onto the grass [16:53] Thoughts on painting vintage Marlite [19:24] Help for an ongoing sinkhole [23:15] Question of the Week: How to change flooring without tearing out cabinets Simple Solutions Scrap Bucket for Cut-offs — Here’s how to convert a plastic 5-gallon bucket into a convenient cutting station. Start by using a jigsaw to cut two shallow V-shaped notches into the top lip of the bucket, one directly across from the other. Then, rotate the bucket 90 degrees and cut two shallow rectangular notches, each about 1 inch deep and 3½ inches wide. Again, position the notches across from one another. Now when making cuts, you can use the V notches to securely hold round pipes and wooden dowels, and the rectangular notches for cutting flat boards up to 3½ inches wide. Duvet Cover Trick — Here’s an easy way to place a down comforter inside a duvet cover: Turn the duvet cover inside out and spread it out on the bed with the open end of the cover at the foot of the bed. Lay the comforter on top of the duvet cover. Starting at the headboard, grab the duvet cover and comforter and roll them all the way down to the foot of the bed. Open up the duvet cover and stuff in the comforter; what you’re doing is basically turning the roll inside out. Now unroll the duvet cover and the comforter will be inside. Watch: How to Put a Comforter Inside a Duvet Cover Question of the Week Q: “When we redid our kitchen, the floors were laid first, then cabinets over them. Is there any way to change the flooring without tearing out the cabinets?” A: Floor replacement is possible, but it depends on the floor. You can score ceramic tiles, for instance, right at the kickboard and break them out of there. Your cabinets will still be sitting on top of the old flooring, but you would place your new flooring around them. For vinyl floor, you may be able to leave it where it is and lay new flooring on top. Listen to the show for more thoughts on this topic! Other Products and Links Mentioned Heartland Natural Energy-Saving Dryer Vent Enclosure Magic Eraser Plaster Weld Strap Toggle
We often receive this type of question: Can I place one type of flooring over another? In many cases, you can, which means you won’t have to worry about removing adhesive on the concrete or wood subfloor. That’s one topic we’re tackling in this Today’s Homeowner Podcast — specifically, what to do when you want to install ceramic tiles over vinyl flooring. In this case, the vinyl flooring is stuck directly to the concrete slab, and the homeowner wonders whether there is an easy option for pulling up the vinyl floors. The good news? If the adhesive between the concrete and vinyl flooring is holding strong and you just a few rough spots, you can add floor patch compound over the vinyl to smooth out the surface, and then install ceramic tiles on top. Just make sure that directions on the thinset mortar you use for installing the tiles state it will adhere well to the vinyl floor. Scraping off adhesive from concrete is not fun; it takes a lot of time and, in many cases, you just don’t have to do it. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips! [2:26] Danny and Joe talk about how to prepare for a power outage [7:01] The surface of concrete steps’ treads and risers is too rough to walk on barefoot — learn how to smooth out rough concrete [10:04] Best New Product: Wyze Smart Home Starter Bundle [11:37] How to solve an odor problem in the attic. [15:55] How to fill cracks in the driveway [17:11] How to remove adhesive from concrete surfaces [20:50] How to scrape hardened grout off tiles [26:41] Simple Solution: 5 ways to properly install posts [28:59] Question of the Week: The solution for resurfacing a spalling garage floor Simple Solutions Third-Hand Bench Clamp — Here’s how to use metal shelf brackets to hold woodworking parts steady as you’re assembling them: First, stand the workpiece on the edge of the workbench. Next, set a metal bracket on the workbench and slide it up against the workpiece. Now, take one spring clamp and clamp the bracket to the workbench. Then grab another spring clamp and clamp the vertical leg of the bracket to the workpiece. The metal bracket will hold the workpiece in place and prevent it from shifting out of position or flopping over. If necessary, you can clamp in place a second metal shelf bracket, when working with larger workpieces. The other thing is that if you’re assembling several workpieces, you can screw down the bracket to the workbench to permanently lock it in place. Then, you only need to use one spring clamp. Watch Video Creating Sturdy Handrails — When installing handrail posts for a deck or porch, it’s important to set the wooden post in concrete. Here are five tips to ensure the post stays rock solid for years: • Dig the post hole at least three times wider than the post. So, for a 4-by-4 post, which measures 3½ inches square, dig the hole about 11 inches wide. • To anchor the post to the concrete, drive three 3-inch-long decking screws at an angle into the lower section of the post. That way, if the post shrinks, it’ll still be locked onto the concrete footing. • Pour concrete all around the post, but keep it about 3 inches below grade, meaning the surrounding ground. • Use a margin trowel or putty knife to smooth out and slope the top of the concrete away from the post. • Finally, use two diagonal braces to hold the post perfectly plumb until the concrete hardens. Question of the Week Q: “I have a 30-year-old garage floor that is finished smooth (not broomed). It is in pretty good shape, but much of the surface looks like the surface of the moon —many craters. None of these craters are deeper than 1/8 inch. “I’m looking for a product that can be spread (preferably with a squeegee) over the surface to repair it.” A: Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer is the perfect product for this job. You just apply it over spalling surfaces with a squeegee. Other Products and Links Mentioned BEHR elastomeric coatings Custom Building Products Home Depot Kilz Over Armor Quikrete Crack Seal Schluter-Ditra uncoupling membrane Shutter-Mounted Exhaust Fans Supplyhouse.com
Some grout products say “stain-resistant,” others say “sanded” or not, and all the different technologies can become confusing for the average do-it-yourselfer. Especially if you just want one thing: a grout that doesn’t stain. Jennifer from Missouri faces this very situation and wants to know what she can do before renovating her bathroom. She doesn’t want to deal with stained grout this time around. We recommend applying Fusion Pro from Custom Building Products. It comes premixed, which means the consistency is perfect and you can apply it right out of the bucket. This grout is stain-proof all on its own and it’s available in 40 colors to match any style home. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips! [2:38] Danny and Joe discuss a recently taped TV episode, a community service project in Marianna, Florida, Danny’s hometown. [10:58] Best New Product: Zevo Flying Insect Trap Starter Kit. [12:26] “You talk about [Leviton electrical outlets] a lot … so how do I pick out one from so many?” [16:38] I have an old 1880s home in Wiggins, Mississippi, that we have renovated and added on to. There are oval ornamental vents around the house, but none on the addition … Do I need to install a vent with an exhaust fan that measures humidity and turns on or off based on how high or low the humidity level is?” [22:40] “We’re renovating our bathroom and I want to avoid grout stains like we had in the old one. Can you help?” [24:38] Simple Solutions: Four tips for safely using an air compressor [27:04] Question of the Week: “I had a tile man show up, lay moisture barrier, then backer board, then tape the seams with duct tape! I never heard this as an industry standard. Do I trust this guy to continue tile work for me?” Simple Solutions Air Compressor Tips — Here are four tips to keep in mind when using a portable electric air compressor: 1) First, always wear safety goggles and hearing protection when running the compressor. Place compressor in adjacent room, if possible. 2) Compressors vibrate quite a bit when running, so set them on the floor and on top of a soft mat of some sort, such as a folded blanket or quilted moving pad. 3) And all that vibration can over time loosen nuts, bolts and screws, so periodically check the compressor and tighten any loose fasteners. 4) Compressed air often contains moisture that collects inside the compressor’s storage tank. It’s important to drain the tank after each use to prevent rust and corrosion. Unplug the compressor, then open the valve on the bottom of the tank. The air pressure in the tank will blow out the moisture. Accurately Cutting Plywood Parts—When building plywood drawers, cabinets and boxes, it’s important to know that plywood is typically slightly thinner than its nominal thickness. For example, ¾-inch-thick plywood actually measures slightly less than 11/16 inches thick. So, if you’re building a 10-inch-wide box and cut the two sides to 8½ inches, the box would only be about 9 13/16 inches wide, not 10 inches. To avoid this, simply clamp together two pieces of the plywood. Lay a ruler across the parts with the 10-inch graduation aligned with the edge of the clamped-together plywood. Now, simply read the dimension on the opposite edge. That’s the length of the side pieces. Question of the Week Q: “I had a tile man show up, lay moisture barrier, then backer board, then tape the seams with duct tape!” “He said it sealed the seams, but before he could lay any tile most of the tape came loose and was hanging in many places. I began questioning his knowledge of tile prep. “After questioning other tile setters, I learned many tile setters use duct tape. I never heard this as an industry standard. Do I trust this guy to continue tile work for me?” —Quentin Dudoe A: Duct tape is not recommended for this application; instead, use fiberglass mesh tape. Get a damp cloth and wipe down the project area, let dry and then apply. Then, go over it with thinset mortar. Other Products and Links Mentioned Alumi-Guard Custom Building Products: Fusion Pro Home Depot UnderAire Crawl Space Ventilator Understanding AFCI and GFCI Outlets: What You Should Know
A water heater is a necessity in any home. You need hot water to wash clothes, dishes, and of course to bathe and shower. But what do you do when the appliance stops working? That’s what happened to Keith in Ocala, Florida, who said, “A couple of months ago, our electric water heater stopped making hot water, but several hours later, it started working again and was fine for more than a week.” Then, something puzzling happened. “Now it has stopped making hot water altogether,” Keith says. “What could be wrong, and can I fix it myself?” An electric water heater — which a lot of people call a hot water heater — can malfunction for all kinds of reasons. For instance, check the circuit breaker to make sure it hasn’t tripped. Then, check the emergency cutoff switch near the appliance’s thermostat. Press it back in, if it’s popped out, to reset functionality. Next, check the appliance’s heating element to make sure it hasn’t burned out. To do that, cut off power to the water heater, unscrew the access panel to expose the end of the heating element. Then, use a continuity tester on each terminal to make sure the heating element is working. (Listen to the podcast for more details on this process.) If the water heater’s heating element needs replacement, then it’s time to call in an electrician or plumber. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips! [1:57] “We removed carpeting in our house and found the oak floor we had hoped for. The flooring is covered with a compound. I’m not sure if it’s a leveling or adhesive. Can you help?” [7:21] Best New Product: DeWalt ATOMIC 20-Volt MAX Brushless Compact Reciprocating Saw [9:04] Danny and Joe discuss lawn care and attacking weeds. [11:02] “I converted a small grassy area into a decorative patio with bricks and large pavers filled in between with loose small river stone. Over the years the area accumulated silt in the river stone and weeds started to grow. Is there an outdoor material that I would be able to pour into the current patio stone design that would bond the river stone in between the larger stone?” [14:15] “I have a deck at the New Jersey Shore, right near the water, and we have stainless steel nails which were put down and they became rusty. Is there anything I can do to clear up the rust?” [16:21] “I want to put stone in my front flowerbed and I was wondering, should I put mulch or a material blocker under it first before I put the stone on it, to help keep the weeds out, or just put the stone in and then spray it every year if I get weeds?” [17:13] “We’re having a lot of air conditioning hot spots on our second level. Wanting to know what you think about duct booster fans and what you would recommend for one.” [18:54] “My family and I are moving into a new house in a few weeks. One of the things I want to do is seal the garage floor before we move in all of our stuff. Our last house had a stained garage floor, but it started peeling where we parked the cars. What can I do differently to prevent that from happening this time?” [22:15] “A couple of months ago, our electric water heater stopped making hot water, but several hours later, it started working again and was fine for more than a week. But now it has stopped making hot water altogether. What could be wrong, and can I fix it myself?” [24:31] Simple Solution: Four ways to keep window-box plants happy and healthy [26:14] Question of the Week: “We had a leak in our family room a few weeks ago. The roof was repaired, and I decided to Kilz the watermark before painting. I used the water-based Kilz Premium Primer/Sealer/Stainblocker, and waited a day before painting with flat ceiling paint. The water stain is gone, but all I see is a shiny area where I put the Kilz. What can I do to fix the shine?” Simple Solutions 4 Flowerbox Tips: Here are four ways to keep plants in your flowerbox or window box healthy and happy: • Drill 3/8-inch-diameter drainage holes in the box bottom so the soil doesn’t stay soggy. Space the holes about 8 inches apart. • To stop soil from washing through the drainage holes, cover the box bottom with an inch of gravel. Or, if you’re concerned about the added weight of the gravel, line the bottom with empty 12-ounce water bottles instead. • Plant a variety of flowering species of different colors: put flowing vines in front, short plants in the middle and tall plants toward the rear to create an attractive tiered presentation. • At the end of the season, remove the boxes, empty the soil, and store the boxes indoors until next spring. White-Ring Remover — When a damp glass is left for too long on a table, it’ll often leave behind a white ring. In some cases, the ring will disappear on its own within 24 hours, as the surface dries out. However, if the ring doesn’t disappear, try this: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and vegetable oil in a small bowl. Then, use your fingers or soft cloth to rub the solution into the table, working in the direction of the wood grain. Dry the table with paper towels. If any of the white ring remains, repeat the process. Question of the Week Q: “We had a leak in our family room a few weeks ago. The roof was repaired and I decided to Kilz the watermark before painting. I used the water-based Kilz Premium Primer / Sealer / Stainblocker, and waited a day before painting with flat ceiling paint. The water stain mark is gone, but all I see is a shiny area where I put the Kilz. I have painted it three times now. What can I do to fix the shine?” A: We’re not sure why a stainblocker with a flat finish would appear shiny, especially under three coats of flat ceiling paint. But if you repaired the ceiling with joint compound, sometimes that has a sheen to it. What may be shining through is that repaired area. You may need to repaint the whole ceiling, and maybe try an eggshell or semi-gloss finish. Test this solution in one spot and see if it helps! If it does, then paint the whole ceiling. In addition, try a middle-of-the-road or premium paint, because sometimes the cheapest one is cheap for a reason. Other Products and Links Mentioned Daich Coatings Klean Strip
Folks who want to update older homes often consider window replacements. That’s no surprise since many older windows aren’t as strong — and certainly aren’t as attractive — as newer ones. But when you have windows that are old, ugly and inefficient, what can you do about them? It’s sometimes hard to know where to start. Pella windows are among the best in the industry, and they’re easily retrofitted on older homes. You just need to give the company the window openings’ exact measurements and they’ll get to work. Andersen is another good company, as is Jeld-Wen windows. You can’t go wrong with any of these top brands, but some are better than others when it comes to retrofit situations. On that note, Andersen has a special plan for window replacements — Renewal by Andersen. That’s one way to go, and most of the windows would be wood with aluminum cladding. They also have fiberglass windows. But vinyl replacement windows are increasingly popular. Many of them are reinforced with steel and have a lot of features you’ll want, such as energy efficiency. If you want to spend a little extra money, go with the top brands. But you should also consider vinyl for window replacements. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips! [2:13] “I live in an older home that still has paneling in most of the rooms. What do you recommend: cover it or remove it?” [9:23] “Our 40-year-old brick home has several spots where the mortar has cracked and fallen out. Is there an easy way to mix my own mortar and get it into those joints without making a huge mess?” [10:58] “We have a mid-’60s home with old traditional lateral sliding windows and they’re not very efficient. We were considering [replacing them] with Pella … but we’re wondering if you have any recommendations.” [14:34] “We have hardwood floors that are a little dirty and scratched, but otherwise in decent shape. However, the original topcoat finish is worn in spots. Is there a way to refinish the floors without sanding them down to bare wood?” [17:22] Best New Product: Aqua-Seal Tape from Nashua Tape [18:47] TH Radio Engineer Dennis talks about his current project of replacing fence boards — but he doesn’t want to use treated wood [21:28] “I have a question about cleaning my walls. We have a wood furnace and wood stove, so I know they need washing. What’s the best thing to use?” [23:33] “I have a question about a water heater in a home. We installed a brand new one, and for some reason, it doesn’t seem to be making the water hot. Help!” [25:19] Around the Yard, sponsored by Pavestone: Dealing with weeds — start with a soil test [27:49] Simple Solution: How to keep a door from closing on its own [29:05] Question of the Week: “I have a large front porch and it’s a concrete slab. It has a large crack down the middle, and on one end it has sunk about 5 inches, so when it rains, I have a pond I have to walk through. How can this be fixed?” Question of the Week Q: “I have a large front porch and it's a concrete slab. It has a large crack down the middle and on one end it has sunk about 5 inches, so when it rains, I have a pond I have to walk through. How can this be fixed?” A: Since the slab has fallen 5 inches, there’s a significant settlement issue. Hire a foundation expert to jack up the slab. Some use high-density foam; others use hydraulic jacks. First, find out what that would cost. If it’s too much for your budget, it may be better to hire someone to remove the slab and pour a new one. Get a pro out there — just make sure the job is done right so it never has to be done again. Other Products and Links Mentioned Champion Windows Home Depot Quikrete.com Quikrete Mortar Repair Rejuvenate Hardwood Floor Cleaners Renewal by Andersen Window World
Whether you live in a slope house or have unlevel floors due to an improperly built home that unexpectedly slopes, all kinds of problems can arise. For instance, what do you do if the concrete patio was never properly sloped away from the foundation, or you start to notice condensation in a half-exposed basement due to the slope of the land? And if you can place a 2-by-4 on your floor and part of it is level but the other part rises inches off the ground, you’ve definitely got a problem! Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for these and more home improvement tips! [1:58] 67-year-old great-grandmother gains confidence to replace a toilet after watching Today’s Homeowner [4:07] Chelsea talks about the August episode of Checking in with Chelsea — installing and sealing butcher-block countertops [9:04] Best New Product: Dewalt 3000 Lumen 20-Volt Max Tripod [11:09] “I need to repair a concrete patio. It was never properly sloped away from the foundation … I am considering using Rapid set Cement All or Rapid set Concrete mix. Your thoughts?” [17:02] “We have a shaded back patio where we love to have coffee each morning, but it’s always covered in mildew … but when we clean it, it seems to come right back. How can we prevent that?” [18:32] “Our house was built seven years ago and our basement is half-exposed due to the slope of the land it was built on. We have been noticing condensation behind the plastic and possible mold on the 2-by-4s. Thoughts on next steps?” [25:06] Simple Solution: How to make a trash can from a collapsible laundry hamper [26:49] DaiHard 100 Kits from Daich Coatings feature an Industrial Strength Epoxy Floor Coating that hides anything on the surface with just one coat [29:24] Question of the Week: “I am replacing the carpeted floor on a cement floor with vinyl planks … Since the floor is uneven, what is the best way to transition the floor to accommodate the new flooring?” Simple Solutions Pop-Up Trash Can — The next time you need an extra trash can, use a collapsible laundry hamper, which you can buy for as little as $10. This is the type that looks like a giant spring wrapped in fabric. Line the hamper with a plastic garbage bag and when you’re done, just pull out the bag and collapse the hamper. It takes up almost no space and is ideal for backyard cookouts and parties, or to take on the road while camping or picnicking at the park. It’s also perfect for collecting used wrapping paper on Christmas morning and at birthday parties and baby showers. (A 15-inch-diameter by 26-inch-tall hamper takes a 30-gallon bag) Affordable Eraser Cleaners — Magic Erasers are great for safely cleaning all sorts of surfaces around the house, including kitchen cabinets, bath fixtures, painted walls, furniture, and all types of flooring. However, brand name erasers are pretty expensive, but you can save a significant amount of money by buying generic melamine foam sponges. A nine-pack of Mr. Clean Erasers costs about $8, which seems reasonable until you consider that you can buy 50 generic-brand erasers for $13. One such brand is On My Clean, or go to: SpongeOulet.com Question of the Week Q: “I am replacing the carpeted floor on a cement floor with vinyl planks to an addition on a lower half of a split level. Since the floor is uneven due to an addition, what is the best way to transition the floor to accommodate the new flooring I want to install?” A: First, remove the carpet, which will leave quite a bit of glue residue. Then get an aggressive grinding wheel from the rental center. That will remove the glue. Then add self-leveling compound to fix the slope so luxury vinyl tile will be easily installed on it. Other Products and Links Mentioned Home Depot Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Surfacer Rapid Set Cement All Wet and Forget Woodcraft
If you’ve got a home, you’ll have problems sooner or later. For instance, a cultured marble sink gets a large brown stain. Where did it come from? Who knows — life happens. That’s the issue Mike in Illinois faces. He sees the stain, but doesn’t know how it got there, and no one is ’fessing up. Now, he wonders: Can you sand the stain out? Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips! [1:50] Danny and Joe talk landscaping [5:38] The problems with using mothballs to repel snakes, rodents and raccoons [8:08] Joe revisits a Simple Solution for reading the fine print on product labels [14:28] Best New Product: Zevo Instant Action Aerosol Wasp, Hornet, Yellow Jacket and Stinging Insect Killer [15:32] “When my kitchen sink drains, it gurgles. Is this something I can fix myself or do I have to call a plumber?” [18:25] “I have a cultured marble sink in my bathroom that has a large brown stain in it. I heard you can sand stains out of cultured marble. Is that true?” [22:36] Danny and Joe talk about Bar Keeper’s Friend as a way to clean a boat [24:23] “I got polyurethane on the wood siding of my house. Is there any way to remove it without damaging the siding?” [26:13] Simple Solution: How to safely and easily move heavy objects across the floor [27:53] Question of the Week: “What product might work best to kill cockroaches?” Simple Solutions Fast Fix for Loose Knobs — When a wooden cabinet-door knob or drawer pull becomes loose, and you can no longer tighten its screw, chances are the hole is stripped. Here’s a quick remedy: Remove the screw and knob, dip two or three flat wooden toothpicks in glue and force them into the stripped hole on the back of the knob. Trim off the excess toothpick and screw the knob back in place. Easy Slider — Here’s how to safely and easily move heavy objects across the floor and downstairs: Set the object on top of an old blanket or quilted moving pad. Then, simply pull on the leading edge of the blanket to slide the object across the floor. Lift up on the blanket slightly to slide over raised transitions and thresholds. When you come to a staircase, back down the stairs, using one hand to hold the blanket and the other to steady the object to prevent it from free-sliding down the staircase. Slowly back down the stairs one step at a time, allowing the object to glide over the steps. Question of the Week Q: What product might work best to kill cockroaches? I’d rather not use any chemicals unless absolutely necessary. A: First, eliminate why they’re there. Seal the envelope of the house. Then, remove water and food sources. Wipe down countertops before you go to sleep, and make sure everything is nice and dry. Use roach-killing baits, which come in discs, or use glue traps. Other Products and Links Mentioned Bar Keeper’s Friend Home Depot
If your home has a ridge vent and gable vents, but no soffit vents, should you cover the gable vents? Yes. You’ll want to install soffit vents and close those gable vents. Otherwise, gable vents can alter the airflow around the ridge vent. This is especially a problem when the wind blows parallel to the ridge. This can reverse the airflow, pulling air, rain and snow through the ridge vent. So, once you install soffit vents, close the gable vents. Soffit vents and ridge vents provide optimal attic ventilation. Now, what should you do next? You can leave the gable vents in place and cover them with plywood from the inside, making them ineffective. Or you can replace them with decorative, non-venting gable vents made of plastic. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips! [2:39] “I’ve read online that I should cover the gable vents because it could ‘short-circuit’ the soffit-ridge vent system. Looking for a trusted opinion on this matter.” [7:31] Best New Product: Apollo PEX Water Pressure Regulator with Gauge [9:27] “Is there any way to cover wall tile that goes halfway up our bathroom wall instead of taking it out?” [14:10] “I have some cracks in my concrete driveway. I repaired these about four years ago. The repairs did well for a couple of years, now the same crack lines are back. Help!” [23:36] Simple Solution: Joe’s formula for a safe, non-toxic mosquito repellant [25:30] Question of the Week: “I had the bright idea of cleaning my ceiling in the kitchen, because I had grease accumulation from years of cooking. Now I have a white spot where I cleaned. Help!” Simple Solutions Natural Bug Repellent — Here’s a nontoxic way to repel mosquitoes: Place two sprigs of rosemary in a mason jar Fill the jar 3/4 full with water Add 10 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil, then swirl the oil into the water Place one slice each of lemon and lime into the jar Add more water if needed to raise the level to full Place a floating tea light candle on top Set the jar outside, and light the candle Replace tea lights as needed and discard the fruit and liquid after three days Dust Catcher Tip — When you need to drill just one or two holes in a wall, try this trick to catch the dust: Slightly dampen about 4 to 6 inches along the edge of a single sheet of newspaper or paper towel. Then, stick the damp paper to the wall. Raise the bottom (dry) half of the sheet to create a trough, and drill the hole. The dust will fall into the paper. Question of the Week Q: “I had the bright idea of cleaning my ceiling in the kitchen, because I had grease accumulation from years of cooking. Now I have a white spot where I cleaned. Help!” A: Lay some plastic drop cloths on the floor and then clean the rest of the ceiling with a citrus degreaser and trisodium phosphate, or TSP. Then, evaluate whether the ceiling looks like one solid color. If the color doesn’t look consistent, either paint it or have it painted. Other Products and Links Mentioned Home Depot Metal Roofing Alliance
Self-isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic has driven up demand for building materials as more and more homeowners tackle do-it-yourself projects. But there are the projects you plan to work on, and then there are those that surprise you and you’re not sure what to do about them. Maybe you suddenly took a good look at your concrete steps and noticed they’re worn and chipped. You know that fixing them doesn’t require replacing all of the concrete, but you’re also not certain about the best solution. Or self-isolation has you spending more time on the porch swing, and you noticed how worse it looks for the wear after constant exposure to the sun. But, how to restore it is a mystery. Perhaps you’re ready to paint or stain a project, but you want to do it right this time and need to know about the kinds of additives you’ll need. (There are some that prevent mildew, insects and even brush strokes from compromising the project.) If you’re thinking of one of these projects during self-isolation, we’ve got expert advice to make it successful. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for these and more home improvement tips! [2:22] ‘My porch swing has been exposed to the hot afternoon sun. I need to refinish it, but which varnish should I use?’ [6:13] ‘How do you replace expansion joints in a driveway?’ [9:43] Discussing paint and stain additives such as mildewcides, insecticides and brush-stroke eliminators [13:46] ‘I have a sulfur smell in the water heater. What can I do about it?’ [15:25] ‘What can I do to remove scuff marks on my composite kitchen floor?’ [16:48] How to cut the bottoms off mason jars for crafting [18:08] Best New Products: Samsung High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer [19:54] ‘The rubber backing from my throw rugs is stuck to the ceramic tile floor — how can I remove it?’ [21:33] ‘What is the best product to clean the outside of the gutters?’ [24:21] ‘The wood siding on my home is dirty and turning green. What’s the best cleanser to use to wash my siding?’ [26:10] ‘My concrete steps have some chunks and chips missing. What can I do about them?’ [28:44] Simple Solution: A great way to store driver bits using a fishing accessory [30:32] Question of the Week: ‘How can I keep squirrels off my bird feeders?’ Simple Solutions Gravel Entry — Traffic in and out of a shed will often trample down and wear out the ground near the entrance. As a result, the area will become sunken, and turn into a soggy, muddy mess after a rainstorm. To prevent further erosion, make a simple landing pad out of a few 2x4s and some gravel. Build a rectangular frame out of pressure-treated 2x4s and set it on the ground in front of the entrance. Use a shovel to cut down into the ground around the outside of the frame. Move the frame out of the way and dig out about 3 inches of dirt. Line the bottom of the excavated hole with landscaping fabric, then set the frame into place and fill it with gravel. Compact the gravel with a hand tamper or long 4x4. Finally, add more gravel to completely fill the 2x4 frame. Storage for Driver Bits — Keep all your screw-driving bits neatly organized with a plastic container intended for fishing tackle. These clear containers are surprisingly durable, have hinged lids that snap closed, and feature customizable dividers for separating bits by type and size. And the containers are super-affordable: one that’s about 2 x 9 x 14 inches costs $12 and can be divided into as many as 28 compartments. Question of the Week Q: Evelyn in Michigan asks, “How can I keep the squirrels off my bird feeders?” A: Buy a squirrel-proof bird feeder, particularly one with a wire baffle that surrounds the outside, preventing squirrels’ entry. Some bird-feeders also have squirrel-proof doors that close upon detecting a squirrel’s weight. Other Products and Links Mentioned 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner Concentrate Flood Foetrol Goo Gone Goof Off Havahart Critter Ridder Home Depot Quikrete.com Quikrete Polymer Modified Structural Repair Sikaflex - 1c SL Simple Solutions Sunnyside Products: M1 Advanced Mildew Treatment TotalBoat TotalBoat – Lust Marine Varnish WD-40 WetandForget.com Wet and Forget Xtreme Reach Hose End
Not all vinyl windows are created equal. Companies making them during the economic recession of 2008 and the following years manufactured some notoriously substandard windows. But that doesn’t mean they’re all bad. Joe Truini suggests six things to look for when shopping for vinyl windows. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for those and more home improvement tips! [1:53] Around the Yard: Ways to reduce heat stress on your lawn during the hot, dry summer [4:40] What you should check right now in your attic [6:38] Checking in with Chelsea’s latest project: building a planter using cedar [10:33] Best New Product: PPG’s Interior General-Purpose, Zero VOC Primer [12:44] ‘We may replace our windows with vinyl. Is there a way to research a brand we may not have heard of but is used by a professional installer? [18:59] ‘How can we cover a 1½-inch gap under the wood door that leads from our kitchen out to the porch? [22:20] Simple Solution: An easy and efficient way to sand the edges of rough boards [23:42] ‘All the paint is off my barn and I was thinking probably an oil-based stain would be better than paint. What do you think?’ [24:49] ‘I’ve got brick with phosphorescence on it. Is there a way to get that white chalky coating off of my brick?’ [26:11] ‘I’m considering buying another property; however, I witnessed moisture on the walls. Help!’ [29:25] Question of the Week: ‘My chimney is separating from my house! What can I do?’ Around the Yard This time of the summer, things are getting pretty hot wherever you live. We often talk about protecting ourselves from the heat, and that's important, but it's also important to think about protecting your lawn from the heat. Heat is one of the biggest stresses for a lawn, so do what you can to reduce the stress. Watering is a no-brainer. When it's hot, you get thirsty, and so does your lawn. If you walk across the grass and it sounds crunchy or stays bent down, it needs water. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation. Speaking of walking on the grass, that's another thing that causes it stress. So, when it's really hot and dry, limit foot traffic as much as possible. While fertilizers help feed the lawn, that push to create new growth also causes stress, so hold off on that until the weather cools a little. Finally, when you cut the lawn, be sure you only remove the top third of the grass blades. You guessed it — removing more causes stress. Plus, taller grass plants develop deeper roots, and that makes them more drought-tolerant during the hot, dry summer. This Around the Yard segment brought to you by Pavestone. Simple Solutions Time-Saving Sanding — When using a portable power sander to smooth the edges of boards, you can save a lot of time by sanding several boards at the same time, a technique known as gang sanding. Clamp together the boards, making sure the edges are flush and even. Then sand all the edges simultaneously, which not only saves time, but also makes it easy to sand the narrow edges because the sander is supported by a wider surface. Rake Screed — Next time you need to smooth out a bed of sand or soil for a garden or patio, save some time and trouble by making a screed from a common garden rake. Start by getting a 3-foot length of perforated metal strapping, two 2-inch-long machine screws, with washers and wing nuts, and a 4-foot-long pine 1-by-4. Attach the metal strapping to the 1-by-4 using the machine screws, then slip the tines of the rake behind the strapping. Tighten the wing nuts to securely hold the 1-by-4 to the rake. Now, use the rake to pull and smooth the sand or soil. It’s also handy for smoothing gravel, bark mulch, compost, and even freshly poured concrete. Question of the Week Q: Eileen in Maryland says, “I have a 40-year-old rancher with a basement. The chimney, which was put in after the house was built, is separating from the house and I’m not sure what to do. “I have had various workers come out to look at it and all have given different advice. The chimney, at one time, was used for a wood stove in the basement that hasn’t been used in years. “Should I: Have it repaired Tear it down Or rebuild it?” A: This chimney is no longer in use, and it’s a major hazard. So hire a contractor and pull it down. Other Products and Links Mentioned Andersen Windows Home Depot Pavestone Pella Windows and Doors
Today we are excited to have Ramsey on the podcast. Ramsey is currently working at CoreVest Finance and is helping investors obtain portfolio financing. Ramsey is also an investor himself, growing up while also working on rentals with his family. He currently owns a portfolio in the Pittsburgh market.CoreVest Finance was founded in 2014 to meet the demand for affordable capital for a broad range of residential real estate investors. CoreVest's goal is to help investors scale by bringing attractive loan products to investors. To date, CoreVest has funded more than 40,000 units, closing over $6 billion in loans processed! Bo was able to use CoreVest to help scale his portfolio to where he is today. Please follow along to see the world of commercial lending and what you can expect when working with CoreVest!On this episode you'll learn:-Ramsey's background and his work at CoreVest-Introduction to CoreVest's Rental Portfolio Product-Differences between commercial lending vs the conventional lending-Some criteria that commercial lenders are looking for - specific to CoreVest-The application process with CoreVest-The underwriting process with CoreVest-How LLC's play into the commercial portfolio lending-LTV requirements from CoreVest-General Terms that you might see working with CoreVest-Some things to look out for such as prepayment penalty with Commercial Portfolio loans-Other Products that CoreVest offersContact Info:Website: https://www.corevestfinance.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramsey-kassih
Updating a kitchen usually involves a lot of time and expense, but if you just want to refresh the room a little, there are some simple tricks to make the job manageable. For instance, you can take years off the appearance of cabinets that look worse for the wear. We’ll tell you exactly how to clean, degrease and stain old cabinets so they look their best. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for those and many more home improvement tips! [2:22] Tips for cleaning, degreasing and staining cabinets [7:20] What you should know about M1 Advanced Mildew Treatment [8:43] How to repair small cracks in a stucco wall [12:22] ‘Help! I have a clogged A/C condensation drain…how can I unclog it — and keep it unclogged?’ [14:48] Best New Product: Dyson V8 Animal, Cord-Free Vacuum [15:53] The multitasking dad: He works at his law office in the morning and in the afternoon he’s building a shed with his teenage son! [18:10] How to repair rotten wood trim on a basement window [23:48] Simple Solution: Maintaining your outside A/C unit with a condenser fin comb [26:18] Question of Week: A block wall in the backyard is breaking down from the pressure of the hill behind it — what is the best way to reinforce the wall? Simple Solutions Fast Fix for Bent A/C Fins — If the thin aluminum fins on your A/C unit have become crushed or bent out of shape, it’ll struggle to draw air through the condenser, greatly diminishing its cooling capacity. You can try straightening out the bent fins with a stiff-bristle toothbrush or putty knife, but here’s a quicker, better way: Buy a condenser fin comb (about $8), which has rows of tiny steel teeth. Simply pull the comb along the outside of the condenser to straighten out any bent fins. Dust Catcher — Drilling holes into a drywall ceiling, even small holes, creates a surprising amount of dust. Here’s how to make that task a little neater: First drill through the bottom of a paper or foam cup, then hold the cup tight against the ceiling and drill the hole. The cup will catch the dust. Be sure to empty the cup before drilling any other holes. Question of the Week Q: I have a block wall in the backyard that is breaking from the pressure of dirt from my neighbor. (Their house sits higher than mine, about the height of the wall). What would be the best way to fix it or reinforce it? Can I build another wall in front of it? A: You could build a wall in front of the block wall, but what prevents the existing wall from breaking down and affecting the new wall? It would have a domino effect. Instead, first, contact a structural engineer. You’ll need their help with this project. Then dig out the dirt from behind the wall and repair the wall as necessary. Finally, install drainage pipe, gravel and landscaping fabric to keep wet soil from pushing against the back of the wall. Other Products and Links Mentioned Sunnyside Products: M1 Advanced Mildew Treatment Elastomeric coating RectorSeal
We get so many phone calls and emails about decks. People are building decks, stripping them and renovating them, so that’s how we’ll kick off this week’s episode of the Today’s Homeowner Podcast: we’ll talk all about decks! Learn how Chelsea’s making a big job — stripping her deck — manageable and listen for our tips to make your deck look great. Whether you want to know about the best wood for an outdoor deck, want to learn more about kiln-dried after treatment wood, or wonder how to remove paint from your deck, we’ve got it covered. [2:01] All about designing, building, refinishing and maintaining decks [8:27] A brick wall on a garage has come loose — can it be repaired? [13:31] Best New Product: Bessey GearKlamp [15:17] How to prepare and paint old, varnished pine cabinets [20:50] ‘Paint spilled on my bricks — here’s what removed it!’ [21:43] How to remove a large stump without using a stump grinder [28:18] Simple Solution: 5 tips for helping your lawn survive a drought [31:02] Question of the Week: ‘Help! Both sinks back up when I run my garbage disposal!’ Simple Solutions Save Drought-Stricken Lawns — Five tips for helping any lawn survive a prolonged drought: 1.) de-thatch, 2.) aerate, 3.) mow, as necessary, 4.) don’t bag clippings, and finally 5.) avoid excess traffic (foot and equipment) on lawn. Bulb Removal Trick — Here’s how to use duct tape to remove hard-to-reach or difficult light bulbs (like ones mounted flush in range hoods). Take an 8-inch length of duct tape and pinch it together in the middle to create a T shape with adhesive exposed on top of the horizontal surface. Use the vertical, pinched-together flap as a handle. Stick the tape to the bulb and twist, if it’s threaded. If the bulb has two lugs that fit into slots inside the socket, stick on the tape, press up, and then twist. Question of the Week Q: When I run my garbage disposal both sinks back up — what's the problem? A: It sounds like a clog, and you’ll need to plunge one drain while plugging up the other drain. Then switch drains. After that, remove the trap from under the sink and use a plumber’s snake to remove the clog. Other Products and Links Mentioned Citristrip KDAT lumber Home Depot Benjamin Moore Advance Cabinet Paint Goo Gone Metal Roofing Alliance
Every homeowner needs to tackle odd jobs around the house from time to time. And eventually, as maintenance bills add up, you realize you don’t have to pay a handyman to fix some of those problems. Think about a loose doorknob that makes you cringe — what if you didn’t have to rely on someone else to fix it? What if you could just whip out your trusty Phillips head screwdriver and have it working in 20 seconds? Building a basic tool kit doesn’t have to be expensive — you could start with just $25 for some essential tools and add to it as the need arises. We’ll talk about the simple, must-have tools to immediately become a do-it-yourselfer. Later in the show, we’ll get more advanced, explaining the difference between a drill and an impact driver. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips! [2:08] Getting rid of mosquitos — what works and what doesn’t [10:04] ‘Help! I need a beginner’s tool kit!’ [15:44] ‘My outdoor brick planter is splitting — how can I fix it?’ [19:34] ‘My tub drains slowly. We’ve tried just about everything. What now?’ [22:01] Best New Product: Frigidaire’s Gallery Front-Control Gas Range with Air Fry [23:52] ‘What’s the difference between a drill and an impact driver?’ [27:30] Simple Solution: Spot-treat weeds with a funnel on a pump-up sprayer [29:11] Question of the Week: ‘Paint keeps chipping off the basement floor. What can I do about it?’ Simple Solutions Tub-Stain Remover — Mix equal amounts of cream of tartar and baking soda with enough lemon juice to make a paste. Rub the mixture into the stain, wait a half-hour or so, then rinse with water. This is great for removing stains from tubs, sinks and toilets. Precision Spraying — A pump-up garden sprayer is great for applying weed-killing herbicides to lawns and flowerbeds, but the wide spray pattern makes it difficult to apply the herbicide with pinpoint accuracy. Solve this problem by attaching a small plastic funnel to the end of the spray wand. That’ll control the overspray and deliver the herbicide to a smaller, more concentrated area. Question of the Week Q: “Ten years ago, our basement was flooded a few inches deep. We ended up with some efflorescence. I removed it with a diluted 20% muriatic acid substitute. Then I scrubbed the floor with water and painted it with waterproof paint. “The efflorescence did not come back, but the paint blistered off. I have done this a couple of times since with the same results. What am I doing wrong — or better still, what should I do?” A: First, remove as much of the paint that’s blistering off. Then apply Drylok Extreme Masonry Waterproofer. It actually penetrates the masonry’s pores and bonds to it. Other Products and Links Mentioned Drylok Extreme Masonry Waterproofer Quikrete Quikwall Surface Bonding Cement
It’s time to turn our attention toward summer home maintenance tips, and there’s no better guide for that than our Four Seasons of Home Ownership Checklist. Summer is also a great time for backyard living, and whether you’re wondering which materials you need to install a new deck, or need to repair a deck that’s peeling and moldy, we’ve got you covered. If you have an aggregate patio that’s become exposed over the years, and is tough underfoot, we’ve also got tips to resurface it. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips! [2:00] Four Seasons of Home Ownership — Your Summer Checklist [10:15] Solution for mildew smells in a bathroom and small holes in a tub [15:11] ‘Which materials do I need for a new deck?’ [17:46] Best New Product: LG Instaview Door-in-Door Refrigerator [19:21] ‘Can you install light fixtures near radiant heating?’ [21:11] ‘Which materials do I need to install underlayment over tile floors?’ [22:04] ‘My deck paint is peeling and there’s mold. What can I do?’ [23:57] Simple Solution: Safe, easy way to wash fruit and vegetables [25:43] Question of the Week: The best way to resurface an aggregate patio Simple Solutions Roof Runoff Remedy — The lower edge of roof shingles should extend beyond the fascia board by at least 3/4 inch. That way, when rain runs down the roof it’ll drain into the gutters. Too often, however, the overhang falls short and water drips behind the gutters, leading to rotted fascia, peeling paint, stained siding and, in extreme cases, soil erosion and a wet basement. To fix the problem, pick up some aluminum drip edge (drip-cap flashing). It’s typically sold in 8-foot lengths, and can be easily cut with tin snips or even poultry shears. Slide the wide, flat flange of the flashing under the first course of roof shingles. If the edge of the flashing doesn’t extend over the gutter, pull it out slightly from under the shingles. Secure the drip edge with a few short roofing nails; just be sure to position the nails under the shingles. Seal each nail head with a dollop of roofing cement. Washing produce — You don't need a store-bought cleaner to remove dirt and insecticides from your fresh produce. Just mix a quarter of a cup of baking soda (or white vinegar) in a sink full of water. Wash your fruits and vegetables in the solution, transfer the produce to a colander, then rinse with clean water. Question of the Week Q: I need suggestions on how to resurface a washed aggregate patio. It is uncomfortable to walk on and I’d like to change it. Must it be removed? Pouring more concrete on top with a decorative pattern or stain would be pretty. Any ideas? A: If you want to change the look of the patio, you can install tile over it, but that could be expensive. On the other hand, coating it with 1/8 inch of Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer is easy. Most resurfacers require a primer or bonding agent. If you want to change it up altogether, you can tile over it or install decking over it. Other Products and Links Mentioned Home Depot Baking Soda Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Surfacer
Is your home ready for summer? First, you’ll need to seal your home’s ‘envelope.’ Then, you’ll need to insulate your patio and set your ceiling fans to help stay cool. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for these and many more home improvement tips! Simple Solutions Brass Screw Tip — Small brass screws are beautiful and decorative, but they’re also soft, so it’s easy to strip the head or snap the screw in half. To prevent these problems, try this: First, drill a pilot hole, and then drive in a steel screw that’s the same size as the brass screw. What you’re doing is essentially threading a hole in the wood to accept the brass screw. Next, back out the steel screw and drive in the brass screw. No-Clog Spray Painting — The spray tips on spray-paint cans clog very easily, making it virtually impossible to use all the paint that’s in the can. Here’s how to avoid clogs: First, after painting, turn the can upside down and press the tip until the spray runs clear. Then, pull off the tip and drop it into a jar of mineral spirits to soak. Next time you’re ready to paint, take the spray tip out of the mineral spirits, and ream out the spray hole with the wire from a twist tie to remove any softened paint. Then place the tip back on the can and start spraying. Question of the Week Q: “The house my wife and I own has a porch with tongue-and-groove wood for a ceiling. There is ½-inch OSB board under the tongue and groove. How do I find the joists to hang a swing from? I tried to get in through the attic, but we have spray foam insulation under our roof deck and there is a barrier between the attic and the area above the porch…” A: A phone app called Wall Bot looks through walls and acts like a stud finder. But ceiling joists are almost never where you need them. So, we recommend holding a 2-by-4 cleat flat against the ceiling, screwing at least two joists, and then drive the bolt through it. Other Products and Links Mentioned Home Depot Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Solar-powered exhaust fans [Amazon]
Buying a home is most people’s biggest investment. That’s why it’s important to keep it low-maintenance and budget-friendly. Listen to this week’s Today’s Homeowner Podcast to learn about affordable solutions to humidity under a house, affordable ways to x up a rental house, and low-maintenance replacements for front porch railings. [2:08] How to muffle a loud heat pump [5:51] Best New Product: Nexgrill 5-burner gas grill with side burner [6:58] Affordable solutions to humidity under a house [11:20] UV lights in A/C systems: do they work? [15:02] How to deal with smoking-related odors [17:44] A creative way to block the sun from a deck [18:51] Simple Solution: How to keep eyeglasses from fogging up while wearing a mask [20:39] Affordable ways to x up a rental house [22:57] Low-maintenance replacements for front porch railings [23:43] Tips for raising a ceiling [24:59] Tips for DIY pest control [29:07] Question of the Week: How to keep weeds o a patio Simple Solutions Trex Company has low-maintenance railing options for your front porch or deck. No-Fog Glasses — Here’s a simple, yet effective, way to prevent eyeglasses or safety glasses from fogging up when they’re worn with a dust mask. Coat the insides and outsides of both lenses with shaving cream. Rub the cream onto the lenses for several seconds, then rinse with cold water under a sink faucet. Dry the lenses and they should remain fog-free for several hours. Auto-Watering Houseplants — Be sure your houseplants don’t die of thirst by making a slow-drip irrigation bottle. Take an empty 1-liter soda bottle, ll it with water, then drill a 1/8-inch hole through the cap. Turn the bottle upside down and press it neck first into the soil. Water will very slowly drip out to hydrate the plant. You can also use a wine bottle, by drilling a hole through the cork. Watch the Video Question of the Week Q: We have a nice patio next to our house. Last year, we had some weeds in the paver joints. I scraped the weeds and soil out and then put poly sand on to ll the gaps. This year I am disappointed to see even more weeds. What is the best way to maintain our patio? A: We hate to suggest using harsh chemicals, so one thing Chelsea does is pour hot tea on weeds in her driveaway. It kills them instantly and then you can easily pluck them. There’s also a propane torch made for killing weeds. You also can sprinkle baking soda all over and wet the area. Other Products and Links Mentioned Home Depot Kilz Restoration Primer Filtrete electrostatic / charcoal filters
What’s an easier way for realtors to get referrals to property managers? A free mobile tool, rather than just another app on your smartphone. Today’s guest is Vitaliy Merkulov from Renter Inc., a company that builds software for realtors and property management businesses to be relevant, knowledgeable, and engaging. You’ll Learn... [03:05] What’s next? Building mobile app to generate leads. [03:50] #1 Source: Property management businesses grow via referrals. [04:57] Purpose and Point of Development: Mobile app gives you more realtor referrals. [05:47] Features and Benefits: Realtors request free rent analysis, receive push notifications, provide referrals, and view referral status. [08:10] Rent Analysis: Property manager is first to know who’s leased property, what property should lease for, and what the market suggests for time it takes to lease it. [11:40] Relationships: Get customers when they’re hot. Provide a tool that gets them there, gets them faster for more chances to turn them into leads. [14:09] Resource: App also offers latest trends, news, and events in specific areas. [15:18] Fear and Future Opportunities: Evictions and moratoriums will be lifted, and the real estate/property management industry tends to do well in these situations. [17:37] Open Rates: App is opened more than email; provides easy access to people. [19:44] Installation and Onboarding: Enable permission to receive push notifications. [21:30] Transactional and Global: Two types of notifications. [22:45] Status of App: In development phase, planning to be released mid-June 2020, and four beta testers in place. Tweetables #1 Source: Property management businesses grow via referrals. People shift from buying to renting. People transition to being accidental investors. The property management industry may have a season of significant growth. To get people to give you referrals, you have to show them value. All the features have been defined, they're ready, and they’re in the development phase. Resources Renter Inc. Info@renterinc.com DGS 71: Automate Giving Landlord References with Vitaliy Merkulov of Renter, Inc. Propertyware AppFolio Drip RentWerx Mynd Property Management RentPros Real Property Management Preferred DoorGrow on YouTube DoorGrowClub DoorGrowLive DoorGrow Website Score Quiz DoorGrow Cold Leads Calculator Transcript Jason: Welcome, DoorGrow Hackers, to the DoorGrow Show. If you are a property management entrepreneur that wants to add doors, make a difference, increase revenue, help others, impact lives, and you are interested in growing your business and life, and you are open to doing things a bit differently, then you are a DoorGrow Hacker. DoorGrow Hackers love the opportunities, daily variety, unique challenges, and freedom that property management brings. Many in real estate think you’re crazy for doing it, you think they’re crazy for not because you realize that property management is the ultimate high-trust gateway to real estate deals, relationships, and residual income. At DoorGrow, we are on a mission to transform property management businesses and their owners. We want to transform the industry, eliminate the BS, build awareness, change perception, expand the market, and help the best property management entrepreneurs win. I’m your host, property management growth expert, Jason Hull, the founder and CEO of DoorGrow. Now, let’s get into the show. My guest today is Vitaliy. Vitaliy, welcome to the show. Vitaliy: Thank you. Jason: You’ve been on the show before. Your company is Renter, Inc. For those that aren’t familiar with you, why don’t you give us a quick background of you are, and then maybe give us an update on Renter, Inc., and then let’s get into this new thing that you’re here to talk about today, which is how realtors can start getting referrals to property managers in a more easy way. Vitaliy: All right. Thank you for having me here again. Last time I was here I believe it was about a year ago. Renter, Inc. is a software company that builds multiple software. One of the ones that I was here for last time is called Rental Verification software. What that does is it automates the process of giving rental verifications to your tenants that are leaving your property. You have tenants that are there, they’re getting ready to leave. That new prospective landlord contacts you, asks you for references. Usually, it takes 10-15 minutes to do that, and then you have to chase—make sure that they give you consent forms and all that stuff. With our software, Rental Verifications, you’re able to integrate with Propertyware and AppFolio, and it automatically generates their rental verifications for them so you don’t have to spend your time on that. The last time I was here, I was saying hey, we need some beta testers for AppFolio, and we were able to get them because of this show. Right now, it’s up and running. Everything is good. What I want to talk about today is this mobile app that we’re building. This came from talking to property managers, asking them what their real problems are. Some of them came back and said our biggest problem is not really automation right now. Our biggest problem is getting more leads. That’s where this app idea was born. I’d love to talk to you guys about that. Jason: Let’s get into it. The number one source for most property management businesses in growing businesses, if they have a healthy property management business, is always word of mouth—it’s referrals. If you build up a business that has lots of doors, it’s a machine that builds itself. It just naturally starts to grow as you have more tenants and more owners, and you’re doing a good job, and providing good service, more and more people are referring. It kind of takes on a life of its own. For a lot of property managers, this is a real problem. It’s a struggle to get this machine going, to get that engine going. Then even for the larger ones, they’re always like how can I pour more gasoline in this fire that is our biggest fire? How do we make this work? You and I have been talking about this software quite a bit, right? We’ve gone back and forth, and I guess you could say I have consulted and given you a bunch of ideas on this as well. Where are you at with this, and what have you come up with? Let’s tell people about it. Vitaliy: Let’s try to get into what is the point of this app first, and then I’ll tell you where we are in the development of this app. The main point of this app is it will give you more referral apps—realtor referrals. The way it works is instead of you going to realtor events, meeting realtors, and giving them your business card and beg for referrals, you would simply give them your own app with your own logo, which will have very good tools in it that you would provide to these realtors. That they would simply go to either App Store or Android store and download your own app. This app will have capabilities such as realtors will be able to request free rent analysis directly from you, and you would be able to respond back inside your own app with your own rent analysis. They will receive push notifications, you will receive push notifications, and everything is done through the app. The other feature is going to be referrals. Realtors will be able to give you a referral from the app. You will see and get a push notification saying that there is a referral coming in. The big part here, the realtor will be able to see the status of the referral. For example, is the referral converted, has it been dropped? All of that will be able to be seen in the app. The other benefit that this app has is it’s not only an app that is useful for you, the property manager, it’s also a tool for a realtor to be basically an expert in investors’ type of world. You will be able to push important information to them. For example, local laws and regulations that these realtors need to know when they’re working with an investor in the area. It makes you relevant, it makes you more advanced in knowledge, and it gives them this free tool rather than just another app on their phone. It also gives you push notifications, which is a much, much more chance of them interacting with you. The other biggest thing out of them all is the fact that it’s a mobile app, it’s on their phone and you can send them push notifications. They will be on top of your mind compared to all of those property managers who gave them their business cards and begged them to follow up with them. Jason: Let’s touch on some of this real quick because I’m sure we’re going to lose people if we’re just throwing out all the features and benefits. When you first came to me with this app, I was really negative about it. I mean, let’s be honest. I was like nobody wants another app on their phone. Realtors aren’t going to want to just download some app and give referrals. The missing piece, which you just threw out there like it was not that big of a deal, but I want to point out it’s a big deal—that rent analysis. Realtors really do want to be able to say to their investor clients here is an expert analysis, but they have no idea. They have no idea they could go to Zillow, they could go to these places, but they’re inaccurate, and they have problems. Nobody knows better than a property manager who’s leased out two or three properties in that neighborhood what that property should realistically lease for, or what they could get, or what the market is suggesting based on the time it takes to lease a property. All this kind of stuff. They have all these anecdotal data in their head that you’re just not going to be able to pull in sometimes because they’re the boots on the ground. They see this. This gives agents a resource that they can come to you, provide, basically, a lead to you like here’s this property. Here’s the owner’s detail. Here’s the stuff. You’ll be able to provide that service. They’re going to feel safe that you’re going to give this person back to them when it comes time to sell because you’re going to be, as a property manager, the first to know when this person wants to sell. Why? Because they’re going to reach out, and they’re going to want to know what the property may be could sell for. They’re going to have this need, so you can then refer them back to the agent. The idea, once we figured that out, there’s an incentive, there’s some benefit for the agent to look like an expert, to keep the client, to receive that, and then I was like all right. Now, this is starting to make sense, Vitaliy. This is something I could sell people on. I could say hey, you should do this. This will be a good idea. The idea that agents can see the transparency, they can see where a lead is at, almost like a CRM. They can see where it’s at in the step in the process. Because this is one of the concerns, if I send somebody a referral, I want to know if they’re being taken care of, I want to know how it’s going. I want a little bit of feedback. Did you get them on as a client? Are you going to pay me a kickback for this? Is there like this? That’s what the property manager and the real estate agent, they want to see all of this stuff. This app facilitates all of that. The agent’s going to want to keep this app on their phone because they’re going to have this easy resource they can go to. It’s a tangible anchor. Psychologically, anytime they’re stuck on anything, they’re like oh, well, this person is a real estate investor and they want to turn this into an investment property. The next step is we need to figure out what could this property rent for if they buy this property? You can start building that, connect that relationship. It allows the agent to look even better, to look like they have a team of resources, to look like they’ve got things at their disposal, and you get to be that resource as a property manager. Did I sum that up, somewhat? Is that okay? Vitaliy: Yeah, of course. Let’s imagine this. The realtor is out there showing the property to investors. They look at this property, 123 Main Street, and the investor says how much can I get rent for? Instead of you waiting, going to your office, and then reaching out to your favorite property manager, the realtor can take out their phone, and go to your own property management app, and request a rent analysis right there and then, and forget about it. It depends on how fast you are, you’ll get a notification or a push notification into your own app, and you’ll be able to provide a rent analysis within seconds or minutes. Jason: This rent analysis is going to have the property owner’s info on it, right? You request that from the agent. If the agent wants to request this info, they’re submitting their client’s info like here’s the client’s name, here are their details, so that you get a lead as a property manager. Then you can communicate with the agent and with the owner. Vitaliy: Yeah. Much faster and you always got to get your customers right when they’re hot, and this is when they’re hot. They’re looking at this property, they want to know what is it going to rent for, and if you can provide them with the tool that is able to get them there, get them faster, there are more chances it’s going to turn into your own lead. Jason: You start building that relationship, and at that point, you’re just being helpful. Ultimately, you don’t have to be salesy, you’re just providing value, you’re being helpful. Here’s the rent analysis. Here’s what you might want to do. Then if you’d like us to come out and check out this property and give you an idea of what changes need to be made, we’d be happy to do that in order to get it ready. You can start to build this and start this relationship without having to start selling. The agent is saying this is a trusted resource, I’m going to connect you with this company. They’ll give you a rent analysis, they’re going to do all of this, and they come with that authority already established. Vitaliy: Most property managers do offer this free tool on their website, but once the realtor is on the field, they're not going to pull up their phone, and try to go on your website, and request rent analysis there. It might be harder to do. If it's on their phone, there are more chances they're going to do it through your app rather than finding and looking for a website of another property management company. Hoping that that website is accessible through their phone. Knowing that it is a resource because this app will not just have rent analysis and referrals, it will have latest trends, latest news, and events that are happening in specifically your area, there are more chances that they're going to already know about your app because you've been pushing push notifications to them about the latest events. They will have you on top of mind, and they will know to go to you rather than to another property management company. Jason: Right now, with coronavirus COVID-19, all the drama that's going on, there's a lot of fear, there's a lot of uncertainty, there's going to be a lot of shifts—evictions, moratoriums are happening. Once these things start to lift, there's still going to be a lot of questions. People are looking for answers, and there's a massive opportunity here coming in the future. If the real estate market doesn't recover quickly from all this complete pause that's happened, then maybe a real estate industry may suffer and struggle, and then the property management industry, usually by default, tends to do well in those situations. People shift from buying to renting, that people transition to being accidental investors. They can't get places sold as the market tanks. The property management industry may have a season of significant growth coming here in the next several months or next several years. This would be a tool that would allow you to get that info out like here's the update. Here's what's going on. We even see the president of the United States. He has an opportunity right now to do daily briefings, and his ratings are higher than anything else going on right now, from what I understand. Everybody wants to know what's coming from the top. You're the expert in your market, you're the expert when it comes to rentals, and so the agents—maybe even landlords might start tuning into this if they’re another audience added into this app. Am I jumping the gun there? Vitaliy: No. That’s perfect. The main point here is in order to get people to give you referrals, you have to show them value. If you're just going out there and giving everyone business cards and begging for referrals, you're not going to get them. You have to give them something back first. With this app, you are giving them a resource that is specific to that specific market. Once you show them that you've given them resources, and you've given them information that has been valuable, for example, the latest news, and trends, and eviction laws specifically for your area, they will most likely go to you because they've heard from you, they've seen you. This app will be opened up much more than an email would. That seems to be the trend, and that is one of the biggest reasons why mobile apps are being developed by larger corporations—is to have that easy access to people. Once a push notification goes out, the open rate is 95%. People will open up that little ding on their iPhone or their Android phone, and they'll see that red one next to the app, and they will want to open it and make sure that they see what's going on. The technology has been proven that the fact that the mobile apps do get opened up much better, and they do bring a top of mind much better than anything else out there. Jason: Let's compare it to other things. Email open rates are pretty low. We use a software called Drip currently for our newsletter, for example. We have, actually, what's considered a really high open rate on our emails, but even still, a really good open rate on email maybe is 30% on a bulk email. Maybe, right? If you get 20%, some people still consider that pretty decent. That means the vast majority, if you're looking at the 80-20 rule, are not looking at the emails. The way inboxes are now set up, they go into weird folders, or categorizations, or spam. Email deliverability is just not a great way to maintain communication or a relationship. Text messages have really high open rates, push notifications really high open rates. That's what you're talking about. There's a big difference if you can do push notifications versus that. Is there a challenge with getting people to opt into the push notifications, or is this just something they'll need to educate each realtor they're bringing into this like make sure you say yes to the push notifications as you enable this app. Vitaliy: That's a good point. When the realtor does install this app, it goes through what we call an onboarding. A few pages where we explain to them the point of push notifications first before we give them a pop-up and say hey, allow push notifications, so they will know to enable it rather than just pushing it to them, and most people just say no, I don't want push notifications. We do think that there is going to be more people enabling those notifications. I haven't thought about this, but in the future, what we could do is if there is a notification that comes in, we will display some message saying hey, be sure to enable your push notifications. But if they do open the app, they'll still see that notification, it just won't be a push notification. It's still a much better open rate in that. Does that make any sense? Jason: Yeah, it does. You're going to constantly solicit or get them to open permission to do the push notifications if they haven't done it yet. That makes sense. It will be one of those annoying little red icons probably on the phone app set with a number like oh, man. I got to look at this. What's going on here? Vitaliy: I wanted to say that there are two types of notifications there. One is when it's transactional, so for example, there's a new rent analysis available. You have given them a new rent analysis, and then they get a push notification saying hey, 123 Main Street has responded with their rent analysis. That's one type of push notification. The second type is what we call a global notification, and that is what a property manager of this app is able to send out to everyone. It could be something like hey, if you give us a referral this month, we'll give you double the price, or something like that. It's more like a promotional push notification just to get into on top of mind of people. That is where you have the potential to send it to everyone who has their push notifications enabled, and it will also show up in their notifications screen on the app even if they don't have the push notifications enabled. They'll still see it next time they open the app. People are able to use that as a promotional also. There are those two types. Jason: Perfect. Okay. Where are you at with this app? How far along is development? Do you have people using it? Beta testing? Where is it at? Those that are listening, what would be the next step? If they're interested, which I'm expecting people to be pretty interested in this, why don't you give people a state of the union on this app. Vitaliy: Currently, the app is in the development phase. It's planned to be released mid-June 2020. Right now, all the features have been defined, they're ready, and they’re in the development phase. We have currently a few beta testers. RentWerx, which Brad Larsen as one of the beta testers. We have Mynd Property Management as one of the testers. We have another property manager called RentPros. They manage about 1000 doors, they’re a beta tester. Then we have one of the Real Property Management Preferred, beta testers. Currently, we have four beta testers, and the majority of them are in over 1000 doors. Currently, they're working on expanding in their referral program, and that's why we were excited about this. Those who are interested in becoming beta testers, we are only going to offer the beta to 10 beta testers. After that, the beta program will close until it's available for everyone else. The beta users will get 20% off and then will not get that if you sign up after the beta is over. The benefit of being a beta user is that you obviously get the discount, and also, you're the one who will determine which features will be developed in the next phase. That's a really good benefit there. It will be out mid-June, and then we'll probably test it for about a month or so, and then July or so, it's going to be available for everyone. Jason: I don't think you'll have any trouble getting some beta testers with all the people that listen to the show. You'll get 10, so that's not going to be an issue. Vitaliy: Whoever gets in there first is going to get it. We're not going to allow more than 10 beta testers because we want [...]. Jason: Then make sure they're good ones. Find some really tech-savvy guys because they'll give you some good feature requests, or gals. Guys or gals, right? All right. Awesome. Vitaliy, this sounds really great. I know I've got several clients that would be interested in this. Hopefully, they're listening to this. On some of my calls that I do with my clients, some of the gals and guys there were keenly interested in something like this. We're going to throw this out. By the time this makes it to the podcast, they'll already be filled, I'm sure. How do they get in touch with you to get on the beta program? For those that aren't going to make it into that, how can people find out more about this, and where you're at with this, and maybe even sign up? How do people communicate with you? Vitaliy: The best thing to do is go to our website renterinc.com, and then there's a tab on top that says Other Products. Once you go to that, there's a Realtor Referral App. It'll take you to a specific page where it doesn't talk a lot about the app but allows you to schedule a call with us. That will tell us that you're interested in specifically the Realtor Referral App. We'll get on the call to see if you're a good candidate for a beta tester. If you are, you'll join, we’ll get your logo and your company information, and you'll have your own app mid-June. If you don't make it to the beta test, we will still be able to get you on the call, get you set up, and then once the beta program is over, we'll get you set up with your own app, hopefully somewhere middle of July. You can either go to renterin.com, or you could just email info@renterinc.com, and then just tell us you're interested in the Realtor Referral Program. I'd encourage everyone else to also take a look at our other software that we have. We also have an integration with AppFolio that allows you to request rental verifications and get them back in 24 hours or so. We do that through our Chrome extension that we’ve just built. Take a look at that. We’re excited about the referral app, but our other tools are pretty good too. Jason: You’re a humble promoter of your products and services. I appreciate that. Vitaliy, thanks for coming on the show. Keep us updated on how this goes. Vitaliy: All right. Thank you so much. Talk to you later. Jason: Awesome. We’ve had lots of conversations about this. He’s been picking my brain. Anyway, check that out. If you are a property management business owner, and you are struggling, you’re having difficulty, you want to feel like you have somebody in your corner, we’ve got some great coaching programs available. We also are launching websites. Every week, we’re launching a new website for clients, so check us out. At DoorGrow, I believe we build the best websites in the property management industry, hands down. If you are feeling even a little bit confident or insecure about your website, go to doorgrow.com/quiz and test it. Grade your website, and see where it’s at. If you get an A, then I guess you need to have a conversation with me or my team. But if you don’t, if you get a B, or what’s common—a C, or even more common—a D, or you fail outright on this quiz, then you owe it to yourself and your business to make sure you’re not missing out on website leads and deals every single month. One deal is probably worth $6000 lifetime value. That’s maybe $2000 a year on the door. Maybe you’re making $2000 a year, and you can keep going for maybe three years, maybe $6000 lifetime value. If you’re missing out on just two or three of those every month, that could be $18,000 in future ROI that you’re missing out on every single month. That can be a very expensive thing if you multiply that by 12 months over the course of a year. Websites are not that expensive. They’re just not. One door would cover it, so reach out to us. Anyway, I’m Jason Hull with the DoorGrow Show. Thanks for hanging out with me. Until next time. To our mutual growth. Bye, everyone. This document has been edited with the instant web content composer which can be found at htmleditor.tools - give it a try.
If your clothes take a long time to dry, the problem may not be the dryer — it may be the venting system. In this week’s Today’s Homeowner Podcast, we hear about a dryer that’s vented into a crawlspace where hot, moist air travels 30 feet before exiting into the yard. Installing PVC and flexible aluminum piping didn’t solve the problem for one homeowner, probably because the piping’s travel path includes so many ups and downs, twists and turns. This is a common problem for homeowners, and the solution — an inline booster fan — may surprise you. [2:06] Clothes dryer doesn’t dry clothes well — what can I do? [5:52] Tips to convert a dresser into a bathroom vanity [10:05] Best New Product: Hardy Backer Cement Board [11:28] Tips to evenly stain a deck [12:52] Tips to safely remove a bathroom mirror glued to the wall [14:39] Interview: Peter Daich talks about Daich Coatings’ TracSafe Anti-Slip Sealer [19:59] Simple Solution: How to easily cut wide rolls of paper and roof-felt [21:44] How to get rid of unwanted grass in your garden [24:55] Should you seal off an old exhaust fan in a laundry room? [28:42] Question of the Week: How to replace a floor outlet after installing a new floor Simple Solutions Paper-Cutting Tip — To cut a wide roll of paper with a utility knife, stand the roll on its end and unroll as much as you need. But, don’t cut down through the top edge, or the paper will flop over, making it difficult to cut a straight line. And the paper might tear. Instead, start cutting about 2 inches down from the top edge and continue all the way down and through the bottom edge. Now cut or tear through the remaining paper at the top. This works great for brown packing paper, builders felt, roll roofing and foam underlayment, and any other thin sheet goods that come in wide rolls. Watch the Video Easy-Off Lids— To keep metal, twist-on lids from sticking to cans of varnish, oil and other finishes, place a small piece of waxpaper over the threads before twisting on the lid. The waxpaper will also create an airtight seal to keep the finish from drying out. Question of the Week Q: We replaced our carpet with wood and our floor electrical outlet is now below the floor level. What do I need to do to bring the outlet up to the level of the wood flooring? A: You’ll need an adjustable electrical box extension. Be careful! If you’re not comfortable or familiar with electrical work, get an electrician to install it. Other Products and Links Mentioned Daich Coatings Zar Interior Wood Finishing Products
Smoke detectors are a necessity and a code requirement. They’ve changed a lot over the years, so it’s good to get a refresher on what’s available. You used to hear all the time how important it was to replace a smoke detector’s battery twice a year. But lithium-ion batteries changed everything — they can power these devices for up to 10 years. You want to know another great innovation? Multi-station alarms. These wired smoke detectors have wireless companion devices that amplify alarms throughout the house. First Alert and Kidde are just two of the manufacturers, and these are perfect for larger homes, especially those with multiple levels. Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips! [02:10] Danny and Joe talk about smoke detection innovations [06:43] Tips for venting fumes from cleaning products [08:24] Tips for replacing a poorly installed shower grab bar [13:41] Simple Solution: The best way to paint louvered doors and shutters [15:49] Carpet cleaning tips you may not know [20:36] Tips to remove layers of paint from wood floors [26:27] How to build a fire pit into a paver patio [29:07] Question of the Week: What causes a water hammer? Simple Solutions Pro Tip for Painting Louvers: Painting louvered doors and shutters is no easy feat, but pro painters have a technique that works well. First, roll on the paint without much regard for neatness; just get the paint on the louvers. Then immediately come back with an angled sash brush and spread out the paint to an even coating. Repeat for the backside of the louvers. Trimming Border Tiles: When installing a tile floor (vinyl or porcelain), you usually have to trim the last row of tiles to fit against the wall. Here’s how to accurately mark those border tiles for a perfect fit every time: Start by laying a full-size tile on top of the tile in the second-to-the-last row. Place another full tile on top, and slide it up against the wall. Draw a pencil line along the edge of the top tile to mark the tile below; the pencil line represents the cut line. Remove the middle tile and cut it along the line. Question of the Week Q: “When I flush my toilet on the second floor of my townhome, I have been hearing what I’ll describe as a knocking noise. (The noise sounds like it’s in the wall behind the toilet). “It knocks immediately following flushing and continues for 30 to 60 seconds. It started getting louder recently. Do you know what’s causing this? I don’t know who to contact to fix it. Thank you!” A: We know what that is: the old water hammer! Water, which is under pressure, rushes through the pipes, and when there’s an abrupt stop, like when you close the water valve, the water bangs into the pipes. That’s the sound you’re hearing, and there is a way around it. Listen to learn more! DIY Project of the Week How to Make a Hot Patch Drywall Repair: Almost every home has a bit of damaged drywall here or there. Whether it’s a rowdy child or a door that swung too far open, most of us will have to deal with repairing small holes in drywall at some point. One of my favorite ways to do that is called a “hot patch,” and it’s super simple. Watch this video for the step-by-step guide. Other Products and Links Mentioned Broan First Alert Kidde Pavestone pavers Quikrete Advanced Polymer Construction Adhesive Simple Solutions 3 Smoke Detectors and How They Work
In episode 97, we discuss one of the major themes from Apple's 2Q17 earnings report. There were a number of interesting observations found in the "Other Products" line item. In particular, Apple wearables (Apple Watch, AirPods, Beats headphones) sold quite well. After going over the methodology I used to derive 2Q17 Apple Watch and AirPods unit sales, we discuss the best way to put Apple wearables sales into context. It turns out Apple wearables outsold iPhone over the first two years on the market. We also discuss why the wearables discussion should be about more than just Apple Watch and the impact a wearables platform will have on adoption trends. The episode concludes with some thoughts on Apple wearables sales over the upcoming year. Receive my analysis and perspective on Apple throughout the week via exclusive daily emails. To sign up, visit AboveAvalon.com/membership.
This episode's News & Views includes the latest stories and research about America's declining life expectancy data, how optimism may extend life, and the latest archaeological clues about the Paleolithic Diet. The Moment of Paleo segment offers ideas about how to think about longevity in the context of your own health goals. And the After the Bell segment offers more longevity food-for-thought from Neil deGrasse Tyson and Laura Carstensen. Links for this episode:Support Latest in PaleoChristmas Gift Ideas: Gadgets for the KitchenRecommended Food & Other ProductsRecommended Books & AudiobooksCDC - Data Briefs - Number 267 - December 2016What's Pushing Down U.S. Life Expectancy? - Scientific AmericanLife Expectancy in the US Has Decreased (VIDEO)US life expectancy declines for first time in 20 years - BBC NewsU.S. Life Expectancy Declines : Shots - Health News : NPROptimism and Cause-Specific Mortality: A Prospective Cohort StudyHow optimism may help you live longer - CBS NewsOptimistic women may live longer - Business InsiderOptimism 'can help women live longer'The plant component of an Acheulian diet at Gesher Benot Ya‘aqov, IsraelAncient leftovers show the real Paleo diet was a veggie feast | New ScientistThe REAL paleo diet revealed in over 9,000 plant remains | Daily Mail OnlineNeil deGrasse Tyson: Living and Longevity - YouTubeLaura Carstensen: Older people are happier | TED Talk | TED.comVisit PuraKai to shop for eco-friendly clothing and stand-up paddle boards. Be sure to use coupon code "latest in paleo" for 15% off all clothing purchases.
On this week's episode we start with a message from Stephen Hawking. Then, it's News & Views featuring new research about exercise's affects on the brain; details about physical activity levels within the Hadza hunter-gatherer tribe; and how being in nature benefits human beings. The Moment of Paleo segment offers food for thought about overthinking, and After the Bell features a neuroscientist's insights on exercise and creativity. Enjoy the show! Links for this episode:This Episode & Shownotes at latestinpaleo.comHow You Can Support the ShowChristmas Gift Ideas: Gadgets for the KitchenRecommended Food & Other ProductsRecommended Books & AudiobooksGEN-PEP – Pep Talk by Stephen Hawking - YouTubeRSNA press release: Aerobic Exercise Preserves Brain Volume and Improves Cognitive FunctionAerobic exercise improves cognition in old age - Medical News TodayExercise May Help Protect Against Cognitive Decline | The Huffington PostHow Exercise Rewires Your Brain - YouTubePhysical activity patterns and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk in hunter-gatherers - Raichlen - 2016 - American Journal of Human Biology - Wiley Online LibraryModern Hunter-Gatherers Show Value of Exercise | UANews3 Health Lessons From Modern Hunter-Gatherers To Improve Your LifeDebunking the Hunter-Gatherer Workout - The New York TimesPLOS ONE: Hunter-Gatherer Energetics and Human ObesityWhy parks matter: Nature improves your brainTEDxOrlando - Wendy Suzuki - Exercise and the Brain - YouTubeVisit PuraKai to shop for eco-friendly clothing and stand-up paddle boards. Be sure to use coupon code "latest in paleo" for 15% off all clothing purchases.
On this week's News & Views we cover: NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, Celebrex, and Naproxen; new research that suggests high HDL is not heart protective; and how worrying about health can actually affect your health. The food for thought continues in the Moment of Paleo segment, which explores the things we cannot do when we must do them. After the Bell features a talk by Alan Watts on the topic of Double Binds. Links for this episode:Why & How to Support Latest in PaleoRecommended Food & Other ProductsRecommended Books & Audio BooksComment on this Episode or Share a News LinkCardiovascular Safety of Celecoxib, Naproxen, or Ibuprofen for Arthritis — NEJMCelebrex arthritis drug just as safe as NSAIDs for pain relief, with fewer side effects, study finds - CBS NewsSurprise! Arthritis Drug Celebrex Shown As Safe As Ibuprofen And NaproxenIbuprofen May Not Be As Safe As You Think | TIMENew Study Reveals Ibuprofen and Naproxen Health RisksHigh-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Cause-Specific Mortality in Individuals Without Previous Cardiovascular Conditions: The CANHEART Study | Journal of the American College of Cardiology | American College of Cardiology FoundationDoes 'Good' Cholesterol Matter in Heart Disease Risk?: MedlinePlus Health NewsWhat you need to know about "good" HDL cholesterol - CBS NewsLow levels of HDL (the “good” cholesterol) appear connected to many health risks, not just heart disease - Harvard Health Blog - Harvard Health PublicationsBombshell health study: Raising HDL "good" cholesterol does not help prevent heart disease | Genetic Literacy ProjectHealth anxiety and risk of ischaemic heart disease: a prospective cohort study linking the Hordaland Health Study (HUSK) with the Cardiovascular Diseases in Norway (CVDNOR) project -- Berge et al. 6 (11) -- BMJ OpenWorrying about health increases heart disease risk - Medical News TodayCan worrying about your health make you ill? | Life and style | The GuardianWorried sick? Stressing that you'll get an illness can make you sick, study says - NBC NewsAlan Watts: The Double Bind - YouTubeVisit PuraKai to shop for eco-friendly clothing and stand-up paddle boards. Be sure to use coupon code "latest in paleo" for 15% off all clothing purchases.
Intro / Outro Sooner or later by Urmymuse http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/45496 00:02:03 Привет, Тарас! 00:04:00 Microsoft collaborates on software for the legal marijuana industry http://goo.gl/ZnOmYF Marijuana and Microsoft: Why This is Huge for Legalized Pot http://goo.gl/5kj8rr 00:05:11 Cyberspace is officially a war zone – NATO http://goo.gl/mgnBWk 00:08:28 Security Advisory for Adobe Flash Player https://goo.gl/CwGnZ5 00:10:55 Ransomware, SCADA Access As a Service Emerging Threats For ICS Operators, Report Says http://goo.gl/3JjKCZ 00:16:33 Gartner’s Top 10 Security Predictions 2016 http://goo.gl/pmCFDx 00:26:21 Facebook Messenger был уязвим к атаке, требующей базовые знания HTML https://goo.gl/EwxvT1 00:27:32 Flaw in Juniper's JunOS router software could cause DDoS flood http://goo.gl/FLFwMj Cisco Issues Hight Alert on IPv6 Vulnerability, Says It Affects Both Cisco and Other Products http://goo.gl/3MHzyN 00:28:18 Cisco Won’t Patch Critical RV Wireless Router Vulnerability Until Q3 https://goo.gl/IF9Dup 00:30:08 North Korean Hackers Stole F-15 Wing Designs, Seoul Says http://goo.gl/NUWWB0 00:32:01 Hacker faces 25 years in prison for giving ISIS a US kill list https://t.co/Zr9xs8VG99 00:33:19 Ransomware, SCADA Access As a Service Emerging Threats For ICS Operators, Report Says http://goo.gl/XfA0fj 00:35:24 В Украине создали Национальный координационный центр кибербезопасности http://goo.gl/lTGh0m 00:37:28 Forget Game of Thrones as Android ransomware infects TVs http://goo.gl/FRohuK 00:39:03 An IT Worker at the Panama Papers Law Firm Has Been Arrested https://goo.gl/WjDiS1 00:39:52 Twitter: Passwords Leaked for Millions of Accounts http://goo.gl/LucP4h 00:40:35 uTorrent Forums Hacked, Passwords Compromised https://goo.gl/t5mMb3 00:41:14 Let's Encrypt lets 7,600 users... see each other's email addresses http://goo.gl/Jli9xZ 00:42:03 The web attacks that refuse to die https://t.co/EOEVPCr3QG 00:42:55 Inferring Internet Security Posture by Country through Port Scanning (pdf) https://goo.gl/4mZucp 00:43:31 Should multilingual websites use HTTPS by default | Million Dollar Blog (к моменту публикации, статья и все ссылки на нее были удалены) 00:44:58 FBI: Email Scams Take $3.1 Billion Toll on Businesses https://goo.gl/mjaTm7 00:46:03 How a college student tricked 17k coders into running his sketchy script http://goo.gl/Zr74XV 00:48:01 DAO теряет миллионы долларов в час из-за ошибки в своём коде и тянет Ethereum за собой https://goo.gl/a0arWL 00:52:32 Telegram bug allows attackers to crash devices, jack up phone bills https://goo.gl/YhgEDl 00:53:28 BadTunnel Bug Hijacks Network Traffic, Affects All Windows Versions http://goo.gl/OhBV7T 00:55:03 Acer Ecommerce Site Spills Credit Card Information of Thousands https://goo.gl/rpiKhp 00:57:20 Никифоров: регулирование трафика в мессенджерах и соцсетях технически невозможно http://tass.ru/pmef-2016/article/3368668 00:58:29 Hacking the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hybrid https://goo.gl/Yqm7Zm 00:59:36 Help Make Open Source Secure https://goo.gl/DwZkHw
Followup Miloš Damnjanović poslao tip da na titlovi.rs ima naših prevoda i da fajl treba da se završava sa SR.srt i Plex će prikazati naša slova (isto što i rs.titlovi.com) Sloba je uživo ponovio ono što na mje prethodno napisao u emailu o Windows Media centru i šta on koristi kao media centar "Lepo su smislili, 25$ za 1TB prostora, a 500$ za 10TB protoka. To je super za backup, ali nije za mene" - moj drug Vlada u vezi sa Dreamhost S3 klonom, došli smo do zaključka da to nije servis za njega i njegov posao Vesti Apple Q215 finansijski izveštaj: Bloomberg i MacDailyNews. Ukratko: Apple today announced financial results for its fiscal 2015 second quarter ended March 28, 2015. The company posted quarterly revenue of $58 billion and quarterly net profit of $13.6 billion, or $2.33 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $45.6 billion and net profit of $10.2 billion, or $1.66 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 69 percent of the quarter’s revenue. Apple Unit Sales and Revenue Q215: iPhone: 61.170 million units, $40.282 billion revenue (vs. 43.719 million units (+40%), $26.064 billion revenue (+55%) YOY) iPad: 12.623 million units, $5.428 billion revenue (vs. 16.350 million units (-23%), $7.610 billion revenue (-29%) YOY) Mac: 4.563 million units, $5.615 billion revenue (vs. 4.136 million units (+10%), $5.519 billion revenue (+2%) YOY) Services: $4.996 billion revenue (vs. $4.573 billion revenue (+9%) YOY) (includes revenue from the iTunes Store, App Store, Mac App Store, iBooks Store, AppleCare, Apple Pay, licensing and other services.) Other Products: $1.689 billion revenue (vs. $1,880 billion revenue (-10%) YOY) (includes sales of iPod, Apple TV, Beats Electronics and Apple-branded and third-party accessories.) Alek kupio Apple Watch i pričao o tome ko sve čeka u redu da kupi sat High-risk poker iliti kako se pojaviti kao prezenter na Apple Keynoteu Epizoda Šta je emulacija, a šta virtuelizacija Jedna lepa definicija je ovde. Istorija virtuelizacije. Još je IBM šezdesetih krenuo sa tim, ali prava počinje tek sa VMWareom 1998. i 1999. godine. Kada je ko prvi put emulirao, a kada virtuelizovao Miki prvi put emulirao Macintosh na Atariju ST: Spectre emulator i Aladin emulator. Posle toga SoftPC (podsećanje na ZZ-a, Sezam i Vreme) i SoftWindows. Mikijev prvi objavljeni tekst u novinama je bio u Vremenu na temu emulatora. Ајне клајне перверзион: Miki probao kako na Atariju radi kombinacija Spectre+SoftPC+Telix i zvanje Sezama na kojem je ostavio poruku tako ulogovan. Pomenuli smo i: SheepShaver - koristio Miki zbog klijenata iz Zagreba koji su imali vrlo stare Macove, čak su još radili na Mac OS 8, zvanični sajt. Danas bi se za to koristio Basilisk Virtual PC PearPC - emulator PowerPC-a na Windowsu Šta ko od nas koristi danas i zašto Glavni igraču u Mac svetu su: VMWare Fusion 7, Parallels Desktop 10 i Oracle VirtualBox 4.3.26 Miki zbog posla ima nekoliko Windows i Mac virtuelnih mašina u VMWareu i Parallelsu. Neke su stalne, neke privremene. Probao i Linux, čak i Android VM u Parallelsu. Miki obajsnio neke cake u vezi sa svojim poslom koje možda mogu nekome koristiti (mogućnost da se ima preko 10 GB instaliranog 4D softvera u svim virtuelnim mašinama, a da se ne duplira zauzeti prostor). Jedno poređenje i još jedno poređenje ova tri alata. Alek koristi VMWare Fusion 6 u kome 2D igre tipa Age of Empires II HD rade savršeno, na Early 2011 Macbook Prou. Uz 8GB RAM-a (od ukupno 16) dodeljenih virtuelnoj mašini. Sloba koristi VMWare Workstation i nešto malo VirtualBox Windows na Macu Miki ne koristi BootCamp. Alekova supruga je stalno u njemu. Alek je to radio ranije. Kada i zašto koristiti BootCamp je objašnjeno u ovom delu epizode. Fusion i Parallels mogu da preuzmu Bootcamp particiju i mogu se koristiti naizmenično. Zahvalnice Snimljeno 04.05.2015. uz veliku pomoć Velikog Maga zvučnih majstorija Ognjena Tomića u svečanoj sali Beogradskog Fonda za Političku Izuzetnost zahvaljujući ljubaznošću našeg slušaoca i prijatelja Nebojše Miljanovića Uvodna muzika by Vladimir Tošić. Logotip by Aleksandra Ilić. Artwork epizode by Saša Montiljo, Težnje, 2010.
Last episode, Christine & Vicki discussed "what's really in pet food". This episode, they interview Dr. Harvey Cohen, founder of Dr. Harvey's Healthy Formulations, Inc. They discuss the benefits of Dr. Harvey's Canine Health food is an all-natural, holistic dog food pre-mix. Canine Health is made from 6 certified organic grains, 9 vegetables and 14 herbs. Dr. Harvey uses only the finest organic and all-natural human consumption ingredients in Canine Health. Canine Health, this miracle of all natural dog foods, is made with no dyes, no preservatives, and no chemicals. They also discuss some of his other products. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Dr. Harvey's "Miracle" Food & Other Products with Christine Laethem & Vicki LaVerdiere Nixon