The leadership race tells you something about thorny trade issues

WASHINGTON, DC

MEMBERS OF THE World Trade Organisation (WTO) are not known for co-operating with each other. So when in June they began the process of choosing a new director-general, many feared deadlock. But now, as the process draws to a close, officials are feeling hopeful. Two candidates are still in the running: Nigerias Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the chairwoman of GAVI, a vaccine-finance agency, and a former World Bank official and finance minister; and Yoo Myung-hee, South Koreas trade minister. A winner is due to be announced between October 28th and November 7th, and support seems to be coalescing around Ms Okonjo-Iweala. Yet the contest says more about the discord in the trading system than the harmony.

The candidates themselves did a good job of highlighting various divisions in the course of the selection process (while dutifully noting that only members have the power to resolve them). Between them they identified a long list of problems: jammed negotiations that have left the WTOs rule book out of date; a broken system of solving disputes; members lacklustre commitment to transparency; and a trade war between America and China.

Disagreements between members also explain the candidates rather limited ambitions. A bold agenda might include a grand bargain on agriculture that lowers tariffs in poor countries and limits subsidies in rich ones. Ms Myung-hee is a seasoned negotiator and not one to shy away from tricky talks. Even so, rather than shooting for a big deal, she now reckons that restoring the WTOs credibility as a negotiating forum means just agreeing on something. She would prioritise ongoing talks to curb members fishing subsidies. (Even that narrower deal will be a stretch, given that negotiators do not yet agree on what counts as fish.)

Ms Okonjo-Iweala has emphasised her experience fighting covid-19 as her strong suit. As head of GAVI she understands the importance of open trade so that vital supplies can get to where they are needed. But this too is a thorny topic. Rich countries are more interested in lowering others tariffs than limiting their own right to apply export controls. They also hate a recent proposal from India and South Africa to suspend intellectual-property protection for products that could prevent, contain or treat the disease. So instead Ms Okonjo-Iweala has spoken only vaguely of exploring new trade rules and intellectual-property and licensing rights for drugmaking.

If she wins, Ms Okonjo-Iweala has also promised to empower the WTOs secretariat. That could be controversialsome members will resist what they see as a threat to their power over negotiations. But it could also help poorer countries, some of which lack the capacity to draft proposals on their own, making it hard to participate in talks. Her political clout will be useful too. If the problems of the global trading system were purely technical, they would have been solved long ago, she told members in July.

But Ms Okonjo-Iwealas success would also say something about the geopolitics of trade. China could reject Ms Myung-hee if that allows it to keep its deputy-director-general spot. (Historically, jobs have been divvied up among regions.) Japans nasty trade dispute with South Korea makes it unlikely to support Ms Myung-hee. Brazil, a big exporter of farm products, may be put off by South Koreas membership of the G10 group of countries, which staunchly defends agricultural subsidies. The agreement on the next director-general could be born from a host of disagreements.

This article appeared in the Finance & economics section of the print edition under the headline "The home straight"

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Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the favourite to lead the WTO - The Economist

With a home equity loan from Alpine Credits, you can upgrade your living conditions and increase your homes value

As the current global situation keeps us physically distanced from each other and the world outside, were focusing more on the safety and comfort of home life. Since we dont know how long the current situation may last, some of us are looking to make our homes as comfortable as possible.

Many homes have an underutilized space, whether its a spare room, large attic, or unfinished basement, and theres never been a better time to renovate that space and put it to use. A renovation wont just make your living conditions more enjoyable, itll also add value to your home.

Of course, home renovations cost more than most of us have sitting around. One way to finance your renovation is by leveraging your homes equity. Your home can be your best collateral: lenders view borrowing against it as low-risk, which means youre likely to get lower ratesand make smaller monthly interest payments as a result.

There are other ways to save money during a home renovation too, such as taking advantage of home renovation tax credits. We asked Alpine Creditsa pioneer in the private lending marketto help us examine the costs of finishing a basement and advise us on the best ways to finance it. Heres what they told us:

The costs of finishing a basement

Basement renovations are among the most common types home modifications in Canada. Finishing your basement can cost, on average, between $35 and $55 per square foot, depending on your planned usage. Obviously, turning a basement into a standalone living area with its own bathroom and kitchen will cost more than building a simple rec room or office space. A full basement renovation can cost between $22,000 and $82,000, depending on the size (square feet), while renovating your basement for use as a recreational or home office space is more in the $14,000 to $50,000 range.

The benefits of finishing your basement

Whatever way you decide to go, finishing your basement is one of the best investments you can make in your home. For one, it raises your propertys value, making it more attractive to a future buyer who wont have to worry about doing the work themselves. Finishing your basement can also be a way to bring in a bit of extra incomeup to tens of thousands of dollars a year!by creating a standalone rental apartment.

Financing your renovation

Even a simple home renovation can cost more than most people have on hand. One of the best ways to finance it is with a home equity loan. Home equity loansare among the most popular means of financing home renovations. They work by providing access to the equity youve built up in your home over the years. This equity can easily be enough to cover the cost of your renovation.

Why use a home equity loan rather than putting the cost on a credit card or line or credit? For one, interest rates on a home equity loan usually are much lower. And taking out a home equity loan with a lender like Alpine Credits, instead of a traditional bank, can save you even more money. Plus, lenders like Alpine Credits dont take your credit score into accountthe main criteria is that your home has enough equity to cover the cost of the loan.

Tax credits

Unlike most home renovation tax credits, a home equity loan from Alpine Credits doesnt come with a list of eligible and ineligible renovations. The equity youve built up in your home is yours, and you can use it as you see fit.

A home renovation is just one of the many ways a home equity loan can help change your lifeand Alpine Credits is here to support you along the way. For more than 50 years, Alpine Credits has helped Canadian homeowners get the home equity loans they need, when they need it, regardless of their credit, age or income.

Contact Alpine Credits today to make your financial dream a reality.

Excerpt from:
Why now is the perfect time to renovate your homeand add to its value - Toronto Life

The initial COVID-19 lockdowns were easier said than done. Staying home sounds great in theory, but what is a kid to do when theyve exhausted the activities around their house? For a 12-year-old named Bea, that meant sprucing up parts of her familys abode in Kent, UK. With her DIY-expert mom Susie Levache as a guide, Bea helped transform areas of the home into chic spaces on a budget. Over the course of a week, they spent just about $125 to renovate parts of the house by largely repurposing items and using supplies they had on hand.

Some of Beas additions include wood paneling placed in her moms office and making upgrades to hardware on cabinets. Susie taught her to use tools like a handsaw, electric drill, and tile cutter, giving Bea the confidence to take on her own DIY tasks while helping her mom, too. Ive pretty much been trucking through our house renovation solo, Susie tells My Modern Met, so when I had help and Bea took a very active role in the room updates, it was wonderful to go from solo to a team!

Despite teaching her some serious power tools (that many adults would be apprehensive to use), the most challenging lesson that Susie has taught her daughter is all in her head. The most difficult thing was to get her to believe in herself and let her know there was no jeopardy and that if something went wrong we could fix it together, she says. Once this was overcome there wasnt any work or project that she didnt want to tackle.

Bea is already developing her own decorating voice. Her style and the way she goes about the physical work is far more precise and clean than mine, Susie explains. Im very slapdash and do things impulsivelyshe thinks and plans because she wants to get things right the first time. She will also start with a color and build from that whereas I want to see the whole picture.

Working together and chronicling it on Susies Instagram has gained admirers throughout the world. Weve been over the moon at the responses and the messages we have received from as far and wide as China and Australia with photos of other peoples first-time projects, and we hope to add more how-to videos on our Instagram in the next school holiday.

Susie Levache: Instagram

Amazing Home Renovation Transforms a Dusty Attic Into a Lavish Walk-In Closet

25+ Incredible Design Ideas to Give Your Home New Life

Couple Renovating Their Bathroom Finds a Hidden Note From Its Former Owners

More here:
12-Year-Old Helps DIY Mom With Home Renovations During COVID-19 - My Modern Met

TipRanks

Its the final countdown. With the U.S. Presidential election only two weeks away, election year stress is making the rounds on Wall Street, but one pro argues that regardless of the outcome, opportunity could emerge.Oppenheimers Chief Investment Strategist John Stoltzfus notes that in the last leg of the race to the White House, the markets appear to be signaling that no matter how loud the rhetoric gets from either side and no matter which side wins, investment opportunity in some form is likely to prevail over risk beyond inauguration day in January 2021. He added, In our experience opportunity often arises from uncertainty while a perception of certainty often breeds complacency.As for Q3 earnings season, its already surprising to the upside. Although its still too early to tell how the season will play out, Stoltzfus says so far so good. Data from the past weekend shows 84% of companies that already reported have beat earnings expectations and 82% have exceeded revenue expectations for the quarter. Taking Stoltzfus outlook into consideration, Oppenheimers analysts are pounding the table on two under-the-radar stocks, noting that each could double or more in the next year. Using TipRanks database, we found out that the rest of the Street is also on board, as each boasts a Strong Buy consensus rating.NeuBase Therapeutics (NBSE)Developing the next generation of gene-silencing therapies with its flexible, highly specific synthetic antisense oligonucleotides, NeuBase Therapeutics wants to improve the lives of patients everywhere. Based on the strength of its platform, Oppenheimer thinks big things could be in store.Firm analyst Hartaj Singh highlights the company'sPeptide-nucleic acid (PNA) AnTisense OLigonucleotide (PATrOL) platform, which enables rapid drug design to treat various medical abnormalities, systemic delivery (IV), blood-brain barrier penetration, increased cell permeability, access to genomic loci and secondary RNA structures and the development of highly selective therapies, as overcoming the technical limitations to first-generation antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs).We believe that in the profound potential of ASOs to treat diseases, the current field of first-gen therapies has created a hurdle for a company like NBSE, whereby its technical advantages to ASOs through its PATrOL platform could lead to therapies with a better risk/benefit profile, Singh explained.Additionally, the long-tail redistribution of NBSE's PNAs could have significant implications in terms of the dosing regimens for these agents (potentially weeks to months). Singh mentioned, In combination with the enhanced druggability of targets via PNAs, we continue to view the PATrOL platform's potential highly, with the customary attention reserved for safety on such novel medicines.After the first half of 2020 helped shine additional validation on this platform, the company remains on track with its lead Huntington's disease (HD) candidate, NT0100. Additional preclinical results and candidate selection are set to come by YE20.Looking at the available preclinical NHP data, it supports broad biodistribution and rapid tissue uptake following systemic (IV) administration, an important feature of the platform, according to Singh. As the delivery of therapeutics and their penetration of deep brain structures remain of paramount importance for diseases such as HD, we are encouraged leading up to additional PD data from preclinical models (Q4 2020) Despite the early nature of these preclinical NHP PK data and in-vitro PD data, we believe that they strongly validate the approach NeuBase has taken to truly develop a better mousetrap, and differentiate its technology from conventional ASOs, he commented.These features are inheritable across the class of PNAs NeuBase hopes to bring forward, and thus, Singh has high hopes for NT0200, its product for HD and myotonic dystrophy (DM1). DM1 is trailing the HD program by approximately six months. Following candidate selection in 1H21, IND-enabling studies could kick off. Everything that NBSE has going for it prompted Singh to leave his Outperform (i.e. Buy) rating as is. Along with the call, he keeps the price target at $17, suggesting 104% upside potential. (To watch Singhs track record, click here)Are other analysts in agreement? They are. Only Buy ratings, 4 to be exact, have been issued in the last three months. Therefore, the message is clear: NBSE is a Strong Buy. Given the $16.50 average price target, shares could soar 97% in the next year. (See NBSE stock analysis on TipRanks)Prevail Therapeutics (PRVL)Next up we have Prevail Therapeutics, which is developing disease-modifying gene therapies for patients with Parkinsons disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. After an impressive update on the progress of its pipeline, Oppenheimer likes what its seeing.Representing the firm, analyst Jay Olson highlights the encouraging data from the Phase 1/2a PROPEL trial evaluating its lead candidate, PR001, in Parkinsons disease (PD) patients with the GBA1 mutation (PD-GBA). This mutation affects roughly 9% of all PD patients in the U.S.Looking more closely at the trial, it enrolled two patients, with preliminary data demonstrating normalization of CSF GCase activity at month-three from undetectable levels at baseline. According to Olson, this strongly suggests clinical improvement. It should be noted that there were serious adverse events (SAEs) at month-three, likely related to immune response to AAV9 capsid, that resolved. However, the analyst argues the immune response in AAV9 gene therapies is normal and transient.Additionally, PRVL submitted a protocol amendment for the PROPEL trial, and enrollment is expected to continue in 2H20. The company wants to change the design to an open-label study targeting 12 patients, including the two current patients, and plans to optimize the immunosuppresive regimen to spare steroid administration. To this end, two-month safety and biomarker data in a subset of patients is set to come by mid-2021. Should the therapy ultimately be approved for this indication, Olson sees possible 2035 risk-unadjusted sales of $8 billion.On top of this, a normalization of CSF GCase activity at month-four from undetectable levels at baseline was also seen in a Gaucher disease (GD2) patient on PR001 within compassionate use program. This rare inherited lysosomal disorder is also caused by autosomal recessive inheritance in the GBA1 gene.In Olsons opinion, this result provided positive read across to the Phase 1/2 PROVIDE study in GD2, initiating in 2H20. Because GD2 is an ultrarare disease that affects infants and results in a very short life expectancy, we believe the GD2 indication has a shorter regulatory pathway compared to other GBA1-related indications. We estimate PR001 approval, if clinically successful, may happen in 2024 given a lack of treatments for GD2 patients, he mentioned. Whats more, the Phase 1/2 PROCLAIM study of PR006, its therapy for GRN frontotemporal dementia (GRN-FTD), is expected to kick off in 2H20, with the two-month biomarker readout from a subset of patients slated for late 2020 or early 2021.Given all of the above, Olson stated, We view share price at an attractive entry point while PRVL remains well-capitalized with $131 million in cash providing runway into 1H22.It should come as no surprise, then, that Olson stays with the bulls. In addition to an Outperform (i.e. Buy) rating, he left a $25 price target on the stock. Investors could be pocketing a gain of 156%, should this target be met in the twelve months ahead. (To watch Olsons track record, click here)All in all, other analysts echo Olsons sentiment. 5 Buys and no Holds or Sells add up to a Strong Buy consensus rating. With an average price target of $23.25, the upside potential comes in at 139%. (See PRVL stock analysis on TipRanks)To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.

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Qanvast Providing Peace of Mind on Home Renovation During Uncertain Times - Yahoo Finance

BOCA RATON, Fla., Oct. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ADT (NYSE: ADT), a leading provider of security, automation, and smart home solutions serving consumer and business customers in the United States, has partnered with twin TV hosts and designers Drew and Jonathan Scott, to deliver a home makeover to a deserving family. Today, ADT announced that the Moffitt family of Southern California will receive a $250,000 home makeover from ADT, designed by the Scott brothers, along with a professionally installed ADT smart home security system.

The Moffitts entered the ADT Pass the Protection contest that asked families to share what they wanted to protect and why for the chance to win a home makeover and ADT smart home security system. Grand-prize winners Jeff and Amber Moffitt are parents to six children, including three adopted children, two of whom have special needs and require round-the-clock care. The challenges of raising six children amid the ongoing pandemic were made more difficult when the Moffitts were forced to evacuate their home earlier this year, on account of the earthquakes that struck Southern California. After sharing their incredible story in their entry, ADT and the Scott Brothers partnered to assist them in a redesign of their home, which will include expanding their kitchen to fully accommodate their family and converting their garage into a therapy space.

Along with the home renovation, the Moffitts will receive a professionally installed ADT Command & Control smart home security system that includes indoor and outdoor cameras, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a video doorbell, and smart lock. The smart home functions and ADT Control app will help provide the Moffitts with greater security and peace of mind. The family will also receive three years of ADT professional monitoring and home automation services.

Jeff and Amber are such a wonderful and selfless couple, and working with ADT to surprise this deserving family has been incredible, Drew Scott said. Collaborating with the entire family to help design a house that will give them much-needed extra space, including a therapy room, makes this project extra-special, Jonathan Scott added.

Drew and Jonathan surprised the family via a virtual video reveal and visited their home in-person to do a walkthrough and finalize the renovation plans.

We are beyond excited to be selected as the winners and the kids are over the moon - especially about the therapy room, Jeff Moffitt said. We cant thank ADT and Drew and Jonathan Scott enough for giving us the house of our dreams when we needed it most, Amber Moffitt added.

The Moffitts story is one of resilience and compassion and good news when we need it most, said Shannon Hendrickson, Vice President of Marketing at ADT. We are delighted that ADT could partner with the Scott Brothers to give the Moffitt family a home makeover and an ADT smart home security system to help their family stay healthy and secure in a space that meets their needs.

To follow the Moffitts renovation journey, go to https://www.adt.com/passtheprotection.

About ADTADT is a leading provider of security, automation, and smart home solutions serving consumer and business customers through more than 300 locations, 9 owned and operated monitoring centers, and the largest network of security professionals in the United States. The company offers many ways to help protect customers by delivering lifestyle-driven solutions via professionally installed, do-it-yourself, mobile, and digital-based offerings for residential, small business, and larger commercial customers. For more information, please visit http://www.adt.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

ADT Media RelationsPaul Wiseman561-356-6388paulwiseman@adt.com

See original here:
ADT and the Scott Brothers to Provide Home Makeover to Deserving Family - GlobeNewswire

The Cal-Wood fire in Boulder County destroyed at least 20 homes on Saturday and damaged two more.

County officials on Sunday released the addresses of the homes that were destroyed and damaged. Weve mapped them below so you can better understand the fires toll.

MORE: She thought the evacuation was a precaution. Then the Cal-Wood fire erased her familys Boulder County home.

Nearly 9,000 acres burned and thousands of people were forced to flee their homes as the fire raced down Lefthand Canyon from near the Cal-Wood Education Center near Jamestown on Saturday afternoon.

In addition to the houses and two undeveloped lots destroyed in neighborhoods north of Lefthand Canyon Road, two privately owned structures burned near Heil Valley Ranch, a Boulder County Open Space property popular with mountain bikers.

The Cal-Wood fire is the largest by acreage recorded in Boulder County history.

Heres a look at the burn area:

Support local journalism around the state.Become a member of The Colorado Sun today!

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We've mapped out the 22 homes that were destroyed or damaged by the Cal-Wood fire - The Colorado Sun

Like a kind of Grand Designs with more trips to the library, Restoration Australia has returned for another season of genteel Victorian houses, crumbling cottages and rambling pastoral homesteads, and the brave (or foolish) homeowners working to rescue them.

Hosted by architect Stuart Harrison, its easily watchable, occasionally delightful television. We root for the country husband-and-wife teams who roll up their sleeves to give old beauties some TLC. We cringe when hubris or inexperience leads to baffling misses, like last seasons stainless steel mesh cocoon. We revel in millennial renter schadenfreude when unexpected structural issues start to bleed money, and nod knowingly at a well-restored wrought iron veranda (having learnt about the intricacies of Italianate motifs moments earlier).

But the limitations of its historical inquiry can sometimes prove frustrating. Series three began earlier this month in fraught territory: Milton Terrace, an 1879 townhouse in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge bought for $4.2m in 2015 as part of the Baird governments controversial sell-off of harbourside public housing. We now watch its new property developer owners spend millions more turning several spartan, subdivided government housing flats into one four-storey slice of Mayfair-inspired global glam.

The protests that greeted the sale and evictions are briefly addressed by the show, but like in The Blocks 2018 overhaul of St Kildas Gatwick hotel, the grim subtexts of gentrification and inequality are largely sidestepped. Offsite, Harrison meets with historians and heritage experts who fill us in on the buildings past, from the merchant whose original 1820s residence was subsumed into the Victorian-era terrace, to the 1900 plague outbreak that first prompted the government to take ownership.

But what about the stories we dont hear? We are invited to marvel at the giant sandstone blocks of Milton Terraces ground-floor kitchen an iconic feature of colonial Sydney architecture but are stopped short of reflecting on the transformative effect such quarrying, building and occupation had on the land and life of the Gadigal nation. How Sydney Harbour, ground zero of British colonisation, was once dotted with giant shell middens that were ground up and fired to create the lime mortar holding many of those sandstone building blocks together. Its bitterly poignant to consider the heritage that was torn up and built over to create the two centuries of colonial heritage now protected by reams of planning restrictions and passionate community advocacy.

Last Sundays episode descends on an 1876 home in Inverell, New South Wales: a postcard-pretty country town full of handsome old buildings that mirror the economic windfalls of 19th and 20th century mining and agriculture booms. But would it also be worth noting that it sits half an hour down the road from the site of the Myall Creek Massacre? Its a footnote that adds an important, if painful context: the mineral and pastoral wealth that gave rise to the towns charming architecture were made possible by violent dispossession just a few decades earlier.

The program has showed it is capable of tackling these issues at least to an extent. In season two, a secluded Tasmanian property dubbed Hunting Ground is found to have been named for the mobs of kangaroos that once thrived there. As a curator at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery tells viewers, such abundance which had been embraced by settlers seeking food was no accident, but the result of years of fire stick-burning by the valleys First Nations people. We dont find out what became of them.

There is also another, broader undercurrent to the celebration of built heritage: in this country, it has long been used as a symbol of civilisation and tool of colonisation, with the supposed absence of permanent structures pre-settlement held up as evidence of terra nullius. Of course, its now accepted that this is a convenient and Eurocentric myth, laying the groundwork for what Bruce Pascoe describes as colonial amnesia. And there are certainly efforts to explore and revive Aboriginal architecture today a contemporary recreation of historical winter dwellings from south-east Australia by Wiradjuri architect Samantha Rich and Kaurna artist James Tylor is currently showing as part of Canberras public art biennial Contour 556 and DESIGN festival.

Throughout the series, Harrison and the shows subjects reflect on the idea that these restorations arent just a private act of improving ones real estate investment, but a kind of public service and contribution to their community. I would tend to agree but set against the sidelining of Juukan Gorge and the Djab Wurrung Embassy (to name just two well-known examples), one cant help but be reminded that even in 2020 there remains a disconnect in this country over the kinds of heritage we value and protect.

Such a reckoning is a lot to ask of Sunday night light entertainment, and questions of sovereignty might be straight up incompatible with any show tied up in Australias 21st century real estate culture. But by stopping short of this bigger picture, theres a risk that its more than just the walls scoring a fresh coat of whitewash.

See more here:
Restoration Australia: an easy watch about heritage glow-ups or another coat of whitewash? - The Guardian

(Twitch/TheDadGaming)

Welcome to the club.

Its the first message that greets you upon visiting The Dad, a nod of acknowledgment that may seem like little more than a cool tagline that is, until you realize what being a member of the club actually means. Being a dad is an experience like no other. Its beautiful and stressful and exciting and exhausting all at once. It comes with challenges that only other dads can understand. Being a member of the club means being surrounded by people like you, and people very unlike you but with one important thing in common: fatherhood. It doesnt take long to realize just how deeply members of The Dad community care for each other, and that level of support extends far beyond things strictly related to fatherhood. When a member of our community celebrates, we all celebrate. If one of us needs help, the response is so enormous its almost deafening. And when we experience a tragedy, we mourn together.

On October 7, one of our own tragically passed away. RJ Barry was a father, gamer, and a valuable member of The Dad Gamings Rocket League community. RJ loved playing Rocket League and Call of Duty, racing 4 wheelers, skateboarding, but most importantly, the 29-year-old loved his friends and family. Particularly, his daughter Vivian.

The loss of RJ hit The Dads gaming community hard RJ had been an active member of The Dads Rocket League group since February, participating in weekly Tuesday game nights and befriending dads around the world. RJ was a skilled gamer, regularly making the playoffs and winning tournaments. But more importantly, RJ was a great friend and an amazing dad.

Jon Melo was just one dad who RJ befriended through The Dads Rocket League group, as the two dads played regularly on the same team (and somehow, lost regularly on the same team). Of course, the one week the two separated, both made the semi-finals before RJs team went on to win the tournament. We always said were going to win it together, Melo recalled.

Honestly I cant say enough about him, Melo said. He just was such an easy-going person and always there to listen to you if you needed someone. A lot of dads on here would say he was one loving outgoing fun guy to play with and was always positive.

But for gamer friends and non-gamer friends of RJ, there was one constant: That man loves his daughter and he would do anything for her, Melo concluded.

The loss of RJ left gamer dads near and far both shocked and saddened. But with the enormous grief that came with the RJs passing came something beautiful a community coming together to mourn and celebrate the life of a friend.

A post shared by Garrett Van Ginkel, The Dad Gaming Rocket Leagues admin highlighted the true nature of what it means to be a member of The Club. Its about far more than gaming and memes its about having a place to celebrate lifes wins and grieve lifes losses, and never having to do either alone.

Garretts touching post explained how after RJs passing, members of the community came together to honor their fallen teammate. Together, the group came up with ideas to honor RJ, who played by the name Tartarus. We will be holding a 1 minute moment of silence at kick off of the first round of play, Garrett explained.

During the moment of silence, each team of 3 loaded in with only 2 players to symbolize that we were all missing a player, Garrett told The Dad.

And silently, beautifully, the incomplete teams paid their respects.

We are permanently retiring Team 21, Garrett continued. It was a common team for him to be on due to his rank, and it was the last team he played for in our tournaments. Moving forward, it will be known as Team Tartarus.

Watch the moment of silence:

The group even moved their efforts outside the confines of the internet. Garrett explained, I have set up a PayPal account to take donations for his daughter Vivian and his family. We will be promoting it on stream during the tournament, and have it displayed on the overlays so anyone that tunes in will see it. Once all donations are in, I will personally write a check to his family for the full amount in the PayPal account. The email address to donate is: [emailprotected]

As dads, we want nothing more than to be there for our kids, to take care of them. In RJs memory, the group is collecting money which will go to a trust in Vivians name. Though the trust will provide financial assistance to Vivian one day, it represents so much more than money its emblematic of the true nature of being a dad. If theres a problem, you try to fix it. If you cant fix it, you do everything you can to help, and you do it with a whole lot of love.

RJ will be forever missed by both his friends and family, but he will always be remembered and he will always be a member of The Club.

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Couple Finds Century-Old Bootleg Whiskey in Walls During Home Renovation - The Dad

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//console.log("VIDEOHEIGHT: " + WVM.VIDEO_HEIGHT); //console.log("scrolltop " + $(window).scrollTop()); //only float if playing var isPlaying = WVM['player_state' + videoId]['IS_PLAYING'] || WVM['player_state' + videoId]['AD_IS_PLAYING']; if(isPlaying){ $('.vjs-loading-spinner').hide(); } var offsetFloatAd = 99999999; if(deviceName == 'desktop' && $('#float_anchor').length > 0){ offsetFloatAd = $('#float_anchor').offset().top - WVM.VIDEO_HEIGHT; //console.log("float anchor offset top " + offsetFloatAd); } if($(window).scrollTop() > offset && isPlaying && !WVM['player_state' + videoId]['CANCEL_FLOATING']){ $('#media-placeholder-' + videoId).height(WVM.CONTAINER_HEIGHT); $('#media-placeholder-' + videoId).css('display', 'block'); if(!WVM.IS_FLOATING){ changed = true; } WVM.IS_FLOATING = true; $('#media-container-' + videoId).addClass('floating-video'); var sWidth = window.innerWidth || document.documentElement.clientWidth; var sHeight = window.innerHeight || document.documentElement.clientHeight; if(sWidth > 900 && WADS.IS_STICKING){ $('#media-container-' + videoId).addClass('desktop-ad-is-sticky'); } else if(WADS.IS_STICKING){ if(!TOP_AD_VIEWED){ $('#media-container-' + videoId).addClass('mobile-ad-is-sticky'); }else{ $('#media-container-' + videoId).addClass('mobile-ad-is-sticky-noad'); } } else if(!WADS.IS_STICKING){ if(!TOP_AD_VIEWED){ $('#media-container-' + videoId).removeClass('desktop-ad-is-sticky'); }else{ $('#media-container-' + videoId).addClass('desktop-ad-is-sticky-noad'); } } //set right var sWidth = window.innerWidth || document.documentElement.clientWidth; var sHeight = window.innerHeight || document.documentElement.clientHeight; if(deviceName == 'desktop' || sWidth > 900){ var leftPos2 = $('aside').get(0).getBoundingClientRect().left; var leftPos = $('aside').offset().left ; $('#media-container-' + videoId).css('left', leftPos + "px"); var newWidth = Math.floor(sWidth / 3.5); $('#media-container-' + videoId).css('width', newWidth + "px"); } else{ $('#media-container-' + videoId).css('width', "100% !important"); $('#media-container-' + videoId + ' .now-playing-container').css('display', 'block'); $('#media-container-' + videoId + ' .next-dropdown-accordion').css('display', 'block'); } //floating-video $('#media-container-' + videoId + " " + '.page-carousel-wrapper').hide(); setTimeout(function(){ var hWrapper = $('.floating-video .hlsvideo-wrapper').height(); var npWidth = $('.floating-video .now-playing-container').height(); var ndWidth = $('.floating-video .next-dropdown-header').height() + 20; var scrollerHeight = sHeight - (hWrapper + npWidth + ndWidth); scrollerHeight = 180; //scrollerHeight = parseInt(scrollerHeight * 0.5); if(WVM.device_name == 'desktop'){ $('#media-container-' + videoId + " " + " .mobile-list-videos").height(scrollerHeight); } }, 100); }else if($(window).scrollTop() 0){ var container = document.querySelector('#page-carousel-' + fullVideoId); imagesLoaded( container, function() { var screenWidth = window.innerWidth || document.documentElement.clientWidth; if(screenWidth > 850){ WVM.IS_DESKTOP = true; $('#page-carousel-' + fullVideoId + ' .page-carousel-lg-slides').css('display', 'block'); WVM['player_settings' + fullVideoId].slider = $('#page-carousel-' + fullVideoId).bxSlider({ maxSlides: 4, minSlides: 4, slideWidth: 305, infiniteLoop: false, hideControlOnEnd: true, useCSS: true, pager: false, slideMargin: 15, moveSlides: 1, nextText: '', prevText: '' }); }else{ WVM.IS_DESKTOP = false; $('.page-carousel-wrapper').css('display', 'block'); } }); } }; WVM.setupToggleButton = function(fullVideoId, player){ if($('.nextplay-switch-' + fullVideoId).length > 0){ new DG.OnOffSwitchAuto({ cls:'.nextplay-switch-' + fullVideoId, height: 24, trackColorOn:'#F9F9F9', trackColorOff:'#222', textColorOn: '#222', textColorOff: '#222', textOn:'On', textOff:'Off', listener:function(name, checked){ var theVal = 1; if(!checked){ theVal = 0; } $.ajax({ url: '/ajax/update_autoplay_video/', data: { autoplay_on: theVal }, type: 'POST', dataType: 'json', success: function(data) { WVM['player_settings' + fullVideoId]['autoplay'] = checked; }, error : function(){ console.log("Error loading video"); } }); } }); } }; WVM.setupAccordionButton = function(fullVideoId){ var deviceName = 'desktop'; $('#next-dropdown-accordion-button-' + fullVideoId).on('click', function(){ if($(this).find('i').hasClass('fa-chevron-up')){ //hide $(this).find('i').removeClass('fa-chevron-up'); $(this).find('i').addClass('fa-chevron-down'); if(deviceName == "desktop" && !$('#media-container-' + fullVideoId).hasClass('floating-video')){ $('#media-container-' + fullVideoId + " " + '.page-carousel-wrapper').slideUp(); $('#media-container-' + fullVideoId + " " + '.mobile-list-wrapper').hide(); }else{ $('#media-container-' + fullVideoId + " " + '.mobile-list-wrapper').slideUp(); $('#media-container-' + fullVideoId + " " + '.page-carousel-wrapper').hide(); } var currVideoId = WVM['player_state' + fullVideoId]['VIDEO_ID']; var nextVideoId = WVM.getNextPlaylistIndex(currVideoId); //playerId, mediaId, fieldName var myTitle = WVM.getPlaylistData(fullVideoId, nextVideoId, 'noprefixtitle'); //alert("Getting title " + myTitle); $('#video-slider-nexttitle' + fullVideoId).css('display', 'inline'); $('#video-slider-nexttitle' + fullVideoId).html(myTitle); }else{ //expand $(this).find('i').addClass('fa-chevron-up'); $(this).find('i').removeClass('fa-chevron-down'); $('#media-container-' + fullVideoId + " " + '.mobile-list-wrapper').css('display', 'block'); if(deviceName == "desktop" && !$('#media-container-' + fullVideoId).hasClass('floating-video')){ $('#media-container-' + fullVideoId + " " + '.page-carousel-wrapper').css('display', 'block'); $('#media-container-' + fullVideoId + " " + '.page-carousel-wrapper').slideDown(); $('#media-container-' + fullVideoId + " " + '.mobile-list-wrapper').hide(); if(!WVM.player_state139682['CAROUSEL_INIT']){ WVM.setupCarousel(fullVideoId); } }else{ $('#media-container-' + fullVideoId + " " + '.mobile-list-wrapper').slideDown(); $('#media-container-' + fullVideoId + " " + '.page-carousel-wrapper').hide(); if(!$('#media-container-' + fullVideoId).hasClass('floating-video')){ if(!WVM.player_state139682['CAROUSEL_INIT']){ WVM.setupCarousel(fullVideoId); } } } $('#video-slider-nexttitle' + fullVideoId).css('display', 'none'); } }); var currVideoId = WVM['player_state' + fullVideoId]['VIDEO_ID']; //console.log("current Video " + currVideoId); var nextVideoId = WVM.getNextPlaylistIndex(currVideoId); var myTitle = WVM.getPlaylistData(fullVideoId, nextVideoId, 'noprefixtitle'); //console.log("setting title " + myTitle); $('#video-slider-nexttitle' + fullVideoId).css('display', 'inline'); $('#video-slider-nexttitle' + fullVideoId).html(myTitle); }; WVM.sendbeacon = function(action, nonInteraction, value, eventLabel) { var eventCategory = 'Video'; if (window.ga) { //console.log("sending action: " + action + " val: " + value + " label " + eventLabel); ga('send', 'event', { 'eventCategory': eventCategory, 'eventAction': action, 'eventLabel': eventLabel, 'eventValue': value, 'nonInteraction': nonInteraction }); } }; WVM.getNextPlaylistIndex = function(mediaId, returnArrayIndex){ var currId = null; if(mediaId == null){ return null; } for(var x =0; x 20){ if(fullDuration > 1 && ((fullDuration - fullCurrent) > 1) && !$('.vjs-loading-spinner').hasClass('badspinner')){ console.log("hiding spinner"); $('.vjs-loading-spinner').addClass('badspinner'); } } var duration_time = Math.floor(this.duration()); //this is a hack because the end video event is not firing... var current_time = Math.floor(this.currentTime()); if ( current_time > 0 && ( fullCurrent >= (fullDuration - 10) )){ var currId = playerState.VIDEO_ID; var newMediaId = WVM.getNextPlaylistIndex(currId); //if(playerSettings.autoplay_next && newMediaId){ if(newMediaId){ if('desktop' == "iphone" && playerState.AD_ERROR){ console.log("skipped timeupdate end"); }else{ WVM.load_video(newMediaId, true, playerState.ORIGINAL_ID); } } } if(!playerState.START_SENT){ WVM.sendbeacon('start', true, playerState.VIDEO_ID, playerState.VIDEO_TITLE); playerState.START_SENT = true; } var currentTime, duration, percent, percentPlayed, _i; currentTime = Math.round(this.currentTime()); duration = Math.round(this.duration()); percentPlayed = Math.round(currentTime / duration * 100); for (percent = _i = 0; _i = percent && __indexOf.call(playerState['PERCENTS_TRACKED'], percent) 0) { playerState['PERCENTS_TRACKED'].push(percent); } } } }); //player.off('ended'); player.on('ended', function(){ console.log("ended"); playerState.IS_PLAYING = false; WVM.sendbeacon("complete", true, playerState.VIDEO_ID, playerState.VIDEO_TITLE); var currId = playerState.VIDEO_ID; var newMediaId = WVM.getNextPlaylistIndex(currId); //if(playerSettings.autoplay_next && newMediaId){ if(newMediaId){ WVM.load_video(newMediaId, true, playerState.ORIGINAL_ID); }else{ console.log("Playlist complete (no more videos)"); } }); //player.off('adserror'); player.on('adserror', function(e){ //$('#ima-ad-container').remove(); WVM.lastAdRequest = new Date().getTime() / 1000; console.log(e); console.log("ads error"); var errMessage = e['data']['AdError']['l']; playerState.AD_IS_PLAYING = false; playerState.IS_PLAYING = false; // && errMessage == 'The VAST response document is empty.' if(!playerState.AD_ERROR){ var dTime = new Date().getTime(); WVM.firstPrerollTagUrl = WVM.getFirstPrerollUrl(); console.log("calling backup ad tag url: " + WVM.firstPrerollTagUrl); WVM.activePlayer.ima.changeAdTag(WVM.firstPrerollTagUrl + "?" + dTime); WVM.activePlayer.ima.requestAds(); //WVM.activePlayer.src({ // src: masterSrc, // type: 'video/mp4' //}); //WVM.firstPrerollTagUrl = ""; } playerState.AD_ERROR = true; }); //player.off('error'); player.on('error', function(event) { if (player.error().code === 4) { player.error(null); // clear out the old error player.options().sources.shift(); // drop the highest precedence source console.log("now doing src"); console.log(player.options().sources[0]); player.src(player.options().sources[0]); // retry return; } }); //player.off('volumechange'); player.on('volumechange', function(event) { console.log(event); var theHeight = $('#media-container-' + playerState.ORIGINAL_ID + ' .vjs-volume-level').css('height'); var cssVolume = 0; if(theHeight){ cssVolume = parseInt(theHeight.replace('%', '')); } var theVolume = player.volume(); if(theVolume > 0.0 || cssVolume > 0){ $('#media-container-' + playerState.ORIGINAL_ID + ' .mute-overlay').css('display', 'none'); }else{ $('#media-container-' + playerState.ORIGINAL_ID + ' .mute-overlay').css('display', 'block'); } }); WVM.reinitRawEvents(playerState.ORIGINAL_ID); setInterval(function(){ WVM.reinitRawEvents(playerState.ORIGINAL_ID); }, 2000); } if(!WVM.rawCompleteEvent){ WVM.rawCompleteEvent = function(e){ var playerState = WVM['player_state139682']; console.log("firing raw event due to all other events failing"); var currId = playerState.VIDEO_ID; var newMediaId = WVM.getNextPlaylistIndex(currId); //if(playerSettings.autoplay_next && newMediaId){ if(newMediaId){ WVM.load_video(newMediaId, true, playerState.ORIGINAL_ID); } }; } if(!WVM.rawTimeupdateEvent){ WVM.rawTimeupdateEvent = function(e){ var playerState = WVM['player_state139682']; var rawVideoElem = document.getElementById('html5-video-' + playerState['ORIGINAL_ID'] + '_html5_api'); var fullCurrent = rawVideoElem.currentTime * 1000; var fullDuration = rawVideoElem.duration * 1000; var current_time = Math.floor(rawVideoElem.currentTime); console.log("raw timeupdate: " + fullCurrent + " out of " + fullDuration); if ( current_time > 0 && ( fullCurrent >= (fullDuration - 50) )){ var currId = playerState.VIDEO_ID; var newMediaId = WVM.getNextPlaylistIndex(currId); if(newMediaId){ console.log("loading new video from rawtimeupdate"); WVM.load_video(newMediaId, true, playerState.ORIGINAL_ID); } } if(!$('.vjs-loading-spinner').hasClass('badspinner')){ $('.vjs-loading-spinner').addClass('badspinner') } }; } WVM.reinitRawEvents = function(playerId){ var playerState = WVM['player_state' + playerId]; var rawVideoElem = document.getElementById('html5-video-' + WVM['player_state' + playerId]['ORIGINAL_ID'] + '_html5_api'); //COMPLETE EENT if( WVM['player_state' + playerId].COMPLETE_EVENT){ rawVideoElem.removeEventListener('ended', WVM.rawCompleteEvent, false); } rawVideoElem.addEventListener('ended', WVM.rawCompleteEvent, false); //TIME UPDATE EVENT if( WVM['player_state' + playerId].TIMEUPDATE_EVENT){ rawVideoElem.removeEventListener('ended', WVM.rawTimeupdateEvent, false); } rawVideoElem.addEventListener('ended', WVM.rawTimeupdateEvent, false); WVM['player_state' + playerId].COMPLETE_EVENT = true; WVM['player_state' + playerId].TIMEUPDATE_EVENT = true; };

NEW BERLIN (CBS 58) --The annual NARI Home & Remodeling Show will be slightly smaller this year as the coronavirus pandemic keeps more people at home and interested in making improvements.

NARI Milwaukee is hosting its home and remodeling show Oct. 16-18 at State Fair Park. Around 70 NARI Milwaukee members will host exhibit booths. Last year, more than 100 members staffed exhibit booths. The home and remodeling show has exhibitors for all types of remodeling and home improvement products and services.

Were excited to connect homeowners who are eager to get their home improvements underway with local contractors. By hosting a safe and accessible show, were helping reopen the economy and support area small businesses, said Diane Welhouse, executive director of NARI Milwaukee, in a news release. Nearly 80% of our members are small businesses with fewer than 10 employees so the annual show is important to them.

With people staying at home more during the pandemic, NARI members have said that business is good even though some segments of the economy are seeing significant declines as a result of COVID's effect on business.

Todays home is working overtime as adults and children are using it as their restaurant, office, classroom, entertainment spot and vacation destination, Welhouse said in the release. NARI Milwaukee members report many homeowners are looking to improve, repurpose and expand their space due to these increased demands.

The show will have a limited capacity with one-way aisles to enforce social distancing. All exhibitors and attendees will be required to wear face coverings, in compliance with a statewide mask mandate.

I had the chance to speak with Michael Maples, general manger of "Renovations Group" out of Hartland. He took me on a tour at a home in New Berlin.The houserecently underwent a major renovation project, including an 1100 square-foot addition, raised roof, and new kitchen cabinetry. Maples says the upcoming NARI show is invaluable. It's a way to ask the experts to help you formulate a plan. But he says you need to do some research before you attend. You should know what your budget is along with a general idea of what you're wanting.

For all the information about this weekend's NARI Home & Remodeling Show, just click here. Keep in mind there are some COVID restrictions you need to know about before you show up to the event.

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This weekend's NARI Home & Remodeling Show a good tool to tackle renovation projects - WDJT

The Building Industry Association (BIA) of Clark Countys Remodeled Homes Tour looks a little different this year. With the COVID-19 pandemic at the forefront of the communitys mind, the BIA Remodeled Homes Tour is coming to Clark County in a virtual fashion complete with pandemic inspired renovations, lending tips and more.

We really wanted to show up for the community this year, Chair of the Remodeled Homes Tour Elizabeth Gomez said. A lot of people like to tour homes and get inspired...so we decided to do a virtual edition of the tour this year.

Starting on Thursday, Oct. 15, and continuing through Nov. 1, the BIA of Clark County will release remodeling videos for free to their website and social media pages. The remodeling videos released will cover a wide range of topics on the subject. Gomez explained how she wanted the tour to cover multiple topics because there are many different ways and styles to approaching a remodel and she wanted the viewers to know their options.

According to Gomez, because the pandemic is causing people to spend more and more time at home, renovations are on peoples minds. She mentioned that there has been a drastic increase in the number of remodeling projects this year, and she wanted to ensure homeowners got a tour this year to know what they can do.

People have had the time to assess what is working for them, what isnt and what they can change (in their home), she said.

In a normal year, the remodeled homes tour allows guests to walk through homes with newly remodeled kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and more. Seeing the renovations could give homeowners ideas on how to renovate their own homes. While in person viewings are on hold for the year, Gomez said there are a couple of benefits with holding the show online. Most notably, smaller renovations will be highlighted more. For example, Gomez and her contracting group Bridge City Contracting, are highlighting a smaller bathroom renovation this year.

Bathroom renovations are usually near the top of a list when talking about remodels. This year, Bridge City Contracting is taking COVID-19 inspirations into the bathroom with ultraviolet sanitation and Washlet toilets.

Im not sure if people would drive to see someones master bathroom (in a normal year), Gomez explained. But the online tours provide a way for people to look at projects that really deserve attention and it provides a convenient way to do that.

Last year, local contractors focused on adding basements and multi-room overhauls during the Remodeled Homes Tour. In 2019, Bridge City Contracting joined the tour for a second year and had the theme of functionality and flow in their Battle Ground renovation which included a cup warming drawer and built-in espresso bar in the kitchen.

This year, the tour will feature over six homes in the Clark County area. With each home having its own aspect of renovations, viewers can expect to see kitchens, bathrooms, master bedrooms and more on the tour.

Along with this, Gomez explained that the tours leading sponsor, Columbia Credit Union, will be hosting a video on the aspects of financing a remodel. Other topics include why you should hire a contractor, and how to save time and money. Gomez said that hiring a contractor saves both time and money because there will be less mistakes to fix and professionals on the job.

Kitchen remodels can be a fun way to spice up your downstairs entertainment space. Last year, Bridge City Contracting added a full espresso bar to a kitchen during a renovation.

The theme for Bridge City Contracting in this years Remodeled Homes Tour is Self Care and the theme makes itself known in their bathroom renovation. Gomez explained how Bridge City Contracting looked at ways to reduce stress in a year when stress is affecting everybody more than normal. Their bathroom renovation included a freestanding spa and soaking tub, a spa shower with body sprays and heat warmers built into the floor. Gomez said that, in a normal year, most people would put me time on the bottom of their list. However, with the pandemic causing stress and people spending more time at home, me time has become more of a priority. I remember pre-COVID how a lot of people would regard a bathtub as a luxury item instead of a necessity whereas now a lot of people are realizing that self care is essential.

Self care and me time arent the only ways the pandemic has changed the aspects of home renovations. According to Gomez, a lot of new features in the homes are centered around cleaning and sanitation. In the bathroom, the contractors installed a Washlet toilet complete with toilet paper free sanitation, heated seats and even an ultraviolet cleaning and sanitation feature.

Renovation techniques and norms being influenced by the events of the world arent a new thing, Gomez explained. Each year, home renovations are inspired by culture, art, fashion and politics. One year, the biggest thing was smart technology such as light bulbs controlled by phone applications, voice assistants and thermostats connected to the internet. Along with this year's pandemic inspired rooms, Gomez said one renovation was themed around Halloween as the tour takes place at the end of October.

Each and every contractor featured in the online tour works and builds in Clark County. Bridge City Contracting is one of many contractors in the BIA Group Remodelers of Clark County. All of the remodelers (on the tour) are a local group of craftspeople that support each other and support the community, Gomez said.

Me Time was one of Bridge City Contractings main inspirations this year. With more people spending time at home, more people are realizing the importance of self care. Renovations could include the addition of a sauna and/or a spa shower and tub.

The tour is completely free to view online at biaofclarkcounty.org/get-involved/rocc/remodeled-homes-tour/ and on the BIAs Facebook page at facebook.com/BIAofClarkCo.

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Remodeled homes tour comes to Clark County in virtual format - The Reflector