By Big G Creative ($24.99)

Who 3-6 players, ages 8 and up

What Pick who you think will perform the best on wacky challenges, vote with a squishy goat, and add up points for the person who actually did the best job.

What we thought Yes, I had to look up the meaning of G.O.A.T. the kids nowadays say it stands for Greatest of All Time. With that bit of knowledge out of the way, I had to crack my knuckles and get ready to prove that I was the G.O.A.T. at a variety of tasks, such as making a noise like a lightsaber, juggling the squishy goats the longest, and, yes, who could crack the most knuckles. About those squishy goats: the box comes with six of them in different colors, and my 10-year-old daughter squealed upon seeing them nestled inside. They're just fun. And did we say squishy? This game is good for players of all ages, and generated a lot of laughs and surprises and the utmost respect of my children, whose mother turned out to be the G.O.A.T. of disco moves.

Valerie Schremp Hahn

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Bored? We rate 11 new board games to help you while away the pandemic - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) announces the assignment of preliminary ratings to six classes of ONYP 2020-1NYP, a CMBS single-borrower securitization.

The collateral for the transaction is an $835.0 million non-recourse mortgage loan. The floating rate loan has an initial two-year term with three, one-year extension options, and requires monthly interest-only payments based on one-month LIBOR. The loan is secured by the borrowers fee simple interest in One New York Plaza, a 50-story, Class-A, office tower containing approximately 2.6 million sf located in Downtown Manhattan. The LEED Gold certified tower includes approximately 2.5 million sf of office space, 39,219 sf of retail space, 33,726 sf of storage space, and a subterranean parking garage containing 190 parking spaces.

As of November 2020, the property was 96.5% leased to 26 tenants. The five largest tenants include Morgan Stanley, an international banking and financial services firm; Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, an AM Law Top 100 firm; Macmillan Holdings, LLC, a British publishing company; FullBeauty Brands, LLC, an online and catalog retailer of plus-sized apparel; and Revlon Consumer Products Corporation, an American multinational beauty and personal care company. Together, these five tenants account for 88.8% of total base rent and 85.2% of the total sf.

KBRAs analysis of the transaction included a detailed evaluation of the properties cash flows using our U.S. CMBS Property Evaluation Methodology and the application of our U.S. CMBS Single Borrower & Large Loan Rating Methodology. In addition, KBRA also relied on its Global Structured Finance Counterparty Methodology for assessing counterparty risk in this transaction, to the extent deemed applicable.

The results of our analysis yielded a KBRA net cash flow (KNCF) of approximately $92.1 million. To value the property, we applied a capitalization rate of 6.75% to arrive at a KBRA value of approximately $1.4 billion. The resulting in-trust KBRA Loan to Value (KLTV) is 91.6%. In our analysis of the transaction, we also reviewed and considered third party engineering, environmental, and appraisal reports; the results of our site inspection of the property, and legal documentation review.

Click here to view the report. To access ratings and relevant documents, click here.

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Disclosures

Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above.

A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the U.S. Information Disclosure Form located here.

Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here.

Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the U.S. Information Disclosure Form referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at http://www.kbra.com.

About KBRA

KBRA is a full-service credit rating agency registered as an NRSRO with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider and is a certified Credit Rating Agency (CRA) with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe is registered with ESMA as a CRA.

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HAGENS BERMAN, NATIONAL TRIAL ATTORNEYS, Notifies Interface (TILE) Investors of Upcoming Deadline in Securities Fraud Action, Encourages Investors...

HP's EliteBook 800 Series and ZBook Firefly 14 and 15 G8 Now Ship With Tile Software Pre-Installed

SAN MATEO, Calif., Dec. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Tile,the world's leading smart location company, and HP are introducing additional PC devices with Tile's finding technology to offer peace of mind to millions as they navigate working from home or prepare to head back into the office. Beginning today, HP's popular EliteBook 800 G8 Serieswhich includes the x360830, 830, 840 and 850 modelsand the ZBook Firefly 14 G8 and ZBook Firefly 15 G8, will ship with Tile pre-installed. These new devices join the Elite Dragonfly and EliteBook 1000 Series in HP's growing lineup of Tile-enabled devices.

"We're making Tile's technology more accessible and simple through a pre-installed software solution requiring no hardware, making it far more accessible and easy to use," said CJ Prober, CEO of Tile. "Our collaboration with Intel to enable this software-only version of Tile, and with HP to be the first OEM to integrate this capability into their products, is a significant milestone in delivering peace of mind to IT departments and end-users alike."

Once activated through the Tile Windows app, EliteBook 800 Series and ZBook Firefly users can take advantage of Tile features on the Tile mobile app to find their laptop if nearby or far away. These features even work when the device is in sleep, hibernate or soft off mode.

Whether working from home or preparing to head back into the office, the ability to find your laptop is crucial, especially during these uncertain times. Earlier this year, Tile found that nearly three fourths (72 percent) said the ability to locate their lost or misplaced laptop would be very or extremely valuable.

This marks Tile's first device integration with Intel after announcing a collaboration effort earlier this year. The Tile and Intel teams are continuing to work closely with PC manufacturers to determine the best Tile experience for their users. In fact, in 2021 Tile will come pre-installed on select HP-11th Gen Intel Core Platforms configured with Intel wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) WLAN cards and integrated Intel Bluetooth.

"By integrating Tile capabilities into our Wi-Fi / Bluetooth solutions for Intel PC platforms, we've made it extremely easy for our PC partners to activate Tile and offer this feature to users," said Eric McLaughlin, Vice President Client Computing Group and GM Wireless Solutions Group at Intel.

Additional Tile partners include Skullcandy, Comcast, Bose and Herschel among others. Today, virtually any product can be Tile-enabled. Learn more at thetileapp.com/partners.

About TileTile gives everything the power of smart location, locating up to six million unique items every day. Leveraging its vast community that spans 195 countries, Tile's cloud-based finding platform helps people find the things that matter to them most. Just awarded #5 on Fast Company's list of Most Innovative consumer electronics companies, Tile is based in San Mateo, CA and is backed by Francisco Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, and GGV Capital. For more information, please visit Tile.com.

SOURCE Tile

http://www.thetileapp.com

Link:
Tile and HP Expand Tile's Finding Technology Into More PCs - PRNewswire

According to documents submitted to the Planning Department, Elkhorn Landing LLC anticipates construction to start early next year on its first building that would be completed by mid-2022. The second building is to be built in a later phase and perhaps finish by 2024.

Tyler Curnes of Main Street Studios & Gallery told Planning Board members last week he was concerned about the already scarce parking situation in downtown Elkhorn and additional stress expected by Elkhorn Landing.

Jim Lang, attorney for the Elkhorn Station project, addressed the board to urge that the Elkhorn Landing team share in the cost of public improvements to 206th Street.

Planning Board members, after hearing concerns, delayed a vote on Elkhorn Landing's TIF redevelopment project plan until next month.

Meanwhile, developers plan to meet further with area business groups and city officials.

Transformation of Omaha's Cottonwood Hotel

The Orleans bar at The Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District in Omaha. The hotel opens to the public on Nov. 19.

A booth seat at the Orleans bar atThe Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District in Omaha.

A deck space off the eighth floor ofThe Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District.

Original tilework was kept where possible and new tile was placed to match it during the renovation ofThe Cottonwood Hotel.

The Committee Chophouse atThe Cottonwood Hotel.

A room's bathroom atThe Cottonwood Hotel.

The Orleans bar atThe Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District in Omaha on Thursday, November 12, 2020. The hotel opens to the public on Nov. 19.

The Cottonwood Hotel inThe Blackstone District opens to the public on Nov. 19.

The Cottonwood Hotel inThe Blackstone District in Omaha on Thursday, November 12, 2020. The hotel opens to the public on Nov. 19.

An original mailbox inThe Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District.

The Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District in Omaha.

The front desk atThe Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District. The hotel opens to the public on Nov. 19.

The Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District.

Custom wallpaper atThe Cottonwood Hotel.

The Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District in Omaha. The hotel opens to the public on Nov. 19.

Custom wallpaper at the Committee Chophouse atThe Cottonwood Hotel.

The Schimmel Ballroom atThe Cottonwood Hotel.

The pool and plaza area atThe Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District. The hotel opens to the public on Nov. 19.

The Cottonwood Room atThe Cottonwood Hotel.

Tom McLeay, a developer ofThe Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District in Omaha.

Custom-made light fixtures atThe Cottonwood Hotel.

The Orleans bar atThe Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District.

The Committee Chophouse atThe Cottonwood Hotel.

The Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District in Omaha.

Tom McLeay, a developer ofThe Cottonwood Hotel, on a room's balcony.

A room atThe Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District in Omaha on Thursday, November 12, 2020. The hotel opens to the public on Nov. 19.

An addition to the back of The Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District.

The original marble staircase in the Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District.

The Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District in Omaha on Thursday, November 12, 2020. The hotel opens to the public on Nov. 19.

Tom McLeay, a developer ofThe Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District.

The pool and plaza area atThe Cottonwood Hotel.

Wallpaper in a men's bathroom atThe Cottonwood Hotel.

A booth seat at the Orleans bar at the Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District in Omaha on Thursday, November 12, 2020. The hotel opens to the public on Nov. 19.

The Orleans bar atThe Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District in Omaha on Thursday, November 12, 2020. The hotel opens to the public on Nov. 19.

Original tilework was kept where possible and new tile was placed to match it during the renovation of the Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District.

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Elkhorn Landing hopes to land near Main Street, and invest $6.3 million in the area - Omaha World-Herald

Paul Hartke is making 2020 the year that he follows his dreams.

I have always worked for someone else my entire adult career, he said. But I have always had a desire to own my own business and build a legacy for my children.

Hartke, who lives in Marion, recently became a franchise owner with Floor Coverings International.

We offer pretty much anything you would want to put down on your floor, said Hartke, citing the stores offerings of carpet, tile, hardwood, luxury vinyl plank/tile, bamboo, cork, stone and area rugs.

Hartke visits customers homes in a mobile flooring showroom stocked with some 3,500 flooring samples.

His son serves as office manager while also a full-time student at Kirkwood Community College.

When the decision was made to become his own boss, Hartke looked at four different franchises. He decided on Floor Coverings International because of its franchisee support, he recalled, allowing him to draw on the best practices of 150 other franchises.

In addition, Hartke believed his new business would dovetail with his wife and daughters business as real estate agents.

While Hartke did not have direct experience in flooring sales, he said hes been leaning on his past work experience as he launches this business.

I felt confident due to my experience in building homes when I lived in Kansas City, he said.

He also can tap into his experience working as an HVAC sales engineer for 20 years.

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Hartke opened the business in the last year, which of course came with challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Being the new kid on the block and getting your name out is always a challenge, he said, I am figuring out the appropriate rate of growth, so I dont grow too fast or too slow ... .

Because of COVID, obviously, we are all masked up, he said. In some ways it has hurt because people many not want you their home. But on one hand COVID helped from the perspective that people still want to do home improvement projects and feel more comfortable having someone come to their home so they do not have to leave and actually go to a store.

Hartke also is working with customers dealing with derecho damage.

I have learned quickly that being a small-business owner you wear many hats.

On any given day, Hartke is going on consultations, ordering flooring, receiving deliveries at the warehouse and hopping on corporate Zoom meetings.

Clients are dealing with me from the consultation, to measuring, to the final install, he added.

Know a small business in the Corridor that just might make for an interesting My Biz feature? Let us know by emailing the business editor at michaelchevy.castranova@thegazette.com.

Owner: Paul Hartke

Business: Floor Coverings International of Cedar Rapids

Address: 5915 Fourth St SW, Cedar Rapids

Phone: (319) 531-7771

Website: cedarrapids.floorcoveringsinternational.com

Excerpt from:
'New kid on the block' grows franchise with Floor Coverings International in Cedar Rapids - The Gazette

This year feels like it's been at least a decade. How we live and work has changed drastically, and I think that 2021 will be less about getting back to normal, and more about rediscovering a new normal.

Gadgets have, unsurprisingly, played a big part over the year, across all facets of life, from work, to rest, and play, and as the year draws to a close I wanted to highlight the gadgets and gear that have earned their place in my office, backpack, or pocket.

Since I don't want this review dominated by Apple gadgets, let's just assume that my iPhone, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and AirPods Pro were with me within arm's reach pretty much all the time.

This is the other stuff! And some of this stuff you may have seen before, and some you may not.

Must read: How to securely erase hard drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs)

This thing has been charged and recharged dozens of times, thrown into a backpack or suitcase, and been used to charge a myriad of devices, from my MacBook to earbuds, and it's still as good as new.

A total workhorse of a power bank.

Read more.

This is my desktop charger of choice. It replaces four other chargers (including my MacBook Pro USB-C charger and my iPhone charger).

This has been in continuous use for months now without any issues whatsoever.

Read more.

When I need portable power when out and about, this is the power station that's seen the most use. It's not the biggest I have, but it is ideal if I need to carry it in and out myself (I might choose something bigger if I can leave it in a vehicle).

Read more.

While I've found Rode wired microphones to be flimsy (having broken a Rode Lavalier GO and a Rode HS2-PL within a few weeks), the Wireless Go has been in pretty much daily use for the past eight to nine months without any real issue. This set works pretty good, has a decent range, and has stood up to all the usual knocks and scuffs.

Great for taking gear such as GoPros and battery packs into the outdoors on camping or filming trips. It does a great job of keeping sand and water away from things, and for protecting them from drops and being crushed.

Read more.

Have you ever found yourself buying something in a bit of a rush,not having the time to do proper research, and yet been pleasantly surprised? That's how it went with this case. I did a little research, it looked good, I bought it, and it far exceeded my expectations. I've packed it so tight that there wasn't room for an extra molecule inside it, dragged it miles across sidewalks, cobbled streets, and even dirt tracks, and it's not let me down.

Whether this is a toy or a serious bit of work kit depends on how you use it. It's a professional platform that you can use to get serious results, and yet that's really easy to fly.

I've put a lot of kilometers on mine and not only found it to be so much fun, but it's taken my photography and videography to a new level.

This is the perfect Android 10 smartphone for the engineer. It's rugged, speedy, and the thermal camera and optional borescope make it a great tool for getting work done.

Read more.

There are cheaper massage guns out there, but this one is the best I've used. The smartphone app feels a bit gimmicky, but the powerful motor makes this one stand head and shoulders above the rest at melting away aches and tension.

This is a great way to read ebooks or listen to audiobooks on a distraction-free device.

I've carried one of these for miles stuffed with gear, and it's still going strong. The best sling backpack that I've owned.

I've totally forgotten what it's like to misplace my keys or wallet. Huge timesaver!

I haven't yet had a chance to use the GoPro Hero 9 Black, but I have put many hours of use on my two Hero 8 Black units, and they're the only camera I have that's better than the one on my iPhone.

Great for putting a smartphone on a tripod. It takes even the biggest smartphone in the chunkiest case, and holds it tight.

A great way to clamp a camera onto, well, everything from railings to the edge of a desk. The articulations are super smooth, allow for infinite adjustment, and yet itlocks up tight.

Perfect for lining up that shot just right!

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Best of the best gadgets of 2020 - ZDNet

Editor's Note: This piece originally appeared on Vogue's website as part of a content partnership.

Whether organizing your way to happiness or embracing hygge, the Danish philosophy of cozy living, it always seems that just when you catch up to a design craze, insiders are already on to the next. So while the ascendance of Ikigai was intriguing, skepticism seemed wise. Ikigai, which translates to 'having a purpose' in English, is of Japanese origin, associated with the feeling of self-fulfillment earned by pursuing a meaningful life. Today, it's being embraced by the creative community. But unlike other decor movements that entail, say, purging your closets of joyless objects or surrounding yourself with adorable throw pillows and charming ceramics, it's not so dictatorial. After all, who can argue with the idea of purpose-driven design?

Lucky for us, the design industry is embracing Ikigai, not as a trend, but as a time-honored philosophy-and one that's here to stay. Kari Pei, VP of Global Design for Interface, the global commercial flooring company, first learned about Ikigai many years ago while working in Japan, when she was teaching Japanese mills how to use French weaving programs. 'Over the years, I've studied Japanese design, culture, and architecture. Japanese culture strives to work in harmony with the natural environment, which gets right at the heart of our mission. The concept of Ikigai marries perfectly with my own personal (as well as Interface's) design goals,' she says. 'I think of Ikigai as an existential belief closely related to well-being and happiness, through connection with others and with nature.'

Starting with the edict that great design must exist in harmony with nature, Pei and her team set out to create modern, beautiful, carpet tiles with the environment in mind. The result: Interface's breathtaking Embodied Beauty collection. Inspired by timeless Japanese aesthetics, the collection is not only alluring, but innovative, as all seven styles of Embodied Beauty are carbon neutral across their full product life cycle, with three styles being carbon negative when measured cradle to gate. Ultimately, all Embodied Beauty options help lower the carbon footprint of a space. 'Interface's purpose is to lead an industrial re-revolution, or to show the world that business can be used as a force for good,' says Pei, who is on a mission to create products that benefit the environment. 'We have a responsibility to the planet,' she says. 'Each time we produce a carpet tile, we're using energy and resources that aren't easily replenished. That's why we work so hard to minimize the carbon footprint of our flooring by using bio-based materials and recycled content.'

Products shown: Sashiko Stitch (Color: Jadeite) & Shishu Stitch [-CO2] (Color: Ash)

Accordingly, everything from her choice of materials to the weight of the carpet and even the composition of the tiles' backing was considered in terms of its environmental impact. 'We used a totally new machine and new yarns to create the carbon negative products in the Embodied Beauty collection, so we were working with a brand-new set of tools, which influenced everything from pile heights to design, textures, and colorways,' says Pei.

Best of all, she didn't have to sacrifice style for sustainability. The Embodied Beauty collection reflects the refined simplicity so often associated with Japanese culture. As a whole, the collection embraces calm, muted grays in warm and cool tones alongside natural colors for added dimension. Architects and interior designers are especially drawn to the tiles for their wealth of textural possibilities, which helps them to effortlessly create floors that feel luxe, yet are neutral enough to work with a myriad of palettes.

What gave Pei as a designer so much creative license is that Ikigai is a worldview that complements other design schools. Whether you're a minimalist or maximalist, a fan of mid-century design or Art Nouveau, Ikigai's focus on purpose allows it to be a gentle, guiding force. 'We were inspired by many traditional Japanese crafts. Firstly, the art of kintsugi, which creates something totally new and beautiful through the act of mending the broken or repairing,' notes Pei. 'The creation of these carbon-storing products takes something traditionally seen as an enemy-carbon-and creates a product that helps to mend our damaged environment, so we're sort of flipping the script.' And the fact that her handiwork is manifested in tiles (versus traditional rugs) makes it easier than ever to control the carbon footprint of a space-designers can utilize them in a mass open area, like an office, or arrange the tiles to accommodate whatever square footage exists, in any creative configuration.

Pei was also able to incorporate other Japanese design elements under the umbrella of Ikigai. She leaned into the idea of wabi-sabi, or embracing the imperfect, as revealed in the unscripted floor patterns found in Geisha Gather. She drew inspiration from sashiko, a decorative stitching technique used to reinforce textiles, as seen in Interface's Sashiko Stitch products. Another traditional Japanese craft called boro-a beautiful technique of combining remnant fabrics, thus creating a patchwork of texture and color-plays an overarching role.

So if you're ready to dip your toes into this design movement and effortlessly elevate your space, a floor designed with Interface's Embodied Beauty carpet can easily be the hero piece of an Ikigai-centric decor scheme. While design fads come and go, this new thinking-with its innate practicality and Earth-friendly ethos-will never go out of style.

Disclaimer

Interface Inc. published this content on 07 December 2020 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 07 December 2020 20:42:08 UTC

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Interface : Why Ikigai is the Design Philosophy We All Need Right Now | MarketScreener - Marketscreener.com

Tile floors are low maintenance, durable, and easily customized to your personal style. However, they can show dust and dirt, making finding the best vacuum for tile floors a vital step in long-term tile floor maintenance. Vacuums come in several types, from cordless to canister and upright to wet/dry. The right one for you will depend on your homes flooring types, how much of the flooring is tile, and the amount and type of daily foot traffic. Pets and children, for example, create more messes than a house of adults.

This shopping guide includes recommendations for some of the best vacuums for tile floors along with information to narrow down the options. The range of vacuum types included can accommodate varying home, family, and cleaning types and situations.

Every home is different; likewise, users have different likes and dislikes when it comes to vacuum cleaners. All of these personal preferences come into play when deciding on the right vacuum. Weve listed some of the top considerations to factor in as you choose a vacuum.

A homes size acts as a starting point for vacuum size and powerthe larger the house, the larger the vacuum. A stick or cordless vacuum may be enough to clean a small home or apartment. However, it could run out of battery power cleaning a space larger than 1,000 square feet.

The vacuum size will also determine how often you empty it. A small stick vacuum could fill up every time its used in a spacious home, whereas a large, bagged upright may only fill every few weeks. Its a balancing act between the vacuum size and power along with the available storage space.

It comes down to thisthe vacuum size and power should complement the home size.

Corded vs. cordlessthe ongoing debate about which is better isnt likely to end soon. Thats because one or the other is better in certain situations and for different users. The choice comes down to what kind of user you are and how you want to use the vacuum.

Corded vacuums never run out of power, meaning you get full suction no matter how long you run the vacuum. However, the cords length affects how you clean. Once you reach the end of the cord, youll have to stop vacuuming and move to a different outlet. Some people dislike maneuvering around a cord.

Larger vacuums, like full-size uprights and canister vacuums, have the longest cords, with some reaching nearly 30 feet. Stick vacuums have shorter cords in the range of 15 to 20 feet. Retractable cords add convenience. Otherwise, most corded models have an on-board cord storage system built into the vacuums body.

Cordless vacuums arent limited by cord length. You can carry them for use almost anywhere in your house without tripping over a cord. In the past, cordless vacuums could be heavy due to the weight of their lead-acid batteries. However, most modern models now have relatively lightweight lithium-ion or lithium-ion polymer batteries.

These two types of batteries dont have issues with memory effect, wherein the battery loses its ability to hold a full charge if its not completely discharged with each use. Theyre also more eco-friendly than past lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or nickel-metal hydride batteries, which you may find on older cordless vacuums.

Vacuum cleaners have a universal motor that operates on both direct current and alternating currents. A good indication of motor power is amps, although this can be somewhat deceiving in that a vacuums total amps include power used in other parts of the vacuum. But in general, vacuums with higher amps have more power and, consequently, more suction power.

Keep in mind that high suction power uses more electricity. If youre cleaning a small home or apartment, you may not need a high power vacuum. Usually, a stronger suction power is needed in a house with a larger square footage.

Vacuum airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm), with the best vacuums having an airflow of over 125 cfm. However, airflow should be balanced with the vacuums suction, also called the water lift or static pressure. A vacuum can have good airflow but low suction, leaving you with a model that underperforms for its power. Good suction powermeasured in inches of water lift, or how many inches the motor will lift 1 inch of water verticallystarts at 80 inches.n Balanced vacuum specs should have more than 125 cfm and over 80 inches of suction.

All that airflow also needs good filtration. High-efficiency air particulate (HEPA) filters remove particles as small as .3 microns. Allergy sufferers benefit from this filtration level, removing pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and other common allergens.

Lugging around a clunky vacuum builds extra work into cleaning. Thats where maneuverability comes into play. Stick and cordless vacuums offer the best maneuverability, especially if they have a swivel head that pivots around furniture and everyday household obstacles.

As far as full-size models go, uprights have a leg up on canister vacuums, which can be cumbersome to drag. However, canisters tend to perform better on tile floors due to the vacuum head design. These designs make them one of the best vacuums for tile floors.

The average vacuum cleaner produces 75 decibels (dB) of noise. To give you an idea of how loud that is, the average homes noise levels stay around 40 dB. Vacuums that run at 71 to 75 dB will sound fairly loud. A quiet vacuum runs between 65 to 70 dB.

Vacuum capacities vary widely, from robot vacuums and stick models accommodating around .5 liters (L) to full-size uprights and canister models holding around 4.5 liters. More considerable volumes allow you to empty the bag, dust bin, or canister less often. Make sure the vacuums capacity fits your homes size. If you have a large household, more than 1,000 square feet, you may need to empty a small bin before youve finished vacuuming the house. Small containers work best for small spill clean up rather than whole-house vacuuming.

Accessories expand a vacuums usefulness. Standard accessories typically include a crevice tool, upholstery brush, and extension wands. However, a few other extras worth considering are additional hoses (for canister vacuums), motorized brush heads, and pet brush heads.

Onboard storage keeps accessories at your fingertips. However, it also adds weight. Other designs have a storage bag or a case for extra accessories, which keep the vacuums weight to a minimum. A downside to this is that a separate bag or a case can also be misplaced.

The following vacuums offer features tailored to tile floors. Canister vacuums with powerful automatic suction adjustment, cordless models, and wet/dry vacs that pull double duty made the list. Your unique circumstances and preferences will help you decide which is the right choice for you.

Photo: amazon.com

The Miele Complete C3 Alize provides premium features like six suction settings and a sensor to automatically adjust them. In part, the suction settings work so well on tile floors because of the AirTeq floor head that stays in almost constant contact while in use. The design optimizes suction while decreasing overall energy use.

The Complete C3 Miele also includes an impressive 4.5 liters canister capacity, reducing the number of times youll need to empty it. A telescoping handle makes vacuuming more comfortable and adds another 6 feet to the vacuums 30-foot cord reach. This model features a silence motor to maintain a quiet environment.

This model includes onboard storage for its three accessoriesa crevice nozzle, dusting brush, and upholstery nozzle. For those with allergies, a HEPA filter and an AirClean 3D filter bag remove and contain common allergens. The price stands as one of the few downsides to this model. It weighs 16 pounds and requires three AAA batteries to operate.

Photo: amazon.com

This convertible vacuum offers the convenience of a stick and hand vacuum with the suction power for hard floors.

The Bissell Featherweight offers three configurations and good suction for a vacuum at this price. The vacuum head stays in close contact with the floor to better remove dirt and dust from tile floors.

This model has a dirt cup capacity of .67 liters and also converts to a hand vacuum with a built-in crevice tool for use on furniture or stairs. The diverse configurations add versatility to this vacuums general use. A 15-foot power cord keeps the suction consistent no matter where its used, but it does limit the vacuums reach. At 2.6 pounds, its ultra lightweight and compact.

Photo: amazon.com

An easily maneuvered swivel head helps the vacuum glide over low-pile carpets and hard floors. However, it has a detachable cleaner head for stairs, windowsills, and other hard-to-reach places so that it can do far more than tile. With a dirt cup capacity of 1.58 liters, this vacuum weighs 17.1 pounds and has a 30-foot cord.

Shark also incorporates noise reduction technology that cuts decibels and softens the vacuums overall pitch. A HEPA filter removes common allergens. While the APEX works well for tile, the brushes do not turn off and could scratch hardwoods. Finally, this top pick features LED lights on the floor nozzle and handle to reveal hidden debris in dark areas.

Photo: amazon.com

The Hoover Floormate uses water and scrub brushes to remove dirt, dust, and other messes. This model features dual tanks to keep the dirty and clean water separate, reducing the risk of dirty water coming into contact with your floors.

The Floormate also features two modes: wash and dry. In wash mode, the vacuum uses both brushes and suction to pull up water and remove dirt. In dry mode, the brushes disengage so the suction can fully remove excess water. Modes are controlled with easily accessed buttons on the handle, where you can also activate a clean boost that adds extra detergent. Like other wet/dry vacuums designed for hard floors, theres a low percentage of these types of vacuums having sensor issues or early breakdowns. It weighs less than 14 pounds, it has a 20-foot-long cord and a dirt cup capacity of 1.58 liters.

Photo: amazon.com

With a dirt cup capacity of 3.5 liters, this model is smaller than Mieles full-size canister vacuums but doesnt lack suction power. A combination of the 1200-watt vortex motor and vacuum head design creates uninterrupted suction that pulls in more dirt and dust while enhancing energy efficiency. It features an 18-foot cord and weights less than 15 pounds.

This model includes six suction powers you can manually adjust using a dial on the canister body. Despite its compact size, it holds three accessoriesa crevice tool, a dusting brush, and an upholstery tooldirectly on the hose. It also has a HEPA filter to remove common allergens. Like other Miele vacuums, this model comes in at the high end of the price range. However, this compact model is one of their more affordable designs.

Photo: amazon.com

The Eureka RapidClean offers a lightweight but efficient cleaning experience on tile floors. At just over 5 pounds, this vacuum is an ideal choice for multitaskers. It has an easy rest feature if you need to temporarily prop the vacuum against a counter, a chair, or another piece of furniture.

A rechargeable 25.2-volt lithium-ion battery provides excellent power with a maximum 40-minute run time cleans larger spaces with the convenience of a cordless model. The runtime goes down if the extra features such as max power boost, are used.

With the dust bin at the top of the handle, this model can reach underneath deep furniture pieces and collect debris with its .7 liter canister. Additionally, the LED headlights help illuminate dark spaces while cleaning. Finally, the RapidClean converts into a handheld vacuum for use on stairs and other hard-to-reach places for versatile cleaning options.

Photo: amazon.com

The RoboVac 30C keeps cleaning simple. The vacuum connects to an app through which you can set the cleaning schedule on your phone or device. Set RoboVac to vacuum once, twice, or three times per day, so you can do something else while the floors get clean. If you dont want to use your smartphone, you can operate this feature with the included remote control. A sensor automatically adjusts the suction setting to the floor surface with low-powered suction on tile floors and higher suction on carpet to use the battery life more efficiently. However, you can also set it to run at max, which picks up more debris from tile floors than the standard suction setting. It has a dust bag capacity of .6 liters and runs off of one lithium-ion battery.

Two brushes pull debris into the vacuum. The bristles reach baseboards, which works well when on the perimeter setting. While this model doesnt feature some of the higher-end settings like GPS tracking, you get highly effective cleaning at an affordable price for a robotic vacuum. Additionally, its height of 2.85 inches makes it ideal for cleaning underneath furniture easily.

Thankfully, vacuums that work for tile floors often work well on other types of flooring, too. Some models have automatic sensors that change the vacuum height or suction based on the flooring type. This feature allows you to seamlessly move from tile to carpet and back again. Weve provided a few more tidbits and tips for vacuuming those tile floors.

Todays cordless vacuums generally have good suction that works well on small areas (less than 1,000 square feet) of tile flooring. Theyre great for spot cleaning in large homes, but the battery life could limit their use as a whole-house vacuum in homes over 1,000 square feet. However, for a tiny space or a home with a small tile area, a cordless vacuum provides maneuverability and portability to accommodate these areas of the home.

Many robot vacuums work well on tile floors. Those with multiple suction settings and automatic sensors that adjust the suction setting based on the flooring type perform the best. Models with numerous suction settings let you adjust the suction based on the amount of debris in the home. For example, pet hair typically requires extra suction, so a model with a suction boost setting or mode will probably work best.

Make sure the floor is clear of objects that could get sucked into the vacuum. If the vacuum head height is adjustable, lower it to the bare floor setting or the lowest setting available. Finally, follow a vacuuming pattern to keep track of where youve vacuumed.

Go here to see the original:
The Best Vacuums for Tile Floors in the Home in 2020 - BobVila.com

This time last year, I would not have guessed that facemasks and UNC sanitizers would become stables on out kit in 2020. But here we are, almost made it to 2021, and while we don't know what that year will bring, I think it's a good idea to get technology to work for us and allow us to get more done, have more downtime, and feel less stressed.

Here is a small list of my top tech items to kick-off 2021. I have tested everything on this list under real-world conditions, and nothing has found its way on this list based on a snazzy press release. Everything featured here is the tech that I use and rely on daily.

Must read: Paying money to make Google Chrome faster and use less RAM

The Zendure SuperTank was previously my favorite power bank, and it traveled with me across many countries at the end of last year. This year, the SuperTank Pro takes its place.

The power bank is robust and delivers the promised power.

This is a monster power bank capable of a maximum output of 138W through the four USB-C ports.

The OLED display is clear and displays what's going on for each of the ports. Like the SuperTank, the SuperTank Pro offers a UPS/pass-through feature that allows you to charge the power bank and use the power bank to charge or power other devices, so it acts as a power distribution hub.

The power bank comes with a 1-meter USB-C-to-USB-C cable and a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter.

Everything is high quality, well-made, and oozes exceptional design and engineering.

Grab a massive 25% off the SuperTank Pro on the Zendure website with the code ZSTP25. Preorder now for shipping starting December 9.

As much as I like my iPhone, the Ulefone Armor 9 is fast becoming my favorite smartphone when I need to venture into the outdoors or need to carry out diagnostics using the thermal camera and borescope.

Not only is the Armor 9 fast, tough, exceptionally well-made, I keep finding more and more uses for the built-in FLIR thermal camera. The other day I used it to find a leaking sink, and high resistance in an extension cord.

Combined with the optional borescope that clamps onto the side (leaving the USB-C port free), this is like having a go-anywhere toolbox in your pocket.

This is the perfect Android smartphone for the engineer.

The days of using SMS for 2FA are coming to an end, and about time too.

There are a lot of YubiKey hardware authentication keys out there, but the two I use the most are the USB-C/Lightning version, and the USB-C/NFC version. I've added both to all my online accounts that support hardware 2FA, and they're both performed flawlessly.

Yubico YubiKeys are compatible with a huge list of services and apps -- from password managers such as LastPass and 1Password, to services such as Twitter, Login.gov, GitHub, Bitbucket, CloudFlare, AWS, Dropbox, andmore.

Don't have one? Get one!

An encrypted flash drive that you unlock using your smartphone. It's a great way to secure data when on the move, and I'm finding myself using mine more and more for those times when cloud storage isn't convenient or practical.

Everything on the drive is protected by a 7-15-character password or a biometric unlock such as Face ID/Facial recognition, Touch ID/Fingerprint or IRIS scanning from a smartphone or tablet. The comms between the device and drive is handled by a secure Bluetooth authentication communication using any smartphone/tablet (iOS/Android) or Apple Watch. The Bluetooth channel is secured by a FIPS validated encryption layer and is only used for connection purposes.

The drive itself is completely host independent, so it will work with Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome and so on, VDIs such as Citrix and VMWare, and also with embedded systems such as medical devices, TVs, drones, printers, scanners, or pretty much anything with a USB port.

It looks like the working from home thing might be around for a while, so if you are relying on your old router to deliver Wi-Fi, then you really need to upgrade your network setup.

The Meshforce M3s Mesh Wi-Fi router kit is everything you need to bring your home Wi-Fi setup into the 21 century!

The rest is here:
Must-have tech gadgets to start 2021 the right way - ZDNet

Creative arts. When Baby Shark meets Crayola, they create a Color Wonder Mess Free coloring book and markers. While this set keeps kids entertained, especially if Baby Shark is their background music, parents can relax knowing the markers only work on the magic paper, not skin, clothing or carpets. Best for ages 3 and up. $7.99. Toddlers like to touch things so this Christmas give them free rein with the EasyClean Finger Paint Station, which allows them to paint on a paper locked in place. In the happenstance a little (or a lot) of paint gets outside the station, cleanup is easy since the paint is washable. Best for ages 1 and up. $19.99, shop.crayola.com.

Make play time mess-free with a Baby Shark-themed coloring book and markers that only work with the booknot clothes or any other surface.Courtesy of Crayola

Credit: Handout

Credit: Handout

Mold and shape. Kids can get creative with all-natural plant-based colorful jars of dough from The Dough Projects. Each batch is made with organic wheat flour, sea salt, cream of tartar and vegetable oil; color comes from a variety of sources, including beets, purple carrots and turmeric, making it chemical-free. As yummy as the ingredients may sound and the life-like food items that kiddos may make, its best they wait for edible food during snack time. Best for ages 3 and up. Available as a three, six or nine pack. $19.99-$59.97, thedoughproject.com.

Kids can get creative with all-natural plant-based colorful jars of dough.Courtesy of The Dough Project

Credit: Handout

Credit: Handout

Bedtime buddy. Little ones can feel safe and sound snuggling up with a soft Bedtime Elmo, who wears his favorite glow in the dark pajamas. And, in case your toddler hears something bump in the night, Elmos friendly face flashlight makes things bright. Best for ages 1 and up. $34.99. walmart.com.

Melody making. Babies love to be stimulated, and an interactive grow-with-me mat does the trick for years. Opt for the Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick and Play Piano Gym to keep baby engrossed in activities such as lay and play or tummy time; during the toddler stage, they can explore songs, colors, shapes and numbers. The piano features real notes, so kids can play Christmas jingles or just bang on the toy to make their own version of music. Best for newborns to 36 months. $39.99, target.com.

Rock with it. Hop up and hang on to a plush elephant rocker from Pottery Barn, which features wood handles and runners for a secure yet gentle rocking motion. Plan to keep this, and pass it down for a rocking good time for generations to come. Customize by adding the childs name on the bottom wooden panel. Best for ages 18 to 36 months. Rocker, $149; with personalization, $161, potterybarnkids.com.

Excerpt from:
2020 Gift Guide: Ideas for babies and toddlers - Atlanta Journal Constitution