Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Its always fun to plan the next addition to any home or house structure. Additional rooms and large layout extensions can add functionality and value to properties. Exciting structures can elevate any house aesthetic. Moreover, there is more space and a place for things at home.

One of the most common home projects is adding a second story. Many homes start with a single-story foundation. Over the years, additional renovations become more evident. Homeowners improve and remodel parts of their property. However, these home projects dont come without proper planning and preparation.

Its best to know some things before adding a second story to your home. Youre adding another aspect, but theres also a possibility of subtracting parts from the structural fidelity. Changes are inevitable, no matter how big or small the project is.

Adding a second-floor costs money

Any home remodels or renovation, no matter the size, costs money. The same applies when you want to add a second floor to your property. Its best to prepare for the costs, so you dont underestimate the expenses of an additional second floor.

Costs often include the materials, labor, and the service of companies. Its always better to have a little extra budget in case of changes. After all, you cant compromise the safety and condition of a top floor on an existing single story.

Budget planning should be part of the entire project planning. Discuss the budget with your contractor to avoid overshooting expenses as much as possible. Contractors arent strangers to limited budgets. Various compromises are always present to fit any budget construction but dont forget to spare the extra cash.

Prepare the garage for additional floor layers

If you want to add a top floor to the garage, it may require different preparation. Youll need to call a garage door repair company for the task first. There are ideal structure aspects to the garage that can change with the addition of a top floor.

In most cases, the garage still stays as a car space. Adding second floors can change the area of the garage. To avoid any misalignment issues, you should deal with the existing garage door first.

Moreover, its best to clear the garage floor first. In this move, you may end up having to move vehicles away first. Clear out items and fixtures for the additional second floor. Prepare the garage door just like you would prepare for the construction.

Prerequisite tasks can include garage door repair

For garage doors that lack the proper maintenance and regular services, its a different matter to prep the doors. If the garage doors arent in the best condition, there may be issues with any renovation.

Adjustments, movements, and part inspections are necessary. The last thing you want is a weak garage that can compromise the additional floor to your property. Loose mechanisms, missing door parts, or damages can affect the building work of the second floor.

So if you need garage door spring repair, garage door roller repair or any other garage door services, its better to contact a local garage door company before.

The same goes for garage door installation works. If its part of your plan to add a new garage door and a second floor, incorporate the doors into the plan. Installation, design, size, frame adjustments, and garage foundations are essential aspects you need to consider.

There are standard building codes for every location

Living in neighborhoods and locations can translate to various guidelines. Since youre living with a community, additional construction requires a lot of things. You cant renovate homes without the proper permit.

In some cases, you need to ask for permission from community councils to add a second floor. Since aerial areas are often contingent on debate or protest, inquire with localities first. Different additions mean different standards, guidelines, and procedures to follow.

There are also specific building codes to guarantee a standard building foundation. If there are accidents and unfortunate situations, tragedies to your property can affect other homes. Trusted professional contractors are experts in building codes to work around regulations.

Other things to consider for constructing an additional second floor

Technicalities arent the only cause of concern for adding a second floor. Theres more to adding a second floor than the new layout, design, and budget. To prepare for other matters, consider the following scenarios:

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Things to Know About Adding Second Story Additions to Your Home - MarylandReporter.com - MarylandReporter.com

Louise Archer Elementary School (via Google Maps)

Fairfax County voters will face a one-question test on Election Day tomorrow (TuesdaY0, where theyll decide whether to fund 15 school projects, including three in the Tysons area.

The 2021 school bond referendum includes renovations for two high schools (Centreville and Falls Church) and 12 elementary schools, plus a site acquisition for a future Western High School.

If approved, the ballot question would allow Fairfax County Public Schools to spend up to $360 million in bond revenue, but the district suggests in an informational packet that the additional bonded debt for the county would not significantly affect local taxes.

Louise Archer Elementary School

One project covered by this years referendum is the modernization and expansion of Viennas Louise Archer Elementary School (324 Nutley St. Northwest), which was last renovated in 1991.

Bond proceeds would provide $37 million to replace two temporary classrooms and 10 modular classrooms, which consist of two trailers and a 66-foot by 180-foot modular space, among other upgrades.

Its a major renovation, and its phased, so every finish, every ceiling tile, every electrical outlet, every mechanical system, its a completegut and renovation as well as addition, so its a total redo, senior project manager Brad Pierce with Reston-based Architecture, Inc. told the Vienna Board of Architectural Review on Oct. 19.

The transformation will expand the school form nearly 53,000 square feet of space, plus nearly 12,000 square feet of temporary setups, to over 103,000 square feet. Most of the additional space would come through a new second-story addition constructed behind the existing school.

Plans for the project also call for expanding the parking lot and bus loop, bringing a new playground and basketball courts, repurposing the current cafeteria for the library, adding a stage off the school gymnasium, and creating a community room.

The project could finish in 2025.

Falls Church High School

The referendum would also provide $130 million to increase Falls Church High Schools building area (7521 Jaguar Trail) by nearly 41.6%, from 303,413 square feet to 429,596 square feet.

The additions include science classrooms, administrative offices, library, music rooms, and more for the building, last renovated in 1989.

The construction will occur in phases to allow for continuous use of the school building, FCPS says on a project website. The renovation will take approximately four years to complete.

Mosaic Elementary School

Mosaic Elementary School (formerly known as Mosby Woods, located at 9819 Five Oaks Road) is also set for a renovation. The $38 million renovation would add approximately 37,000 square feet, bringing the school to 110,000 square feet.

The school currently has eight temporary and 10 modular classrooms.

The projects up for school bond money were selected from the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program. More information about the 2021 referendum can be found on the FCPS website.

Photo via Google Maps

See original here:
Residents to vote on $360 million FCPS bond issue - Tysons Reporter

A local pizzeria is making the jump past the lettuce curtain.Heirloom Pizza Co. is set to open a second location at the empty Beverly's Fabric building at 344 S. Main St. Owner and chef, Mike Foley, confirmed the news Thursday, "We are so excited to be a part of the revitalization of Oldtown Salinas!"Foley has big plans for the historic two-story building. The new location will serve as more than just a pizza parlor. He hopes it will be a thriving nightlife and social hub for downtown."I want to liven the place up a bit," Foley said. "The plan is to build a music stage and host musicians from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m." The music space would be branded, "Live at Heirloom Pizza Company."Up on the second floor will be another colorful addition to Oldtown. A bar called the Sneaky Tiki Lounge along with an event space for private parties. Unlike the Monterey location, the Salinas spot will be open for lunch. The menu is set to have the same favorites locals love with several new additions like soups and salads. Heirloom Pizza Company will be leasing the space. The building was recently bought by produce giant Taylor Farms; adding to their growing Oldtown Salinas real estate portfolio. In 2018, New Harvest Christian Fellowship bought the building, despite city code prohibiting religious assembly in that space. After taking the zoning matter to city council and to court, the church eventually moved on and sold the building to Taylor. Construction for the new restaurant will take time. Because the space has never been a restaurant, they need to build a kitchen, bars, stage and dining area from the ground up. Once permits are factored in, the entire process could take up to 18 months, with an opening date of Spring 2023.

A local pizzeria is making the jump past the lettuce curtain.

Heirloom Pizza Co. is set to open a second location at the empty Beverly's Fabric building at 344 S. Main St.

Owner and chef, Mike Foley, confirmed the news Thursday, "We are so excited to be a part of the revitalization of Oldtown Salinas!"

Foley has big plans for the historic two-story building. The new location will serve as more than just a pizza parlor. He hopes it will be a thriving nightlife and social hub for downtown.

"I want to liven the place up a bit," Foley said. "The plan is to build a music stage and host musicians from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m." The music space would be branded, "Live at Heirloom Pizza Company."

Up on the second floor will be another colorful addition to Oldtown. A bar called the Sneaky Tiki Lounge along with an event space for private parties.

Unlike the Monterey location, the Salinas spot will be open for lunch. The menu is set to have the same favorites locals love with several new additions like soups and salads.

Heirloom Pizza Company will be leasing the space. The building was recently bought by produce giant Taylor Farms; adding to their growing Oldtown Salinas real estate portfolio. In 2018, New Harvest Christian Fellowship bought the building, despite city code prohibiting religious assembly in that space. After taking the zoning matter to city council and to court, the church eventually moved on and sold the building to Taylor.

Construction for the new restaurant will take time. Because the space has never been a restaurant, they need to build a kitchen, bars, stage and dining area from the ground up. Once permits are factored in, the entire process could take up to 18 months, with an opening date of Spring 2023.

Go here to read the rest:
Heirloom Pizza Co. to open second location in old Beverly's Fabric building in Oldtown Salinas - KSBW Monterey

Wes Anderson is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers alive today. However, his films seem to split people into two groups, those who love them or hate them. I happen to be in the former category. Andersons films have been a big part of my life ever since I saw Fantastic Mr. Fox in theaters when I was 10 years old. He has made four films since that one, with 2014s The Grand Budapest Hotel being his most acclaimed as well as his most recent live-action film until now. The French Dispatch closes a three year gap between films and a seven year gap since Anderson has directed a live-action film. In fact, this is a longer wait than anticipated, as the film was slated to be released in July of 2020.

So was the wait worth it? Of course it was! Anderson has an almost perfect track record at this point, so fans of his will of course love this film. His idiosyncratic style of filmmaking is at its peak here. You may even say it is Wes Anderson at his most Wes Anderson-y. The sets drip with his iconic symmetry. The carefully framed shots are unmistakably his own. His usual cast members all appear throughout the film. To some, this makes The French Dispatch feel like it is Anderson on auto-pilot. However, there is so much more that he does with this film that separates it from his other work.

To start, the story is structured much differently from his other films. Rather than follow a strict narrative, the film tells five different stories, with three of them constructing the centerpiece of the film. The first section and epilogue take place in the offices of The French Dispatch and see the staff of the The French Dispatch assembling the final edition of their paper. The editor, played by Bill Murray, does not want to cut any of the stories that are up for print that week. From there, we are thrust into each story with a visual retelling. For a director so synonymous with wonderful color choice, the majority of the film takes place in black and white. These sections make up the moments that are in-print, only switching to color for things that are either in the present or off the books. As usual with Andersons films, narration and internal monologues from the characters and outside parties help drive the story at certain points. This helps to create a wonderful atmosphere that makes the audience aware that what they are watching is not only the thoughts of a writer, but also the actions of a character on screen. It is truly a spellbinding technique that he has never done better until now.

The cast list includes many of the usual suspects in a Wes Anderson film. Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Adrien Brody, and many more return. However, many of these actors take a backseat to new additions to the lineup. The first major story, titled The Concrete Masterpiece, follows Benicio del Toro as a convicted murderer turned modern artist who paints his muse, a prison guard played by La Seydoux. Much of this films R rating comes from this section due to the nude painting scenes as well as Adrien Brody dropping many foul words to rather humorous results. The second story, titled Revisions To A Manifesto sees the second lead role from Timothe Chalamet this year as well as a whole swath of younger actors who do an incredible job at fitting effortlessly into Andersons storybook style of acting. Chalamet he does a great job of disappearing into his character, chasing away any thoughts one might have that he was just cast as name recognition. He is also a surprisingly good comedic actor. The Private Dining Room Of The Police Commissioner closes out the main stories with a magnetizing tale about kidnapping and food, led by Jeffrey Wright as one of the best characters to ever grace Andersons films. Every second he is speaking is enchanting. This section also includes Willem Dafoe in one of the best bit parts in recent memories.

Another major deviation from his past work is the use of other formats. While he has two stop motion films under his belt, Anderson can add full on animation to his repertoire. The section near the end in which the characters morph into comic strip caricatures of themselves for a cartoonish car chase is one of Andersons funniest moments. There are several sections during the second story in which other unique filmmaking decisions happen, such as the moment where a characters backstory is conveyed by a stage dramatization. The first story is presented in part as a slideshow, with many of them consisting of people physically standing still in a room. It is an absolute delight to see how all of these different ideas come together to make an absolutely cohesive film. Anderson also gets credit for crafting up three enticing stories that all couldve filled out their own feature length films. However, he manages to compact these tales into just the right length to keep everything interesting and engaging. This is also interesting as there is little semblance of a moral or overarching plot throughout these stories. They are simply biographies, anecdotes, memoirs and articles about the lives of fictional people. The film does also lack the emotional gut punch of films like The Royal Tenenbaums or Moonrise Kingdom, but it makes up for it in technique. Due to this, this is likely Andersons least rewatchable film, but that does not make it his least enjoyable.

The anthology structure of the film might make The French Dispatch feel lightweight and the intense overstylization may seem like retreads of his past work, but Wes Anderson has done it again. This film is a wonderful time that will surely delight even the most casual fan of his. To those who have a much deeper connection, this is undoubtedly the film of the year.

See the article here:
'The French Dispatch' arrives hot off the presses and will please any Wes Anderson fan - Point Park Globe

Editors Note: This is the first story in a two-part From the Archives series celebrating The Observers 55th anniversary. The second part will be published Friday, Nov. 5.

Today marks 55 years of The Observer, Notre Dames most prolific student-run newspaper. Founded in 1966 by a group of ambitious students dedicated to providing a reliable and relevant news service on campus, The Observer was the crowning achievement of a years-long effort to make a name for student journalism at Notre Dame.

In this first segment of a two-part edition, we will examine The Observers predecessor The Voice, and how it set up the groundwork for The Observers debut 55 years ago.

March 22, 1963 | The Voice Staff | Researched by Spencer Kelly

Oct. 27, 1966 | Stephen M. Feldhaus | Researched by Spencer Kelly

On Friday, March 22, 1963, a newspaper was born at Notre Dame but it wasnt The Observer. It was The Voice, a short-lived publication that immediately preceded its better-known relative.

In their first-ever edition, The Voice ran a column titled WE HAVE BEGUN a manifesto of sorts. The editors wrote that The Voice arises from no ones ashes, pointing to the absence of a campus newspaper in 1963.

While Scholastic did exist at the time, magazines are essentially different publications than newspapers, with content being long in form and literary in style. Newspapers more often present direct representations of facts, absent of stylistic additions.

For this reason, they wrote that Scholastic is not a newspaper, is not intended to be a newspaper, functionally cant be a newspaper.

As its name implied, The Voice would be favoring a dialogue among the student body, the student government and the administration. The new publication would eliminate the isolation between these groups by creating awareness of the diverse views.

It is in this way that we can claim in some sense to be the voice of the University of Notre Dame, they wrote.

The Voice recognized that these were high aspirations, and it would ultimately fall short of them. The paper was published sporadically over three-and-a-half years. On Thursday, Oct. 27, 1966, the front page declared its own downfall:THE VOICE IS DEAD.

Editor-in-chief Stephen M. Feldhaus (67) cited numerous problems precipitating the papers demise. Insufficient funding prevented the paper from printing regularly, diminishing the relevancy of their stories. Staffing shortages further exacerbated production issues, and lack of support from the University impeded their legitimacy.

But Feldhaus was proud of their work, writing that in spite of the magnitude of these obstacles, the VOICE has managed to exist.

Further, Feldhaus remained optimistic about the future of student journalism at Notre Dame.

Theres room for a newspaper at Notre Dame, he wrote. But not The Voice under the present circumstances.

The newspaper-shaped gap in the Notre Dame community would be filled by a new publication, co-founded by Feldhaus, that launched just one week later: The Observer.

The Voice was effectively a trial run for its descendant a prototype that allowed Feldhaus to learn from his mistakes. Though The Voice crashed, it was crucial to The Observers success.

The Voice rose from no ones ashes, but The Observer rose out the ashes of The Voice. For that, it is forever indebted.

Nov. 3, 1966 | Observer Staff | Researched by Christina Cefalu

The ending of The Voice left an opening for a contemporary change in Notre Dames student journalism. Just a week after The Voice was shut down, its former editor-in-chief Stephen M. Feldhaus banded together a creative and driven group of students, including Robert Anson (67) and Pat Collins (66), to begin a new era of the Notre Dame student newspaper with the founding of The Observer. Feldhaus vision for this new publication was a journal of Notre Dame and its students, which would be published regularly, starting at weekly editions in the first month and biweekly editions to follow.

Infusing the vibrancy of student writing into its pages, the newly-founded Observer would do just what its name proclaims: observe, remark, notice, comment and adhere. The team proclaimed this was not a rebirth of The Voice, but a new beginning in Notre Dames history. 55 years later, The Observer still proudly reports and represents the thoughts and views of the tri-campus community.

The Observer greatly expanded the newspaper content, no longer limiting its scope to simple reports of campus events. This new approach included coverage on both global issues and student activities, opinion pieces and cheeky cartoons.

The Observers first publication was saturated with character. The paper included a Letters to the Observer section, which functioned like its current Viewpoint section, giving all students a platform of expression. Norman Jeddeloh (68) interviewed as the first weekly Man in the News article for his efforts to improve life for off-campus students. Interhall sports records stood alongside a passionate plea for athletes to receive compensation beyond scholarships in The college football swindle.

Within these works, The Observers new mission to pursue an all-encompassing search for the truth was woven in. This search for truth stands the test of time, as The Observers success and longevity is founded in its authentic take on the Notre Dame experience.

Visit link:
From the Archives: The Observer's unusual origin story - Observer Online

Returning Wallabies lock Will Skelton says it was an easy decision to rejoin the national setup, revealing a call from coach Dave Rennie earlier this year convinced him to "put his head down" in pursuit of an opportunity he previously thought might not come again.

Skelton linked up with the Wallabies in Edinburgh on Sunday and is one of five new additions to a squad that is recovering from the withdrawal of Samu Kerevi, Quade Cooper and Sean McMahon. The lock had originally been named alongside Rory Arnold and Tolu Latu last month, but the Japan-based trio's exit and tour-ending injury to Reece Hodge have seen Kurtley Beale, Colby Fainga'a and Duncan Paia'aua also added.

It is a first taste of the Wallabies environment for the former Waratahs lock in almost five years. Having slipped down the pecking order under Michael Cheika, Skelton accepted a short-term deal with English giants Saracens and in the seasons that followed established himself as one of the premier second-rowers in the northern hemisphere, leading to a nomination for the 2020/21 European Player of the Year.

While he missed out on that award to France's star scrum-half, Antoine Dupont, the now-La Rochelle lock is primed to deliver on the promise he showed early in his Test career.

"A bit more experience," Skelton said when asked why he was now a better player than the one who departed Australia in 2017. "Playing week in week out against northern hemisphere boys, you take a bit from them. I've played a lot with the England boys. You see what their standards are like, how they operate."

Skelton won two English Premierships and one European Cup with Saracens, before the club was later found to have cheated the English salary cap and was subsequently banished to the lower level Championship. It also saw several of the team's big names depart, including Skelton, who opted for La Rochelle instead of repatriation to Super Rugby and, at that point, the Wallabies.

But tweaks to the Giteau Law last year represented the start of the shift on Wallabies eligibility for overseas-based players, a situation that continues to be debated at Rugby Australia.

Originally brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for larger squads given the presence of bio-secure bubbles and quarantine, Rennie still did not activate the option last year.

But it wasn't on the account of a lack of engagement, with Skelton revealing he had been contacted about a cameo Tri Nations appearance.

"I spoke to [director of rugby] Scotty Johnson last year [before] the [Tri Nations] but it was a shortened version of it, it was a massive bubble they did for like 12 weeks," Skelton explained. "He asked me to come then and it didn't work out. My wife was pregnant and I didn't really want to leave her.

"I thought the door was closed and then 'Rens' gave me a phone call in the middle of the year and said if you'd like to be involved we'll be looking at you. He just said keep playing good footy and you might be involved with the team. I put my head down."

The return of Skelton and fellow lock Arnold means Australia suddenly has an embarrassment of riches in the second-row. Matt Philip and Izack Rodda had established themselves as Rennie's first-choice lock pairing, with Brumbies youngster Darcy Swain also in the squad.

The availability of Skelton and Arnold for the year's final three Tests is an invaluable injection for Australia on the field after a deflating week off it, with both men hardened by the opening seven weeks of the Top 14 season.

They also faced off in both the European Cup and French Top 14 finals last year, too.

"We were just talking about it yesterday because I've never really played with Will, I just imagine having him behind me or Alan or any of the tight-heads, as a prop, that is a dream," Tupou said of Skelton's potential presence.

"You don't have to do much. You just have to be in good shape and Will will do the rest. [I'm] looking forward to it."

While Rennie initially indicated it might be tough for Skelton and co. to feature against Scotland on Sunday, the lock himself believes he could be up to speed in time for the Murrayfield clash.

"We went through a bit of detail last night," Skelton said. "The shape is quite simple and something as a rugby player you've got to get used to quick.

"I'm not too sure, we'll see what [Rennie] is thinking, but we'll definitely be putting our hand up - all the boys ... we're not here to sit back and train for the three weeks. We want to try and be involved and put our hand up for selection. We'll be trying to get our head around it for Sunday on a seven-day turnaround."

As well as a second coming at Test level, a return to the Wallabies has also given Skelton the opportunity to reconnect with old teammates and experience the team's newfound winning culture under Rennie.

The 29-year-old then wants to add to it.

"You build relationships with them [teammates] at the start of your career and then to be able to play with them for your country is the ultimate," Skelton said. "It's something very special and something you never take for granted. To be involved with the group again is something that I didn't think was coming. Grateful to be here.

"You've seen how well they've been playing, they're on a winning streak, and you want to come in and add value, you don't want to be pulling them back.

"You always want to be involved, guys like Rory and myself, Duncan and Colby, who have joined, we're excited to be here and we're excited to help out with this squad and help take this squad where it wants to be."

Continued here:
Will Skelton rejoins Wallabies 'thought the door had closed' - ESPN

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta wanted a pass rusher before the 2019 trade deadline. He ended up with Marcus Peters.

The story has been told before, but its worth revisiting ahead of Tuesdays 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. DeCosta was in negotiations with his Los Angeles Rams counterpart, Les Snead, about another player when the talks hit a snag. Thats when Snead asked DeCosta if hed have any interest in Peters.

For DeCosta, the next best thing to getting an edge rusher who can sack the quarterback was acquiring a cornerback who can make the quarterback hold the ball a little longer. The addition of Peters helped transform the Ravens defense. More than a pass rusher, the 2019 Ravens needed a defensive playmaker and Peters proved to be that guy.

Two years later, the Ravens are sitting at 5-2, but they again could use a jolt. Less than $2 million of salary-cap space, however, will require them to be picky and perhaps creative. Theyre not going to be able to land a running back, offensive tackle, inside linebacker and a cornerback. Theyd probably be lucky to fill one of those holes before the deadline.

As the Peters situation revealed, its not necessarily what a team ideally wants at the trade deadline. Its whats available and what it can afford.

With that in mind, lets look at eight players who have been involved in trade speculation and would make some sense for the Ravens on the surface.

Josh Andrews, G,

Link:
Inside the Ravens: 8 players who make sense as trade additions, upcoming roster activity and news, notes, opinions - The Athletic

One of the great losses of the COVID-19-impacted 202021 season was the lack of high-profile nonconference games. While some big games were still played, several tournaments couldnt go off as originally planned and other games that did make it onto the schedule (like Gonzaga vs. Baylor) were wiped away due to positive COVID-19 tests. Thankfully, the 202122 season should be far more normal, and with that normalcy come some outstanding nonconference showdowns between mens college basketballs best teams.

Heres a look at the top 10 standalone games and five best multi-team events (MTEs) on tap for this season.

Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY Sports

1. UCLA vs. Gonzaga: Nov. 23, Las Vegas

The spectacle of this Final Four rematch will be special, particularly considering how many players from that memorable March Madness matchup return. UCLA returns all five starters and adds impact transfer Myles Johnson (Rutgers), while Drew Timme and Andrew Nembhard return after playing starring roles on last years Gonzaga team.

2. Texas at Gonzaga: Nov. 13, Spokane

This matchup between Sports Illustrateds No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the preseason should be absolutely electric. Plus, in a world where so many high-profile nonconference games get played on neutral courts, its great to see a matchup with these stakes played on campus. Dont let this game get overshadowed by a college football Saturday.

3. Duke vs. Kentucky: Nov. 9, New York City

Coach Ks final season begins with a high-profile matchup against John Caliparis new-look Kentucky team in the headliner of opening night. The Blue Devils may be without talented freshman AJ Griffin as he recovers from a knee injury, but the chance to see potential No. 1 NBA pick Paolo Banchero in the spotlight for the first time should be all kinds of fun.

4. Michigan at North Carolina: Dec. 1, Chapel Hill, N.C.

In the best game of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, Hubert Davis gets his first big home test in Chapel Hill against a Michigan team set to contend again for the Big Ten title. The frontcourt matchup between Armando Bacot and Hunter Dickinson will be the headliner, but whoever wins the point guard battle of Michigans DeVante Jones and UNCs Caleb Love will likely win the game.

5. Gonzaga vs. Duke: Nov. 26, Las Vegas

From an NBA draft standpoint, no game will be talked about more this season than this one. It pits perhaps the two best prospects in next years class in Dukes Banchero and Gonzagas Chet Holmgren. Both players will likely spend significant time guarding each other in this one, which could wind up as a top-10 matchup depending on how the Blue Devils fare in the Champions Classic.

6. Memphis vs. Tennessee: Dec. 18, Nashville

An in-state rivalry game between two teams loaded with talent, this matchup is an absolute treat for mid-December. Penny Hardaways Tigers loaded up this summer with the additions of five-star freshmen Emoni Bates and Jalen Duren, while Rick Barnes and the Vols added a pair of five-stars in Kennedy Chandler and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, as well as top transfer Justin Powell.

7. Villanova at Baylor: Dec. 12, Waco, Texas

The defending national champs play host to a program that has won two of the last five national championships. Is that enough to convince you to watch? Its a new-look Baylor team headlined by transfer point guard James Akinjo and returners Matthew Mayer and Adam Flagler. Villanovas experienced group, led by Collin Gillespie, should be well-equipped to win on the road.

8. Kentucky at Kansas, Jan. 29, Lawrence, Kan.

The SEC/Big 12 Challenge provides us with this matchup of bluebloods in late January. Expect this Kentucky team in particular to look far different in this one than it does in the Champions Classic in November as Calipari integrates lots of new faces to his team. Kansas, an older group that adds fifth-year point guard Remy Martin, should be more ready to win from the outset.

9. Villanova at UCLA, Nov. 12, Los Angeles

This matchup is one of the premier games of the seasons opening week, which is what makes it so disappointing that it will tip off at 11:30 p.m. ET, well after many on the East Coast head to bed. My recommendation: Brew yourself a cup of coffee or two and stay up to see two talented, experienced teams battle it out in Westwood.

10. Alabama at Gonzaga, Dec. 4, Seattle

High-level basketball returns to Seattle for this one, which will be played at the new Climate Pledge Arena. These two squads can put up points in bunches: Gonzaga led the nation in scoring last year and Alabama ranked in the top-25 nationally in that stat as well. Expect plenty of offense in what will be a huge test for Nate Oatss Crimson Tide.

Watch college basketball games online all season long with fuboTV: Start with a 7-day free trial!

Field: Alabama, Belmont, Dayton, Drake, Iona, Kansas, Miami, North Texas

The combination of elite brands like Kansas and Alabama with all these mid-major darlings makes this perhaps the most unusual MTE of the year. The Jayhawks and Tide will be tested: Belmont won 26 games last year and runs it back, Drake returns significant production from a team that earned an at-large bid, North Texas won an NCAA tournament game a season ago and Iona has Rick Pitino roaming the sidelines. Thats saying nothing of Dayton and Miami, potential NCAA tournament teams in their own right.

Field: North Carolina, Purdue, Tennessee and Villanova

Four of the 20 best teams in the sport descend on Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., for two days of high-level basketball. UNC will face Purdue and Tennessee will take on Villanova in the first round, with the winners and losers facing off the next day. Im most excited about seeing Purdue in this setting as the Boilermakers look to make the leap behind growth from Jaden Ivey and a monstrous frontcourt that features Trevion Williams and Zach Edey.

Field: Arizona State, Auburn, Baylor, UConn, Loyola Chicago, Michigan State, Syracuse and VCU.

There may be only two preseason top-25 teams in this field, but its balance and talent level across the board makes the Battle 4 Atlantis one of the best MTEs of the year. Among the juicy first-round matchups is a battle between Michigan State and Loyola Chicago, which pits Tom Izzo against his former graduate assistant Drew Valentine, the youngest head coach in Division I. All eight teams here could compete for NCAA tournament bids.

Field: Butler, Chaminade, Houston, Notre Dame, Oregon, Saint Marys, Texas A&M, Wisconsin

For the second straight year, the Maui Invitational wont be played in Hawaii, as a surge in COVID-19 cases has caused the event to relocate to Las Vegas. The headliners of this one are Houston and Oregon, two preseason top-15 teams that could face off in the events championship game. As long as Bill Walton is sitting courtside wearing a lei, it will feel like Maui to me.

Field:

Beach DivisionCal, Florida, Ohio State, Seton Hall

Palms DivisionBowling Green, Milwaukee, Southern Utah, Yale

Three likely NCAA tournament teams in the top division and four intriguing mid-majors makes this event worth watching during Thanksgiving week. Seton Halls talented group of newcomers, headlined by Kadary Richmond, should pose a strong test to E.J. Liddell and Ohio State. On the mid-major front, Milwaukee features five-star wing Patrick Baldwin Jr. playing for his father, Pat, while Yale and Southern Utah are favorites in their respective conferences.

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Breaking Down the Best of the Mens College Basketball Nonconference Slate - CalBearsMaven

A satellite circling 14,000 miles over your head has some news for you: There is nothing like an atomic clock to get you to your precise destination both on time and, well, to your precise destination.

Most of us rarely think about how that GPS on our smartphone tells us where to go or how that airplane we are snoozing on gets us to our destination. We have come to accept global movement as something like the proverbial pin in a map. But what would a clock have to do with that?

At Leonardo, the Italian aerospace company that created the hydrogen atomic clocks for the first generation of 26 Galileo satellites that float over the planet working like celestial traffic cops, the scientists have some answers.

This past summer, the European Commission and the European Space Agency selected that first-generation clock, officially called the Passive Hydrogen Maser, for the second generation of 12 Galileo satellites. They will form the European Unions official satellite navigation system, and the newest additions are to be delivered starting in 2023. Each satellite is designed to last about 12 years.

From the companys perspective, atoms keeping time in the heavens is not unlike timekeeping throughout history. It is just that now humans move much faster, and expect all-but-instant gratification as well as precision.

Navigating the high seas at onetime required looking at the sun, the moon and the planets before scientists started developing better and better clocks, Jacopo Belfi, a system engineer for atomic clocks at Leonardo, which is based in Rome, said in a recent phone interview.

The 18th-century invention of the marine chronometer, a specific type of highly accurate mechanical timepiece, helped determine the longitude of a vessel by comparing the positions of the stars to the time on the chronometer (set to Greenwich Mean Time for most oceangoing vessels by the late 19th century), and calculating how far it had traveled east or west. (Latitude had long been determined by tracking the suns position at high noon, or when it reached its highest point.)

Fast-forward to the early 21st century. With the need for more precision and beginning of GPS, the only way to create the exact position was to use an atomic system because at the microscopic level it provides oscillation, almost like perfect little pendulums, Mr. Belfi said. An atomic clock doesnt suffer because of the changes in temperature or the movement of a ship or the humidity or atmospheric pressure.

The company said that more than two billion users relied on the Galileo satellites, which, along with other global navigation systems, measures the physical distance and the time difference between the receiver and the satellite. It pinpoints the users position, the time and the speed by gathering data from four satellites: three to determine the coordinates of the users position and a fourth for time.

The moment that you connect to your device, you receive a message from a satellite at the speed of light, and therefore the distance is measured by both speed and time, said Marina Gioia, integrated project team leader for atomic clocks at Leonardo. The receiver and the satellite need to be synchronized by time. An error of one millionth of a second would mean a positioning error of up to 300 meters (about 1,000 feet). But the accuracy of these clocks allows Galileo to guarantee a precision of 30 centimeters.

This need for precision is critical, and the Passive Hydrogen Maser boasts an error of only one billionth of a second per day, or one second every three million years, according to Leonardo. These are mind-bending numbers for those of us going about our daily business with little comprehension of all the scientific drama.

We take for granted satellite positioning, but what would happen if these signals were turned off? Ms. Gioia asked. Aircraft, shipping, trucks, finance, communication, public utilities, emergency services, agriculture they all rely on exact positioning.

The Passive Hydrogen Maser, which measures less than 2 feet long and weighs about 40 pounds, looks more like a high-tech science class creation than a conventional clock. But its insides are where the precision exists, which also has a connection to the heavens, from Mr. Belfis perspective.

The typical image is that the atom is a planetary system and that the charged nucleus has the same role of the sun, and the electrons are the planets orbiting around it, he said. The laws of physics make the atom the perfect timekeeper.

Now, on the heels of its contract with Galileo, Leonardo has been showing off its newest clock at the Italy Pavilion in the Dubai Expo 2020 (which runs through March).

It is the RbPOP, shorthand for rubidium pulsed optically pumped a rubidium atomic clock developed by the company in partnership with the National Institute of Meteorological Research in Italy. (Rubidium is a soft and absorbent metal, which allows its atoms to be more easily manipulated than other metals or substances.)

It weighs about 22 pounds, or about half that of the Passive Hydrogen Maser. While its main use has not been determined yet, it certainly will be involved in future space missions, the company said.

But here on Earth, the focus is making sure billions of people get from point A to point B with the most accurate atomic clocks possible.

If the time of the satellite is not precise, Ms. Gioia said with a laugh, you will end up at the grocery store instead of the beach.

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Trying to Get Somewhere? An Atomic Clock May Be Helping. - The New York Times

NETFLIX ANNOUNCES LIMITED DRAMA SERIES, "GRISELDA," STARRING AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY SOFIA VERGARA

FROM EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ERIC NEWMAN,SHOWRUNNER INGRID ESCAJEDA AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER DOUG MIRO

ALL EPISODES TO BE DIRECTED BY ANDRS BAIZ

Netflix today announced the new limited drama series, Griselda, executive produced by and starring Sofia Vergara in the titular role. The project is the latest from Writer/Executive Producer Eric Newman under his overall deal with Netflix. Ingrid Escajeda is Showrunner, Writer and Executive Producer. Luis Balaguer, Doug Miro, Andrs Baiz, Carlo Bernard also Executive Produce.

SOFIA VERGARA: "Griselda Blanco was a larger-than-life character whose ruthless but ingenious tactics allowed her to rule a billion dollar empire years before many of the most notorious male kingpins we know so much about. We are thrilled to have found the perfect partners in Eric, Andrs and Netflix to help us bring this story of her life to the screen."

ERIC NEWMAN: "Griselda Blanco has long been a passion project for Sofia and we are grateful that she and her partners at LatinWe have chosen us to help her tell that story. Sofia is a brilliant talent and her passion combined with a fantastic story from Doug and Ingrid, and the amazing Andrs Baiz at the directing helm, means we have a very exciting series to share with audiences."

PETER FRIEDLANDER, VICE PRESIDENT, UCAN SCRIPTED SERIES, NETFLIX: "Eric Newman has deftly brought to life among the most dynamic characters and stories on screen today. We're excited to continue on this creative path with him and for this collaboration with Sofia Vergara -- a force in entertainment and a world-beloved talent. With an incredible team at the helm -- we can't wait for the world to see how Ingrid Escajeda, Doug Miro, and Andrs Baiz take on the twists and turns of Griselda Blanco's epic story."

Vergara and Executive Producer, Luis Balaguer, had been developing the project for eight years at Latin World Entertainment before bringing it to Netflix. The series is a standalone limited drama, it is not a spinoff and has no association or crossover to the Narcos franchise.

Vergara is joined by fellow Colombian native Andrs Baiz who will direct all episodes of the limited drama and also serves as Executive Producer.

Format: Limited Series; (6) 50-minute episodes

Logline: Griselda chronicles the real life of savvy and ambitious Colombian business woman, Griselda Blanco, who created one of the most profitable cartels in history. A devoted mother, Blanco's lethal blend of charm and unsuspecting savagery helped her expertly navigate between family and business leading her to become widely known as the "Black Widow".

Showrunner/Writer/Executive Producer: Ingrid Escajeda (Justified, Empire) who co-wrote the first episode with Doug Miro.

Executive Producers: Luis Balaguer with Latin World Entertainment, and Eric Newman, Doug Miro, Andrs Baiz and Carlo Bernard - the creative team behind Narcos

Director: Andrs Baiz will direct all six episodes

About Eric Newman:

Newman is currently under an overall deal with Netflix on both the feature and the television side. Newman is responsible for the immensely successful Narcos franchise, which he originated and brought to Netflix in 2014. He has segued from showrunning Narcos to overseeing an expanding Netflix slate. On the TV side, he is EP on Narcos: Mexico, which premieres its third and final season on November 5 as well as on his upcoming limited series True Story starring and executive produced by Kevin Hart premieres November 24 on Netflix. He is also working on the anticipated opioid TV drama Painkiller, as well as THE WATCHER with Ryan Murphy, currently filming in New York. On the feature side, Newman is in production on his third Netflix film, Escape From Spiderhead starring Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller and Jurnee Smollett, directed by Joseph Kosinski, and in pre-production on Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon, and a sequel to the 2017 Netflix hit Bright, starring Will Smith and Joel Edgerton. Also in the works for Netflix isThe Upper World starring Daniel Kaluuya. (approved by Eric Newman)

About Sofia Vergara:

Sofia Vergara is an Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG-nominated actress who is best known for playing 'Gloria Delgado-Pritchett' in the five-time Emmy Award-winning comedy, MODERN FAMILY. She recently wrapped her second season as a judge on NBC's hit summer series, AMERICA'S GOT TALENT. Vergara's film credits include BOTTOM OF THE 9th opposite Joe Manganiello, NEW YEAR'S EVE, FOUR BROTHERS, CHEF, BIG TROUBLE and HOT PURSUIT, on which Vergara also served as a producer. In addition to her acting career, Vergara is well-known as a successful entrepreneur and global businesswomanwho has cultivated a strong lifestyle brand with a diverse portfolio of productsincluding haircare, furniture collections, eyewear and a bestselling apparel line for Walmart.

About Latin World Entertainment:

Founded by Luis Balaguer and Sofia Vergara, Latin World Entertainment (LWE) is a full-service, diversified entertainment and media company with a specialty in client management, production and licensing. Since its inception in the 1990's, the company has evolved from traditional talent management and film marketing to being one of today's most innovative companies operating at the intersection of content and product sales. Through this specialized strategy, LWE has become a leader in optimizing audiences as active consumers for major network partners (NBC, Fox, Disney), while helping clients build owned and operated brands leveraging their personal enterprise, value, and influence. The company's licensing agreements have generated millions in annual sales, while their brand extension division has brokered multiple large endorsement deals with P&G, Pepsi, Ford, Maybelline and more, in addition to a hugely successful business partnership with Walmart. In addition to Griselda, LWE has a variety of other major film and television projects in all stages of development and production.

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Breaking News - Netflix Announces Limited Drama Series, "Griselda," Starring and Executive Produced by Sofia Vergara | TheFutonCritic.com -...