Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Q. I have a number of old double-hung windows (1965) that need serious attention. Does it make sense to repair them so I can maintain aesthetic consistency with the windows that are in OK shape?

H.M.W, Newton Corner

A. We get this question a lot: whether to refurbish the windows or replace them. What we have found is that it is roughly the same cost to put in a high-quality replacement window with all the requisite insulation and painting work as it is to refurbish a window. Replacement windows cost more but go in very quickly, while refurbishing has much less cost but is very labor-intensive.

My advice: Install quality replacements. You can do them in phases, take care of the ones that are bad now and more next year. Given that your home was built in 1965, I am not sure these are really vintage windows that warrant the cost to refurbish given that they will not perform as well as replacement windows when it comes to ease of use and energy efficiency.

Related story Its always better to replace old windows right?

Q. I live in a first-floor condo in a 30-year-old multiunit building and share common walls. I hear my neighbors conversations and TV. In addition, my upstairs neighbor constantly pounds on her floor, which carries directly down into my unit. Can you recommend soundproofing solutions to minimize the noise I hear from both of my neighbors? How much noise reduction can I expect from a soundproofing solution?

B.H.

A. I am afraid there is not a lot you can do. Sound transmission comes in two ways, sound waves and vibration, and it appears you have both. Short of opening up the walls to put in soundproofing insulation, the only recommendation I can make is to add a layer of sound-proofing wallboard over your existing wallboard. Its a lot of work. The vibrations coming through the ceiling will be almost impossible to mitigate without opening up the ceiling and putting in vibration-dampening, then installing soundproofing insulation and wallboard a very daunting challenge. I wish I had a cost-effective solution for you.

Mark Philben is the project development manager at Charlie Allen Renovations in Cambridge. Send your questions to homerepair@globe.com. Questions are subject to editing. Subscribe to the Globes free real estate newsletter our weekly digest on buying, selling, and design at pages.email.bostonglobe.com/AddressSignUp. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @globehomes.

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Ask the Remodeler: Replace or refurbish? A look at old windows - The Boston Globe

When Gini Wijnaldum left Liverpool in the summer at the end of his contract to sign for PSG, it was widely expected that a replacement would be brought in with Leicester City's Youri Tielemans being near the top of many people's lists.

The transfer window passed however with no replacement for the Dutchman which was a point of concern for many Liverpool fans.

The 30 year old had proved to be Liverpool's most resilient midfielder, regularly available, whilst others picked up injuries.

(Photo by JustPicturesPlus/Just Pictures/Sipa USA); (Photo by PA Images/Sipa USA)

Reportsfrom90min.comrecently broke to suggest that Tielemans had turned down Leicester's latest contract offer and links started again viaCalciomercatosuggesting Liverpool were interested.

Noel Whelan has been speaking toFootball Insiderabout why a move for the 24 year old would make a lot of sense for Liverpool.

Read More Liverpool Coverage

Thats the Wijnaldum replacement sorted straight away, isnt it?"

If they could get Tielemans through the door, hed add energy, that defensive ability, goals, link-up play, and more."

I think Salah and Mane would benefit from having him in the side as well. Hed be a perfect replacement for Wijnaldum with the way he plays."

Look at his age, as well. Youre building for the future by signing him.

Read More Liverpool Coverage

Follow LFC Transfer Room on: Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

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Thats The Wijnaldum Replacement Sorted - Pundit On Liverpool Target Youri Tielemans - Sports Illustrated

Westminster

Mayor

Anita Seitz, 10,825 votes (49.2%)

Nancy McNally, 11,192 votes (50.8%)

At large

Obi Ezeadi, 11,312 votes (13.9%)

David DeMott, 10,995 votes (13.5%)

Bruce Baker, 10,011 votes (12.3%)

Sarah Nurmela, 9,865 votes (12.1%)

Kristine Ireland, 9,747 votes (12.0%)

Jon Voelz, 9,212 votes (11.3%)

Kathryn Skulley, 8,531 votes (10.5%)

Kathleen Dodaro, 7,389 votes (9.1%)

Karen Kalavity, 4,215 votes (5.2%)

Ballot Issue 3G: Amend Recall provisions in the city charter that merges recalls with general and special elections.

Yes 17,533 votes (77.8%)

No 5,001 votes (22.2%)

Ballot Issue 3H: Background checks for elected officials and city employees

Yes 18,850 votes (82.7%)

No 3,933 votes (17.3%)

Ballot Issue 3I: Gender-neutral pronouns in the City Charter.

Yes 11,053 votes (48.2%)

No 11,880 votes (51.8%)

Ballot Issue 3J: Establish a commission to research geographic wards for City Councilors.

Yes 9,642 votes (43.7%)

No 12,414 votes (56.3%)

Ballot Issue 3K: Allow marijuana sales in the city.

Yes 12,094 votes (52.3%)

No 11,033 votes (47.7%)

Ballot Issue 3L: 5% tax on marijuana sales.

Yes 11,528 votes (49.3%)

No 11,869 votes (50.7%)

Ballot Issue 3M: Increase public safety sales tax by .015 of one percent.

Yes 9,911 votes (42.5%)

No 13,428 votes (57.5%)

Ballot Issue 3N: $15 million bond issue extension for open space, parks and trails.

Yes 12,557 votes (53.6%)

No 10,858 votes (46.4%)

Unofficial results as of 8:22 a.m.

(Source: Adams and Jefferson County Clerks and Recorder and Colorado Secretary of State)

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Election Results 2021: Voters replace Westminster Mayor, City Council - The Westminster Window

The state Board of Regents approved emergency contracting authorization for window improvements on the University of Iowas Stead Family Childrens Hospital at its meeting Wednesday.

The state Board of Regents approved a request for emergency contracting on the windows of the University of Iowa Stead Family Childrens Hospital. The request follows previous funding to improve the exterior of the building.

The authorization allocated $771,516 from the University Hospital Building Usage Funds to move forward with the project.

The request comes after some of the hospitals windows have experienced some delamination. The UI will need to install 3M safety film, which helps hold broken glass in place to prevent flying shards of glass harming people or property, to 77 windows. According to regents documents, the request was out of an abundance of caution.

The installation by Marvs Glass began in October 2021. The installation is part of the UIs UIHC-Replace Windows project.

The UI requested $10 to $15 million to replace the fourth and fifth floor windows on the building. The facility is four years old, as previously reported by The Daily Iowan.

This is a ratification for an action in October by the executive director of the board, Rod Lehnertz, senior vice president for Finance and Operations told the regents at the meeting on Wednesday.

Along with the approval of the emergency contracting authorization, the regents also approved the request for board ratification of the use of contract management at Risk Delivery Method for the UIHC Centralized Emergency Power Generation Facility expansion project.

The board granted permission to proceed with project planning for this project in July at the July meeting, Lehnertz said. This would be a request for ratification of executive director Brauns actions in September.

The UI also pulled the request to proceed with project planning for the $7-9 million Gymnastics and Spirit Squad Training Center Construct Building project off the meeting agenda, and will bring it back at a later date.

Eleanor Hildebrandt contributed to this report.

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State Board of Regents approves additional $770000 for UI Stead Family Children's Hospital windows - UI The Daily Iowan

It was pretty good news waking up this morning, he said.

And have a few beers this arvo to celebrate happy days.

Elsewhere, one local encouraged everyone to buy a balloon and fly it on their mailbox or in trees to support the police and Cleos parents and friends.

The Carnarvon community have welcomed Cleo home by displaying pink balloons outside homes and businesses.Credit:Soph Nelson

People as far as Mandurah, almost 1000 kilometres south of Carnarvon, rejoiced in the good news. A Honk 4 Cleo sign there sparked plenty of horns as vehicles passed.

The original missing persons photo of Cleo her hair in pigtails, wearing a light pink dress has now been replaced with the remarkable images of the four-year-old smiling and waving at the camera in hospital after she was rescued.

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Owners of small Carnarvon business The Papershop Girls said the photo melts everyones hearts, and were all so thankful shes home in your arms.

Huge thanks to the WA Police, SES, and every business that supported in some way big or small, they said.

What a fantastic community we have.

Many people also commended Cleos parents for their courage.

You have continually held your heads high through everything that has been said and done, one person wrote on Facebook.

We are all so happy for you and Cleo.

To all WAPOL officers, you guys and girls are the best. Thank you for not giving up on Cleo.

A found sticker is slapped across a missing person sign for Cleo Smith at the front of the Carnarvon police station.Credit:Peter de Kruijff

WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson thanked Cleos family and the town of Carnarvon who made her rescue possible.

We had volunteers, we had the SES, we had the army, we had private companies everyone wanted to achieve what actually some never thought would happen, he said.

I really want to extend my thanks to all who have been searching, those that have sent well wishes the police station is full of flowers and chocolates already.

The chalk board outside the Carnarvon Hotel celebrates the return of Cleo Smith.Credit:Peter de Kruijff

I just really want to reinforce my thanks to all of Western Australia, indeed Australia, and Ive already had messages across the country from police and indeed those across the world.

Police arrested a 36-year-old Carnarvon man on Wednesday after finding him in a separate location to where Cleo was found. The Commissioner would not elaborate on the arrest.

Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here.

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Missing person posters replaced with pink balloons in celebration of Cleo Smiths return - WAtoday

From Cristopher Nkunku and Karim Adeyemi to Amine Gouiri and Jonathan David, Liverpool have been linked with a plethora of potential attacking options to replace Roberto Firmino in the future.

One name who is yet to be linked but could be an astute transfer option for Liverpool as early as January is the Bologna forward, Musa Barrow.

The Gambian striker may not have been mentioned in relation to Liverpool just yet, but there were whisperings of a Real Madrid transfer back in March, with a price of 18m cited. Instead, Bologna's obligation to buy went through as expected, after a six-month loan from Atalanta.

Barrow has averaged 0.55 goals and 0.55 assists per 90 minutes this season, combining for a total of 1.10 goal contributions per 90. That alone should be enough for Liverpool to take notice, but there is even more to Barrow than meets the eye.

The 23-year-old fits Liverpool's profile in the sense that he is young and has abundant potential. He is also versatile, which is a key tactical trait of most of Jrgen Klopp's players at Liverpool.

At various points throughout his career, Barrow has played on each flank, as a centre-forward, a false no.9 and an attacking midfielder. This is in the vein of Roberto Firmino prior to his arrival at Anfield.

Barrow shares an eerie resemblance to Liverpool's Brazilian no.9 in multiple respects. Like Firmino, Barrow has the game intelligence to be able to adapt to various roles. He also has the selflessness to play as a striker but create chances for his team-mates instead of always looking to put the ball into the back of the net.

The Gambian international is comfortable on the ball. He attempts 2.57 dribbles per 90 as per FBRef. That's comparable to Firmino, who averages 2.32 dribbles per 90.

As well as their comfort on the ball, both are excellent at creating chances for their team-mates.

Barrow averages 3.06 shot-creating actions per 90. Meanwhile Firmino averages 3.39 per 90.

The range of goals they score is impressive, too. Roberto Firmino has scored a plethora of outstanding strikes during his time at Liverpool and Hoffenheim, and Barrow is in the same mould in his career to date.

He has already scored two goals from outside the box, and his shooting is one of his strengths.

"For me his fitness, and his shooting is his best trait. I have never seen another play who shoots as well as him.

"He works on this a lot thats also his best quality, he is always working to improve and get better," Luigi Sorrentino, the man who discovered Barrow in The Gambia explained to First Time Finish.

Barrow's speed also gives him the edge over Firmino. His underlying numbers have been quite solid, even beyond this season. Since arriving at Bologna, he has averaged 0.68 goal contributions per 90, scoring 22 goals and registering 17 assists in 68 games.

He is still relatively young and with room to improve.

Sorrentino, who also acts as Barrow's agent, told First Time Finish the dream is to join the Premier League in the future.

"Our dream is to go to the Premier League. Its the best league in the world and its the dream of most Gambians."

If Barrow continues his form this season, Liverpool should consider granting him the dream. It might even make sense to weigh up a transfer move as early as January, before other rivals join Real Madrid in sniffing around for his services and driving up his value.

More here:
Liverpool have perfect 18m Roberto Firmino replacement ahead of January transfer window - Liverpool.com

Racing Optics will be demonstrating the installation and layer removal of Windshield Defense at The SEMA Show which takes place November 2 through November 5, 2021, at the Las Vegas Convention Center

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Racing Optics, Inc. the windshield industry leader in multi-layer, removable windshield films, will feature its WINDSHIELD DEFENSE KIT, which includes a vehicle specific, 3-layer, pre-cut and pre-formed, windshield system, which protects windshields from breaking, cracking, and pitting. The kit includes everything required to provide dealers, installers, and their customers with a quality installation.

An estimated 14 million windshields are replaced every year in the US alone, making Windshield Defense a solid alternative to replacing damaged windshields, and reducing the time, expense, and frustration related to replacing a windshield.

WINDSHIELD DEFENSE KITs are available for popular vehicle windshields including Ford F Series, Toyota, Tesla, BMW, Jeep, and many more. The multi-layer material is pre-cut and pre-formed to specific windshield specifications, making for an easy and quick installation. WINDSHIELD DEFENSE is also available in bulk rolls for dealers who may require larger volumes.

Racing Optics' process is simple; dealers order a vehicle specific kit, Racing Optics cuts, forms and delivers the kit which is then installed on customer windshields.

"Our goal is to provide an easy to install solution that can protect a large segment of the market, while providing peace of mind to installers and their customers." - said Christophe Fremont, Chairman of The Board at Racing Optics, Inc.

"Embedded ADAS Technology and the popularity of large panoramic windshields, coupled with complex shapes, continues to drive up the cost of OEM windshields. Windshield Defense provides a solid alternative to windshield replacements, while creating a new market opportunity using an American made product." added Fremont.

Story continues

For PPF dealers and window film installers, WINDSHIELD DEFENSE is an ideal complement to their business as it provides an additional source of profitable and recurring revenue. The Racing Optics, team encourages attendees of The SEMA Show to visit booth # 50101 for an installation demonstration or schedule a meeting.

Earlier this year, Racing Optics announced that it had become an official partner of INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES making them the official Aeroscreen and helmet protective solution. "Our industry-leading technology is trusted by racing teams and professional drivers to help them see clearly and maintain a focus on safety and performance. Our company is now bringing that same tear-off technology, born from racing to the consumer vehicle market" said Racing Optics, President Bart Wilson.

ABOUT:Racing Optics, Inc. has a deep heritage in motorsports going back to the 1940s. Founded in 1999, Racing Optics, is a trusted industry source whenever visibility is critical.

From the beginning, RO has been helping our customers see more clearly, focusing on safety and performance. Its multi-layer, removable optical films have been a game-changer for racing, medical, military, and various other industrial applications. Our made-in-the-USA surface protection business extends our expertise and innovation in the laminated film to protect valuable public and commercial surfaces.

Media Contact:Todd R. LevyCrowd Siren Social Media & Advertising 322564@email4pr.com775-287-2003

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/racing-optics-offers-dealers-and-installers-its-windshield-defense-kit-which-includes-its-multi-layer-windshield-film-system-which-provides-three-individually-removable-layers-bundled-with-everything-required-for-a-proper-insta-301412260.html

SOURCE Racing Optics, Inc.

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Racing Optics Offers Dealers and Installers Its WINDSHIELD DEFENSE KIT, Which Includes Its Multi-Layer Windshield Film System Which Provides Three...

Even if theyre not afraid of heights, it still takes someone with nerves of steel to work as a window washer, dangling a hundred floors above the ground with a squeegee in hand. A company called Skyline Robotics wants to make window washing much safer because instead of humans, the lift thats lowered down the side of a building is staffed with robots instead.

According to Skyline Robotics, the window cleaning industry, including those towering structures dotting the skylines of major metropolises, is a lucrative business with over $40 billion in revenue every year. The problem is that 74% of trained window washers are over 40 years old, and theres not enough young blood to replace them. Its easy to see why thats the case. As anyone whos ever seen the local news reporting on a daring window washer rescue already knows. Its a risky gig, even if it comes with amazing views. One possible solution? Enter the robots.

Until real windows are eventually all replaced with ultra-high-resolution screens (mark my words, its gonna happen) Skyline Robotics hopes to solve the window washer dilemma with robots: specifically, what appears to be KUKA Robotics arms outfitted with a large cleaning brush and a system that automatically pumps clean water through it.

Officially named Ozmo, the robot can be mounted to the same lift mechanisms that carry multiple window washers up and down the side of a building through the use of a motorized crane system on the roof. Unlike humans, however, Ozmo has a much longer reach, allowing one or two of the robotic arms to potentially clean a much larger region on every pass. As with other robotic workers, Ozmo doesnt take breaks, need lunch, or ever have to go to the bathroom. And since its permanently bolted to the lift its riding, there are no harnesses to check and re-check before a shift, and should something go wrong, theres less risk to human life.

If you live in New York and work in a high-rise structure, theres a good chance you might get a chance to see one of the Ozmo robots at work because Skyline Robotics recently announced a new partnership with a company named Platinum, Inc. that currently has cleaning and maintenance contracts with 65% of the Class A buildings (a classification applied to the newest, most modern skyscrapers) in New York City. Its the first time the Ozmo robots will be deployed in the US, so you can soon expect a sharp decrease in the number ofwindow washers dangling in peril stories on your local news.

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Skyscraper Window Washing Robots Are Here to Take Over One of Our Most Terrifying Jobs - Gizmodo

Windows 11 is a mixed bag. On the one hand, many people would be happier sticking with Windows 10. On the other hand, there are some solid reasons to upgrade to Windows 11 right now, including better window snapping options, more control over virtual desktops and fresh design flourishes such as rounded corners on windows.

If you choose to move to Windows 11, whether via upgrade or clean install, you'll notice several significant annoyances, including a context menu that makes you click an extra time, a hobbled taskbar and a default browser menu that makes it more difficult to switch away from Edge.

These are the worst features of Windows 11 and how to fix or, at least, mitigate them.

Throughout its history, Microsoft has struggled to decide whether its UI should target computer-literate users or dumb things down for the not-so-tech-savvy. In a move that's sure to please everyone who still uses an AOL email address, the company has decided to limit the number of items on all of Windows 11's context menus.

In Windows 10, when you right-click a file, you'll see just about every possible program you can open it with, along with a slew of other options that depend on what apps you have installed. In Windows 11, you see a maximum of five choices for files and not necessarily the most useful choices.If you want to see all the choices, you have to click "Show more options" or hit Shift + F10.

For example, when I right-clicked on a .txt file, I was not shown the option to open it with Notepad++, my favorite text editor. I only saw Notepad++, along with several other key choices such as "Scan with Microsoft defender" after I clicked for more options. Thanks for the extra click, Microsoft.

Apparently, Microsoft thinks that, after years of having all your choices in front of you, your tiny brain cannot handle the data stream anymore, lest your head explode like the guy at the beginning of Scanners. Or perhaps Microsoft has been watching too much Marie Kondo and decided, on your behalf, that having full functionality does not spark joy.

Whatever Microsoft's lame reason, you can get the all your options back, using a simple registry tweak.

Fix: How to get full context menus in Windows 11

You want the ribbon? You can't handle the ribbon or, at least, that's what Microsoft thinks. In File Explorer for Windows 11, the company has gotten rid of the ribbon and buried many of the options where it's harder to find them. For example, with the ribbon in Windows 10's File Explorer, you can find the options to open the navigation pane or details pane under the View tab. But in Windows 11, you have to open the View submenu and then the show menu and it's just less intuitive.

The good news is that, at least for now, you can get the Windows 10 File Explorer in Windows 11 by changing a registry value. If you use the StartAllBack app, a Start Menu replacement which costs $4.99, you can also select this as an option.

Fix: How to get the Ribbon Back in Windows 11 File Explorer

How about some humility, Microsoft? What we want out of Start menu isto give us quick access to all of our programs and then get out of the way. However, in Windows 11, the Start menu is designed to be showy rather than functional, sitting in the middle of the display by default and taking up more screen real estate for fewer icons than in Windows 10. Even worse, Windows 11 makes you click a second time to see a list of all your apps.

I compared the size of the Start Menu on a 1920 x 1080 display on both operating systems. Excluding the height of the taskbar, which is about the same, the Windows 11 Start menu measured 645 x 740 and housed 18 pinned apps and four "recommended" shortcuts, a total of 22 icons (with room for 2 more, a total of 24). The Windows 10 Start menu measured 648 x 639 and held 30 icons. Better still, in Windows 10, you can scroll down an alphabetical list of all your apps right away, but in Windows 11, you have to hit the "All Apps" button to get there.

Fix: Fortunately, there are three good Start menu alternatives. See our article on how to replace the Start menu in Windows 11.

Imagine you've been riding a bike for many years, you know how to ride just fine and then you buy a new bike and it comes with training wheels soldered on and no gears to choose from. That's the taskbar in Windows 11, which infantilizes users by taking away options they have had for years.

One simple option that Windows 11 takes away is the ability to resize your taskbar. But there is a registry tweak that lets you choose among small, medium or large sizes. That's not very flexible, but it's something. Also, if you're using StartAllBack or Start11, both $4.99 Start Menu replacements, you can use those to accomplish this task.

Fix: How to Change the Taskbar Size in Windows 11

With Windows 11's UI, Microsoft is like an arrogant chef who, after cooking your dinner, instructs the waiter to remove all the salt and pepper shakers from the table because they don't want you changing the flavor of their dish. The software giant wants you to have your taskbar at the bottom of the screen and, if you want it on the top or side (as you were able to in previous Windows versions, that's just too bad.

Windows 11 does not provide any officially-supported way to move the taskbar. However, there's a registry hack that, as of this writing, will allow you to position your taskbar at the top of the screen, with a few caveats. Most notably, while the taskbar will sit on the top of the screen if you perform this tweak, notifications, the calendar and volume menu will still be in the lower-right corner. The Start menu will be on top but align to the left side of the screen.

Also, if you use the Start11 Start menu replacement, there's an option that allows you to align your taskbar to the top and, unlike the registry hack method, it aligns the menus with the taskbar.

Fix: If you still want the taskbar on top, even with those caveats, see our article on how to move the Windows 11 taskbar to the top.

In both Windows 11 and 10, all the windows for one program are represented by a single taskbar button. So, if you have four Chrome browser windows open, there's just one for all of them. However, in Windows 10, there was an option to give each Window its own button, complete with the window title in it. In Windows 11, that option is gone.

I prefer having the taskbar icons uncombined, because it allows me to get a better sense of what I have open and an easier way to click through to it. Fortunately, there is a way around this Windows 11 problem.

Fix: In StartAllBack, a Start menu replacement app, you can set the taskbar to uncombine by selecting None on the Taskbar tab.

Microsoft's need to make decisions for you in Windows 11 is most evident in its strictly-enforced hardware requirements. Where previous versions of the OS will run on just about any PC of the last 10 to 15 years, Windows 11 setup will prevent you from installing it on a system that doesn't have one of its limited list of supported AMD or Intel CPUs, which excludes many processors that were sold as recently as a couple of years ago (first gen Ryzen for example).

Even worse, Microsoft insists you have TPM 2.0 encryption, a feature that many older motherboards don't have. The reason for these requirements is not performance, but enhanced security. However, if Windows 10 can run fine without TPM there's no reason why TPM can't be optional in Windows 11.

In fact, you can get around Windows 11's TPM, CPU and RAM requirements by using one of a couple of simple methods.

Fix: See our article on how to bypass Windows 11's TPM requirement. The same steps will bypass the other requirements as well.

It's no surprise that Windows 11 installs with Microsoft Edge as its default browser. However, what is annoying is that switching to Chrome requires some manual settings changes, at least at present.

On Windows 10, when you switched to an alternative browser, you were able to set it as the default as part of the installation. In Windows 11, it's not quite so simple. Not only can Chrome not do this on its own, at least at present, but there are several different settings to change. If you want Windows 11 to use Chrome instead of Edge for all things you might want a browser for, you'll have to manually change the assignment for .htm, .html, .pdf, .shtml and several other file types.

Even after you make the changes in settings, clicking a link from Windows search or the widget panel will open in Edge. Fortunately, there are workarounds.

Fix: How to Change the Default Browser in Windows 11

Windows 10 shows your current temperature and weather in the taskbar , just to the left of the volume control and clock. I know not everyone likes this feature, which you can easily turn off, but I love it because it's great to get this information at a glance, without clicking anything.

Unfortunately, Windows 11 does away with the built-in weather widget, instead making you click on its lame widget panel before you can see the conditions and forecasts.

Fix: Install Weather Bar (preferred) or Weather Bug, which are both free widgets that live in your system tray and show the temperature. You do have to click them to get the forecast and cloudiness, however. Be sure to go into Taskbar settings and set the weather icon to always be on in the "taskbar overflow" menu.

Just as Microsoft wants you to use its Edge browser for all your web surfing needs, the Redmond software giant also would like you to rely on its OneDrive service for Cloud Storage. With a clean install of Windows 11, OneDrive comes preloaded and set to start every time you boot the operating system.

Unfortunately, if you prefer Dropbox, Google Drive or just not storing files in the cloud, you have a piece of software running and eating up CPU cycles, RAM and network bandwidth all the time for no functional reason.

Fix: Right click on the OneDrive icon (it looks like a cloud) and select settings. Then uncheck "Start OneDrive automatically..."

From the green pastures of Windows XP's background to Windows 7's bright blue sky with its vibrant Windows logo and the aurora borealis-like look of Windows Vista, the default wallpapers in Windows have always been an important part of its aesthetics.

While not quite as repulsive as the weak-sauce wallpapers in Windows 8, the default background you get in Windows 11 screams "beta product." It looks like someone took a wad of blue crepe paper or the output from a frosting gun applied some filters to it. Among the other preloaded wallpaper options, not one of them showcases the Windows logo or branding, things which would indicate a strong visual identity for the OS rather than just a placeholder.

Fix: There are a lot of choices here, but I recommend going back to basics with a variation on the Windows 10 wallpaper (or the 10 wallpaper itself). Wallpaper Cave has a nice collection of free wallpapers to choose from.

Read this article:
11 Worst Features of Windows 11 and How to Fix Them - Tom's Hardware

Last week, the Figge Art Museum repaired its damaged windows and hosted a prominent presentation for a new Quad Cities brand campaign.

But the downtown Davenport landmark still has a lot of work to do to repair gaps inside and outside the glass-paneled museum. The Figge is in the midst of raising $100,000 for a new Art Diversity and Equity Fund intended to combat systemic inequality in the art world. The fund was launched with a lead gift from locals Jim and Michelle Russell of Russell Construction.

Last week, the museum also announced an initiative thats raised $1,625 in support of art experiences in the Quad Cities. Community members were invited to visithttps://www.mightycause.com/story/Safe-Communityto contribute.Thanks to the generous support of Brad Fugate, financial representative for Modern Woodmen of America, donations will be doubled up to $2,000.

It was deeply troubling to experience the damage we received to the exterior of our building, and we are incredibly grateful that no one was injured, Michelle Hargrave, the Figges executive director and CEO, said.

We recognize that our community isnt always so lucky. At the Figge, our staff and board are keenly aware of the role that arts and the Figge play within the community, specifically how our work of bringing art and people together improves lives, empowers individuals, and makes the Quad Cities a stronger and safer place.

Around 1:30 a.m. June 6, police were called from the Redstone parking ramp at the intersection of 2ndand Brady streets. Police said dozens of shots were fired when they responded to an active shooter situation.

About 80 shell casings were recovered from a shootout at the parking ramp, which (across Main Street) shot out 10 windows of the Figge. Davenport Mayor Mike Matson (who was just re-elected Tuesday) formed a community task to address gun violence, and East Moline Glass replaced the windows last week at a cost of $30,000.

So they needed to be custom-fabricated, and that required special materials and special processing in order to make them match the rest of the building, Hargrave said, noting thats why the process took months. Were quite happy to have the Figge whole again.

Last week, the museum also announced plans to improve outreach to the community, to help prevent further violence.

Anything that we can do to turn the tide to really fight the systemic issues, including unequal access to education and economic opportunities, Hargrave said recently. Education has always been part of our mission. And in recent years, weve really made special efforts to reach students and kids who need the support the most, including low-income youth and at-risk youth.

The Figge wants to help break the cycle of hardship and inequality through art.

Theres extensive research that has shown that interactions with art, including through our diverse range of programs and exhibitions, fosters creativity; understanding critical thinking; improves empathy, expands perspectives, improves school performance, teaches communication skills, and mood control and relieves stress and anxiety, Hargrave said.

Students in lower-income schools are less likely to receive arts instruction than kids attending schools with higher incomes. So thats why were so committed to providing meaningful art experiences, to help students learn to build creativity and confidence, improve mental well-being and open up their eyes to possibilities for the future, she said.

Enlarging the Big Picture

The Figges educational programs serve all ages and reach 65,000 community members a year, supporting eight school districts and eight partner colleges and universities along with over 40 other educational and social service partners, such as Humility Homes and Services, Spring Forward Learning, and Safer Foundations Youth Empowerment Program.

The Big Picture outreach program brings Figge staff to schools within 60 miles of the museum to lead presentations and discussions that use art to explore subjects across the curriculum, from math and science to language arts and social studies. The program also reaches audiences outside the traditional school settings, like the Scott County Juvenile Detention Center, Humility Homes and Services, and Hand-in-Hand.

We truly believe that art can transform lives, said Melissa Mohr, the Figges director of education. When we help individuals build creativity and confidence, we help them see all the wonderful things theyre capable of accomplishing. Our hope is those skills, along with all the others we teach through art, help them take steps forward, toward their brightest possible futures.

In recent years, the Figge has made efforts to reach students who most need support, including sharing art kits with kids and adults temporarily residing at Humility Homes, bringing Big Picture and collaborative mural projects to the Scott County Juvenile Detention Center, and piloting a program to promote positive educational outcomes for at-risk students in the Rock Island-Milan School District.

In its pilot year, through a grant from theWindgate Foundation, Figge educator Laura Wriedt is working with at-risk students to broaden their exposure to the museum, working artists and the variety of artforms they can personally engage in to inspire their future.

The Windgate Foundation grant is $40,000 each year for at least two years, Hargrave said.

Its important that we do address systemic issues, including the unequal access to educational and economic opportunities that are preventing all residents of the Quad Cities from thriving and there is an equity gap in arts education, she said.

We are committed to championing art in all its many forms to help turn the tide on the root causes of the recent violence, and safety issues that weve been experiencing in our region, Hargrave said. We want to make sure that everyone feels that this is their museum; that we are accessible to all and we are representing the experiences, the cultures of everyone within the Quad Cities, and that they see themselves on our walls.

Increasing diversity on the walls

This past August, the Figge announced it acquired a Kehinde Wiley 1998 painting this past year, as part of its broad effort to diversify its collection. Wiley is the African-American artist best known for doing the official presidential portrait of Barack Obama.

In July, the Figge showcased the 98 painting in the Grand Lobby, when themuseum announced creation of the Art Diversity and Equity Fund, dedicated to the acquisition and preservation of artworks for the Figges permanent collection that represent artists from underserved and marginalized groups.

The groups that the $100,000 fund will impact are Black artists, artists of African, Native American, Hispanic, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous and Middle Eastern descent as well as works from women, LBGTQA+, and any other artists that are subsequently identified as marginalized, oppressed, or underrepresented in the museums permanent collection.

We spent 98% of our acquisition dollars on works by female artists or artists from underrepresented and historically marginalized communities, Hargrave said of the 2020-21 fiscal year, noting the Wiley was one of those works. Weve made some significant progress with the fund, but are still in the process of fundraising for it in order to meet our goal.

Were committed to diversifying our collection, to making it more inclusive, she said recently. People want to see themselves representedWe want to make sure that people have an opportunity to have higher grades, to have in place what they need to motivate them to attend college, and to have those experiences that will drive to make them more inclined to engage in civic-minded behavior, like volunteering, voting and participating in politics.

Its important that everyone feels like this is their art museum, Hargrave said, noting the Figge has focused on diversifying its collection for several years.

It wasnt a causal relationship it wasnt that the shooting happened and we thought, okay, lets try to expand our collection, she said. It just reinforced our diversification of our collection, making the museum more equitable and inclusive. And our outreach within the community are both important.

The Figge is currently celebrating the life and work ofRobert Blackburn (1920-2003),an influential Black artist, teacher and master printmaker, through Jan. 9, 2022. The exhibit has over 75 artworks, including lithographs, woodcuts and watercolors that trace Blackburns evolution from figurative work to highly colored abstraction, alongside art of his contemporaries.

Off The Wall auction fundraiser

A major way the museum is boosting its educational outreach is Friday, Nov. 5, when the Figge will host one of its oldest events of the year,Art Off the Wall.

This unique cocktail party features both a silent and live auction of donated one-of-a-kind, high-quality collectible art, antiques, jewelry, furniture, and more. The proceeds from this event supports the Figges mission of bringing art and people together.

This years auction will include exceptional art pieces for all tastes and interests including a soapstone piece from Haiti and a diamond necklace from Tom Allard auction. Over 50 pieces will be available for auction from well-known, local, and national artists such as Isabel Bloom, John Bloom, J.R. Lewis, Barbie Priester, John Schmits, and many more. A prime silent auction item was for two Broadway tickets to a new Music Man production starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster, Jan. 15, 2022 (bidding has closed for those).

You can bid this week for auction items HERE and registration for the in-person party (Friday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) is $25, available HERE.

For more information, visit figgeartmuseum.org.

Excerpt from:
Figge in Davenport makes repairs to its windows and to bridge community gaps - WHBF - OurQuadCities.com