Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

WASHINGTON, Feb. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

McWilliams|Ballard is proud to announce Maddox, a new boutique condominium community, is set to launch sales this week.

Located along famed Georgia Avenue, Maddox features 18 modern condominium flats with one- and two-bedroom layouts, three penthouse homes have multi-level living, private roof decks and incredible views of DC. Every residence hosts sleek interior finishes, large floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood flooring, quartz countertops, Bosch appliances with gas cooking and ELFA closet systems. The community features a secure entry lobby, available private parking and storage.

We are so excited to start sales at Maddox. Because the development team started in custom single-family homes, every part of this boutique community has been meticulously engineered and designed to the highest of standards. On top of it all, Maddoxs location in the heart of Park View, just minutes to Howard University and the U Street Corridor, as well as everything thats exciting in Petworth means there are incredible opportunities for entertainment, dining, and recreation just out the front door, said Robert Cook, Vice President of McWilliams|Ballard.

The development of Maddox is led by partnerships between Clemens Builders, a local full-service construction and development firm, and Ventura Group, a custom home builder with experience throughout the Washington Metro Area.

McWilliams|Ballard, based in Alexandria, Virginia, is the leading real estate sales and marketing firm specializing in the sales and marketing of new condominiums, townhomes and mixed-use communities. During its 25-year history, McWilliams|Ballard has worked in 13 states nationwide, creating partnerships with developers and builders to provide sales and marketing solutions from project inception to the final closed sale. In addition, the firm also provides consultation and market research used by some of the most renowned developers and investment groups in the country.

Media Contact:Derek Friday703.535.5550 | dfriday@mcwb.com

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McWilliams|Ballard Announces Sales At Maddox In Northwest Washington Will Kick Off This Week - GlobeNewswire

Global Countertop Burners Market Strategic recommendations, Trends, Segmentation, Use case Analysis, Competitive Intelligence, Global and Regional Forecast (to 2026)

Global Countertop Burners Market Report gives a complete knowledge of Countertop Burners Industry covering immensely significant boundaries including development scenario, size, share, challenges, cost structure, limit, growing technologies, mechanical developments, openings, key sellers and serious examination with top players, growth, size, share, and future forecast. This report is a mixture of qualitative and quantitative analysis of the Countertop Burners industry and provides data for making strategies to increase the growth of the Countertop Burners market and effectiveness.

Get a sample copy of the report athttps://www.in4research.com/sample-request/57307

Countertop Burners Market Report Provides Comprehensive Analysis on Following:

The report also focuses on the global major leading industry players of the Global Countertop Burners market providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue, and contact information.

Major Players Covered in Countertop Burners Market Report are:

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Based on product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share, and growth rate of each type, primarily split into:

Based on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, including:

Geographically, the detailed analysis of consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate, historic and forecast of the following regions are:

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Countertop Burners Market landscape and the market scenario include:

The Countertop Burners industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions offered.

Major Points in Table of Content of Countertop Burners Market

PART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORT

PART 03: Countertop Burners MARKET LANDSCAPE

PART 04: Countertop Burners MARKET SIZING

PART 05: FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS

PART 06: Countertop Burners MARKET SEGMENTATION BY PRODUCT TYPE

PART 07: CUSTOMER LANDSCAPE

PART 08: GEOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE

PART 09: DECISION FRAMEWORK

PART 10: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES

PART 11: Countertop Burners MARKET TRENDS

PART 12: COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

PART 13: COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS

PART 14: APPENDIX

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Countertop Burners Market Size 2021: Expected to Boost the Global Industry Growth in Upcoming Year NeighborWebSJ - NeighborWebSJ

We all know curb appeal matters, for both flippers and landlords. You're more likely to receive a higher offer from a buyer or hook a renter when the exterior of the property is well maintained. And in that vein, there are trends in the landscaping realm that can help. With heightened consciousness about sustainability and the increased desire to spend time outdoors during the pandemic, hardscaping has become a popular approach to landscaping. Learn what hardscaping is and if you should use it in your next project.

Hardscaping is a component of landscaping that uses permanent, nonliving features in the yard to improve function, create better outdoor accessibility, expand the living space, and reduce the environmental impact over a traditional landscape all while having the picture-perfect Better Homes and Gardens (NYSE: RLGY) look. It might involve a patio or deck, graveled or paved walkways, terraced xeriscape, outdoor living rooms or kitchens, firepit areas, or water features. Hardscaping features are usually blended with sustainable garden beds or softscaping for a landscape design that is both usable and low maintenance.

The cost varies widely for hardscaping because it depends on the size of the yard as well as what already exists and what you are adding. For a professional design, which is almost always necessary for hardscaping, a patio, gazebo, pathways, and the associated vegetation or xeriscaping will on average cost around $30,000. But this estimate should be taken with a grain of salt. A patio install can cost as little as $2,000, while a large deck could cost over $10,000. A gravel walkway costs $3-$6 per square foot, whereas flagstone is $10-$30 per square foot.

Essentially, hardscaping costs should be relative to the anticipated value of the house. Spending $30,000 on a small 2/1 frame house worth $140,000 probably doesn't make much sense, but spending that much or even a bit more on a home worth $300,000 house makes more sense. If, for example, the home is worth $320,000 and the hardscaping features boost the value by 12%, you could actually profit an extra $8,400 from a $30,000 hardscaping install, not to mention it will likely sell faster due to the increased curb appeal.

As an investor, your goal is to appeal to the masses whether you focus on residential or commercial, rehab, or rental. Creating an appealing outdoor area for residents of an existing or planned apartment complex can help compete in the marketplace while reducing ongoing maintenance costs for landscaping. Another on-trend component of hardscaping is the reduction in watering, mowing, and pesticide or herbicide use. So if you really want to keep things low budget, opt for a significant amount of area-appropriate low-maintenance softscaping with a few pathways to meander through the garden.

According to The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), hardscaping that includes outdoor entertaining areas and increased environmental awareness are two of the top four landscaping trends of 2021. Hardscaping is in demand. It can increase curb appeal, create more usable space, allow for easier maintenance than a traditional yard. Plus, it offers the opportunity to increase returns, making it a great design element to try on your next investment project.

Read more here:
What is Hardscaping and Should Real Estate Investors Do It? - MSN Money

UC Master Gardener Francie Murphy in her succulent garden.

February 9, 2021 - ByJeannette E. Warnert- UC Master Gardener Francie Murphy was pruning the succulents in her San Diego front yard when an unfortunate accident catalyzed her commitment to communicating the dangers of toxic plants. She trimmed a stem on her drought-tolerant pencil milk bush and milky sap spurted into one eye, causing stinging pain.

I tried to wipe it out, and in doing so got in both eyes. I was blinded. The pain was unbelievable, she said.

A nearby friend rushed her to the emergency room where the doctor diagnosed chemical burns to her corneas and washed her eyes with two liters of saline water each. Murphy removed the plant from her garden, but saw it growing throughout her community.

I knew we had to do something, she said.

Drought-tolerant plants like cacti, yucca, agaves and aloes have adaptations to protect themselves from wildlife in search of the moisture within their leaves and stems. They have spikes or spines to ward off people and animals. Other plants don't have outward signs of danger. Fire sticks, also known as sticks on fire and pencil cactus and by its scientific nameEuphorbia tirucalli, is a very popular succulent in frost-free areas. Its vertical growth habit and showy soft green to reddish-gold stems make it a striking landscape specimen. A native of southern Africa, the smooth, coral-like stems look deceptively harmless. The sap is toxic.

Fire sticks should be planted far from walkways, in the back of the landscape, where you can see them, but not touch them, said UC Cooperative Extension natural resources advisor Chris McDonald. When trimming the plant, wear long pants, long sleeves and eye protection. If the plant is tall, consider protecting your face.

After Murphy shared her story about these plants with other Master Gardeners, UCCE San Diego gathered a team and worked with colleagues to secure funding from the County of San Diego to develop a website and handouts to inform the community about readily available yet toxic drought-tolerant plants being planted into California landscapes.

The handout can be downloaded from thePlant Safely website(https://ucanr.edu/sites/PlantSafely/). The materials were quickly distributed to nurseries, garden events and Master Gardener help booths, such as at farmers markets, home shows and fairs, and other educational events. A key feature of the website is a database of nearly 100 plants (which can be foundhere) with photos and descriptions that explain how they are unsafe and how they can be used safely in the landscape. (https://ucanr.edu/sites/PlantSafely/Common_Names/)

Some common yet toxic landscape plants included in the database are:

These potentially harmful plants are grown widely in many parts of California, McDonald said. It's important to promote drought-tolerant landscapes, and we must also do it in a way that preserves public health.

View the UC Master Gardener video about safely planting fire sticks (Euphorbiatirucoli):Source: UC ANR

Original post:
UC ANR Reports Drought-Tolerant Plants Can Save Water, But Beware Of Those That Are Toxic - Sierra Sun Times

A meadow is a field which has grass and flowers growing in it.

Collins dictionary

A meadow can be a low-maintenance, low-water area full of grasses and flowers to attract and provide for friendly wildlife like pollinators, birds and toads. Its vegetation cover and roots allow more rainwater to be absorbed into the soil rather than become runoff. That gets more water into our soils and aquifers.

Meadows also have a wild and natural beauty for us to enjoy, that encourage us to slow down and relax, and to observe some nature up close. Plus, they can provide a supply of fresh-cut flowers throughout the season.

The most natural are the open places that collect and absorb snowmelt and rainwater, holding it and releasing it slowly to waterways. These places are rich with wildlife activity and essential to wildlife.

But a new definition of meadow has arisen in Europe and in the U.S. that responds to the decline weve been seeing in pollinators and other insects, birds and native plants. Theyre called urban meadows, and are often established in landscapes, parks or former lawns. Public meadows serve as teaching and observation spots about biodiversity.

Mike Lizotte, of American Meadows seed company, calls small meadows you can work into your garden or landscape mini meadows. These can be a few acres large or as small as a raised garden box, or as tiny as a collection of pots. And they can consist of only flowers.

For anyone who likes the idea of a low-water, low-maintenance, colorful, life-affirming, pollinator feeding, mesmerizing spot in their yard that also delivers fresh-cut flowers, a meadow is a project to try.

My last article, Grow You Own Meadow Garden at Home offered some native perennial grasses and sedges to use that are low-water and low-maintenance. Worked into or around the grassy area, or without the grassy area, are the flowers.

The flowers are the fun part. What youll get is a rambunctious collection of easy to grow flowers that will reseed and need no replanting. Include both annuals and perennials, both native and non-native.

Including natives is always best for many insects and the birds that feed on them. Dont forget my constant reminder to use Calscape.org for all you need to know on what plants are native to your exact address, and nurseries that sell them.

Using Calscape.org, make a list of flowers that grow in your spot with the sun you have. Please note that full sun is defined by six or more hours of direct sun. No less! Otherwise its part shade to shade.

For larger meadows that are near the wilder lands I recommend more of the native wildflowers, theyll take less water, are more deer resistant, and if they venture out into the wild its OK.

Next you can choose a wildflower seed mix. Select a mix thats designed for the Pacific Northwest, our area. If there are some natives youd like to be sure to include you may be able to get them separately. There are many seed mixes now that are for meadows and many include both annuals and perennials.

Wildflower mixes often include non-native flowers and thats OK. Theyre included because of their low maintenance needs, quick and easy establishment, as well as for their value to pollinators, and often for deer resistance. See your local nursery for a selection.

Annual flowers for a small space in a garden bed can include cosmos, Flanders poppies (Papaver rhoeas), zinnias, cornflowers, sweet allysum, even sunflowers.

One rule to heed is to always go for the single flowers, not a fuller double version. This is because the double flowers hide or block access for the pollinators to the pollen and nectar source. So stick with singles!

A few good perennials for our area include Echinacea, California poppies (yes, theyre perennial!), lupines, Gaillardia, Shasta daisies, Santa Barbara Daisies, California Fuschia (Zuaschneria californica), and Goldenrod (Solidago), Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta), columbine, and asters.

To add even more habitat to your meadow and shade or privacy for you in the meadow, consider a few native shrubs to surround the meadow. A few that would be good are coffeeberry (Frangula californica), toyon, carpenteria (Carpenteria californica), Red Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum and many others), manzanitas (Howard McMinn and low growing Pt. Reyes), and native bunchgrasses like California Fescue.

Shrubs offer more food in the form of flowers, berries, and seeds as well as shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small animals.

How much work depends on the condition of the site. But after its established youll have very little work to do. Ill discuss how to start a meadow in my next article.

But youll end up with a beautiful spot, large or small, for some wildlife viewing: birds, bees of all sorts, butterflies, moths, skippers, and hummingbirds. Youll be helping them to thrive.

And youll get flowers for bouquets in your home.

And youll get lots of opportunity for wonder for the children in your life!

Doreen Fogle is a landscape designer and writer in Nevada County. More of her articles can be found on her website mydelightfulgardens.com and she can be reached at mydelightfulgardens@gmail.com.

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Doreen Fogle: Grow some flowers to create a meadow for wildlife - The Union of Grass Valley

By using, Robotic Lawn Mower Market research report, organizations can gain vital information about the competitors, economic shifts, demographics, current market trends and spending traits of the customers. This global marketing report puts forth real world research solutions for every industry sector, along with meticulous data collection from non-public sources to better equip businesses with the information they need most. The report comprises of the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. The winning Robotic Lawn Mower Market report also covers five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.

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Robotic Lawn Mower Market Drivers, Restraint and Key Development:

Increasing urbanization and consumers preference toward smart homes and system is driving the market.

Higher cost of the device as compared to the traditional mower is the major factor restraining the growth,

In January 2019, IRobot Corp announced the launch of their new lawnmower. The terra which can operates on its own and can head back to the base station to recharge even in mid- mow. The user can operate it with the smartphone and schedule automatic mowing and can be programmed to cover the specific part of the yard. The best thing is that they dont require boundary wires and can mow in straight and back- and forth line.

Robotic Lawn Mower Market Key Competitors:

Few of the major competitors currently working in the robotic lawn mower market are Husqvarna Group, Bosch Limited, Stiga S.P.A., Zucchetti Centro Sistemi S.p.a., YAMABIKO Corporation, Deere & Company, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., The Toro Company, AL-KO KOBER SE, Milagrow Business & Knowledge Solutions (Pvt.) Limited, WORX, MTD, The Kobi Company, LG Electronics.

Robotic Lawn Mower Market Analysis:

Global Robotic Lawn Mower Market is expected to rise from its initial estimated value of USD 533 million in 2018 to an estimated value of USD 1444.26 million by 2026, registering a CAGR of 13.27% in the forecast period of 2019-2026. Increasing safety concerns over traditional lawn mower is the major factor for the growth of this market.

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Competitive Landscape:

Global robotic lawn mower market is highly fragmented and the major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions, and others to increase their footprints in this market. The report includes market shares of robotic lawn mower market for global, Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa.

Some of the Major Highlights of TOC covers: Global Robotic Lawn Mower Market

Chapter 1: Methodology & Scope

Definition and forecast parameters

Methodology and forecast parameters

Data Sources

Chapter 2: Robotic Lawn Mower Market Executive Summary

Business trends

Regional trends

Product trends

End-use trends

Chapter 3: Robotic Lawn Mower Market Industry Insights

Segmentation

Industry landscape

Vendor matrix

Technological and innovation landscape

Chapter 4: Robotic Lawn Mower Market, By Region

Chapter 5: Robotic Lawn Mower Market Company Profile

Business Overview

Financial Data

Product Landscape

Strategic Outlook

SWOT Analysis

Thanks for reading this article, you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.

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Urban Meyer was only minutes into his second stint as a retired-coach-turned-broadcaster when he became the star of Fox Sports' Big Noon Kickoff.

Despite sharing the stage with two Heisman-winners and afinalist for the award, the former Ohio State head coach quickly established himself as the focal point of the network's pregame show during its first broadcast of the 2019 season, thanks in large part to the way he clearly explained the origins and mechanics of a tactic that had outgrown novelty status.

While the takeaway for most within the sport was not the content itself, but rather the effortless delivery from a relative novice, the irony of the situation is hard to miss nearly 18 months later. Though Meyer has already found another sideline to roam in Jacksonville, he was in fact issuing a warning to his former team - whether he knew it or not.

On paper, Ohio State featured the nation's top defense in 2019, clamping down on opponents by building around elite cornerbacks and the nation's best pass-rusher. With so much talent on display, there was little reason to complicate the scheme despite the fact that ithad long been abandoned by most coaches at his level due to its predictability and well-known weak points.

But for most of that first season, it didn't matter. Through the first ten games of that season, Chase Young and co. tallied 42 sacks as the Silver Bullets simply overwhelmed the completionwhile facing just two ranked teams (Cincinnati and Wisconsin) during that stretch.Throughout thespan, no OSU opponent gained more than 285 total yards of offense, nor did any average more than 5 yards-per-play in a single game, leading many to believe the Buckeyes were impenetrable.

Asninth-ranked Penn State came to town, however, small cracks began to emerge.

Not only were the Buckeyes facing an opponent more comparable to themselves but opposing coaches had begun to catch on to their reliance on a single-high structure. Penn State, who had fully embraced run-pass options (RPOs) upon the hiring of offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead a few years prior, saw a number of ways to attack a linebacker unit that seemed hellbent on stopping the run at all costs.

Though the Nittany Lions would ultimately lose 28-17, the continued emphasis on reading unblocked second-level defenders was something future opponents clearly noticed.

The very next week, first-year Michigan OC Josh Gattis faced his stiffest test yet as his team welcomed the Buckeyes to the Big House.For much of the first half, it appeared that Gattis and the Wolverines were up to the task, as although they trailed 28-17, they amassed 285 yards in the first half - more than any OSU opponent had gained in an entire game that season, save for Penn State the week prior.

To do so, Gattis unleashed a bevy of RPOs that attacked the OSU linebackers. If they stepped up to play the run, the QB simply kept the ball and looked to pass. From there, he often had multiple places to go with the ball as the scarlet and gray defenders scrambled to recover.

Luckily, Justin Fields and the Buckeye offense eventually pulled awayand forced the Wolverinesto throw deep on nearly every second-half snap, a tactic that played right into OSU's strengths. Little attention was paid to the effort as the Buckeyes cruised to a 56-27 victory.

As the Nittany Lions and Wolverines before them, the Clemson coaching staff clearly took notice of the threat RPOs posed to a defense with such a straightforward approach. The Tigers had long embraced the philosophy, especially during Trevor Lawrence's freshman season the year before.

Unlike thepackaged concepts fromPenn State and Michiganthat attacked downfield, however, the Tigers largely combined inside runs with bubble screens and other pass concepts that stretched the field horizontally and found little success early. Once the Tigers began combining runs with vertical concepts, the dam broke.

With the Buckeyes in Cover-1 (man-free coverage), the Tigers sent both slot receivers on five-yard stick routes (inside hitches) while the offensive line blocked a QB draw play. Lawrence quickly checked the safety to ensure he dropped back into coverage -leaving just six OSU defenders to take on six Clemson blockers - andtook off for a 67-yard run that still pains Buckeye fans to watch.

Much was made of Lawrence's 107 rushing yards in that game, most of which came on this one snap. But the focus was not on how OSU should handle RPOs, but rather, whether they could slow mobile quarterbacks.

After the longest offseason in history, Nebraska opened the season in Ohio Stadium and had some early success with RPOs. However,none looked to attack the Buckeyes vertically, and eventually, the home team settled in for an easy 52-17 victory.

As the Buckeyes traveled to Happy Valley in week two, though, their (least) favorite concept was back.

OSU's focus on stopping the run once again exposed openings in the RPO game, as the PSU offense began hitting backside "glance" routes when the Buzz defender (often the outside linebacker) stepped up quickly to fill his run gap.

Eventually, the Buckeyes were able to adjust their pass coverage when the entire threat of a Penn State running game had evaporated late in the game and the offense was forced into dropback passing situations (sound familiar?) But before they eventually gave up on this plan of attack, the Nittany Lions had scored 25 points and tallied 281 passing yards, more than anyone outside of Michigan had put up on Ryan Day's defense.

It would be another month and a half before another opponent would attempt to recreate this plan of attack, this time coming in the Big Ten title game. Northwestern retooled its offense before the season and incorporated far more spread concepts, and it didn't take long to see the Wildcats hit the Buckeyes with a Glance RPO.

Despite all the success found with the glance route, Clemson never seemed interested in throwing it in their CFP rematch on January 1st. Rather, the Tigers went back to their comfort zone of attaching screens to run plays; a strategy that had some success but failed to attack the Buckeyes where they were weakest.

Unlike Clemson, Alabama had no intention of letting such an obvious shortcoming go un-probed. The Tide had already made glance routes a foundational aspect of their baseoffense and with a handful of veteran "analysts" scouting future opponents, there was no question of how they might attack Ohio State.

While images of DeVonta Smith running untouched up the seam will forever haunt Tuf Borland, the Buckeye corners will have nightmares of their own. With little time to prepare (Day later noted that his team had just one padded practice in advance of this game due to COVID protocols), Ohio State had few counters at its disposal.

With the Buckeye front-seven so focused on stopping Najee Harris and the inside run game, cornerbacks Shaun Wade and Sevyn Banks were left on an island against the nation's best receiver. Meanwhile, Alabama OC Steve Sarkisian toyed with the duo, mixing glance routes in with screens to ensure Smith would get a clean release off the line.

But even when Wade and Banks had clean shots at Smith in man-coverage, the Heisman-winner broke his glance route outside where no one could help.

On one side, it's easy to saythat the Buckeyes simply ran into a more talented team with a style of play perfectly suited to expose Ohio State's weakest points. Every defensive system, coverage, and philosophy has gaps that can be exposed and took two full seasons, and a team featuring three Heisman finaliststo finally break the one Day hadinstalled upon taking the head coaching job.

But on the other hand, it washard not to see this coming. Alabama's use of RPOs that attacked both horizontally and vertically isn't novel. Rather, the Tide's offense marks the normalization of a concept that had largely been a complementary feature outside of small schools.

Just as Vince Young made the zone-read the foundation of Texas' national championship offense in 2005, Alabama (as well asLSU the year before) havebrought the vertical RPO into the mainstream.

That's not to say that these concepts are impossible to defend, as each and every week across the college football landscape, defensive coordinators successfully rotate safeties, exchange run gaps, and mask coverages to disrupt both the quarterback and the receiver. But those simply weren't tactics we often saw from the Buckeye defense in 2020 (or the year before).

While it may not have been obvious one year ago, the game plan for OSU's opponents in 2021 is crystal clear. Now that they know it's coming, it's onKerry Coombs and the Buckeye defense to implementways to stop it.

Read more here:
Film Study: Ohio State's Destruction at the Hands of Alabama RPOs Was Years in the Making | Eleven Warriors - Eleven Warriors

Two-story Cliff May-designed homes are like unicorns, and usually not in the good way. Theyre rare enough; Cliff May expert, resident and Realtor Doug Kramer estimates there are about a dozen scattered around the 700-home Cliff May Ranchos neighborhood in East Long Beach in a tract east of Studebaker Road and north of Spring Street. But as a rule, theyre fairly unappealing, bordering a time on being an eyesore.

The problem with adding a second story to Mays original sleek and invariably one-story designs is theyve usually been done on the cheap and quick, with a contractor working without an architect and just slapping a generic rectangular top to the home, which, while, yes, it provides additional space to the original, it generally results in a dogs breakfast in terms of appearance.

So botched were most add-ons that the neighborhood succeeded in banning second-story additions in about 2008, according to Kramer. And with the Cliff May mania continuing to drive up prices and with owners anxious to improve their Mid-Century Modern homes, its unlikely that anyone will monkey around with any sort of additions that will detract from the ideal floor plan.

But there is at least one exception to a two-story Cliff May that was done beautifully with no aesthetic mortal sins. It is the one at 3110 Pattiz Avenue in the southeastern corner of the estates.

The house is listed by Nate Cole of Unique California Properties for $1.495 million. And, while purists might bristle at a two-story Cliff May as a contradiction in architectural terms, the home nevertheless takes the style literally and figuratively to a whole new level.

Mays ranchos are typically built low, with the homes floors level with the outside ground. Interiors are marked by post-and-beam construction and a liberal use of floor-to-ceiling glass that makes you wonder if he had stock in Windex.

The floor plans are wide open and most bedroom windows have expansive views of the yards that surround the homes. What we think of as a backyard is the front yard of the homes, with privacy offered by fences blocking off view from the street, making the main yard its own private courtyard and, especially in the Southern California climate, it serves as perfectly acceptable additional living space and can easily handle a few dozen people for an outdoor party or barbecue.

The homes in Rancho Estates sprung up like futuristic mushrooms in the post-war era, with the houses all built between 1952 and 1954. The tract was originally called Lakewood Rancho Estates, until the area was annexed by Long Beach in the summer of 1954.

The homes were initially inexpensive, selling for about $12,000, and easy to build, yet definitely unique enough to attract a certain buyer hankering for a real California vibe, though some detractors are put off by the lack of a raised foundation and near-complete lack of insulation. Their indoor-outdoor feel can make for chilly winters and scorching summers, though many homeowners have added interior insulation, as much to baffle the sound between rooms as for climate comfort, and most have installed air-conditioning with the decrease of that cost since the 1950s.

The Mid-Century mania has driven prices up in the estates in recent years, with people buying the homes as much for art as an abode. In the 1990s, when standard tract homes on the west side of Studebaker were selling for around $250,000, the Cliff Mays were fetching a similar price. But in just a few short recent years the homes in the Ranchos have been regularly commanding prices, starting in 2018, of over a million dollars, $200,000 or more than their neighbors across Studebaker.

The Pattiz Avenue home looks exactly like you might imagine a two-story Cliff May would look with careful attention to Mid-Modern detail. It has maintained the sleek, horizontal lines and capacious overhangs, and its easy to imagine even Cliff May giving it a begrudging approval.

Rancho specialist Kramer gives it a qualified OK. I think as far as second-story additions, its as good at keeping with the style you can get, and the owners did a fabulous job with the interior.

Cole, not surprisingly, doesnt disagree.

Its one of the few two-story ranchos thats done really well, he said. The top floor matches the post-and-beam architecture. It looks beautiful, with redwood-stained exterior and dark-brown finish.

The three-bedroom, three-and-a half-bath home has been thoroughly upgraded by the current owners, with an all-new kitchen and appliances as well as renovated bathrooms. The main floor has three bathrooms and two main bedrooms at opposite ends of the house. The two-story entry foyer and family room leads to the upper level, with its own lofted living/sleeping area, a kitchenette, a sunny bedroom, full bath, and a view balcony. Behind the house is a solar-heated lap pool.

People in the neighborhood really get attached to these houses, said Cole. They move in because they like the house, first, and then their kids like their school and make friends in the neighborhood and eventually the owners become hesitant to leave.

But because the potential inventory of 700 is so big, and perhaps because some of the older residents are suddenly finding themselves perched on a million-dollar nest egg, there are usually a couple of Cliff May models for sale at any one time.

Right now, theres a cluster of three for sale: Coles listing at 3110 Pattiz Ave.; a new listing by Kramer, a three-bed, two-bath home at 3126 Volk Ave. listed at $1,125 million; and a three-bedroom, two-bath model at 3032 Shipway Ave., listed by Dan Mullin of RE/MAX Estate Properties at $1.15 million.

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A $1.495 million two-story home in the Ranchos is an eye-catching rarity - Long Beach Post

Following the weekend, we now have a better idea of what to expect in the next expansion for Final Fantasy XIV. DubbedFinal Fantasy XIV: Endwalker, it continues the narrative of the MMORPG directly afterShadowbringers. There is certainly a lot of content to look forward to, and you can get the full details with our handy guide. However, before all of that new content arrives, there is still the matter of actually prepping the stage. This will come in the form of patch 5.5, otherwise known as Death Unto Dawn, forFinal Fantasy XIV.

We already knew that the patch would arrive on April 13, but there were no further details. Now, Square Enix has furnished us with said details. Patch 5.5 for Final Fantasy XIVwill be broken up into two different parts, of which the second half will arrive in May. ThroughoutDeath Unto Dawn, there will be new Main Scenario Quests added. These willpave the way for Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker.

The first half of patch 5.5 will also see the arrival of the third chapter ofYorHa: Dark Apocalypse.

The dungeon Paglthan will be part of the new story quests. You can try to complete this by using the Trust system, or with your own party. Furthermore, all level 70 dungeons will be made available in Explorer Mode. Basically, you can enjoy marveling at locations without enemies.

As part of the Explorer Mode addition, players can also use any instruments of choice as part of performance actions. Changing instruments during performances will also be possible. Additionally, Square Enix will add a new mystery musical instrument sometime during Patch 5.5 for Final Fantasy XIV.

The Sorrow of Werlyt and Save the Queen questlines will also get updates. A new zone, Zadnor, will also be added.

Players can expect new trials as well. The Cloud Deck Trial will introduce the Diamond Weapon, and is available in both normal and extreme difficulties. There is also the new Unreal Trial. The primal that will be featured is still unknown at this time.

Finally, the relic weapons will receive their final upgrades. We will likely see an increase in item level cap alongside the additions. Death Unto Dawn will also bring with it some general tweaks for jobs, new mounts, and new custom deliveries.

For just the first half of Patch 5.5 for Final Fantasy XIV, this is already quite substantial. We can expect even more story content when the second part arrives.

Originally posted here:
Final Fantasy XIV patch 5.5 will prep the stage for Endwalker expansion - PC Invasion

By Dave Skretta| Associated Press

The Kansas City Chiefs were so confident in their Super Bowl-winning roster from the 2019 season that they did everything they could to bring it back intact, signing quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive tackle Chris Jones to huge deals and reworking other contracts to make the numbers fit in the salary cap.

It almost worked, too. The Chiefs made it back to the big game before injuries along the offensive line, mental mistakes and a near-perfect performance by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended their season one win short of a repeat.

Now, the Chiefs will have to take a much different tact if they want to make their third consecutive Super Bowl.

While their core group is signed for the next several years, the Chiefs have a raft of important contributors that are due to hit free agency. That includes wide receivers Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson and four of the five offensive linemen that started in the Super Bowl. As well as the defense, including eight players that were regulars or starters this past season.

"Like all teams, we'll get busy here going down the road," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday. "We'll still have a good core of players coming back. We'll have some additions. No team stays in the same in today's NFL."

It was clear in a 31-9 romp by the Buccaneers that the status quo probably wouldn't work anyway.

The Chiefs managed to hide their many shortcomings while winning a franchise-record 14 regular-season games and then beating Cleveland and Buffalo in the playoffs. But those issues were on stark display Sunday night: a makeshift offensive line pounded by the Tampa Bay pass rush, their own pass rush never getting pressure on Tom Brady, their secondary struggling against the Bucs wide receivers and their linebackers constantly out of position or slow to make plays.

"Every year is different because of your cap situation and what you have and what you need," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. "We always have a couple different road maps to get where we want to be. We'll have some tough decisions to make trying to keep as many players on this team intact. Every year is different. Every year is unique."

BIG NAMES, BIG HOLES

Mahomes will have wide receiver Tyreek Hill, tight end Travis Kelce and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire at his disposal next season. But the big names are surrounded by some big holes that Kansas City will have to fill.

Watkins only had 28 catches for 421 yards and two touchdowns during another injury-filled season, and Robinson slowly lost playing time to Byron Pringle, who is a restricted free agent. That leaves Mecole Hardman, who has plenty of limitations as a wide receiver, as the only viable No. 3 pass-catcher heading into next season.

Offensive linemen Mike Remmers, Stefan Wisniewski and Andrew Wylie were supposed to be backups, but each played in the Super Bowl because of injuries. Now, all three are free agents along with center Austin Reiter.

DEFENSIVE SITUATION

The reason that Brady dominated the Chiefs defense in the Super Bowl was twofold: their inability to generate pass rush he was pressured four times on 30 drops compared to 29 pressures on 56 drops for Mahomes and shortcomings among the cornerbacks when it came to covering deep downfield.

That leaves the Chiefs searching for upgrades to edge rushers Alex Okafor, Tanoh Kpassagnon and Taco Charlton while also having to replace fellow free-agent defensive backs Bashaud Breeland, Charvarius Ward and Daniel Sorensen.

CAP CRUNCH

The Chiefs are nearly $12 million over the salary cap headed into next season, and nobody knows quite what the 2021 cap will be given the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the league's bottom line. In other words, they will likely need to rework several contracts or cut some big-name players to save some money for next season.

Left tackle Eric Fisher, who tore his Achilles tendon in the AFC title game and may not even be ready for next season, would be an obvious choice; cutting him ahead of the final year of his contract would save about $12 million in cap space and cost only $3.1 million in dead money.

WELCOME BACK

The Chiefs should get some help from guys that were injured or opted out of this past season. That includes left guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, the trained physician who opted out to help COVID-19 patients in his native Canada, and third-round pick Lucas Niang, who also opted out. Both of their losses were sorely felt in the Super Bowl.

Right tackle Mitchell Schwartz also should be back from a back injury that ended his season, while running back Damien Williams is expected back after his opt-out though cutting him would save about $2.2 million in cap space.

FEELING DRAFTY

The Chiefs will draft late in each round, and they also traded away their sixth-round pick, putting the pressure on Veach and his staff to unearth some overlooked gems that can plug some of their holes at relatively low costs.

They did a good job last year: Second-round pick Willie Gay Jr. developed into a solid linebacker, fourth-round pick L'Jarius Sneed was easily their best cornerback and fifth-round pick Mike Danna provided some nice depth on the defensive line.

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Chiefs head into offseason with core intact, plenty of holes - Blue Springs Examiner