Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

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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Methodology and forecast parameters

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Business trends

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Product trends

End-use trends

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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

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Financial Data

Product Landscape

Strategic Outlook

SWOT Analysis

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Robotic Lawn Mower Market Outlook By Product, Application, End-User and Forecast The Courier - The Courier

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

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As a program administrator at Denver Public Art, Brendan Picker juggles funds, fabrication and artists visions to realize major public-art projects, managing all the necessary moves leading to an eventual unveiling. But in his spare time, Picker also curates the Storeroom, a walk-by installation gallery in an East 17th Avenue storefront window, where he gives local artists, perhaps lesser-known than those creating major public art with big-city dollars, free rein to use the space as they please.

Given some free rein of his own, Picker helped organize the exhibition Queer City of the Plains An Artistic Look at Denvers LGBTQ+ History at the McNichols Building in 2020. Thats evidence of his big heart and inherent love for artists and their missions the unmeasurable qualities that make Picker a good public servant.

Beyond his educational background in fine arts and community planning, what makes Pickers world spin? He has plenty to say about that as he answers the Colorado Creatives questionnaire as part of our regular series highlighting luminaries in Denver arts and culture.

Brendan Picker (right) and Kevin Daly on a hike near Aspen.

Courtesy of Brendan Picker

Westword:What (or who) is your creative muse?

Brendan Picker:My father, Sebastian Picker, is an artist, and I guess you could say his work is a muse for me. Theres art that is beautiful and masterfully done, and then there is art that is also a commentary on our place on this earth, whether its social or political or simply trying to open our eyes to something hidden yet profound. You could say my fathers work falls into the second category, and thats the kind of work that really inspires me.

What makes public art good art?

Good public art creates moments to stop, think and feel something unexpected. If people notice the work and feel something, good or bad, and proceed to think and talk about it, thats when you know a public artwork is successful (i.e., not only if people like it).

Picker visiting Mesteo/Mustang", by Luis Jimnez, at Denver International Airport.

Courtesy of Brendan Picker

What are some of your favorite and least favorite examples of public art?

I love Nicholas GalaninsShadow on the Land in Sydney. And Truth Be Told, by Nick Cave, at the Brooklyn Museum. Both pieces use art as a vehicle for commentary on and critique of current socio-political events and issues. And locally, Ive always loved "Mesteo/Mustang," by Luis Jimnez, at Denver International Airport. Its so full of energy, and really embodies the West for me. Plus, according to my own criteria, its probably one of our most successful artworks in the public-art collection. Its certainly either loved or hated, which is not a bad thing.

Denver (or Colorado), love it or leave it? What keeps you here or makes you want to leave?

Love it. I know its clich, but I love being close to the mountains and the sky. After growing up in New Mexico, those things are important to me. I love the citys (and states) vibrant and diverse art and music scenes. And generally, the folks Ive had the honor of working with have been smart and passionate about what they do, but also laid-back and not pretentious about it. Lastly, I met the love of my life, Kevin Daly, here. How could I leave?

Courtesy of Brendan Picker

What's the one thing Denver (or Colorado) could do to help the arts?

Im actually really proud of all the support Denver and Colorado were able to offer artists during this pandemic in the short term with artist relief grants. In the long term, however, we need to provide more affordable artist housing and studio space. I think offering subsidized housing options to artists could go a long way in furthering arts and culture in the city and beyond. This is crucial. Im also interested in how a 1 percent for art ordinance for private development (i.e., not just city construction projects) might increase opportunities for artists. Several other cities in the country have such an ordinance; maybe its time Denver pursues one?

Who is your favorite Colorado Creative?

Leah Brenner Clack is a powerhouse and has worked tirelessly to push for more grassroots arts programs and opportunities in Boulder. My colleague at Denver Arts & Venues, Lisa Gedgaudas, is another powerhouse. The work she has done for the Create Denver program and especially music advancement in the city and beyond is so inspiring. Also, David Moke is always a true collaborator and innovator. Lastly, a big shoutout to all the public art and museum volunteers and docents across the state. These folks share their time and knowledge to make art more accessible for all.

Portal Brujeria, by Jasmine Dillavou, at the Storeroom until March 30. Up in April: Moe Gram and her Every Human!" display.

Courtesy of Brendan Picker

What's on your agenda now and in the coming year?

Managing about fifteen different public-art projects, in all different phases of the process, from writing RFQs(requests for qualifications) to guiding the selection and approval process and helping the artist realize the project on the ground. I also plan on continuing to curate about four exhibits a year at the Storeroom, a storefront window for art installations next to the Vine Street Pub. I am also on the board of the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art and am serving on the Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion Task Force. Finally, my agenda includes camping trips, travel, attending art exhibits and live music shows. Well see what the future holds (fingers crossed!).

Courtesy of Brendan Picker

Who do you think will (or should) get noticed in the local arts community in the coming year?

There are so many amazing artists (its impossible to list them all!) in and around Denver right now, and thankfully, a lot of them are getting noticed, including Adri Norris, the Museum for Black Girls, Frankie Toan, Moe Gram, Kalindi DeFrancis, Steven Frost, Raafi Rivero, Tya Alisa Anthony, Esther Hernandez, Brian Corrigan and I really want to see PlatteForum get some recognition for the incredible work that comes out of their youth and artist-in-residency programs. Getting our young people involved in art and social activism is always a worthy endeavor!

Follow Denver Public Art on its website, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

Keep Westword Free... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we would like to keep it that way. Offering our readers free access to incisive coverage of local news, food and culture. Producing stories on everything from political scandals to the hottest new bands, with gutsy reporting, stylish writing, and staffers who've won everything from the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi feature-writing award to the Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism. But with local journalism's existence under siege and advertising revenue setbacks having a larger impact, it is important now more than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. You can help by participating in our "I Support" membership program, allowing us to keep covering Denver with no paywalls.

Susan Froyd started writing for Westword as the "Thrills" editor in 1992 and never quite left the fold. These days she still freelances for the paper in addition to walking her dogs, enjoying cheap ethnic food and reading voraciously. Sometimes she writes poetry.

Read the rest here:
Brendan Picker of Denver Public Art and the Storeroom on Curating in Denver - Westword

Two casinos in the Inland Empire are hiring for hundreds of positions in the months ahead.

In Highland, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is looking to fill 500 jobs at San Manuel Casino as part of a $550 million expansion that will add more than 2,000 full-time employees this year.

Some 35 miles away in Cabazon, the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa is hiring dozens of workers to man food and beverage operations.

Casinos, many of which are open, have adopted new technology in the COVID-19 pandemic with additions made to protect employees and clientele. Thermal cameras can scan patrons temperatures or run facial recognition to identify customers or employees. Antiviral coatings can be applied to touchscreens to minimize contact with biohazards.

The San Manuel Casino will hold a virtual hiring fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb 18 where job seekers can visit with hiring managers, book on-the-spot interviews and browse a collection of videos to learn more about the casino.

Those interested in attending the online job fair should go to careerexpo.sanmanuel.com to be assigned an interview time based on availability.

Phase one of the resorts upgrades will feature an expanded gaming space, a 24-hour restaurant and a high-end dining venue, as well as new retail shops. The second phase will include 429 luxury rooms and suites, premium dining venues, an elevated pool and spa, new retail spaces and an event venue.

San Manuel broke ground on its expansion more than two years ago and has already completed some elements of the project, including multiple new high-limit rooms, an expanded gift shop and a six-story parking structure.

A variety of openings are available in cage operations, human resources, information technology, slots, security and table games, among other areas.

Unlike many other casinos, San Manuel offers dealers a table-for-table tip structure that allows them to keep the tips they earn on that table.

The casino reopened in June after being closed for months during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.

The venue has implemented a number of safeguards aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Masks must be worn by all workers and guests. Other measures include social distancing, frequent hand washing, proper ventilation, routine sanitizing of hard surfaces and health and safety communication with guests and employees.

The casino generates more than $1 billion in annual revenue for California.

The Morongo Casino Resort & Spa will hold a job fair from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 in the Morongo Grand Ballroom at 49020 Seminole Drive in Cabazon.

Available positions include assistant servers, bakers, beverage porters, cashiers, cooks, dishwashers, food runners, hosts, liquor control clerks, pastry cooks and food and beverage supervisors.

Job applicants are asked to complete an online application at morongocasinoresort.com/employment.before attending the event.

Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance for full-time employees and dependents, and life insurance options for full and part-time team workers. Additional benefits include a 401(k) plan, vacation tie, jury duty pay, paid meal breaks and free meals.

Employees are also entitled to discounts at Morongo restaurants and various enterprises, including Sage Spa, Canyon Lanes Bowling and the Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon.

The casino, owned by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, reopened in May after being closed because of COVID-19 mandates. Guests must wear a face covering to enter and keep it on while in the casino.

Health screenings will be conducted upon entry and those with a temperature of 100.4F or above will not be allowed to enter.

As one of the largest employers in Riverside County, Morongo provides thousands of local jobs and generates nearly $3 billion in annual economic activity.

Read more:
San Manuel, Morongo casinos to fill hundreds of positions at upcoming hiring fairs - The Whittier Daily News

With three weeks left in Black History Month, there is still plenty of dedicated programming to be found on television and the streaming services that spotlight Black stories and highlight issues of particular relevance to the community.

ABC Owned Television Stations

The eight stations (in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno) will each air local premium content for Black History Month.

ABC7/WABC-NY New York, No. 1 in the nation for 17 straight years, has a near-daily slate of programming on such subjects including medical mistrust (Feb. 9), Black pandemic frontline workers (Feb. 11), a gospel salute (Feb. 14), next-gen activists (Feb. 18) and women (Feb. 28). The channels Here and Now, the longest-running African American public affairs show, is also featuring virtual Black History Month events from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Meanwhile, ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles is doing profiles on the African American Board Leadership Institute, the L.A. chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, the California African American Museum and Paul Revere Williams, the first licensed Black architect in California.

And the television groups lifestyle network Localish will premiere hyperlocal stories touting Black culture, such as a spotlight on L.A.s oldest Black-owned businesses, in addition to reposting and promoting long-form and short-form content across its platforms.

Amazon

Regina Kings One Night in Miami, Steve McQueens film anthology series Small Axe, Stacey Abrams documentary All In: The Fight for Democracy and period romance Sylvies Love are all streaming now alongside Amazon originals from previous years including the second season of Homecoming (starring Janelle Monae) and the Donald Glover/Rihanna trip Guava Island.

Amazons free streaming service, IMDb TV, is also making available originals such as Top Class: The Life and Times of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers, which follows the team stocked with some of the nations most elite high school basketball players (among them Bronny James, Shy Odom and Zaire Wade).

ESPN

Back in January on MLK Day, the Worldwide Leader in Sports launched the Black History Always initiative to declare its commitment to Black stories beyond one month a year. Powered by the companys The Undefeated, which explores the intersections of sports, race and culture, highlights of the initiative across ABC and ESPNs platforms include:

The Undefeated Presents: A Room of our Own: ESPN will air the hourlong special, about the relationship Black athletes have to music, on Feb. 28, followed by a repeat airing on ABC on March 7. An EP featuring some of the sounds from the special, Music For the Movement/Black History Always, will be released Feb. 26 on Hollywood Records.

First Take: Every Wednesday in February, the morning debate show will showcase a different HBCU each week, with students lobbing hot take subjects at panelists Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman. Smiths own alma mater, Winston-State, was first on the hot seat Feb. 3, and it will be followed by Howard (Feb. 10), Morehouse (Feb. 17) and Jackson State (Feb. 24).

SC Featured: On Feb. 28, SportsCenters longform storytelling brand will air Black Diamond, a segment about the 1973 formation of the National Brotherhood of Skiers, whose goal is to place a member on the U.S. Olympic team. Michigan teenager Flyin Brian Rice is their most promising prospect yet.

Fox

Fox has curated a week-by-week playlist of content to binge on its free streaming service, Tubi. Highlights include documentaries such as I Am Not Your Negro and Believe: The Barack Obama Story and movies from Spike Lees Get On the Bus to Tyler Perrys Daddys Little Girls.

HBO Max

The streaming service has launched a Black History is Our History spotlight page showcasing a range of content across genres and for all ages from HBOs library. Highlights (as categorized by HBO Max) include:

Our Past (docs, biopics and original films): 4 Little Girls, Amistad, Being Serena, Bessie, Between the World and Me, Black Art: The Absence of Light, Harriet, Just Mercy, Ray, Red Tails, Roots, Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, True Justice: Bryan Stevensons Fight for Equality

Our Joy (classic comedy series, films and stand-up specials): A Black Lady Sketch Show, Chris Rock: Bigger and Blacker, Dave Chappelle: Killing Them Softly, Insecure, Key & Peele, Lil Rel Howery: Live in Crenshaw, Love and Basketball, Love Jones, Purple Rain, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (and its reunion), The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, The Photograph, Yvonne Orji: Momma, I Made It!

Our Future (groundbreaking series and films): 2 Dope Queens, Above the Rim, Beasts of the Southern Wild, David Makes Man, Euphoria, Flight, He Got Game, Industry, I May Destroy You, Lovecraft Country, Native Son, New Jack City, Queen and Slim, Random Acts of Flyness, The Color Purple, The Last King of Scotland, The Little Things, True Detective, Watchmen

Our Imagination (animation): Black Dynamite, gen:LOCK, Laser Wolf, Static Shock, Steven Universe, Teen Titans, The Boondocks, Todd McFarlanes Spawn, Vixen, Young Justice

NBCUniversal

The entertainment networks have selected History Made. History in the Making. as its theme for this years Black History Month, creating a collection of original content, on-air spots, vignettes, interstitials and bumpers. Highlights include:

NBC: Each week, the network will air a new installment from its Candid Conversations about Representation series featuring interviews with its stable of talent, including Sterling K. Brown and Susan Kelechi Watson (This is Us), Dwayne Johnson (Young Rock), Chris Redd (Saturday Night Live), Akbar Gbajabiamila (American Ninja Warrior), Miranda Rae Mayo (Chicago Fire) and Jocko Sims (New Amsterdam).

Syfy: In partnership with content creation platform Tongal, the cable network has tapped six Black animators and filmmakersBrannick Green, Jeremy Protails Kowsloleea, Sky Shields, Eric Stine, Leonardo Viotti/2P and Adante Wattsto create video shorts that will air on Syfy and be promoted on its website and social media accounts throughout the month.

In addition, the news groups plans include the Changemakers series, which includes town halls, feature stories, digital profiles and interviews across multiple programs all month:

Today: Led by Craig Melvin, Al Roker and Sheinelle Jones, the morning show will take deep dives on such topics as 2020 (Feb. 11), faith (Feb. 15) and the Detroit Underground Railroad (Feb. 22)

Nightly News: The Lester Holt-anchored program will interview such icons as athlete-activists John Carlos and Nneka Ogwumike, ballerinas Misty Copeland and Erica Lall and astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison (and aspiring scientist Taylor Denise Richardson).

CNBC: The financial news network is borrowing its entertainment sisters theme to air reports on the racial wealth gap, with anchor Shepard Smith exploring Black-owned businesses, race and policing and diversity in healthcare. In addition, popular reality franchises The Profit, Shark Tank and Undercover Boss will air marathons featuring Black business owners and entrepreneurs all month.

Peacock: The streamer is also getting into the action with segments about people and issues relevant to the Black community on its news programs such as The Choice, Zerlina. and The Mehdi Hasan Show, along with Black Changemakers docs and highlights in the daily Trending section.

Samsung TV Plus

The ad-supported Smart TV video service offers more than 160 free channels, many of which are celebrating Black History Month:

Maverick Black Cinema has more than 900 features from Black filmmakers across a variety of genres, including action, thriller, comedy, inspiration, romance and horror.

Vevo will air 72-hour music video marathons spotlighting iconic artists.

Whistle TV is offering two documentaries about two iconic athletes: Muhammad Ali: Fighting Spirit and Tiger Woods: Back.

Revry will air the documentary short I Cant Breathe, about the Los Angeles protests following George Floyds murder.

PlayersTV will air the documentary feature Olympic Pride, American Prejudice, about the 17 forgotten Black U.S. Olympians who competed alongside Jesse Owens in the 1936 Berlin Games.

Cheddar will produce a special edition of All Hands called Race Toward Inclusion, spotlighting the highs and lows of race and business.

IGN will host a charity livestream on Feb. 19 featuring gaming and conversation on the history and progress in the video game industry.

MovieSphere is a classic movie channel that this month will feature Madeas Tough Love.

Spectrum

Throughout the month, the cable provider is rolling out special On Demand categories, including Black Musicians (Dreamgirls, Hustle & Flow, Mo Better Blues), Black Heroes (MLK/FBI, Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am, 12 Years a Slave), Social Cinema (Fruitvale Station, A Raisin in the Sun, Lee Daniels The Butler) and Black Comedians (specials and movies from Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish).

theGrio

Byron Allens digital news communitys Black History Amplified content includes the relaunch of podcasts Dear Culture and Whats In It For Us? with Black History Month-themed episodes, as well as video series Heres the Deal with April Ryan (featuring the political analyst and White House correspondent) and How Hollywood Highlights Our History, which reports on Black creators and the impact of media narratives on the Black community.

Xfinity

The Comcast-owned channel has launched Black Experience on Xfinity, a content destination curated by the African American Film Critics Association available to all Xfinity customers at no additional cost. In addition to films and TV series that have been recognized by the AAFCA, Black Experience will also combine programming from across Xfinitys roster of networks, streaming video and music providers including TVOne, Cleo, AspireTV, REVOLT, Afro, KweliTV, The Africa Channel, BET, Bet Her, Impact, Up Faith & Family and OWN. Classic movies that are part of the collection include Pursuit of Happyness, Jumping the Broom, Poetic Justice, Two Can Play That Game, Death at a Funeral and Guess Who. Whats more, the Black Experience will continue to receive additions from new Black content creators even after Black History Month draws to a close.

YouTube

On Feb. 26, YouTube Originals will premiere the special Black Renaissance, a showcase of Black artists, creators and storytellers across dance, music, fashion, photography, literature and more, featuring Barack and Michelle Obama, Jason Reynolds, Killer Mike, Desus and Mero, Jemele Hill, Shantell Martin and Tobe Nwigwe. Created in partnership with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Howard University Graduate Film Program and NAL Media, the special will feature vignettes by young Howard film grads Raafi Rivero and Naomi Merlan. Black Renaissance is the latest special from the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund, which also presented last falls HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me on the Yard.

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Black History Month Programming Available on TV and Streaming - Hollywood Reporter