Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Big Bear's Lodge Podge brings arts, crafts people together - Spectrum News 1


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BIG BEAR, Calif. — Big Bear already got its first snow of the season, and that is good news for Joanne Norton, who counts on the seasonal ski crowd for her handcrafted jewelry business called Deep Forest Designs.
Norton is just one of a handful of local artists/craftspeople at Lodge Podge, which was conceived as a one-stop shop for buying arts, crafts and antiques. It's also a hub for artists to support each other.
"Last year was grim for most people," Norton said. "And even in Big Bear when we were super busy, there wasn't a lot of shopping going on. There were a lot of stores that weren't open."
Norton has been making handcrafted jewelry for 34 years, but COVID and its variants like omicron can destabilize small businesses like hers. Norton says Lodge Podge, which opened earlier this year, with its collective approach of having many artists under one roof, might help weather these economic uncertainties.
"This has been an absolute godsend for me and for so many other artists," Norton said. "We're like one large family. You know, it's like, 'All for one, and one for all!'"
Dawn E. Hartmeister is the owner of Lodge Podge and Rotary Club president. Given the ebb and flow of the pandemic, he was not sure if it was a good idea to start a new business venture that depends so heavily on tourist traffic.
"We lost so many stores, so it seemed against the grain to start something new," Hartmeister said. "Then again, it was needed."  
But so far, omicron does not seem to be keeping visitors away. Hartmeister said business is good, and with another snowfall expected to attract even more skiers, the Lodge Podge family is buckling up for the holiday rush.
"It's really going to just take off and then those weeks between Christmas and New Year's. That's the season," Hartmeister said.
But how will the omicron variant impact seasonal sales? Norton said Big Bear is all about being outdoors in nature, and for many coming here will be an escape from the pandemic. He predicts that will translate to solid sales numbers.
"People are shopping like crazy," Norton said. "It's a godsend for us who had a really, really rough year."

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Zinnia Care 101: How to Grow Zinnias in a Home Garden - Bob Vila

By Amber Guetebier | Published Jul 21, 2022 9:52 AM
Photo: istockphoto.com
When it comes to pops of color in the garden bed, few flowers rival a hardy zinnia. Zinnias grow in a variety of colors and heights and love living in containers, making them the go-to summer annual for centuries.
Luckily, zinnia care is easier than you may think, and—with minimal effort—you will be rewarded with striking, long-lasting blooms that also make excellent cut flowers. This guide has the answers to questions you may have about how to grow zinnias.
RELATED: 15 Essentials for Beginner Plant Parents: What Every New Plant Owner Needs
Common Name: Zinnia
Scientific Name: Zinnia elegans, Zinnia spp.
Hardiness Zone: Annual in USDA zones 2 through 8, perennial in zones 9 through 11
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil; pH 5.5 to 7.5
Light: Full sun
Water: Regular water
Food: Fertilize throughout the growing season
Propagation: Seed
Safety: Nontoxic
Photo: istockphoto.com
Most gardeners are familiar with the attractive annual zinnia variety Zinnia elegans. It’s easy to sprout from seed and grows prolifically in pots and garden beds alike. Hybrid colors range from snow white to pale green to delicate salmon; in fact, there are hybrids of Z. elegans in nearly every color of the rainbow! A stunning addition to any wildflower garden or window box, this species also comes in an array of flower forms, including single, semi-double, double, dahlia, globe, cactus, and even scabiosa, with the lattermost form named for its resemblance to the pincushion flower.
Other annual zinnia varieties are the compact Zinnia angustifolia and Z. haageana, or Mexican zinnia. The latter includes the Royal Horticultural Society’s award-winning cultivar ‘Aztec Orange’, which features gorgeous bright-orange double flowers. Another is Z. marylandica, a cross between Z. angustifolia and Z. elegans that is particularly mildew-tolerant, while Z. peruviana is native to the U.S. Southwest down through Argentina and sometimes called Z. pauciflora.
Perennial zinnia varieties include Zinnia grandiflora, otherwise referred to as prairie or Rocky Mountain zinnia, and Z. acerosa, also called desert zinnia. This low grower is native to the Rocky Mountains and Mexico and tolerant of colder winters in USDA zones 4 through 9. Meanwhile, Z. acerosa is native to Arizona, Texas, and Mexico. It is a ground cover with beautiful white flowers with yellow or sometimes purple florets at its center. These two native zinnias also attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators in great numbers.
RELATED: Grow This, Not That: 12 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants
Photo: istockphoto.com
Zinnias are low-maintenance ground covers once established and capable of providing months of dynamic color to garden beds and pots. Plant several varieties together to get big splashes of color in your zinnia garden with little effort.
Plant zinnias in the spring once the danger of frost has passed and daytime temperatures reach at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In areas with warmer springs, sow seeds directly in the ground. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the expected last frost date.
With a couple of exceptions, most zinnias are annual plants. Many are native to Mexico and the Southwest, so these flowers love heat. Plant them in a sunny spot in the garden where they’ll get at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. In areas with very hot summers, zinnias can tolerate partial sun. In areas with cool summers or fog, choose the sunniest possible spot, and avoid overhead watering of your growing zinnias to prevent powdery mildew formation.
Zinnias can tolerate a variety of soil conditions and heat once established, but give them the best possible start.
If starting from seed indoors:
If planting starts purchased at a nursery: Follow steps 5 through 7 above. Try to not disturb the roots of any native zinnias when transplanting new plants.
If sowing zinnia seeds directly in the ground:
Zinnias grow very well in containers, as long as they are regularly watered and do not become too rootbound. Be sure to use a potting mix—not heavy garden soil—to ensure adequate drainage. Look for smaller containers for Thumbelina zinnias.
RELATED: 25 Plants That Survive With or Without You
Photo: istockphoto.com
Although zinnias aren’t fussy overall, they are prone to powdery mildew, so water them with care. Soak the soil, not the plant. Give them regular water, watered at the soil level, and avoid overhead watering that gets leaves, stems, and flowers wet to avoid powdery mildew or sunburn. Also avoid overwatering zinnias, which can lead to wilting and rot. Note that native perennial varieties are extremely drought-tolerant once established.
Annual zinnias are considered heavy feeders. Give them plant food throughout the growing season; an all-purpose garden fertilizer works well, such as a 10-10-10. Apply it according to the directions on the fertilizer. Container plants may require more frequent fertilization. Consider fertilizing zinnias with a water-soluble plant food, but never apply it to dry soil.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Zinnia flowers tend to last for weeks, and sometimes for months at a time. Deadhead zinnia flowers when they start to look faded, and handpick damaged leaves. Native zinnias (Z. acerosa and Z. grandiflora) reseed and spread, so they only require shearing of faded leaves to reappear in late spring.
RELATED: 14 Old-Fashioned Flowers That Still Look Great in Today’s Home Gardens
Zinnias can be propagated from seed and grown directly in the ground or indoors 4 to 6 weeks before planting. They are relatively easy to grow from seed, and you can gather seeds from faded flowers if you like. Just beware that many varieties will not bloom true to seed, so to ensure their exact color and appearance, you are better off buying a new seed packet of that variety each year.
Propagating a zinnia from a stem cutting is more like a clone of the plant, but it requires some work. Choose a stem that is not flowering but has several sets of leaves, making a diagonal cut just below the lowest set. Then, remove the lower leaves and submerge the stem in warm water out of direct sunlight. Regularly change the water, and expect roots in about a week. Plant the rooted stem in a container filled with sterile potting mix or directly in the ground.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Zinnias are nontoxic to cats, dogs, and horses, as well as humans. Pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, adore them.
Zinnias are prone to powdery mildew. To help prevent this, water only at the soil level and avoid getting leaves and stems wet. Do not water zinnias from overhead, and thin them as needed to give them air circulation. Occasionally, zinnias can be prone to leaf spot.
Overall, zinnias are resistant to many pests and diseases, but aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites will prey upon plants that may be stressed and under-watered during the hottest weather. Pay attention to watering on hot days to help prevent this stress. Hosing these pests off is usually enough to deter them. Zinnias are also deer- and rabbit-resistant.
Looking for more colorful flowers for garden beds and containers? Check out our guides on growing dahlia, hibiscus, and milkweed.
Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Copyright © 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved.

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Monday, November 21, 2022

Global Smart Lock Market Report 2022: Featuring Assa Abloy, DormaKaba Holding, Samsung Electronics, Fortune Brands & More - GlobeNewswire

| Source: Research and Markets Research and Markets
Dublin, IRELAND
Dublin, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Smart Lock Market, Size, Forecast 2022-2027, Industry Trends, Growth, Insight, Impact of COVID-19, Opportunity Company Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Global Smart Lock Market will be US$ 5.80 Billion by 2027. Today's world is an innovative world we live in, and smart technology significantly contributes to it. For decades, the world has been advancing towards automation, boosting the smart lock industry. With time, technological advancement has led to smart access to everyday objects through the Internet, solving daily life problems and bringing ease. Remarkably, the proposed development of the smart lock has network connectivity, devised to perform locking and unlocking functions on a door when it receives a signal to send and receive data.

The Growing Market for Smart Locks Is Projected to Expand with A CAGR of 16.7% During 2021-2027:

Over the years, people have adopted smart lock systems with advanced security features embedded in their smart homes and consider it a value-added service for a better quality of living. Hence, the demand for smart locks has increased significantly in developed regions globally. In addition, the increasing use of smartphones and other smart devices are also propelling the smart lock market growth. Remarkably, the above factors further encourage electronic lock vendors to innovate their locking solutions, accelerating the development of the smart lock industry.

Backed by Rising Adoption in Residential Applications Deadbolt Segment Market Continues to Grow:

In our report, based on the type, the market is divided into the deadbolt, lever handles, padlock, and others. The deadbolt segment is anticipated to cover the enormous smart lock market share due to the rising demand for smart locks across residential buildings. Nevertheless, owing to the increasing integration of connectivity technologies such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, and others, the other components, such as lever handles and padlock, are set to grow substantially during the forecast period.

Extending Adoption of Face, Iris, and Fingerprint Recognition Fosters Growth of Biometric Door Locks Segment:

The market is classified into pin code, biometric, and RFID cards based on the product. The biometric door locks segment is envisioned to capture a significant share in the industry. The market evolution is attributable to the rising adoption of biometric applications such as face recognition, palm recognition, iris recognition, and fingerprint recognition. The pin code and RFID card segments are predicted to exhibit a substantial growth rate due to the rising enactment of Wi-Fi connecting technology.

Increasing Investment by Start-ups to Launch Bluetooth-enabled Locks Drives the Segment:

The market is categorized as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth based on the connecting technology. The increasing investment by start-ups launching door locks enabled with Bluetooth technology is expected to hold the maximum share for the Bluetooth segment. Moreover, the Wi-Fi segment is projected to keep progressing with considerable growth owing to the rising adoption of cloud-based home automation applications across residential buildings rate during the forecast period.

The Residential Market Cusps for a Major Shift for Smart Locks as Technology Gains Traction:

The smart lock market is divided into residential, hospitality, enterprise, critical infrastructures, and others based on the application. Electronic access control was once the sole preserve of commercial buildings. Besides, now smart locks are quickly found a niche in hospitality. Moreover, it's rare to find large hospitalities that still use mechanical keys. In addition, electronic access control has also become a fixture in critical infrastructures blocks, though typically only at main entrances with intercom systems. As per our analysis, the residential segment is expected to hold the largest share during the projected period.

Type - Market has been covered from 4 viewpoints:
Product Type - Market has been covered from 3 viewpoints:
Technology - Market has been covered from 3 viewpoints:
Application - Market has been covered from 5 viewpoints:
Regions - Market has been covered from 4 viewpoints:
Company Insights:
Company Analysis:
Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction

2. Research & Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Dynamics

5. Global Smart Lock Market

6. Market Share - Global Smart Lock Market

7. Type - Global Smart Lock Market

8. Product Type - Global Smart Lock Market

9. Technology - Global Smart Lock Market

10. Application - Global Smart Lock Market

11. Regions - Global Smart Lock Market

12. Merger & Acquisitions

13. Porters Five Forces

14. Company Analysis

Companies Mentioned
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xswz16
Attachment

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HP Victus 16-e0010ca Gaming Laptop Review - CGMagazine

I have been pretty happy with my choice of laptop over the last little while. I have one that does everything I need it to do, and it does it in style. This is where the HP Victus 16-e0010ca comes into play. Coming in at a full $1000 less than my current daily-driver, I wanted to make sure that this gaming laptop could still live up to the task of running some of my favourite games without issue.
The HP Victus 16-e0010ca is a very nice-looking laptop. It arrived in a beautiful dark blue colour that HP calls Performance Blue, and a reflective chrome Victus emblem on the lid. The smooth, untextured finish on the whole of the laptop, save for the speakers, felt great under my fingers. The 16.1” display has a fair-sized frame around the edge, so not quite bezel-free as I would have enjoyed. The trackpad is about as big as I expected for a device of this size. It is very responsive, and I found myself accidentally clicking it too many times to count while typing.
The Victus 16-e0010ca is a hefty machine, weighing in at very nearly 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). Transportation of the laptop in the long term could end up being very cumbersome for those of us that need to take their device on the go. You’d be better served leaving it at home on the desk, if only to save your back/shoulder from carrying it around. Combined with being 2.35 cm in thickness (over a full inch) makes the HP Victus 16-e0010ca tough to slide into a bag on the go.
The size of the bezel on the device is due to the built-in webcam. I am so used to not having one and I enjoy the extra screen space that it affords. Having a webcam built in can be useful, especially if you’re going to be doing a lot of webcam-oriented things and don’t want to use a detachable option. The webcam itself is your standard 720p HD camera and has dual-integrated microphones to pick up your audio.
The screen on the HP Victus 16-e0010ca is a 1920×1080, IPS anti-glare display with a brightness rating of 250 nits. A laptop at the price point that this one is at is not going to have a 4K display and I wouldn’t expect it to. Unfortunately, the colours did not seem any more vivid or vibrant than any other display I have seen. The best thing I found about the screen was the 178-degree viewing angle, meaning I could set up a movie on Netflix while folding and putting away the laundry and not miss a scene.
The internal components of a gaming laptop are the important parts and HP has given the Victus 16-e0010ca an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor, along with 8 GB of DDR4 RAM (2 x 4 GB cards), a 512 GB SSD, and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU (4 GB DDR6). For a “budget” gaming laptop, these specs aren’t too bad, actually.
I was able to test both Fortnite and New World on the HP Victus 16-e0010ca, and the performance was pretty good. I experienced drops in framerate in the expected places (in the highly populated towns in New World especially, but that’s normal) and both games ran at around 60 fps consistently otherwise.
There is one thing about the Victus 16-e0010ca that I absolutely did not like, and that is the keyboard. This laptop features a full keyboard including the number pad on the right. I found myself making so many more errors in typing and finding keys than I normally would. The keys themselves felt too easy to press and close together. Many times, I would reread a passage to find that I had added extra letters to most of the words simply because I hit them in addition to the intended key.
My absolute favourite thing about the HP Victus 16-e0010ca, however, are the speakers. HP has once again included the amazing HP Dual Speakers with HP Audio Boost. They were custom tuned by the amazing team at Bang & Olufsen, and they sound great. Two speakers on the underside of the laptop pointing outward, and one on the top above the keyboard allows the sound to be presented to the listener in a way that doesn’t get muffled by the surrounding components. 
In terms of ports available, there’s a considerable selection included with the HP Victus 16-e0010ca. You get 3 SuperSpeed USB-A ports, a SuperSpeed USB-C, an HDMI 2.1 port, an RJ-45 Ethernet port, and a multiformat SD card-reader. In addition, the laptop has a Wi-Fi 6 compatible card inside and Bluetooth 5.2 as well. Lots to be happy about there, especially for the SD card reader if you employ those cards in your camera.
Like most gaming laptops, I had an issue with the battery life with the HP Victus 16-e0010ca. In the couple of hours it took me to write this review, having a few tabs open in my Chrome browser and nothing else, I experienced a significant amount of battery level loss (close to 50%). HP claims that the battery can last for up to 10 and a half hours, but I never saw anything close to that, even under minimal use.
What I will say as a positive is how fast the battery charges. There were multiple times during testing that I was able to get close to 50% battery charge from around 30 minutes of charging time. So not much time is needed if you want to get a decent charge from the battery before needing it. With a gigantic 200 W charging cable though, you may want to consider charging the whole battery before lugging that thing around.
As what I would consider a budget gaming laptop, the Victus 16-e0010ca performed admirably given the hardware it has to offer. There are certainly better options out there, but if you want to have a decently large screen, the capability to play games like Fortnite and Minecraft, and get some work done, the Victus 16-e0010caa is a good option, given its $1249.99 price tag.
CGMagazine is a convergance of cutlure and media, looking at gaming, film, tabletop, and technology. With features, reviews, articles and news, CGM is here to keep you informed and in the know on everything new and exciting. 
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