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NEW YORK , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Hub (SRJ Hub) at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH) launched the newest iteration of the civil society-led Global 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence campaign. For more than 30 years, feminist activists and movements around the world have used the 16 days between the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women ( November 25 ) and Human Rights Day ( December 10 ) to advocate for an end to gender-based violence. With the help of the SRJ Hub, the campaign now will transition into a year-round initiative, reflecting the 365-days-a-year efforts of feminist activists to shift norms, secure accountability, and transform power structures that oppress women, girls, and gender-diverse people. The 2024 campaign responds to requests from grassroots organizers who asked for more flexible and diverse campaign messages, illustrations, and resources. Their perspectives are complemented by insights from the campaign's Advisory Council composed of scholars and organizers with deep experience in gender, economic, racial, reproductive, and environmental justice. Bodily autonomy, the 2024 campaign theme, makes visible the ways different causes and manifestations of gender-based violence are linked. By avoiding a uniform, standardized approach, the campaign will enable local partners to adapt materials according to their unique needs, prioritizing authenticity and safety in local activism. "Women's and feminist gender justice organizations and movements have always been at the forefront of the push for bodily autonomy, and now more than ever we need to support the efforts of grassroots organizers who know what works in their contexts," said CUNY SPH Senior Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs Terry McGovern . "The campaign materials will allow organizers to mix and match sample images and messages or use their own." The SRJ Hub continues to encourage funders to support the requests of grassroots organizers for multi-year, trust-based core funding that advances their efforts to promote bodily autonomy and end gender-based violence. This includes support for local events and strategic resources or organizers in restrictive environments. Addressing Urgent Global Trends A confluence of global trends threaten previously enshrined protections and push equality farther out of reach for far too many women, girls, and gender-diverse people across the globe. These include femicide and restrictions on abortion access; exclusion and marginalization of LGBTQI+ people; growing gender inequality as debt crises, austerity measures, and corruption crowd out social expenditures; conflict and occupation enabled by disregard for international law; increasingly frequent and devastating climate crises; and failure to fully engage with patriarchal practices driving the popularity of anti-gender movements. Bodily Autonomy Theme Connects Movements At a time when equality remains out of reach for far too many women, girls, and gender-diverse people across the globe and many previously enshrined protections are being rolled back, the 2024 campaign theme will amplify the efforts of feminist grassroots groups to resist and counter the impacts of gender-based violence by framing bodily autonomy as a fundamental human right. The campaign defines bodily autonomy as the freedom to express every thought, feeling, need, and desire through our bodies, each uniquely shaping who we are . "Too often campaigns focus on suffering and victimization," said SRJ Hub consultant Oriana López Uribe, who led the campaign strategy design process. "We want people to imagine what life could be like if everyone had the power and right to make choices about our physical selves, and to feel empathy and solidarity with others who want the same thing." This approach is reflected in the campaign's principles, which emphasize positivity, bravery, and collective care for all: Grassroots organizers who reviewed and contributed to the sample messages told us, "I like the different levels of messaging, the intentional counter-messaging for some of the more dominant narratives, and some really simple questions that can lead to rich conversations. Many messages were a refreshing change from NGO comms which I appreciate," and "I appreciate the nuances in the design of the framework and in the messaging. It has been a long time since I encountered those layers in a global campaign. And I love that the messaging is evoking emotions and not dictating policy solutions. I think this is a tactic that progressive movements have abandoned and that anti-rights groups are good at." The campaign is on Instagram, 'X' and TikTok as @365toEndGBV and c ampaign materials are available for download after submitting individual or collective information in this form . The campaign materials include sample templates, illustrations, and messages in Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian, as well as tips for designing campaigns and activities, and examples from other campaigns. The SRJ Hub plans to update and expand materials throughout the year based on user feedback. Media contact: Clarisa Bencomo Clarisa.Bencomo@sph.cuny.edu 917-702-0998 About the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Hub In 2024, the City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH) began hosting the Global 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence campaign following the closure of its founding host, the Center for Women's Global Leadership at Rutgers University . The campaign is housed at the Sexual & Reproductive Justice Hub (SRJ Hub) at CUNY SPH, which coordinates solutions-oriented scholarship, training, and advocacy, centering the lived experiences of women of color and funding their and other marginalized people's work. Our work is informed by our experience as part of the United States' largest, oldest, and most diverse urban public university system, with faculty, staff, and students connected to communities and populations around the world. Origin of the Global 16 Days Campaign The Global Campaign was launched in 1991 at the first Women's Global Leadership Institute held by the Center for Global Women's Leadership (CGWL), with the goal of raising awareness of GBV as a human rights violation. From the beginning, the Campaign brought together a diverse group of activists and researchers working at all levels from grassroots to international, and united in their belief that ending GBV requires local and global work to change the norms and systems that drive GBV in all its manifestations. Under CGWL's stewardship the Global Campaign gained traction in more than 187 countries, with participation from over 6,000 organizations and a reach of over 300 million. It played a pivotal role in gaining recognition of GBV as a human rights violation in the 1993 Vienna Declaration and Program of Action and the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action . Early campaign themes addressed health impacts of GBV, cultural drivers, racism, sexism, and militarism, among others. More recent campaign themes have included femicide (2021-2022), violence against women working in the informal economy (2020), and violence and harassment in the world of work (2018 – 2019). The latter included advocacy in support of the adoption of the historic International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 190 , concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work (2019). In August 2022 , CGWL sadly closed its doors after 31 years of collaborative and transformative global work. The 16 Days Campaign is now housed at CUNY SPH, ensuring that the important work of CGWL will continue going forward. About CUNY SPH The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH) is committed to promoting and sustaining healthier populations in New York City and around the world through excellence in education, research, and service in public health and by advocating for sound policy and practice to advance social justice and improve health outcomes for all. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/16to365-new-resources-for-year-round-activism-to-end-gender-based-violence-and-strengthen-bodily-autonomy-for-all-302314570.html SOURCE CUNY SPHAP News Summary at 4:27 p.m. EST
Carvana CVNA has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 7.82% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 21.53%. Currently, Carvana has a market capitalization of $32.25 billion. Buying $1000 In CVNA: If an investor had bought $1000 of CVNA stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,629.95 today based on a price of $250.95 for CVNA at the time of writing. Carvana's Performance Over Last 5 Years Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.'Huge opportunity' ahead for this ASX 200 healthcare stock
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NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes got back to climbing on Wednesday after the latest update on inflation appeared to clear the way for more help for the economy from the Federal Reserve . The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to break its first two-day losing streak in nearly a month and finished just short of its all-time high. Big Tech stocks led the way, which drove the Nasdaq composite up 1.8% to top the 20,000 level for the first time. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, meanwhile, lagged the market with a dip of 99 points, or 0.2%. Stocks got a boost as expectations built that Wednesday’s inflation data will allow the Fed to deliver another cut to interest rates at its meeting next week. Traders are betting on a nearly 99% probability of that, according to data from CME Group, up from 89% a day before. If they’re correct, it would be a third straight cut by the Fed after it began lowering rates in September from a two-decade high. It’s hoping to support a slowing job market after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower rates would give a boost to the economy and to prices for investments, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. “The data have given the Fed the ‘all clear’ for next week, and today’s inflation data keep a January cut in active discussion,” according to Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Expectations for a series of cuts to rates by the Fed have been one of the main reasons the S&P 500 has set an all-time high 57 times this year , with the latest coming last week. The biggest boosts for the index on Wednesday came from Nvidia and other Big Tech stocks. Their massive growth has made them Wall Street’s biggest stars for years, though other kinds of stocks have recently been catching up somewhat amid hopes for the broader U.S. economy. Tesla jumped 5.9% to finish above $420 at $424.77. It’s a level that Elon Musk made famous in a 2018 tweet when he said he had secured funding to take Tesla private at $420 per share . Stitch Fix soared 44.3% after the company that sends clothes to your door reported a smaller loss for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It also gave financial forecasts for the current quarter that were better than expected, including for revenue. GE Vernova rallied 5% for one of the biggest gains in the S&P 500. The energy company that spun out of General Electric said it would pay a 25 cent dividend every three months, and it approved a plan to send up to another $6 billion to its shareholders by buying back its own stock. On the losing end of Wall Street, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment tumbled 20.1% after reporting a worse loss for the latest quarter than expected. It also said CEO Chris Morris has resigned, and the board has been working with an executive-search firm for the last few months to find its next permanent leader. Albertsons fell 1.5% after filing a lawsuit against Kroger, saying it didn’t do enough for their proposed $24.6 billion merger agreement to win regulatory clearance. Albertsons said it’s seeking billions of dollars in damages from Kroger, whose stock rose 1%. A day earlier, judges in separate cases in Oregon and Washington nixed the supermarket giants’ merger. The grocers contended a combination could have helped them compete with big retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon, but critics said it would hurt competition. After terminating the merger agreement with Kroger, Albertsons said it plans to boost its dividend 25% and increased the size of its program to buy back its own stock. Macy’s slipped 0.8% after cutting some of its financial forecasts for the full year of 2024, including for how much profit it expects to make off each $1 of revenue. All told, the S&P 500 rose 49.28 points to 6,084.19. The Dow dipped 99.27 to 44,148.56, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 347.65 to 20,034.89. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.27% from 4.23% late Tuesday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, edged up to 4.15% from 4.14%. In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was an outlier and slipped 0.8% as Chinese leaders convened an annual planning meeting in Beijing that is expected to set economic policies and growth targets for the coming year. South Korea’s Kospi rose 1%, up for a second straight day as it climbs back following last week’s political turmoil where its president briefly declared martial law. AP Writers Matt Ott and Zimo Zhong contributed.The Guisborough Army Cadets launched a GoFundMe page after their facility was left in disarray - and it has raised four times its initial target. The break-in, which occurred between the evening of Tuesday, December 2 and the late afternoon of Friday, December 6, has devastated the detachment, a vital hub for local cadets. Thieves made off with essential IT and electrical equipment, including a laptop, hard drive, an office TV, along with the Naafi stock and various kitchen goods. The most upsetting part for the community was the theft of food donations collected for veterans, a community effort that the cadets had initiated. The organisation has now created a GoFundMe page set up for the Guisborough Town Army Cadets to help recuperate the costs and items that were stolen. Lesley Hakin, who set up the GoFundMe page, said: "The detachment has been left in a really bad state. "The Army Cadets is a great organisation and our children benefit from the skills and opportunities they learn from the volunteers and instructors. "Let's turn this bad situation into something good." The Army Cadets program provides invaluable life skills and opportunities for young people through the dedication of volunteers and instructors. Now, with vital resources gone, the community is rallying to restore what has been lost. The GoFundMe page has now raised over four times its initial target of £500 with the value now sitting at £2,500. Cleveland Police have launched an investigation into the burglary, appealing for any information that might help identify the perpetrators. Officers are reviewing evidence and seeking doorbell, dashcam, or private CCTV footage from the Park Lane area in Guisborough. Scene of Crime Officers have visited the facility, and detectives are following up on leads. Police urge anyone with information to contact them on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 230588. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or through their website, www.crimestoppers-uk.org. For more updates or to contribute to the campaign, visit the official GoFundMe page .
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WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Christopher Wray told the bureau workforce Wednesday that he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden's term in January, an announcement that came a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump said he would nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the job. Wray said at a town hall meeting that he would be stepping down "after weeks of careful thought," three years short of the completion of a 10-year term marked by high-profile and politically charged investigations, including that led to two separate indictments of Trump last year. Wray's intended resignation is not unexpected considering that Trump had settled on Patel to be director and had repeatedly aired his ire at Wray, including in a television interview broadcast Sunday. By stepping down rather than waiting to be fired, Wray is trying to avert a collision with the new Trump administration that he said would have further entangled the FBI "deeper into the fray." "My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you're doing on behalf of the American people every day," Wray told agency employees. "In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work." Wray was put in the job by Trump and began the 10-year term — a length meant to insulate the agency from the political influence of changing administrations — in 2017, after Trump fired then-FBI Director James Comey amid an investigation into ties between Russia and the Republican president's campaign. Trump had telegraphed his anger with Wray on multiple occasions. Trump said in the recent interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that "I can't say I'm thrilled with him. He invaded my home," a reference to the FBI search of his Florida property, Mar-a-Lago, two years ago for classified documents from Trump's first term as president. But the soft-spoken director rarely seemed to go out of his way to publicly confront the White House. In fact, Wray was quick to distance himself and his leadership team from the FBI's Russia investigation. On the same day of a harshly critical inspector general report on that inquiry, Wray announced more than 40 corrective actions to the FBI's process for applying for warrants for secret national security surveillance. He said mistakes made during the Russia inquiry were unacceptable and he helped tighten controls for investigations into candidates for federal office. FBI officials actively trumpeted those changes to make clear that Wray's leadership had ushered in a different era at the bureau. Even then, though, Wray's criticism of the investigation was occasionally measured — he did not agree, for instance, with Trump's characterization of it as a "witch hunt" — and there were other instances, particularly in response to specific questions, when he memorably broke with the White House. Last December, he said that there was "no indication" that Ukraine had interfered in the 2016 election, countering a frequent talking point at the time from Trump. When the Trump White House blessed the declassification of materials related to the surveillance of a former Trump campaign aide, Wray made known his displeasure. Wray angered Trump for saying that antifa was a movement and an ideology but not an organization. Trump had said he would like to designate the group as a terrorist organization. Wray described in detail Russian efforts to interfere in the 2020 election that Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden, even though Trump and senior officials in his administration, including his attorney general and national security adviser, maintained that China was the more assertive threat. Wray also said the FBI had not seen evidence of widespread voter fraud, a claim that Trump repeatedly pushed. Before being named FBI director, Wray worked at a prestigious law firm, King & Spalding, where he represented former Gov. Chris Christie, R-N.J., during the "Bridgegate" affair. He also led the Justice Department's criminal division for a period during President George W. Bush's administration.Stock market today: Wall Street gets back to climbing, and the Nasdaq tops 20,000MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold tossed aside his stoic demeanor for a moment after realizing he was on the videoboard, aggressively twirling a towel to further stoke the crowd's fire after the Minnesota Vikings had pulled away from Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons late in the game. “I just felt the buzz. That was pure passion, pure joy, man,” Darnold said.
By MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Maine Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday as he pushed to win enough votes for confirmation. He said he will not back down after allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. Related Articles National Politics | Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell. It’ll be a first for him National Politics | The Trump and Biden teams insist they’re working hand in glove on foreign crises National Politics | ‘You don’t know what’s next.’ International students scramble ahead of Trump inauguration National Politics | Trump is threatening to raise tariffs again. Here’s how China plans to fight back National Politics | Trump won’t be able to save the struggling US beef industry Collins said after the hourlong meeting that she questioned Hegseth about the allegations amid reports of drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. She said she had a “good, substantive” discussion with Hegseth and “covered a wide range of topics,” including sexual assault in the military, Ukraine and NATO. But she said she would wait until a hearing, and notably a background check, to make a decision. “I asked virtually every question under the sun,” Collins told reporters as she left her office after the meeting. “I pressed him both on his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him, so I don’t think there was anything that we did not cover.” The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks. She and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow moderate Republican, did not shy from opposing Trump in his first term when they wanted to do so and sometimes supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for the judicial and executive branches. And Hegseth, an infantry combat veteran and former “Fox & Friends” weekend host, is working to gain as many votes as he can as some senators have expressed concerns about his personal history and lack of management experience. “I’m certainly not going to assume anything about where the senator stands,” Hegseth said as he left Collins’ office. “This is a process that we respect and appreciate. And we hope, in time, overall, when we get through that committee and to the floor that we can earn her support.” Hegseth met with Murkowski on Tuesday. He has also been meeting repeatedly with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran who has said she is a survivor of sexual assault and has spent time in the Senate working on improving how attacks are reported and prosecuted within the ranks. On Monday, Ernst said after a meeting with him that he had committed to selecting a senior official to prioritize those goals. Republicans will have a 53-49 majority next year, meaning Trump cannot lose more than three votes on any of his nominees. It is so far unclear whether Hegseth will have enough support, but Trump has stepped up his pressure on senators in the last week. “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform last week.
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A deal with independents will require Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to back Wexford TD Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle next week. Formal talks between the two main parties and the nine TDs forming the Regional Group are to begin next week, but they are expecting support for Ms Murphy who is their nomination for the powerful position of Ceann Comhairle. Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry urged the leaders of both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to back Ms Murphy. “Her nomination marks a significant milestone in the political landscape and will further reflect the necessity for inclusivity and diversity in Dáil Éireann,” a spokesperson for the group said. The Wexford TD would be the first woman to hold the powerful position, if elected by secret ballot when the Dáil returns next Wednesday. Mr Lowry is to lead the early engagement between the Regional Group and the two main parties, with the Tipperary TD to meet with both Fianna Fáil’s Jack Chambers and Fine Gael’s Helen McEntee early next week. Following this, it is expected that the Regional Group will formally appoint negotiators. Soc Dems may continue talks Meanwhile, the Social Democrats are set to decide before the end of the week whether or not to continue with government formation talks . Senior members of the Social Democrats met with both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste at Government Buildings yesterday evening, with deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan describing the meetings as having a “good level of engagement”. Mr O’Callaghan said that he would be updating the Social Democrats parliamentary party today, before any decision is made on whether to continue negotiations. “There could be further engagement after tomorrow,” Mr O’Callaghan said. There were “detailed discussions” on issues around climate, housing, childcare, healthcare, and disability, Mr O’Callaghan said. There was “some interest” in the party’s red line on having a standalone senior minister for disabilities, and it wasn’t “rejected outright”, he said. Mr O’Callaghan said the most challenging discussion was around climate — with the party having called for a revised climate action plan during the election campaign. Mr O’Callaghan said: Probably the most challenging area in terms of discussions we’ve had so far was in terms of climate, but there’s challenges in other areas as well. In a statement following their meeting, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said he was “grateful” to have sat down with the Social Democrats to discuss policy. “I look forward to hearing from them in the coming days,” he said. While these early talks took place with the Social Democrats, negotiators from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil held their first full day of talks yesterday. A joint statement from the two parties said they had a “positive and constructive initial discussion on the future programme for government”. The statement added: Both parties will continue to engage on issues over the coming days. It comes as neither Micheál Martin nor Simon Harris would set out who would become taoiseach first when a new government is formed. Mr Harris said that he would not speculate, while Mr Martin said that he would respect the talks between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
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Scientology Expands Its Impact in Santo André, the Industrial Heart of São PauloDemocracy in action with bid to target YoonGood looking out. It can sometimes be hard to see those tiny home problems that are hiding in plain sight. Whether it’s a hidden leaking faucet or a broken detector, there are tons of small problems around your house that are super easy to fix. But, let’s leave it to the experts. Handymen say these are the most common, hidden home problems you don’t realize you have — and how to fix them. 01 Problem: You aren't catching leaks around the house “One thing that I think could get more attention from homeowners is the detection of early signs of leaks or water damage,” says Shu Saito, CEO and founder at All Filters LLC . “Small leaks around plumbing fixtures or under sinks can easily go undetected yet create mold growth, structural damage, and increase your water bills in very short order.” One way to protect your interior is to lay this super absorbent water sock in front of places that let water in. The garage door, basements, the sliding patio door, and even big windows can be problematic and difficult to seal. And they are great to have on hand in case of sudden leaks from pipes or water heaters. They quickly grab any water before it causes a problem. This is a pack of six. 02 Problem: There are small leaks around your plumbing fixtures “As for small-scale prevention,” says Saito, “I also recommend installation of waterproof mats or liners beneath sinks and around appliances like washing machines. These inexpensive solutions can catch leaks early and protect your floors from water damage.” If an appliance leaks or a pipe bursts, you can set these in the water and they will soak it up quickly. You can wring them out and keep using them until the problem is contained and then dry them and keep them for future disasters. This is a pack of five. 03 Problem: You have a non-working CO2 detector “Other commonly overlooked areas include ensuring that detectors — such as those for carbon monoxide and smoke — are working correctly,” says Saito. “Regular testing of these potentially life-saving systems can help avoid the worst of disasters, but somehow they often fall through the cracks when it comes to home maintenance.” Not all smoke alarms catch carbon monoxide leaks. If yours don’t, plug this carbon monoxide detector into an outlet. It will let you to the indoor humidity and temperature of your space and will alert you — visually and audibly — if your home has worrisome levels of this noxious gas. 04 Problem: You have a non-working smoke detector If your smoke alarms are old or inadequate, upgrade to this smoke and carbon monoxide detector that looks for any problematic fumes in your home. It has a 10-year sealed lithium battery so you never have to change the batteries or be woken by a low-battery alarm. Replace the entire unit in 10 years. It’s easy to mount, can withstand high temperatures, and is corrosion-resistant. 05 Problem: You're heating your home unevenly “A smart thermostat can make a huge difference,” says Saito. This Google Nest thermostat lets you change the temperature with a turn of the dial or from your phone or by telling your smart home system to do it. It will automatically turn the heat or AC off when you leave the house and allows you to create a schedule that makes efficient use of your heating budget. “Although these upgrades might be minor,” says Saiuto, “they add much value to your house and can save you from highly expensive repairs, while at the same time offering a healthier living space.” 06 Problem: Mold is building up “Mold and air leaks [are] probably two of the most common hidden issues,” says Saito. “Mold tends to grow in damp, poorly ventilated areas — such as a basement — or sometimes behind walls when leaks haven't been noticed.” A good dehumidifier pulls the moisture out of the air so the mold won’t thrive. This large room version sits in a corner keeping the humidity within a range you set. It has a large tank or can be set to empty into a drain for continuous operation. It comes in five sizes. 07 Problem: Air is leaking through your windows “On the other hand, leaky windows and doors can drive up energy costs silently by allowing conditioned air to escape and outdoor air to seep in,” says Saito. “To this end, I would recommend frequent home inspections, sealing any gaps around windows and doors, and installing dehumidifiers in damp areas.” Keep this weather sealing tape on hand so you can quickly stop a window draft when you discover it. It’s easy to apply, easy to remove, and offers a terrific seal against wind, rain, or escaping heat and AC. 08 Problem: Air is leaking through your doors If the draft is in your door frame, use this weatherstripping seal to stop that. Tape it around the door frame so the door seals tightly and it will stop your expensive warm or cold air from escaping. It will also make your home quieter and prevent sound from escaping into apartment hallways. And it gets bonus points for keeping bugs out. It comes in two colors. 09 Problem: Your attic isn't insulated “One preventive home upgrade I'd love to see more homeowners consider is improved attic insulation and ventilation,” says David Shepherd, owner of Reliable Roofing Restoration . “Proper insulation not only helps with energy efficiency but also extends the life of your roofing by reducing internal temperature swings that can cause premature wear. Thoroughly addressing these areas can stave off moisture issues, which often lead to the dreaded mold growth or compromised structural integrity.” Insulating can be as easy as installing this foam core radiant barrier to the ceilings and exterior walls of the attic. This comes in a bunch of different lengths and widths, so you can find the perfect one for your space. 10 Problem: Water is pooling near your foundation In keeping with Shepherd’s advice, a downspout extender for your gutter is a smart idea. Directing water away from the bottom of your gutter is a smart way to prevent any water damage from happening to the foundation of your house. This popular downspout extender can be put underneath any gutter (or moved depending on your needs), and looks like it’s made of gray stone. It’s nearly 22 inches in length to redirect water away from your foundation. 11 Problem: Leaves are clogging your gutters in the fall “Neglected gutters can lead to water pooling and severe foundational issues,” says Shepherd. “I recommend considering a gutter guard,” he says, which helps “to reduce the frequency of maintenance and ensure water flows freely to the designated drainage areas.” These mesh gutter guards are polypropylene so they are easy to work with, durable, and rust-resistant. They will keep dirt and leaves out of your gutters for years. 12 Problem: You don't routinely clean your gutters “Many homeowners overlook the significance of routine gutter cleanings and ensuring the gutter system is correctly directing water away from the home,” says Shepherd. This chore is easy to add to your to-do list but easier to accomplish if you own this telescoping gutter cleaning wand that attaches to a hose and reaches up to 70 inches so you can clean out those gutters without climbing a ladder or braving the roof. 13 Problem: Your crawl space is poorly ventilated Aaron Lipman, owner of Two Brothers Foundation Repair , reiterates what many handymen have shared for this article: “Poor ventilation in crawl spaces is a silent issue that can lead to excess moisture, mold, and even wood rot. This often goes unnoticed until it causes significant damage.” He says, “I recommend homeowners check for musty smells or dampness under their home. Installing a vapor barrier or dehumidifier can prevent moisture buildup and extend the life of the foundation and flooring above.” This vapor barrier is easy to lay down in your crawl space and will prevent leaks from pipes or moisture from the ground from getting into your home. This comes in four different size and thickness combinations, so you can choose the perfect one for your needs. 14 Problem: Your home is missing preventative sensors Lipman also shares, “Water leak detectors are fantastic for preventing expensive repairs. These small devices can be placed under sinks, near water heaters, or in crawl spaces, and they alert you as soon as they detect moisture. I have seen cases where a simple detector prevented a minor leak from turning into a major flooring or foundation issue.” This smart water sensor is a great purchase, and comes with a sensor and a plug-in receiver that connects it to your Wi-Fi. You can set up notifications to your phone in case of any leaks, but this sensor also emits a 100-decibel alarm, so you’ll be sure to hear it. 15 Problem: You're waisting money on electricity “For preventative upgrades, installing LED lighting throughout the home is a small but impactful change,” says Tyler Tranni, owner of Tranni Home Remodeling . “LEDs consume less energy and last longer, reducing both electricity bills and maintenance needs,” he says. These LED light bulbs are also smart, which make them a hugely cool upgrade for your home. Not only will you be saving energy (and thus money), but these can be adjusted using an app on your phone to display one of 16 million color options. This is a pack of four. 16 Problem: Your pipes are getting clogged Tranni says, “Clogged drains and pipes are another common issue. These can cause backups or even burst pipes if they’re not addressed.” Take a few preventative measures for keeping your drains clear. This drain catcher is popular and can fit into your standard-sized bathtub drain. (There is also a version for your kitchen or bathroom sink.) This easy-to-remove drain hair catcher will catch hair and debris from going down your pipes and clogging them. 17 Problem: Your HVAC filter is old “I also see a lot of HVAC systems that haven’t been maintained properly,” says Andriy Boyko, owner of A.O. Handy Inc . “Something as simple as changing the air filter regularly can make a big difference in how well your system works and how long it lasts.” Assess your HVAC and identify which filter will work for it. This Filtrete replacement filter comes in more than 15 different sizes to fit many units, and is designed to trap unwanted air particles from circulating in your air. Another piece of advice from Boyko? “It’s worth setting a reminder to check these areas regularly to avoid bigger headaches down the road.” 18 Problem: Moisture is building up behind walls “There are definitely a few sneaky problems that homeowners don’t always notice,” says Boyko. “Mold is a big one. It can grow in damp basements, behind walls, or under sinks, and by the time you spot it, it’s often spread further than you realize. If you notice a musty smell, it’s worth investigating right away.” This digital moisture meter is a nice gadget to have on hand, and makes it simple to test if moisture may be in your walls. This has two modes, one for drywall and one for wood, and can test and easily read out the moisture levels in walls, studs, drywall, and even floors. 19 Problem: Air is leaking through your attic “Another issue is air leaks, especially around windows, doors, and in the attic. These leaks aren’t always obvious, but they can make your HVAC system work harder and drive up your energy bills,” says Boyko. It’s always smart to put some insulation between your attic and the area of your home that you want heated and cooled. This insulation cover goes on the attic stairway, preventing air from leaking through your attic door. 20 Problem: There are small cracks in your foundation “Another common issue is foundation cracks,” says Boyko. “What starts as a small crack can quickly turn into a bigger, more expensive problem.” If you notice a crack in your foundation or basement, always contact a professional. But it can be helpful to have an on-demand solution to prevent any water from leaking into those cracks while you wait. This foundation and basement sealant is a popular choice — just clean and dry the surface, brush on this sealant, and let it dry. This formula also has a rubbery texture when it dries, which makes it flexible and easy to use. 21 Problem: Your water is draining slowly “Homeowners often ignore slow drains, which can escalate into full-blown pipe blockages, costing $500-$1,000 to fix,” says Josh Mitchell, an HVAC and plumbing technician with AirConditionerLab.com . When it comes to drains and pipes, prevention is the name of the game. Invest in a drain hair catcher like this one, which will prevent hair and debris from coming down your pipes. You’ll regret not having one when your pipes start to drain more slowly. 22 Problem: Your home is too humid “Mold thrives in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and attics,” says Mitchell. “It often grows unnoticed and can lead to health problems. Regularly inspect high-moisture areas and consider using a humidity monitor to keep levels below 60%.” In that regard, having a hygrometer nearby is a super smart idea. This hygrometer from Govee can be wall-mounted or stood on any surface, and easily reads both the humidity levels and temperature inside your space. You can even monitor the levels via a connected app on your phone. This is also a pack of three so you can disperse them throughout your house. 23 Problem: Your windows aren't sealed well “Drafty or poorly sealed windows increase energy bills by 25-30% annually,” says Mitchell. “Homeowners should check for cold drafts during winter or condensation between panes.” Check around your windows for any cold drafts that might be coming in. This window-sealing tape is great and can be trimmed to size to fit over the cracks in your windows. This features a strong rubber adhesive that adheres it to your window frame, blocking any cold air from coming through (or heat from getting out!). It comes in black, gray, and white, so you can match your woodwork. 24 Problem: Your basement is ripe for mold It may seem like an investment, but having a great dehumidifier that you can control from wherever you are is such a smart purchase. Chris Stevenson, professional roofer with 730 South Exteriors , says, “Another thing I see a lot of is hidden mold in basements, attics, or behind walls. These problems can develop in areas with high humidity or poor ventilation, and the signs aren’t always obvious.” This smart dehumidifier can pull up to 2 gallons of water from the air in your space before you have to empty the tank. It’s Energy Star efficient, and tracks both the humidity levels and temperature of your space, both easy to read from wherever you are via the associated app. Set your target humidity level for the space, and it will remove water from the air until you hit that level. 25 Problem: You haven't sealed around your chimney “Another product I recommend is roof sealant. It’s a great way to seal the areas around chimneys, vents, and skylights, where water often gets in,” says Stevenson. “These are small investments that make a big difference in keeping water where it’s supposed to be — outside.” This roof bonding sealant can be installed similarly to the way you might apply grout around your tub or toilet. You can use it around your chimneys, vents, gutters, or roof — the waterproof formula will prevent water from getting in or out of those areas. 26 Problem: Your HVAC ducts are clogged “Dirty or clogged ducts can severely affect airflow and indoor air quality,” says Allen Chennault, owner and founder of AC's Heating & Air LLC . “I recommend scheduling a professional duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort.” In between cleanings, keep an eye on the quality of your air via this air quality monitor . It will monitor particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide levels, and even the humidity and temperature of your space. Use the associated app to view your home’s air quality levels — you can even get multiple monitors to monitor multiple rooms in your home, all from the same app. If you notice a problem with your air quality, consider scheduling another duct cleaning. 27 Problem: Your detectors need batteries One simple problem you might have? “Most homeowners fail to change the batteries of the detectors or even check them which poses risks to the safety of the house,” says Chennault. For detectors and other home emergencies, this battery super value pack is such a good buy. It features 108 batteries, with a mixture of AA, AAA, C, D, and even 9-volt batteries. You’ll have them on hand the next time your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors run out of batteries. 28 Problem: Your battery stash is dead If you’re stocking up on back-up batteries so your detectors are always working, this battery organizer is also a great purchase. It can hold 45 AA, 25 AAA, four 9-volt, eight C, six D, and five flat batteries, so you can keep your entire battery stash here. But what really makes it great is that it comes with its own battery tester, so you can ensure the batteries that you do have around have plenty of juice for when you need them. 29 Problem: You need to snake your drain “Check the pipes for leaks. If a pipe clogs frequently, don’t keep pouring drano down it. Call a professional or buy a snake,” says Tom Monson, owner of Monson Lawn & Landscaping . This drain snake is a good one to have on hand when your pipes seem clogged. It comes with four 18-inch snakes, which each fit into the convenient handle. Rotate the handle and lower the snake into your drain. It’ll grab the hair or debris clogging your pipe, and can be disposed of afterward. It’s no wonder this basic home repair item is so popular. 30 Problem: You need a dehumidifier “Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize they may have hidden issues like mold growth, which can develop in damp, poorly ventilated areas such as basements or behind walls. To address mold, it's important to control humidity levels with dehumidifiers and address any leaks immediately, often with the help of a mold remediation specialist,” says Peter Duncanson, founder of ServiceMaster Restore , a home and business restoration services company. As a preventative measure to prevent having to call professionals, keeping a dehumidifier in your space is always smart. While larger more industrial dehumidifiers are smart purchases for big spaces like your basement or attic, you can also work to lower your humidity levels with a portable dehumidifer like this one. The benefit to having a lighter-weight model is that you can move it from room to room easily whenever you need. This can pull up to 35 ounces of water from your air, has a quiet mode to minimize noise, and has an automatic shut-off feature. Use this in tandem with your hygrometer to determine which rooms of your house are the most moist, and remove moisture before mold starts to grow. 31 Problem: Your weatherproofing is worn down “Another common problem is air leaks around windows and doors, which can lead to higher energy bills and discomfort,” says Duncanson. “For air leaks, homeowners should check seals on windows and doors, and consider caulking or replacing weatherstripping to improve energy efficiency and comfort. Regular inspections can help catch these issues before they become more serious.” Take a look at the weatherstripping on your doors and windows. If it’s been a minute since you last replaced them, there’s a good chance your doors and windows are leaking air in and out of your space. This adhesive weatherstripping can be cut to size, and easily sits inside the jamb of your doors and windows. 32 Problem: Water is gathering where it shouldn't Ryan Meagher, a contractor with BVM Contracting , recommends “installing leaf guards (to prevent accumulation of debris in the eavestroughs) in tandem with extending downspouts away from the home.” This leaf guard goes over the downspout to prevent leaves and debris from clogging your gutter. This pack of eight make it easy to ensure all of your gutters are protected. Meagher has one more piece of advice: “Bonus points if you make sure that your entire foundation has a positive slope away from your foundation to allow water to drain away from the home.” 33 Problem: You need a downspout extender on your gutter In keeping with Meagher’s advice, these extensions are easy to install and suitable for most standard-sized gutters. The spouts are made of a high-quality ABS plastic that is durable, while their pipes are made from a flexible PE material that won’t snap, break, or develop holes. They’ll extend your gutter drain anywhere from 21 to 68 inches long, so you can direct water far away from your foundation. 34 Problem: Your house isn't on a graded slope “If homeowners can ensure that the grading around their home is sloping away from the home (versus into the home) this will go a long way to preventing water infiltration into a basement or crawlspace,” says Meagher. “It is an easy fix too, all you have to do is buy some soil and install it against your home's foundation and slope it away from your home. It is a lot more cost-effective to do this versus waterproofing the foundation wall, so start with this measure then add waterproofing if needed.” This lawn soil is easy to lay down wherever you want to build your slope — and you can use the remainder to fill in any uneven spots in you backyard. 35 Problem: Water is getting into your house “I highly recommend specifically for water leaks, waterproof sealants and pipe insulation,” says Eduard Mirzoian, CEO of Restorerz . “Waterproof sealants, especially those designed for windows, doors, and roof flashing, provide an essential barrier against water infiltration.” While the waterproof roofing sealant earlier on this list can work for this, as well, this handheld silicone sealant is great for getting into small areas like around faucets, pipes, or in tight areas where you can’t get the leverage to use a bigger bottle. 36 Problem: Your pipes aren't insulated In keeping with Mirzoian’s advice to insulate your pipes, this foil insulation is easy to wrap around pipes. It features 10 millimeters of foil insulation that wraps around your non-insulated pipes. This wrap is 6 inches by 25 feet, so you’ll have plenty for any piping you want to insulate, and it can even be used for other purposes like insulating your attic, windows, or garage. 37 Problem: You don't have a fire extinguisher “I always tell homeowners that two things that are absolutely needed for safety are, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers,” says Mirzoian. This fire extinguisher is a great buy and can easily sit in your kitchen or garage in case an emergency strikes. This is a single fire extinguisher, but it also comes in a pack of two, four, and six extinguishers, if you need to outfit a bigger space. 38 Problem: Your house number is hard to spot “I'm a former firefighter, so this question takes me back to items that are not roof related,” says Jason Verbeke, operations manager at The Allard Roofing Company . He recommends “reflective mailbox numerics and oversized house numbers for easy notification.” This easy-to-install house number comes with built-in LED lights that have a dusk-to-dawn sensor. When the sun sets, the light will turn on, illuminating your house number for any emergency personnel (or friends and family), to easily find. 39 Problem: Your mailbox is hard to see in the dark Another great solution to your house number being hidden is to add a reflective number to your mailbox. These reflective numbers make it easy to see your house number, even in the dark. This comes with five sets of 2-inch long stickers of all 10 integers, so you can build your home number. Then adhere it to a visible part of your mailbox, and any emergency trucks or first responders will more easily be able to find your home at night. 40 Problem: You're not checking for leaks often enough Verbeke also advises, “Leaks are very rarely caught in the early stages, especially if hidden in a closet or room less frequented. Set up a monthly or even bi-weekly schedule to just walk your entire home and look up. Early detection could save you thousands in the end.” The best way to remember it is time for a dedicated walk through of your house is to write it down on a schedule. Note it on this whiteboard on your fridge or set a reminder on your phone, and you’ll be sure to remember to walk around and check for any potentially dangerous water leaks. Internet CultureThe has a problem. When the playoffs expanded to include a play-in game, making it so 20 of 30 teams make the postseason, the league had further de-emphasized the importance of its 82-game regular season. While the two months of NBA playoffs are some of the most dramatic must-watch TV of the year, it’s the six months of regular season live-event programming that is the league’s bread-and-butter when it comes to ticket sales and TV revenue. Last season, in an effort to create some in-season excitement, the league created an in-season tournament, the second edition of which was rebranded the Emirates NBA Cup and tipped off last week with group play before eight teams advance to the knockout round on December 10-17. The in-season tourney is, objectively, a meaningless competition. Each game still just counts as a regular season win or loss, and winning the Cup carries no competitive advantage to the winning team (although players advancing to the knock-out round earn bonuses ranging from $100,000 to $500,000). Is the NBA Cup a cheap gimmick or a worthy experiment? For an entertainment business, that evaluation will be left to its consumers to decide via the metrics of ticket sales, TV ratings, and online engagement. But the one aspect of the NBA Cup experiment that should have quickly been deemed a failure — and killed off like that grating character on your new favorite show before the start of Season 2 — is the specialty basketball courts designed in bold colors that scream, “YOU ARE NOT WATCHING A NORMAL GAME!” The problem with the NBA Cups’ colorful courts is not a question of style, taste, or some conservative need to cling to tradition. The NBA Cup was a business decision, and for the NBA, that means TV, having just signed a mind-boggling $76 billion deal with ESPN/ABC, NBCU, and Amazon Prime Video. At a time when those same studios are cutting content costs across the board, the NBA just received a 160 percent pay raise. And it’s from this perspective of the NBA as TV programming that the colorful courts are an objective failure, shattering basic Filmmaking 101 principles designed to make it so the audience can follow the action, the drama, and the characters. To understand just how wrongheaded the choice is to introduce these bold new colors, it’s worth analyzing why the boring old hardwood floor courts work so well. First off, it is boring — the floor isn’t the exciting part of the game, the 10 players battling on the 90-foot court are the show, while the 18,000 screaming fans supply the energy. The floor, which reflects light, and is intentionally constructed of a subtle mix of light and darker pieces of maple wood, increase visibility, so that the players and the ball stand out. This is production design 101: Certain backdrops, combined with lighting, make the stars stand out from their backdrop — creating a sense of depth so your eye is drawn to and can clearly delineate the action the director wants you to track. On Tuesday, the NBA had its first marquee matchup of the young season: The 15-0 Cleveland Cavaliers versus the reigning champs, the Boston Celtics. And because Cavs/Celtics was a Cup game, the Boston home court was green — you can take a look at the featured photo at the top of the page to get a full sense of the design. Over the last three seasons, even the most casual NBA fan has become familiar with the core cast of the Celtics team. Flip on the game, and one instantly recognizes the smooth reserve of Jayson Tatum, the explosiveness of Jaylen Brown, the lumbering 6’ 11” frame of crafty 38-year old veteran Al Horford, and so on. Except against the green colored court, even on my carefully calibrated 4K OLED TV, I struggled to tell who was who — the distinguishing features of the players, their faces, size, movement, style of play, skin color, haircuts, was lost against the sea of green. If the NBA was a TV show, and it is, the production designer would be fired. Movie stars would refuse to work with them, and they’d be out of the business. And I know what you are thinking: Equating Stephen Curry shooting a 3-pointer and is a false equivalent, and I’d agree. Movie stars like Jolie no longer drive box office, while Curry (even when his Warrior teams are mediocre) has consistently and significantly driven increased tickets sales and TV ratings. The NBA’s huge advantage over other sports is the intimacy and familiarity we have with its players. Compared to baseball and soccer, the NBA court is relatively small, and like we are up-close-and-personal. Compared to football and hockey, NBA players’ faces and bodies are not covered up with helmets and other protective equipment. Our familiarity with the players is not unlike that with movie stars. Each player not only possesses a distinct skill set, they have a style, a swagger, a rhythm, and a source of physical self-expression. Their personality, intelligence, relationship with teammates, friction with coaches, and determination are laid bare on the court. And most importantly, their true character as competitive athletes is revealed in the climactic fourth quarter of a close game. One of the defining moments of Michael Jordan’s career, and the NBA as dramatic television, was . Jordan had food poisoning. We were told by the announcers he was flu-stricken and might not play. When Jordan did appear, one look at his sunken face, his shuffling feet, and we all instantly related to what the best athlete in the world was going through — we had each been there ourselves, that 24-hours of not being able to hold down food or water and feeling like a wet dish rag. Jordan scored 38 points that game, and during timeouts leaned on teammates like a drunk using a wall to prop himself up. In the fourth quarter, as he willed the team to victory, what was revealed was not Jordan’s insane basketball skill and athleticism but an inner fortitude and competitive drive that defied our understanding of human capacity. What was revealed that day was how a dramatic human moment could be captured by the distinct storytelling art of the modern sports filmmaking of the NBA. Basketball is the perfect TV show. Modern camera technology and NASA-like equipment designed for professionals to smoothly move it places the viewer in the battle. An unappreciated craft is that of the sports directors who cut between angles in real time with incredible precision and storytelling instincts. Maybe the most infuriating thing about the colored Cup courts is it prevents these directors from cutting between angles. Why? Because the shots don’t match. It’s jarring to go from a high angle master shot of the game with the bright colored back drop, to a closer eye-level shot without it. “Gladiator II” opens this weekend, and ’s ability to do much the same thing with his capturing characters fighting to the death in the Roman Colosseum . A thought experiment for NBA executives: Can you image Sir Ridley changing the color of the Colosseum’s sand to fire-engine red to attract more viewers? Oklahoma City Thunder Turquoise? Celtic Kelly Green? This year, teams are making an effort to make color court choices that complement or contrast with their home jerseys, as if the NBA is now in the pink-green colorful world of “Wicked” — a cinematic world that took months of careful planning among set dressing, props, costumes, VFX, and lighting design, all of which required a level of precision and testing and control to execute (basically, the exact opposite of a 48-minute basketball game). The problem with the NBA taking this approach is, by definition, complementary colors make colors pop, and so while it might be more pleasing to the eye, it only heightens the emphasis and draws attention to the floor color itself. And by the way, there are five other players on the court wearing a different color jersey. Again, the advantage of the traditional blended maple wood floor is that regardless of uniform, shoe, skin, or hair color, or the orange basketball itself, it showcases and lifts what matters most. It’s the flexible and durable canvas for the multi-cultural, fashion-forward (flashy throwback jerseys! signature sneakers!), unpredictable drama of the NBA to be painted. And how an entertainment business that has gotten Hollywood to fork over tens of billions of dollars to show it on TV doesn’t recognize that is truly mind-blowing. Sign up for . For the latest news, follow us on , , and .