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Housing inventories drop as sales heat up
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsThe seesaw ride that is the U.S. housing market appears to have no end in sight. After dipping in September, home sales rebounded in October. At the same time, however, inventory levels fell to their lowest point in the year, causing prices to rise by their highest percentage increase in the year. With mortgage rates fluctuating and the winter months just around the corner, sales are likely to stagger in the final months of the year.
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Preventing antibiotic resistance in the workplace
Scott E. Rupp Facilities & GroundsFor facilities professionals, the findings of the new Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may have some relevant data for keeping workplaces healthy. Employee health is especially important, given that someone in the United States gets an antibiotic-resistant infection every 11 seconds. The report sets a new national baseline of infections and deaths from antibiotic-resistant germs, and it categorizes the top antibiotic-resistant threats based on the level of concern to human health: urgent, dangerous, or concerning.
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Strategies for surviving the next recession
Lloyd Princeton Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementWill we or won't we? The verdict is still out on whether the U.S. economy is headed into recession sometime next year. More worrisome at the moment is the number of other leading economies that are teetering on the brink of recession, such as Germany, Italy and, of late, Hong Kong. Growth is slowing in China and other BRIC countries. And who knows what impact Brexit will have on the European Union economies. Directly or indirectly, any of these eventualities could impede our industry. While there is no cause for alarm at the moment, it’s always wise to be prepared for any eventuality.
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How augmented reality will help the hospitality industry
Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementAugmented reality (AR) is being adopted as a tool to increase customer satisfaction and profitability across industries, including travel and hospitality. This fascinating technology superimposes useful data on top of the user's environment in real time. AR technology in hotels will transform the experience to one that aligns with the needs of the new generation of guests. Augmented reality smart glasses have hit the market, but for a regular hotel experience, guests can access AR through devices like tablets, smartphones, and headsets.
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Study: Airplanes have dirty, unsafe water
Scott E. Rupp Transportation Technology & AutomotiveA new study is telling us that airplanes are incredibly disgusting and that travelers need to avoid certain things at all costs. Most importantly, avoid onboard water, except that which is from a sealed water bottle. Don't wash your hands with it, and certainly don't drink it. That’s according to the 2019 Airline Water Study. Developed by DietDetective.com and the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center, the study tested the quality of water on 11 major airlines and 12 regional airlines.
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Award-winning Austin, Texas, dental practice sets a standard for innovation
Tammy Hinojos Oral & Dental HealthcareMassage chairs and a technology bar? It sounds like a sleek and modern hotel lounge, but it’s not. It's Toothbar, a new dental practice in a trendy area of downtown Austin, Texas, that recently won first place in the "new build" category in the inaugural Design Innovation Awards by the American Dental Association. The practice, which was built from the ground up by Dr. Lauren Jacobsen and Dr. Kimberley Barclay, was designed to appeal to young, professional Austinites.
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Remodelers lower expectations but anticipate growth
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsRemodeling activity in the third quarter eased slightly. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) stated its Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 55 (indicating modest growth) for the third quarter, the same reading as for the second quarter. Remodelers reported slight declines in client traffic and in demand for both major and minor additions or alterations. Nonetheless, remodelers remain optimistic that business will rebound in the fourth quarter and they will finish the year on a positive note. Less certain is what will happen next year.
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New Orleans’ new terminal puts it in the big leagues
Matt Falcus Transportation Technology & AutomotiveLouis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport took a major step forward on Nov. 6 when it opened its new passenger terminal following six years of construction. Built on the north side of the airport, the new terminal completely replaces the aging terminals on the south side of the runways, which were consistently the focus of poor passenger opinions and failed to live up to the expectations of a modern airport and famous global destination. Unlike the 50-year-old terminal it replaces, the new facility at New Orleans offers high ceilings, plenty of light and modern amenities.
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Fortress America: Why is the US still building gated communities?
Lucy Wallwork Construction & Building MaterialsGated communities go against most of what is currently in vogue in progressive urbanist thought. They turn their backs on an inclusive public realm, starving public streets of their vibrancy and withdraw a whole community from the theatre of our streets. But still, by the year 2009 almost 11 million people in the U.S. were reported to be living in gated communities. We might be familiar with super-elite gated communities, but gated communities now span the whole spectrum of housing across the U.S. So, what is driving this broader process of "residential fortification?"
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Palantir, BP develop concerning ‘data-drilling’ techniques
Michelle R. Matisons Science & TechnologyOne of the most recent developments in Big Tech involves news of "data drilling," as evidenced by a contract between CIA-adjacent data-mining company Palantir Technologies and BP (formerly British Petroleum). The wedding of an older industry like oil with data technology is big news for many trying to keep abreast of the climate effects of the international extraction economy as they relate to elections, foreign policy, and intelligence communities; operations. And, vice versa: data mining is moving into unchartered waters here, and more environmental accountability for the uber-wealthy tech sector is a pressing issue.
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