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Host Kevin O’Connor gets the story from author Susan Freinkel, who shares the historic importance of the Redwood of the East. We learn about the cutting-edge technology that scientist Bill Powell is using to bring it back from extinction. We also talk to Rex Mann, who grew up in Appalachia with the American Chestnut and researcher Sara Fitzsimmons who is overseeing an orchard of new growth trees. Subscribe and listen to Clearstory on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts....

How to Keep Your Basement from Flooding Wet Basement Solutions: How to Stop the Leaks From Coming

Balcony Design Ideas Cover the floor Plain concrete is hardly inviting. And it’s the most commonly used material for balcony floors. If your balcony floor begs for improvement, choose a covering that suits your style. Consider laying a tile to complement your indoor decor. Wooden tiles will give the space a more natural vibe. You might also want to layer with a rug or two. An artificial turf rug will make the area feel more like the outdoors....

15 Amazing Gingerbread Houses 1. Noah’s Edible Ark Barbara Evans of Edelstein, Illinois, and Mary Jo Dowling of Westford, Massachusetts, created their own spin on the classic gingerbread house when they crafted a sweet version of Noah’s Ark. They made the boat from gingerbread covered with a layer of fondant—a sugary dough that can be rolled into sheets and ribbons—and the animals from fondant and marzipan, hand painting each figure for realism....

Today that same gracious Colonial Revival is located in central Omaha’s Dundee–Happy Hollow neighborhood, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From the street, the house looks much as it did nearly 100 years ago, which was part of its appeal for current owners Brent and Emily Beller. “I grew up in a newer part of town,” Brent says. “What attracted me to Dundee was that it was developed in the early 1900s and the homes are all of the same lineage....

PVC Pipe Uses for Everyday Life: Collect leaves Cut and assemble PVC pipe into a frame, and then clamp a bag around the opening to hold it upright for filling with leaves, or on its side for use as a sort-of dustpan for your rake. Store anything Cap one end of a PVC pipe, fill it with nails, screws or other hardware. Cap the remaining side and add a label for a makeshift storage container....

Design Ideas for Small Backyards 1. Put down a new patio surface Start from the ground up and give your patio a boast-worthy new surface. Narrow down your options with our guide on picking the perfect patio stone. Or do what This Old House TV landscape contractor Roger Cook does and cover up an unsightly concrete slab with handsome deck tiles. 19 Beautiful DIY Backyard Projects 2. Build a small-space trellis Get a little greenery in your small space without sacrificing too much of the footprint by installing a trellis....

Now in its 21st season making visits across the United States, Ask This Old House features familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Jenn Nawada. Sarah Chasse serves as the Producer for the show, which in 2019 won “Outstanding Lifestyle Program” at the 46th Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards. Ask This Old House is produced by This Old House Ventures, LLC, and presented on PBS by WETA Washington, DC....

Homeowners: Molly and John and their young daughter General Contractor: Silva Brothers Construction Location: Manchester, MA Scope: John and Molly bought this home a year ago, after deciding they were ready to move out of the city. They love the historical details but dream of giving the house a “face-lift,” both inside and out, to remove some bad modifications from the 1970s and make it more comfortable for a modern family....

But when Roeshel, her husband, and their two daughters moved in, it sported bare drywall and grungy carpeting. Before: Old Bathroom Two years in, with a full redo out of the question, Roeshel decided to make the space “less embarrassing.” Refinishing everything from the plywood subfloor to the original sink fixtures with paint, she updated the bath over four weekends with a gray-and-brown palette and low-cost touches, such as a three-light vanity fixture....

Base Coding Kit This STEM kit teaches kids real coding while they build fun projects! Free software compatible with Windows, Mac, and Chromebook computers are included. Kit contains 12 electronic pieces, carrying case, and reference cards for dozens of different circuits. For ages 9 and up. Leather Tool Belt A scaled-down model of a “grown-up” belt, with two thick hammer loops for kid or adult-sized hammers. Gift set includes children’s belt and two blue carpenter pencils....

We spend one-third of our lives sleeping, and you should approach buying a new mattress similarly to buying a new home. When choosing a bed, seek one that provides a comfortable and restorative rest to wake up ready to seize the day. Your sleep patterns, lifestyle, and body type are all deciding factors when choosing the best mattress. We can guide you through understanding your sleep needs and comparing them to what a new mattress can offer....

Top Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms First Alert Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector [Check Price] Available in a one- or three-pack, this First Alert detector offers two-in-one protection with its included smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring. The battery-operated device includes a mutable low-battery signal and an easy-access door that lets you replace its batteries without taking it down. In addition to its simple design, the smoke and carbon monoxide detector has a seven-year limited warranty and an end-of-life chirp that signals the need for a replacement....

Shown: Homeowners John and Molly look on as daughter Caroline, 4, takes a spin around the new breakfast room, where natural light pours through banks of custom arched windows. Wall covering: Galbraith and Paul’s Lotus, in aqua. Wall covering installation: Greg Booth, GJB Pro Wallcovering, Arlington, MA. Chandelier: Graham Globe on London, in brass; Juliska. Table: Barbara in maple; Circle Furniture. Trim color: White Dove, Benjamin Moore Rock solid While the current homeowners loved the rocky ledge surrounding the house, to make way for the new garage, some of it had to go....