Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy (2019 - 2023) | 43 Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy Annexes
Greater Cambridge Strategy Annexes Pages Annex 1 Action Plan 2-8 Annex 2 Links to Strategies and Plans 9-12 Annex 3 Key Statistics 13-17 Annex 4 Changes to National Housing Policy 18-23 Annex 5 Summary of requirements for development of new homes 24-35 Annex 6 Homelessness and Rough Sleeping 36-40 Annex 7 Resources 41 Annex 8 Glossary 42-47
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 1– ACTION PLAN 2 Greater Cambridge Strategy 2019-2023 – Action Plan (Year 1) (NB: Actions for year 2 onwards to be agreed during year 1 implementation) Priority No.
No. Actions Comments/Progress Completion by Lead P.1 1. Develop a joint Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to supplement housing requirements for current Local Plans. Working group to be established to progress following adoption of Housing Strategy. Project plan to be agreed. To be informed by results of Housing Strategy consultation.
April 2020 Planning Policy Housing Strategy (City & SCDC) P.1 2. Work together to deliver a joint Greater Cambridge Local Plan. To be informed by results of Housing Strategy consultation Submit by April 2022 Planning Policy P.1 3. Establish the number of new homes required as part of the development of the joint Greater Cambridge Local Plan. Will need to develop a specification of requirements in line with new national methodology, working in collaboration with the Combined Authority. Autumn 2019 Planning Policy Housing Strategy (through the Cambridge Sub Regional Housing Group) P.1 4. Assess the housing requirements of groups with specific housing needs in relation to disability.
County Council Research Group in process of modelling. Work to feed into the assessment of overall need. Autumn 2019 Housing Strategy (through the Cambridge Sub Regional Housing Group) P.1 5. Analyse and use results of Southern Fringe new community survey and focus groups to inform the design, planning and development of and support to new communities.
Joint working with Cambridgeshire County Council Research Team. Results of survey and focus group meetings for Cambridge Southern Fringe due March 2019. Lessons learnt to be shared through various forums, eg. Housing Board, Planning Policy Forum, and used to inform Housing SPD & s106 negotiations Analysis completed July 2019 Use ongoing. Housing Strategy (City) P.1 6. Work in partnership with Cambridge University Hospitals to undertake an assessment of housing need for their workforce Contact made with No.6 Developments (consultant working for CuH) to progress assessment Initial research Autumn 2019 Housing Strategy (City & SCDC)
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 1– ACTION PLAN 3 Priority No. No. Actions Comments/Progress Completion by Lead P.1 7. Assess whether further research around housing needs of essential workers is required with a wider range of businesses Part of wider work to identify housing needs of the local workforce Assessment by April 2020. Any further work research tbc Housing Strategy (City & SCDC) P.1 8. SCDC to consider proposals by the Wellcome Trust for both employment and housing that supports their economic growth ambitions and housing needs of their workforce Initial pre app discussions underway Spring 2019 Development Control Housing Strategy (SCDC) P.1 9.
SCDC to deliver at least 200 council homes over the next 5 years Funding to be secured through sale of self build plots and through new borrowing arrangements. Quarterly updates reported as part of Corporate Business Plan April 2023 (start on site) Head of Housing Development (New Build) – SCDC P.1 10. Cambridge City Council to deliver at least 500 new council homes funded through the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority devolution deal Funding secured through the devolution deal of £70m. Local Lettings Plans to be developed to promote mixed and sustainable communities on larger sites.
April 2022 (start on site) Housing Development Agency P.1 11. SCDC to review what we mean by ‘affordable housing’ with a focus on ‘affordable living’ SCDC to explore options for alternative models, such as London Living Rent. To inform the next Joint Local Plan in terms of lower living costs relating to location (transport expenses) and energy costs (energy efficiency). March 2020 Housing Strategy (SCDC)
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 1– ACTION PLAN 4 Priority No. No. Actions Comments/Progress Completion by Lead P.1 12. SCDC to explore opportunities for direct commissioning of land through local authority investment, joint ventures, etc. Investment partnerships with third party developers to deliver new homes included in Medium Term Financial Strategy. To establish framework for potential partners through invitation to tender. Framework in place by July 2019 Housing Innovations Delivery P.1 13. SCDC to explore the potential for a retirement village Through Issues and Options for developing the Joint Local Plan Responses received from Housing Strategy consultation were mixed on this issue.
April 2020 Planning Policy Housing Strategy (SCDC) P.1 14. SCDC to work to identify a site or sites for Gypsy and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Through Issues and Options for developing the Joint Local Plan. April 2020 Planning Policy Housing Strategy (SCDC) Environmental Health (SCDC) P.1 15. SCDC to review how it works with Parish Councils in terms of new developments Joint Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) for Greater Cambridge out to consultation. This will give parish councils, neighbourhood forums residents, businesses and other groups the opportunity to have a say in how they want to be involved in guiding development.
To be adopted Summer 2019 Planning Policy
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 1– ACTION PLAN 5 Priority No. No. Actions Comments/Progress Completion by Lead P.1 16. SCDC to consider the appropriate use of Local Lettings Plans, especially in terms of local village connection. Local Lettings Plans already included for exception site schemes and on larger strategic sites Further consideration to be given as part of the development of the Housing Supplementary Planning Document relating to local needs. April 2020 Housing Strategy (SCDC) P.2 17.
Carry out further research to identify need and demand for purpose-built private rented sector housing(PRS) Research to be commissioned. Assessment of need from CuH will feed into this.
Work with relevant groups, such as. Cambridge Ahead for evidence base April 2020 Housing Strategy (City & SCDC) Planning Policy P.2 18. Develop a set of local requirements to inform development of PRS schemes that are appropriate to the area. To be developed as part of the Housing SPD April 2020 Planning Policy Housing Strategy (City & SCDC) P.2 19. To develop better intelligence concerning housing delivery and how it could be improved. Review outstanding planning permissions and work with developers to ensure that schemes are built out in a timely manner Autumn 2019 Planning Policy P.2 20.
Explore the role that new purpose built HMOs could have to provide an affordable housing option for single people on the Cambridge Northern Fringe development.
Consultation February – March 2019 Identified as part of the Cambridge Northern Fringe Area Action Plan Submission of Area Action Plan to Secretary of State for examination Summer 2021 Housing Strategy (City & SCDC) Planning Policy P.2 21. SCDC to seek around 5% of new homes on schemes of 20 or more dwellings to be self build. To be included in the Housing Supplementary Planning document. . April 2020 Monitored annually Self and Custom Build Manager Planning Policy
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 1– ACTION PLAN 6 Priority No.
No. Actions Comments/Progress Completion by Lead P.2 22. SCDC target to sell 18 plots of council owned land for self build, average £67,000 per plot. Monitored quarterly through Corporate Business Plan. April 2020 P.2 23. SCDC to implement a programme for delivering homes on exception sites in villages. Working in partnership with Cambridgeshire Acre. To work with ten villages per year (starting with those most in need and without any substantial development) Monitored annually as part of Corporate Business Plan.
Housing Strategy (SCDC) P.2 24. Cambridge City Council to review approach to self and custom-build housing in line with statutory requirements. Requirement to implement individual registers. October 2019 Planning Policy and Housing Strategy (City) P.3 25. Develop a joint Sustainable Design and Construction SPD. SPD will help to drive up standards for environmental sustainability, including energy efficiency, carbon reduction and onsite renewable energy & low carbon technologies. SPD will consider the design of new homes so that as residents age, homes can be easily adapted to meet changing neds.
SPD currently being drafted – to take into account responses received through Housing Strategy consultation. Consultation June/July 2019 Adoption January 2020 Planning Policy P.3 26. SCDC to work with eight identified communities to develop individual Village Design Statements. Village Design Statements to go out to consultation Adoption of Statements as Supplementary Planning Documents June 2019 September 2019 Built and Natural Environment Team
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 1– ACTION PLAN 7 Priority No. No. Actions Comments/Progress Completion by Lead P.3 27.
Cambridge City to implement the housing-related actions agreed through the council’s Climate Change Strategy 2016-2021. Progress updates published annually on website 2021 Climate Change (City) P.3 28. Investigate the possibility of entering into an arrangement with an energy installer for the purposes of referring households for insulation and other home energy improvements funded through ECO (Energy Company Obligation scheme) Working together to deliver energy efficiency projects that address issues of fuel poverty and climate change through the Cambridgeshire Energy Partnership Summer 2019 Through the Cambridgeshire Energy Partnership P.4 29.
City Council to review approach to dealing with empty homes on new developments Review to be carried out and action plan to be developed.
tbc Housing Strategy & Environmental Health (City) P.5 30. Implement the proposed Cambridgeshire-wide repairs and adaptations policy to provide home adaptations, improve housing conditions and deliver housing, health and social care outcomes. Policy awaiting final approval by the five neighbouring local authorities. To be monitored quarterly by HIA Board and Adaptions Pathway Steering Group April 2019 Housing Strategy (City & SCDC) P.5 31. SCDC to pilot project working with Granta Medical Practice to help tackle loneliness and isolation. Jointly funded with Cambridgeshire County Council for the recruitment of a Care Navigator (Social Prescriber).
This gives GPs a non medical referral option to ensure the right support can be given to help people who feel isolated access other services and local groups. Project started April 2018 and is funded for 2 years.
Outcomes to be evaluated. April 2020 Through the Social Isolation Loneliness Group P.5 32. SCDC – Communal Room Review to identify more innovative use of sheltered communal rooms, including the potential for mixed aged groups to better integrate through use of communal facilities. To promote inter-generational work. Interim Report Spring 2019 Leasehold Services (SCDC)
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 1– ACTION PLAN 8 Priority No. No. Actions Comments/Progress Completion by Lead P.6 33. SCDC Homelessness Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2023 - to be agreed Key actions included in Housing Strategy - see separate Homelessness Strategy Action Plan for further details April 2019 Housing Advice & Options (SCDC) P.6 34.
SCDC to increase the number of homes by ten per year through the Council’s private sector leasing scheme - Shire Homes Lettings.
Target of 10 homes to be achieved by end of March 2019. Ongoing to March 2023 Housing Advice & Options (SCDC) P.6 35. Cambridge City Council Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Action Plan for 2019–2022 - to be agreed. Project to be managed through Homelessness Strategy Implementation Partnership. Mid 2019 Housing Advice (Cambridge City) P.6 36. Cambridge City Council to deliver six Housing First clusters, consisting 12 flats for residents and 6 for caretakers, through the council’s housing development programme To be delivered through the City’s council housing development programme.
March 2022 Cambridge City Housing Development Agency 37.
Review this action plan annually to assess what further actions are required to achieve Strategy’s objectives and priorities Housing Strategy Implementation Board to be established To meet quarterly Housing Strategy (City & SCDC)
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 2– LINKS TO STRATEGIES AND PLANS 9 Links to Strategies and Plans Evidence Base The following are some of the key sources of data which have helped to inform the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy. Sub Regional Strategic Housing Market Assessment Cambridge & South Cambridgeshire Objectively Assessed Housing Need – Further Evidence 2015 Quarterly Housing Market Bulletins (Hometrack data) Savills detailed Affordability Analysis for Cambridge & South Cambridgeshire – June 2017 Diamond Affordability Analysis for the Cambridge Sub Region – June 2018 Older People’s housing, care and support needs in Greater Cambridge – November 2017 Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment – October 2016 Cambridgeshire County Council population estimates & forecasts Home-Link housing applicant data External Context The Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy supports the development and delivery of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Housing Strategy and is also aligned to the ambitions of the Greater Cambridge Partnership.
Local Context The Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy supports the overriding aims and objectives of both councils as set out in the following documents: Cambridge City Council Corporate Plan 2019-2022 South Cambridgeshire: Your Place, Our Plan 2018-2019 Cambridge City Annual Statement South Cambridgeshire Business Plan 2019- 2024 Cambridge City Local Plan 2018 South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2018 The Strategy will also support the development of the new Joint Local Plan, setting out the strategic approach and direction for housing in Greater Cambridge. Supporting Strategies and Plans The delivery of the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy will help to contribute towards a wide-ranging suite of existing and new strategies, policies and plans.
The table below sets out some of the main ones (both current and planned).
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 2– LINKS TO STRATEGIES AND PLANS 10 Reference Existing To be reviewed To be developed Cambridge City South Cambridgeshire District Council Joint Affordable Housing SPD 2006 (to be replaced) Affordable Housing SPD 2010 (to be replaced) Joint Housing SPD [to be developed 2019) Sustainable Design and Construction SPD 2006 District Design Guide SPD 2010 Joint Sustainable Design and Construction SPD [to be developed 2019) Cambridge Sustainable Housing Design Guide Health & Wellbeing Strategy [to be developed 2019] Joint Local Plan Climate Change Strategy 2016-2021 Carbon Management Plan 2016-2021 Fuel & Water Poverty Action Plan Economic Development Strategy [to be developed 2019] Tenancy Strategy 2012 (to be reviewed) Tenancy Strategy 2012 (to be reviewed 2019) Anti Poverty Strategy 2017-2020 Financial Inclusion Strategy 2015- 2017 (to be reviewed 2019) Empty Homes Policy 2017 Empty Homes Strategy 2012-2016 (to be reviewed 2019) Homelessness Strategy Action Plan 2016-2019 and proposed 2019-2022 version now being worked on Homelessness Strategy 2018-2023 (published April 2019) Home-Link Lettings Policy 2018 Lettings Policy – February 2018 Anti Social Behaviour Policy 2018 Community Safety Plan 2018-19 (to be reviewed) Anti Social Behaviour Policy Tenancy Fraud Policy Domestic Abuse Policy (to be developed 2019) Digital Access Strategy 2018-20 Digital Inclusion Strategy 2015-17 (to be reviewed 2019) HRA Business Plan 2012-2042 HRA Business Plan 2012-2042 HRA Asset Management Plan 2012- 2042 HRA Asset Management Strategy (to be reviewed 2019) Capital Strategy 2019/20 – 2027/28 Housing Revenue Account Medium Term Financial Strategy November 2018/19 to 2047/48 (to be published February 2019) HRA Asset Sustainability Policy (Acquisitions & Disposals) (to be reviewed 2019) New Build Strategy for council homes 2012-2016 (to be updated) Resident Involvement Strategy 2016 -2018 (to be reviewed 2019)
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 2– LINKS TO STRATEGIES AND PLANS 11 Reference Links Sub Regional Housing Strategic Market Assessment https://cambridgeshireinsight.org.uk/housing/local-housing-knowledge/our-ho using-market/shma/ Cambridge & South Cambridgeshire Objectively Assessed Need – Further Evidence 2015 https://cambridge.blob.core.windows.net/public/ldf/coredocs/rd-mc-040.pdf https://cambridge.blob.core.windows.net/public/ldf/coredocs/rd-mc-040.pdf Sub Regional Quarterly Housing Market Bulletins https://cambridgeshireinsight.org.uk/housing/local-housing-knowledge/our-ho using-market/housingmarket-bulletins/ Savills detailed Affordability Analysis for Cambridge & South Cambridgeshire – June 2017 https://cambridgeshireinsight.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/savills-gre ater-cambridge-reportjune-2017.pdf Diamond Affordability Analysis for the Cambridge Sub Region – June 2018 https://cambridgeshireinsight.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/diamonds-re port-17-july.pdf Older People’s housing, care and support needs in Greater Cambridge – November 2017 https://cambridgeshireinsight.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/older-peopl es-housing-caresupport-greater-cambridge.pdf Cambridgeshire, King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Peterborough and West Suffolk Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment – October 2016 http://www.scambs.gov.uk/housing/gypsy-and-traveller-information/accommodat ion-needsassessment/ Cambridge City Council Vision https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/our-vision South Cambridgeshire: Your Place, Our Plan 2018-2019 https://www.scambs.gov.uk/media/11617/corporate_plan_brochure_2018_version_ 2small_0.pdf Cambridge City Annual Statement https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/annual-statement South Cambridgeshire Business Plan 2019-2024 [currently out to consultation] https://www.scambs.gov.uk/the-council/performance-and-plans/council-plans-a nd-reports/ourbusiness-plan/ Cambridge City Local Plan 2018 https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/local-plan-2018 South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2018 https://www.scambs.gov.uk/planning/local-plan-and-neighbourhood-planning/th e-adopteddevelopment-plan/south-cambridgeshire-local-plan-2018/ CC Affordable Housing SPD 2006 https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/affordable-housing-spd SCDC Affordable Housing SPD 2010 http://www.scambs.gov.uk/media/5627/affordable-housing-spd-march-2010.pdf CC Sustainable Design and Construction SPD 2006 https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/sustainable-design-and-construction-spd CC Cambridge Sustainable Housing Design Guide https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/1503/cambridgeshire-sustainable-housingdesign-guide.pdf CC Climate Change Strategy 2016-2021 https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/climate-change-strategy CC Carbon Management Plan 2016-2021 https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/carbon-management-plan CC Fuel & Water Poverty Action Plan https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/1512/fuel-water-poverty-action-plan-2015 -2017.pdf SCDC District Design Guide SPD 2010 http://www.scambs.gov.uk/planning/local-plan-and-neighbourhood-planning/the -adopteddevelopment-plan/local-development-framework/district-design-guide-spd
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 2– LINKS TO STRATEGIES AND PLANS 12 CC Tenancy Strategy 2012 https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/sustainable-design-and-construction-spd SCDC Tenancy Strategy 2012 (to be reviewed 2019) http://www.scambs.gov.uk/media/3714/scdc_tenancy_strategy.pdf CC Anti Poverty Strategy 2017-2020 https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/anti-poverty-strategy SCDC Financial Inclusion Strategy 2015-2017 http://www.scambs.gov.uk/media/4863/financial-inclusion-strategy-2015-2017. pdf CC Empty Homes Policy 2017 https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/1479/empty-homes-policy.pdf SCDC Empty Homes Strategy 2016-2016 (to be reviewed 2019) http://www.scambs.gov.uk/media/5717/empty-homes-strategy-2012-2016.pdf CC Homelessness Strategy Action Plan 2016-2019 https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/6092/homelessness-strategy-action-plan.p df SCDC Homelessness Strategy 2019 (draft) http://www.scambs.gov.uk/housing/housing-strategy/housing-strategy-and-poli cy/ CC Home-Link Lettings Policy https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/5404/lettings-policy.pdf SCDC Lettings Policy – February 2018 http://www.scambs.gov.uk/media/3522/home-link_lettings_policy_february_2018 .pdf CC Anti Social Behaviour Policy 2018 https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/3831/antisocial-behaviour-policy.pdf CC Community Safety Plan 2018-19 https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/5473/community-safety-plan-2018.pdf CC Digital Access Strategy 2018-19 https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/3835/180426_digital_access_strategy_2018 -2020.pdf SCDC Digital Inclusion Strategy 2015-17 http://www.scambs.gov.uk/media/5675/digital-inclusion-strategy-2015-2017.pd f CC HRA Business Plan https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/housing-revenue-account SCDC HRA Business Plan 2012-2042 https://www.scambs.gov.uk/the-council/performance-and-plans/council-plans-a nd-reports/ourbusiness-plan/ CC HRA Asset Management Plan https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/housing-revenue-account SCDC HRA Asset Management Strategy http://www.scambs.gov.uk/media/5641/asset-management-strategy-2011-2015.pdf SCDC Housing Revenue Account Medium Term Financial Strategy November 2018/19 to 2047/48 To be published February 2019 SCDC HRA Asset Sustainability Policy (Acquisitions & Disposals) http://www.scambs.gov.uk/media/9081/hra-asset-sustainability-policy_0.doc SCDC New Build Strategy for council homes 2012-2016 http://www.scambs.gov.uk/media/9637/new-build-strategy-final-nov-13.pdf SCDC Resident Involvement Strategy 2016 -2018 http://www.scambs.gov.uk/media/11707/resident_involvement_strategy_2016.pdf
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 3 – KEY STATISTICS 13 KEY STATISTICS Housing Need and Affordability Analysis Greater Cambridge Cambridge City South Cambs Source Housing Need Overall Objectively Assessed Housing Need up to 2031 33,500 14,000 19,500 Local Plans Numbers on Housing Register for rented accommodation 2,393 2,301 2418 Home Link Register (August/September 2018) Number of ‘all’ homes completed over the last 5 years up to March 2017 7,856 4,580 3,276 Annual Monitoring Report Of which Affordable Homes completed over last 5 years up to March 2017 2,554 (Ave 511 p.a.) 1,629 (Ave 326 p.a.) 925 (Ave 185 p.a.) Annual Monitoring Report Number of social and affordable rent homes relet 2011-2017 6,282 2,968 3,314 Home-Link data Older People Projected increase in the number of 65-75 year olds from 2011-2036 13,950 (69%) 4,760 (69% increase) 9,190 (70% increase) Cambridgeshire County Council’s 2015 Based Population Forecasts Projected increase in the number of 75-84 year olds from 2011-2036 10,800 (81% increase) 3,170 (63% increase) 7,630 (93% increase) Projected increase in the number of Over 85 year olds from 2011-2036 9,930 (162% increase) 3,220 (119% increase) 6,710 (196% increase) Affordability Gross household income Not available £37,200 (median) £20,900 (lower quartile) £43,700 (median) £25,300 (lower quartile) CACI 2017 Median house price to income ratio Not available 10.6 8.3 Hometrack, based on sales & valuations: Housing Market Bulletin Sept 2018 data Average house price Not available £541,514 £441,539 Estimated Annual Income required for a mortgage for median house price (excluding any service charges) Not available £146,000 (£54,000 deposit) £115,000 (£44,150 deposit) Based on 10% deposit, 3.9% annual interest, 25 year repayment period and mortgage costs 35% of net household income
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 3 – KEY STATISTICS 14 Greater Cambridge Cambridge City South Cambs Source Lower quartile price to income ratio Not available 14.3 10.8 Hometrack: Housing Market Bulletin Sept 2018 data Lower quartile house price Not available £332,000 £295,000 Estimated Annual Income required for a mortgage for lower quartile sale price (excluding any service charges) Not available £78,228 (£33,000 deposit) £68,506 (£29,500 deposit) Based on 10% deposit, 3.90% annual interest, 25 year repayment period and mortgage costs 35% of net household income Median weekly cost of a private rented property (2 bed house) Not available £276 £206 Hometrack; Housing Market Bulletin Sept 2018 data Local Housing Allowance for 2 bed house (weekly) £149.31 £149.31 to Mar 2019 £153.79 from Apr 2019 £149.31 to Mar 2019 £153.79 from Apr 2019 Valuation office – Existing homes and communities % Tenure breakdown (Source: 2011 Census) Greater Cambridge Cambridge City South Cambridgeshire Owner occupied 61.9% 48.6% 72.4% Local authority rented 11.8% 15.2% 9.1% Social rented (eg housing association) 6.6% 8.4% 5.1% Privately rented 18.2% 26.2% 12.0% Other 1.5% 1.6% 1.4% Number of council homes in the district (local data) at April 2018 Greater Cambridge Cambridge City South Cambridgeshire General housing 10,658 6,481 4,177 Sheltered/extra care housing 1,578 511 1,067 Supported housing 19 19 0 Total rented (excl.
temporary housing & miscellaneous leases) 12,255 7,011 5,244 Shared ownership 139 87 52
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 3 – KEY STATISTICS 15 Leasehold 1,290 1,167 123 Shared equity 293 0 293 Total 13,977 8,265 5,712 Long-term activity limiting illness (Census 2011) Greater Cambridge Cambridge City South Cambridgeshire % of population with a long-term activity limiting illness N/A 13.0% 13.9%
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 3 – KEY STATISTICS 16 Homelessness 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 Source Number of homeless applications where a decision is made Table 784, MHCLG Greater Cambridge 357 383 586 611 617 Cambridge City 189 262 418 393 374 South Cambridgeshire District 168 121 168 218 243 Number accepted as being homeless and in priority need Table 784, MHCLG Greater Cambridge 254 380 293 297 270 Cambridge City 127 146 172 130 112 South Cambridgeshire District 127 86 121 167 158 Snapshot of total households in temporary accommodation as of 31 March each year Table 784, MHCLG Greater Cambridge 134 135 134 135 98 Cambridge City 81 91 79 75 52 South Cambridgeshire District 53 44 55 60 46 ...
of which were accommodated in Bed & Breakfast (snapshot) Table 784, MHCLG Greater Cambridge 0 12 0 26 12 Cambridge City 0 12 0 26 12 South Cambridgeshire District Estimated Number of Rough Sleepers (Autumn snapshot 2010-2017) Table 1 MHCLG Greater Cambridge 11 11 18 40 30 Cambridge City 9 10 18 40 26 South Cambridgeshire District 2 1 0 0 4
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 3 – KEY STATISTICS 17 Total number of cases where positive action was successful in preventing or relieving homelessness Table 792 Greater Cambridge 551 701 868 1,123 1,447 Cambridge City 404 483 718 997 1,270 South Cambridgeshire District 147 218 150 126 207 Supply of rented homes let through Home-Link housing register HomeLink data Greater Cambridge 1,240 1,149 1,115 956 1,227 Cambridge City 704 601 634 519 661 South Cambridgeshire 536 548 481 437 566 NB different data sets are being collected from 2018/19 onwards following implementation of the Homelessness
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 4 – CHANGES TO NATIONAL HOUSING POLICY 18 Changes to National Housing Policy Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and Rough Sleeping The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 has introduced new duties around preventing and relieving homelessness. This includes extending the period within which an applicant is considered to be threatened with homelessness, and new requirements around provision of advice. 1 Homelessness and rough sleeping levels continue to increase both nationally and locally, and the government has been making more funding available for dealing with homelessness.
For example, both councils were part of a successful sub-regional bid for Homelessness Prevention Trailblazer grant funding, which is being used to develop a more effective and innovative multi-agency approach to preventing homelessness. The government has also committed to halve rough sleeping by 2022 and eliminate it by 2027; and consultation is due on identifying the barriers to landlords in making longer, more secure tenancies available. Although both councils are already engaged in a range of prevention work, the Homelessness Prevention Act will introduce new challenges for both councils in implementing the new statutory requirements.
This has meant that both councils have needed to increase their staff capacity following the implementation of the Act. Fixing the Broken Housing Market – Government’s White Paper In February 2017 the Government published a White Paper ‘Fixing our Broken Housing Market’. This set out the Government’s plans to boost new housing supply; speed up the delivery of new homes; help aspiring home owners; tackle the shortage of affordable housing; widen the definition of affordable housing; boosting delivery of infrastructure; and increasing skills and capacity in the construction industry2 3 . With a sharp focus on the delivery of new housing, Government expects local authorities to be ambitious and innovative in seeking to meet their objectively assessed need for housing.
A national target to build 300,000 new homes a year was subsequently set in the Budget 2017. 1 Homelessness Reduction Act 2017: https://services.parliament.uk/bills/2016- 17/homelessnessreduction.html 2 https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/housing-white-paper 3 https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/draft-revised-national-planning -policy-framework
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 4 – CHANGES TO NATIONAL HOUSING POLICY 19 Changes to National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) In July 2018 Government released a revised version of the NPPF. Changes include updates to national planning guidance, proposals for reforming developer contributions, and proposed changes to the assessment methodology for housing needs. The new methodology should include an assessment of the size, type and tenure of housing needed for different groups in the community (including, but not limited to, those who require affordable housing, families with children, older people, students, people with disabilities, service families, travellers, people who rent their homes and people wishing to commission or build their own home).
The definition of affordable housing has been broadened to include starter homes, discounted market sale and other affordable routes to home ownership, such as other low cost homes for sale and rent to buy. Whilst we are supportive in principle of providing alternative options to diversify the local market, this will need to be balanced against affordability in the area to ensure we are meeting the needs of those who most need affordable housing. Independent Review of Build Out (‘The Letwin Review’)4 In 2017, the government commissioned an independent review to establish reasons for the significant gap between housing completions and the amount of land allocated or permissioned in areas of high housing demand, and make recommendations for closing it.
Interim results of the review concluded that lack of variety of types and tenures of the homes on offer, and the rate at which the market will absorb such homogenous products, were the fundamental drivers of the slow rate of build out on large sites. The final report was published in October 2018, and recommended ways in which the government could ‘increase the variety and differentiation of what is offered on these large sites, raise the proportion of affordable housing, and raise the rate of build out’. We await the government’s response to the findings. Both councils are committed to working with the government, developers and other partners to help increase build out rates, and to diversify the variety of homes available through the market to meet housing need.
Housing and Planning Act 2016 This Act contained numerous legislative changes to housing policy including: Introduction of Starter Homes – a new product for people aged under 40years with an income of less than £80,000 will be able to purchase a Starter Home at 80% of the market level capped at £250k for Greater Cambridge. The intention in the Act 4 Independent Review of Build Out, led by Sir Oliver Letwin: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/independent-review-of-build-out
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 4 – CHANGES TO NATIONAL HOUSING POLICY 20 was for a proportion of new affordable homes to be ‘starter homes’ and the NPPF sets out how this should be interpreted.
Extension of Right to Buy - The Right to Buy is due to be extended to housing association tenants. Housing associations will be required to replace homes on a ‘one for one’ basis. Providers would be required to replace any units sold through Right to Buy and we will encourage those to be replaced as close as possible to where the disposal occurred. This is particularly important in rural areas where there is less affordable housing. At the time of writing the detail on how this Policy will be implemented is yet to be released but a national pilot is underway. Tackling Rogue Landlords – the Act introduced various measures to improve standards in the private rented sector by tackling rogue landlords.
These include introducing civil penalties of up to £30,000; rent repayment orders; banning orders and a database of rogue landlords. Other recent changes in the sector include a draft Tenant Fees Bill (November 2017) banning letting agents’ fees and capping deposits, and the extension of mandatory HMO licensing to a wider range of properties together with requiring minimum room sizes and a specification of the maximum number of people the HMO should house.
Self-build and custom built housing – The government aims to increase the provision of self-build and custom built housing. Local authorities are required to hold a register of applicants who are interested in self and custom build housing and to allocate appropriate sites through the planning system. Government Changes to Delivery Agencies In 2017 Government changed the main delivery agencies for housing. The Government department was renamed ‘Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’ raising the profile of housing delivery. A new Minister for Homelessness was also created.
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) was disbanded and ‘Homes England’ was established to oversee housing growth and infrastructure, and the regulation of social housing. These changes emphasise the national priority that has been given to housing growth over the last couple of years.
HRA Debt Cap – Delivering More Council Housing Rent cuts have had a significant impact on the councils’ Housing Revenue Accounts, reducing the amount available for providing services to tenants and for investing in new homes. However, the announcements that the proposed Higher Value Asset Levy (whereby councils would have been required to sell some of their higher value empty homes when they became empty) is not to be introduced, and that councils will be able to start increasing social rents again from 2020 is welcome in terms of managing and maintaining and improving council homes.
The lifting of the HRA borrowing cap is also welcome, and provides the councils with the opportunity to continue to increase their council new build programmes when existing resources are depleted.
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 4 – CHANGES TO NATIONAL HOUSING POLICY 21 Welfare Reform The implementation of a major national programme of welfare reforms aimed mainly at working age people is well under way. Key aims are to cut the overall welfare bill and encourage people into work. 5 A key driver of the welfare changes is to make it financially worthwhile for people to take on paid employment rather than claim benefits. This, combined with advice and support around seeking employment, education and/or training should lead to improved opportunities for some people who would previously have been caught in the ‘benefit trap’.
However, with severe cuts to the national welfare budget happening at the same time, many claimants are finding their benefits reduced, and struggling to make ends meet; including those who are already in work. This is compounded by the size of the local Broad Rental Market area (BRMA) which does not reflect local rents within Greater Cambridge. This means that Local Housing Allowance rates are insufficient to cover even the cheapest rents in Greater Cambridge, making it extremely difficult for those on benefits to access or remain in private rented housing.
Some more recent announcements have been welcomed, including: the scrapping of plans for housing benefit for social housing tenants to be capped at Local Housing Allowance rates; and some changes to Universal Credit including removing delays before those eligible can claim and making it easier for claimants to have the housing element of their award paid direct to their landlord. Nationally the risk of Universal Credit claimants falling into rent arrears has been found to be high, and both councils as landlords will need to find ways of managing this risk going forwards.
Care Act 2016 and Better Care Fund The Care Act 2016 requires local social services authorities to carry out a needs assessment in order to determine whether an adult has needs for care and support, it also supports closer working between health, housing and social care services.
From 2015/16 onwards the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) allocation to housing authorities, including district councils, has been channelled through the Better Care Fund (BCF). The BCF created a pooled budget in each local authority area to encourage health, social care and other related services to work more closely together. The inclusion of the DFG allocation is intended to recognise the vital role that the home plays in helping people to remain healthy and independent. Central Government has increased the amount given to local authorities significantly over the last few years with the expectation that local areas will be more flexible in how the money is spent.
Wider health and social care priority health outcomes such as delayed transfers of care and readmission to hospital can be supported using some of the DFG capital allocation. 5 CLG Welfare Reform web pages: https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/welfare-reform
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 4 – CHANGES TO NATIONAL HOUSING POLICY 22 A new deal for social housing Green Paper 2018 The government issued a social housing green paper in August 2018, ‘A New Deal for Social Housing’, plans for which were announced following the 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster. As well as announcing that enforced sale of higher value assets and compulsory fixed term tenancies for local authorities would no longer go ahead, key proposals, around five core themes, include: Safe and decent homes: Legislation to improve building regulations and fire safety; measures to support improved social resident and landlord engagement; and reviewing the Decent Homes standard.
Improving complaints resolution: e.g. improving resident awareness of how complaints can be made and escalated, and speeding up & simplifying complaint systems. Empowering residents and strengthening regulation – e.g. through social landlord performance league tables, taking performance into account when allocating funding to councils –including grant for new homes; improvements to resident engagement; and considering a new stock transfer programme to promote transfer of local authority housing, particularly to community-based housing associations. ‘Tackling stigma and celebrating thriving communities’ eg through: introducing a ‘best neighbourhood’ competition; measures to improve design of social housing; and considering how residents can be better involved in planning and design of new developments.
Expanding supply and supporting home ownership, building on the Housing White Paper ‘Fixing the Broken Housing Market: eg, considering changes to how local authorities can use Right to Buy receipts to build new homes; overcoming barriers to delivering new community owned homes; reviewing how homes are allocated & ensuring social housing is going to those who need it most; and Investigating introduction of new shared ownership products that enable purchasers to build up more equity in their homes.
Some changes have started to happen, including lifting the borrowing cap to enable stockholding councils in some areas to build new homes.
We are waiting to see the extent to which the Green Paper will lead to further changes in national social housing policy. Funding of Supported Housing In 2017, government consulted on possible alternative funding options for supported housing. Both councils expressed concern, alongside many other national and local organisations, of the potential impact on the long term security of supported accommodation if the current funding through the welfare system was abolished. On 9 August 2018, government announced that, having listened to views from providers, stakeholders and councils, the current system would remain in place.
In addition, a review
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 4 – CHANGES TO NATIONAL HOUSING POLICY 23 of housing related support will be undertaken to better understand how housing and support currently fit together. Brexit At the time of writing, the government is negotiating the UK’s proposed withdrawal from the European Union. National reports suggest that uncertainty around the arrangements for withdrawal, in particular the risk of a ‘no deal Brexit’, may be starting to impact on the housing market and parts of the wider economy as a whole. Both councils are working to assess the potential risks and how they might be mitigated.
For the moment it remains unclear how Brexit will impact on our ability to achieve objectives and priorities through our Strategy. We are committed to working with partners to try to minimise any negative, and capitalise on any positive outcomes arising from the process.
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 5 – SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW HOMES 24 Summary of requirements for development of new homes These requirements will remain in place until a new joint Housing Supplementary Planning Document has been adopted, to support delivery of new homes through the councils' current Local Plans. 1. Housing Design Standards 1.1 In developing this Strategy, workshops were held with key officers and tenant & leaseholder representatives. It was clear from discussions that design and quality were of high importance in new developments, as well as the importance of engaging with existing communities at an early stage and having the right transport options, community facilities, and other infrastructure in place.
Design and quality of homes and communities also came out in the wider public consultation on the Strategy.
1.2 New homes need to be flexible to meet the needs of a range of household types and sizes, and to meet individual households’ changing needs over time. All new homes have to meet the nationally described space standards6 . 1.3 Having easily adaptable homes as families’ circumstances change also helps enable people to live independent lives. An ageing population over the next 20 years means we need to be future-proofing the design of our homes now, so that residents can age independently at home without the need for expensive specialist housing. Whilst the Lifetime Homes Standard has been superseded, we will, wherever possible, build to to M4(2) adaptable and accessible standards ourselves as a minimum, and encourage other house builders to do so.
1.4 Our current Local Plans seek: Cambridge – All homes should be built to level M4(2) of the adaptable and accessible building standard with 5% of the affordable housing to be built to wheelchair accessibility standards.7 South Cambridgeshire - 5% of all homes to be built to the accessible and adaptable dwellings M4(2) standard, and in response to identified need the inclusion of Wheelchair Housing Design standards as part of the affordable housing contribution.
6 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/technical-housing-standards-nati onally-describedspace-standard 7 Accessible Housing in CambridgeA study into accessible housing requirements in Cambridge for the emerging Local Plan: https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/public/ldf/coredocs/RD-CFM/rd-cfm-040.pdf
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 5 – SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW HOMES 25 1.5 Mitigating against climate change must also be at the heart of any new development to ensure we are building a sustainable future.
For all new dwellings in South Cambridgeshire there will be a requirement to reduce carbon emissions by a minimum of 10% through the use of on-site renewable energy and low carbon technologies. In Cambridge, all new dwellings will be required to reduce carbon emissions by 44% compared to Part L 2006 (or 19% compared to Part L 2010 (2013 edition).
1.6 We want to drive standards up above our current minimum requirements in terms of well designed homes to meet future needs of an ageing population and ensuring our homes are environmentally sustainable and we will work closely with developers to do so wherever possible. 1.7 We are working on a Sustainable Design and Construction Supplementary Planning Document to give more detail around the councils’ design standard requirements to support the current Local Plans. Further work around future design standard requirements will be undertaken as part of the process of developing the joint Local Plan 2.
Affordable housing requirements and tenure mix 2.1 The policy, as set out in the councils’ adopted Local Plans8 9 for affordable housing is: Cambridge – 25% of homes on sites of 11-14 units should be affordable, with 40% on sites of 15 or more.
South Cambridgeshire – 40% affordable homes on all sites of 11 or more dwellings. Note that in the application of these Local Plan policies significant weight will be given to the affordable housing threshold set out in the NPPF which allows for a lower threshold of 10 or more dwellings or where the site area is 0.5 hectares or more. 2.2 Until the review of the Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), our tenure mix policy will continue to be: Cambridge - A 75% : 25% split of rented (social or affordable rent capped at LHA rates) : intermediate (other forms of affordable housing set out in the NPPF) 8 South Cambridgeshire District Council Local Plan, Chapter 7, Policy H/10: Affordable Housing - http://www.scambs.gov.uk/media/12533/8-chapter-7-housing.pdf 9 Cambridge City Council Local Plan, Section 6, policy 45: https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/local-plan- 2018
Homes for our Future: Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023 ANNEX 5 – SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW HOMES 26 South Cambridgeshire - A 70% : 30% split of rented (social or affordable rent capped at LHA rates) : intermediate( other forms of affordable housing set out in the NPPF) Our preference, wherever possible, will be for social rent rather than affordable rent, to maximise affordability. 3. Social housing for Rent 3.1 There are two tenure types that sit under the banner of social housing for rent: Social Rent housing is the most affordable tenure type; locally this is typically up to around 60% of an open market rent.
Affordable Rent is subject to rent controls that require a rent of no more than 80% of the local market rent, inclusive of service charges. To ensure homes are affordable, we will cap rents at the LHA rate, currently typically around 60-70% of an open market rent. 3.2 The greatest need is for social housing for rent for those on low incomes, and all such new homes will be required to be made available to those on the Home-Link Housing Register10 through the sub-regional choice based lettings scheme, unless otherwise agreed with the relevant council. We will also continue to share allocations on larger strategic sites to allow those on the housing register to secure an affordable home either in South Cambridgeshire or Cambridge.
3.3 In terms of the affordable housing provision, there is an acknowledgement that a high proportion of social housing for rent can run the risk of concentrations of households with high priority needs in relatively small areas. To help mitigate potential imbalances we will ensure well designed, bespoke Local Lettings Plans, setting out specific criteria, are put in place to help address some of these issues where it is considered necessary. Delivery of any supported housing on larger strategic sites should be considered as part of later phases when transport infrastructure and facilities are in place.
4. Intermediate Housing (Other forms of Affordable Housing) 4.1 Generally, shared ownership has been the traditional route for other forms of affordable housing for those on middle incomes, and we will continue to support this as an affordable tenure where it is sufficiently affordable to meet the needs of those who cannot access suitable market housing. All shared ownership sales 10 https://www.helptobuyese.org.uk/


Ballet is a classic form of dance that has been around since the Renaissance period. It is known for its graceful, precise movements that create an aesthetically pleasing and technically demanding performance.
Ballet is often considered to be the foundation of many other forms of dance such as jazz, modern, and even hip-hop. But what exactly are the seven movements of ballet?
Plié: Plié is one of the most basic ballet movements. It involves bending at the knee while keeping the feet firmly planted on the floor.
Plié is used to prepare for jumps, turns, and any other movement that will require strength or balance. It also creates a graceful line in a dancer’s body by stretching out their legs and torso while they are in a bent position.
Relevé: Relevé is very similar to plié but instead of bending at the knee, it involves raising up onto the balls of your feet. This helps with balance and can be used to transition between steps as well as give more height to jumps or turns.
Rond de Jambe: Rond de jambe involves extending one leg out from its starting position while keeping it curved in a circle motion. This can be done either on two feet or on one foot with assistance from relevé or plié. Rond de jambe can help create beautiful lines and shapes with your body.
Grand Battement: Grand battement is another common ballet movement that involves kicking your leg up high into the air and then back down again in one quick motion. Grand battement helps with mobility, flexibility, and coordination.
Pirouette: Pirouette is a classic spinning technique used in ballet. Dancers use momentum from their arms to spin quickly in either direction while keeping their body aligned throughout the movement.
Frappé: Frappé involves quickly tapping your foot onto the floor with precision before quickly lifting it off again into relevé or grand jete (jumping) position. This helps build strength and control in your legs.
Chassé: Chassé requires you to take three steps forward (or backward) in quick succession while gliding across the floor using alternating feet. This helps build speed and agility which can be used for traveling across stage during a performance.
The seven movements of ballet are pliés, relevés, rond de jambe, grand battements, pirouettes, frappés and chassés – each emphasizing grace, poise and technical skill required for successful performances. Each movement has its own purpose within ballet choreography that must be mastered in order to execute more complex routines on stage successfully.


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Ethereum Gas Fees Spike As ETH Price Rises: Average Onchain Fee Jumps Over 50%
Sending Ethereum (ETH) is getting more expensive as the value of the crypto asset has skyrocketed if we look at the data for the last 24 days and of course during the same 24-hour period on January 28 it reached $1606 per unit. Ether appears to be trading at $1542 per unit at the time of writing, just after hitting higher levels. As the value of the Ethereum cryptocurrency in US dollars has increased so has the cost of transferring it and the proportion of that cost in ERC20 tokens. Data from Bitinfocharts.com tells us that the average gas fee on January 1st was $2.93 per transfer. After 18 days the average fee to send it shows a 54% increase at $4.52 per transaction and we can see that the average size Ethereum fee from the charts highlights the same as seen from the chart 18 days ago The average cost to send Ethereum was approximately $1.06 per transfer. The same chart on Wednesday shows us that this cost has risen to 0.0013 Ethereum per transfer, or roughly $1.96 using current exchange rates. This means that medium-sized Ethereum fees have registered an 84% increase since January 1st, and besides that gas measurements are generally estimated at a very low rate, etherscan.io’s “Gas Tracker” also shows the beginning of the year. shows an increase since then and the webportal’s fee tracker on the same day shows that the higher priority Ether gas fee was around $0.30 per transfer or 20 gwei. After 18 days the high priority fee is still 20 gwei or $1.14 per ETH transaction, an increase of almost 280%. Transactions with Opensea cost us an estimated $1.12 per transaction on January 1st and are up to $3.99 today. A swap on the decentralized exchange platform was $2.87 and now appears to be trading at $10.28 on dexes like Uniswap. Sending ERC20 tokens like USDT and USDC will see a transaction cost of around $0.84 and today it is around $3.02 to send ERC20. Apart from this, the cost of layer2 has also increased and 3 days ago on January 15, it informs about the increase of Arbitrum and Optimism transactions. According to Dune Analytics data, transfers on the Dena network were around $0.101 per transfer then, and today the fee is $0.188 per transfer. Similarly we can see that the last 3 days ago Optimism saw network transactions cost $0.1410 per transfer and on January 18 the cost of moving coins on the L2 chain Optimism was $0.3039 per transaction. In recent days we can see that the increase of me ether gas fee has definitely broken the long months record of low fee on Ethereum network.

domain: economics


And you thought you had ambitious plans for yourself this Tuesday. SpaceX founder Elon Musk just announced that he wants build the biggest rocket in the history of the world to take people to Mars.
The new rocket would dwarf even the Saturn V rocket that took Apollo astronauts to the moon, the largest so far in history.
Musk gave a presentation this afternoon at the International Astronautical Congress, outlining his company's plans to colonize the Red Planet using a new "Interplanetary Transport System" or ITS.
But Musk couldn't help but scoop his own announcement: half hour before his talk was supposed to begin, SpaceX posted a theatrical animated video (above) on YouTube showing an absolutely enormous rocket, even by rocket standards. ("Better than any porn," one fawning YouTube commenter opined)
Musk also preemptively tweeted the dimensions of this new, yet-to-be built SpaceX rocket as follows: "12m rocket booster diameter, 17m spaceship diameter, 122 m stack height." That's a booster 39 feet in diameter, a spaceship 55 feet in diameter, and a full stack 400 feet high.
12m rocket booster diameter, 17m spaceship diameter, 122 m stack height
Elon MuskSeptember 27, 2016
To put that into comparison, the Saturn V rocket that took the first astronauts to the moon measured 111 meters (363 feet) high, and 10 meters (33 feet) in diameter, according to NASA.
The tallest active rocket in recent times, the Ares I-X, measures 327 feet tall, according to NASA. United Launch Alliance, a joint-venture rocket company from Boeing and Lockheed Martin, also has an active rocket setup called the Delta IV Heavy, which measures 70.7 meters tall (231 feet), according to Spaceflight Now. And NASA is working a rocket called the Space Launch System that would come close to Musk's planned rocket at 384 feet tall (117 meters), but still fall short of it.
Earlier this month, rival tech billionaire turned commercial spaceflight magnate Jeff Bezos (yes, the Amazon CEO) tweeted plans to build a large rocket called the New Glenn. But even the biggest version of that would only measure 313 feet tall, according to the plans Bezos shared.
So, Musk's rocket would indeed earn the nickname "BFR" (Big Falcon Rocket or Big Fucking Rocket). Too big to fit out the door of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) in Kennedy Space Center, Florida? Thankfully not, as the VAB doors are 456 feet high (139 meters).
In case you're wondering, new SpaceX rocket would indeed fit inside a VAB high bay. 122 meter stack barely clears 139-meter high doors.
Jason DavisSeptember 27, 2016
In his actual talk, Musk said the rocket booster would have 42 "Raptor" engines, a prototype of which SpaceX just tested. The rocket would also be modeled after SpaceX's existing Falcon 9 rocket boosters, but made of a more advanced carbon fiber.
"In the longterm, the ships will be even bigger than this," Musk said during his presentation, pointing out he wanted the passenger section to be able to carry 100 people.
Musk also said he wanted to make it possible for "anyone who wanted to go" to Mars to be able to get there, and predicted that it would take 40-100 years to establish a Mars colony with a million people.
"Obviously it's going to be a challenge to fund this whole endeavor," Musk said, adding he was accumulating his own money expressly to help fund this mission.
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Mariano Rajoy was sworn in as Spain’s Prime Minister by King Felipe VI and in the presence of the acting Minister for Justice, Rafael Catalá, as Commissioner for Oaths, on Monday at Zarzuela Palace.
King Felipe VI signed the appointment of Mariano Rajoy as Prime Minister on Sunday, which was published on Monday, in the Official State Gazette (Spanish acronym: BOE).
Mariano Rajoy swore his oath over a copy of the Spanish Constitution and a copy of the Bible.
The ceremony was also attended by the Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament, Ana Pastor; the Speaker of the Upper House of Parliament, Pío García Escudero; and the Presidents of the Constitutional Court, Francisco Pérez de los Cobos, and the Supreme Court and General Council of the Judiciary (Spanish acronym: CGPJ), Carlos Lesmes.
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domain: law


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Capricorn Birth Sign Zodiac Art Greeting Card
Embrace the essence of Capricorn with our Capricorn Birth Sign Zodiac Art Greeting Card – a tribute to the determined and ambitious spirit of this sign. The card captures the essence of Capricorn's traits. Known for their disciplined approach, Capricorns embody a powerful combination of practicality and determination. With a strong work ethic and an innate ability to overcome challenges, they inspire those around them to push their boundaries and achieve greatness.
sizes available are 135mm x 180mm and 210mm x 148mm.
The card is left blank on the inside for your own personal message.
Art cards come with a complimentary white envelope and are protected in a cellophane bag
SHIPPING: All orders are free standard shipping worldwide, but For standard deliveries, there is no tracking number. If you require tracked shipping or require Your item sooner please contact us so we can arrange this for you.
COPYRIGHT: © HarrietsImagination. All rights reserved - All Items & Custom Illustrations are Copyrighted and are strictly for Personal Use Only.

domain: artistic


Berkeley voters will have their say this fall on a proposed $650 million bond measure to raise money for infrastructure projects and affordable housing, as well as a new tax on vacant houses and apartments.
The City Council voted to place the measures on the 2022 ballot during a special meeting Wednesday. Councilmembers declined to do the same with a third potential measure that would have strengthened eviction protections for renters who live in certain duplexes.
The infrastructure and housing proposal would be by far the biggest revenue measure in Berkeley’s history if it’s approved by two-thirds of voters.
Mayor Jesse Arreguín and other officials backing the measure contend that while it asks residents to make a big financial commitment by increasing property taxes by hundreds of dollars per year, it pledges significant improvement to their quality of life in return.
“If we are successful to pass this bond it will have a positive, transformative impact on our city,” Arreguín said Wednesday. “It will be a lot of work, but I think it’s important that we put this vision to the voters of an affordable, safe and resilient Berkeley.”
The median property tax increase over the life of the bond would be $40.91 for every $100,000 of a home’s assessed value.
That works out to $265 per year for a home at Berkeley’s average assessed value of just under $650,000. The cost to specific homeowners will vary significantly, though, because of Proposition 13’s limits on assessed property values and the sky-high cost of housing in Berkeley, where the median home sale price now stands at over $1.6 million, according to Redfin. Someone with a home assessed at that value would be looking at a $654 average increase from the measure.
If it’s approved by two-thirds of voters, the measure would raise $300 million to improve Berkeley’s streets, sidewalks and bike and pedestrian infrastructure, of which $231 million would go toward repairing roads. Public works officials say that would be enough to raise the average rating of streets city-wide to a “good” score on the Pavement Condition Index, an annual report gauging road quality that currently grades Berkeley’s streets as “at-risk.”
Another $200 million from the measure would be devoted to affordable housing. Lisa Warhuus, director of the city’s health, housing and community services department, said that when combined with other funding sources such as the state or federal government, that could be enough to build or acquire as many as 2,000 affordable homes.
Of the remaining $150 million, a third would go toward moving power lines underground along two wildfire evacuation routes, with the rest funding a long list of other infrastructure priorities such as improvements to Berkeley’s waterfront, parks, pools and civic center.
Several speakers during the public comment period of Wednesday’s meeting opposed the revenue measure, arguing property taxes are already too steep and that Berkeley should provide more money for street paving from its existing revenue sources.
Tax would charge thousands for vacant units
The City Council was more closely divided on a measure creating a tax on unoccupied houses and apartments.
Property owners would have to pay $3,000 to $6,000 per year for each single-family home or apartment that sits vacant for at least six months in the first year of the tax, with the penalty doubling in its second year. Owners of apartments with four or fewer units who live on their property, and don’t own any other homes, will be exempt.
The city estimates nearly 700 homes would be subject to the tax in its first year, and that it could raise $3.9 million to $5.9 million per year.
If approved with a majority vote the tax would take effect in 2024, and end in 2035 unless voters extend it.
Proponents argue the measure — which is modeled on similar taxes in Oakland and Vancouver, and another that will go before San Francisco voters this fall — is one step toward unraveling the housing crisis, saying it will discourage speculation and push property owners to add hundreds of units to Berkeley’s housing market.
“Units held off the market cause other units to be more expensive and keep prices artificially high,” said Councilmember Kate Harrison, who proposed the tax. “Supply and demand is always invoked in Berkeley when we’re asked to approve new housing, but hoarding and creating false scarcity is the one law of supply and demand that opponents refuse to acknowledge.”
Kiran Shenoy, government affairs director for the Bridge Association of Realtors, which opposes the vacancy tax, doubted its revenue projections and called the measure “regressive” since it would apply the same penalty regardless of the value of the vacant unit. Other opponents question how effective vacancy taxes are in easing housing costs.
The measure made the ballot by a single council vote, with Arreguín and Harrison joining councilmembers Ben Bartlett, Rigel Robinson and Sophie Hahn in voting to advance it.
Councilmember Susan Wengraf, who said she was concerned having two tax increases on the ballot could weaken support for the infrastructure measure, voted against the vacancy tax. Councilmembers Rashi Kesarwani and Terry Taplin, who said they had not been able to take input on late changes to the measure ahead of Wednesday’s meeting, abstained from the vote; Lori Droste did not attend the meeting.
‘Golden duplex’ rules won’t change
A package of changes to Berkeley’s rent control ordinance and eviction protections failed to reach the ballot, meeting the same fate as a similar proposal from 2020.
The measure from the Rent Stabilization Board would have asked voters to extend eviction protections to renters in hundreds of owner-occupied properties known as “golden duplexes.”
It could have also put certain units in newly constructed buildings under the jurisdiction of the rent board, and eliminated a never-used provision of Berkeley’s rent control ordinance that allows the City Council to repeal those protections.
But the measure faced resistance from duplex owners and tepid support from members of the council. Members ultimately voted to take no action on the measure, effectively killing it for this election cycle.
The deadline to register to vote online or by mail in Alameda County is Oct. 24, and the election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. We put together a guide to the essentials of how to register and vote, what’s on the ballot, voters’ rights and more.
Here are some other helpful election resources:
- The city of Berkeley’s election portal and candidate statements
- Don’t know your Berkeley City Council district? The city website has a handy tool for that.
- Voter’s Edge: View a personalized ballot by entering your address.
- Voter guides from the Daily Cal, CalMatters, KQED, the Bay Area News Group and The League of Women Voters Berkeley Albany and Emeryville
- Check your voter registration status (and sign up to get election materials online).
- Find your voter profile (Alameda County registrar of voters).
See complete 2022 election coverage on Berkeleyside.


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Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Society volunteers have ambitious plans to enhance and extend the trail system this year. Its thirty trails have already helped make Tumbler Ridge a choice tourist destination for active visitors who enjoy getting out and taking in the magnificent scenery.
The first project is the conversion of the Bergeron Falls trail into a circular route. This popular trail leads to the highest accessible waterfall in northeastern BC. This improvement will also make it possible to visit the foot of the falls in an immense amphitheatre – quite an overpowering experience.
The second and third projects are similar in nature and involve easing access to two of the finest alpine attractions in the region: the Albright Ridge and Windfall Lake. Repeated use over the last few years has created established routes, but there is still a lot of deadfall that impedes hiking. Removal of this deadfall and simple brushing will make for relatively easy hiking through the forest. Once the treeline is passed, hikers will be in superb alpine wilderness and free to choose their own routes.
These enhancements should help entrench Tumbler Ridge?s reputation as an outstanding, emerging hiking destination.

domain: travel


Lenovo 8GB RAM Laptop: A Reliable and Powerful Device for Your Needs
If you’re in the market for a laptop that can handle your everyday tasks without breaking the bank, a Lenovo 8GB RAM laptop might be the perfect fit for you. With its powerful performance, sleek design, and affordability, it’s no wonder why Lenovo laptops are some of the most popular on the market today.
Why 8GB of RAM is Important?
When it comes to laptops, RAM (Random Access Memory) is an essential component that affects the performance of your device. RAM is where your computer stores the data it’s currently using, and the more RAM you have, the more programs and browser tabs you can have open at once without slowing down your computer.
Most entry-level laptops come with 4GB of RAM, which is enough for basic tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and using office applications. However, if you’re a power user who needs to run multiple programs and tasks simultaneously, 8GB of RAM is the minimum you should consider.
Lenovo’s 8GB RAM Laptops: Features and Benefits
Lenovo is a well-known brand in the laptop market, and their 8GB RAM laptops are no exception to their quality and reliability. Here are some of the features and benefits of Lenovo’s 8GB RAM laptops:
Lenovo laptops are known for their powerful processors that can handle demanding applications and multitasking. The 8GB of RAM ensures that your laptop won’t slow down even when you have multiple programs and browser tabs open at once.
Sleek and Portable Design
Lenovo laptops are designed to be sleek and portable, making them easy to carry around with you wherever you go. Whether you’re working from home or on the go, Lenovo’s 8GB RAM laptops are a reliable and convenient choice.
One of the best things about Lenovo’s 8GB RAM laptops is their affordability. Compared to other brands with similar specs, Lenovo laptops are often priced lower, making them a great value for your money.
Top Lenovo 8GB RAM Laptops on the Market
Now that you know the benefits of Lenovo’s 8GB RAM laptops, it’s time to take a look at some of the top models on the market:
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a great entry-level laptop that comes with 8GB of RAM and a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor. It also features a 15.6-inch display, a backlit keyboard, and a fingerprint reader for added security.
Lenovo ThinkPad E15
The Lenovo ThinkPad E15 is a business-oriented laptop that comes with 8GB of RAM and a powerful Intel Core i5 processor. It also features a 15.6-inch Full HD display, a spill-resistant keyboard, and a fingerprint reader for added security.
Lenovo Yoga C740
The Lenovo Yoga C740 is a 2-in-1 laptop that can be used as a tablet or a laptop. It comes with 8GB of RAM and a powerful Intel Core i5 processor. It also features a 14-inch Full HD display, a backlit keyboard, and a built-in fingerprint reader for added security.
If you’re in the market for a powerful and reliable laptop that won’t break the bank, a Lenovo 8GB RAM laptop is a great choice. With its powerful performance, sleek design, and affordability, Lenovo laptops are some of the best on the market today.


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BEIJING: Chinese researchers have identified gut microbiota as a new biomarker of liver cancer.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. There are about 460,000 new cases reported annually in China.
Due to the absence of specific symptoms in the early stages and the lack of diagnostic markers, most patients with HCC are often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Therefore, finding diagnostic markers for early HCC is necessary to treat the disease before it is too late.
Researchers from the School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, and the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University have focused on the different gut microbial diversity in healthy people and patients.
Human gut microbiota has been considered the most important micro-ecosystem living with the body, containing tens of trillions of microorganisms, including at least 1,000 species of bacteria with more than 3 million genes. Gut microbiota can help the body digest certain foods that the stomach and small intestine have not been able to digest.
Researchers collected 486 fecal samples from across the country. They found microbial diversity in patients with cirrhosis was significantly lower than that in healthy people, but it was increased when cirrhosis developed into cancer.
About 12 bacteria genera decreased and six increased in patients with early cancer compared with healthy people.
The research provides a new solution for the early diagnosis of liver cancer and was recently published in the medical journal Gut.
According to researchers, more data and further studies are needed to confirm the validity and reliability of the model.
5-Day anti-polio drive from Sep 24
RAWALPINDI: A five-day anti-polio drive would commence in the entire district from September 24.
During the campaign,2181 polio teams would go door-to-door and administer polio drops to 840,000 children less than five years of age, Chief Executive Officer (CEO- Health) Dr. Khalid Mehmood told the Media. He said staff deployed for the campaign has been issued special instructions and informed that no negligence in this regard would be tolerated.
Dr. Khalid said that 287 fixed centers and 287 transit points have been designated for the purpose. Moreover, he added that 217 Union council Supervisors and 448 area in charges have also been deployed for it. Sufficient quantity of vaccine is available, and no stone will be left unturned in our efforts to make the campaign a success.
said Polio is a National issue and it is the responsibility of all to play an effective role to make the country Polio free
The CEO urged the citizens, particularly the parents, to come forward and play their role in the elimination of the crippling disease from society. “The parents should cooperate with the special teams so that the set target could be achieved.” He said continuous efforts were being made to control polio. Special teams have also been formed to cover areas from where complaints about unattended children are registered, he said, adding that special arrangements have also been made to cover Cantonment Board areas of Rawalpindi.
Common painkiller tied to increased risk of heart problems
ISLAMABAD: The commonly used painkiller diclofenac may be linked with an increased risk of heart problems, a large Danish study suggests.
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that are often used to treat arthritis and other painful joint conditions. In many countries, it is available without a prescription, a private news channel reported.
Researchers found that the rate of first-time cardiovascular events was 20 to 30 percent higher among people who started taking diclofenac than among people who started taking ibuprofen or naproxen, which are also NSAIDs, or paracetamol (acetaminophen). These events included heart attacks, development of an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation, or death from heart problems.
The rate of new heart problems was 50 percent higher for diclofenac users than for people who weren’t taking any painkillers.
The researchers analyzed data from the Danish national patient registry. Altogether, they had information on nearly 1.4 million diclofenac users, 3.9 million ibuprofen users, 292,000 naproxen users, 765,00 paracetamol users, and 1.3 million people not on any of these painkillers.
“It is important to note that the absolute risk for the individual patient is low,” Morten Schmidt, lead author of the study, told Reuters Health in an email.
Anti-polio campaign to start in Karachi from today
KARACHI: Mass immunization campaigns, known as National Immunization Days (NIDs), would be started from today to administer anti-polio drops along with the supplement of Vitamin A to over 2.3 million children up to five years of age in all 188 union councils in the metropolis during seven days.
More than 9000 polio teams will perform their duties in the campaign, it was decided in a meeting chaired by Commissioner Karachi Muhammad Sualeh Farooqui, at his office, said a statement on Sunday. Briefing about security arrangements it was told the meeting that foolproof security arrangements have been made to ensure the security of polio teams. The meeting was attended among others by Municipal Commissioner KMC Dr. Saifur Rehman, all Deputy commissioners, all district and town health officers, officials of Police, Pakistan Rangers, Health
Department, Emergency Operation Centres (EOC). The Commissioner stressed the need to work with the focus based strategies addressing issues specifically in all areas. He said that there is a great need to work for the improvement of micro plan and communication strategy. He asked the Deputy Commissioners to make all-out efforts to make the campaign result oriented. He urged the parents to cooperate with the polio teams to ensure their children are safe as a vaccine, given to them multiple times, can protect them for life. The Commissioner also stressed the need that efforts should also be made to administer polio drops to school going children of up to five years of age.
It was informed to the meeting that the Education department’s private school secretariat has instructed the concerned private schools to help the administration and cooperate with the polio teams in carrying out their duties for providing children the protection from the crippling decease. It was decided in a meeting that awareness campaign of teachers, as well as parents, would be initiated with the support of school administrations in coordination with the Directorate of the Private Schools. He said that polio eradication was a national cause and it would be the top priority of city administration to carry out its efforts for the elimination of poliovirus.

domain: news


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LEARN THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE SPORT AND INCREASE YOUR FITNESS AT OUR LEARN TO BOX SECONDS OUT CLASS.
Boxing is not a sport you can 'Just Pick Up' so we created a class that focuses on teaching the fundamentals of the sport through Non Contact drills.
Not only will you learn the basic techniques of the sport, but you'll be put through your paces with circuits and bag work to make sure you're as fit as top competing boxers.
These sessions are ideal for Novice boxers and Fitness Enthusiasts from 14yrs Upwards and will give you a real understanding and strong foundation of the skills.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM EACH CLASS...
Each session will start with boxing themed warm up before moving onto Pad drills to really get that heart pumping and body working. We will offer some coaching at this stage to really help you begin to learn the fundamentals.
Once the technical side is complete, the class then moves into the Boxing inspired Circuits using a variety of S+C and Hitting equipment
A packed class that's loads of fun.
IT’S YOUR TIME TO SUCCEED!
With Seconds Out you’re going to GET EVERYTHING, YOU NEED TO SUCCEED.
- 2 x 60 Minute Boxing Sessions every Tuesday and Thursday 1800-1900hrs
- Motivation and Support from the coaches
- Access to Our Private Facebook Page
PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION
Once you have submitted this, we will be in contact with you within a few hours.

domain: hobby


Cotton grower of the year drives innovation
Goondiwindi farmer Brett Corish has been named the Cotton Grower of the year.
He’s achieved water efficiencies of up to 10 percent, while also increasing yields.
Rural reporter Eddie Summerfield spoke with Brett, shortly after receiving the award.
Download this podcast here


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Jamaica’s living legend Usain Bolt, was a huge attraction at the Dubai 2020 exhibition, which was delayed due to Covid. The exhibition is expected to amass 25 million visitors under the theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future!”
British Singer Ed Sheeran just announced he is collaborating with Dancehall artist Ishawna, who did a remix of his biggest hits. The UK singer demonstrated that he actually knows several of these remixes including all the raunchy Patois curse words.
Aidonia teases fans with a new collaboration alongside fellow deejay Govana, on a much anticipated track called ‘May Day’!!
Jada Kingdom is living it up in New York. The singer has been based in America for past year leaving fans hopeful for new cross-over music.

domain: entertainment


I decided to start this blog because whenever I talk about music & metal on my regular blog, everyone gets bored! So, I wanted a place where I could just talk about music & metal and not have it clogging up the content on my other site.
I also wanted a place where I could vent about stuff happening on MFF without having to put up with the idiocy of some of the participants there.
My favourite bands are: Nightwish, Dawn of Destiny, Sabaton, Almora, Amberian Dawn, Crimfall, Leaves' Eyes, Atargatis, and many others. I predominantly listen to symphonic power metal, folk metal, power metal, and Gothic metal - and yes, many of the bands I listen to are fronted by women.
Metal for me is a genre where I feel very represented, and that is why I love it so much. I really have found a home there, a place where my experiences, world view, emotions, and even body type are represented. Mainstream music just doesn't do this for me. It's been one hell of a journey, and I look forward to sharing it here.


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One of the best total body workouts available is swimming, whether you play recreationally or do laps in the pool. While burning a significant amount of calories, it tones and strengthens the muscles in your shoulders, arms, legs, and core.
It's also low-impact, which makes it ideal for those who have joint problems like knee pain. Still, take your time learning to swim if you're new to exercising.
Exercise for the Heart
Swimming is a great cardiovascular exercise, whether you do it at the beach, in open water, or in your community pool. It engages muscles from the legs to the core and shoulders and burns more calories per hour than running or walking.
Swimming requires specialized breathing, which involves breathing in through the mouth and nose at regular intervals under regulated settings. This breathing can assist improve breath control and lung capacity, both of which are beneficial to cardiovascular health in general. Furthermore, because swimming is low-impact, it's a wonderful choice for those who have joint problems.
According to one study, inactive individuals with arthritis who went swimming twice a week for three months reported reduced pain and an overall higher quality of life. Additionally, the water's buoyancy can support the knees, hips, and back, easing strain on these joints. This might be especially beneficial for those who suffer from persistent back issues like sciatica. In general, swimming is a good way to reduce stiffness and pain from arthritis, especially when combined with strength training activities.
Because it works the majority of body muscles, including the arms, legs, glutes, and core, swimming is one of the most effective forms of exercise. In addition, its low impact makes it suitable for those with fibromyalgia and other joint problems.
Research indicates that swimming on a regular basis can enhance lung function and breathing technique, reduce hypertension, and increase bone mass. Additionally, it might lessen the signs and symptoms of persistent stress and snoring.
Swimming is an excellent place for beginners to begin exercising because it's gentle on the joints and allows you to relax and lose yourself in your own thoughts. Swimming can be mixed with strength training exercises like aided or unassisted pull-ups, squats, or deadlifts using half of your body weight for a more difficult workout. Ask your doctor if swimming is a good exercise for you if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. If you're injured, think about getting conditioned in an aquatic physical therapy setting before diving into the water.
Your entire body works out when you swim. Every muscle is engaged, and you can burn up to 150 calories in 30 minutes if you practice freestyle or butterfly strokes. Swimming raises your heart rate and improves blood flow to your muscles, just like all other cardio exercises. Additionally, the exercise tones the legs and improves the core.
The majority of your body weight is removed off your joints by the buoyancy of the water, making swimming a low-impact activity for those with joint issues. Actually, research has shown that swimming can provide the same health advantages to individuals with arthritis as other forms of exercise, like cycling, without causing the same kind of post-exercise joint discomfort and stiffness. Anyone can benefit from that, but senior citizens especially should. According to study, swimming on a daily basis may even enhance cognitive performance.
Loss of Weight
Swimming is a great weight reduction exercise, whether you're recovering from childbirth, attempting to lose weight after having a kid, or just searching for a simple, yet effective, routine. In addition to working all of your major muscle groups for a full-body workout, a 30-minute swim burns a considerable number of calories.
Increasing your speed and utilizing diverse strokes will help you burn more calories. Compared to the breaststroke, the butterfly and freestyle strokes burn more calories. A rigorous butterfly speed exercise can burn as many calories as a mile run in a short amount of time.
Additionally, swimming offers a good amount of resistance training to help you develop your muscles and improve your core. This can help maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity in addition to a nutritious diet. Swimming is also low-impact, so it's perfect for anyone with hip or knee problems. However, in order to prevent any accidents or injuries, it's crucial to utilize good technique when in the water.

domain: medical


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New BioWare Blog Looking to Utilize the Community
BioWare has a new blog. That's enough to hook me. It only has one post, from the Community Manager Jessica Merizan, and the site itself is just white with no real character. Why is that? In Jessica's post, she says:
You might also notice that the look of the blog is a bit sparse. Since we want this blog to truly reflect you and everything you love about our games, we’re opening a challenge to re-design the BioWare blog. Send screenshots of your entry to the above email account by January 3rd to be considered.
This is amazing. They also plan to incorporate their fan's ideas, talents, their love for BioWare.
Every week, we want to showcase the best art, costumes, crafts, music, and more that come from our talented and clever fans.
This has a League of Legends community feel to it, where Nikasaur shows off their fans' music creations, art, and anything that has to do with the fans and their League of Legends creations.
The blog will act as a community hub for everything that is BioWare, including developer interviews, Q&A's, behind-the-scenes studio features, event coverage, spoiler-free content of past and upcoming games, and special features from all of their developers to keep us fans up to date. Bravo with this idea BioWare. Let's all make sure we utilize it and make it what we want it to be.


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Sydney steps out strong with her debut album, Lost In Transition.
With a voice akin to the great jazz divas of the generations before her, she combines the soul of Motown crooners with the sass of an independent 21st Century woman. Her heartfelt melodies and true to life lyrics take the listener on a unique journey through every song. Refusing to discriminate against any particular genre of music, her favorite kind of music is good music. “The kind that moves you, makes you feel something…the songs that stick with you,” she says.
Be it pop or jazz, bluegrass or soul, country or hip hop, Lost In Transition seamlessly flows between them all with genuine performances showcasing her versatility as a singer and songwriter.


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Our hand centre was created recently in 2017, in recognition of the growing national and international consensus that acute hand injuries and chronic hand conditions require a different skill set that incorporates the knowledge and experience of both orthopaedic and plastic surgery. The British Society of Surgery on the Hand (BSSH) has long called for hand surgery to be delivered by sub-specialty hand surgeons, and this is echoed by recent developments within the General Medical Council (GMC) to consider Hand Surgery as a unique entry on their Specialist Register (December 2018).
University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire are leading the way in this endeavour. Seven dedicated hand surgeons with super-specialty qualifications in hand surgery now lead a dedicated hand unit with a separate emergency on-call service purely for hand trauma. We provide a seven day service with dedicated clinics for new hand injuries to be assessed and treated Monday to Saturday, and operate daily including Sundays. Listen to a recent interview on BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire here. Hand injuries are the most common of source of trauma, and the department is supported by two plastic surgeons with a sub-specialty background in soft tissue hand reconstruction. The unit has a dedicated hand trauma coordinator to ensure the smooth running of the service, and is further supported by a hand therapy department with two extended scope practioners joining our outpatient clinic team.
Within this website, you can learn more about our individual team members. We are also developing a resource for patients to find out more information regarding problems they may face with their hands, along with instructions that may be useful prior to or following treatment of their hand conditions / injuries.


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Now that commencement season is over, Americans can temporarily breathe a sigh of relief. In the last few weeks they have witnessed the culmination of a year of angry campus protests — from the attack on Charles Murray at Middlebury College and the cancellation of Ann Coulter’s talk at Berkeley to Secretary Betsy DeVos being booed by Bethune-Cookman graduates and Notre Dame students walking out on Vice President Pence.
For a few months at least, we are granted a reprieve. And summer vacation presents us with an excellent opportunity to reflect on the significance of these events — how those institutions most dedicated to free inquiry and the pursuit of truth are increasingly becoming bastions of angry intolerance, and what this means for the future of liberal democracy. As we seek to answer these questions, we should carefully consider a book that in its thirtieth anniversary is as relevant now as it was upon its original publication: Allan Bloom’s The Closing of the American Mind.
In Closing Bloom, a professor of philosophy and translator of the two greatest books ever written on education, Plato’s Republic and Rousseau’s Emile, traced the deep philosophical causes and consequences of the deterioration of liberal education in America. As Bloom insightfully and eloquently shows in the first part of his book, those consequences affect every aspect of our lives, our music, our reading, our sexual lives, our families and ultimately our political life.
Bloom’s concern grew out of his own experience of the violent campus protests at Cornell University in 1969, which resulted in Bloom’s departure from Cornell for the University of Toronto. Bloom’s basic argument is worth highlighting here. (For a more thorough treatment of Closing, see this symposium at Public Discourse, which includes three Hillsdale College professors).
Bloom connected the campus protests to a loss of confidence in the power of reason to discover the truth and of nature to guide human action. This crisis of reason and nature is also a crisis for liberal democracy, which is founded upon the claims of reason, and on trust that debate and discussion can lead to the truth. This crisis of reason is heralded and exemplified by the influential 19th century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. In these respects, Bloom’s argument coincides closely with that of C.S. Lewis in The Abolition of Man and Alasdair MacIntyre in After Virtue.
Bloom noted a close connection between reason and anger: “Indignation may be a most noble passion and necessary for fighting wars and righting wrongs,” he wrote. “But of all the experiences of the soul it is the most inimical to reason and hence to the university.” When confidence in reason disappears, what remains is endless conflict between various subjective beliefs and value systems, with no single standard by which to assess and compare them.
Today we see this kind of conflict playing out on our college campuses, with the booing, the walk-outs, and the vitriolic tone of social media. Interaction has become far less a matter of persuasion and far more an exercise of petulant self-assertion and power. Alarmingly, we see this same pattern in the public square, where our political leaders show little more appreciation for reasoned debate than twenty-something students. Bloom warns his American readers that the collapse of liberal democracy in Germany was preceded by the same source of ideas that animates the modern American university, and by the same hostility to reason and nature.
So — what is the solution? For Bloom, it lies in the recovery of liberal education, which trains the powers of the soul — reason, appetite and imagination — to discover truth, goodness and beauty in the natural order, and so prepares people for the great and noble challenges of citizenship and statesmanship. As the American Founders, themselves products of liberal education, well understood, political liberty cannot survive without liberal education.
Be warned: The Closing of the American Mind is not casual beach-reading. But if you take the time to digest its rich and sometimes difficult arguments, you may have the best summer of your life, and you will at least be prepared to make sense of things when next year’s protests begin.
Nathan Schlueter is professor of philosophy and religion at Hillsdale College.

domain: library