It is difficult to imagine the story of the traditional commercial block versus the redeveloped, auto-centric commercial block getting any more insulting to our senses. Today I will stretch your imagination.
A timeline of decline.
Decades ago, the Department of Transportation, in the name of growth, builds a highway through a traditional neighborhood. The highway maintains its character -- high speeds, wide lanes, channeled traffic -- despite going through a developed urban neighborhood.
The city embraces the highway and the promise of prosperity it holds. Over the years and at tremendous expense, the city's traffic engineering department converts the local streets to auto-centric corridors, widening lanes, removing on-street parking and eliminating sidewalks.
The city's planning department promotes a "modern" land use code, complete with use-based zoning that reinforces a hierarchy of streets (local/collector/arterial), the need for off-street parking and makes much of the traditional development pattern non-conforming.
The state reinforces the horizontal growth pattern with subsidies for new infrastructure on the periphery and a property tax system that rewards dis-investment and decline with lower rates of taxation.
The federal government adds subsidies for single-family homes, energy and transportation to the mix, further reinforcing the horizontal nature of local growth.
In response, the city's traditional neighborhoods stagnate and decline. The growth that is a natural byproduct of successful is now directed to the periphery. This only reinforces the dependency on the automobile as, perversely, residents of once-walkable neighborhoods with a variety of commercial options are now forced to drive to the periphery.
Further dis-investment. It makes no sense to live in a traditional neighborhood, or own a business in one, if you must drive everywhere anyway. There is no spatial advantage. When a person of modest means can get a larger home, a larger lot and have the same conveniences -- if not more -- outside of town while paying lower taxes, it is rational that they will do so. Why stay? Further decline.
As the transformation from traditional to auto-centric continues, parking becomes more valuable for those establishments that remain. Commercial businesses that in another era would have been expanded or rebuilt at a grander scale as the community grew are now more valuable being demolished for parking. The same thing is happening to the homes throughout these neighborhoods. They are being taken down in favor of garages and "buffering". Neighborhoods originally designed to define space are now becoming space.
These changes are devastating to the tax base. Where the public has made the greatest investments in infrastructure (and has the greatest obligations for maintenance) the neighborhoods stagnate. But nobody has the job of worrying about the tax base throughout the existing neighborhoods. The traffic engineer worries about moving cars. The public works director runs the utilities and is primarily concerned with new connections. The planner administers the zoning code and is particularly zealous about parking ratios.
This all devolves into a farcical feedback loop. More people driving means that more transportation improvements are needed. There is a greater need to channel cars, to control the flow, to improve the capacity of the transportation system. The more the public realm is given over to cars, the more people must drive. The more people that drive, the more cars on the road. Etc. Etc. Etc. Nobody realizes that we're not actually adding cars. We're all just making more trips.
To keep things moving, more automobile capacity is needed. As a society, we've come to believe now that somehow more space dedicated to cars means more growth, even though one can essentially go anywhere at high speeds and reach any location in minutes at any time of day parking just outside the destination. The only way to create more capacity is literally to tear down more of the city.
We'll get it all, eventually. Or die trying.
As the decay accelerates, in a move reminiscent of James Taggert in the book Atlas Shrugged, the local officials look at the owners of the remaining buildings with disgust. They brand them "slum lords", somehow believing that it is they that are causing the decline. (Note that this is a reverse of the way they believe that Walmart is creating the growth -- both are simply reacting to what is given them.) The city goes so far as to create an ordinance limiting the number of rental properties, as if there is some alternative, viable use that the market will magically bring to bear.
So what do we do when we find ourselves in this desperate situation, surrounded by stagnation and decline, a budget stretched to the max and completely at the mercy of aid from outside the community?
Do we examine the commercial blocks of our traditional neighborhoods -- the last remnants of the hard work and ingenuity of our ancestors -- and notice that they have actually retained their value -- actually have value greater than their planned replacement -- despite our efforts to destroy them?
Do we examine these same blocks and see that they provide a myriad of opportunities for the many hard-working, entrepreneurial residents of the city?
Do we get professional assistance from people expert in creating value in our community to give us coherent advice on how to start leveraging our remaining resources?
What we do is turn to our economic development official and ask them to salvage the situation. And we give them a blunt instrument to do it.
Tax. Increment. Financing.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is the devil's tool of decline. There are two things necessary to make it "work" (and by "work" I mean as a way to corrupt your community's soul). First, the city must reconfigure as much of the community as possible in an auto centric manner so as to make it very advantageous to develop on bare ground on the edge of town. Then -- and these work together -- the city needs to continue policies that devalue neighborhoods to the point where decent commercial or residential activity is no longer viable.
Once these two conditions exist, TIF can be awarded. Simply demonstrate that it would be cheaper (for the developer at the moment -- not for the taxpayer over multiple life cycles) to build outside of town than to redevelop the blighted property in town and -- bam -- a tax subsidy can be awarded for the difference, if not substantially more, as an enticement to redevelop the blighted property.
Bring in the planner and the engineer to ensure that the new property conforms to the auto-centric design and you have successful redevelopment. Overlook the fact that it took decades of painful decline, millions of dollars of public malinvestment and that the final product creates less value than what would otherwise be there. This is something the politicians can crow about, the public can see improve in short order and the economic development team can put in their annual report.
As we call it in America: progress.
In the case of Brainerd and the two blocks -- one traditional and one auto-centric -- that we have been comparing and contrasting these past two weeks, you can probably guess by now that Taco John's received Tax Increment Financing for their new building.
So not only is the block with the national chain restaurant valued less than the traditional block of local businesses, it is receiving a tax subsidy for the next 26 years. In the year 2033 the city of Brainerd will begin collecting taxes above and beyond what it collected in 2007 from this property.
All that for drive through tacos.
As a final note, readers should know that to grant TIF an application must pass a "but for" test. "But for" the TIF subsidy, this redevelopment wouldn't happen. When you get beyond the immediate transaction and understand the full picture of what is going on, you realize that this is a little like an alcoholic hitting the bottle and saying, "but for...." TIF is the co-dependent enabler of the suburban experiment.
And our lifestyle clearly makes us the drunk.
I want more than anything for us to sober up and start building value again in our places. We can do it if we want. We have the resources and the capacity. Let's work to make our places into Strong Towns.
If you find this material interesting and would like to know more about how to apply this thinking to your community, join us at the Strong Towns Network, a social enterprise for those working to implement a Strong Towns approach.


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But in order to succeed in the new world order of music discovery, radio has to do more than just play new music and new artists in the same unimaginative way it always has. And that’s where the digital tools come into play.
Reinventing music discovery is something any great radio brand can do. At its disposal are deeper richer resources from HD2 stations to mobile apps to Google Hangouts. All of these “gadgets” allow radio to bring the music closer to consumers, giving them a chance to vote and voice their opinions. The local music scene – very vibrant in many markets – could be showcased with its own mobile app, facilitating new relationships as well as sources of income for imaginative sales reps who work the hometown clubs and venues.

domain: entertainment


Galaxy trending in wrong direction with loss to Earthquakes in California Clasico
The only thing that’s been consistent about the Galaxy’s season has been its inconsistency.
There was a three-game winless streak followed by a four-game unbeaten one. They’ve been shut out four times and posted four shutouts. In fact, it’s been such an up-and-down year, the Galaxy dropped from first to third in the Western Conference standings last weekend after winning a game.
The latest swing of the pendulum came Friday, when a second-half goal from Jeremy Ebobisse and another that ricocheted off a Galaxy defender lifted the San Jose Earthquakes to a 2-1 win before an announced crowd of 17,568 at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Victor Vázquez had the only goal for the exhausted Galaxy, who were playing for the third time in seven days and have gone a month without scoring multiple goals in a game.
Six times this season the Galaxy (11-8-2) have followed a loss with a win, but Friday’s result marked the first time they’ve lost two in a row, with both defeats coming at home. So while their 11 victories are tied for second in MLS, their eight losses are fourth-most.
And coach Greg Vanney made clear Friday that his patience has run out.
“Our defending in general is just not good enough. We give away too many chances. We give away too many goals. It’s on me and it’s going to change in the next three weeks,” said Vanney, a standout defender in his playing days. “We can’t keep conceding goals and chances at the rate we are and it’s a mentality.
“Our mentality is that we love to attack and we love to have the ball. But we cheat defensively and we rest and we don’t concentrate and we don’t do the little things that it takes to be a good defending team. It’s going to end or guys aren’t going to be on the field.”
Vanney has seen 17 players make their Galaxy debuts in his first 21 games as coach and hasn’t had his best 11 players on the field together all season.
Three of the Galaxy’s starters against San Jose weren’t even on the team at the beginning of the summer.
“We have guys who come to us in midseason trying to get fit. We’ve had guys coming out of injury trying to get fit. Guys who are in and out,” Vanney said. “That’s where consistency helps you out.”
The Galaxy dominated San Jose on the road seven weeks ago, but the Earthquakes (6-7-8) haven’t lost since, going 3-0-7 and conceding just eight goals since June.
And they proved tough to break down in a physical first half Friday.
On the other end San Jose, which took 12 shots in the opening 45 minutes, was denied three times, once by the crossbar, which stopped Luciano Abecasis’ bending left-footed shot, then twice by Galaxy keeper Jonathan Bond, who made two splendid saves on Ebobisse seconds apart in stoppage time.
In Screen Gab No. 1, we ask if “Ted Lasso” has gone soft, examine the “Real Housewives’” literacy skills, ask Leos Carax what he’s watching and more.
The game opened up considerably in the second half with Bond, who finished with five saves, making two more spectacular stops in the second minute on Ebobisse and Tanner Beason, leaving a pair of Earthquakes players holding their heads in their hands in frustration and disbelief.
But Ebobisse finally got the ball by the Galaxy keeper in the 52nd minute, slipping his mark in the box and heading in a long cross from Abecasis across the front of the goal and in at the far post.
Vázquez equaled it 13 minutes later, bending a low corner kick off San Jose keeper JT Marcinkowski and into the side netting at the near post.
But the tie was also short-lived because six minutes later San Jose’s Eduardo Lopez deflected a shot from a difficult angle in off Niko Hamalainen, who was playing his third game for the Galaxy, for the game-winner.


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September 11, 2001. New York City.
It's Claire's senior year, and she's in class when the first tower is hit. She's on the street with her little brother, evacuating the school, when the second tower falls.
Peter is skipping to pick up the new Bob Dylan at Tower Records.
And Jasper slept through it.
Peter and Claire are classmates, though they don't really know each other. Peter met Jasper at a party the night before (a party that Claire was also at), and they were planning to hook up and see a movie that night. Until their world is ripped apart. This is the story of how the terrorists attacks of 9/11 impact their lives, bring them together, and how, in the midst of tragedy, love is always the higher law.
I didn't know if I was ready for a book about 9/11, but David Levithan was, and I'm really, really glad that he was. As Claire, Peter and Jasper's stories dance around each other and finally intertwine, Levithan lays open the raw emotion of a nation's horror and shock at the cataclysmic destruction of that day. In this short but powerful novel, Levithan captures the desperate stuggle of a nation to unite, to comprehend the incomprehensible, and the need to do something, anything, to overcome hate with love. In one of the most poignant moments, Claire sums up the feel of the book when she lays her heart bare to Jasper, "I think that if you were to somehow measure the weight of human kindness, it would have weighed more on 9/11 than it ever had."
If you only read one piece of historical fiction this year, let it be Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan.
United We Stand.

domain: library


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domain: design


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Here’s how it works:
1. To get your Pet Portrait started please fill out the contact information on this page.
2. Send several of your favorite clear photographs of your pet after the initial contact to me.
3. Photographs will be reviewed and you will be notified within a week if they are usable for the drawing or if additional photographs are needed.
4. Full payment MUST be received and cleared via check, money order or Paypal before the start of the drawing.
5. Your drawing will be delivered within one month from the date of the payment approval. (Note: If there will be a delay due to scheduling conflict you will be notified ASAP.)
Final Product: You will receive an 8 x 10” drawing on high quality vellum mounted on acid-free museum board (unmatted and unframed).
Please Note: Generally, I create the pet portrait in black and white washes with a bit of color. However, on a few occasions, the drawing is created in full color. The variety is a bit of artistic license based on how I respond to the photographs you provided.
Individual pet portrait – $100, plus shipping and handling
Group pet portrait – $100 per pet, plus shipping and handling
Payment method: check, money order or PayPal
To get your Pet Portrait started please fill out the contact information below.

domain: artistic


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For more reviews, visit weddingwire.com
Jen did an amazing job on my makeup for my wedding day and I cannot thank her enough. I was looking for a more natural look but with enough that my makeup would last all day in the heat and look good in the photos. I could not have been more pleased as she did exactly what I was hoping for and I am forever grateful whenever I look back on my wedding photos.
~ Megan Z. (happy bride)
Jen did my makeup for my wedding. Everything went super smooth that day, and she made me feel so beautiful! My makeup was flawless and natural looking. Everyone complimented my bridal "glow"! I would recommend Jen to anyone looking to feel amazing and beautiful on their special day.
~ Adrienne P.
Thanks, Jennifer, for doing a brilliant job on the makeup for my special day. You were so pleasant and a calming influence amid the chaos. I felt and looked beautiful. My mother and mother-in-law looked elegant and the bridesmaids looked radiant. The makeup was very natural looking throughout the day. I received so many compliments from guests on how wonderful we all looked. The pictures came out stunning as well. I would highly recommend you for the fantastic job you made of my make up on my wedding day.
~ Keri P.
I couldn't have been more pleased with my makeup on my wedding day. Jen did a fantastic job of making my makeup look sophisticated, but with enough glamour to make you feel like a princess on your wedding day. I couldn't have asked for more. It lasted through the day and looked great on my pictures.


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Isadora Figueroa, Chayanne’s Daughter, Makes Her Singing Debut with a New Music Video
The music industry welcomes a new talent as Isadora Figueroa, daughter of renowned Latin pop superstar Chayanne, shares her passion for music with her debut project “Dime Qué Hago.” The 22-year-old singer is taking the entertainment industry by storm, following in the footsteps of her father’s incredible success.
In a recent Instagram post, Isadora unveiled the artwork for her new single and music video, “Dime Qué Hago,” which features her wearing a striking white ensemble with a feather collar. “I hope you enjoy this little piece of my heart,” she wrote, expressing her excitement for the release of her first official music video.
Isadora also took the opportunity to thank everyone involved in the project, acknowledging that “nothing can be done by itself.” She expressed her appreciation for the team behind the song, thanking them for their belief in her and their contribution to making the project a reality.
It’s evident that Isadora has been passionate about pursuing a career in music for some time now, as she previously shared her love for songwriting on her Instagram account. After studying music at the University of Miami, Isadora is ready to embark on her own journey to stardom.
Isadora released her first single back in December, which honored her Latin heritage by singing in Spanish. Her debut received positive feedback from her fans and followers, making the release of “Dime Qué Hago” highly anticipated.
As Isadora carves her path in the industry, it’s exciting to see what the future holds for this young talent. With the support of her family and the passion for music instilled in her, it’s clear that Isadora Figueroa is a star on the rise.


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Christmas eve gifts … books for a bedtime story, then quickly to sleep so Santa can pop down the chimney to deliver the gifts.
Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Lost Christmas – a sequel to How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and equally as humorous, with the Grinch determined to win Who-ville’s Christmas tree contest. HarperCollins UK Children, R399.
It’s chaos at Christmas, as a who host of animals get into silly situations as they try to celebrate the season. You Can’t Let an Elephant Pull Santa’s Sleigh by Patricia Cleveland-Peck and David Tazzyman is a delight … hysterically funny. Bloomsbury, R220
A magical story about a 10-year-old girl who is convinced her mum’s new boyfriend is Father Christmas (he even works on a reindeer farm). LD Lapinski’s brilliant Step Father Christmas in 25 chapters … so one a night with two on Christmas eve. Orion, R220.
The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas – a magnificent musical novel by Matt Lucas, about Leo’s first Christmas without his mum. There are QR codes that you can scan, and listen to the song as you read … with all the words at the back, so you can sing along too. Farshore, R295.


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This collection gathers comic books first published in the late 80’s, telling the story of the demise of Jason Todd (the second Robin) and the rise of the third Robin, Tim Drake. There is an intriguing interactive element to the story of Todd’s death as readers were allowed to vote on whether the character would be killed off or not by way of a phone hotline. The challenge for DC was that when readers did decide to ax Todd the publisher couldn’t tell whether the decision reflected a preference for a lone-wolf Batman, or whether they just didn’t like Todd.
The reason it might have been the latter is that Jason Todd was written as a much more sassy, impudent, and disobedient Robin than his predecessor, Dick Grayson (i.e. who’d shed sidekick status to become Nightwing.) Todd’s teenage insolence can be seen in this story when Batman puts him on probation after some rash action while crime-fighting. Having found a clue that puts him on the trail of his birth mother, Todd goes on a global walkabout searching for her. With comic book convenience, Todd’s pursuit of meeting his mother brings him back across the path of a Batman who is out to stop the Joker. When Robin is asked to maintain surveillance on the Joker while Batman sets off to interrupt a convoy of poisonous gas, the seeds of self-destruction are sown.
This isn’t a Gotham-centric Batman story, but reflects the geopolitics of the 1980’s. Batman and Robin reunite in the Middle East, and the story proceeds to the United Nations as the Dark Knight attempts to end the Joker’s reign of madness. When the Iranians make the Joker their Ambassador to the United Nations, Superman is brought in to make sure an enraged Batman doesn’t do something that will cause an international incident. Superman’s role is neither extensive nor, given his vast powers, particularly interesting.
When DC was putting together this collection, they apparently thought that leaving the story with a bitter, despondent, and angry Batman wasn’t the way forward, and so they include the story of how Tim Drake becomes the third Robin. (Even though it makes for an odd narrative kink and tone shift.) Drake is a boy Sherlock Holmes. Having deduced that Batman is Bruce Wayne and noticing that Batman has become more reckless in the wake of Todd’s / Robin’s death, Drake stalks Dick Grayson in an attempt to get him to return to being Batman’s sidekick. Grayson isn’t interested in the demotion, and the guilt-ridden Batman has no desire to partner up again, feeling that he got the last one killed.
I enjoyed this collection. The fact that it includes powerful consequences gives it some emotional resonance and narrative tension. (Of course, in comic book fashion, Todd doesn’t stay dead, but that doesn’t happen until long after this run.) I found the shift to the “Teen Titans” books (i.e. the part involving Drake and Dick Grayson) makes for an odd turn-about in the story. But it’s understandable as it’s a dark story line otherwise. (I would have preferred more on the front end to show why I should care that a rash and disrespectful twit got killed doing what he was told not to. Long time readers will have some sympathies for Todd [his execution by readers was of a narrow margin, after all], but just based on this book one may feel Todd got what was coming.)
This book presents a crucial moment in the Batman canon, and should be read by any one interested in the Dark Knight’s story.


President can make excellent on his threats to ban well-known apps, will China retaliate?
TikTok and WeChat will be banned from application outlets in The usa from Sunday as the US Government takes another step in what it describes as a clampdown on China’s “malicious collection” of personalized info.
The new actions introduced by the Office of Commerce mean that as of Sunday, September twenty it will be unlawful to distribute or update the two apps via on the net outlets such as Apple’s Application Keep and Google Participate in.
“Each collects broad swaths of info from people, like network action, place info, and searching and research histories. Every single is an energetic participant in China’s civil-armed forces fusion and is subject to mandatory cooperation with the intelligence companies of the CCP. This mixture outcomes in the use of WeChat and TikTok developing unacceptable risks to our nationwide security” the Office stated.
Even more sanctions are also being introduced for Tencent-backed WeChat on Sunday, and will occur into pressure for TikTok in November.
The move follows President Donald Trump’s govt purchase, issued on August 6, to ban TikTok in the US. He gave the enterprise 45 times to come across a domestic owner for its platform, and that period of time will come to an conclude on Sunday.
As described by Computer system Small business Critique, TikTok’s parent enterprise ByteDance is in talks with Oracle about a partnership that could aid it get round the ban. These talks, introduced on Monday, could explain why the online video-sharing platform has been provided further time prior to the second batch of limits kick in.
If agreed, the partnership Oracle would manage TikTok US info, as perfectly as taking a stake in its State-aspect functions. It is unclear no matter whether this will be enough to get Trump’s blessing.
What the Constraints Suggest for TikTok, WeChat
Asserting the information, US Office of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross stated: “At the President’s route, we have taken considerable motion to overcome China’s malicious collection of American citizens’ personalized info, though advertising our nationwide values, democratic procedures-primarily based norms, and aggressive enforcement of U.S. legislation and laws.”
The preliminary actions block TikTok and WeChat from appearing in application outlets, and also ban the transfer of resources and processing of payments relating to the apps in the US.
WeChat faces a more checklist of banned transactions, which will utilize to TikTok from November fifteen:
As of September twenty, 2020, for WeChat and as of November twelve, 2020, for TikTok, the adhering to transactions are prohibited:
- Any provision of net web hosting companies enabling the performing or optimization of the cell application in the U.S.
- Any provision of information delivery network companies enabling the performing or optimization of the cell application in the U.S.
- Any provision straight contracted or organized net transit or peering companies enabling the perform or optimization of the cell application within the U.S.
- Any utilization of the cell application’s constituent code, capabilities, or companies in the performing of program or companies formulated and/or obtainable within the US
Talking to Fox Small business (by way of CNBC), Ross spelled out that if you by now have TikTok on your cellular phone it will carry on to perform immediately after September twenty, but no updates will be offered. It is unclear no matter whether this is also the scenario for WeChat, but we ought to come across out shortly enough.
Will China Strike Back? WhatsApp Could be in its Sights…
Matthew Hodgson is co-founder and CEO of Ingredient, a decentralised chat application seeking to challenge the likes of WeChat and WhatsApp
Commenting on the information about TikTok and WeChat, he stated: “The US ban on WeChat highlights the vulnerabilities of centralised companies such as WeChat and WhatsApp.
“The greatest issue is the realisation that typical people basically cannot depend on these centralised companies to be offered to them. Accessibility could be terminated with zero notice thanks to the whims of a government or company improvements, leaving people locked out of their discussions and contacts and left superior and dry.
“Furthermore it’s not just governments that are fascinated in the broad amounts of info saved by massive centralised messaging companies such as WhatsApp, WeChat, Signal or Telegram. All kinds of nefarious groups will be targeting those honeypots.
“Finally, it’s intrinsic that centralised programs obtain and keep a raft of info on their people. In the scenario of a messaging company, it commonly outlets all the users’ messages. So from that point of view, a lot of governments are hesitant to have their citizens’ info and messages captured and saved in a unique geography. But of course that performs both ways – a lot of international locations are not delighted to think that their info is saved on US servers. Which is why we see the US banning WeChat, and China banning WhatsApp.”


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So I am going to be honest here, while I had the entire month of March planned out I ended up taking some of those post and posting them in February so I need to fix some things.
But, I also didn't have a post ready and while I am sitting here at !:15a with a numb butt and partially falling off our king size bed, I in the spur of the moment came up with this great idea to do a monthly recap of last month photos.
My idea is that I share images that were taken on my phone or Sony A6000 but wasn't shared on social, so only my blog readers can actually see them. Plus this is a great way for me to recap what silly images I still keep in my phone and maybe encourage me to get rid of a few others.
I have a really bad habit of never deleting or backing up my phone so I have a ton of images on my phone that broke of J that I didn't save anywhere. And I was the one preaching to everyone to back their photos up. That didn't teach me any lessons and I lost a lot of photos, but take my advice and back your photos up to Google Photos or Amazon Prime if you already have a subscription, it is totally worth it.
I do also want to start printing some of my iPhone photo. If you have any that you have used like chatbooks, or whatever let me know I'd love to hear your feedback.
Let's get into the photos of February from my iPhone.
I have some other ideas that I am thinking of too and maybe I'll post them on stories and get some feedback from y'all as well. If you don't follow me on instagram yet please do!
Feb 28// J at the park
Feb 27// night time, bathroom lights shining through our bathroom doors.
J throwing a fit at the doctor's office 🤦🏽♀
Churros & Gringos
I painted my own damn nails
Mom is it ever going to stop raining?
the main event

domain: hobby


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Foreign Central Banks
A riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enema.
Highly paid shills for the status quo on Wall Street have recently been wheeled out to observe the fundamental ugliness of western government bonds. They are correct. This is an asset class that has managed to defy the laws of economics in becoming ever more expensive even as its supply swells. Their response has been to recommend piling into stocks instead. The logic here is not so pristine. If Napier's thesis is correct, the West faces a period of outright deflation, which will be deeply traumatic for exactly the sort of speculative stocks that have lately done so well. Admittedly, the picture is confused, and prone to all sorts of political horseplay, as observers of the long-running euro zone farce can attest. Nevertheless, when faced with a) huge underlying uncertainties; b) structurally unsound banking and government finances; and c) central banks determinedly priming the monetary pumps, we conclude that the last free lunch in investment markets remains diversification. G7 government bond markets are a waste of time (though you may end up being cattle-prodded into them regardless). But there are still investment grade sovereign markets offering positive real yields. Stock markets are partying like 1999. Which, in many cases, it probably is. We would normally advise to enjoy the party but dance near the door.
To confirm a reversal in Treasuries we need a bona fide breakout.
Lots of motion, little progress.
Sudden collapse in withholding taxes... so now we can get back to the normal state, where the government borrows more than expected.
If last week's tax data is indicative of what's ahead this month, the "good news" won't be sustained.
The Case Shillers are shilling that the market is still weakening. But that's just not the Case.
The markets follow the money.
Yesterday, Reuters' blogger Felix Salmon in a well-written if somewhat verbose essay, makes the argument that "Greece has the upper hand" in its ongoing negotiations with the ad hoc and official group of creditors. It would be a great analysis if it wasn't for one minor detail. It is wrong. And while that in itself is hardly newsworthy, the fact that, as usual, its conclusion is built upon others' primary research and analysis, including that of the Wall Street Journal, merely reinforces the fact that there is little understanding in the mainstream media of what is actually going on behind the scenes in the Greek negotiations, and thus a comprehension of how prepack (for now) bankruptcy processes operate. Furthermore, since the Greek "case study" will have dramatic implications for not only other instances of sovereign default, many of which are already lining up especially in Europe, but for the sovereign bond market in general, this may be a good time to explain why not only does Greece not have the upper hand, but why an adverse outcome from the 11th hour discussions between the IIF, the ad hoc creditors, Greece, and the Troika, would have monumental consequences for the entire bond market in general.
A down day in the US on Tuesday could begin to trigger intermediate sell signals...~ Lee Adler
Are countries which want to trade in their own currencies or to own their own central banks getting spanked ?
The only reason that today's report was "disappointing" is that economists can't forecast accurately.
Life goes on, so does the stock market.
If you ever happen to acquire an inclination for being the subject of disrepute and ridicule I highly recommend endorsing the conceit alluded to in the title. Apparently this issue is ‘so obvious’ that even gold bugs and government officials can reach common ground via the contention that I’m deluded. My folly — if you will — is to maintain that dollar debasement can be bullish for the dollar vis-à-vis other currencies at present. Since this long-standing conviction of ours is once again being corroborated by price action in the currency markets I thought I’d attempt to convince you that I’m not completely crazy. Here I outline why dollar debasement is bullish for the dollar against other fiat currencies in this environment.
Then about 7 weeks ago, the FCBs not only slowed their purchase rate of Treasuries and Agencies, they began selling outright, and have continued to do so at unprecedented levels.

domain: economics


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In his early days Graham Parker shuffled like the rest of us, digging ditches, picking tomatoes, collecting money from pinball machines, working in a bakery, a glove factory, a petrol station, and unloading frozen foods. There may even have been a brief stint as a latex salesman at Vandelay Industries. Parker is certainly no slouch; his total studio album count (including albums recorded with his band the Rumour) is something like 23, plus 20 live albums and 17 compilations. In this context it’s therefore possibly surprising that Mystery Glue is only Graham Parker’s seventh studio album with the Rumour, having disbanded or taken “a very long break” between 1980’s The Up Escalator and 2012’s Three Chords Good. Two years on and they are back, billed as combining (according to Bruce Springsteen) “the best of Van Morrison, Eric Burdon and John Lennon”.
Springsteen’s reference to John Lennon is perhaps the most significant of the three, as Parker’s tone is generally tough and acerbic; Springsteen hits the nail on the head by stating, “Graham’s music was always aggressive sounding because of his voice. He always had that caustic attitude that he balanced with tremendous soul and warmth.” And Mystery Glue does not pull any punches; “My Life In Movieland”, for example, details the harsh reality of the film industry, “Waiting for work that does not appear / The agents avoid me, I’m so last year.” Regardless of the troubled sentiment, films were fundamental to the recent re-launch of the band, with an appearance in Judd Apatow’s enjoyable movie This Is 40 and the Parker-Rumour documentary Don’t Ask Me Questions.
Despite the tendency towards mordant wit, Parker’s bile is not overdone on Mystery Glue, with love songs like “Transit of Venus” and “Wall of Grace” showing a tenderness towards the often generous, mysterious and big-hearted characters. “Going There” is positively optimistic in the hope of new discoveries notwithstanding globalization and worldwide terrorism. Parker’s voice often sounds appropriately weathered and Dylan-esque, but with clean and big production, this is still a thoroughly cheerful record. Even in political uncertainty, “Swing State” comes across like a barely restrained party with its laws “meant to be broken”.
It could reasonably be said that a few of the tracks are reminiscent of Southside Johnny (“Flying Into London” and “Pub Crawl”) or indeed Springsteen himself (“Railroad Spikes”) due to the prominence of high-spirited R&B (the old school rhythm and blues, not the contemporary stuff we hear or turn off from the radio), but mostly Parker projects himself more like a long-lost soul brother to Hunter S. Thompson. And this is the distinctively appealing thing at the heart of Mystery Glue; the attitude is hard-boiled and slightly crazed, but the music is full of good spirit. “Long Shot” contains more than a dose of oblivion, but it still remains buoyant; the universe is about to fall apart, the clown politicians lie and generally fail us, but compared to David Baerwald’s opus Triage, Parker’s strain of doom is a sunny walk in the park.
The beautifully harmonic “Slow News Day” quietly rails at the inane, with cats stuck up trees, snowboarding chipmunks and camels with three humps. “I‘ve Done Bad Things” contemplates what could have happened to Barack Obama “with no future and no hope” if “busted for a spliff”, and ends up making a serious point in favor of decriminalization (“release the downtrodden from their everlasting plight”). The reggae beats of “Fast Crowd” have the narrator “Loaded up / With two bolt cutters a propane generator / Strong enough to bring down a cow,” and electrocuting someone who has double-crossed the gang the narrator has unluckily fallen into. Ultimately both come to a sticky end, but all in all, the glue that holds the album together is something approaching Gonzo pop — witty, zippy and slightly dangerous. Recorded in just six (what must have been phenomenal) days in London, this record is a whole lot of mischievous fun.
Release Date: 18 MAY 2015
FIRST PUBLISHED POPMATTERS 28 MAY 2015


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Published 8:00 pm, Tuesday, February 5, 2002
Dallas at New Jersey (7:30 p.m. EST). The Eastern Conference-leading Nets, 8-1 at home against the West this season, play host to Dirk Nowitzki and the Midwest Division-leading Mavericks.
_Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks, scored 38 points and grabbed 17 rebounds as Dallas outlasted Indiana 141-140 in double overtime.
_Tracy McGrady, Magic, had 29 points, eight rebounds and six assists to lead Orlando to a 106-98 victory over Cleveland.
_Gary Payton, SuperSonics, had 20 points and nine assists in Seattle's 113-87 win over Golden State.
_Raef LaFrentz, Nuggets, had 25 points and nine rebounds as Denver beat Portland 97-96.
Dallas edged Indiana 141-140 in double overtime Tuesday night, the most points the Pacers have scored at Conseco Fieldhouse. Dallas' Michael Finley played 57 minutes, and Indiana's Jamaal Tinsley 56, both topping the most minutes by any NBA player this season. Indiana's 33 attempts from 3-point range set a team record.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Knicks guard Allan Houston scored 40 points Tuesday night in a 112-110 loss to the Clippers, New York's third consecutive defeat. … Jamaal Tinsley had 19 assists, but Indiana lost 141-140 to Dallas in double overtime.
Allen Iverson shot 7-of-31 (22.6 percent) in Philadelphia's 86-82 loss to Detroit on Tuesday night. Iverson scored 26 points but missed his last 11 shots. … The Jazz shot 30 percent from the floor (24-of-80) in an 86-79 loss to Memphis.
Miami coach Pat Riley got his eighth technical of the season in the first quarter of a 76-73 loss to Atlanta on Tuesday night.
Orlando beat Cleveland 106-98 Tuesday night to even its all-time record against the Cavaliers at 23-23.
Toronto's Alvin Williams had made 32 straight free throws since Christmas Day until he missed a pair in the third quarter of Tuesday night's 99-94 loss to Washington.
San Antonio guard Stephen Jackson was suspended for one game and fined $7,500 by the NBA on Tuesday for a flagrant foul against Minnesota's Loren Woods. Jackson will miss Wednesday night's game at Toronto.
"It looked like we wanted to play in tuxedos, and they were the ones who wanted to work." _ Utah coach Jerry Sloan after Tuesday night's 86-79 loss at Memphis.

domain: sports


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Winner of the RIBA Book Award, this important and timely publication brings together contributions from leading stone conservation practitioners. It discusses the philosophical principles on which stone conservation is founded and the need to understand the full history and development of a building before starting work. Other topics covered in this book include consolidation, cleaning, and the replacement of stone; conservation of different stone types, including limestone, sandstone, and marble; problems of dealing with polychrome stone; and finally, issues relating to church monuments and graveyards, taking account of the need for good maintenance and health and safety requirements. The book is illustrated with the authors' own examples of stone conservation in practice. Architects, surveyors and craftsmen involved in the conservation of stone structures will find this both a practical and useful reference work.
Alison Henry BSc Hons, Dip Arch Cons, PGDip Arch Stone Cons, IHBC. Alison combines her role as Historic Buildings Advisor at South Somerset District Council with running a stone conservation practice. She worked on the conservation of the West Front of Salisbury Cathedral and now specializes in church conservation in Dorset and Somerset. Alison is also a part-time lecturer in conservation at Weymouth College and a member and former chair of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation's Technical sub-committee.
Winner of RIBA International Book Awards: Sir Sir Robert McAlpine International Book Award for Construction 2007.

domain: literature


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The true spirit of Bonneville lies with the garage mechanics across the globe, who spend their winters turning wrenches and planning their record attempt. I doubt there is a better illustration of this than RIchard Krczal’s 1971 Triumph Bonneville.
From the mid 1950s to the mid 1960s Triumph powered streamliners owned the salt at Bonneville so it’s not surprising that they used the Bonneville name for their most popular line of motorcycles.
Continuing the connection between Triumph motorcycles and Bonneville is this beautiful example, running in both the Push Rod Sidecar Gas and Push Rod Sidecar Nitro categories.
Like many of the Bonneville competitors Richard caught salt fever after coming to the salt as a spectator. All it took was one visit to the salt and Richard was back in 2011 with the Triumph for a record attempt in the sidecar class.
Hailing from British Columbia, Richard and his wife might not have traveled the farthest (that distinction has to go to BMR Ferguson Racing who came all the way from Australia) but hauling you classic Triumph sidecar in the back of a pickup for a thousand miles has a certain romantic appeal to it that pulling a toy hauler behind a motorhome doesn’t
When I first ran into RIchard he was in his tidy little pit area, Bonneville’s ubiquitous blue tarp and white E-Z UP, looking slightly harried as he worked to get his bike ready to go through its tech inspection.
Even with the typically hectic Bonneville prep Richard took a few minutes and talked with me about his bike, his goals and his plans for next year.
(disclaimer: it’s a bit off the cuff and in a couple of places it’s difficult to hear but I think it’s still worth a listen).
That wraps up our Bonneville Speed Week coverage. Like all the competitors I talked to we’re already planning next year’s Bonneville trip.
If you missed any of our previous coverage click the links and catch up on all our exclusive Speed Week coverage:
For more about Speed Week and Bonneville check out:


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This is my first video. Sorry for the quality I don't have a drawing tablet.
i love adventure time and this is funny to
very good to be you firt time nice work ,lol the face of the moutain
LOL I'm a fan of adventure time! That one is the best. (:D
Dude, for your first animation, this is amazing. Yeah, the score might be low, the video may be... erm... very random, but if you make longer videos with scripts, voice actings, etc, I could see you going along way. EH EH EH
Thanks, I'm working on something now with voice and longer animation.
What.. whaa... Eh??
Blue Pencilmate meets Red Pencilmate, but things don't go so well...
While taking the day off work, Lloyd and Glynis take in a movie
newgrounds.com — Your #1 online entertainment & artist community! All your base are belong to us.


Home > American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story > Season 1 > Episode 5
The Playboy Interview ("I Read the Magazine for the Articles")
Hefner creates the Playboy Interview which provides a platform for cultural leaders to discuss social issues. A controversial interview with Malcolm X is published.
Discuss American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story on our TV talk forum!


Cold Steel Engage Atlas Lock Folder Orange FRN Black Stonewashed 4116 Drop Point Blade FL-30DPLD-BOZ
- Black Stonewashed 4116 Blade
- Contoured Orange FRN Scales
- Smooth Sliding Atlas Lock
- Strong and Secure Lockup
- Stainless Steel Deep Carry Clip
Designed for daily carry, the workhorse Engage line from Cold Steel provides hard use folding knives that are comfortable, secure, and easy to operate thanks to the innovative Atlas slide lock mechanism. Fully ambidextrous and built like a tank, the Engage is a reliable choice for EDC use.
4116 Stainless Steel: A mid-carbon German stainless steel also known as 1.4116. Similar to 420HC with good corrosion resistance, toughness, and sharpness and moderate edge retention. Used in high-end Henckels and Wusthof kitchen knives.
Atlas Lock: This patent pending slide lock offers ease of use with exceptional strength. A spring-loaded steel bar rides on pins set into the handle. The forked end of the bar slides around two pins that serve as blade and lock stops respectively. The interior prong of the fork sits between the blade stop pin and blade tang locking the knife solidly in the open position and distributing lock force over the two pins for added strength (tested to over 700 lbs!).
|Country of Manufacture||Taiwan|


Restricted to active duty military, law enforcement, and public safety, the Infidel OTF (out-the-front) Automatic Knife uses a slide release and spring system to deploy the blade from the front of the handle. The blade will lock in both the opened and closed positions.
Benchmade autos take full advantage of powerful springs coupled with their precisely machined lock mechanisms, providing the most reliable automatic systems available in the industry. Their patented integrated safety mechanism, located on the handle spine in all push-button automatics, ensures that the blade will not inadvertently deploy or close once it is locked open.
Please Note: It is the customer’s responsibility to be aware of any federal, state, or local restrictions and regulations that may apply when purchasing and carrying a knife.
Special discounts may apply for high volume sales.
Contact our Bids & Quotes department for more information.
"OTF" stands for Out The Front. The blade does not fold, it projects and retracts straight from and into the grip/handle. This mechanism does not require batteries.


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One of the newest forms of gambling has gained prominence in recent years and that is online casino bonuses that do not require deposit. With a myriad of sites currently offering this bonus you should always be sure to choose a casino that offers the best bonuses for first-time players. You can easily find all the details you need online. There is a chance that you won’t always make an excellent profit when joining, and at times you may not be able to enjoy the thrill of playing online casino games. Casino websites almost always provide some kind of bonus, like a deposit bonus, bonus casino, loyalty bonus, or welcome bonus. There are also additional bonuses based on how much you deposit.
Online casino deposit bonuses are excellent because they permit players to use their free money for prizes or spins on slot machines and video poker machines or other games with actual cash value. This allows people to get paciência online exactly what they came in with. Some players are unsure of what kind of no deposit bonus can be accessed on slots with such high payout percentages. This bonus is accessible everywhere, and I’m here to assist.
If you want to win more slots tournaments Why not join an event to see how you fare? You can do this by making an online registration. But, there aren’t bonus deposits on tournament entries so it’s not a good idea to offer these. You can still get your money for free by playing video poker or blackjack. After all if there was any kind of prize to win these things that’s what everyone would do it, and casinos wouldn’t be able run as smoothly as they do.
There are ways to win cash without deposit bonuses. You can use the codes given out with the sign-up. Sometimes, these codes are real money that could be used to buy tickets to play games at the casino. The bonus is essentially just an incentive to keep you playing until the final day of the promotion. If you get a prize as a consequence of your participation, then you get the prize money plus the deposit casino code that you entered.
Although it is normal that deposit bonuses casino offers can be withdrawn at any time, it rarely happens. The majority of casinos that offer these promotions have them set to run for a while. These promotions are typically only offered for new players, therefore it makes sense that most players will earn points while they’re at it. Most casinos will credit the account with any prizes they have handed out at the end of the promotion. Many people will take the prize, which is what increases their points.
The promotions are accessible through a variety of ways. Register at one of the many new casinos that are being added each day to take advantage of these deals. These bonuses do not require deposit. They are offered by many new casinos to draw new players. It’s not a surprise that such promotions are advertised on their sites.
You will also see these promotions advertised on forums dedicated to casinos on the internet. These forums are filled with discussions about online casinos, and are an excellent location if you want to get involved in discussions regarding bonus promotions. It is a good idea that you have a clear goal of what yours are prior to going to these forums. This will allow you to share your goals with other members of the forum so that they don’t have to waste time. There are a lot of online casinos out there however, very few offer promotions to aid any new player in taking their gambling to the next level.
If you find various types of no chess move deposit bonuses being offered by one of the different types of online casinos then you should take advantage of it. This is a great opportunity to start your online journey. You should ensure that you’re aware of the rules that apply to the different kinds of betting you may be eligible for, so you don’t end up being disqualified from the program because of something you didn’t know about.

domain: game


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Signs have been displayed on roads near a school in Lincoln, after the crossing was recently branded 'the most dangerous in the country'.
Body cameras are being fitted to lollipop men at the Monks Abbey Primary School and recording will go live from today following recent collisions and accidents.
More top news
Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood hopes striker Christian Benteke will commit his future to the club amid rumours of a summer move to Liverpool.
May the 4th is a day to celebrate Star Wars for fans of the franchise, and the films have a surprising number of links to the Midlands.
A family firm from Nottingham has sold out of the white woollen shawl used to wrap the new royal baby as she was presented to the world.

domain: news


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Are you wondering what the best milk for a 1-year-old baby is? I know that it can be hard to figure out, but we have some great tips. You should also check out our blog post on how to make homemade toddler formula.
We all want what is best for our kids. So when it comes to the type of milk we feed them, what should we be giving them? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed until they are six months old and then continue breastfeeding as long as mother and baby mutually desire. For those who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, iron-fortified infant formula is recommended with vitamin D supplementation if needed. After one year, whole cow’s milk may also be an acceptable option but low-fat (1%) or fat-free (skim) milk may be preferable due to the high saturated fat content in whole milk.
A lot of moms worry about their children’s nutrition and want them to grow up healthy and strong. One of the most important things a mother needs to do is feed her child nutritious food, which includes providing appropriate amounts of calcium, protein, vitamins A & D as well as iron. The key nutrients in cow’s milk are vitamin B12, vitamin C, and riboflavin (B2).
While whole milk should be avoided in favor of low-fat or fat-free milk after the first year, it’s important to note that not all toddlers need cow’s milk. Toddlers who consume enough fruits, vegetables, and other protein sources may not need cow’s milk as a main source of nutrition. Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns about whether or not your toddler is getting the nutrients they need.
1. Cow milk
Cow milk is a great choice for 1-year-olds. It has the right balance of nutrients to help them grow and develop. cow milk also contains calcium, vitamin D, and protein which are all important for toddlers.
Some parents choose to give their children cow milk if they are not breastfeeding. If you are going to give your child cow milk, make sure that you buy organic milk. This is because conventionally-produced cow milk contains high levels of pesticides and other chemicals.
If your child is lactose intolerant, you can buy lactose-free cow milk. Lactose-free cow milk has been processed to remove the lactose sugar, so your child can digest it more easily. You can also buy soy or rice milk for your 1-year-old if they are lactose intolerant.
2 Rice milk
Rice milk is gluten-free and easy to digest, so it’s a great choice for 1-year-olds with food allergies or digestive issues. It contains small amounts of protein and calcium, but not as much as cow milk.
Some brands of rice milk contain added vitamins, such as vitamin A and D. However, some children’s rice kinds of milk have a high level of sugar so you need to check the label if your child has diabetes or obesity.
3. Almond milk
Almond milk is a good choice for 1-year-olds to drink if they are lactose intolerant or have an allergy to cow milk. It contains small amounts of protein, but only one-third the amount that cow milk does. It also contains very little calcium and no vitamin D, so don’t rely on it as a source of nutrition.
Some brands of almond milk contain added vitamin D and calcium, so if your child drinks them you don’t need to give them additional vitamins. Be aware though that too much vitamin D can be dangerous for toddlers (see #5). Most almond kinds of milk are made from ground almonds and water, but some contain additives and sweeteners, so always check the label.
4. Soy milk
Soy milk is a good alternative to cow or almond milk if your child has a dairy allergy or is lactose intolerant. It contains small amounts of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Some brands don’t contain any added sugar, while others do, so always check the label.
Soy milk can be bought in both regular and unsweetened versions. If you are giving your child soy milk, make sure that they are also eating other foods that contain protein, such as meat, eggs, or beans.
5. Too much vitamin D
If your child drinks cow milk, almond milk, or soy milk, they can get vitamin D from these kinds of milk. However, too much vitamin D can be dangerous for toddlers so you should give them no more than the recommended amount.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most kids need 400 IU of vitamin D per day. However, some soy milk brands contain up to 1,500 IU of vitamin D per serving. This is more than three times the recommended amount, so be careful when choosing a soy milk brand for your child.
6. Homemade toddler formula
If you are not comfortable giving your child cow milk or soy milk, you can make your own homemade toddler formula. This is a great option if your child has a food allergy or is lactose intolerant.
To make homemade toddler formula, you will need:
-1 cup of organic cow milk
-1/4 cup of organic unsalted butter
-1/4 cup of organic coconut oil
-1/4 cup of organic heavy cream
-2 tablespoons of lactose-free powdered milk
-1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
Optional: for added vitamins and minerals, you can also add 1/4 cup of a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement.
- In a saucepan, heat the cow milk, butter, coconut oil, and heavy cream until it just starts to boil.
- Remove from the heat and add the lactose-free powdered milk and sea salt. Stir until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring it into a blender. Blend on high for 30-60 seconds until it is completely smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a container and store it in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days.
This homemade toddler formula provides your child with all the nutrients they need, including protein, calcium, and vitamin D. It is also free from allergens, such as nuts, soy, lactose, and dairy.
Note: if your child has a nut allergy you will need to use the high-quality multi-vitamin without any added nuts or seeds. If they have an egg allergy you can also leave out the powdered milk since it contains dried milk powder.
The best milk for a 1-year-old baby is soy milk, followed by almond milk. Cow milk should only be used as a supplement along with other nutritious foods like meat and eggs. If you are trying to avoid dairy, you can also make your own homemade formula that contains the nutrients your child needs.

domain: food


Furnace Replacement & Installation FAQs
When making a large purchase decision many questions may arise. In order to help you feel confident with your decision concerning your installation and replacement we’ve come up with a list of FAQs in attempt to ease your mind.
*How long will my furnace last before I need to replace it?: The average furnace will last 15 years. Proper maintenance will determine if you can give or take a few years from the average of 15 years. Signing up to have bi-annual maintenance performed on your HVAC will help prolong its life.
*Should I repair my furnace or replace it?: If your furnace is nearing its life expectancy and you’ve been required to have several costly repair done it may be time to check into replacing it. If your repair costs starts adding up to half the price of the cost of a new system it’s also a good indicator to contact a professional for a free estimate!
*Is it best to replace my furnace with the same type or should I switch its fuel source?: The preference of gas vs. electric depends on your liking. If you’re looking for the efficient route, natural gas furnaces require less operating costs and are more efficient to run than an electric furnace.
*What’s the best time of year to schedule a furnace replacement?: Furnace installations are performed year round; however, for more schedule flexibility it may be best to replace in the spring or fall when companies aren’t as swarmed compared to peak heating and cooling seasons.
*Should I replace my furnace and air conditioner at the same time?: In most situations it is a smarter idea to replace your furnace and air conditioner at the same time. Replacing both at the same time will keep the balance of all internal equipment working in sync. If one of your systems is newer than the other and is not ready to be replaced, it may be a wiser financial decision to hold off for the time being.
*How much does furnace installation cost?: The answer to this one is not a definite numerical amount. In order to determine how much a furnace installation will cost it ultimately depends on your specific home. A lot of factors come into play such as the size of your home or how energy efficient you’re striving for. To find out how much a furnace installation will cost at your home it’s best to contact a trusted salesman to visit your home and discuss the options.
*How is equipment size determined for my furnace installation?: The size of equipment needed depends on the size of your home, number of occupants, and overall construction of the home. When the salesman visits he will perform a calculation to determine the heat load your home will require.
*How can I tell how efficient a furnace is?: When determining the efficiency of a furnace you should take into account the AFUE. AFUE is the annual fuel utilization efficiency. All new furnaces must meet a certain level; however, if you are looking for a high efficiency furnace you should look for an AFUE of 90 or greater.
*Can I perform my own furnace installation?: Although some may think an installation is easy, truth is it’s actually a more complex process that should be done by a professional. There is a lot of knowledge and skill for the technical aspect of it that requires a professional’s help.
If you did not see your questions asked and answered here just give us a call to talk to a trusted professional at BELOMAN today! If you would like further information you can find it on our website or give us a call at (618) BEL-OMAN. For any HVAC or plumbing repairs, installations, indoor air quality, sheet metal/fabrication or pest solution help give us a call. Like always, the #BELOMAN is here to help! BELIEVE IN THE BELOMAN WAY! We’re the only HVAC and plumbing company in the Metro East to receive the Better Business Bureau TORCH Award for ethics. The award honors excellent commitment to customer service through exceptional standards for ethical business practices.


Azerbaijan's state budget revenues increase
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 14
By Nargiz Ismayilova – Trend:
The surplus of the Azerbaijani state budget amounted to 2.3 billion manat ($1.3 billion) from January through April 2020, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani State Statistics Committee.
Azerbaijan's nominal GDP amounted to 22.4 billion manat ($13.2 billion) from January through April 2020, while the state budget surplus amounted to 10.3 percent of GDP.
According to the data, state budget revenues amounted to more than 9.5 billion manat ($5.6 billion) from January through April 2020, which is 27.6 percent more compared to the period from January through April 2019.
In the reporting period, the state budget expenditures amounted to more than 7.3 billion manat ($4.3 billion), which is 0.7 percent more than in the same period of last year, the committee said.
The general forecast for the state budget revenues is 24.1 billion manat ($14.2 billion), expenditure - 26.9 billion manat ($15.8 billion) in 2020.
The state budget deficit is projected at 2.8 billion manat ($1.6 billion) or 3.3 percent of GDP this year.
The state budget revenues amounted to 24.2 billion manat ($14.2 billion) or 104.5 percent of the forecast figure in 2019, which is 1.7 billion manat ($1 billion) or 7.6 percent more than in 2018.
Follow the author on Twitter:@IsmailovaNargis


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Planning a cookout for Memorial Day is a great way to kick off summer. Hotdogs, hamburgers, and ribs are all checked.
Now, all we need is a grill. Looking through the many available brands and models can sometimes be overwhelming but knowing what you cook will make your selection very easy.
Most will go for the easy propane gas grills but if you're cooking more than just hot dogs and hamburgers and want better flavor and texture, look at wood pellet or charcoal grills.
These will enable you to smoke, roast and truly cook outdoors instead of just searing a few burgers. More importantly, you'll get the infusion of the smoky aroma into the food using charcoal or pellets as the fuel.
In this article, you will learn the benefits of both charcoal and pellet as well as the key differences. Gas is convenient and fast, but you should consider other options.
Simple charcoal grills are easy to setup and transport. All you need is a bag of charcoal and a lighter. This is a great option for portable grilling at the park or tailgate parties. The grill can be ready for cooking as quickly as 15 minutes when all the charcoal is lit.Short on time? Get our free BBQ Buying Guide
Adjusting where you lay the charcoal will enable you to cook different things. Looking to quickly sear hotdogs and hamburgers? Concentrate pooling the charcoal mostly in the center.
This will create an intense area in the middle to cook and lower temperature area around the rim to keep warm before serving. Looking to roast a chicken or big cut of meat?
Concentrate the charcoal to the sides for indirect heat cooking to avoid burning the outside of the food too quickly. Big flavors will come from the fats from meats that drip onto the hot charcoal, vaporize and coming back up to infuse the flavors into the meats.
There are adjustable vents to help control the rate at which the charcoal burns. Cleanup is relatively quick and easy. You just need to extinguish the charcoal, let it coal and dispose of.
Weber Grill Vent
Pellet fueled grills are electric powered so they're not as portable as charcoal grills. What they're known for is control. Instead of worrying about controlling the gas or amount charcoal, you simply fill the hopper and set the temperature you would like to cook it.
This makes for a very popular smoking unit where it can take hours for ribs or brisket. The heat is also indirect for no flare-ups. So, what can't pellet grills cook?
Temperatures in pellet grills tend to max out around 500 degrees so searing or making pizza in these units are not ideal.
Let's look at two popular brands; Traeger for the pellet grills and Weber for charcoal grills. Weber started about 80 years ago with the Kettle Charcoal grill but has quickly become the household name for grills.
They're known for the quality and now offers a variety of sizes and options in gas and charcoal. Even though gas grills dominate the lineup, the Kettle and Summit Charcoal grills are classic designs that will achieve your quick grilling or needs.
Traeger started in the 1980s with the mission to find alternative grilling methods using wooden pallets. This helps to control the heat and prevent flare-ups and any potential deposits getting on the food like cooking with charcoal. Operating more like a smoker, you can also use different types of wood pellets to introduce aromas into your food.
You might have already made up your mind on which grill you like but let's look at a couple of popular models for Traeger and Weber.
- 363 sq. in. of cooking area
- Porcelain-Enameled Lid and Bowl - helps protects against the elements for long-lasting use
- Built-In Thermometer - Easy temperature to manage the cooking process
- Lid Handle with Heat Shield - helps to open and close the lid without heavy duty gloves on
- Ash Catcher - easily remove and dispose of ash or spent charcoal
- Air Vents - Swivels to regulate air and smoke
The original Kettle Charcoal that started it all. Unlike the first one made 80 years ago, the Premium unit has been upgraded with a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, an ash catcher for easier cleanup and built-in thermometer. The simplicity of the grill is what makes it a favorite and true classic.
It's small enough to bring to the park or tailgate party while still offering enough cooking area to crank out burgers and hotdogs for a party.
Cooking a chicken or smoking ribs? It's as easy as changing how and where in the bowl you load the charcoal. This is a charcoal grill, so you do need to tend to the grill to control the heat and flare-ups.
The grill works and it is cheap
- 452 sq. in. of cooking area
- Air Insulated Double Walled - Helps retain heat for consistent cooking
- Diffuser Plate - creates indirect heat for slow cooking
- Gasket Lid - Creates a heat-trapping seal to retain temperature
- Gourmet BBQ System - an interchangeable system that adapts to cooking a variety of foods using the optional accessories like pizza, wok, griddle etc.
- Snap-Jet Ignitor System - Quickly start the grill using propane gas
The Summit Charcoal Grilling Center might initially look like a larger Kettle grill on a cart but it's a totally different grill. You use charcoal for flavor, but there is also gas for speed
The unit is constructed with air insulted double walls to retain and control heat. This design is comparable to using ceramic but helps make the grill lighter to move.
This type of construction is important for smoking where the heat can be retained for hours using a single load of charcoal. The diffuser plate helps to prevent flare-ups and create the indirect heat environment for slow cooking.
What's great this grill is the versatility you have with different types of cooking. It's excellent at slow cooking but also can sear with the adjustable grate.
Weber offers a lineup of accessories using the Gourmet BBQ System for you to reconfigure the grill for any grilling situation. This grill is easy and simple to use with charcoal while also being very versatile to different types of food and cooking methods.
The New Weber Summit Charcoal Grill [Video]
- 572 sq. in. of cooking area
- Digital Pro Controller - control temperatures with 15 degrees
- Pellet Hopper - 18lbs capacity with easy to empty back door
- Dual Temperature Probe - monitor internal temperatures without opening the lid
- Easy Start-Up - One Button Electric Start
The smoker style body design creates a perfect environment for slow cooking with a lot of capacity. You can fit up to 24 burgers at a time. Traeger grills have the Digital Controller with Advanced Grilling Logic to maintain temperatures.
You don't have to be in front of the grill tending to the flame or adjusting vents like other grills. This makes for an excellent slow cooker or smoker. You can also select from a variety of different pellets like hickory or apple BBQ to infuse your food with different flavors and aromas.
- WiFire - Enables you to customize a specific cooking cycle through an App
- Double Wall - Insulates and maintains heat for precision cooking
- Smoke Science - Convection system circulating the smoke to ensure all the food is infused with the flavor wood as well as shorten the cooking time by 20%
- Adjustable grate - Moving the grate to different positions can offer smoke or sear cooking
Comparing to the Traeger model above this TFB85WLB ups the game with double wall commercial grade construction for better heat insulation.
It also has a better temperature control system that can be monitored and controlled by an app which gives you full control of the smoking process without constantly going to the grill.
Think to smoke in the winter time or not having to leave your guests to check on the grill. The cooking area is plenty for a big party. This model can cook up to 8 racks of food.
Should You Buy a Traeger Grill? [Video]
These grills are both great options for the backyard but are very different.
The Weber grills have smaller cooking area compared to the Traeger grills. Simple grilling for yourself or small family, both Weber's list above will do. If you're entertaining often, Traeger with the multi racks for the increased cooking area has a larger capacity.
The Weber might not have as big of a cooking area as the Traeger but since it's powered by charcoal, it can reach high temperatures for searing and quick grilling.
If hot dogs and hamburgers are your main items, then Weber would be able to cook faster.
The Traeger uses a controlled burning of wood pellets so it's put out a slightly lower heat. However, this makes for a great slow cooker or smoking.
Portability should be considered when looking at these two brands. The Traeger needs electricity to power the hopper system so access to an electrical outlet is needed for use. The Weber uses charcoal which makes it very easy to grill almost anywhere you can haul the grill.
This is a favorite for cookouts at parks or beaches. Even if you're just grilling in the backyard, the charcoal grills don't restrict you from moving the grill farther away from the house to avoid smoke blowing back onto your guests.
So, which should you buy?
Which one to buy comes down to what you do you usually cook. Both will satisfy your basic grilling needs. Traeger's grill takes another step by giving you the ability to truly cook using a grill. It has the capability to cook different types of food with multiple cooking methods. The temperature management system eliminates the worry of burning that expensive rack of ribs you just bought.
Whereas the Weber is geared towards quicker and simpler grilling. The basic models are relatively very affordable as well. For last-minute beach outings, you can quickly pick up a Kettle Grill and a bag of charcoal and you're all set. Where you're planning to station the grill can also determine which model to buy.
If you're looking for high temperature and faster grilling, go for the Weber Charcoal. Cooking thicker meats like a pork butt roast? Traeger's would be a good choice.
It all depends how you cook.
Get the Yale BBQ Grill Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside tips to all the brands. Over 320,000 people have already found answers in a Yale Guide.
Tam is an Appliance Sales Consultant at Yale Appliance + Lighting. In his spare time he enjoys watching and playing sports and spending time with his two children.
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Jan. 11, 2021 11:09 am
“We need to develop systems to ensure warm and effective connectivity between the free tax prep and the comprehensive set of public benefits, subsidies, supports, and resources," says Will Gonzalez, executive director of Ceiba.
Jan. 4, 2016 12:27 pm
Letters of approval validating millions in funding for nonprofits across Pennsylvania were issued "at the last possible moment."
Aug. 7, 2014 1:38 pm
Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), which offers tax credits to businesses that assist nonprofits working in distressed areas, had recently gone from being on the verge of expansion to the chopping block as state representatives have debated the program’s future. The Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania announced earlier this month that the program will be spared […]
Jul. 17, 2014 1:37 pm
Sustainable building project by LPMG Companies, ReNewbold. Walk around Northern Liberties in the blocks adjacent to the Piazza or South Philadelphia in Point Breeze and a clear trend is evident: new energy-efficient homes are popping up in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. The Nutter Administration, local sustainable businesses and community organizations across the city have celebrated and even […]
Jun. 24, 2014 2:42 pm
Local stakeholders in West Philadelphia Promise Zone gathered for announcement of new legislation to aid community. Sen. Bob Casey announced a bill last week to create special tax credits for businesses who hire from within one of the five Promise Zones designated by the Obama Administration. The Pennsylvania senator made his announcement in front […]


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Day two of Oregon Football Spring Camp brought out a very welcomed sight.
Oregon TE, Pharaoh Brown, addressed the media today after making what could easily be described as a miraculous comeback following a massive knee injury in the Fall of 2014. Football players are injured all of the time, but Brown’s injury, which he pointed out today was nationally televised, is not one most Ducks fans have forgotten about. Many people, including those close to Brown, were initially concerned he wouldn’t even walk again, let alone return to the gridiron.
Brown defied the odds.
Yesterday, Oregon coaches told the media that Brown was fully expected to play during the 2016-2017 season. Today, Brown confirmed that expectation.
“We don’t have a game until September. . but by game time. I’ll be out there, ready.”
Inspired by other athletes like NBA player, Shaun Livingston, who have battled back from tough injuries, Brown has been working diligently with athletic/medical training staff over the past year and a half and says he now feels good.
“I’ve made a lot of progress,” he Stated. “It feels good. . .It’s been a long journey coming back. I’m ready to be back on my team, doing what I love.”
It was being with team that seems to have been what Brown longed for most during his time away. He was asked about the biggest thing he missed during his recovery to which he quickly responded, “Away games.” He went on to talk about the difficulty of having to stay back in Eugene without his teammates, watching the games on TV.
This will be Brown’s fifth year with the program and he feels completely confident about jumping back on the field.
“I’m a veteran now so the assignments [are] second nature,” he said.
At this point in his game however, he does focus on technique and speed, something fans are undoubtedly looking forward to seeing once again.
If there is any silver lining that can be found in Brown’s journey back to the field, it is that Oregon’s other top tight ends, Johnny Mundt and Evan Baylis, were able to snag a ton of experience, making this year’s TE group one of the top in the country.
It’s been a long ride back, but it is safe to say, Ducks fans are thrilled to have witnessed Brown’s remarkable journey. When asked if he had a message to fans who have supported him, Brown simply said,
“Just thank you for the support,” Brown said with a smile.
“Ya’ll are appreciated. I read all the fan mail I got. I’m just thankful to have the support of everyone and I look forward to seeing you all the Spring Game.”
The feeling is mutual, Pharoah. It’s great to have you back.
follow Nichole on Twitter @UOgridirongirl


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08-06-2013, 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by happypappy
My fried just had to give up his 75 gallon tank with a breeding pair of angels ----- So I have only had up to a 30 gallon tank with community setup.
Any suggestions about tankmates for these angels is appreciated as well as their care. Also suggestions about the upkeep and set up of the 75 gallon tank.
Thanks for your responses as I am a little confused about this !
The upkeep will be much the same in a 75 as a 30. Did the new tank come with a filter? The only real difference is the amount of water you have to change. I don't know your routine now but if you do 50% in yours I would still do 50% in the 75gallon. If you don't have plants in there then vacuum the gravel/sand the same in the in the 75 as you do in your other tanks. Really no difference there's just more since its a bigger tank. Sorry can't suggest tank mates never been good at that but when I had my Angels I had Colombian Blue tetras in there with them and some Oto catfish.

domain: pet


Although protesters failed to have any effect on President Trump's inauguration Friday, organizers vow to continue their disruptions.
At his inauguration as the 45th President of the United States, President Donald Trump put the globalist establishment that has been selling out America for so long on notice: The American people are back in charge. Quoting the Bible and acknowledging God the Creator as the true source of America's protection, Trump did not mince words when he described the betrayal of America by the self-appointed establishment. But starting today, Trump said the “historic movement” that propelled his campaign to victory against the entire establishment apparatus was ready to ensure that America will come first. No doubt globalists and establishment types — in both parties — were left squirming in their seats at the thought of it all.
Before Hillary Clinton lost the election, the liberal message was that we had to respect the tradition of a “peaceful transfer of power.” Since Nov. 8, however, the Left has pulled out all the stops to scuttle Donald Trump’s presidency. One of the latest examples is how artists who consider performing at the inauguration have been threatened with career destruction.
Alexander Soros, in giving $4.5 million to various progressive Democrat Party groups, programs and campaigns in 2016, is just getting started. Wait until he gains full control of his father’s fortune.
Most of the announcements by large U.S. corporations that they intend to soon hire Americans in large numbers appear to be more political than economic.
President-elect Trump is being criticized for his response to Representative John Lewis, who said that Trump is not a "legitimate" president. But does Lewis' status as an icon of the Civil Rights movement entitle him to say whatever he wants without being challenged?
Media organizations having spent weeks attempting to validate the outrageous claims in the leaked "dossier" on Trump. Yet time and again, point by point, the “dossier” has been shown to have glaring falsehoods.
Donald Trump once enjoyed a fairly friendly relationship with the mainstream media. Then he ran for president. As a Republican. On an “America First” platform. The relationship soured quickly. As bad as Candidate Trump’s relationship with media was, President-elect Trump’s relationship with media is worse. It appears that some media organizations are willing to risk everything in an effort to bring him down.
"It now turns out that the phony allegations against me were put together by my political opponents and a failed spy afraid of being sued," Trump tweeted Friday. "Totally made up facts by sleazebag political operatives, both Democrats and Republicans — FAKE NEWS!"


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I got restless in a matter of minutes, remembering how refreshing it is to fly, or maybe slowly walk, through the trails. I don’t have a car in San Francisco, but I know there are plenty of ways to adventure without one. Did you know that when you cross that big red bridge you’re at the foot of a trail system that you could run for days? I mean, I can’t run it for days, but it goes pretty far. And it is literally less than a 15 minute drive from my doorstep.
I rented a Mini Cooper — because have you ever driven a Mini Cooper? They have weird blind spots and don’t fit a ton of junk in the trunk, but if you can look past that they’re a blast to drive. We had one for our trip to Moab and Zion last Spring — during which we did creatively stuff two backpacks and a suitcase in the back — and it hooked us in. Fans for life.
A Mini Cooper for four hours, a totally open weekend morning, and a 70* day in San Francisco? The universe was basically like, “If you don’t take advantage of this I can’t help you.” It’s always good to have that kind of universe of your side.
I parked where we’ve started and finished two trail races, at the Fort Cronkhite lot near Rodeo Beach. It’s easy to find and at the center of trails that go in every direction. I tried to follow the coastal route, veering from where we’ve run in/out of this area before, but it seemed to dead end at the edge of a cliff and I just about died, so that was that. Following the trail back near the parking lot, I went up and towards Sausalito, with the water and the Golden Gate bridge lining each horizon.
No plan, no route, no idea if I’d be able to run thanks to the Vipr class at Equinox I took with Emily on Friday, and no intention of being outside a minute less than that four-hour rental would allow. I saw a few familiar areas (Tennessee Valley) and a few new ones (Miwok, Wolf Ridge, and something that ends in “o” that I can’t remember). After spending a few miles walking up and around, I was warmed up and had to pick up the pace a bit. Because when trail running is in you, it just demands you try to fly. Irresistible.
I happily jogged right past the point where I sat, cried a few frustrated tears, and turned around during the Ultra last September. I mean, I surely wasn’t about to try and run 31 miles today, but I sort of just looked around and was like “man, that sucked,” then looked ahead and was like “holy shit look at that bridge and that city and that blue sky…”
After a full three hours and somewhere around 10 miles I was back at the car and really wishing I had just rented the Cooper for a full day because there wasn’t a single part of me that wanted to go back. I actually saw a trio – one gal, two guys – getting ready to head out for an overnight trip (or so it seemed with ALL of the stuff of their backs), and was pretty jealous. I want to stay, too! There’s so much more exploring to do! So next time I’ll pack more water and eats, and I’ll see if the Cooper is up for a longer play date.
That night I spent an hour researching upcoming trail runs (let’s not call them races, mmk?) and trying to hook anyone I know in this area that might be interested. (If you fall into that category, the invitation is open!) There’s no way I’m letting another two months go by without that kind of adventure. If I’ve learned anything in this short life, it’s that you should find the things that make you happy and do them more. So, we’re doing that.

domain: geography