It is with great pride that we return from our AmeriSpec Regional Meeting with, once again, a trophy for the franchise having had the best monetary growth for the year 2018!! Thank you to our customers for their trust, and congratulations to our fantastic team!!
Our big winner, Pauline Dubé from Re/Max d'Ici !! Congratulations!!
Congratulations to Madame Pauline Dubé, our big winner of the contest! A beautiful $4000.00 travel certificate. Thanks again to our wonderful sponsor Vacances le Faubourg! Have a nice trip, Mrs. Dubé !!
Whether you're looking to start a home renovation or solve a last-minute do-it-yourself crisis, it's best to be prepared for both the inevitable and the unavoidable. Being organized and ready will save you money in the long run and will also relieve anxiety attributed to a big change or unforeseen accident.
If you're looking for tools that will last from now until the end of time, consider buying Craftsman — a brand of tools with a long-standing reputation for high-quality products that will get any job done. Now available in-store and online at Lowe's, Rona, Reno-Depot and Ace, this brand has you covered for everything you need, from hand tools to power tools.
2. Make a plan before you start.
Sure, you can do a DIY project on the whim, but for larger-scale projects, be sure you have a plan, so you have a better sense of what needs to be done and you can avoid unwanted surprises. If you don't have a blueprint of what you're looking to renovate, you may end up living in a disaster zone for a lot longer than you need to.
3. Plan for forever, not for right now.
You might think to paint your room yellow because you're currently feeling tropical, but come a few years – or even months – that may not seem like such a good choice. Consider a universal design and use adaptable features wherever possible. That way, in the future, any change you make to your home doesn't have to be drastic, which will help you save time and money.
AmeriSpec Laval was proud to have sponsored the pumpkin distribution of Via Capitale Distinction!
Congratulations on this beautiful event!
Thanks to all the brokers who came to visit our booth!
We are very proud to announce that we can now perform air quality analysis for mold and asbestos.
Three (3) of our inspectors received training from Dr. Guylaine Tardif from Notreau Laboratory to take these samples.
AmeriSpec would like to thank all the brokers and participants who came to our kiosk during the tournament organized by Re/Max D'Ici. Your donations allowed us to raise $356.00 for OPÉRATION ENFANT SOLEIL.
Mrs. Karen Lee for the excellent organization of this event which raised a total of $19,000.00 for sick children!
Congratulations to the entire Re/Max Alliance Ambiance ProCommercial team for organizing this great gala! Especially Claire Audet, Marion Conte, Samer Kilo, Ginette Cholette and Michel Tremblay.
An evening full of emotions with beautiful testimonials. We had the privilege of seeing Martin Deschamps perform with his daughter Lou! A big total of $75,000 has been raised for Opération Enfants Soleil. WOW !!!
The presence of excrement or dead birds will attract vermin into your attic.
When present, these items must be removed. If you decide to undertake this work yourself, precautions are necessary because it is possible to contract illnesses from handling them.
Is There Water in Your Sump Pit?
During this melting season, it is normal for the water to flow into your sump pit.
A sump pump is a system that allows you to dry the basement as well as the foundations of a house. This is set up to evacuate water collected from the groundwater and/or the French drain. Rainwater is collected in a basin and transported in a dry well, on the ground or in the municipal system by the sump pump.
Torrential rains often cause power outages. It is therefore essential to set up an emergency pump powered by water from the municipal aqueduct or by a battery.
If your sump pit is dry during melting or heavy rain, this may indicate, in some cases, that your French drain is not working properly. If we add signs of humidity in the basement to this situation, it would be prudent and important to have your French drain checked by a specialist.
Finally, it is also necessary to regularly verify and clean your sump pit to ensure there is no debris.
It is recommended to check your attic space (attic) regularly. Surprises may await you!
You don't want unwanted visitors taking up residence. Not only do raccoons ransack your attic (destroying the insulation, leaving urine and feces behind), they can also pose a potential danger to the health of the occupants.
Raccoons are carriers of infectious diseases that can spread to humans through the handling of animals, bites or scratches from the wild creature, and even contact with body secretions or feces.
To better prevent infestations, make the attic resistant to raccoons by ensuring that the roofs are not damaged. It is necessary to check the possible access points (chimneys, soffits/fascia, etc.), and to block them.
Avoid making your dream a nightmare!
Before buying your house, have it inspected!
Extension cords are handy to have around when you have something that can't reach the wall socket. However, you should be wary of plugging in too many things at once.
Power strips may have a lot of extra sockets, but that doesn't mean it can actually handle everything you throw at it. There's a limit to how much juice they can take!
When it gets cold outside, the first thing most people do is turn up the heat. If you don't have a fireplace or central heating, the next best thing is a space heater. It's compact, portable, and warms up a small room in a minimal amount of time. Another thing that it heats up is the extension cord. Even if a space heater is the only thing plugged into the power strip, they can overheat or even catch fire due to the added energy flow.
According to the National Safety Fire Administration, half of all heating home fires occur during December, January, and February. From 2009 to 2013, heating equipment accounted for 56,000 home fires. Don't become one of those statistics!
If you're thinking of getting a space heater this winter, make sure it's been third-party tested by an independent lab, like UL. Don't forget to make sure your smoke detector is working, and regularly check your space heater's cords to make sure it's not frayed or damaged. This way, you'll keep both toasty warm and safe this winter.
At AmeriSpec Laval we use every possible means, against all odds, to give impeccable service to our customers!
Here is Mr. Stéphane Blanchard, on the morning of December 9th, -1° celcius, accompanied by his client to go inspect a cottage on the island of Carillon !!
AmeriSpec had the pleasure of participating in the Groupe Sutton Synergy year-end party.Congratulations to Yvon Cousineau and his team for a successful evening!We wish happy holidays to all the brokers and employees of this great family!
A lovely evening celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the AIBQ (Association of Building Inspectors of Quebec).Congratulations to Stéphane Blanchard, Certified Inspector and Director at Amerispec Laval Rive-Nord for his honourary plaque for 20 years of service.Thank you to the organizers and especially to Nicole Matte for the minute of silence in honor of the late Yves L'Archevêque, our previous director!
With the arrival of autumn, warm days are rarer and it is time to start preparing your home for the winter.Here are some good tips for you to organize well before the snow settles.
Remove screens. When left on the inside, they promote surface condensation and can create mold, while those left on the outside, can stain the windows. Moreover, the removal of the screens gives you a better brightness during the shorter, darker days of winter.
Ensure that opening and projection sealants are in good condition (doors, windows, fireplace, fixtures, electrical outlets, etc.) to prevent damage from water infiltration.
Check the condition of the air vent of the kitchen range hood and the bathroom fans. This will reduce the risk of harboring rodents over the winter season and will help to keep your heating bill in check by not letting the cold air enter the house!
Close and drain the outside water valve to prevent freezing water from bursting the pipe. It is not enough to simply close the faucet; you need to shut off the interior water valve, then drain the outside valve to release any water trapped in the line.
Pick up leaves, branches and debris and avoid piling firewood too close to the house. You will reduce the risk of carpenter ants entering the home, or rodents nesting in the debris.
Make sure the drainage of your eavestroughs is unrestricted. Clear any debris and leaves. Ensure that the downspouts drain away from the foundation of your home and that the joints are in good condition.
When the time comes to begin your search for the perfect home, there's a good chance you have an idea of what you'd like to find inside it. An open-concept floor plan, hardwood flooring and a large backyard may be at the top of your list. It's a good idea, however, to establish a solid list of needs and wants in order to avoid purchasing a home with a price tag beyond what your budget allows.
Your needs: These are the must-have features that you can't live without. For those with children, you will likely need a home with at least three bedrooms. For those who work from home, a home office will be a must-have feature. When it comes to bathrooms, be prepared to settle for a home with two. You will need one for family use and one for guests; a master ensuite is an added bonus.
The kitchen is one space that many house hunters don't want to compromise on, particularly the person who does the most cooking. When viewing homes, pay close attention to things like counter space, layout and cupboard space. These are factors that will come into play on a daily basis and cannot be changed without major renovation.
Depending on the number of vehicles you own, having ample space for parking is a definite need. If you have children and/or pets, you will also want to consider outdoor space. A backyard doesn't have to be huge, but many people consider it a necessity for little ones and/or pets.
Your wants: Once the 'sticker-shock' sets in, you may find that items you originally thought of as "needs" can actually be categorized as "wants". It's more important to stay within your budget than it is to buy a home that is loaded with extras. Granite countertops, an island and a marble backsplash would be lovely to have, but remember that you can always add these features down the road when you can afford it. The same goes for hardwood floors, a finished basement and a pool in the backyard. The best part about buying a home you can improve on is the opportunity to earn a return on your investment.
Congratulations to Re/Max Cartier for their splendid Italian night! Very close to $60,000.00 was raised for the benefit of Operation Enfant Soleil!! AmeriSpec Laval North Shore is proud to have participated in this event.
Congratulations to Re/Max United for the organization of this golf tournament for the benefit of Operation Enfant Soleil!! AmeriSpec is proud to have had the privilege to sponsor this event. Congratulations to all those who braved the rain, the cold, wind and mosquitoes in order to raise money for sick children!!
Congrats to the team of Re/Max 2000 with this lobster-beef dinner for a good cause. The sum of $31,000.00 had been raised in support of Operation Enfant Soleil!! AmeriSpec is proud to have participated in this wide success as a sponsor!!
To the loving memory of our Director Mr. Yves L'Archevêque, who died of cancer a year ago.Amerispec is proud to have participated in The Blue Martinis / Synergy Evening Event for the Relay for Life. The fight against cancer is very important to us!!Congratulations to Christiane Lavoie of Sutton Synergie and her team for this beautiful event that included 450 participants this year!
In order to prevent water damage, use the next rainy day as an opportunity to do the exterior inspection of your property, and plan any corrections early this season.
Verify if there is water accumulation near the foundation. If the answer is yes, you will need to make corrections to the land by adding dirt to the perimeter of the house. This provides a positive slope and diverts the water from the foundation.
Take this opportunity to ensure that winter has not damaged your gutter system. Make sure it's not blocked by debris and that an extension (6ft or 2m) is present at the base of each of the descents. This allows water to flow away from the house.
A careful examination of your roof will allow you to check if damage has been caused by the winter weather. If you notice any anomalies, it would be prudent to consult a roofer to make the necessary corrections.
A rainy day is also a good time to visit your attic and make sure there is no water infiltration.
Inspect the walls and floors of your basement to see if water is infiltrating, especially if water is accumulated near the house.
If your home is equipped with a sump and an ejector pump, it's also a good time to check its operation.
If you need any advice, don't hesitate to contact our inspectors. Have a good day!
the wall or worse, present a fire hazard.This Health Canada recall involves more than 240,000 Honeywell thermostats sold between 2000 and 2007. It was expanded in 2015 to include Garrison, Home, NOMA, RONA and UPM appliances.
What you need to doDo you think you have a potentially hazardous thermostat? Locate all thermostat reminders on HealthCanada.ca. There were several, spread out over a few years. Check all the rooms in your house to see if your thermostats are part of these lists.
Why Remove Snow from Your Roof?
It is imperative to clear the roof as soon as the accumulation reaches 24 inches (61 centimeters). Also, with the "warm weather", the snow often turns into ice, the water rises under the shingles and that's when it becomes a problem.The entire roof does not have to be cleared of snow to prevent water infiltration, only the part around eavestroughs must be cleared. To perform the work, sharp objects such as metal shovels or ice picks must be avoided.To conclude, be careful! If you have to go on the roof, be sure to use a harness.
sympathies are with the bereaved families.
As the new year begins, AmeriSpec wishes its customers, friends and suppliers, health, joy and happiness. You have been faithful to our company, and we would like to thank you very much for your support.Just like fireworks, we hope 2017 will be full of strong moments, shining with positive emotions and good surprises.May your projects find positive outcomes and turn out to be as successful as those of previous years.We look forward to crossing your path again and hopefully serving you in 2017.
Thanks to Mr. Alain Joyal for the invitation to this Christmas supper with all brokers of Via Capitale Distinction! Great evening, great meal and good atmosphere!!
AmeriSpec was honoured to join the Groupe Sutton Synergie brokers to celebrate the year of 2016. Congratulations to the organizers for this very successful evening!!
and managed to get the golden record of John Lennon!!!
Be sure to clear access to the attic, especially if the access door is in a closet.
Clear the space around the electrical panel, heating units, water heater, and cabinets below the sink.
Take vehicles out of the garage if possible, to allow for better examination of the slab.
Open curtains and blinds to allow inspection of windows.
Unlock the exterior fences and/or gates.
Have a copy of the seller's declaration to be given to the inspector.
Good inspection – good sale!!!
moisture in a house. You will gain in comfort and energy savings, in addition to protecting your windows from harmful condensation.
filters at the time of regular maintenance of your home's air system. By neglecting this maintenance, you risk breathing a high rate of dust that is harmful to your health, as well as compromising the performance of the heating system.
Lavoie and all of the brokers, for their support in many causes, such as Relay for Life and Down Syndrome foundation. Sincere thanks for this very rewarding morning!
inspection company to support Via Capital and its brokers.
The AmeriSpec team accompanied by Mr. David Martin, President and CEO at Via Capitale.
Congratulations to the winner of a Dell Venue 10 tablet – Madame Marjolaine Gingras!
AmeriSpec is proud to have participated in the benefit dinner and fundraiser for Autism Laurentians!!
A memorable event, with Autism Laurentians exceeding their goal to achieve $50,000.Congratulations to the entire team, honorary president Maître Étienne L. Morin of PFD Lawyers and M. Marc Vadeboncoeur of IMMODEV agence immobilière!!!
AmeriSpec attended the golf tournament organized by Re/Max Unis in support of Operation Enfant Soleil!!A beautiful day was had, and for such a good cause!!!
Lobster dinner at Re/Max 2000 in support of Opération Enfant Soleil!!! Susie accompanied by Jean-François Baril, our host for this wonderful evening.
Congratulations to Re/Max du Cartier for their magnificent organization of the Italian dinner to benefit the great cause of Operation Enfant Soleil.Over $50,000 raised!!! WOW!! AmeriSpec Laval – North Shore – Montreal-East is proud to have contributed.
Thanks to Charles Perreault for this beautiful invitation!!
Well prepared and experienced inspector who takes time to explain all points of the inspection and properly breaks down what common issues most properties have, and how we should maintain such properties.
Click here to find out what AmeriSpec Clients have to say.
AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service of Laval, North Shore, Montreal East is a locally owned and operated business that provides home inspections and more to Laval and the surrounding areas. If you´re looking for more information about AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service, please visit www.amerispec.ca.
© Copyright AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service of Laval, North Shore, Montreal East home inspection website is courtesy of AmeriSpec Canada Inc., 2016 All rights reserved.


Firefly may have been cancelled and Serenity just about made back its budget, but I really hope that the Firefly universe hasn't come to an end. I enjoyed this film when I saw it in the cinema, fell in love with the whole thing when I watched through Firefly on DVD, and, now that I've had an opportunity to watch Serenity again in the context of the rest of the series it's just even better. Be prepared because this review will probably turn into a Firefly love-fest fairly quickly.
Much has been written about the weird western/sci-fi combination and how it doesn't seem like a world 500 years from now, but I'd argue that it's more realistic. The Alliance worlds are the traditional sterile sci-fi of Star Trek and the like, but most of the people in this universe are drifters on the edge of the law, exploring the new frontier with grungy little ships, and this is where the western comparison comes in – when the western United States was being explored it wasn't done with technology and order; it was done with men on horses with guns. Just like they didn't have the trains and cars that would later make colonisation easier, this is a world(s) where there's no light speed travel and they spend weeks flying between worlds. It's a realistic idea of what you'd expect the first era of interstellar travel to be like. They say in one of the episodes of Firefly that settlers on new planets are dropped there with basic provisions and expected to make it work, effectively making them form a society all over again.
The obvious comparison with any 2005 sci-fi is a little movie called Revenge of the Sith, so I'm going to just get it out of the way as I make no secret of the fact that I didn't care for any of the Star Wars prequels. Whereas Lucas painted his characters in broad strokes and ended up with inane dialogue and characters that can go from despair over killing one man to agreeing to commit genocide in the space of a couple of minutes, Whedon has sharp dialogue and characters with failings and human sides, but who ultimately care about each other and do what they do because they love it. The whole thing has action but is really character driven, and without characters as likeable as this lot it wouldn't be as good as it manages to be. Empire magazine gave Mal their award for best character of 2005, after all.
Story-wise, Serenity plays out like a conclusion to the threads started with the TV show, and the crux of it is that we find out exactly why River is as freaky as she is and why the Alliance want her back so much. On the way to the amazing end (the last 30 minutes is incredible considering that this film was made on a meagre $40 million budget) we get what is almost an extended episode of Firefly turned up to 11. If you liked Firefly you'll love this – simple as that – but it's even worth seeing if you've never watched the TV series, even if you won't completely understand absolutely everything. I went into it in the cinema with very little knowledge of the Firefly universe (or 'verse, if you're down with the lingo) and still enjoyed myself a lot. This is my favourite sci-fi movie in a long time.
Generally speaking the AV quality of the DVD is very good. All the video boxes are ticked – original 2.35:1 aspect ratio (there is a fullscreen one, but if you buy it on purpose you deserve to die), no major compression problems, and the transfer handles the dark scenes aboard the ship and in space as well as it does the extremely bright desert scenes. I have no complaints there. When it comes to the audio the only real complaint is that the Firefly theme doesn't make an appearance, but when we're talking technically with the DVD, I found that the dialogue was occasionally overwhelmed by background noise. I wasn't sure if that was the fault of my crappy 5.1 system, but it turns out that other reviews have had the same criticism so it looks like it is the fault of the audio mix. No biggie, though.
As expected, any special features are aimed squarely at the Firefly fan, the kind of person who wanted Fox executive blood to spill when the show was cancelled. The featurettes don't go into too much depth on anything, with the most interesting being 'Re-lighting the Firefly' for when it shows the cast reactions to the huge fanbase the series has, culminating in their visit to the Comic-Con where 5,000 fans turned up to ask questions and get autographs. The outtakes are pretty funny and the deleted scenes are worth seeing, even if most of them are only a couple of cut lines and some were right to be removed.
The real meat of the extras is Joss Whedon's commentary. I would have liked something with the whole cast since this could be the last time we see the Firefly universe, but Whedon has obvious enthusiasm for the project (it's his baby, after all) and a ton of interesting stories about the production. He's optimistic about the future for Firefly as well, which hopefully means there's at least something on the horizon. Maybe if the DVD is a big enough cult hit we'll get another movie, so there's only one way to help ensure that – go out and buy it!


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Saving Birds of Prey | WSU's Raptor Rehabilitation Program
Nicky Finch, WSU wildlife veterinarian with Amicus, a blind Golden Eagle.
"Gus," a Great Gray Owl, with WSU Raptor Club member and zoology major, Mindy Lynn ('16 B.S.).
Down a long, narrow, dim hallway is a door with a gold metal number 10. We stop outside and listen to an owl hooting. Dr. Nicky Finch, wildlife veterinarian at the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, opens the door a crack, then slowly walks in. "Gus," a Great Gray Owl, is inside. He has strips of leather on his legs, called jesses. Dr. Finch puts on a leather gauntlet, which covers her forearm. She connects a short leather line to the jesses and Gus jumps from his perch to her arm. One large wing gracefully extends as he moves. The other wing, appears to only open part way.
Almost immediately, Gus, who has a round face and yellow piercing eyes, starts making a hissing sound and clacking his yellow beak, signaling to us that he is not very happy. "He doesn't like me very much," says Finch. Gus, like most wild birds, doesn't show gratitude to the woman who saved his life. He came to the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital in 2009 after someone found him in a yard near Spokane. His wing was so badly fractured Dr. Finch had to amputate below the elbow to save him.
Because Gus can no longer fly, he is now a permanent resident in the newly renovated WSU Stauber Raptor Facility, named for retired wildlife professor Erik Stauber who devoted 40 years to caring for raptors. The floor in Gus's mew, a house for birds of prey, is lined with river rocks. There is a wood block perch and other perches made from natural branches. At the back of the mew, narrowly opened wood slats let in fresh air and light. On the ceiling, a round half globe glows. "Each mew has a skylight so they have a natural light cycle," says Finch. The natural lighting is also important for moulting, she says. Much like humans lose and regrow hair, birds naturally shed their feathers as new ones grow in. Natural light regulates moulting, which generally occurs once a year in most healthy birds.
Found in the northern United States, Canada, and Alaska, Great Gray Owls are one of the largest owls with the longest wingspan of any owl. They are also excellent hunters. "In the wild, Gus would be able to hear a mouse six to eight inches under the snow," says Finch.
Dr. Finch gently places Gus back on his perch, and we walk to mew number nine where "Sprite," a resident Great Horned Owl lives. Sprite was hit by a car. "Neurologically, he is not like a Great Horned Owl anymore," says Finch. While he can no longer care for himself in the wild, he can serve as a surrogate dad for baby Great Horned Owls brought to WSU. "Babies stay with him to imprint and learn how to be an owl," she says. To have a chance to be successfully released back into the wild, Finch says it is important the babies do not imprint on humans. "We try hard to teach them people are not a food source and are not to be trusted," she says.
He knows he's a bird and he knows he is different.
— Dr. Nicky Finch, WSU wildlife veterinarian on Amicus, a blind Golden Eagle.
On this day, they are caring for three baby Great Horned Owls that were recently blown out of the nest, probably from wind, says Finch. When a bird is found on the ground, that's when Dr. Finch will often get a call. Mother owls will take care of their babies on the ground and bring them food, she says, but sometimes the mother either isn't around or isn't feeding the baby owl. If possible they try to get them back in the nest, she says. On some occasions Avista, a regional electric utility company, returns babies to the nest using a cherry picker truck.
In another mew are two more baby Great Horned Owls that are almost ready to be released. "We have to finish creancing and live prey testing with them," says Finch. Before releasing a bird, Finch and her team attach the raptor to a long leather creance line to make sure they are ready to fly. "We try to have them fly 150 feet," says Finch. "Then we know they are ready to go back into the wild." They also do live prey testing with the birds to make sure they can hunt for food on their own.
"Amicus," a resident blind Golden Eagle, in his mew. He was brought to WSU in 2006 just months after he hatched. The cause of his blindness is unknown, but it is most likely from heavy metal poisoning, a birth defect, or injury.
In between the mews are flights, big rooms where larger birds, like Gus, can spread their wings and smaller raptors, such as Screech Owls or Kestrels, can fly. "It can be used for little birds working on getting their conditioning back," says Finch. The first flight we visit has a covered roof, so it is completely shaded and stays dry during rain. It is ideal for birds wearing bandages that cannot get wet, but who still need to jump and move around. One of its regular visitors is "Amicus," a Golden Eagle who was brought to the WSU veterinary hospital when he was six months old. Amicus, or "Ami" as they affectionately call him, is completely blind. If put in a flight that wasn't fully shaded, he would run the risk of overheating. "He would know he is getting too warm," says Finch. "But he'd just have to walk around hoping to find the shade."
In Amicus's mew, which is at least twice as large as Gus's, none of his perches are ever moved so he knows where to find them. They hand feed Amicus, because while eagles have keen eyesight for hunting, their sense of smell isn't that acute. Because Amicus is blind he would have to stomp around to find his food, says Finch. Compared to some of the other raptors we visited, Amicus is extremely calm and not at all bothered by our presence. "He is very humanized," says Finch. But he is not imprinted on humans. "He knows he's a bird and he knows he is different," she says.
Further down the hall is flight number one, which is three times the size of a normal flight. Sunlight streams through the screened-in roof. "Hudson," a young Bald Eagle with an injured wing, is standing inside on the pebbled ground. The flight is large enough for Hudson to spread his wings, but when they test him for flight before he can be released they will take him outside and attach him to a long creance. Dr. Finch hopes one day the flights can be retrofitted with barn doors to create even larger flights so they can flight test larger birds indoors.
Renovations to this special facility began more than eight years ago. Because of funding, it was split into three phases. During the first phase, 10 mews and five flights were built in what was once a building that housed turkeys as part of the then Washington State College's world-renowned poultry husbandry program. Originally named the Carver Building Raptor Facility in June 2008 after John S. Carver, longtime chair of the poultry husbandry program, the building was renamed in 2013 to honor Dr. Stauber and his distinguished career at WSU.
A prominent "Stauber Raptor Facility" sign hangs on the right of the light gray metal sided building. On the left is a large set of windows next to the front door. The space through the door and behind the windows will soon be an education center, which is part of the third and final phase of the building renovation expected to be completed by the end of 2016. Adjacent to the education room will be a work station with an anesthesia cart, surgery table, and medical equipment so Dr. Finch and the wildlife veterinary technicians can give birds physical therapy, wound treatment, oxygen, bandaging, beak shaping, talon trimming, and other minor procedures at the raptor facility instead of transporting the birds to the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital for routine care.
While visiting "Dakota," a resident Red-Tailed Hawk who came to WSU after she had been shot by a pellet gun, fell to the ground, and was then hit by a car, veterinary technician Ashley Varner walks towards us down the hall. In her arms is "Miller," a baby Swainson's hawk. She brings Miller to Dr. Finch. "She feels hot," says Varner. Dr. Finch tenderly takes the hawk, who is about the size of a large parrot, and holds him up to her ear. "I want to listen to his heart and give him fluids," says Finch. They get a box ready to transport him from the raptor facility to the veterinary hospital. "When the workroom is done we will be able to do that here," she says. "And not have to take him up to the hospital."
Miller, who was found out of the nest, alone and dehydrated, stays in a mew with another Swainson's hawk to learn how to eat and behave like a hawk. The goal is to release Miller, says Finch, but for that to happen, Miller needs to imprint on another Swainson's hawk and not on people. "Widget," a Barn Owl in mew number eight, fell out of the nest and unfortunately imprinted on humans. Because he does not have typical bird behavior and shows no fear of people, he is a permanent resident.
"Tundra," a resident Snowy Owl, was brought to the WSU veterinary hospital in 2011 with a broken wing. Because he can no longer fly, he is a permanent resident at WSU and participates in educational programs
On one of our last stops we see "Tundra," a male Snowy Owl found in Lewiston, Idaho. Tundra came to WSU with a badly injured left wing. He had a fractured humerus, the bone in his upper wing, and a dislocated elbow. Finch believes he was likely hit by a car. The bone healed, but the dislocated elbow did not. Tundra can no longer fully extend his wing and is unable to fly. Snowy owls are found in Alaska and Canada, so Tundra likes temperatures much colder than the summers on the Palouse. To stay cool, both Tundra and Gus love ice in their mews. During the hottest summer months, Finch and her team carry gallon buckets of ice from the veterinary hospital to the mews. "We would love to have an automatic icemaker someday," says Finch.
Finch estimates they treat 200 to 300 raptors at WSU every year. Some birds like the baby Great Horned Owls need only minimal care before they are released. Others, like Gus, need lifesaving surgeries. While some injured birds become permanent residents, many raptors they treat are released back into the wild. The renovations to the facilities has meant that Finch and her team can care for even more of these special birds.
"I won't turn animals away," she says.
Before she was released back into the wild, "Morris," a two-year-old Bald Eagle, practiced flight using a creance with WSU Raptor Club president, Devin Schell. Morris was brought to the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital on January 21, 2016 ill with lead poisoning.
For more information about the raptor program and resident birds, visit www.vetmed.wsu.edu/Raptors
Morris was successfully released in March 2016. Watch the release on the YouTube raptor playlist at www.youtube.com/WSUVetMedicine.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


+VL Elena 108/6 has a proven track record in our embryo transfer program. She is the perfect example of an American Red Brahman female as a gorgeous donor with tremendous breed character. +VL Elena 108/6 is super feminine, thick, deep bodied, and a cow filled with natural muscle.
+VL Elena 108/6 has a pedigree that is truly 100% American Red Brahman. Her dam, VL Elena 108/3, was a dark pigmented, feminine cow with an outstanding production record. On her sire side, you will notice VL Rojo Elegante 80/2, a renowned sire famous to breeders around the world. 80/2 has produced numerous champions in the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Venezuela.
This donor's progeny includes VL Rojo Designer 2/70, in addition to numerous calves that have been in our show barn. 2/70 is a tremendous bull with power, muscle, and style. This moderate framed beef machine was named 2014 Reserve Intermediate Champion at the International Show in Houston, and the 2014 Reserve Grand Champion at the East Texas State Fair. 108/6 has proven that she can produce some of the best Brahman offspring, with many Brahman breeders saying that 2/70 is destined for greatness.


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England's Newest Hit Makers
Album: England's Newest Hit Makers
1) Not Fade Away More Info...
2) Route 66 More Info...
3) I Just Want to Make Love to You More Info...
4) Honest I Do More Info...
5) Now I've Got a Witness More Info...
6) Little by Little More Info...
7) I'm a King Bee More Info...
8) Carol More Info...
9) Tell Me More Info...
10) Can I Get a Witness More Info...
11) You Can Make It If You Try More Info...
12) Walking the Dog More Info...
Performer Notes
The Rolling Stones: Mick Jagger (vocals, harmonica); Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica, background vocals); Keith Richards (guitar, background vocals); Bill Wyman (bass); Charlie Watts (drums).
Additional personnel: Gene Pitney (piano); Ian Stewart (keyboards); Phil Spector (maracas).
The first full-length Rolling Stones album is a raw document of their early sound, which at this point was still Early British Tinny, even on this pristine re-issue. However, the band's growing confidence throughout the course of THE ROLLING STONES is almost palpable.
Their take on Willie Dixon's "I Just Want to Make Love to You" is steeped in Chicago blues filtered through a West London sensibility, while the insistent harp on their hit cover of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away" is an early example of the band's technique of using blues riffs as pop hooks. "Tell Me" is a fairly embryonic attempt at Tin Pan Alley songwriting (they're far more at home with the raw R&B of "Little By Little") and it's obvious that at this early stage the band was most comfortable performing R&B covers, such as Rufus Thomas's classic "Walking the Dog," and particularly Chuck Berry's "Carol," which remained a staple of the band's live shows for some years.
NME (Magazine) (7/8/95, p.46) - 6 (out of 10) - "...a string of scratchily recorded blues standards and rock'n'roll covers, of which only `Route 66', `Carol' and `Walking The Dog' have really stood the test of time..."
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Rolling Stones Music
The Rolling Stones Music
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Childhood Is Critical For Building Strong Bones
Posted on February 25, 2020 by Henry Ford Health Staff
If you grew up in the 80's and 90's, no doubt you recall the widespread ad campaigns from the dairy industry promoting the virtues of drinking milk. There was the catchy slogan "Milk does a body good." And who can forget those celebrities with milk mustaches?
Now that many people in the "Got milk?" generation are parents, the message may seem newly relevant. Building strong bones in childhood forms the foundation for bone health throughout life.
"Childhood and adolescence are a critical period for the development of strong healthy bones because most bone mass is attained by the end of the second decade of life," says pediatrician Lo'Rell C. Rudolph, D.O. "Over time, bones can become weaker. As bones become more fragile, the risk of fracture increases. That's why building good bone health while a person is young is vital."
Think of building bone mass like making deposits in a bank account. You have up to about age 21 to make as many deposits into your bone "bank" as possible, with the years during puberty being some of the most critical to building it up. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says the body reaches "peak bone mass" sometime in your twenties, meaning that your bones are at their most dense and strongest. After that, the ability to take in new deposits slows way down, and your body starts to make withdrawals of calcium instead. This calcium depletion is a natural part of the aging process, and it especially ramps up in women going through menopause.
The more you invest in your child's bone health now, the longer the "dividends" will pay out. Without that foundation, they are at greater risk for developing osteoporosis, which most people think of as an older person's disease but can affect even young and middle-age adults.
What It Takes To Build Strong Bones
It may be hard to think ahead that far -- you're busy worrying about your child breaking a bone on the playground, not imagining them fracturing a hip as an older adult. But the good news is the recipe for building strong bones includes the same healthy habits doctors recommend to stave off childhood obesity, aid in brain development and lower their risks for all kinds of other diseases and health conditions. According to Dr. Rudolph, a good diet high in calcium and vitamin D, and plenty of exercise are necessary for optimum bone health. Here's why:
Calcium: Calcium is the essential mineral for our bone development, and our bodies can't produce it on our own. We need to consume it through our diet. Despite what those ads may lead you to believe, milk isn't the only way to get it, although dairy products are excellent sources. Non-dairy sources of calcium include beans, some nuts and seeds, and leafy green vegetables, explains Dr. Rudolph. Read food labels and choose foods containing 10 percent or more of the daily value (DV) for calcium.
Vitamin D: It is important to pair calcium intake with vitamin D because adequate amounts of vitamin D are needed for the body to be able to absorb calcium. One way to obtain enough vitamin D is through sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. (Bonus: Being outside for intervals during these hours also promotes physical activity, Dr. Rudolph notes.) Nutritional sources of vitamin D include fish high in fat, like salmon or tuna, and foods fortified with vitamin D, including dairy products and cereals.
Exercise: Muscles grow stronger with use, and so do bones. "The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends one hour of physical activity each day," Dr. Rudolph says. "In particular, weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jumping, climbing and running help promote bone growth."
Related Topic: When Your Kid Wants To Go Vegan
What About Supplements?
Doctors and dietitians recommend food as the primary source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, such as calcium. Consider replacing common foods with high-calcium versions. For example, buy calcium-fortified orange juice instead of regular juice. Choose fortified cereals to help meet daily requirements.
If you are concerned that your child isn't getting enough calcium or vitamin D, discuss over-the-counter supplements with your healthcare provider. "Vitamin D and calcium supplements are not bad," Dr. Rudolph says. "In fact, there are some medical conditions in which supplements are needed. However, nutritional sources are recommended for most kids to promote a healthy lifestyle overall."
If your teen is interested in a fad diet that cuts out dairy products or other sources of calcium or vitamin D, that can be cause for alarm since those nutrients are vital to bone health during this phase of their development. Talk with them openly about their goals and the risks, and consult with a doctor or dietitian about establishing a healthy eating pattern.
To make an appointment with a Henry Ford pediatrician in your area, visit henryford.com or call 1-800-HENRYFORD (436-7936).
Dr. Lo'rell Rudolph is a pediatrician seeing patients at Henry Ford Medical Center – Ford Road in Dearborn and Henry Ford Medical Center – Taylor.
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Tags : Lo Rell Rudolph, Pediatrics, Orthopedics
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I wanted to try my hand at celtic knot and segmented pen blank making. Even though there doesn't seem to be a huge pen making group here I asked for help over at IAP and got some great advice that I thought I'd share.
I had 2 issues that I saw right away. The bottom of my knots were obviously screwed up. Also, there appeared to be "ghosting" around the edges of the knots but I'm thinking that it's because there is a gap between the insert and the blank caused by the insert distorting the blank which I should have clamped better.
The first suggestion was to abandon the bandsaw jig and use a tablesaw jig instead. I used a 60 tooth trim blade with a flat bottom cut. The bandsaw kerf required multiple cuts to make the slot wide enough which produced an uneven bottom in the slot.
After applying medium CA into the slot and onto the infill I then infused it with thin CA and clamped it. I did this for each cut before moving on to the next one. The knot in the first picture below was made without clamping the blank between each process and you can still see a little ghosting around the edges.
Then, once I started clamping them that seemed to fix my ghosting and uneven slot bottom issues. I then cut my own thin strip veneer (using solid wood, not commercial veneer) which I glued using CA making sure it was a semi-snug fit that didn't cause any distortion of the slot. Going forward I will probably make the infill layers using wood glue but was anxious to see the fruits of my labor this time.
Not perfect, but getting there. Please excuse the fog in the 3rd picture as I rushed the finish before the tube glue had cured as the goal was to get the knot right, not make a finished pen.
I think I have a handle on the technique. Segmenting trials are next.
looking pretty good andy.iap is definitely the go to place for pen advise or help.thanks for sharing your info.
Those celtic knots look pretty good to me!


Djsradioshow presents a new Above and Beyond & Oliver Smith - Group Therapy, ABGT 229 - 28 April 2017 selected works of the week! Large-scale radio show with a variety of stylistic modulations - just a huge collection by artist, here on our Site! Oliver Smith has been described as an excellent DJ by Armin van Buuren, "the best thing to happen in trance" by Mixmag and "sensational" by DJ Magazine. In recent years the highly successful UK-based DJ and dance music producer has released scores of records and has performed in some of the biggest clubs in the world. Oliver's forward thinking music is regularly played by leading DJs such as Above & Beyond, Armin van Buuren, Tiesto, Myon & Shane54, and Paul van Dyk. He is one of the most established and best regarded Anjunabeats artists and is the only producer to have featured on every single one of the 10 Anjunabeats Volume compilations to date. His sophisticated, deep and melodic sound is loved by fans globally.


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Acai Berry – Superfood
/ in Diet,Health and Beauty,Health Tips
/ tags health tips, healthy food, Super Food
Acai Berry Attributes
Botanical name: Euterpe oleracea
Similar to a cross between a grape and a blueberry, the acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berry is a small, reddish-purple drupe consisting of a cluster of seeds, with only around 15 percent or so being edible, harvested from tall, slender palm trees found around the Amazon River basin of South America. These berries are also quite perishable, but have significant nutritional attributes when eaten fresh.
Traditional uses for acai fruit has included treatment for diarrhea, parasitic infections, hemorrhages and ulcers. As a food, acai pulp in the tribal Amazon belt is often blended with the starchy root vegetable manioc and eaten as porridge.
The taste is often described as reminiscent of wild berries and chocolate. It's found in large supermarkets and health food stores throughout the world, usually as a juice or tea rather than fresh, simply because getting them out of the Amazon with the nutrients still intact is a complicated process.
Other uses for the acai berry include natural food coloring, cosmetics, anti-aging skin creams, shampoos and conditioners, and also in food supplements. Expensive acai-based products have been widely hyped as having significant weight loss potential, but on that score, scientifically speaking, the jury's still out. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission announced in early 2012 that it had asked federal courts to temporarily suspend the activity of websites marketing acai berry weight loss products.
Health Benefits of Acai Berry
This little berry's list of attributes includes a high level of antioxidant activity similar to cranberries, but more than what's been found in blueberries and strawberries. Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) values measuring the antioxidant power of acai fruit pulp/skin powder reportedly have the highest ORAC value among fruits and vegetables, or 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes.
Acai berries are low in sugar, but contain excellent amounts of iron, calcium, fiber, and vitamin A. They also contain anthocyanin compounds such as resveratrol and cyaniding and ferulic acid, which not only give fruits and vegetables their distinct color, but also team up with flavonoids to defend the body against harmful free radicals. In fact, acai berries contain 10 to 30 times more anthocyanin power than red wine. Beneficial fatty acids such as oleic acid, one of the same oils found in olive oil, is another strong point, and healthy levels of dietary fiber keep the system functioning smoothly.
The properties contained in acai berries may help prevent health problems such as arthritis, inflammation, obesity, erectile dysfunction, neurological diseases, and allergies. Lab studies have shown them to have positive effects on ailments associated with oxidative stress, heart disease, and cancer.
Acai berries should be consumed in moderation, because they still contain sugar, even if in lower levels than other fruits. Remember, fructose may be harmful to your health in excessive amounts.
Acai Berry Nutrition Facts
Studies on Acai Berries
A study published in mid-2011 reported that the acaí berry not only offers potential health benefits due to its antioxidant scavenging capacities, but also suppresses biological activity that would degrade cellular integrity.
Research published in September 2012 reported the effects of acai berry pulp on Fchemically-induced urothelial bladder cancer in mice, and the incidence and multiplicity of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). After 10 weeks of treatment, the acai berry pulp treatment was found to reduce the TCC incidence, multiplicity, and tumor cell proliferation, as well as significantly reduce DNA damage. The study authors reported that the positive acai berry pulp treatment was probably due to the fruit's antioxidant abilities.
The purpose of another study was to evaluate how acai fruit pulp affected metabolic disorder risks. It involved 10 overweight adults taking 100 grams of acai pulp twice daily for a month. Prior to the study, each subject's blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and other biomarkers were measured.
At the end of the 30-day trial, researchers found reductions in fasting glucose, insulin levels, and total cholesterol; however, there was no effect on blood pressure. Scientists concluded that the acai fruit pulp reduced the levels of selected metabolic disease markers in the overweight subjects, indicating that further studies, including those on heart disease and/or type 2 diabetes, are warranted.
Acai Berry Healthy Recipes: Blueberry Acai Smoothie
1½ cups unsweetened almond milk
1½ bananas
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 acai frozen smoothie pack OR 1 cup acai juice
¾ to 1 cup ice
This recipe uses acai fruit at its most available, peak freshness, sans added sugar. Place all the ingredients into a blender, process, and enjoy!
This recipe serves two. (Note: If you use the juice, cut the almond milk down to ½ cup.)
Acai Berry Fun Facts
Acai, a dietary staple for people in the Amazonian rainforest regions, has been harvested the same way for centuries. The 60- to 80-foot palm trees are scaled by workers who cut the branches, then slide back down the smooth, slender trunks to the ground.
Because acai berries are so low in sugar and acid, which protects most fruits, they must be picked, processed, flash-pasteurized, and frozen quickly before being transported out of the Amazon. If left unprocessed, the fruit will oxidize, turn brown, and lose its beneficial nutrients.
Up until a decade ago or so, acai berries were unheard of by anyone outside Amazonian regions. Seemingly overnight (thanks to the Internet), they became the new superfood promising amazing weight loss capabilities. But then, reports began casting grave doubts on those claims, especially due to the emergence of numerous (and expensive) acai berry-based diet supplements flooding the internet.
Because of so many conflicting reports, university and clinical studies have been instigated to get to the bottom of the controversy regarding what this little South American berry actually offers nutritionally. The upshot is that, just like nearly every other plant-based food, acai berries, too, contain many beneficial compounds, such as powerful antioxidants, fiber, monounsaturated fats, iron, calcium, fiber, vitamin A, and anthocyanins, clinically proven to be beneficial for health.
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.
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Source: foodfacts.mercola.com
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HomeNewsBuhari Swears In New Minister
Buhari Swears In New Minister
December 25, 2021 Sa Cord News 0
President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in Muazu Sambo as Minister of State for Works and Housing.
This came after Sambo's nomination as a minister was confirmed by the senate earlier this week, following a screening.
The new minister took an oath of office before the commencement of an ongoing security meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The security meeting was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd.).
Others include Minister of Defense, Major General Salihi Magashi (Rtd); Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao.
The Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman; the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, are also in attendance.
Man Arrested For Allegedly Killing His Girlfriend In A Hotel In Ondo
Insecurity Will Soon Be History, Says Buhari Promise Nigerians In Christmas Message
Civil War: "Tender An Unreserved Apology To Ndigbo" – Ohaneze Tells Buhari Over His Tweet
June 3, 2021 Sa Cord News 0
The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Uche Okwukwu has asked President Buhari to tender an unreserved apology to the Igbos over his tweet referencing the civil war. In a statement signed and released by […]
APC may collapse when Buhari leaves office – Governor Fayemi
January 20, 2020 Sa Cord News 0
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, has expressed fear of the All Progressives Congress (APC) collapsing at the end of President Buhari's tenure. The Ekiti State Governor who was instrumental to the emergence of Oshiomhole […]
Why Buhari Cannot Declare His Assets Publicly ― Presidency
January 7, 2020 Sa Cord News 0
Reacting to the demand of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP on Sunday, that President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice president Yemi Osinbajo and all 36 governors should declare their assets, the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu […]


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home Biography Dax Shepard
Dax Shepard Networth
Facts of Dax Shepard
Full Name Dax Shepard
First Name Dax
Last Name Shepard
Profession Actor, Comedian
Birth City Milford, Milford Charter Township
Birth Country MI
Spouse Kristen Bell
Sibilings Carly Hatter, David Shepard
Filmography Without a Paddle (2004),Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
Education Walled Lake Central
Date of Birth 2,1975
Married Date 2013
Amount $12 Million
Life And Education
Actor and comedian Dax Shepard is known for films like Chips, Hit and Run, When in Rome, Smother, The Comeback among others. From his career in the show business, he made a net worth of $12 million as of March 2019. He was able to amass this net worth from his work as a comedian and actor for more than 20 years.
Most of his movies have earned millions at the box office. He started his career back in 1998 and has now become an acclaimed actor in the industry. To add to his humor and acting talents he is also a writer and director.
Dax Shepard's Net Worth Is $12 Million: Salary And Income Sources
As of March 2019, Dax Shepard's net worth is $12 million. His multimillion-dollar net worth is credited largely to his film and TV career. He mostly earns from his career as a comedian and actor.
Actor and comedian Dax Shepard
There is no information about his exact salary in the media however, according to PayScale the average actor earns around $39.84 per hour.
Similarly, the average salary for a comedian is around $20,000 and directors are paid $92,220 per year. Also, scriptwriters earn around $20.00 per hour.
Further, he also earns from his royalties and residuals from his TV series as well as films.
Net Worth 2003
Notable Events: Worked behind the scenes on the movie Cheaper as a camera crew member.
Box Office: Cheaper grossed over $190,210,000.
Notable Events: Starred in the movie Without a Paddle as Tom Marshall
Box Office: Without a Paddle collected over $69,630,000 worldwide.
Notable Events: Played in Employee of the Month
Box Office: Employee of the Month, Idiocracy and Let's Go to Prison combined grossed over $38,870,000.
Notable Events: He played a main role in the comedy Baby Mama, alongside Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.
Box Office: Baby Mama grossed over $66,020,000.
Box Office: Old Dogs grossed over $96,750,000 worldwide.
Notable Events: Got engaged to Kristen Bell and also acted in the globally acclaimed rom-com, When in Rome.
Box Office: $43,820,000
Notable Events: Did a commercial for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S alongside his wife Kristen Bell.
Box Office: The movies Veronica Mars, This is Where I Leave You and The Judge grossed a combined $130,240,000.
Notable Events: Acted in the movie CHiPs alongside Michael Peña, Rosa Salazar and his wife Kristen Bell.
Box Office: CHiPs grossed over $26,800,000 worldwide.
Notable Events: Dax got married to Kristen Bell on October 17, 2013, for $142
Net Worth 2017: $12 million
Apart from this he also earns a lot of money from endorsements, advertisements, and commercials. He did a commercial with wife Kristen Bell for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S which was so popular that it grossed over 20 million views on YouTube.
Likewise, he has done commercials for Samsung home appliances, Samsung Family Hub TV, Samsung Washer with Activewash, Prostate Cancer Foundation, the Visit California campaign etc.
Dax Shepard's Lifestyle, House, Cars, Charity
Shepard lives the rich life and spends big on houses as well as vehicles. In 2018 he bought the world renowned Yamaha R1 bike which can be bought for $16,699 and a $20,999 ATV RZR in addition to a $46,145 Lincoln Continental.
He spent a total of $95,530 on the aforementioned vehicles. The cherry on top of his vehicle collection is a Ducati Multistrada which costs around $23,000.
In the same year, he also bought a home in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California, USA with his wife which cost around $4,300,000.
He Bought His First Car at 15: His Car Collection
His first car was a 1976 Pontiac Catalina that he bought for $400 from the side of the road when he was 15. After this, he bought a 1984 Mustang GT whose price starts from around $1495.
Along with his cars, he is also a passionate biker and owned a Suzuki Katana 600 when he was 16 years old. He owns another beast, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 whose price starts at around $14,699.
Along with this, he also pays the insurance premiums as he is a biker he surely wants to be insured in the event of an unfortunate crash. He must have life insurance as well as dental and health insurance.
He is also involved in low-key charity works.
Dax Shepard's Personal Details – Age, Family, Sister, Children, Wife, Height
Dax Shepard was born Dax Randall Shepard on January 2, 1975. He is 44 years old as of March 2019. He was born to father Dave Robert Shepard, Sr. and mother Laura LaBo. He has a sister named Carly Hatter. Regarding his ethnicity, he is White and is American by nationality.
He is Married to Kristen Bell
Shepard got married to Kristen Bell on October 16, 2013, at a County Clerk's Office in Beverly Hills for $142. Their wedding is said to be one of the low-budget celebrity weddings by far.
Dax and his wife Kristen Bell
They got engaged in January 2010 but decided to wait until same-sex marriage was legalized. After the Supreme Court ruled the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional on June 26, 2013, Bell proposed to Shepard via Twitter and he accepted.
The relationship has blessed them with two kids both daughters. Their eldest daughter was born in March 2013 and their youngest was born in December 2014.
Assets, Expenses
Updated On Tue Jan 14 2020 Published On Sat Mar 16 2019 By Dibas Pratap Basnet
American Comedian
American Millionaire Celebrity
Published Tue Jun 18 2019
Published Thu Jun 13 2019
Published Wed Jun 26 2019
Published Tue Apr 23 2019
Published Fri Jun 14 2019
Published Sun Jun 30 2019
Published Sun Jul 07 2019
Published Thu Jul 04 2019
Published Mon Jun 10 2019
Published Wed Apr 10 2019


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fxnetworks.com
SITES LIKE FX Networks
51+ Best Movie Streaming Sites+ Like FX Networks
https://www.fxnetworks.com/
Show 51+ sites like FX Networks:
Click Here To Visit FX Networks Click Here To Visit FX Networks See all Best Movie Streaming Sites (51)
FX is the best you can get when it comes to cable TV content. From Drama to comedy and movies to the Simpsons, the network has star-studded line-up throughout the day. FX networks stylized as fX is built around live programming which caters to an audience seeking interactive viewing experience.
FX's success can be measured through the launch of FX Plus and FX Now, which makes it one of the most viewed television channels across the United States of American and Canada.
Rebranding is its key to success
Most marketing taglines follow vision-boarding as opposed to the accurate reflection of content. However, with FX, that's not the case. It's neither glossy nor dull, it reflects its line-up and that's "Fearless". Before 2013, its slogan was "There Is No Box" which was changed to "Fearless" to represent its subversive and unflinchingly gritty dramas. Its long slog has enabled it to become one of the harbingers of today's era – a lineup where "the Simpsons" doesn't feel like the ultimate offering.
Diversifying Networks for tailor-made content
Back in the 1990s, most of the channels had a single channel on TV under the same banner. That changed with the arrival of HD channels, which further got influenced by the arrival of streaming networks. That's the reason why you can find FX on cable, on satellite network and on streaming services as well. You don't have to pay a hefty sum for cable TV when you can easily watch FX through various streaming services.
Disney ownership will strengthen the depth
Earlier this year, Disney announced its acquisition of Fox Group and its assets. Since the acquisition, a lot has been said about FX's capabilities to transform into a global streaming giant. However, I don't feel that Disney would pitch FX as its key independent asset when it already has Hulu, Disney+ and Movies Anywhere. With Hulu, it's actively competing with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. With Disney+, it's looking to set a stronghold in the streaming market and FX Networks if bundled with any network can make the service look amazing.
John Landgraf announced this past month that FX's content including its streaming programming will be available on Hulu right after the broadcast. FX Network includes FX for a younger audience, FXX for comedy-oriented audience and FXM as the all-movie channel.
FX Networks has been interacting with users since the early internet days. You can obviously remember Tom Bergeron streaming from his studio/apartment in New York. That was a revolutionary bit of content on a channel where old movies and television shows had plagued the network. Can you believe it? An entire decade with just a handful of notable content and rest just a showreel of past content? Me neither. Which makes us wonder how FX Networks was able to turn its fortunes?
Here's how – FX took the independent creative path with "The Shield" in 2002. After the show won a number of Golden Globes and Emmy awards, there was no looking back for this channel. In less than two decades, Disney completed the acquisition of FX Networks as part of a bigger deal i.e. 21st Century Fox's media assets, which made the network ABC's sister branch.
FX Networks' website does feel like its speaking to the youth. It's the most dynamic and user-intuitive website I've seen so far. Simple video banners with 'impactful display' make scrolling entertaining. I love the subtlety on the home page. Sometimes, you don't need to put everything you have to make the website look awesome. And FX really tries to be minimalistic in its approach. Want to see something which you wouldn't see on most of the streaming sites? Just scroll down till you reach "My List" – that minimal movie titles GIF is one of the most creative bits I've found so far.
Aesthetically, the website follows a dark pattern, with banners that complement the backdrop. Similar to Netflix and Stan but better. The homepage has a main banner with slider options and a constant CTA button which reads "Watch Now". It is followed by content segregation via categories such as 'Featured', 'Movies', 'Latest Episodes', 'Disney+' subscription plug for obvious reasons, and 'My List'.
One of the few things that don't amaze me is the website's 'Browsing Section.' There are five major subcategories – 'Originals', 'Movies', 'Holiday' and 'Hero Collection' and 'Also Streaming'. These four options aren't enough to segregate the content in the best possible manner. Since the content is sorted based upon its type, choosing what you want to watch can feel like a task.
In the past two decades, FX has been able to navigate its way to the top of the Cable TV pyramid. Most of that can be accredited to its out-of-the-box content creation. Major success arrived after it adopted 'Fearless' as its slogan and started rolling out content such as 'The Strain', 'Fargo', 'Sons of Anarchy', 'The Americans' and 'Justified' – all of them defying expectations.
Some of the most notable content on the network includes – 'American Horror Story', 'American Crime Story', 'The Americans', 'Archer', 'Anger Management', 'Baskets', 'Atlanta', 'Better Things', 'The Comedians', 'The Bridge', 'Fargo', 'Justified', 'Feud', 'Married', 'Mr. Inbetween', 'Mayans', 'Saint George', 'Partners', 'Snowfall', 'The Strain', 'Taboo', 'Tyrant', 'Trust', 'Sons of Anarchy' and 'What We Do in the Shadows.' Among these shows, 'Sons of Anarchy' was the biggest hit with 4.654 million viewers. There were five discontinued shows which had 1m+ viewers (Justified, Anger Management, The Bridge MC and The Feud). Presently, there are five shows which have 1m+ viewers (American Horror Story, Taboo, Mayans MC, American Crime Story, and Fargo.) These numbers depict the love these shows are getting from 18-48 demographics.
FX Networks isn't as rigid as its big brother Fox and thanks to its acquisition by Disney, it's become more accessible. There are many ways in which you can stream the FX channel. You no longer need to commit to a cable or satellite network and can enjoy its stellar content via streaming services such as Hulu – which makes the FX viewing experience diverse.
Talking about the website's interface and viewing experience, you get 30 seconds clip for each episode which works as a trailer. The video-watching quality on the website is not something I can write home about, however, I didn't find any nagging issues. You can stream from your laptop or your smartphone and that is possible because of the network's availability on various platforms such as Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, Sling TV, AT&T Now.
Plans & Pricing with Compatibility
FX Networks can be viewed via Pay TV, Satellite or Streaming networks. If you're not into cable TV or satellite, there are alternative ways to stream shows from FX without having to shell out hundreds of dollars.
– Hulu with Live TV – $40 per month – supports on Roku, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV, Gaming Consoles – Xbox One and Xbox 360, iOS and Android Devices
– Sling TV – $25-$40 per month – supports on Oculus Go, Roku, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV, Gaming Consoles – Xbox One and Xbox 360, iOS and Android Devices
– Fubo TV – $44.99 per month – supports Roku, Amazon Fire, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS and Android Devices
– YouTube TV – $49.99 per month – supports Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, Apple TV, Xbox One, iOS, and Android Devices
– AT&T Now – $50-$135 per month – supports Roku, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick and Fire Tv, iOS and Android Devices
Suggestions I have for FX Networks
I don't have much to say except that the media on the website can be worked upon. Most of the trailers show error before video playback and that has got to do with membership. I feel that Disney should work on it and improve the video viewing experience on the website.
Unlike other channels that are just available via Cable or Satellite TV networks, FX begs to differ. You can stream it via multiple platforms and also include it as a part of a plan which suits your need. It is compatible with most devices and works efficiently.
The entire Simpsons World
Free FXNow app
Content Library filled with timeless classics
Streaming is a cost-effective option against cable and satellite TV
It doesn't work without FX. You can't access FXNow or FX Plus without FX
Doesn't have the all-you-can-eat model
Not commercial free
Has streaming problems from time to time
51+ Best Movie Streaming Sites Like FX Networks
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See all Best Movie Streaming Sites (51) Streaming Sites


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Tucson council supports bill seeking to punish impaired shooters
The Tucson City Council voted Tuesday to support proposed state legislation that seeks to crack down on people who fire off guns while intoxicated. The bill would make it a felony for a person with a blood alcohol reading greater than the legal limit to shoot a firearm.
Some Arizona homeowners eligible for federal foreclosure settlement funds
Some Arizona homeowners mistreated by their mortgage lender in 2009 or 2010 could receive a check starting this week under a federal settlement. But, people need to be aware of scam artists who are trying to illegally profit from the program.
StoryCorps Phoenix: Kelli and Anthony Little
We are pleased to share the voices and conversations of our community from StoryCorps Phoenix. StoryCorp Phoenix is the project that records the stories of everyday people and archives them at the Library of Congress.
Cactus League attendance record comes with asterisk
Cactus League baseball drew more than 1.7 million fans to local stadiums this spring. Tempe Diablo Stadium, spring training home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in Tempe. (Photo by Nick Blumberg - KJZZ) That's about 20,000 more fans than last year, but it's a record that comes with an asterisk.
Scottsdale City Council to vote on pedicab ordinance
The Scottsdale City Council will vote on the proposed pedicab ordinance Tuesday. The council will decide whether to require a driver's license to operate the passenger tricycles on its city streets.
Bill would exempt more employees from unemployment benefits
The state Senate has given its preliminary approval to a bill that would allow religious organizations to avoid paying unemployment taxes for educational and day care workers. Current state law exempts certain work from eligibility for unemployment insurance.
Stina Sieg
When Senior Field Correspondent Stina Sieg was 22, she moved to the desert. The Bay Area native hasn't been the same since. She had just graduated from Humboldt State University when she got a hankering for wide-open spaces.
Arizonans Witness Boston Marathon Explosions
Authorities now say more than 100 people are injured and two dead after bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Medical workers aid injured people at the finish line. The cause of the explosions has not been determined.
Governor Brewer's advisor explains advantages of Medicaid expansion
Chuck Coughlin, advisor to Governor Jan Brewer, discussed why Medicaid expansion in Arizona makes sense economically and morally.Coughlin also talked about Brewer's governing style and why the world of politics often gets dirty.
Glendale 'spice' lab busted
Police in Glendale have raided what they say was a large 'spice lab,' where they discovered a massive amount of the illegal designer drug. Police Sergeant Brent Coombs says the lab's manager is behind bars, for his involvement in developing 'spice' and 'bath salts,'"Abraham Sayegn is having charges submitted on him for both the manufacturing process and the possession to sell," Coombs said.
'Operation Justice' targets those with outstanding felony warrants
Law enforcement agencies from across Arizona have been involved in an effort to bring in fugitives with outstanding felony warrants, over the last week. The effort was coordinated by the US Marshals Service, according to spokesman Fred Freeman.
Maricopa Community Colleges to limit hours of some temporary workers and adjunct instructors
About 1,300 temporary workers and part-time instructors with the Maricopa County Community College District have learned their hours will be strictly limited starting in July. Officials said the cuts will help the district comply with the Obama Administration's Health Care Reform Act.
A legislative session progress report with State Senators Steve Farley and Rich Crandall
State Senators Rich Crandall and Steve Farley discuss why state lawmakers seem far from ending their current legislative session, even as it has reached its 100th day.Senators Crandall and Farley talk about the conflict over Medicaid expansion among lawmakers, Governor Jan Brewer's unique leadership position on the issue and whether it gains legislative approval.
Phoenix: $100K for white rooftops
The City of Phoenix has received a $100,000 grant to paint municipal rooftops white. The reflective paint helps reduce energy costs and might put a microscopic dent in the city's urban heat island. The city will use grant money to paint 70,000 square feet of municipal rooftops white.
Voucher deadline approaching for students in low-rated schools
The parents of students in poorly performing public schools are facing a deadline this week to get state help to put their kids in new schools. Lawmakers approved what are called 'empowerment scholarship accounts,' two years ago for students in schools with a D or F rating.
Arizona's StreetLight USA rehabilitates victims of child sex trafficking
One of Arizona's fastest growing industries is not something economists and tourism officials like to talk about, even though it generates millions of dollars each year. The girls live in cottages that are especially decorated with light cheerful decor.
Mexicans named the largest Hispanic-origin population in U.S.
Nine percent of the people born in Mexico live in the United States. This is one of the findings in a report released Wednesday from the Pew Hispanic Center. 65 percent of those of Mexican-origin living in the U.
Gas prices continue to fall across Arizona
The price of gas continues to drop in Arizona. AAA Arizona says the statewide average this morning is $3.44 a gallon, down a nickel in the last week. Spokeswoman Stephanie Dembowski says prices remain low for several reasons.
Tribal gaming revenues down for first time in 10 quarters
A new report shows some slight weakening in tribal gaming revenues. The latest figures show state revenue sharing in the first three months of this year was just under $24.1 million. That's the first year-over-year decline in the numbers in 10 consecutive quarters.
Quartzsite: After the crowds
Every winter, hundreds of thousands of snowbirds with RVs descend on the tiny desert town of Quartzsite, Ariz. For a few months, this dusty little place on I-10 morphs into what National Geographic calls "The World's Largest Parking Lot," but in the summer it almost becomes a ghost town.


RDA were involved in the renovation of this warehouse flat. This involved a total new fit out from a shell in a conservation area in Bermondsey, London. The client wanted to preserve the heritage and wellbeing of the original building whilst creating a 3 bedroom flat. In this warehouse conversion, RDA covered all new steels and beams required with aged boards in stain to match the existing beams. The aged floorboards do not harm the original aesthetic of the structure. This project was shortlisted for the Daily Telegraph Renovation Awards.


The courts have power to hear and determine disputes, primarily of criminal and civil nature. Criminal cases are those in which the State prosecutes a person or an organization for committing an act which is not in the interest of the public, and therefore considered to be an offense against the State.
Civil cases originate from a person who seeks redress for a private wrong such as breach of contract, trespass, or negligence; or to enforce civil remedies such as compensation, damages or to stop some action.
The courts under the Constitution operate at two levels, namely; Superior and Subordinate courts.
A court to hear matters concerning the Environment, and the use of, occupation of and title to land.
The Supreme Court is the highest Court in the Judiciary while the lowest Court is the Magistrates court.
The court hears and determines cases relating to presidential elections. It hears appeals on cases that have been concluded by the Court of Appeal, issues advisory opinions on matters concerning County Governments, in any cases involving the interpretation or application of the Constitution and in matters of general public importance.
Further, the Supreme Court hears appeals from any other court or tribunal as prescribed by national legislation and determines the validity of a declaration of a state of emergency.
The Court Martial hears cases involving people serving in the Military. They are established under the Armed Forces Act.


text:
FeaturedPoliticsPresident
Trump Speaks About His Potential 2024 White House Run
President Donald Trump looks like he could be readying a comeback.
"I don't think we're going to have a choice," Trump told Fox News when asked about a potential 2024 White House run.
He continued saying, "It is disgraceful. When you look at Afghanistan and what happened, and the death for no reason, just for no reason… [military] parents – they want to speak with me – they don't want to speak with Biden."
Though some Republicans like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have risen to the forefront as potential 2024 candidates, any challengers would likely have a tough fight to beat Trump in a primary.
In the interview, Trump hit on Biden's Afghanistan withdrawal, which has been a major political struggle for the incumbent president.
Indeed, the most recent Economist/YouGov poll reported Biden's approval had plummeted to an all-time low since he took office, with 39% of Americans approving of his performance and 49% disapproving.
"The drop in Biden's approval rating is most severe among Democrats," the poll reports. "Around nine in ten of them had approved of Biden's performance for nearly all of his first year in office. This week, Biden's approval rating among Democrats dropped nine points to 77% from 86% last week."
If Trump does run, he will likely seek to leverage that issue against Biden.
Of course, this isn't Trump's first time to suggest a run for president.
The former president said earlier this year that his supporters would be "very happy" with his decision.
"The answer is I'm absolutely enthused," Trump told Candace Owens during an interview on her show when she asked if he would run again for president in 2024. "I look forward to doing an announcement at the right time. You know for campaign finance reasons, you really can't do it too early because it becomes a whole different thing."
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text:
namespace gpu {

class ContextSupport {
 public:
  // Runs |callback| when a sync point is reached.
  virtual void SignalSyncPoint(uint32 sync_point,
                               const base::Closure& callback) = 0;

  // Runs |callback| when a query created via glCreateQueryEXT() has cleared
  // passed the glEndQueryEXT() point.
  virtual void SignalQuery(uint32 query, const base::Closure& callback) = 0;

  // For onscreen contexts, indicates that the surface visibility has changed.
  // Clients aren't expected to draw to an invisible surface.
  virtual void SetSurfaceVisible(bool visible) = 0;

  virtual void Swap() = 0;
  virtual void PartialSwapBuffers(const gfx::Rect& sub_buffer) = 0;

  virtual void SetSwapBuffersCompleteCallback(
      const base::Closure& callback) = 0;

  // Schedule a texture to be presented as an overlay synchronously with the
  // primary surface during the next buffer swap.
  // This method is not stateful and needs to be re-scheduled every frame.
  virtual void ScheduleOverlayPlane(int plane_z_order,
                                    gfx::OverlayTransform plane_transform,
                                    unsigned overlay_texture_id,
                                    const gfx::Rect& display_bounds,
                                    const gfx::RectF& uv_rect) = 0;

 protected:
  ContextSupport() {}
  virtual ~ContextSupport() {}
};

}

#endif  // GPU_COMMAND_BUFFER_CLIENT_CONTEXT_SUPPORT_H_

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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MISREPRESENTATION ACT 1967 and PROPERTY MISDESCRIPTIONS ACT 1991 Cushman & Wakefield, their clients and any joint agents, give notice that : (i) These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact. (ii) No person in the employment of the agent(s) has any authority to make or give any representation or warranty whatever in relation to this property. (iii) Floor areas, measurements or distances given are approximate. Unless otherwise stated, any rents, or outgoings quoted are exclusive of VAT. (iv) Any descriptions given of the property cannot be taken to imply, it is in good repair, has all necessary consents, is free of contamination, or that the services and facilities are in working order. Interested parties are advised to carry out their own investigations as required.
1052 Budapest, Deák Ferenc u. 5.


Ansel Adams, also known as the Supreme Master of Landscape Photography. His prints are perfect evidence that what happens after you press the shutter button is extremely important.
Adams used large-format cameras and his photographs are widely known to heavily rely on careful composition, darkroom craftsmanship, sensitivity to tonal balance, very sharp focusing and heightened contrast, and accurate exposure.


Its spacious wooden balcony overlooking St. Augustine Park, MALO Flat is a perfect choice for those who appreciate a good view. Its interior design is classic, sophisticated, and comfortable, utilizing warm, neutral tones and natural materials. Of the two large bedrooms, the master suite holds a king bed and private bath, and the guestroom holds a queen. Children's bunk beds provide extra sleeping room.
The flat's open living with sofa sleeper and dining area adjoins a professionally- equipped kitchen.
MALO Flat is located near the family-style Cabana Pool and Butterfly Park, a charming native flora garden.


The trouble is that video editing is a) hard, and b) expensive, right? Well, it doesn't have to be. In this blog post, you will learn about some of the best cheap video editing apps for iOS and Android that anyone can use to make social video content. You don't need a giant studio, a limitless budget, or a ten-person production team; sometimes, all it takes is a mobile device, some ideas, and one or two of these video editing apps to create a social video masterpiece.
Now that you have this list of 12 video editing apps, go ahead and download one of these apps right now and share it with your followers. You'll be surprised to see how many people engage more with videos. If we missed a video editing app that you absolutely love to use, please share them with us in the comments below.


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Cape Town's 'Day Zero' Water Crisis, One Year Later
12 Apr Cape Town's 'Day Zero' Water Crisis, One Year Later
Posted at 18:57h in News	by	WorldWater
In spring 2018, news of the water crisis in South Africa ricocheted around the world—then the story disappeared. So what happened?
In January 2018, when officials in Cape Town announced that the city of 4 million people was three months away from running out of municipal water, the world was stunned. Labelled "Day Zero" by local officials and brought on by three consecutive years of anemic rainfall, April 12, 2018, was to be the date of the largest drought-induced municipal water failure in modern history.
Photos of parched-earth dams and residents lining up to collect spring water splashed across news sites. The city's contingency plan called for the entire population to collect its water—a maximum of a two-minute-shower's-worth a day per person—from 200 centralized water centers, each serving the population equivalent of an MLS soccer stadium.
Then April 12th came and went, and news of the crisis evaporated.
One year on, Cape Town has apparently made it through the worst of a historic drought without turning off the taps, although the water supply is still tenuous. How the city managed to evade disaster—a combination of water conservation and efficiency measures, smarter use of data, and a little help from Mother Nature—serves as a largely hopeful precedent for cities globally facing increasing risk of extreme environmental events. Still, serious challenges in establishing a resilient and sustainable water supply system for Cape Town remain.
90 critical days
The countdown to Day Zero was 90 days. So what did Cape Town do to beat it? Unsurprisingly, it was not a silver bullet but a barrage of efforts that averted disaster. One big boost came in February 2018, when the national government throttled allocation of water in the region earmarked for agriculture, allowing more to flow to urban residents. The same month, farmers also agreed to divert additional water stored for agricultural purposes to the city.
However, the city's conservation efforts were as important, and more remarkable. Cape Town's government ramped up water tariffs and enforcement of prohibitions on heavy users, prohibiting use of municipal water for swimming pools, lawns, and similar non-essential uses. The city's government also implemented a new water-pressure system in January, saving roughly 10 percent of overall municipal water consumption.
The effect was stunning. Cape Town's municipal water-use levels historically oscillate throughout the year, showing up on a graph as a standing wave pattern with troughs coinciding with wet winters, and peaks mirroring the dry summer months when people rely more on taps for water. Like an ocean wave crashing onto shore, this wave pattern fizzled out as Cape Town implemented drought restrictions, cutting its peak usage by more than half in three years.
The January 2018 announcement alone galvanized a 30-percent drop in residential consumption after a steady but slower decline in earlier stages of the drought, according to City of Cape Town statistics.
A city changes its habits
Technical fixes and regulatory controls implemented by the municipality were important to curbing water consumption, but reaching such levels of conservation would not have been possible without large-scale cooperation by a wide swath of residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.
"It doesn't matter how much technical expertise you've got, but you actually have to stand back and understand the system more broadly," notes Gina Ziervogel of the University of Cape Town, who has researched the crisis. For the city, this meant using data more effectively to prompt people to save water.
Starting in 2017, the municipality had begun ratcheting up its drought-awareness campaign, publishing weekly updates on regional dam levels and water consumption and using electronic boards on freeways to notify drivers of how many days of water supply Cape Town had left. Then, in January 2018 and with Day Zero looming, the city got more aggressive. In addition to announcing its Day Zero countdown, the city launched a city-wide water map to show water consumption on a household level, allowing people to compare their consumption to their neighbors and the rest of the city.
Heightened outreach regarding the crisis prompted wide discussion: The municipality's weekly water report became a regular topic at social gathenings and on the radio. Governmental and civic organizations published water-saving techniques, and people traded tips on social media. In an unusual turn of events, techniques used in the poor, water-strapped township areas gained traction in wealthier areas.
Prompted by new water-use tariffs, businesses also began increased efforts to communicate the need to save water to customers and employees. Bathroom signs explaining "If it's yellow, let it mellow…" became ubiquitous in restaurants and bars, while startup and corporate types initiated "dirty shirt" challenges to see who could go the most days without washing their work shirt.
Crisis averted (for now)
By the end of March 2018, the emergency efforts had provided a small additional buffer in the city's water reserves, allowing city officials to push back Day Zero beyond the upcoming rainy season. In June 2018, the region saw average rainfall for the first time in four years. With the rain, dam levels rose, and officials were able to call off Day Zero indefinitely.
Cape Town's multi-pronged effort to stave off Day Zero succeeded. Still, the challenges to achieving water security persist. Although dam levels are above the lows experienced during the drought, they remain below pre-drought years and currently stand at 50 percent of capacity. Meanwhile, daily water use for the city has crept higher over the past year.
Furthermore, disparities in access to water in Cape Town continue to be related to extreme economic inequality, which generally runs along the racial lines established during South Africa's colonial and apartheid eras. For a large proportion of Cape Town's poor citizens, whose only normal access to water is a communal tap, Day Zero remains a constant reality. Combine this with a complex political climate and historical distrust of state policies, and it is easy to understand that a sustained unified effort to conserve water is fraught with tension.
Cape Town is making a longer-term effort to diversify its water resources, but that too is prompting concerns. Projects to desalinate ocean water and tap the aquifer beneath the city have proven far more expensive than initially thought, and have also faced questions about their environmental impacts on local ecosystems and overall sustainability. An increase in private wells drilled by wealthier households has added pressure to the future availability of this source. Although plans for both desalination and groundwater extraction are progressing, neither alone will solve Cape Town's water issues.
For now, the city and its residents are still enduring moderate drought conditions. Urban water restrictions remain in place, although less strict than before, and the legacy of the drought can still be seen all around Cape Town. Many businesses continue to remind customers to restrict their usage in signs taped to bathroom mirrors and above toilets. That's probably just as well—water-scarcity issues are not likely to go anywhere, considering the increased risks of drought caused by climate change and population growth.
As for other cities facing similar resource crises: Ziervogel advises "to make sure you've got those relationships and partnerships in place so that when a crisis hits you can actually draw on those partnerships."
Citylab – by Christian Alexander
https://www.citylab.com/environment/2019/04/cape-town-water-conservation-south-africa-drought/587011/
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Now, rather than viewing the water filters as an NGO-owned and operated initiative, the local government officials have taken ownership of the project, and are taking responsibility for the long-term use and success of the filters.
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