#i just keep refreshing the voting map expecting it to change

[perfectthewayyouare]

and what i'm supposed to just go to sleep and lay my weary head to rest now ???

[actuallylorelaigilmore]

nov 5 rambling

all week, i've been seriously considering taking a break from political news, and i can't tell if that comes from a place of maturing as i'm about to hit 40 or as a warning about my mental health, because for me numbness and avoiding my interests are usually tells for depression.

but mostly, the idea--even as it seems like a good one--just kinda hurts, because deep-diving into policies and governmental history and being a nerd about campaigns and candidates has been a core part of who i am for years now.

growing up, i was surrounded by adults who didn't talk about politics, who as far as i know never even voted, who insisted it didn't matter or change anything. when i came back from college with a new awareness that politics existed, i felt like i had a lifetime of missing knowledge to catch up on, and i dove in.

plus, as somebody autistic but also easily bored due to adhd, i don't just have a singular special interest--politics is one i developed later in life. fictional media, live news, memoirs and nonfiction books, and journalism have taught me so much. i've enjoyed the learning. it's my kind of fun, being a sponge.

but this year was the first election day i've spent not obsessively refreshing electoral maps and awash in existential dread. sure, i know doing that won't change any outcomes, but it's how i don't handle the stress anyway. except that wasn't an option this time.

@actuallylukedanes and i spent the morning busy with important errands, and we spent the afternoon and evening making trips to the vet, worrying about one of our cats who'd had surgery. i went to bed that night in the back room, keeping watch over him and barely sleeping.

when i saw my best friend the next morning, tragedy was written all over their face, and they greeted me with the election results. i'm pretty sure i blinked for a few seconds before i responded at all...but it wasn't because i was in shock, or devastated. i'd just forgotten about the election entirely, tucked in a small room with a sweet kitten who was bleeding.

and it feels weird, all of that, having a day that was so big and busy that for once something overshadowed epic political battles and narratives and fear. who knows, maybe that's what daily life is like for most people. maybe that's how so many people are comfortable basing their votes on vibes and not looking anything up: they're too busy caring about just what's in front of them.

i don't know how to live that way, and i'm not sure i would want to even if i could. everyone i love is too at-risk, depending on who has power in this country, for me to put my head down and completely check out. and something about my bipolar nature has always meant that i feel a weird duty to take in the pain, like i can't fix everything for everyone so i at least owe them my empathy, my constant pressing-on-a-bruise awareness of all the bad things i can't control.

so i don't like feeling numb. that switch still gets flipped sometimes, without me trying, when the alternative would be drowning in the overflow of emotions. when that happens, i know my brain's trying to protect me, in the only way it knows how. and maybe that explains my reaction now, maybe it's a depression tell or a protective mechanism--but it's just so different from what i would've expected.

there's a very firm wall up between me and the results of this election. i feel hyper aware of what it means, the rightward shift of our national and state and local elections this week, of what could happen to my family and my friends and everyone else who deserves so much better. so on a deeper level, i also can't feel it at all.

i was heartbroken in 2016, and in shock. i cried so much, and we ultimately moved to a state where we would be safer. but i stayed hopepunk, and kept learning, and participated in mutual aid. in 2020 i blogged my amusing thoughts about the democratic primary debates here, and was grateful for every good thing that the government has done since.

but with everything i know, and everything i've learned, i feel even less prepared for what's going to happen now--because what i've learned is how limitless the potential horrors could be. spreading out in all directions, the future is a black box that asks us what we want to trust (things they say? things they've already done? things we believed no one would ever really do?) before we can know what to do.

so this time, i've barely cried. i haven't watched the concession speech. i don't think i ever will. and i keep returning to my usual news websites, the almost-a-dozen publications that make up my routine. it's become an essential habit for me, the scanning of headlines and plucking out whatever interests me--an online version of the browsing i used to do, back when it was easy to lug a dozen books home from the library.

i normally read anything that gets my attention or interests me, which is a lot every day--but now, i either don't want to read people's election opinions and predictions, or i regret it when i do. everybody wants to argue about why we ended up here. who's to blame. what to do next. what's coming.

at this point, i don't feel like i'm learning anything anymore, just being painfully reminded of what i already know: america isn't the way i wish it was, or how i saw it when i was a young idealist first learning about democracy. we keep repeating the same patterns, and being surprised at the results. and publications that aim for truth give space to writers pushing hate and fearmongering, for the sake of imagined balance.

so if i stop soaking up the political podcasts, articles, and constant data that has always made me feel so informed and empowered...is that a good break for my mental health? or is it just me checking out and retreating into a bubble where i can pretend this all isn't happening? how can i tell the difference?

it's been four days, and i'm not any closer to figuring out the answer. all i know is that reading about the goings-on of the government, the little battles on subcommittees or the history of the secret service and voting...it all used to make me happy. now it feels like a thing i do, because it's a thing i do. and anything that's too closely related to the election itself, all the podcast episodes and op-eds that have come out since, those feel like salt in a wound.

so whether it's self-protective or not, i'm going to take that break. set aside my political ebooks for now, and narrow down my news websites and podcasts to the ones that aren't so politics-heavy. i'll see if the lack of them bothers me, or if i don't even miss them. maybe it will be a relief.

it'll definitely give me more time to read the old articles i have saved from years of tab hoarding--literally hundreds are in that pile, mostly because i like long stories that dive deep into things, which don't make for quick reads. i'll also have time freed up that should really be redirected to the tv shows and movies on my watchlists anyway.

who knows, maybe what i need is a little less reality and a little more indulgence in imagination. i've never been good at balance, and depriving the creative side of me never helps. the one thing i know for sure is that after i found out about the election results, reading the news made me feel worse. so i came here because i wanted to feel better.

and it worked. i did feel better. people's immediate reactions here were so much more like mine than anything i've seen or heard in the news. everyone i follow is sharing resources and cute animal videos and revolutionary quotes. this is still a hellsite, and i've been away too much to understand what's happening anymore, but tumblr is still my hellsite. you are still my people.

i've missed every one of you, and i'm sending you so much love and gratitude. hopefully we all make it through what comes next, together.

[dfroza]

to kill the Author of Life

is what people chose to do with Love when He arrived in the flesh here on earth. and knowing so, He chose to lay it down as an offering for our sins, to fully cleanse us, to baptize our hearts in the Spirit when we welcome the entrance of Light.

and we clearly see this in Today’s reading of the New Testament from chapter 3 of the book of Acts that has been conserved to illuminate its eternal truth.

chapter 3 in 26 verses:

One day at three o’clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the Temple for prayer meeting. At the same time there was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked for a handout. Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, “Look here.” He looked up, expecting to get something from them.

Peter said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm. He jumped to his feet and walked.

The man went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God. Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God. They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple’s Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing.

The man threw his arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. All the people ran up to where they were at Solomon’s Porch to see it for themselves.

[Turn to Face God]

When Peter saw he had a congregation, he addressed the people:

“Oh, Israelites, why does this take you by such complete surprise, and why stare at us as if our power or piety made him walk? The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his Son Jesus. The very One that Pilate called innocent, you repudiated. You repudiated the Holy One, the Just One, and asked for a murderer in his place. You no sooner killed the Author of Life than God raised him from the dead—and we’re the witnesses. Faith in Jesus’ name put this man, whose condition you know so well, on his feet—yes, faith and nothing but faith put this man healed and whole right before your eyes.

“And now, friends, I know you had no idea what you were doing when you killed Jesus, and neither did your leaders. But God, who through the preaching of all the prophets had said all along that his Messiah would be killed, knew exactly what you were doing and used it to fulfill his plans.

“Now it’s time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you, and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely, Jesus. For the time being he must remain out of sight in heaven until everything is restored to order again just the way God, through the preaching of his holy prophets of old, said it would be. Moses, for instance, said, ‘Your God will raise up for you a prophet just like me from your family. Listen to every word he speaks to you. Every last living soul who refuses to listen to that prophet will be wiped out from the people.’

“All the prophets from Samuel on down said the same thing, said most emphatically that these days would come. These prophets, along with the covenant God made with your ancestors, are your family tree. God’s covenant-word to Abraham provides the text: ‘By your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’ But you are first in line: God, having raised up his Son, sent him to bless you as you turn, one by one, from your evil ways.”

The Book of Acts, Chapter 3 (The Message)

and paired with this is the first chapter of the writing of Nahum that should inspire the fear of God (reverence) in our lives toward our Creator who is gentle and patient and kind, but who also will bring about Judgment for all the wrong done on the face of beautiful earth to make things right again. all is promised to be fully cleansed at some point, which includes every lie.

and only grace paves the way of our escape as children of Light.

the first chapter of Nahum:

[God Is Serious Business]

A report on the problem of Nineveh, the way God gave Nahum of Elkosh to see it:

God is serious business.

He won’t be trifled with.

He avenges his foes.

He stands up against his enemies, fierce and raging.

But God doesn’t lose his temper.

He’s powerful, but it’s a patient power.

Still, no one gets by with anything.

Sooner or later, everyone pays.

Tornadoes and hurricanes

are the wake of his passage,

Storm clouds are the dust

he shakes off his feet.

He yells at the sea: It dries up.

All the rivers run dry.

The Bashan and Carmel mountains shrivel,

the Lebanon orchards shrivel.

Mountains quake in their roots,

hills dissolve into mud flats.

Earth shakes in fear of God.

The whole world’s in a panic.

Who can face such towering anger?

Who can stand up to this fierce rage?

His anger spills out like a river of lava,

his fury shatters boulders.

God is good,

a hiding place in tough times.

He recognizes and welcomes

anyone looking for help,

No matter how desperate the trouble.

But cozy islands of escape

He wipes right off the map.

No one gets away from God.

Why waste time conniving against God?

He’s putting an end to all such scheming.

For troublemakers, no second chances.

Like a pile of dry brush,

Soaked in oil,

they’ll go up in flames.

[A Think Tank for Lies]

Nineveh’s an anthill

of evil plots against God,

A think tank for lies

that seduce and betray.

And God has something to say about all this:

“Even though you’re on top of the world,

With all the applause and all the votes,

you’ll be mowed down flat.

“I’ve afflicted you, Judah, true,

but I won’t afflict you again.

From now on I’m taking the yoke from your neck

and splitting it up for kindling.

I’m cutting you free

from the ropes of your bondage.”

God’s orders on Nineveh:

“You’re the end of the line.

It’s all over with Nineveh.

I’m gutting your temple.

Your gods and goddesses go in the trash.

I’m digging your grave. It’s an unmarked grave.

You’re nothing—no, you’re less than nothing!”

Look! Striding across the mountains—

a messenger bringing the latest good news: peace!

A holiday, Judah! Celebrate!

Worship and recommit to God!

No more worries about this enemy.

This one is history. Close the books.

The Book of Nahum, Chapter 1 (The Message)

to be concluded by Today’s reading of the Psalms and Proverbs for december 30 (Psalm 30 and Proverbs 30), the 10th day of Winter (Psalm 10) and day 364 of the year (Psalm 64)

[Psalm 30]

A David Psalm

I give you all the credit, God—

you got me out of that mess,

you didn’t let my foes gloat.

God, my God, I yelled for help

and you put me together.

God, you pulled me out of the grave,

gave me another chance at life

when I was down-and-out.

All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!

Thank him to his face!

He gets angry once in a while, but across

a lifetime there is only love.

The nights of crying your eyes out

give way to days of laughter.

When things were going great

I crowed, “I’ve got it made.

I’m God’s favorite.

He made me king of the mountain.”

Then you looked the other way

and I fell to pieces.

I called out to you, God;

I laid my case before you:

“Can you sell me for a profit when I’m dead?

auction me off at a cemetery yard sale?

When I’m ‘dust to dust’ my songs

and stories of you won’t sell.

So listen! and be kind!

Help me out of this!”

You did it: you changed wild lament

into whirling dance;

You ripped off my black mourning band

and decked me with wildflowers.

I’m about to burst with song;

I can’t keep quiet about you.

God, my God,

I can’t thank you enough.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 30 (The Message)

[Psalm 10]

God, are you avoiding me?

Where are you when I need you?

Full of hot air, the wicked

are hot on the trail of the poor.

Trip them up, tangle them up

in their fine-tuned plots.

The wicked are windbags,

the swindlers have foul breath.

The wicked snub God,

their noses stuck high in the air.

Their graffiti are scrawled on the walls:

“Catch us if you can!” “God is dead.”

They care nothing for what you think;

if you get in their way, they blow you off.

They live (they think) a charmed life:

“We can’t go wrong. This is our lucky year!”

They carry a mouthful of hexes,

their tongues spit venom like adders.

They hide behind ordinary people,

then pounce on their victims.

They mark the luckless,

then wait like a hunter in a blind;

When the poor wretch wanders too close,

they stab him in the back.

The hapless fool is kicked to the ground,

the unlucky victim is brutally axed.

He thinks God has dumped him,

he’s sure that God is indifferent to his plight.

Time to get up, God—get moving.

The luckless think they’re Godforsaken.

They wonder why the wicked scorn God

and get away with it,

Why the wicked are so cocksure

they’ll never come up for audit.

But you know all about it—

the contempt, the abuse.

I dare to believe that the luckless

will get lucky someday in you.

You won’t let them down:

orphans won’t be orphans forever.

Break the wicked right arms,

break all the evil left arms.

Search and destroy

every sign of crime.

God’s grace and order wins;

godlessness loses.

The victim’s faint pulse picks up;

the hearts of the hopeless pump red blood

as you put your ear to their lips.

Orphans get parents,

the homeless get homes.

The reign of terror is over,

the rule of the gang lords is ended.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 10 (The Message)

[Psalm 64]

A David Psalm

Listen and help, O God.

I’m reduced to a whine

And a whimper, obsessed

with feelings of doomsday.

Don’t let them find me—

the conspirators out to get me,

Using their tongues as weapons,

flinging poison words,

poison-tipped arrow-words.

They shoot from ambush,

shoot without warning,

not caring who they hit.

They keep fit doing calisthenics

of evil purpose,

They keep lists of the traps

they’ve secretly set.

They say to each other,

“No one can catch us,

no one can detect our perfect crime.”

The Detective detects the mystery

in the dark of the cellar heart.

The God of the Arrow shoots!

They double up in pain,

Fall flat on their faces

in full view of the grinning crowd.

Everyone sees it. God’s

work is the talk of the town.

Be glad, good people! Fly to God!

Good-hearted people, make praise your habit.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 64 (The Message)

[Proverbs 30]

The Words of Agur Ben Yakeh

God? Who Needs Him?

The skeptic swore, “There is no God! No God!—I can do anything I want! I’m more animal than human; so-called human intelligence escapes me.

“I flunked ‘wisdom.’ I see no evidence of a holy God. Has anyone ever seen Anyone climb into Heaven and take charge? grab the winds and control them? gather the rains in his bucket? stake out the ends of the earth? Just tell me his name, tell me the names of his sons. Come on now—tell me!”

The believer replied, “Every promise of God proves true; he protects everyone who runs to him for help. So don’t second-guess him; he might take you to task and show up your lies.”

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 30:1-6 (The Message)

to be joined by these lines in The Passion Translation:

These are the collected sayings of the prophet Agur, Jakeh’s son—the amazing revelation he imparted to Ithiel and Ukal.

God, I’m so weary and worn out, I feel more like a beast than a man. I was made in your image, but I lack understanding. I’ve yet to learn the wisdom that comes from the full and intimate knowledge of you, the Holy One.

[Six Questions]

Who is it that travels back and forth from the heavenly realm to the earth? Who controls the wind as it blows and holds it in his fists? Who tucks the rain into the cloak of his clouds? Who stretches out the skyline from one vista to the other? What is his name? And what is the name of his Son? Who can tell me?

[A Pure Heart Is Filled with God’s Word]

Every promise from the faithful God is pure and proves to be true. He is a wrap-around shield of protection for all his lovers who run to hide in him. Never add to his words, or he will have to rebuke you and prove that you’re a liar.

God, there are two things I’m asking you for before I die, only two:

Empty out of my heart everything that is false—every lie, and every crooked thing. And give me neither undue poverty nor undue wealth—but rather, feed my soul with the measure of prosperity that pleases you. May my satisfaction be found in you. Don’t let me be so rich that I don’t need you or so poor that I have to resort to dishonesty just to make ends meet. Then my life will never detract from bringing glory to your name.

Never defame a servant before his master, for you will be the guilty one and a curse will come upon you.

There is a generation rising that curses their fathers and speaks evil of their mothers. There is a generation rising that considers themselves to be pure in their own eyes, yet they are morally filthy, unwashed, and unclean. There is a generation rising that is so filled with pride they think they are superior and look down on others. There is a generation rising that uses their words like swords to cut and slash those who are different. They would devour the poor, the needy, and the afflicted from off the face of the earth!

There are three words to describe the greedy: “Give me more!”

There are some things that are never satisfied. Forever craving more, they’re unable to say, “That’s enough!”

Here are four:

The grave, yawning for another victim, the barren womb, ever wanting a child, thirsty soil, ever longing for rain, and a raging fire, devouring its fuel. They’re all insatiable.

The eye that mocks his father and dishonors his elderly mother deserves to be plucked out by the ravens of the valley and fed to the young vultures!

[Four Mysteries]

There are four marvelous mysteries that are too amazing to unravel—who could fully explain them?

The way an eagle flies in the sky, the way a snake glides on a boulder, the path of a ship as it passes through the sea, and the way a bridegroom falls in love with his bride.

Here is the deceptive way of the adulterous woman: she takes what she wants and then says, “I’ve done nothing wrong.”

[Four Intolerable Things]

There are four intolerable events that are simply unbearable to observe: when an unfaithful servant becomes a ruler, when a scoundrel comes into great wealth, when an unfaithful woman marries a good man, and when a mistress replaces a faithful wife.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 30:1-23 (The Passion Translation)

[davidfurlongtheatre]

Interview with David Furlong, director of THE FLIES By JP Sartre

The director chatted to us about his production of Jean-Paul Sartre’s play The Flies, playing at the Bunker Theatre from the 11th June.

Hi David, could you tell me a bit more about what The Flies is about? In The Flies, one of the most famous French philosophers, Jean Paul Sartre, provides his take on the Greek myth of the Oresteia: Orestes returns to his birthplace to find his sister Electra reduced to be a servant, and his mother ruling the land along with her lover Aegisthus, a dictator. Sartre tells of the guilt imposed on a whole people through misinformation and ignorance. The flies, hovering around the stench of the city, symbolize the fear maintained through remorse and manipulation. In our version, it’s a thrilling dystopia fusing vigorous theatre with the energy of a live rock band.

What attracted you to bringing Jean-Paul Sartre’s play to the stage? The Flies is a play of rebellion, written by a young Jean-Paul Sartre against Nazi Occupation in France, and this ode to freedom still rings today like a wake-up call. Eighty years later, far right populists are rising again promoting fear of the other, of any differences. Sartre’s play is so relevant. Also, The Flies is the show which put Exchange Theatre on the British theatre map ten years ago. Before this show, we were barely surviving through guerrilla theatre-making on the Fringe. This is the show that brought us a three-year creative residency at the French Institute, and subsequently our own studio-space in London Bridge, where we are still based. We passed our ten year anniversary two years ago, just when the Brexit vote happened, and when we got our first of three Offies nominations. It was a very polarized moment. It’s like being told both you’re welcome and you’re not in the same week.Now that we’re a more recognised company, and have also become a charitable organisation, it seemed logical to revive this landmark show to celebrate our first decade, but also to take a stance on the current political climate.

How did the concept for the production come about? The Flies contains everything Exchange Theatre is about: it is a rare and major foreign play brought to the English audience, it’s multi-disciplinary mixing video artists, live musicians and theatre, and its cast represent numerous nationalities and minorities on stage. It’s all about the exchange at the core of the company. When we first produced the play ten years ago, it was right after our first experiment with a live guitarist incorporated in, but the idea was to use his music not just as transitions or score but playing like a character simultaneously with the actors. The guitarist and I immediately thought we could do it with his full band, A Riot in Heaven. The Flies seemed the best project, as it needed a permanent buzz, and also a supernatural element in Act 2, with a booming bass. The music itself and even all the required cables also happened to be a great set to enter into our post-apocalyptic world, built on the electrical debris of our society. Music triggers the audience’s imagination and creates our world.

Why would you say the play is relevant in 2019? Our set is made of piles of TV sets, on which publicity and propaganda is broadcasted, representing the fake news deployed to keep the citizens of Argos in ignorance and fear. This Orwellian world is never very far from ours. In 1939, The Nazis and the French collaborationists spread their ideology like this. In 2009, the lies were about the weapons of mass destruction, and in 2019, it’s about promoting isolation and closing borders in the name of the people. The mediums have changed but the propaganda and the struggle against it are both the same. Sartre’s existential philosophy is universal and timeless as it always questions the status quo, and it asks the eternal question of what it is to be free.

What can audiences expect from this production?  Our primary objective is to refresh Sartre’s play so that it is rediscovered for twenty first -century eyes and ears. The direction, the scenery, and every musical or visual invention make the show an immersive sensorial experience. The immediacy of the guitars make the audience feel the performances deeply. Someone wrote about the show after its first creation that it was ‘total theatre’ and The Scotsman that it was “amazingly intense”, which we were quite proud of. And it’s also quite a fun and enthralling evening with surprising rock songs made with Sartre’s lines!

What are you most looking forward to about bringing this production to the Bunker? Some of the most interesting questions have recently been raised in public debates: how do we represent diversity, gender-parity, equality or equity, and disability on stage? All of these questions are at the centre of our practice and suddenly we’re facing almost all of them in the creative process of The Flies. It’s an amazing challenge to look at them with more maturity and responsibility. We’re excited to work with The Bunker: Chris Sonnex, the artistic director, and David Ralf make it one of the most exciting and daring venues to be working with, and to tackle all these subjects with. The most exciting thing for us is to be making the show for you !

By Emma Clarendon

[freshleadprovider]

Google Maps vs Apple Maps: Who Will Reign Supreme?

It’s been a big couple of weeks for map apps. Who knew getting from A to B could be so thrilling? On January 30, 2020, Apple announced a whole host of new features for its Maps offering — and if that wasn’t quite enough action to satisfy your need for direction-providing services, soon after, Google unveiled a shiny new look and plans for its very own new features. I struggle to believe there was ever a time I survived without Google maps. https://t.co/2arbHAb3mr — (Stephanie) Slade (@sladesr) February 6, 2020 But when it comes to being crowned King of the Maps, who will take the throne? Read on to learn about Google Maps’ new celebratory features, and find out how Apple Maps is striving for feature parity. What’s new with Google Maps? In anticipation of its 15th birthday on February 6th, (sidenote: how much cake do you think is being eaten at Google HQ right now? ), Google announced that it was refreshing its well-used Maps app, as well as introducing a host of new features and bringing existing elements to the fore. Arguably the thing you’d notice first is the app’s new logo.  Once a simple map, the app icon is now a colorful pin. Most likely this change is designed to reflect the app’s transition from mere directions-provider to one-stop-shop for all your favorite places. Going beyond the logo change, users can expect to see a bunch of existing app features brought to the fore. Navigation items such as ‘Contribute’, which were once hidden away behind multiple menu items, will now be front and center. According to Google, the new display will look a little something like this: Source: Google With CTAs like ‘Contribute’ taking center stage, users will be encouraged more than ever to share feedback with restaurants, plumbers, and other local businesses they choose to visit. As predicted by several members of the local SEO community, this feature supports the idea that Local Guides will continue to gain prominence, and Google will increasingly encourage users to leave reviews. Additionally, Google has shared plans to introduce several never-before-seen features.  Among the new features will be a new function for Live View. Now users who don’t want step-by-step directions can get general guidance and reassurance so they know they’re going in the right direction, without having to hear “Turn Left” (or similar) every few minutes. Source: Google From March onwards, we can also expect to see new features relating to public transport, something I’m sure many day-to-day users and frequent commuters will view as a godsend. Among the new features, users will be able to see how many coaches a train has, the temperature on board, and whether or not there’s security on the service. There will even be an option to tell Google if a train has a designated women’s area.  Once again Google will be encouraging users to submit their own content, meaning features like these will rely on a user’s ability to submit data reliably. Google already provides crowdsourced information about how busy train services tend to be, and using the same sources for these new details should ensure their credibility and freshness. What’s new with Apple Maps? After all that excitement, you might be wondering “How the heck can Apple top all of that Maps-y goodness?” Well, interestingly enough, the tech provider hasn’t tried to top Google at all. Instead, the new features aim to create parity between second-place Apple and front runner Google, making the former option more enticing and prompting users to transition. This should also help to bring Apple’s devoted followers, some previously reluctant to make the move, back into the Apple fold. Source: Apple Announced at the end of January, Apple’s updates are already in full swing in the US, while Europe can expect to see changes roll out in the next few weeks and months. As Google continues to innovate, Apple is playing catch-up, releasing several Google Maps-adjacent features such as: Look Around: HD 360-degree street-level photography similar to Google’s Street View feature Collections: Shareable lists of your favorite places Favorite locations: Navigate quickly and easily to home, gym, work, or school Real-time transit information with live departure and arrival times Shareable ETAs to send to friends, family, or coworkers Flight status: Use Siri to scan your emails, apps, and calendar for relevant flight info and get updates on delays and more Indoor maps of airports and malls: See what level you’re on, where the restrooms are located, and what stores or restaurants are open Siri natural language guidance provides more natural-sounding directions and guidance Flyover allows you to explore more than 350 cities from above with photo-realistic, immersive 3D views Source: Apple While those features may sound tempting (maybe not quite tempting enough to make the switch, but pretty close nonetheless) Apple has provided details on one “breakout” feature that could see users trading allegiances. It’s the word on everyone’s lips, the reason the likes of DuckDuckGo are paddling back into relevance, and something we should all be concerned about in this day and age: privacy.  At the end of Apple Maps’ press release, the company offers further information on what their new app means for users’ data collection.  Apple is committed to keeping personal information safe and has built privacy into the core of Maps. With Maps, no sign-in is required and it is not connected to an Apple ID in any way. Personalised features, such as suggesting departure time to make the next appointment, are created using on-device intelligence. Any data collected by Maps while using the app, like search terms, navigation routing and traffic information, is associated with random identifiers that continually reset to ensure the best possible experience and to improve Maps.   Maps goes even further to obscure a user’s location on Apple servers when searching for a location through a process called “fuzzing.” Maps converts the precise location where the search originated to a less-exact one after 24 hours and does not retain a history of what has been searched or where a user has been. The ability to use Apple Maps ‘anonymously’ (unlike Google Maps’ offering of incognito mode, where users are still required to log in) could certainly persuade some users to make the switch. Don’t love Apple sitting on another tech domain, but hell if I’m going to give my travel and location data to Google. Apple Maps used to suck, but now it’s actually good (in the US). If its been a while since you tried, you should give it another shot. https://t.co/TkAaCktjl6 — DHH (@dhh) January 30, 2020 What does this all mean for local SEO? For local SEOs, these updates don’t really mean a great deal. Sure, there are some exciting features you might want to try out and keep tabs on, but there really are only two key takeaways from this whole thing: Reviews will gain more prominence on Google Maps with the centering of the ‘Contribute’ tab (but hey, you’re already managing your online reputation anyway, right?) It’s still important to optimize for Yelp; after all, Apple Maps uses it to populate listings, reviews, and even listicles. So if you’re not already on there, it’s time to sign on up and get optimizing. With feature parity beginning to emerge, if you don’t have a healthy, active presence on Yelp you could be missing out on a great deal of the market share. Aside from those two things, these updates shouldn’t affect local businesses in any serious way. There’s been very little chat on Twitter or Local Search Forum about the updates, so that alone should tell you something about how important these updates are for the local SEO community. Who will prevail as King of the Maps? While it may be growing wider, it looks like the Apple versus Google divide is still leaning in favor of the world’s best-loved maps provider.  Google Maps: lets get you home the safest quickest way possible. Apple Maps: I know a short cut down this dark ass ally. Take it all the time. Yeah the streetlights are always out and that guy was just taking a shit in the street but what’s life without a little risk, ya know? — Candice Clifford (@CandiceJoe) January 31, 2020 I have had both on at same time. to give me directions on car play and am continuously surprised how much better and accurate google maps is over Apple Maps. — Noah Learner (@noahlearner) February 3, 2020 When it comes to getting from A to B, which Maps app will you be opting for in the future? Has your opinion been swayed by any of these recent update announcements? We want to know who you’re elevating to king of the castle — pop us a comment below and let us know who’s got your vote. Has Apple done enough to rise to nobility? Regardless of which service you opt for, we wish you the best of luck in getting to your location safely, quickly, and enjoyably. Happy mapping, friends!  The post Google Maps vs Apple Maps: Who Will Reign Supreme? appeared first on BrightLocal. https://probdm.com/site/MTA0MTI

[paintingonrock101-blog]

Casablanca, Morocco Rock Painting Ideas

Rock paint events are so much enjoyable as well as truthfully, I'm uncertain the youngsters are going to despise any of these concepts. Because any type of smaller sized as well as younger youngsters have a truly tough time trying to repaint styles on them (unless they use our preferred rock painting pens), I claim this. Find out exactly how to repaint rocks and also discover the most effective rock paint ideas for youngsters with the awesome ideas and also rock paint suggestions for youngsters below. The premise is straightforward: Gather a few supplies (flat, paintable rocks, acrylic paint, sealer, paint brushes), decorate your rock-- obtaining as imaginative as you like-- and secure it. As soon as it's discovered, compose guidelines on the bottom of the rock that inform the finder which Facebook group to publish an image to.

Following an overview of how to collect and also prepare your rocks, along with a fundamental evaluation of the materials as well as devices required for each project, 3 gifted rock-painting musicians show a series of contemporary designs including patterns, pets, mandalas, as well as more. I'm a big follower of making points very easy, so I got the bags I mentioned (for support bags) and also the youngsters got to take house the bag, the musician palette, as well as their repainted rocks. I would not establish this up as a rock paint celebration activity with young children, yet it could be fun to have the whole team play together. Bright tinted acrylic paints are extremely suitable when painting rocks. After you're performed with paint your rock, you need to secure it. You can use a sealant and paint extra coats to ensure that your art will certainly last for a long period of time.

"I repainted as a means to kind of take my mind off the storm as well as relax a little bit," claimed Justiniano, that after that published photos of her repainted rocks on Facebook and also was told by a pal concerning rock paint teams.

If you're painting your rock all 1 base color before you start on your larger style, paint 1 side, then let it dry. For more motivation, we have actually added a couple of links to some stunning, creative, and also fun ways to repaint rocks that we have found as well as tried considering that the first time my little girl and I repainted rocks with each other. Optional-Paint a solitary shade acrylic base layer on each rock you will be paint and enable to dry.

If you're part of the rock paint community in your location, you can additionally conceal your rocks in nearby parks and also public locations so other individuals can locate them! Painting on rocks is a truly fun method to spend a mid-day with children, elders or simply a team of pals.

Unless the all-natural shade of your rock will certainly become part of your design, start by painting your rock with an undercoat, such as white, black or grey. I enjoy this collection of brushes Even though they claim they are for watercolors, I have actually discovered they are the very best brushes for paint rocks with acrylic paint. Hop on board the most up to date fad in craft - the super-fun art of rock paint designs!After going out of print a number of years earlier, Painting on Rocks for Children is set up to be launched in a changed version with even more enjoyable as well as exciting tasks for children (of every ages- even grownup ones!) It will certainly include twice as numerous projects as well as lots of new ideas and strategies, so remain tuned. Organized by county, town or state, the teams commonly stem on Facebook, gathering neighborhood participants that desire to take part the fun of paint rocks, hiding rocks and also hunting for rocks painted by others. Thanks for this neat consider paint rocks/stones with every one of the fun instances. I am an artist so I enjoy laying out as well as painting yet I have never ever repainted on rocks I need to do this.

I repaint numerous rocks at one time, so I am able to work in cycles and also save time contrasted to working on one rock at a time.I truly enjoy paint on rocks.

Thinking About Going Camping? Take A Look At This

Regardless if you are unfamiliar with camping or perhaps an old pro, there are several things you can learn about camping. Camping is one of those experiences where one can always learn a new challenge. Therefore, this post is healthy--it includes information and ways to create your camping experience great.

Prior to the sun sets if you are camping, search out shelter. Once it gets dark outside, finding out how to put together a tent, finding wood and making food can get impossible. This really is especially the case for city slickers who are unaccustomed to darkness. Avoid this case by finding shelter ahead of the moon is out.

Get everyone involved in picking a campsite. Discuss which state you will most like to visit. The options are plenty, so seek information! You can pick a few places to achieve the family vote on to really make it easier.

Always take a fully stocked first-aid kit once you venture out on a camping trip. You may come up with your own kit with bandages, gauze pads,tweezers and scissors, anti bacteria cream and antiseptic wipes inside a sturdy container. You can even buy one of the numerous excellent ready-made kits to save time.

Prior to starting out on that relaxing camping trip, it is important to your safety to ensure permit someone know you will be going. Give you a friend or neighbor the name in the campsite if you use one. Should you be headed out on a less structured trip, give your contact a general idea of what your location is headed along with a timeline for the return. If something fails, you will find anyone to know where to search for you.

Consider purchasing inexpensive walkie-talkies to take in your next camping trip to supply a approach to communicate with everyone in your party in locations where cell phone reception may not be available. In case you are camping with children and need to record their whereabouts, this can be especially important.

Consider camping inside an area that also gives you a location to swim. You might long for any good shower when you are camping. You will find yourself feeling refreshed and clean after a dip in cool water. This can lesson the need for your house shower.

When going camping, attempt to buy non-perishable items to eat. You will find no refrigerators within the wild, so all you bring needs to be stored in good order. You are able to certainly bring a cooler to get food in, although the cooler will be added bulk on your own trip. Therefore, make an attempt to bring more non-perishable foods than perishable.

When it is time to get to sleep, it is advisable to put the coolers that you just brought along into the vehicle. Bears are becoming quite savvy today and possess determined these particular coolers usually carry food products which will attract these people to your campsite.

It may be beneficial to pitch your tent on a piece of land that may be level. This will likely ensure you sleep better, so that you could have more energy for the following day. Make sure that your head is tilted uphill when you have to sleep with an incline.

View your kids closely. They could also encounter cars that enter into the campsite, though not only will your children get lost. Things happen rapidly plus your kids needs to be supervised.

When you're finished camping and ready to go home, you ought to get after yourself. Keeping nature clean and preserved can allow future campers to take pleasure from it too. Before leaving, clear any messes, you've made at your site and attempt your greatest to go out of nature while you originally thought it was.

It's also really enjoyable, though camping is tough work. Once you determine what you're doing, the rewards are wide ranging. You get to experience nature along with the outdoors picnics are usually fun, and you get a opportunity to sleep underneath the stars. Nothing can beat some of the experiences you may have camping.

Prepare yourself when you get lost on a camping trip. You have to know utilizing acompass and map, and GPS device before leaving for the trip. You should also keep these in your person throughout your trip. These products can assist you get back quickly and safely should you stray past the boundary from the campsite.

When you have other individuals sleeping nearby your campsite, will not bother them by leave your awning lights on during the entire night. Instead, use a timer that you can set to transform the lights off following a certain period of time. You won't bother others with the lights, by doing this.

If cooking will not be your strong suit, and you wish to keep things simple camping, look for a local military surplus store and look for MRE's. Meals Ready to Eat are freeze dried foods that frequently just require water for preparation. These could even be consumed without cooking when you wanting a fairly easy meal and never looking for great taste.

Don't believe that camping close to the bathroom facilities is a good idea. While it may be convenient, it could also be annoying. While you can use the bathroom area for lighting, furthermore, it is an attraction point for many people. Consequently, campers that pitch their tents near communal campsite bathrooms have neither the benefit nor the comfort they could possibly have expected.

For simple and fast lantern hanging, take along a wire hanger on the next camping trip! Simply bend it into an "S" shape when you are prepared to settle in on your site, and hook the handle from your lantern on. The flexible hanger enables for sturdy positioning at a safe level.

The array of those who enjoy camping is surprisingly diverse. The normal link that connects all experienced, skilled campers is advanced amount of knowledge on the topic. Heed the advice inside the piece above, and you may join the ranks of seasoned campers who discover the experience being among the most effective in the world.

https://urbancreativist.com/easy-rock-painting-ideas/ flag rock painting ideas

Sound Advice To The Camper In Training

Camping might be a spiritual experience, as campers interact with the wilderness around them. If camping can be something that you should do, then you should have an idea what to do as well as a way of understanding it. This informative article may help you possess a great trip. Read more about this here.

An effective multi-purpose tool should be a part of your camping gear. The two main kinds to take. First, is the saw/hammer/axe 3-in-1 tool for firewood and other chores. Other will be the standard multi-purpose tool with many different tools on it just like a can tweezers, opener and scissors and a knife.

Get everyone involved with deciding on a campsite. Discuss which state you would most want to visit. The alternatives are plenty, so do your homework! You can choose a few places to get the family vote on making it easier.

Prior to deciding to bring your pet dog along for the camping trip, get him employed to the idea with a little practice run inside the outdoor area. Pitch the tent within an already familiar area, and allow him to sleep or play inside for some time. Bringing a pet dog really can increase the fun of camping, as long as the animal has become adequately prepared for the big event.

Consider purchasing inexpensive walkie-talkies to take with you on your next camping trip to provide a way to connect with everyone inside your party in locations where cellphone reception might not be available. This may be especially important if you are camping with children and want to monitor their whereabouts.

Be sure you pack a camera. There are many memories you're gonna want to capture in your camping trip. Take along a compact camera that may fit in the bank. Make an effort to pack something durable which could stand getting dropped or being a bit wet. Consider using a disposable camera.

Usually do not take whatever belongs by nature together with you whenever you leave. Have some fun and take pictures, but when you are loading the car, be sure rocks, pinecones as well as other objects remain where they are. This is probably the unspoken rules of camping. Everyone ought to have similar ability to enjoy these matters.

A camping trip provides fun experiences or dangerous experiences. That you will experience depends upon your level of preparation. Prepare ahead of time to avoid the downfalls of camping. Specifically if you are camping in a new location, spend some time to research the wildlife,plants and geography, and climate of your area.

Make sure that the cooler you take along is air tight. You do not would like food to spoil as the cooler was allowing the cool air to have out. Store your cooler within a shaded area where the sun will never work against it. This could save your food as well as your stomach.

Bugs and mosquitoes really are a common camping annoyance. You might invest in a commercial repellent with chemicals, but an effective natural way to keep bugs out of your body is by using an orange peel. Rub the inside the peel on the legs and arms. This really is a inexpensive, responsible way to repel annoying pests.

Choose your campsite carefully. The location by which you're camping can make all the difference. Prior to you making any plans, do lots of research. Just what is the weather like? Does the campsite have specific rules? How crowded will the campsite be? Poor planning will make for a miserable camping experience.

In the event you haven't camped before, then now is not the time to start as being a hermit. Ask a skilled friend to complement you and also show you the ropes. As you be more advanced in the hobby you could start to consider small and then larger trips alone and obtain your hermitude on.

Make sure that you know tips to get campfire burning before you head out in to the woods. In case you have difficulties getting a fire started, try to find fire starting supplies to take with you. These supplies ensure it is easy for nearly someone to start up a fire on the spot.

One smart thing to create along camping is duct tape. It possesses a multitude of uses of campers, equally as it does for homeowners. You might seal an air leak within your mattress. You might patch a hole or tear in your sleeping bag, tarp or tent. Place it on your feet to stop blisters if you're intending on having a long hike. You may also apply it to bandage injuries.

Do not bother them by leave your awning lights on through the entire night if you have others sleeping nearby your campsite. Instead, utilize a timer that you could set to turn the lights off right after a certain period of time. You won't bother others with your lights, using this method.

If you're outside in cold weather, keep warm by putting on layered clothing. Not simply, can adding more layers get you to warmer, but you can actually remove layers if the temperature rises later. Multiple layer's trap heat in the middle each piece, which will keep you from losing heat. Try bringing thermal coats, gloves, underwear, sweaters and turtlenecks and boots on your trip.

Do your packing deliberately and intelligently. Create a supply checklist for your personal trip and check off each item as it's being packed. Especially in case your camping trip will require you to a remote area that will not provide usage of food, shelter or emergency supplies, though this tip is definitely important.

Bring a compass so do you know what direction to visit in all the time. If you neglect to bring a compass, you can definitely find yourself lost. Allow yourself a feeling of peace, bring a compass so that you are always headed in the right direction and have the security of knowing what to do.

Now you have a good idea on how to arrange for your camping trip, start planning and packing. Explore the wonders that nature provides anyone to enjoy. Make your camera ready! You will desire to capture as many memories as you possibly can on your own next camping excursion.

[theliberaltony]

via Politics – FiveThirtyEight

With under two weeks to go until Election Day, the political universe is in full horse-race obsession mode. Who’s up, who’s down? Does fundraising matter? Who’s going to turn out on Nov. 6? What popular narrative that’s snaking its way through Twitter is the right one? WHO’S GONNA WIN???

FiveThirtyEight relies on forecast models to give a sense of where a race stands, and we base those forecasts on polls and what we call fundamentals — historic factors that help us predict the way voters will act. But even with the model, elections can be difficult to get your arms around. The Classic version of our model currently gives Democrats a 1 in 6 chance of winning the Senate1, but events in the last couple of weeks of the campaign and a lack of polling in some places leave our model with a couple of blind spots.

This lack of certainty in the last few days of campaigns means that partisans work overtime to slick the highest sheen of gloss onto races. They want the Twitter and media narratives to go their way — they want their party’s spin to work magic. With that dynamic in mind, I thought I’d ask a couple partisans to give us their best spin on the Senate map. Republican Josh Holmes, former chief of staff to Sen. Mitch McConnell and who now runs his own political consulting firm, and Democrat Lauren Passalacqua, the communications director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, obliged.

What follows are their takes on a few key Senate races as the campaigns come down to the wire. Their remarks have been edited and condensed for clarity, and I’ve offered some fact checks and clarifications in the footnotes where appropriate.

Indiana

FiveThirtyEight projection: 2 in 3 chance the Democrat, Sen. Joe Donnelly, beats Mike Braun to win re-election

Holmes (R):

Obviously after what happened in 2016 with Evan Bayh, it’s more of a red state than it used to be, but it’s still very competitive. I think Joe Donnelly has run, up to this point, one of the better Democratic Senate campaigns, but I think he’s got his work cut out for him. I think it’s just a tight race. Who knows. In 2016, it broke very late and decisively toward Republicans.

Passalacqua (D):

There’s early voting already in Indiana. They’re already turning people out in the places we need them to be turning out in great numbers — Indianapolis, Marion County. We’re also seeing enthusiasm on college campuses. But what you’re seeing, too, is Joe Donnelly running just as a middle-of-the-road Hoosier — “I’m going to Washington to get stuff done. All that bickering back and forth, that’s not what I’m a part of, that’s not what Indiana wants to be a part of, so I’m just going to work with whoever I can to do the job that Hoosiers expect.”

Missouri

FiveThirtyEight projection: 4 in 7 chance the Democrat, Sen. Claire McCaskill, beats state Attorney General Josh Hawley to win re-election

Holmes (R):

Claire McCaskill spent the better part of 2018 with the good fortune of an in-state governor scandal that she tried to muddy the water with and tie her opponent to. But once that was in the rearview mirror, there was an awful lot that went with it. In about June, Josh Hawley sort of hit his stride in engaging with McCaskill and started playing a lot of offense. I think that race now is in a very strong position. It’s one of the two that has broken [towards Republicans] most obviously since Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings.

Passalacqua (D):

This is another place where we’ve seen the public polling neck and neck, which is what we expected, especially in a state that does trend more conservative. Certainly we’ve seen the attorney general back on his heels a bit with the kind of advertising he’s had to rely on, which fights back on this idea that he won’t protect pre-existing conditions, but obviously that ad is undermined by the lawsuit he’s on [challenging the Affordable Care Act].2 So what we see is a debate unfolding on the issues where Claire does have the upper hand.

North Dakota

FiveThirtyEight projection: 3 in 10 chance the Republican, U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer, beats the incumbent, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.

Holmes (R):

I’ve said since the middle of August I thought North Dakota was done with Heidi Heitkamp. It has become a much more conservative state in recent years, and, interestingly, Trump’s economic message resonates perfectly with the kind of historical prairie populism we’ve seen in places like North Dakota. And she finds herself down double digits pretty durably now, going on a couple months.3 Of the races where Republicans are playing offense, I would say it’s the only one where it’s totally off the board.

Passalacqua (D):

I do think it’s closer than people expect. It was always going to be one of the toughest states for Democrats. That’s historically a state that’s hard to poll. I think everyone remembers that famous photo of her with the newspaper that declared her opponent the winner.4 She has an advantage in spending on advertising5 and we know Republican groups like the Senate Leadership Fund continue to spend there, so that still, in our mind, is a place where we’re monitoring it and Heidi is closing it out.

Florida

FiveThirtyEight projection: 5 in 7 chance the Democrat, Sen. Bill Nelson, beats Gov. Rick Scott to win re-election

Holmes (R):

This race is a little bit of a black box to election observers, because of the hurricane and because it’s such a large and diverse state that you have a little bit of everything in terms of political-environment factors. The governor’s race has an interesting component, we’ll have to see. Democrats will tell you they’re hopeful that demographics that were inaccessible to Bill Nelson become accessible because of gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum [Gillum is black]. I don’t know if that’s true or not. Particularly in southwest Florida, there could be a whole bunch of retirees who are just getting down there who may react to the idea of governance that’s more liberal than they’re comfortable with.

Passalacqua (D):

Florida folks were very bullish on Gov. Scott because he brings a blank check and it’s an expensive state. It’s one of those places where you’ve seen the Scott playbook before: Spend a ton of money, get elected. When you dig a little further, there are a couple problems for Scott. His previous races were in 2010 and 2014, which were really good Republican years for Florida, yet he barely won by a single point both times and he underperformed the Republican ballot. I think the thing that works to Nelson’s advantage is that he’s a workhorse. He is someone who will keep his head down.

Arizona

FiveThirtyEight projection: 5 in 8 chance the Democrat, U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, beats U.S. Rep. Martha McSally to win

Holmes (R):

Sinema has taken on an awful lot of water in the last couple of weeks. She was very successful at using a Republican primary to rebrand herself as a moderate. And I think it has taken more effort than maybe Republicans would have thought to dislodge that. She has one of the worst oppo files in the Democratic recruiting class, and I think there were an awful lot of folks who thought that it would speak for itself. [Sinema’s past has been in the news — some reports have cast doubt on her stories of childhood hardship and some have questioned remarks she made as an anti-war activist during President George W. Bush’s administration.] Now, maybe it will, but it’s still a very tight race. Republicans, to a person, feel like we have a superior candidate with better credentials and a better fit ideologically for the state.

Passalacqua (D):

This is also an exciting race because this is the first election cycle where you’re seeing a lot of resources pulled into the state. Democrats closed the registration advantage that Republicans had. I read the reporting like everyone else, and what she said is what her parents said: She grew up in tough circumstances and they have helped shape who she is and how she approaches her work.

Tennessee

FiveThirtyEight projection: 3 in 4 chance the Republican, U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, beats former Gov. Phil Bredesen to win

Holmes (R):

The electorate just isn’t the same as it used to be — it’s not in an elder-statesman mood. It’s in a change, drain-the-swamp, fight, represent-us type mood, and it’s just tough for guys like Bredesen who are in the middle of an electorate where there is no middle.

Passalacqua (D):

This is very much a pure toss-up, it’s incredibly competitive. Gov. Bredesen has run a race that’s solely focused on Tennessee. “Forget the noise, let’s talk about Tennessee.” In every one of his ads, in the events he holds, he’s applying for the job, and that’s really refreshing at a time when you’re overwhelmed by the punditry on television.

Texas

FiveThirtyEight projection: 4 in 5 chance the Republican, Sen. Ted Cruz, beats U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke to win re-election

Holmes (R):

I think Beto is a hell of a political celebrity, and if you’re running an underdog race in 2018, he’s laid out a perfect blueprint for how to get attention, how to raise money, how to become a national superstar. But I don’t think he’s given us a blueprint to win a red state. We’re living in an age of political celebrity, and there’s no question he’s become that, but in terms of putting votes in a box, he’s got positions that are far, far outside the mainstream of Texas.

Passalacqua (D):

I don’t know if there’s anyone who’s run up as many miles on a car driving around a state the size of Texas as he has. This comes back to something that we’ve seen is so important in all these states: Who’s showing up, and who’s listening? I think something has been a little shortchanged about Beto: He is putting in the work. I think this is going to be a high-turnout election, and I think that’s good. When more people vote, that’s good.