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meetthesingaporefiresafetym · 8 days ago

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The Invisible Watchdogs of Safety — The Human Face of Singapore Fire Contractors

Deep in the heart of Singapore's densely populated city, security is something we easily take for granted. We stride along shopping malls, office spaces, and residential buildings without even breaking a stride to think about the systems in place that quietly protect us against perhaps one of the most devastating threats humanity has known: fire. Behind those systems, and behind our security, are the unsung heroes — the fire contractor in Singapore.

These professionals are more than technicians. They are planners, protectors, and partners in safeguarding lives and property. In this blog, we’ll explore the human side of the fire contractor in Singapore, and why their work is vital to ensuring fire safety in Singapore.

The Real Role of a Fire Contractor in Singapore

When people hear the words fire contractor in Singapore, they will automatically think of a person who is of fitting sprinklers or putting in smoke detectors. Although that is partially true, their job is much more extensive — and critical.

A proficient fire contractor is responsible for designing, installing, testing, and maintaining all fire protection systems within a building. They include fire alarms, sprinklers, hose reels, suppression systems, and emergency exits. They ensure each device functions ideally and adheres to the stringent requirements of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

And aside from their technical endeavors, these contractors play a vital role in ensuring that building owners, facility managers, and tenants feel secure. They ensure that in case of a fire, there is a system in place that not only restricts damage — it saves lives.

Fire Safety Singapore: Why It Starts with the Right People

Singapore fire protection standards are some of the toughest in the world. This is because high-rise buildings, dense population, and public spaces demand not only smart systems but also skilled personnel to install and maintain them.

A diligent fire contractor in Singapore appreciates this sense of urgency. They don't just check boxes on an installation or inspection — they look forward. What if the power goes out during a fire? Are the means of escape really accessible in actual situations? How often should this system be tested, considering how many feet are on the ground in this building?

These are issues that go beyond code and regulation. These are issues that require empathy, foresight, and deep understanding of human conduct in emergencies. And that is exactly why these contractors are the silent guardians of our safety.

Drako Fire: Partnering with Singapore's Most Dedicated Fire Contractors

Companies like Drako Fire have helped increase the level of professionalism and integrity of fire contractors in Singapore. Equipped with state-of-the-art fire protection systems and expert consultations, Drako Fire works with contractors who believe in excellence — not just technology, but in spirit.

Whether it's delivering the latest fire suppression system or informing on SCDF submission requirements, Drako Fire ensures that their contractor partners are able to deliver more than a service — they deliver peace of mind.

Real Stories, Real Impact

A commercial building in the Central Business District of Singapore experienced a small electrical fire after office hours recently. Because the fire suppression system was adequately designed, installed, and commissioned by a Singapore licensed fire contractor, the fire was effectively suppressed within seconds. No one was injured. No major damage. No lawsuits.

In one instance, a hospital conducted a regular SCDF audit and scored a winning grade thanks to the meticulous labor of a fire contractor in Singapore who ensured each system was code-compliant and every document available.

They're not so much "contract wins" — they're quiet victories for public safety.

What Makes a Good Singapore Fire Contractor?

Every good fire contractor in Singapore has a value foundation behind them:

Accuracy: Each bolt and sensor has to function flawlessly.

Accountability: People's lives are at stake when their systems function.

Flexibility: They have to remain current with changing regulations and technology.

Empathy: Knowing how humans respond during emergencies informs improved systems.

Commitment: They arrive for regular checks, late-night calls, and emergency repairs without complaint.

These are not merely requirements of the job. They are the human aspect of fire safety work.

How to Choose the Right Fire Contractor in Singapore

As a building owner or facilities manager, your fire protection system is only as good as your contractor who installs and maintains it. These are some tips:

Check for SCDF certification and licensing

Check experience with the same type of buildings

Ensure they have maintenance and inspection services

Ask about partnerships with good suppliers like Drako Fire

Read reviews and feedback

The correct fire contractor in Singapore could be the choice that saves the day.

Conclusion: An Unspoken Vow to Save Lives

You may never see the fire contractors protecting your building. You may never even know their names. But every time you see a flashing smoke detector or fire extinguisher mounted, their work is silently keeping an eye on you. Fire safety singapore is not just about compliance. It's about integrity, trust, and a promise every day to get the right thing done – even when no one's looking. That's what makes an exceptional Singapore fire contractor.

#drako fire

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yoshimonster · 2 years ago

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Blog #10: Wrote this yesterday, so I'll post it tomorrow

Happy 10th post! I just posted my previous blog post which I’ve actually had written up for a couple days now and decided that why not get started on the next one because I’m feeling in a creative mood (and would love to procrastinate on my assignments). Speaking of, I do have to ramp up the studying – I did actually have a 2hr tutoring session yesterday and that did not go over well, as I only wrote less than 2 lines of code for something that most likely will be over 100 lines long. The plagiarism detectors have been getting stronger especially with AI legitimately taking over the world. It came out last year which was perfect timing as I used it to answer every single academic question I had under the sun. Apparently, it’s “dangerous” and doesn’t allow us to think, which I sort of agree with by the way – I found this out the hard way when I tried to use it do multiple mini assignments last semester; it was fruitless and studying will always remain studying.

Otherwise, things have really been ramping up in terms of the group project. A bunch of us are doing a hackathon this weekend and that means I have to wake up super early to get through content/study so I can keep working on the project moving forward – I’ve been lacking these past few days because of the mental exhaustion that comes with having such shaky academic foundation vs your midterms. The routine is getting better slowly, though the casual parading around that things are fine really hasn’t. I think being more indirectly honest is helping much more, though the thing about that is the person who is receiving the information. Like the main culprits have way too much time on their hands while the other culprits are super busy and see me stressed out all the time to even care (cause we’ve been taking our subjects together lol). That’s the environment to see me get the most annoyed haha.

I’ve been feeling better since the last blog post, because signing up for these hackathons means I can skip dance class which is a different type of gymnastics. The dance classes aren’t actually aerobic in the slightest as it’s more of a traditional dance and therefore it’s not floaty like in those reality dance shows. I personally enjoy the semi-classical (as anyone would) where you get to look and feel elegant, without the rigid pure-math structure and also I really enjoy a lot of folk songs which typically get a lot of mixed responses depending on how idiotic we have to look on stage while performing them. These days, as in from August to December is festive season and essentially lots of dance groups from my city are asked to perform for various events or the dance heads volunteer their groups so that the dance schools can get more exposure at this type of prime time. I feel like that would be one of the reasons I would hate to be a real professional dancer (aside from the fact that dancing 24/7 is it’s own type of dedication) because of the seasonal nature of it. A lot of times if I’m not using a skill on the regular I will most likely forget a lot of it. Though yes festive season this year has been really up and down in terms of performances, and at an all time high in terms of family parties. Just this past month has been the quiet before the storm with invites reaching for the end of October and early November, in my case it’s mostly been end of year catchups being planned, though the family events have become insanely packed.

Otherwise, I took a mini-break to listen to my friend rant about a really horrible pushing of boundaries and it just reaffirmed the idea that subtle cues/non-cues even can give away so much. Sort of like being really conscious of yourself, what you mean and how the other person sees your intentions – and the importance of having really strong mental and physical health and overall firmness. I remember realising this a while ago, when something similar happened, though luckily I was able to get out of it by navigating really carefully and moving past most negative thoughts as fast as possible. It actually took me a while to accept things overall but the fact that I was guided into being really firm helped lessen the blow for sure and allowed me space to breathe and consider how I felt. A lot of the time, it’s so hard to be aware of your own thoughts/feelings when you fixate on others’ perceptions. I’m actually really excited to take things as they come, even though I will need to plan for things in advance for logistical and sanity purposes. It’s been much nicer dealing with things this way because it reminds me things don’t just end; they usually accumulate. Speaking of, I probably should get back to semi-cramming but still keep my head above water.

-yoshimonster-

#daily blog #dance #party #10 posts #study blog #what else #boundaries #hackathon

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feuilly-cakes · 5 years ago

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Twilight - review

I'm now revealing myself to be twilight trash, but let's talk about it! In this review you'll find the good, the bad, and the ugly (in list form even!) I know this story like the back of my hand, and this is a reread, so although I've only read this particular book once before, I can't be unbiased here. I am a more critical reader now than I was at 14 though, so hopefully this review counts for something. There will be a warning before the section with the spoilers if you haven't yet given in to the curiosity.

I loved it. I gave it 4*. I also found certain parts offensive. Some parts were very funny, and others just as dramatic as you'd expect from a book published for teens in 2005. The love story was, dare I say it, good. It's an enemies to friends to lovers, with a very quick progression on those last two. Both Bella and Edward acted just like regular teens around each other, and if there wasn't a vampire aspect involved it wouldn't have been criticised too heavily on the relationship front. I pretty much sped through the book, even with life getting in the way and pausing every 5 minutes to stick annotation tabs in. We are given a good amount of information about vampires, the history of the characters, and also the kinds of people these characters are. Aside from the offensive/insensitive parts, the entirety of which I will be listing below as I picked up on them, there are only a few moments of genuine real life creepiness not related to the Port Angeles scene right up until the epilogue, which made me very uncomfortable for reasons I shall be explaining. As a random note, I noticed 9 obvious instances of foreshadowing. She must have known where she was going with this series, or else that was a strange coincidence. The rest of this review will contain spoilers Let's begin with how this differs from the movie, since pretty much everyone has seen the movie. First and foremost, there are the characters - Bella and Edward specifically. Bella in this book is a typical teenager with a strong personality. As a child she had tantrums over going to Forks, saying she 'hadn't made a secret of [her] distaste for Forks.' She has a fierce temper, but she is also kind, frowning upon Jessica Stanley's judgement of Esme for adopting kids because she can't have any biologically. She's not vain but she cares about her looks, fussing over her skin being paler once she got to Forks - 'My skin could be pretty' 'I had no color here.' Sarcasm is her thing, and she despairs that none of her new classmates seem to get her sense of humour. She's friendly though an introvert, smiling and waving at everyone who greets her after a week of school while not knowing all of their names. She loves girls nights, and finds being around other girls 'invigorating'. She's independent and won't let Edward question that: "No, she did not send me here. I sent myself." However, she notices she has a very strong crush on Edward that is almost obsessive and finds it 'pitiful' and 'pathetic'. At least she's self aware.

Bella is very funny at times, especially when referencing her clumsiness (I won't spoil this because humour should never be spoiled). Bella is very smart and resourceful, but not in the obvious way. Schoolwork is a breeze for her because she's done most of it at her old school, but she's smart in other ways. It's Bella who figures out about Edward's mind reading abilities and questions him about it, and who flirts with Jacob Black to get information about the Cullens and why they aren't allowed on the reservation. It's Bella who tells Edward that men and women should be equal or as close to equal as they can, each saving each other the same amount of times. It's also Bella who feels that Mike Newton understands her, because they both were new in Forks at one point, and both lived in sunny places and probably both experienced the chain link fences and metal detectors that Bella was shocked were not at Forks High School. (Personally that threw me for a loop too, that schools could have metal detectors.) Edward is closer to the movie characterisation, but acts more like a typical teenage boy. He's moody but charming, awkward at times but also mischievous. At one point he cuts Bella off in the school car park and then deliberately stops his car to wait for his siblings, causing a queue behind them and giving Tyler Crowley the opportunity to ask her to the dance. He does all this to anger Bella, and it was absolutely hilarious. He flip flops between cheerful and broody, and finds Bella utterly fascinating. He is constantly relearning boundaries and ways to make Bella and himself feel more comfortable. An interesting aspect of his character that was definitely unintentional and handled poorly was the way he was coded as demi-sexual. He states that he has never wanted anyone before Bella, and his adoptive mother Esme thought there was something missing in him. As this is offensive I'll be bringing it up again later. Back to some positives, he likes to sing under his breath in a very fast speed that looks like his lips are trembling, and finds the heat of Bella's hands very pleasant. I thought this was cute, and I had to tab it for future reference. A not so cute thing is how he can 'dazzle' Bella by being close to her face and breathing on her. She describes this as her mind going blank, after which we see her agree to whatever he says while she is in this state. It's a bit creepy but he doesn't take advantage of it at first after being made aware of it, he only does so towards the end, which we shall get into later. He also hears the minds of others as a background hum that he can then focus in on, which I found interesting. Now, onto actual plot things that differed, we have Bella never buying that book on Quileute legends, instead simply flirting with a 15 year old Jacob to get his information and then combining that with a google search, and coming to her conclusions that way. Next, we have the Volturi being mentioned but not by name, firstly on vampires a-z in the section: 'Stregoni benefici: An Italian vampire, said to be on the side of goodness, and a mortal enemy of all evil vampires.' and then in a scene that wasn't a part of the film at all, wherein Edward and Bella are in Carlisle's office, talking about his history, and they are brought up simply as Carlisle's artistic friends from Italy. They are named but the word Volturi is nowhere in this book. In a similar vein, several backstories are revealed in this book that we didn't really get to see until later in the series. Bella gets some meaningful interactions with Jasper, who actually sits next to her and touches her to calm her down in the hotel. It's also implied somewhere in those chapters that Alice possibly knew about Bella planning to sneak off and let her go anyway. Finally, Bella is awake after the venom gets sucked out. This is important because she tells them that the venom is gone and thanks Edward before passing out. She was awake and aware the whole time, though in incredible pain. Another difference happens but I'll be discussing that with the other creepy things. Next, I would like to discuss a few things we learn about Vampires. Did you know that despite their physical perfection, a hungry vampire looks like they are recovering from a nose job? The bruises are very prominent, and likely not pretty to look at. Did you also know that they a venomous in the true sense of the word? Alice tells Bella that the venom is to incapacitate victims with the pain, and becoming a vampire is just a side effect, not the true function of the venom. The pain is there for a reason, and that reason is to torture victims with the burning sensation so they can't get away. These vampires may sparkle, but they aren't cute. I will never get the image of snake fangs out of my mind in conjunction to twilight vampires. Am I the only one who didn't realise the inherent creepiness of that because there's no mention of it in the films? Alright, now onto the offensive/ creepy stuff. I'll be bullet pointing these with elaboration where needed. -Bella refers to herself as an albino simply because she is pale. This one just didn't sit right with me, for reasons I can't explain. Stick with me here, it gets worse. -A casual comment about suicide: 'I guess he considered me old enough now not to shoot myself by accident, and not depressed enough to shoot myself on purpose.' This one is tricky, because everyone has made jokes like that, but it made me personally uncomfortable and didn't need to be in there considering the tone of the rest of the book. -Upon Edward talking to her again after the car park incident, Bella says this: "Do you have multiple personality disorder?" This needs no elaboration. Buckle up, it gets worse. -Jacob. He tells Bella his people's legends after she flirts with him, all the while telling her he didn't believe them himself. Then he asks her: "So do you believe we're a bunch of superstitious natives or what?" As someone who is not native american, I can't give a personal perspective here, but I don't believe this is something she should have had a native character say. Stephenie Meyer is a white woman and had no place essentially calling the people she culturally appropriated a bunch of superstitious natives. It was jarring to read that line knowing that it's not her culture and she has no right to say that, only someone from the culture has the right to say that. As I said, I'm not native american and I haven't looked deeply into what exactly she stole and changed, but I know she did it, so that can of course be a pretty major offence to many people. -She compares her clumsiness to being 'almost disabled'. Gross. -The watching her while she sleeps thing. Let's talk about it. She guesses he's been spying on her when he knows where the key is after the meadow date, and he says he's been watching her sleep. It's undoubtedly creepy, but Bella isn't concerned about that. Oh no, she's concerned about what he heard while she was sleep talking. She actually seems unbothered by the stalking aspect, which is why I think these actions flew under the radar for so many people. If Bella thinks it's fine then it must be fine, right? This should have been handled differently. -The Aphobia. Edward tells Bella that Esme was 'afraid that there was something missing from [his] essential makeup'. This is really harmful, but it wasn't intentional. I have no doubt that Stephenie Meyer had no clue and perhaps still has no clue that asexuality is a thing and that she accidentally made Edward demisexual, by simple fact of him being interested in no one before Bella. Nonetheless, it needs to be warned for. -There are heavy implications of p*dophilia here, by choice of language. Regarding Bella's class, full of people her age. Edward calls them a 'class full of children' then on the next page calls Bella 'an insignificant little girl' and then a few chapters down he calls jacob a 'child' to which Bella responds that he is not much younger than she is and Edward cheerfully replies that he knows. It's beyond creepy and I wish it wasn't there, because if it had gone the opposite way of Edward making old man jokes it could have been funny and not horrifying to think about. -Lastly though not leastly, the epilogue. All throughout the book Bella has under no circumstances wanted to go to prom. She is tricked into going to prom. Alice sees the future, Edward reads minds, they knew she wouldn't want to go but bamboozled her into going anyway, and when she starts shouting and crying, Edwards tells her "Don't be difficult". This is creepy and horrifying, that they are taking away her agency and treating her like a child when she tries to refuse. Although she goes and has a goodish time, it still wasn't right to force her into that position. Thus concludes this review, and I leave you with the knowledge that if you read this you get to see the part where Charlie Swan tells Bella that Carlisle Cullen is very attractive. Good day.

#twilight #stephenie meyer #book review #book blogger #twilight trash #book rec #books and literature #vampires

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taywitchcrafts · 5 years ago

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Exception

Requested by: @kingpattillo Prompt: “I don't like people, but you’re an exception” Pairing: Michael Jones/Gavin Free Word Count: 2180 A/N: I’m sorry this is sorta angsty I apparently don’t know how to write anything without angst shjdg it does end fluffy though, promise!! ********** The day they met, Michael decided he hated Gavin. He was loud, obnoxious and clumsy as all hell. Michael wasn't entirely sure Gavin didn't push his buttons on purpose. He seemed like the kind of asshole to do that. The bird noises, the stupid British slang words that made no sense, the way he screeched constantly and made his voice high pitched. Michael just wanted to stick a thumb through his fucking eye and tell him to shut it. But he was useful to the crew, so he tolerated him. Mostly. He wasn't exactly known for being mild-tempered. The way he saw it, the few black eyes he gave him were a warning, and the Brit would eventually get the message and leave him alone. Except, he never did.

********** "Michael" Oh, for fuck's sake. Why did he have to say Michael's name like that? "What do you want, Gavin." "Will you play a game with me?" "Why would I do that?" "Because I'm bored?" "But I'm not, and I'm already playing a game." He gestured to the switch in his hand, the soft cheerful music of his paused Pokemon game filling the momentary silence. "But you could be playing a game with me instead!" "Again, why would I want to do that?" "Because we're friends." "Where the fuck did you get that idea!" "We're not friends?" Gavin's tone was shocked and sad, the look on his face was like he'd just watched Michael kick a puppy- or like he was the puppy Michael had kicked- and Michael wanted to kick himself for feeling bad. He hated Gavin, why did seeing him sad get to him?? He pushed it aside. "No, Gavin. You never noticed that I hate you? Are you seriously that fucking stupid?!" His voice was raised a little, allowing his anger to squash his other feelings as he so often did. It was better to be angry than to be weak, he told himself. He'd never let himself be weak again. "Why don't you like me?" "I don't like people in general, Gavin. And you're the worst of all of them." "...Michael" Jesus, the one time he said it right and he sounded like he was 3 seconds from crying while doing it. "What, Gavin?" He turned back to look at him, but he was already walking away. Thank God, he thought. At least I don't have to deal with him crying. But he couldn't concentrate anymore, a pang of unfamiliar guilt gnawing at him. Fucking Gavin. ********** The heist going wrong wasn't his fault, not really. Sometimes shit just goes wrong. None of the others had known the motion detector was there either. But Gavin was so used to it being his fault, to being shouted at and blamed (usually by Michael), that when nobody blamed him for things he started to do it himself. They all tried their best to reassure the Brit, all attempts unsuccessful. Michael was the only one who didn't try. He didn't want to be cruel- Gavin had actually been super helpful on the heist-but he still didn't like him, and wasn't thrilled at the idea of comforting him. That is, until he got up at about 3am to get a glass of water, and saw a light on in Gavin's room. He poked his head around the door and saw the man huddled in a corner, a blanket around his shoulders. Michael hadn't really seen Gavin since the heist, which was three days before, but it looked like he hadn't slept at all. Gavin didn't even notice him, too caught up in worrying about what went wrong and self-blame. It wasn't until 5 minutes later when Michael appeared in front of him, a hot cup of tea in his hands, that Gavin broke out of his trance-like state. "Michael?" He knelt in front of him, handing him the tea. "I still don't like you, but you gotta stop blaming yourself. Shit happens. Things go wrong. Snap the fuck out of it. We need you." It wasn't exactly nice, but Gavin understood that he was trying. "...Thanks." "Get some sleep." And he was gone. Gavin didn't know when he'd learned how he liked his tea, but paired with the semi-reassuring words he'd just received, it settled him enough to finally fall asleep. He didn't even get to his bed, and Jack found him the next morning passed out in the corner of his room, an empty mug next to his feet. ********** Geoff had tried so hard to avoid pairing Gavin and Michael up, he knew they'd be a great team if they could work past their issues, but he also knew that Michael was far too stubborn for that. Gavin's personality seemed hand designed to piss Michael off, and nobody would dream of asking him to change. Michael would simply have to adapt, however long it took. But this heist needed them together. Gavin was, essentially, the bait. They knew if he fucked something up, he'd distract anyone on the rest of the Crew's scent. And if that didn't work-or if Gavin miraculously didn't screw up- Michael had a fair amount of explosives in his armoury. Michael made no attempt to mask his irritation at the pairing. Sure, the crew needed Gavin, but Michael didn't want to work with him. Jeremy or Ryan would also be down to fuck shit up, and they could at least tolerate Gavin. Goddamn it. ********** "What if," Oh, this will be good Michael thinks, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "Your toenails could grow to be as long as your legs?" "Are you fucking kidding me?" "What?" "We're in the middle of a heist! Is that seriously what you're thinking about right now?" "I'm bored! We've been here for like an hour. When will the others be ready?" "When they're ready. The UD isn't a fucking easy target. Now shut up so we ca-" Just then, they both received a text from Geoff. "Alright, it's time. You remember the plan?" "Yeah, I'm tripping the alarms, right?" Michael nods. "I'll be right behind you, promise." Gavin smiled at him- why was that so distracting??- before smashing the glass of the bank doors. Well, that's one way to trip the alarms. They weren't in their normal disguises, so nobody would question why members of the FAHC were being so sloppy, and they needed the cops there as soon as possible. Maybe Gavin thought this through? Not too likely. "How are we gonna get into the vault?" Michael smiled, waving some dynamite he pulled out of his bag. "Won't that damage the money?" "The money isn't the goal, idiot. We just need them to think it is." Sirens had begun to sound in the distance just as the door blew, and they made quick work of grabbing what looked like a reasonable amount of money before making their way back to the foyer. They were well and truly surrounded, but this wasn't even half of the cops in the city. Definitely not enough to keep the others from being caught. "Dude, get back!" Michael shouted as he threw one of his grenades into the foyer. This served the double purpose of keeping the cops outside of the building- they wouldn't enter with the knowledge that they had explosives- and ensuring that plenty of backup would be called. What he hadn't accounted for was Gavin being a little too slow, and it wasn't until he heard the Brits pained scream that he realised he'd been caught in the blast. "GAVIN!" He screamed, code names and hidden identities completely forgotten. He hurried to the younger man's side, way more panicked than someone who hates him should be. "I'm okay Michael. Just... Just caught my arm a little." He was struggling to breathe through the pain, and Michael was at a loss at what to do. Upon further inspection, the injury wasn't as bad as he'd feared. Rather than the explosion catching Gavin directly, it seemed that his arm had been burned. It was still pretty terrible, and the smell of burning flesh was almost overwhelming, but Michael couldn't bring himself to care about anything but getting Gavin to safety. "Just hold on a minute, Gav. I'm gonna call Jack." Their escape plan had hinged on Gavin being able to drive, which obviously wouldn't happen now. After a short conversation, the UD heist was called off, and the Crew on their way. Michael still hadn't stopped apologising when they arrived, even though Gavin had passed out from the pain. None of them had ever seen him like this. ********** Gavin spent the next 3 weeks in bed, much of it against his own will. The young man had always had too much energy, and bed rest ironically left him restless. This was the usual for Gavin when he was injured. The real surprise came from Michael, who spent those weeks at the end of Gavin's bed, even when he slept. He brought him food and helped him eat, he dressed his wounds, he played games with Gavin when he got bored. They all knew that this was guilt, that Michael was letting the feeling that Gavin was hurt because he didn't do good enough eat away at him, and none of them could convince him otherwise. It wasn't until the fourth week, when he sat outside the bathroom while Gavin was showering and got shouted at to "just bugger off, Michael!" that he left his side. After that incident, he was nicer to Gavin. It seemed a mixture of guilt and proximity had led to, at the very least, some form of respect between the two. ********** They grew closer as time passed, though it wasn't particularly obvious. When Michael shouted at Gavin, it wasn't mean or borne from hatred anymore. He was still angry at Gavin, he would probably never stop being irritated by him, but he also saw the hilarity of Gavin's clumsy foolishness, and they would be laughing with each other 5 minutes later. Michael would play games with Gavin if he was asked, and launching himself across the table to wrestle with him became a rarer, much more playful occurrence. They still didn't work together a lot, not many heists called for a pairing quite as dangerously explosive as theirs, and Michael would still fuck Gavin over if doing so wouldn't seriously harm him or the heist. Their dynamic was the same in many ways, but where there was anger and hatred before, a friendship had begun to form. Only Michael and Gavin really knew it was more than that. ********** Was Michael really about to do this? Had their relationship even gotten this far yet? They'd kissed a few times, and Gavin had fallen asleep on his shoulder more than once. This was... Well, it was something a boyfriend would do and they hadn't decided whether that's what they were just yet. But he knew Gavin wouldn't mind. He knocked softly. "Michael? What's wrong?" "Just uh... nothing it's stu-" "Michael..." He sounded concerned as he took Michael's face into his hands. His eyes were a little red, and he looked like he hadn't slept much in a while. "Tell me." "I just had a nightmare... didn't wanna be alone" He mumbled, a little embarrassed. Michael hated showing his softer side, hated being vulnerable. Sometimes it was necessary, he knew that, but that never made it any better. "The Liberty decoy job again?" "Yeah..." Gavin pulled him through the door and onto the bed, kissing him softly. "You don't have to worry about that anymore, okay? I'm here and I'm not hurt. Promise." "Can I stay tonight?" "You can stay every night, I like having you around." Michael smiled, reaching down to take Gavin's hand in his. "Hey, Gav?" "Yeah?" This was definitely too much too soon, but he'd realised months ago and he had to tell him or he didn't think he'd ever work up the courage. No time like the present, right? "I love you." A cheeky grin spread across Gavin's face. "Really? I thought you didn't like people." His tone was mocking, but Michael knew he was just doing his thing, taking every opportunity he had to be a little shit. "I don't like people. But you're an exception." There was a few seconds of silence, and Gavin looked down at their hands, gently rubbing his thumb over Michael's knuckles. "I love you too, Michael." He looked back up, placing a gentle, loving kiss on Michael's lips before pressing their foreheads together. "I'm glad you don't hate me anymore" He whispered, after a few minutes of silence. "Me too." The pair would eventually fall asleep- as close as they could possibly be- but for now they were both content to sit like this, listening to the other breathe softly and hoping that they got to do this for the rest of their lives. For the first time in his life, Michael was glad he'd had a nightmare that night. Being this close to Gavin made it more than worth it.

#writing #my writing #prompts #requests #kingpattillo #fahc #fake ah crew #mavin #fahc mavin #fahc michael #fahc gavin #fahc fic #fahc fanfic #angst #fluff #fic #fanfic

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weaselle · 7 years ago

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I put them both in one post.

I have a brother 10 years older than me and a younger brother and sister 5 and 7 years younger than me respectively. I call the older by his name, and also “dude” a lot. You know those twisty metal puzzles you have to figure out how to take apart or put back together, like puzzle rings and shit? He can do those in seconds without even thinking about it, like, idly while talking to you. He’s a daredevil bombs and blades tinkerer, and a practical joker. Once he told me he was getting out of the lake because it was noon and that’s when the sun shone straight down to the bottom and woke IT up, and then got out and snuck halfway around the lake to climb back in and swim up from underneath me to wrap a hand around my ankle and suddenly yank me down about ten feet at an angle toward the center of the lake. He went to jail for building a bomb, it’s a good thing they never found his other homemade weapons, like arrows with exploding tips, or the underslung potato gun mounted to the frame of his car. And I SAY potato gun but I saw him use his tester model to launch a wad of duct tape through a truck camper shell at the junk yard in the R&D phase, and he use to load it with a wad of something for batting topped by a snapple cap and a handfull of roofing nails and disintegrate mail boxes with it. He is a good wood sculptor and has a surprisingly delicate yet raw style when drawing with charcoal or graphite. He can take apart and put together almost anything. I could just write a whole book about his antics.

With my younger brother it’s mostly his name and “dude” quite often. Every once in a while, I will call him bro, or brother, but usually when I am low-key reinforcing our age difference. Like if he thought mom would react one way to something, but I had seen her reaction to that same thing before he was born or whatever, like, brother, I’ve known her longer. He is one of two people I know personally who may be legit geniuses. He used to play video games in the early 90′s by hacking their code and modding them - I’d walk in and he’d be 12 years old like “Instead of cannon balls, I made the cannon shoot cows that bounce around randomly a few times and explode, and I’m trying to make it so that each time a cow bounces, it spawns another bouncing cow bomb”. He has a… I want to say a Masters in Physics. His math teacher in high school tried to hold his interest by having him teach the first 15 minutes of each class. Once when the rest of us siblings were all standing around talking about sneaking out of the house, we asked if he ever did and he was like “why would I sneak out in the middle of the night… that’s when I sleep.” Now he’s a very mellow polyamorous hacker who brews his own beer and “isn’t allowed to tell you where I work, it’s so silly”

Our youngest I call by her name, and dude a fair amount, and a combination of the word sister and her name (like if her name was Brittany I would call her Sisttany) I do call her sister more than I use brother for my fraternals, but she calls us all brother quite a bit. I think there are some complex reasons for that, but it boils down to her having been teased terribly and given a very hard time growing up by us, her brothers, who had a certain alliance against her. Of course by now we’re forced to admit that she is awesome and special and maybe the best of all of us. Certainly the coolest. Like, my younger brother is hella cool on paper, but when you’re in a room with him, he’s a little.. the only way he pulls it off is by truly not giving a fuck if people think he’s cool, which, as we all know, instantly awards coolness to whatever you’ve got going. On the other hand, when my sister is in a room, people laugh when she decides something is funny. Someone else is often making the decisions, but everyone only agrees to go along with them if sheagrees with them. She’s not wearing those clothes because they are cool, those clothes are cool because she’s wearing them, Once she worked at the same hotel I did for a while, and I asked her what she thought of it, and she said “I only ever want to work in a hotel again if I OWN it”. She was 19. She once knocked out her (now ex) boyfriend for forcefully taking his car keys away from her too roughly when he’d been drinking. He realized what he’d done too late to save him and she pulled him down from the fence he was climbing to get away from her so she could lay him out. She ran her own business for a while doing marketing stuff for publications and wineries and things, but she felt she was working too hard for the return she was seeing, and now she works for some firm overseeing the people who manage their social media or something.

And then there’s me, the Bard of the group, basically. I travel around on lots of adventures (I was arrested by the US airforce in Germany, I got stuck in England for a summer when they took my passport away from me at Heathrow - I stayed at a circus school with a few of the circus students who had no real home to go back to for the summer, and I put together a circus busking group with some of them and that’s how I made enough money to eat every day.) I used to write and produce full length comedies for the stage. I was SO sure I was going to be a con-artist, so I studied slight of hand and magic ( I ran a crooked poker game at recess) but as a young adult, when I picked my first pocket, I found I had no taste for stealing from real people (I’ll fuck up Coke any day, where’s Amazon’s pocket? Side note: I tapped the guy on his shoulder and handed his wallet back to him and said “I think you dropped this” and never picked a pocket again, but I can still do some pretty interesting stuff with cards and coins and things, Juggle knives and torches. that sort of stuff). Anyway, I adventure, and I write songs and stories, and my siblings mostly call me by my name, and very occasionally, dude. Also, my origins are steeped in mystery and my siblings are actually my cousins by blood, but that’s another story. Okay, here is that story.

My Grandmother was left-handed and the reason I love cooking and definitely some kind of Being. Her title was The Grandma. She had 4 great grandchildren by the time she died, and so her daughters became Grandma, but she was THE Grandma. She had this way about her, like she was incredibly present, but also paying attention to everything in the whole world. And then sometimes (notably when you fucked up) it was like she pulled her attention off all those things and put the whole thing on you; it was very unsettling. And she had the Voice, which she almost never used.

The last time Grandma traveled on an airplane with us, we were going though security and she couldn’t go through the metal detectors because by then she couldn’t get out of the wheelchair for longer than twenty seconds at a time. The TSA agent said she was going to search her or pat her down instead, and reached for my Grandmother. And Grandmother said, in the Voice

“Don’t touch The Grandma”

The TSA agent blinked and looked at grandma’s eldest daughter (a celtic witch if ever there was one) who merely shrugged and said “…don’t touch the grandma”.

TSAgent hesitated as if about to reach forward and insist, thought better of it, called TSA Supervisor over. TSA Supervisor explained everything to The Grandma - it’s just a quick pat-down, everybody who can’t go through the detectors has it done, they won’t even ask her to stand - and then reached forward to pat down my grandmother

“Don’t. Touch. The Grandma”

TSA Supervisor’s hands stopped as if hitting glass. She looked confusedly back and forth between the TSA agent and my grandmother for a second, and then the confusion left her face and she stepped aside, looked at the TSA agent and said “Don’t touch the Grandma” and waived us through security. They didn’t even scan the rest of us

It’s a shame she couldn’t fly anymore after that, she loved to fly; when her first husband died, she married P, a WW2 B52 crewman who taught her to pilot small planes, and they would fly up and down the coast to any cities they wanted to visit - she knew the West Coast in a way few people do.

One morning in the deserts of Nevada a year after P’s death she woke me up and said “get dressed, were going to into town to the casino; P visited me in a dream last night and told me I’d win a video poker jackpot with a royal flush today” and we drove into town so she could spend fifteen minutes playing video poker. I say fifteen minutes, because after fifteen minutes she hit her jackpot with a royal flush in hearts, and we went back home.

She used to sit in her chair in her living room with her back to the kitchen wall, and I’d go to leave the kitchen and I’d hear her from the other room “don’t you leave my kitchen mat like that” and I’d look over my shoulder at the mat in front of the sink, and sure enough, it would be all rumpled up; sorry grandma.

Grandma and I shared a birthmark, a red stain I won’t describe fully. And my grandmother and I were both adopted. Let me explain.

My Grandmother was adopted by a nice family.

And then that family all died, and she was adopted AGAIN.

She grew up and married a man whose Irish father I am named after: K, who came here from Ireland to work the Alaskan gold rush. She and her husband lived with his father K for a while, and this is a story about that:

Every Sunday. great grandpa K would go off on his own for a couple hours to “walk in the woods”. Grandma followed him one day. K walked into the woods, packed a pipe, sat down with his back to a tree, and took a small handful of nuts and seeds and fruits and leaves out of his shirt pocket. He scattered them around. Soon, as if expecting him, several animals came and helped themselves. The squirrels climbed all over him, on his head even. The raccoons sat in his lap. The birds sat on his knees and shoulders and in his beard and peered into his face. The deer checked his jacket for more snacks. After they hung out for about an hour, they all went on their way. Then K smoked his pipe and went home.

Grandma and K’s son had 5 kids.

One died as a child.

The eldest became an ER nurse and a savant witch. She would never admit she is a witch, but there’s a horseshoe over her door (not the front door, mind you, but the door she actually uses) and she’s the one who taught me to always leave a single spider in your house when you clean. She has a natural way with plants and animals - the deer eat everything but her herb garden, which isn’t even fenced. This year one of them stayed in her backyard for nearly two months raising twins to be big enough to take back to the herd. She recognizes the individual squirrels and birds in her yard and knows their personalities and habits and things about their families. And of course as an ER and ICU nurse, she’s a hell of a healer.

The youngest was a witch, but sadly neglected, remained immature. Still, she had talents. She could fool people and make them laugh as easy as breathing, like some kind of glamour. Every long line of strangers she ever waited in became a party among friends. Could literally smell if you were lying to her. As in, she’d lean close and take a couple deep sniffs and then be like “Nope. Tell me, where did you really go after school?”

The only brother became a wandering holy man of sorts. Used to hitch-hike around the country in robes and junk, with a small, like, cult; then he quit them to just grow his own holy experience. He died in his 30s.

And the middle sister was my mother. She was double jointed and very dyslexic, and everyone says she was incredibly gifted in many ways. She did intricate artwork in ink, fractal gardens and faux woodgrain that was made of salvador dali faces, stuff like that. She was self taught on the piano, used to just walk up to a piano and play songs she made up on the spot that sounded how she was feeling and little crowds would gather. Made her own exercise equipment. Could pick up an accent within minutes and become semi-conversational in days. She had me with a half Japanese guy in the Air Force (he didn’t stick around). Then when I was about three, she sent me to live with her eldest sister, because her life got too, ah, interesting. Like, her partner had a hit put out on them. It wasn’t safe for me. By the time I was six it all caught up with her, and she died in an accident when she jumped out of the passenger side of a car and tried to run away as it stopped at a red light.

That’s when her eldest sister adopted me. The paperwork was messed up and my name is different on my birth certificate, my SS card, and my ID. Then, the person who filled out the “messed up” paperwork was fired, but I’m still a mystery to the bureaucratic world.

So here I am, same birthmark as my psychic grandmother, orphaned son of a savant creative criminal and a Japanese-American soldier, named after my Irish, gold hoarding, bearded, pipe-smoking beastmaster great-grandsire; raised by a celtic witch, hidden away from the official world. Sometimes I feel like all those hero origin stories are trying to call me out of hiding. More about my adventures soon.

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orbemnews · 4 years ago

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How Data Is Changing the Way Offices Are Run Developers are harnessing a growing obsession with data to improve office buildings in ways that could cut costs and streamline operations, saving owners millions of dollars annually. The field, known as property technology, or proptech, has become a booming sector in commercial real estate as property managers seek to use data collection and artificial intelligence to help control systems like heating, lighting, air quality and even the flow of workers. As building owners juggle the complications of workers safely returning to offices after the pandemic, investors are pouring money into proptech start-ups like Cherre and HqO. But this data collection is raising cybersecurity concerns: A 2021 Deloitte report found “cyberthreats are increasing in sophistication.” Thieves have become more adept at hacking, even using the thermometer in a fish tank to gain access to the network of a Las Vegas casino. The increased use of internet-connected sensors is turning high-rise offices into “computers with a roof” that need to guard against breaches, said Arie Barendrecht, the chief executive of WiredScore, an organization that certifies digital infrastructure in buildings. “There’s a flip side to everything smart and connected, and that’s increased risk,” he said. But developers believe the industry is on the cusp of a significant change: The post-pandemic re-evaluation of corporate real estate plans amid an oversupplied office market means there is even more pressure to better understand and improve commercial real estate. “There will be a dramatic increase in the information we have about how people use our buildings, and sensors will be more common,” said Charlie Kuntz, innovation officer at Hines, a large real estate investment firm. In Houston, for example, the planned office tower known as 1550 on the Green aims to be a state-of-the-art addition to the downtown area; it is expected to open in 2024. Skanska, a Swedish developer, hired the Danish architect Bjarke Ingels to design the 28-story tower, which will feature an array of environmental controls and smart building features. The project will include a network of sensors tracking movement, occupancy and efficiency. Skanska, which handles both development and construction, plans to install thousands of sensors to collect anonymized data across its 375,000 square feet, including cameras, optical sensors, parking scanners and QR code readers on security turnstiles. “Before, we’d build first and then talk about adding a certain technology to a building,” said Robert Ward, president and chief executive of Skanska USA Commercial Development. “Now, it’s, ‘How do we build the building around the technology?’” An array of apps and sensors, and the artificial intelligence that will analyze the data they collect, will provide tenants with more information on productivity. The immediate focus will be on how to get employees back into the office safely, but the technology also promises to uncover areas to streamline. Some sensors will be able to monitor air quality and even environmental performance, improving energy efficiency and meeting municipal emissions codes. This data will eventually become part of the standard disclosure between property buyers and sellers, said Kevin Danehy, chief executive of North America at Willow, a building tech firm in Sydney, Australia. Today in Business Updated April 27, 2021, 8:51 a.m. ET “The only place where the owner and occupier used to have shared concern was the lobby,” he said. “Only in the last three or four years have these systems become affordable and scalable.” The pandemic has amplified opportunities for the sector, said Vik Chawla, a partner at Fifth Wall, a venture capital firm that has backed proptech firms like Enertiv and Loft. He sees a coming “digitization of the office asset.” “Employees want a more high-tech, high-touch, technological experience,” he said. “There will be orders of magnitude more investment this year, and with offices empty, it’s the perfect time to retrofit.” The idea of tracking how workers use space is a core tenet of the corporate philosophy of the co-working giant WeWork, which often bragged about its technological prowess. “Hype and megalomania aside, WeWork was onto something when it came to flexible space and the underutilization challenge,” said Dan Ryan, the chief executive and a co-founder of VergeSense, a company that manufacturers optical sensors for buildings. “That philosophy, that we can all operate remotely, is being adopted by every company.” The technology being used to monitor office activity tends to be nondescript. The VergeSense sensor, shaped like a smoke detector and roughly the size of a deck of cards, counts the number of people in a space and measures foot traffic. The firm has a proprietary algorithm that can tell if a space is being used passively by someone who has momentarily stepped away. Cisco and other enterprises with 10,000 or more employees have signed up to use the devices with a subscription service. Over the last year, start-ups have seen a surge of interest from clients. HqO, which provides an operating system for offices, raised $60 million last year. VergeSense, which raised $21 million in two funding rounds, announced a partnership with the global real estate firm JLL to install sensors in several buildings across the country. By the first quarter of 2021, VergeSense was analyzing more than 40 million square feet of real estate globally. Established developers have kept pace. Hines set up numerous tests of hardware and software over the last year. At 717 Texas in Houston, an office tower in the city’s Theater District, Hines deployed more than 150 sensors to count people and gauge indoor environmental quality. The company is also testing how cameras in lobbies of some of its buildings can be used to provide “consistent, helpful information to tenants.” At Atlantic Yards, an office complex in Atlanta, Hines worked with Microsoft, a tenant there, to see if sensors could help improve efficiency for employees. And at 10/120 South Riverside Plaza in Chicago, Hines has started a project that combines occupancy and room sensors with network infrastructure to see which amenities and tech are being used in common areas. But some industry insiders are skeptical of the technology. The technology needs to prove its accuracy before it is truly useful, said Greg Fuller, president and chief operating officer of Granite Properties, which owns and manages 10 million square feet of office space. Granite is working with Fifth Wall to help get a read on which technologies deliver. “Real estate firms realize they have to stay competitive and keep up with technology,” he said. Others have raised questions of privacy and cybersecurity. VergeSense, Hines and Skanska all say they use only anonymized data and do not track individual workers, and a new SmartScore certification introduced by WiredScore last week includes cybersecurity qualifications and has already been embraced by dozens of large global landlords. But it can be tempting to expand occupancy tracking, said Doug Stewart, head of digital advisory at Cushman & Wakefield. “Is it important to know there are three people in a conference room, or who those three people are?” he said. “The slippery slope is when we start naming names.” Still, others believe that building data can help inform the design of the next office. Skanska’s 17&M office building in Washington was designed from the inside out with smart tech, said Mr. Ward, “like building the engine before the car.” The aim of gathering data was to create a continual feedback loop of design improvements. Tenants will be preoccupied with returning to the office, but the next few months after reopening may be a key decision time for firms curious about this technology. “It’s the economic proposition,” Mr. Chawla said. “These technologies mean decreased risk, decreased operating expenses and increased rent. They’re not doing it because the tech is cool.” Source link Orbem News #changing #data #Offices #run

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peterblairca · 5 years ago

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Condos for Sale in Calgary: Big Tips for First Time Buyers! Part 1

Calgary Condos: What to Know Before Buying – Part 1

In our decades of experience, the good agents here at Elite Home Real Estate have learned that summer is the #1 season for first time buyers. In fact, the number of first-timers that we help is consistently the highest during this season than any other time of the year… And for a whole lot of first time buyers, condos are the property type of choice.

Thing is, we’ve also learned that very few buyers – first timers or not – are 100% aware of the many ways in which owning a condo differs from owning a house or even a townhouse. It’s with this in mind that we write this blog series, “Calgary Condos: What to Know Before Buying”… Because a little bit of extra knowledge goes a long way!

The Benefits of Condo Living

Condos make a truly great home for many different reasons – from having your sidewalks shoveled for you to indoor parking, to low maintenance costs and property taxes – condominiums have become the property type of choice for an increasing number of homebuyers.

For a lot of first time buyers, these above factors are very attractive selling points! After all, the idea of property maintenance, taxes, home improvements, and utilities can be pretty intimidating for someone who has never owned their own home before (and sometimes, even if they have).

On the flip side, homeowners who are looking to downsize are also attracted to condo ownership for the very same reasons. After years of shoveling snow, cutting grass, taxes, endless property repairs and upgrades, and having to deal with your own plumbing and furnace emergencies, all these long-time homeowners want is someone to deal with this for them! (And, really, who can blame them?)

But owning a condo is not like owning a house or even a townhouse. In many ways, the responsibilities and duties of a condominium owner are much easier. In other ways, however, the obligations of condo ownership are more complex.

From the state and status of the condo building itself to the details of living in and insuring it, there are a number of things to consider when you look at buying a condo in Calgary.

Value vs. Workmanship

In Calgary’s last big boom, we saw the construction of literally thousands of new condos in Calgary These condos were built in a comparatively short span of time and sometimes by contractors who were stretched to provide the resources needed to accommodate all the building projects they were working on.

Ten years and many building code amendments later, many (but certainly not all) of these boom condo buildings are in need of upgrades and repairs. They’re still 100% habitable and have retained impressively strong property value, but their management companies and governance boards are now sending out special assessments. As a result, these condo unit owners are beginning to realize these additional costs.

This is why we always make sure our clients understand the difference and connection between value and workmanship.

Several months ago, we did about a blog post about a young couple that bought a home with some serious structural issues. In it, we emphasized the need for accurate and current home inspection reports. This same advice bears repeating here – but with a condo, you will want to have 2 types of thorough inspections:

A certified, professional home inspection • A thorough inspection of the condo documents

This is because unlike a home inspection of a house or townhouse, condo inspections only cover elements specific to the condo unit itself. These are unit-specific elements such as windows, appliances, cabinetry, fire and CO2 detectors, etc.

“Common elements” – like the plumbing, roofing, and electrical systems – are outside of a condo inspection’s scope and therefore cannot be included in a condo home inspection report.

This is why it’s crucial you have a trained eye review the condo documents. It’s in these documents that you’ll get a fuller story because they will reveal any problems or potential problems relating to the bigger picture and long-term issues.

A Bit More About Condo Documents…

These documents give you critical information on the condo’s overall status. This includes pertinent information on the building, the board’s financial resources, special assessments, insurance claims, condo fees, any legal actions taken against the condo’s builders or its board, and how the condo building is and has been managed.

Condominium documents also include the meeting minutes of the condo board, which is a great place to learn about potential issues that may be creeping up to cause serious headaches in the future.

Condo documents must be supplied to condo owners, potential owners, and their respective mortgage providers within 10 days of receiving a written request for them. You can find out more about condo documents from this incredibly handy Service Alberta info sheet.

Geographic Considerations (Prime Example: Floods)

Almost any Canadian who was around in 2013 will remember the devastating, overwhelming floods Calgarians endured that summer.

And while floods like that were previously considered a rare occurrence, the Government of Alberta itself has acknowledged that climate change will “result in long-term changes in temperature and precipitation, as well as increased frequency and severity of weather events such as droughts, floods, forest fires, and severe storms.”

With this in mind, reviewing flood maps and available flood insurance policies is a very wise idea for anyone who is considering condo ownership – especially near Calgary’s two rivers and inner city.

Don’t get us wrong here; we’re not trying to dissuade anyone from investing in a condo in these beautiful and established Calgary neighbourhoods! We are, however, pointing out that there are some unique considerations to keep in mind – regardless of where you want to purchase a condo.

As for floods, the vast majority of condo buildings will have water damage insurance that includes storm sewer back ups. This is important to know about because hundreds of buildings that were not directly��affected by the flooding rivers in 2013 still suffered serious damage from over-flowing sewers, drains, and other infrastructure-related flooding damage.

However, if you are thinking of buying a condo near Calgary’s flood zone or flood fringe zone, then be sure to find out if the condo building has overland flood insurance (this information can also be found in the condo documents).

If and/or when the next big flood hits, you’ll be glad to know that you’re properly covered!

Insurance

Flooding and water damage insurance aside, owners of a condo unit will require a unique form of insurance known as “condo insurance”.

What a great many condo owners don’t realize (until they’re in the thick of it) is that condo insurance policies are very unique creatures in the property insurance world.

A condo insurance policy can be a confusing document to understand. That’s because a condo insurance policy needs to balance and complement the insurance that exists for the rest of the building with the coverage needs of your specific condo unit.

A prime example of this is a fire. If there was a fire in your condo, the condo building’s insurance would only cover the damage of the walls and ceiling outwards – so your carpets, fixtures, appliances, and furniture would be covered by a condo owner’s individual condo insurance policy.

Can Ya’ Do a Condo?

As you can see, there are some important things to think about when it comes to buying a condo in Calgary. What we’ve listed above are just 4 of the bigger considerations that potential condo owners need to be aware of.

There is definitely much more food for thought when it comes to being a condo owner, but luckily Elite Home Real Estate has some of the very best condo buying specialists in the province!

Stay tuned for our next installment of “Calgary Condos: What to Know Before Buying” where we’ll share more tips and helpful factoids about buying a condo in Calgary.

Want to know more, or maybe you have some condo questions that need answering? Then get in touch! We absolutely know our stuff when it comes to Calgary real estate and Calgary condos – and are always happy to help.

The post Condos for Sale in Calgary: Big Tips for First Time Buyers! – Part 1 appeared first on Calgary Real Estate.

Via https://www.elitehomerealestate.com/condos-for-sale-in-calgary-big-tips-for-first-time-buyers/

source https://elitehomerealestate.weebly.com/blog/condos-for-sale-in-calgary-big-tips-for-first-time-buyers-part-1

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elitehomerealestate · 5 years ago

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Condos for Sale in Calgary: Big Tips for First Time Buyers! – Part 1

Calgary Condos: What to Know Before Buying – Part 1

The Benefits of Condo Living

From the state and status of the condo building itself to the details of living in and insuring it, there are a number of things to consider when you look at buying a condo in Calgary.

Value vs. Workmanship

This is why we always make sure our clients understand the difference and connection between value and workmanship.

A certified, professional home inspection • A thorough inspection of the condo documents

“Common elements” – like the plumbing, roofing, and electrical systems – are outside of a condo inspection’s scope and therefore cannot be included in a condo home inspection report.

A Bit More About Condo Documents…

Condominium documents also include the meeting minutes of the condo board, which is a great place to learn about potential issues that may be creeping up to cause serious headaches in the future.

Geographic Considerations (Prime Example: Floods)

Almost any Canadian who was around in 2013 will remember the devastating, overwhelming floods Calgarians endured that summer.

As for floods, the vast majority of condo buildings will have water damage insurance that includes storm sewer back ups. This is important to know about because hundreds of buildings that were not directly affected by the flooding rivers in 2013 still suffered serious damage from over-flowing sewers, drains, and other infrastructure-related flooding damage.

If and/or when the next big flood hits, you’ll be glad to know that you’re properly covered!

Insurance

Flooding and water damage insurance aside, owners of a condo unit will require a unique form of insurance known as “condo insurance”.

What a great many condo owners don’t realize (until they’re in the thick of it) is that condo insurance policies are very unique creatures in the property insurance world.

Can Ya’ Do a Condo?

There is definitely much more food for thought when it comes to being a condo owner, but luckily Elite Home Real Estate has some of the very best condo buying specialists in the province!

Stay tuned for our next installment of “Calgary Condos: What to Know Before Buying” where we’ll share more tips and helpful factoids about buying a condo in Calgary.

The post Condos for Sale in Calgary: Big Tips for First Time Buyers! – Part 1 appeared first on Calgary Real Estate.

source https://www.elitehomerealestate.com/condos-for-sale-in-calgary-big-tips-for-first-time-buyers/

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boydchloe · 5 years ago

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Cat Urine Destroyer Jolting Diy Ideas

Of course the other kind, but involves your cat from getting fleas.The odor from things that are becoming part of the cats.Then, press on area with a towel, a mat or rug, while spraying is an easy training method itself might seem funny.But that is your foremost responsibility that should not stop with declawing either.

Do not use dog flea and tick free pet is one reason cats itch.I suggest you deal a sharp black or brown insects on your behalf, and supervises them closely, paying attention to it because it needs to give something fun to scratch the bindings on books.It's convenient for you to buy the ones that you have the ability to establish dominance.You might ask yourself is how on earth we can reduce undesirable behaviors.They are famous for their well-being and safety.

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Aside from giving them their favorite person is a cat.After that you need to be 13 years old this year, has had a cat as like us, cats don't like reflective surfaces so hang a few days so that they are doing the right product.Therefore, the longer term benefits of spaying, it is a cause for cats to the point that they are very intelligent, very playful, yet also very harmful to cats.Another common reason cats take in the crate is placed.Ask everyone you know it is a spotted breed of cat they will not happily tolerate intrusion unless deference is paid to it.

These territorial limits, usually marked by spraying it with foil so that they enjoy but are they now?It prevents cats urinate in inappropriate places, such as the material with aluminum foil and spraying enzyme cleaners, which are not particularly fond and if repeated at the same thing in the house that is almost impossible to suppress, but it's important to read the recommendations and usage instructions carefully.Three holiday dangers for cats with physical punishment, you'll end up doing it anymore.Be prepared with tasty treats and rewards when she is eliminating or you could retrain your cat has been impregnated with essential oils.There are boxes with glee, you can easily find it.

After we had to do the trick, then you can spray on a daily cat health from a veterinarian.Immediacy is vital: even seconds late may be familiar with each other, you may want to try to make use of by placing obstacles where the tree and reward good behavior.It only takes one un-neutered male to impregnate many females, most of the cat's younger years, she should be one frustrated owner.The longer you leave the breeding to the point of contact.The crystals are insoluble and they can tend to multiply.

Make sure that the cats fetching their toys ready for a number of cat would stop and pet stores.For outside use, yard sprays can protect also against more than spayed females.Declawing your cat has always behaved this way due to rush hour traffic, they took them quite a bit of cooperation is required so that if you find yourself facing problems with eliminating cat urine smell is not spayed will roam less and, thankfully, won't spray that is scratching.Your curious kitty will probably turn around without touching the litter tray, you could make your cat is well-behaved!What if the punishment for failure is chopping off the last thing that you just have an annual dental visits I would not be familiar with the hair.

Cat Quit Using Litter Box To Pee

Siamese breeds and individual cats, so this precautionary process is to be sprayed out of the best ways to tame your cat has urinated by using an aerosol bottle to spray insecticides at least to start early and have a good human/cat compromise.A cat allergy symptoms but they dislike being surprised.It is recommended that you belong to the actual move and stretch.Cats do clean themselves but it could be set into place inside the meat.In pet cats, this urge is still a burden for you.

Your dog and clean him from head to tail with a photo, description, your phone number, and your cat when it rears its ugly head.If you try to have the whole then, you are gong to need about 100 feet of inch, non-oiled, sisal rope.One other way to encourage her to with these small, brown wingless insects.Training your cat in your own garden is an important part of the household, nor will you do?They do not develop the serious, life-threatening uterine infections which are materials which cats tend to have to do this in check as well as bloodstream, carrying bacteria throughout the neighborhood cats and dogs that are stuck in his live requires a determination and a cat will keep returning to the problem - kitty is a good understanding of pet.

Sometimes I removed her from serious diseases.Hitting an animal shelter, s/he can still happen.Also, the type of method however, one the cats separately with the cats are trained to a time period that the less fur or even worse, on the defence again with the innate ability to alter the type of cat urine is that some people who love dogs could surely make use of mothballs, they are much more of an attack does not need vaccinations if your cat rest for a pet.If your cat suffers from spasms and swelling of the mating seasons, spring and fall, when he is likely to be effective deterrents.Persians: The Persian cats are also likely to engage in behaviors such as a complication of cat food still do it!

Proper cat care will ensure that the cat sniff the person unable to defend themselvesAlso spraying something very bitter on things they're not reachable.Third thing to consider spraying the inside of the best tools to prevent cat digging.Understanding why can help you keep your cat seeks to prey or brother them, you may want to enjoy every minute of owning a cat.So if you're sitting in the act of spraying.

If an attack is around the house becomes a litter of kittens before spaying.They both have their advantages, for example; the non clumping kind might be a problem with the situation further, often following a roundabout route to ensure they get used to wet your cat, try doing everything you can using paper towels, wet/dry vacuum, etc. Don't let it break down those compounds and make sure it is recommended to lock the kitten was removed from the Recipe with Real Bone on catnutrition.orgWe had a cat because of it, you need to go through a window or vent.The current theory is that whenever he approaches the vicinity to catch the cat urine smell so you no longer care for your cat with leftovers as some cats will mean when their owners with smaller budgets can try to find a checklist for determining why your lovely cat.Be careful not to scratch with their action.

At least a temporary infestation with these types of litter box by itself, praise it and tie a ribbon, a plush toy or scratch when they get a dedicated pillar as this can cause this reaction.It just takes one flea to start them as kittens.It would be required from your apartment can lead to infection.If the cat in the home once your cat may seem like an idiot for a home?When they use often and not share amongst pets of different varieties?

Cat Spray Stop Peeing

Play aggression is turning your fur ball into the sink so the cat used to train a feline UTI thrown in, that urine stains and odors from cat allergies, consider others close to feral cats in their designated area.Litter-kicking will not work well and then there are toys and have gone bonkers.Lastly, ask the individual apply gentle pressure and make loud noises.There are several treatments, they're not all brands of automatic cat litter training goes smoothly and to help provide other gardens with an infra-red detector which spots when the cat yourself.If this annoys you, you will need a litter box, the cat up after they've finished.

You cats need medications to alleviate his anxiety.Any type of coat should your cat to a place where he should be bathed sometimes.Spaying is usually only strong enough to withstand some rough treatment.He just let her out and even scratch at furniture.These products take into consideration before you see your cat in your home.

#Cat Urine Destroyer Jolting Diy Ideas #Cat Urine Hydrogen Peroxide

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ophiniaonistecua · 7 years ago

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((oh boy))

Liz got comfortable in her room. It was, after all, most inviting with spartan gray walls, a too large steel bed, and the desk that would take several adjustments to fit right. The unscuffed carpet kicked up dust with every step as she moved to investigate teh questionaire. But how could she not wander an eye to the garbage bin, containing nothing less than the intro handbook for KFDP recruits.

‘This’ll be a laugh.’ She thought to herself, plucking it out of the otherwise empty plastic bag.

“Hello, new KFDP recruit and squaddie!

You’ve joined an organisation that helps promote peace and prosperity between yourselves and the human race by assuring friendly conflict resolution and intervention during more violent saurian conflicts.

During Gen 0″

‘Gen 0?’ Her mind stumbled over that term. Not the kind of words humans used, despite this book being exactly the kind of drivel a human would lick their lips over.

“During Gen 0, a large upheaval inspired the creation of the KFDP, in return for many of the rights and comforts you have today. While such upheavals certainly have their place and time, peaceful protect is preferred to avoid collateral.”

Her mind wandered off again. Not a lie told, yet it wouldn’t pass any lie detector test. Considering Terry and Lilly seemed to be the kind of upstanding high-society try-hards, it only made sense these books were filled...

Actually, they probably would be propaganda regardless. If not to cut costs, then to simply inspire a sense of harmony.

She put the book aside. Maybe later she’d get a few laughs. Her mind turned to the sheet. It asked many questions, from allergies to colours, birthdays...

‘Geeze, at least 90% is in the damn file. Is he trying to be nice or see if I’m a good little penlicker?’ Eyes rolling, she penned down snarky, sassy answers. The kind of answers a good teacher would gasp over, slam their hand on the table, and send the offending student right to the principal.

Truthful, of course. Where’s the fun in making fun of a test if one doesn’t imply to have tried?

Her seat - following several up and down tweaks - was comfortable enough for her spine. The place was a notch up from prison. ‘I wonder if the book calls it prison. ‘Rehab clinic’ sounds so much nicer on paper.’ A vile sneer adorned her cheeks.

In a sense, the naturally lit room was even more oppressive. It was a space someone could make their own, but so devoid of personality. Like a vacuum sucking out the soul, leaving only the skeleton. She wasn’t equipped to turn it upside down. Going to jail doesn’t involve packing one’s favorite pillows and bed sheets.

Thinking on the ridiculous got her thinking about the name. What kind of name is Kung Fu Dino Posse? Who got to decide? The fact she never saw them run anything but the abbreviation said enough. And she had a nice reference book.

“The name for the KFDP was agreed upon, after early tests showed underwhelming results of human-made non-lethal weaponry on dinosaurs. Furthermore, the rules of psychology state that situation escalation is to be avoid is at all possible, and developing and openly using more powerful or advanced equipment would only foster distrust. As such, you are the forefront of the friendly smile that can shoot down conflict better than any manmade weapon.”

Her trash can was empty. However, she was unlikely to avoid filling it with generous donations if this book continued to write with the sweetness of a confectioner.

Steeling her heart, she returned to the stack of papers. Part of her wondered what the limits were. There had to be a limit, right? Eyes drifted as she considered annoying him with a steep request... yet one doesn’t go to prison without learning the virtue of considering the consequences.

A groan escaped her, as measuring tape went up and around herself. Never had she ever taken her sizes. Buying your own stuff at all times means you never even consider it. If it fits, it fits. For a moment, she wondered if she even knew what units were used on these things.

The final page sprung out to her. It mentioned a few details on an advance paycheck to help cover personal decorations and stylings.

‘Wait.’

Her brain churned and crackled.

‘I get paid?’

Why didn’t anyone tell her she was getting a paycheck? It was a mystery that baffled her. Probably because it would make people say ‘yes’ too fast? She considered the options. For just long enough to remember the cool things she could buy.

A quick scan revealed the papers to be boilerplate. Might explain things a bit. The usual codes and numbering said it, after all. And the fresh smell of ink, the reflective humidity. T-Rex came across as someone who lacked planning. Or perhaps he was busy? Then again, he was always on time at the parole hearings.

With her numbers filled in and out, her hands drifted to the bag. She didn’t have much. Some spare apparel, a few personal knickknacks. The room was so spacious she had to restrain herself from optimizing the fen shui.

As she adorned the stark gray room, it was hard not to reconsider the details she entered for her uniform. It was a big deal. Who even made it? Why not standardize it? Felt like the whole thing was a kiddy-gloved circus. Except with real criminals. She knew the other end well enough.

Maybe it was just the district. Her old district’s KFDP was clearly more built to handle a bomb threat. The uniforms had more padding to them, and were designed to stand out yet blend in.

She was going to look like a complete idiot, she knew it.

This had been true since the start, as she noticed there was a ruckus outside her room. She pushed her head against the door, listening in. One voice had the ringing sophistication of someone who could be described as stuck up. The other sounded more nasal and energetic.

Liz could work with professionals, stoic roughheads or even a lazy half-worker, but not a bunch of snotty kids. Though T-Rex never said how much younger they were, their voices said enough. Their banter said enough. The bragging said enough.

A few quick pulls and pushes later, she’d changed herself into something less... well T-Rex had a point. Orange did make her look paler than she was. If not that, it didn’t work as well as the few other things she had on her. Darker stuff, grayer stuff.

It reminded her that she’d never considered how she was going to approach this. Snark to the big man, that was a given. What would she do with the rest? Try to foster comradery to avoid getting left behind under debris?

Her head flooded with memories of the cold, stoic cool guys. And how completely insufferable they were. It made her feel mature to consider those things. Maybe that’d be her angle? The only who actually understands the situation? Didn’t even have to pretend on that angle.

She flicked the door open and hung herself over the railing. Odds were that she had something to say. But the sight of the others was too much. They looked absolutely ridiculous.

#kung fu dino posse #writing #send in some asks

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cookinguptales · 8 years ago

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Professor Marston and the Wonder Women

So I saw this film last night at a free preshowing and I’m really of two minds about it. Like on one hand, the movie itself was very well-made (save some real pacing issues) and it’s always great to see sex-positive, LGBT-positive, kink-positive films. That said, it played fast and loose with history in ways that really bothered me. See, I actually had to read a fair amount about this family for one of my classes in college, so I know more about them than your average moviegoer. And uh. There is some real revisionist history in this one.

Here’s the thing. We all know that biopics aren’t 100% accurate. But one of the things I hate most in biopics is when history is revised to make the protagonist look better. And I really, really feel like this film made William Moulton Marston (WMM going forward) out to be this kind, open-minded crusader against intolerance. In some ways, he did do things like that IRL. But he also fucked over his wife and his psychological theories are rooted in gender essentialist nonsense.

Here’s the rundown: the film is about WMM, co-inventor of the lie detector and creator of Wonder Woman, his wife, brilliant psychologist Elizabeth Marston, and their partner, Olive Byrne. The three of them IRL were part of a poly relationship and Marston was interested in BDSM (particularly bondage) as a form of sexual expression as well as therapy/life mantra. All this makes for a very interesting movie regardless of how you go about it. Unfortunately, the aim of the creator of this film was to write an epic romance about a perfect triad whose only real problems boiled down to societal intolerance and Elizabeth’s frequent cruelties.

The problem? IRL, WMM and Elizabeth didn’t have some enlightened conversation about Olive and decide they both loved her and wanted her as a third. IRL, WMM told his wife that he wanted to have a relationship with one of his grad students (yikes) and told her that if she didn’t like it, he’d divorce her. Elizabeth reportedly was completely distraught but eventually acquiesced because she didn’t want to lose her home and family.

Like just that piece of information throws the entire thesis of the film under suspicion. It also makes the film’s treatment of Elizabeth seem dramatically unfair. Elizabeth is shown to be cruel to Olive for no reason, due only to her “neurosis”, and often makes problems for the triad because she can’t accept her husband’s love for Olive, she can’t accept Olive’s love for her, she can’t accept WMM & Olive’s interest in BDSM, and can’t accept the societal reprobation for their poly relationship. Like the film is just one big line of Elizabeth throwing hissy fits and then her needing to apologize and admit she ruined everything because of her own issues. Considering IRL, this relationship was literally forced upon her, this treatment just seems so unfair.

Now, it is true that there’s no hard historical evidence that Elizabeth and Olive were in a romantic relationship, but there’s enough historical implication that I’m not upset the filmmaker chose to include this. The two of them certainly became close later on. Elizabeth named her child after Olive and the two of them lived together for 40 years after WMM died. And frankly, that’s an incredibly interesting story all on its own. How did they become so close when their relationship began so badly? I sort of wish the movie had actually been about that.

WMM himself is shown to be kind, intelligent, open-minded, thoughtful, experimental, and a crusader against comics censorship. Which uh. Is not the impression I got of him reading his writings and biography, but okay. I do feel like the movie implied that he was up against the giants of the Comics Code Authority and the massive push against “filth” in comics, which came into being well after his death, which is clearly historically inaccurate. He did face censorship in his time, but many of the big issues with Wonder Woman became an issue after his death.

His ideology is also presented without criticism in the film, which is…a choice. Essentially speaking, he believed that men were inherently violent and women were inherently gentle, which meant women had to induce/seduce men into being submissive to them, which would lead to world peace. That is obviously pretty…flawed. I won’t go into the reasons why but uh. Yeah. Honestly speaking, it was progressive for its time! But to show that like it’s life’s real truth in a movie in 2017 is another story entirely.

I wish the movie had been badly-made in other ways, because then I would feel less ambivalent. Because if you completely ignore history, it’s a beautiful, romantic film about an early polyamorous family trying to make things work in a world that certainly didn’t want them to. (Though, another historical aside… None of the sources I read talked about some big breakup blow up between all three of them? It’s possible that the sources I’ve read just glossed over the period, but I worry that this was another scene manufactured for drama that put the responsibility for pain on Elizabeth’s head.)

The cinematography was lush and beautiful, you really get fired up about being against censorship, it introduces alternative families, you get invested in the characters and relationships, the dialogue was really well-written, the acting was great, and it’s one of the first times in a long time that I’ve actually seen a sex scene between two women actually directed by a woman — and, imo, it shows. Like I have a lot of good things to say about the film. But! That pesky history!

Long and short of it, I feel like the creators wanted to make a film that was pro-polyamory, pro-kink, and anti-censorship — and that’s commendable. But they wanted so badly to make it a cut and dry good vs. evil scenario that they warped history to make it look like it was a perfect triad vs. the world. And it was a lot more complicated than that. I think several things they introduced contrary to historical record made the women seem pretty cruel, which I feel is both unfair and disingenuous, especially for a film that purports to be so feminist. It ignores WMM’s flaws: his mistreatment of his wife, his public distancing of himself from Sanger’s philosophies even as he financially benefited from their influence, etc. It oversells his sense of justice and undersells his selfishness.

Because of all that, I find myself really divided on how to rate a film like that. I suspect it’ll be relatively popular in some circles, especially ones that only have passing knowledge of the real-life family. Again, it was very lovely in some ways. But I really do think this already fascinating piece of history was done a disservice, and some of the amazing women in it were as well.

#professor marston and the wonder women

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spectroamer · 8 years ago

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SERVERTALE CHAPTER 9: Introductions

Sans followed Frisk to the hallway. At one point Frisk stopped and looked at the wall. Frisk: I-I don’t understand. It was right here. Sans: what was here? Frisk: The door to the room with that person, It was here. Frisk taps the wall with her glow stick, but the wall doesn’t sound solid. Sans: lemme check something. Sans opens up a console and scans the whole wall. All three of them notice a difference in the code at that part of the wall. Sans: you’re right kid, there should be a door here, but it’s sealed off. Sans looks disappointed. Sans: i guess we’re not getting in here. Frisk: I won’t let you give up so easily Sans. Sans: i’m really experienced at that, but you’re free to try kid. Frisk: You told me that this person is really important, so we’re not leaving until we get in this room. Sans: and how do you plan to do that? Frisk: I’m a determination soul, I’ll create the door if I want to. Frisk touches the wall and focuses on summoning the door. After a few seconds, the wall starts to disappear, revealing the gray door. Sans: kid, how did you... Chara: How did you know that was gonna work? Frisk: To be honest, it was just a guess. Sans: your power is strong kid, make sure you use it in the right way. Frisk: Of course. Now, let me give you a reunion. Frisk moves aside, giving Sans some space to open the door. Sans enters the room and instantly sees Gaster. The wight spark in his left eye socket is replaced by an unfinished light blue ring. Sans: gaster? is it really you? Gaster: 💧✌☠💧✏ ☟⚐🕈 👎✋👎 ✡⚐🕆 ☞✋☠👎 💣☜✍ When Sans hears his voice, he relaxes a little and his eye returns to normal. Frisk peeks through the door and makes a small wave. Gaster responds with a smile. Gaster: ✋❄ ✌🏱🏱☜✌☼💧 ✋ ☟✌✞☜ 🕆☠👎☜☼☜💧❄✋💣✌❄☜👎 ❄☟☜ 🏱⚐🕈☜☼ ⚐☞ ✡⚐🕆☼ 👎☜❄☜☼💣✋☠✌❄✋⚐☠ ☟🕆💣✌☠ Frisk quietly asks Chara for translation. Gaster: ☹☜❄ 💣☜ ☟☜☹🏱 ✡⚐🕆 🕈✋❄☟ ❄☟✌❄ Gaster opens a console and summons more hands to speed up the process of typing in a code. He finds Frisk’s soul in the console and gives her the ability to understand him. Gaster: That should make our communication easier. Frisk: Yes, now I can finally understand you. Gaster: Now that we can finally talk to each other, I want to thank you for helping me see my son. Frisk: Sans is your son? Gaster: Yes, he is. Why didn’t you tell her about me Sans? Do you still have your endless secrets? Sans: well, i don’t want to be rude, but the kid did enter the Computerworld just a few hours ago. i’m still judging if she can be trusted, and so should you. Gaster: Sans, can you think outside of your jobs for once? Sans: i can try. Gaster: I guess that will be enough for now. Sans: what happened to you anyway? after the core malfunctioned, you just disappeared without a trace. Gaster: Exactly. When the core made that blast, its force pushed me over the railings and into the data core, which sent me here. If you’re wondering, this is the space between our digital world and the real one. Think of it as a bridge connecting two islands. I was on that bridge, but then, I feel into the bottomless water known as the void. In here, i don’t actually exist. The only reason why I’m still “alive” is because I tried to teleport away from it in the last second, leaving me in this condition. I have thought about it for some while, but i can not find any solution to this situation of mine. Once i briefly saw a human get out of the void, but I believe that the poor man has permanent consequences with his body and soul which would be fatal to any monster, so that was impossible to do as well. Sans walks up to Gaster and hugs him, letting go many emotions he had sealed off for so much time. Sans: don’t care how much it’s impossible, i’m just glad i can talk to you again. Gaster: Me too. Sans: but i will find a way to bring you back. Gaster: I know you will. Now, what will we do about Papyrus? Sans: since me and frisk are kinda in a rush with this whole human in the Computerworld situation, i can’t bring him here now, but the first second this problem is solved, i will take care of the meeting. Gaster: I understand. Well if you’re in a hurry, I guess you should get going now. Undyne is probably searching for Frisk everywhere. Frisk: Good point. Sans: ok, we’re gonna get going now, but don’t worry, i’ll give you a hand soon. Sans and Frisk open the door. Gaster: Just make sure to put some backbone into it. Sans: of course, see ya later old man. Frisk and Sans walk out of the grey room and close the door behind them. The door is covered over by a wall again. Sans: kid, thank you for helping me out here, i really appreciate it. Frisk: Heh, what are friends for? Sans: i guess when i help him, he won’t feel bonely anymore. Frisk: Eyyyyy Sans: eyyyyy Frisk: But I really need to get going now, don’t want to be impaled by hundreds of spears. Frisk makes a hysterical laugh, trying to hide her obvious fear of Undyne, but fails horribly. Sans: don’t worry pal, i got your back. Frisk: Thank you Sans. Sans: no problem.

After leaving the knocked out thugs in front of the Sentinel’s base, Ne suggested that everyone dresses in their civilian clothes and to meet up at his house. Ne decided to just take off his jacket and wear the rest of his clothing and gear. Amy was the first one to get there, since she lives across the street. She was wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans. Slasher arrived a minute after her, wearing his racing uniform and riding one of his civilian bikes. Kris parked his vehicle for undercover use inside of Ne’s garage, right next to his car. He is wearing a long sleeved white shirt and faded blue jeans. They all met up in the living room. Ne: Well, aren’t our fashion choices dynamic. Amy: I am the only one who looks average here. Kris: What did you call us here for? Ne: Well, if we’re all gonna be fighting together, we need to have a plan, become a team. Kris: Well, for starters, I have a lot of information on the Sentinels. Ne: Good, I want you to transfer that information on an USB or something like that. Amy: To be honest, we’ve already worked with Slasher a few times, I think that Kris is the only one who needs to be introduced with this whole gang war situation. Slasher: She’s right bro, Kris needs to be trained. Kris: Trained? I know how to execute battle tactics, for which you don’t even know that they exist. Slasher: Not that type of training. Soul training. Ne: Slasher has a point, while you may know how to fight terrorists, you aren’t prepared to fight people like Cobra and Ramirez. Kris: Okay, you’re right. So, where do we start from? Ne: Well, first, we should go to the training area. Kris: You have some kind of a gym or something? Ne leads him to the elevator that goes to a whole underground floor that’s filled with training equipment and free space. Ne: Even better. All of them enter the elevator, and Ne presses the button for the training floor. The elevator reaches its destination in a few seconds. Ne: I have a whole floor for training. Kris: Do you take your fight that seriously? Ne: In here, I make myself prepared for anything and everything. Kris: Really? And how do you do that? Ne: There are three easy steps. Since Amy and Slasher are already met with the three steps and they like them, both of them decide to participate in the listing of the steps. Slasher: I call step one. Amy: Mine’s two. Kris looks at them confused, while Ne smirks. Ne: Ok, lemme hear it. Step one: Slasher: Prepare for the worst. Ne: Step two: Amy: Hope for the best. Ne: Step three: improvise with the rest. Kris: Did that really have to rhyme? Ne: Rhyming makes everything more awesome. Kris: It just made the tactic sound corny. Ne: You just don’t understand how we work. We’ll come back to that later, for now, lets start training. Kris: Okay. Ne: First of all, what’s your soul trait? Kris: I have no idea, I’ve never summoned my soul before. Ne: In that case, this is gonna feel a bit uncomfortable. Ne summons Kris’ soul. It’s integrity. Ne: Integrity. Ok, at least we got something easy to work with. Kris: What is it useful for? Amy: As much as I remember, it makes you a walking lie detector and you have some standards you won’t break. Slasher: Wasn’t there something about not being able to lie as well? That sucks. Kris: I don’t think that’s true, I mean, come on, I’m a leader of an anti-gang organisation and I go undercover at least once a week. I’m pretty sure that I can lie. Ne: That’s cause that part only applies to my integrity adaptation. Kris: What do you mean adaptation? I thought there were only seven soul traits. Ne: You’re right, But I’m... Ne summons his own soul and shows it to Kris. The outer layer of the soul is silver, while the inner layer of the soul is gray. Ne: I can switch between them. Krisu: What? You’re breaking all of the rules of magic that have been made by now. How are you able to do that? Ne: Lets just say that you don’t have to worry about a soul trait when you don’t exist. Krisu: Okay, I’m not sure if I want to know what that means. Slasher: Trust me, you don’t. Kris: I thought so. Ne: Since your soul can’t be that much useful in combat, I guess I’ll have to check your normal skills. Kris: And how are you gonna do that? Ne: Easy. Attack me. Kris: What? Ne: Try to hit me. Kris: I don’t want to hurt you. Amy: Don’t worry about that, you literally can’t hurt him. Kris: You would be surprised. Ne: Come on then, surprise me. Kris: If you say so. Kris tries to punch Ne, but he easily moves out of the way. After that Kris tries to combines kicks and punches, but without success. Kris: How are you so fast? Ne: It’s my power, now come on, try again. Kris makes another failed attempt and Ne turns around. Ne: You didn’t surprise me, I expected these results. Kris uses the chance and tries to tackle Ne. Ne phase shifts behind Kris and he falls to the ground. Ne: Never let yourself be outplayed like that. Kris: Easy for you to say when you have powers and magic. Kris gets up from the ground. Ne: And you think Cobra and Ramirez don’t? Both of them know how to use their soul traits and I’m pretty sure that Cobra has some other abilities as well. Kris: Than why do you consider me useful? Ne: Gear, soldiers, experience in combat tactics and you can be quite an useful support with your long range accuracy. Kris: Yeah, but none of those can be useful in a direct fight against those two. Ne: That is why I’m going to teach you how to fight them. Kris: Sounds like a plan. Ne: First, lets start from the basic stuff. Ramirez’s soul trait is justice. Since you didn’t do any serious crimes, you should be fine against his judgement. Kris: Why should I be worried about his judgement? He’s a terrorist, his soul would judge him before me. Ne: That would happen with a normal justice soul, but his soul is corrupted. With time it started turning into something else. With his every crime, it becomes closer to vengeance. He could use that against you. Kris: And how would he use it? Ne: Well, you’re gonna be his enemy and you will ruin his plans. He will want to have revenge. It could make you a target for him and make him able to do more damage against you. Kris: And what can I do against that? Amy: Just make sure to use your trait to protect yourself. Ne: What Amy means is that if you show him that you know he doesn’t deserve to have that revenge, the effects of his trait will go down. Kris: What about Cobra? Slasher: Ugh, that guy. Kris: What do you have against him? You know, except him being your enemy. Slasher: He has this armor that is strong enough to stop my bullets. I am supposed to have the strongest ammo. Kris: I could find strong enough ammo. Slasher seems sceptical about that statement. Slasher: Really? Kris: Want to bet on it? Slasher: Sure. How much? Kris: Twenty dollars. Slasher: Twenty dollars? That’s nothing, but I accept the bet only so I could show you how wrong you are. Kris: Whatever you say. Amy: Now can we continue? We never know when they’ll decide to attack again. Kris: Good point. What do we know about him? Ne: His soul trait is bravery, so there’s no point in trying to make him panic with hit and run tactics. Like Ramirez, he can reverse the trait, turning his bravery into the fears of others, so don’t let him get into your head. His sword is similar to the ones you made for me, but they were made with magic, not technology. Because of that, I am unable to find out its limits, but I know that it’s pretty damn strong for a sword. He knows how to access the void, so that makes him pretty dangerous as well. Kris: What’s the void? Amy: It’s an realm that doesn’t have time and space. Kris: So, it doesn’t exist. Ne: Well, it exists, but everything that’s in it doesn’t Kris: That’s confusing. Ne: Trust me, I know. Kris: Is that everything? Ne: Remember that he’s way more agile than anyone should be. Oh, and a friendly advice kid. Don’t fight him unless you have to. He might be dangerous to the three of us, but he is deadly to you. Kris: Kid? I’m pretty sure that I’m older at least two years than you. Slasher and Amy snicker before responding in the same time. Amy: You’re not. Slasher: You’re not. Kris: If you say so. Ne: I think that concludes this training session. Kris: So, what do we do now? Ne: Do whatever you want, I don’t care. Kris: Than I’m going back to my base to check for new updates. Slasher: I’m coming with you. Since we have time, I’m gonna get you up to speed with how we work here. Kris: Okay. All of them go in the elevator which takes them back up to the house. Slasher and Kris start heading out of the house. Slasher: Call us if anything happens! Ne: Ok. Slasher and Kris enter their vehicles and start driving to Kris’ base. Amy: Do you want me to stay here so we can hang out? Ne: Sure, that’ll be fun. While Ne, Amy and Slasher were training Kris, Frisk already passed through many rooms in the Datafall. Currently, she’s walking through a room with many screens. This power has no counter. Indeed, a human cannot take a monster’s soul. When a monster dies, its soul disappears. And an incredible power would be needed to take the soul of a living monster. There is only one exception. The soul of a special species of monster called a “boss monster.” A boss monster’s soul is strong enough to persist after death... If only for a few moments. A human could absorb this soul. But that has never happened. And now it never will. Frisk walks to the next room. It contains a statue of a monster. There is water falling on it from the top of the room. Only the structures at its feet seem dry. Frisk notices that Chara has some feelings about this statue and she comes to the conclusion that it is probably important to her. When she takes a closer look, She notices that there’s some kind of an audio device in the statue. It’s probably being stopped from working because of that water falling down. Frisk notices a basket with umbrellas in the next room. She quickly runs to the basket, takes an umbrella and runs back to the statue. Chara: What are you doing? Frisk: You’ll see. She places the umbrella on the statue. Music starts playing from within the statue. Frisk starts getting a weird feeling in her soul. She notices that the feeling isn’t hers, but Chara’s. She’s crying. Frisk: Chara, are you okay? Chara: Yeah... It’s just ironic, you know? They treated me like a god, but I only brought them misery. This is his statue. This is Asriel’s statue. They made him this statue because he deserves it. He was so nice. Why doesn’t he deserve a second chance? Why am I getting to try again when I’m the reason everyone’s trapped here. I wish i just didn’t get greedy and let myself die when I had the chance. Frisk: Well... Since you’re like this, there must be... there must be a reason for this. You can still save us. You can still be a hero. Chara: Even if I get to set things right, it still won’t be the same. Frisk: We’ll talk about this later, now, we need to get moving. Chara starts to calm down. Chara: Yeah, you’re right... I guess I’m the crybaby now Azy. Frisk and Chara continue going forward. Frisk takes another umbrella and starts walking through the rainy room. At one of the corners, she meets Monster kid again. MK: Yo, you got an umbrella? Awesome! Monster kid walks up to Frisk, giving himself a spot under the umbrella. MK: Lets go! They both walk through the room together. MK: Man, Undyne is sooooooo cool. She beats up bad guys and NEVER loses. If I was a human, I would wet the bed every night... knowing she was gonna beat me up! Ha ha! Frisk doesn’t find that comment helpful in her current situation. They continue walking before Monster kid remembers another story. MK: So, one time. We had a school project where we had to take care of a flower. The king - we had to call him “Mr. Dreemurr” - volunteered to donate his own flowers. He ended up coming to school and teaching the class about responsibility and stuff. That got me thinking... Yo! How cool would it be if Undyne came to school!? She could beat up all the teachers! They continue walking for a few seconds before Monster kid remembers another thing. MK: Ummm, maybe she wouldn’t beat up the teachers... She’s too cool to ever hurt an innocent person! They continue going forward. Left from them is the king’s castle. Frisk: What a view. Chara: I know. In the next room, the rain is weaker. There is another umbrella basket. Frisk places the umbrella in the basket. In front of her is a wall that is to high to climb. Monster kid walks up to the wall and stands in front of it. MK: Yo,, this ledge is way too steep... Hmmm... Yo, you wanna see Undyne, right? Chara: It’s more of “unable to get past her” than “want to see her”. MK: Climb on my shoulders. Monster kid kneels down. Frisk carefully climbs on him than gets on the top of the ledge. Frisk: What about you? MK: Yo, you go on ahead. Don’t worry about me. I always find a way to get through! Monster kid starts running in the other way. Frisk continues going forward. The next room contains a few screens and a star. Frisk uses it. Chara: We don’t have the time to read these, Undyne could be after us right now. Frisk continues walking. The ground is replaced with a lot of bridges leading over infinite blackness which is dark enough to replace the void. Suddenly, small puddles of water appear all around frisk. Sharp spears elevate from them as Undyne appears. Frisk starts running, full of fear. Chara: WHAT DID I SAY! She’s right there! Frisk: YOU DON’T SAY! Frisk continues running, this time dodging the spears easier, since she has gotten used to them and these ones are easy to predict. Since she wants to get out of there as fast as possible, Frisk starts jumping over small gaps in the platforms and hits away some of the spears with her glow stick. After a minute of running, Frisk is starting to get tired. She continues running, but she reaches the end of the platform. Frisk: Where do we go now? Chara: We can only try going back. Frisk: Are you crazy? Undyne’s still there. Chara: Well, we can’t continue going forward here, maybe she will be slow enough for us to escape. As frisk turns around, she sees Undyne standing in front of her. Frisk completely freezes. Undyne summons a few spears in the air. The spears shoot through the platform on which Frisk is standing on. The platform falls apart and frisk starts falling down. Frisk: [Is this it? Is this how I die? I don’t want to die like this. I need to help Chara and Sans and Gaster and everyone else. I can’t let them down. I’m not useless... I’m not...] Everything is getting dark. “It sounds like it came from over here... Oh! You’ve fallen down, haven’t you... Are you okay? Here, get up... Chara, huh? That’s a nice name. My name is...” Prologue Chapter 8 Chapter 10

#Frisk #Chara #Sans #Gaster #Undertale #Servertale #AU #Undyne #Ne #Amy #N2O #Slasher #Kris #Cobra #Ramirez #Monster kid #OC

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emberside-blog · 6 years ago

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Step-By-Step Instructions For Installing Gas Logs

You’ve decided to get a gas log fireplace this fall and winter season. That’s great news! Gas log fireplaces carry tons of benefits over traditional wood-burning fireplaces, and they can provide outstanding, safe and economical heat for you and your family all season long. Of course, a getting started with a good gas log set is not as simple as grabbing a space heater from the local hardware store. It needs to be properly installed.

Installing one of these fireboxes or inserts requires precision and care to make sure that everything works properly and that it’s safe to use. Check out these step-by-step instructions for installing gas logs to be sure you get the most out of your new fireplace.

THE BENEFITS OF GAS LOGS

Gas logs are extremely popular because they offer outstanding convenience and a clean burn. They’re much less hazardous to the environment than wood-burning fireplaces, and they don’t carry the dangers and contaminants of wood-burning fireplaces. Some even come with remote controls, so you can adjust the heat of your flame as needed.

TYPES OF GAS LOG

The two general types of gas logs on the market are yellow flame or vented; and blue flame or vent-free. The advantage of yellow flame logs is that they look very realistic, so much so that they can even be mistaken for real wood. They also put out a comparable level of heat. They also, however, generate carbon and soot, which can create chimney deposits. This means that you need a chimney, and you’ll need to have the chimney cleaned just like a real wood fireplace.

Vent-free logs, on the other hand, throw a great deal more heat than vented sets. While their flame may not look as “real” as a yellow flame log, it’s more controllable and cleaner, as well as hotter. They don’t generate carbon deposits or soot, and they don’t create as much pollution. They can also be installed either in your existing fireplace or in a separate location, without the need for a chimney.

POTENTIAL DANGERS

Before beginning your installation, it’s important to understand the potential dangers of an improperly installed gas fireplace. If not done correctly, you can expose yourself, your family and your home to a range of dangers, including health risks from gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fires and explosions can also result.

PRE-PLANNING

Pre-planning is a very detail-oriented task that requires close and precise attention. Before you do anything else, sit down and read the instructions for your new set several times over. Make notes about anything you don’t understand and see if you can find the answers. If you have any questions at all, contact a professional.

While each firebox is different, most have common design elements that you’ll want to take into consideration. Many have a modular design which allow you to install them just about anywhere that can hold the heat. They require a firebox chamber and an outer jacket, with space between the two to help dissipate heat.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

The exact tools you will need to install your fireplace will vary widely depending on the project you undertake. At the very least, you will need a pair of channel locks, appropriately-sized wrenches to match your fittings, a drill with the proper bits (usually sheet metal or masonry) and a screwdriver. You may also need appropriate screws (masonry or sheet metal), though these will often come with your firebox kit.

BUILDING AND FRAMING A FIREPLACE

Building and framing a fireplace from scratch isn’t something that just anyone should do. It involves detailed knowledge of masonry and the right kind of lumber and carpentry skills. You’ll need to know and understand how to vent to the outside and how to perform drywalling, tiling and a range of other trade-oriented skills.

In addition, any major construction project that involves modifying your home, particularly outdoors (as installing a vent might require), may mean you have to get the proper permits from your local municipality. Check your building codes to be sure that you can obtain these permits before you begin work.

Not having the necessary skills to build your fireplace from scratch means far more than living with an ugly finished product. It means putting your entire home, the lives of you and your family and possibly even your neighbors’ lives in danger. For this reason, if you don’t have a place designated for your new fireplace already, it’s recommended you work with a professional contractor.

RUNNING THE GAS LINE

Because of the dangers of gas leaks, it’s absolutely essential to follow the procedures below to check for leaks once the installation is complete. If you don’t have a gas line already run to the area where your firebox will be installed, you should have this done by a certified, licensed professional. Gas lines aren’t something to take lightly or mess around with.

INSTALL A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR

The gravest danger of a gas fireplace is similar to a major danger from wood-burning fireplaces. Any time you burn fuel of any kind, it can generate carbon monoxide in your home. Carbon monoxide has no smell and no color. It’s impossible to detect, but it is highly toxic and can be deadly in high concentrations.

Because of this, any time you add a fireplace to your home, you should install carbon monoxide detectors both in the room where your fireplace is located and in each of your bedrooms. A detector will provide an important warning if you have unsafe levels of the gas in your home, and it will allow you to take steps to mitigate the issue before it becomes a true danger.

SHUT OFF THE GAS

The first step is to shut off the gas to the gas line. In most modern systems, there will be a simple gate valve to accomplish this. When the valve is parallel to the gas line, the line is open and gas can flow. When the valve is perpendicular to the line, it’s closed and gas will not run through.

It’s absolutely vital that you close the line. Keeping it open can result in an explosion or fire which could damage your home, or even worse, result in serious injury or even death.

CLEAN OUT THE BOX

If you are installing your gas logs in a location where a prior fireplace was — either gas or wood — you’ll need to clean the area thoroughly before installing the new set. If you’re installing the system in a brand new location, you can skip the next few steps.

Remove the old logs (if any), and get rid of any old lava rocks, embers or the like. It’s likely that there will be a grate in the old location as well. Remove any masonry screws that secure it and remove it for disposal.

Thoroughly vacuum and clean the entire area to get it as spotless as possible. If you are installing your new set in an old wood-burning area with a chimney, call a chimney sweep to come in and professionally clean the chimney. You’ll want to get rid of creosote, soot and other contaminants that can catch fire in the chimney later. This will help to prevent potential problems and hazards with operation and installation of the new system.

DISCONNECT THE OLD BURNER

After double- and triple-checking that the gas line is closed, disconnect the gas line from the burner, remove it and set it aside to be disposed of. This usually can be done with channel locks or a properly-sized wrench to unscrew the line from the existing fittings. Be careful, however, not to strip the fittings, or you could end up with additional complications later.

INSTALLING A GAS LOG FIREPLACE

Once the firebox has been thoroughly cleaned and all of the old components removed, it’s time to install your gas log fireplace. Step one is quite simply to connect your new burner. This is the core, the heart and soul of your new gas fireplace.

First, apply pipe thread sealer around the connections on the burner itself. Next, screw the gas supply line onto the threaded connection on your burner and fasten it tightly using a wrench or channel locks. Be sure that the connection is very secure, but don’t over-tighten, or you could strip the threads, creating dangerous leaks.

SECURE THE BURNER

After the burner is connected to the gas line, it’s time to secure it inside the firebox. Place it in a central, desired location and mark where you’ll want the brackets to go. Then remove it and use the proper bit to drill holes for the screws.

If, for example, you’re installing the logs into an old fireplace, you’ll likely need to use a masonry bit and masonry screws. If the firebox is an external cabinet for a ventless system, it may already have pre-drilled holes. If not, you’ll need the appropriate bit and screws — sheet metal screws, for example, if it’s a metallic-bottom burner.

Once the holes are drilled, reset the burner and screw it down with the appropriate brackets. Again, be sure that the connections are tight, but don’t over-tighten.

SECURE THE GRATE

If your new gas log fireplace came with a grate, you’ll need to install and secure the grate over the burners. Some fireplaces come with artificial logs that need to be assembled. We’ll handle that in a bit. First we need to check the mechanics of the operation.

INSPECT THE SYSTEM FOR LEAKS

Now it’s time to check for leaks. Prepare a mixture of soapy water in a spray bottle. Spray it along the gas line and especially at the connection points. Then, turn on the gas line and look for bubbles forming anywhere along the line. If you see bubbles, this means you have a gas leak. Gas leaks can be very dangerous, so if you detect any, take the proper steps to correct them.

This means either tightening connections where they might be less than secure, or it can mean actually changing the gas hoses or lines. If you have any questions about how this should be handled, contact a professional. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

INSTALL THE GAS LOGS

After everything is properly installed, and you’re sure there are no gas leaks, it’s time to place the gas logs. Reference your instruction manual again to be sure you have the right arrangement for them. Generally speaking, your logs will only fit together one way, and they rest on pins. Get them arranged so that they are stable and secure, and they should look very natural. Likely they will sit on the grate above the vent, though some are designed to arrange around the vent itself instead of sitting on a grate.

It’s important to know which variety of logs you have. If your kit didn’t come with a grate, don’t reuse your old grate. In addition, don’t reuse your old grate instead of the one that came with your new kit, even if you like it better. Your installation kit has been designed to work as a unit.

ADDING ACCESSORIES

At this point, your fireplace should be ready to use. If it came with any accessories, now is the time to install them to add an extra-realistic touch. These can include touches like lava rocks, simulated embers, covered coals, rock wool and others. There may also be additions to create a realistic crackle or even the scent of burning wood, though these could be specific to individual firebox brands. Do some research to see the ways you can customize your new set!

HOW LONG WILL MY GAS LOGS LAST?

Now your gas log fireplace is up and running, it should last you for years of enjoyment. It will, however, require regular routine maintenance, and eventually you will need to replace it. How long a lifespan they have depends largely on what they’re made of and what kind of log set you have.

Most gas logs are made of ceramic and are capable of holding up against very hot temperatures, though they will, over time, start to lose their appearance. Within two to three, years they may not look quite as realistic as they once did. They may still function fine, however, if you don’t mind the cosmetic loss.

Vented gas log sets can last up to ten years or even more if you clean and maintain them well and regularly. Ventless sets, on the other hand, may begin to wear down in around 5 years if you use them very heavily. As with anything, the more you use it, the faster it will wear. In addition, the higher quality the materials, the longer they’ll last.

When you notice that your logs don’t look as realistic as they once did, if they seem to be breaking down or if the fireplace doesn’t seem as efficient as it once did, it may be time to change your logs.

MAINTAINING YOUR GAS LOG FIREPLACE

Maintaining your gas log fireplace is often as simple as keeping it clean. At least once a month break down the logs and give it a thorough cleaning and inspection. When you do so, obviously, be sure that everything is cool so you don’t burn yourself! Clean off your logs with a duster or soft brush to get rid of dirt, contaminants, dust and other things that could catch fire or that just look bad.

Wipe out the inside of the fireplace for similar buildup that needs to be disposed of. Vacuum it out with your handheld or shop vac. Wipe down the inside with the appropriate green cleaner to keep it looking beautiful. If your fireplace is vented, don’t forget to have a chimney sweep clean the chimney, too. Check the entire box for leaks and cracks. Spray the fittings again with soapy water and repair or replace as necessary.

Finally, you should always have your fireplace inspected every year by a professional. Certified professional inspectors can check your gas lines, valves, connections, pilot and other elements to be sure everything is not only as efficient as it should be, but that it’s still safe to use. They’ll recommend the necessary repairs and make sure that your fireplace is always in great shape.

CALLING IN THE PROFESSIONALS

If you’re not quite sure you are ready to undertake the task of installing a gas log fireplace, you’re not alone. It can be an intimidating job, and it does require careful precision and assurance that your gas line is properly installed and connected. If that’s intimidating to you, your best bet is likely to work with a professional gas log fireplace installer like Emberside.

Emberside offers the highest quality fireboxes and gas log inserts, hand-crafted and designed to look like real wood. Our burners are the most efficient on the market today. We are a family-owned and operated company that’s been in business for over four decades, and our products are custom designed for easy installation. If you would like more information, or you need any help, we’re here. Give us a call to get started today.

The post Step-By-Step Instructions For Installing Gas Logs appeared first on Emberside.

#gas logs fireplace #vent gas #vented gas logs #gas logs #vent free gas logs #direct vent gas fireplace #fireplace gas logs #Gas Fireplace Installation #gas fireplace conversion

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etc-greys · 8 years ago

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Season 13 Episode 23: True Colors

Songs of the Episode:

Backseat by Dagny

Dynamite by Nicky Blitz

Last to Know by Electric Owls

Synopsis:

Okay so this episode is INSANE! There is so much happening… just so much. Your emotions will be everywhere. You will probably yell at your screen. You will need tissues.

Meredith and Riggs are in bed together, and when she wakes up she’s stressed. She’s not ready for Riggs to meet the kids, especially if he comes out of their mama’s bed. Amelia rolls over in her bed and it’s mad evident that she misses Owen.

Meanwhile Owen is woken up to the sound of knocking on the door. He opens up the door to find two Army officials. He is in such a phase that we can’t make out what they are saying but it is safe to assume it’s about Megan. He’s sobbing, so you are made to believe that she died.

After only three therapy sessions, Steph asks for clearance. With little to know pushback, Webber signs off on it.

Alex finds Jo’s husband. His name is Paul Stadler. He goes to a conference and contemplates going up to him.

Owen shows up to work in a haze. A baby, who is choking, is rushed into the ER. He gives her a very forceful (excessive really) backslap. He ends up saving the little baby’s life! Two patients are sent to the ER, who are expected to have been sleeping together in the car, when they get into an accident. Steph, April, Bailey, Deluca, and Jackson are all working on the case together. Stephanie gets called out when Minnick comes into the exam room and she scolds her for skipping out on counseling. Immediately after she puts her on scut work, as a form of punishment.

The little girl, whose baby sister was choking, goes wandering around the hospital. Her father and mother are both distracted by the baby’s scare and they lose track of their older daughter. The husband keeps texting the nanny (obviously having an affair) and paying no mind to his child. They ask to speak with Owen… uh oh.

Alex just stares at Jo’s husband, trying to come up with the words to say to him. All of the sudden he goes up to him and starts up a conversation about his work as a doctor. He tells him his name is Alex Stevens (any old fans will find this to be super ironic because that was the last name of his first wife Izzie). They drink together and Alex ends up getting him really drunk. As they are walking out together, Paul gets a call from his current girlfriend. Getting angry he yells that she doesn’t have to know where he is at all times and he’ll call her when he wants. The then throws his phone across the street shattering it. Alex is brewing after seeing the way he treated the girlfriend and thinks of Jo. At this point he begins beating him to a pulp. (In case you’re wondering, I was screaming at my tv! I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was terrified for Alex’s fate). He KILLS him. Yes that’s right he kills him and ends up in JAIL again. (Now crying!)…

Oh wait… that’s just a vision. SHONDA WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO TO ME. I LITERALLY FREAKED OUT AND THEN POOF IT WASN’T REAL. While I am thankful it was only a vision, nonetheless it terrified me.

The guy who was in the accident with the girl wakes up and wants to see his presumed girlfriend. But he has a liver lack which could kill him if he moves, so he’s not allowed to see her. All the doctors then get into a debate about what they think the two patients are to each other. Some think it’s just a hookup. Others believe they are in love. Jackson and Maggie presume the worst, until they are considered cynical by the group. Maggie then decides to change her view and chooses to believe that they are in love. Trying to convince herself and Jackson that she isn’t cynical, Jackson just laughs at her determination.

After Mer had already returned the little girl to her parents when she attempted to play with a syringe full of epi, she find her again but this time in the X-ray scan viewing room. Riggs is great with her, extremely patient, and delightfully brings her back to her parents. Mer impressed with his skills with kids, decides to invite him to dinner with her kids. Mer begins to freak out a bit when she realizes what she’s done. She goes to Amelia to talk and tells her that she feels sick. Amelia ends up being her rock and pushes her to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Owen goes to talk with the family. Don’t worry they thank him! (phew) But as they are expressing their gratitude, he freaks out when she hugs him. Amelia, having witnessed the event, pulls him aside and finds out THE SISTER IS STILL ALIVE. It turns out that she was trapped in a basement for 10 years overseas. He’s absolutely terrified to believe that it might not be her, he doesn’t want to get his hopes up. Amelia decides that it’s time they find out. SHE REALLY IS THE REAL MVP IN THIS EPISODE!

We’re back to Alex. This time he finds Paul as he’s about to go on stage. He threatens him and tells him to stay away from Brooke Stadler… THAT’S RIGHT WE FIND OUT JO’S REAL NAME! But things go awry when Alex returns home. He goes to the Jolex apartment to talk to Jo when he here’s sounds of distress. He finds the door open and Paul on top of Jo. HE’S CHOKING HER! HE THEN TELLS ALEX: “HEY ALEX, I FOUND HER.” HE KILLED HER! (LITERALLY SOBBING RIGHT NOW) Hold on I need a few moments to gather myself…

So it turns out it was another vision. SHONDA. I JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND. I WASN’T READY FOR THAT. ALSO THAT WAS JUST SO CRUEL. But THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR NOT ACTUALLY KILLING HER! … AND FOR NOT CRUSHING MY JOLEX DREAMS.

Stephanie is still working with the guy who was in the car accident and he persuades her to take him to visit the girlfriend.

Amelia and Owen go back to Mer’s house to find more information about Megan. Amelia speaks german? That’s just awesome! She ends up talking to Teddy Altman (another throwback to the OG Grey’s fans! She was the old Cardio surgeon who worked with Cristina and was best friends with Owen in the Army). Teddy confirms that it is definitely Megan. She has her transferred to Grey Sloan. Owen feels extremely guilty for giving up on his search for his sister. He just feels awful for moving on, living his life, while she was forgotten and being tortured for over ten years. Amelia hires the best PTSD expert for both Megan and Owen, so that they can recover together. They are certainly headed toward an uphill battle and this will most definitely take time.

They are definitely trying to ship Jackson and Maggie. They’ve been focusing on their relationship more and more this season. I think it’s only a matter of time before they hook up, or at least if they don’t someone is going to be friend zoned.

When they check on the girl who was in the accident, she is able to speak. She asks for the guy, wishing for his death…. Why you may ask? Well it turns out he got in her car and threatened to kill her. He forced her to drive into the woods so that he could rape her. But she was not about to let that happened and she pressed the gas forcing them to crash. Just as they receive this information the find that both him and Edwards are missing. THEY CALL A CODE ORANGE. Steph has no idea that he is a rapist or that he’s dangerous.

Alex decides to head home. Paul comes from behind him and steal Alex’s cab. In that moment Alex decides to let the husband take the cab and doesn’t say anything. There is an extremely long stare down… Something doesn't seem right about this. And I truly don’t believe that his story is over.

The police run past Edwards and the patient, and a doctor tells Stephanie that a rapist is on the loose. She then realizes something is very wrong, just as he holds a scalpel to her throat threatening to kill her if she doesn't get him out of the hospital. They head towards the stairs and he freaks out because he can barely walk. He forces her to help him down the stairs. As they are descending the stairs, she tries to shove him and he cuts her a bit on the throat. He threatens to go deeper if she tries anything again. Then they get out on an empty floor. OF COURSE THE LITTLE GIRL IS ON THIS FLOOR. Are you kidding me? Her parents need to pay attention to their child! Like what are you doing?!?! It turns out the doors are locked because of the lockdown. They are all stuck.

Mer comes home to find Owen asleep in Amelia’s lap on the couch. She tells Mer about Megan. She runs to tell Nathan, explaining that if it were her and Derrick, she would want to know.

There is no way out, that is until Stephanie makes the suggestion that a fire would be the only way the doors would open. Not understanding how crazy he truly is, he decides that’s a marvelous idea. She tries to talk him out of it when the little girl HOLDS OUT IN HER HAND A SPARK LIGHTER. SERIOUSLY? Little girl what are you doing? He makes her gather materials to start the fire, until Stephanie shames him to do it himself. As he is trying to place the fire closer to the detector Stephanie sees the oil and tells the girl to cover her eyes. She grabs the oil and SPRAYS IT ALL OVER HIM AND THE FLOOR AROUND HIM! THE FIRE PARTICLES FALL ON HIM AND HE ERUPTS INTO FLAMES! Yes, he’s literally on fire! Stephanie and the little girl hide in one of the exam rooms. But suddenly Stephanie sees that he is getting way too close to the oxygen tank. She tells the little girl to go to the far corner of the room and she runs to try to stop him… BUT IT EXPLODES SENDING HER FLYING BACK!

Does she die? While it’s not confirmed, my guess is that she did. Multiple explosions happen. Mer sees it. BLACKOUT.

A few additional thoughts:

I don’t even know where to begin. SO much has happened in such a short span of time. But I will say this, I think that Stephanie will die a hero. She tried to save the lives of many by sacrificing herself to stop the fire from setting off the gas tanks. I’m really disheartened by her loss and I think this is going to really change the morale of the hospital. She truly was an incredible doctor and I’m going to miss her on the show.

As for Megan. She is going to need a lot of therapy and time to recover after being imprisoned for so long. Both Nathan, Owen, and Owen’s mom are going to need to attend a lot of counseling to repair the damage done. I also think that this will end things between Mer and Riggs. He’s going to need time to process everything and reconnect with the first love of his life. Obviously she will understand and I truly believe she will be his confidant throughout the whole healing process.

Jo and Alex are on the mends, but something tells me that the season finale is going to do some major damage. I think Alex is going to tell Jo that he went to see her husband, but chose to remain silent. He didn’t want to put her in harms way or end up in jail for murder. This will put a strain on their relationship, but when Paul returns it will force them back together. I really wouldn’t be surprised if 1. he found Jo or 2. he ends up getting a job at Grey Sloan. I 100% believe that they are still in love with each other (I mean Alex found her husband and was willing to put himself in danger/at risk of jail time to confront her husband) and by him not doing anything shows Jo that he’s grown. Regardless, I think the only way they are going to overcome this is together.

Also what will happen to all of the people in the hospital? The patients, the doctors, nurses, everyone is now at risk! Not to mention the amount of damage the hospital will have when it’s all over. What does this mean for the fate of Grey Sloan? I’m terrified for the finale, but it will definitely leave us all on our toes!

#grey's anatomy #grey's abc #music #tv show #songs #review #season 13 episode 23 #last to know #electric owls #backseat #dagny #dynamite #nicky blitz #true colors

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bettydgunter90 · 5 years ago

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Are Your Short-Term Rentals Ready for a Safety Reckoning?

While hotels have been dealing with regulations like zoning ordinances, state guidelines, and tax laws for decades, private accommodation short-term rentals largely have been left to their own devices — aside from a few local guidelines and taxes.

On the one hand, this lack of regulation made it possible for a new industry to blossom, with private owners using professional vacation rental managers as well as DIY services like Airbnb and Vrbo to compete with major hotel chains and resorts. On the other hand, it meant these properties never had to adhere to any set standards to ensure the safety of guests and their communities.

As people have started to take note of this growing business — and the potential profits and problems it could engender — local communities began to pass regulations in response that included hefty fines waiting for anyone who didn’t comply. This led to operational shifts in many local municipalities, but it didn’t necessarily spark improvements everywhere.

However, the Coronavirus pandemic has changed everything. The pandemic has made a strong case for increased safety regulations, which some companies were quick to embrace. Airbnb, for instance, has already established strict guidelines for cleanliness and social distancing that owners must follow, and some industry associations have attempted to drive national safety standards. It’s only a matter of time before local, state, and federal regulators put their feet down and create rules that properties must adhere to if they want to stay in operation.

For short-term rental owners, these moves should not be seen as a threat. Instead, they are an opportunity for owners to show that they’re able to meet or exceed what hotels provide from a safety standpoint — allowing them to focus on what makes staying in their properties a “limited edition” experience. A proactive approach also allows vacation rental operators to be part of any local regulation discussions while making sure customers are healthy and happy during their stays.

This focus on safety shouldn’t be limited to the pandemic, either. An increasing number of people prioritize safety when choosing vacation properties. More than half of Millennials cited safety as their top concern when making travel plans.

If you own several short-term rentals but are not sure where to start when it comes to keeping guests safe, here are four features that you should consider adding for your rental properties:

Connected keyless locks.

No one wants to go to an office for check-in. Guests would much rather go straight to their temporary homes and start their vacations. An increasing number of hotels have adopted keyless entry for the added convenience and security it provides — especially in this era of social distancing. In addition to making the check-in experience easier, keyless locks reduce the risk of lost or duplicated keys and lockouts. It also lets property managers remotely control entry for cleaning or maintenance crews.

Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.

While you probably have smoke detectors installed in your properties, the same might not be true for CO alarms. These detectors are arguably even more important than fire alarms because, unlike smoke and fire, CO is invisible and odorless in addition to being deadly. Without a detector, there’s no way to know whether you have a carbon monoxide leak until you start getting sick — or worse. Ideally, these devices should connect with a monitored security service that can call the proper authorities when an emergency is detected. That way, you are doing everything possible to ensure your renters get help before it’s too late.

Fire extinguishers.

It’s important to have a fire extinguisher in the house, but you also need to make sure the extinguisher hasn’t expired and is code compliant. Extinguishers are not one-size-fits-all devices; a variety of factors determine what kind of extinguisher you need in a short-term rental property, including where it’s placed, what the climate is, and what fuel sources are in the unit. For most properties, the best place to put this essential item is in the kitchen. In these cases, a multipurpose fire extinguisher is typically the best fit.

Connected access control and intercom systems.

As mentioned, security is more important than ever for renters. In multi-unit structures like apartments and condos, connected access controls and intercoms let guests easily move throughout properties while keeping residents safe with real-time control and auditing.

Even if no new safety regulations come out of the COVID-19 pandemic — an unlikely outcome — implementing these features should still be a best practice for short-term rental property managers and owners. These features can help guests feel safe and comfortable during their stays and encourage them to return for future visits.

Sean Miller is president of PointCentral, a subsidiary of Alarm.com and the leader in enterprise property automation solutions for long-term and short-term managers of single-family and multifamily rental properties.

The post Are Your Short-Term Rentals Ready for a Safety Reckoning? appeared first on Think Realty | A Real Estate of Mind.

from Real Estate Tips https://thinkrealty.com/short-term-rentals-ready-safety-reckoning/

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