#modern house florida keys

[thequeenofsand]

Roofing - Modern Exterior

A large modern gray two-story concrete exterior home remodel's inspiration

[shyniisparkles]

Roofing - Modern Exterior A large modern gray two-story concrete exterior home remodel's inspiration

[pegafin]

Ai Generated McMansions: Key West Dreams

As a wholesome treat in honor of Mother's Day, I asked my mom for a prompt for this McMansion. She said "Key West." Key West is a very special place for me and my family. It is a truly amazing place, full of rich, exciting history and culture, and art, six toed cats, and wild-living chickens everywhere you go. Only once you have experienced Key West can you truly experience the depth of today's abomination...✨🏝️🍹

Built by a couple who always dreamed of living in Key West, all attempts to build the home in Key West itself ended in suspected arson and historical protesting (as in, myriad characters from the island's long storied history rose form their above-ground-graves in the Historic Key West Cemetery to protest construction).

Now happily located in Sadslot Beach, FL, this home is a true Key West dream. Discover a charming bar around every corner. Bask in a cacophony of color and craftsmanship. Plus, all artwork is included, and load bearing!

The atrium-style foyer boasts quintuple grand staircases and a charming water feature, full of native mosquitos.

Did you think the craftsmanship stopped at just two stories? Think again! This foyer goes all the way up.

The triple-decker living room (left) and the bar & lounge (right)

Live like vacation all year round with a kitchen that's only bars!

Slide into the formal dining room...

...and crash into the game room!

No game room is complete without a functional home sports bar.

Master Suite

Two Story Atrium Suite

Two Story Atrium Guest Room

Guest Bath, with his, hers, and theirs sinks, and his and hers toilets!

Entryway to the master bath, with master bath bar.

Two-Story Atrium Master Bath:

Last but certainly not least… 🌟Indoor Pool & Tennis Complex!🌟

Call now to book your tour today! ☎️📞🤳🏝️

Behind the Scenes:

[terracegallery]

Pure Enchantment Grouper

Colorful grouper fish art by beachy beach artist Sharon Cummings. Fishy fun for any home or office space! A rainbow of fins for the nature lover. Furnishings and accents for tropical and nautical themed house. Coastal living beauty! GET IT HERE!

[hometoursandotherstuff]

This is a GORGEOUS multi-family compound. It was built in 1958 in Key West, FL. 9bds, 9ba, $3.875M and each unit has its own address.

If you like your mid-century modern colorful and funky, this is the house for you. Isn't this fun?

Of course, none of the furnishings come with the house, and they must've taken years to collect.

So, in this unit, there's an open living room/dining area/kitchen.

The kitchen's so open.

They put a desk in this small corridor.

One of the baths. Could be original tile, but I'm not sure. The bowl sink and faucet are new.

At the top of the stairs, sliding doors open to a washer/dryer.

What a tranquil oasis the primary bedroom is.

Beautiful coordinating en-suite.

Sooo pretty- bedroom and en-suite. I wonder why they're selling- they would have to take me kicking and screaming.

The 2nd unit.

This is very nice.

Cute. I bet they take the little blue fireplace, though.

Nice kitchen.

Primary bedroom. I like the closet doors.

Renovated bath. Oddly, the shower has a door to the outside.

The 3rd unit.

This one looks like the smallest unit.

The kitchen is small.

The bedrooms are nice, but smaller.

Cute shower room.

There's a courtyard where each unit can have an outdoor table.

And, everyone has access to the beautiful pool.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1519-Florida-St-Key-West-FL-33040/306090496_zpid/

[sugarpsalms]

Ahh, here we are! After much revision (to the point where the only thing that's remained are the graphics [and character icons that @pumpkinspicelatte-art allowed me to use]), I've finally settled on the cast and main story branches this extremely self-indulgent One Piece modern AU.

For personal reference (and for anyone interested) I'll be making the occasional handy info post. Coming up next will be backstories for various cast members, but for now, let's stick with the basics and kick this off with a general run down + main cast corral. Join me below the cut for a silly goofy time!

A beloved nightlife spot in Miami, FL, Golden Hand is packed from open to close. Featuring a sprawling bar, a cozy patio, and three main rooms filled with arcade games, it has something for you, whatever your mood! Come early and you can grab a booth or patio corner; if you like to mingle, the barflies and game floor crawlers are friendly; or, if you’re wanting something a little more thrilling: tell the Bar Manager you came to let off steam. He’ll know exactly what you mean. If that’s what you want, be sure to bring plenty of cash. Once you’re escorted to Golden Hand’s back rooms, you’re going to need it. The drinks are pricier, the smoke is tempting, and—is that a pinball pit? That guy walking around, is he taking bets? Are we gambling? Hey! Stop with all the questions. What are you, a cop?

Crocodile

Owner and founder of Golden Hand, Crocodile is the toast of Miami. Though he’s had several successful ventures, the barcade is by far his most popular. It attracts both locals and tourists and is the pride of the local game design community. Every indie creator from the keys to the panhandle dreams of having Croc scoop their project up! While he’s a busy man, he can be spotted in Golden Hand most nights. Come early enough and you’ll see him chatting at the bar with its manager. After dark though, the only place you’ll find him is the back. If you want to chat, you'll have to drop serious cash.

Mihawk

Bar manager, custom cocktail crafter, and—when necessary—drunk asshole ejector, Mihawk’s is a face everyone knows. Croc may own the place, but Mihawk keeps it running, handling everything from daily operation to public relations. Though his gloomy attitude makes him seem unapproachable at first, regulars and staff alike adore him. Once you sniff his sense of humor out, turns out he’s more witty than scary. Want to charm him? Show interest in his herb garden and never leave with your tab open.

Buggy

Originally a regular, Buggy was ‘offered’ the position of Floor Walker after security footage turned up evidence of him installing card skimmers onto high-traffic games. When confronted, he was given a choice between paying the house a lump percent of his earnings or working off the debt. Chronically broke, Buggy chose the latter. He now spends most nights of the week collecting empty drink glasses and exchanging cash for game tokens. Was this how he pictured ushering in his 40s? No, but he's making the best of it, and as soon as he clears his debt, he's out!

Golden Hand’s various office staff, bartenders, and security

Alvida, Cabaji, Daz, Perona, Galdino, Mohji

Doflamingo

Crocodile’s first and most pesky business partner, Doflamingo is the reason your cup is always full. He’s the owner of several vineyards, distilleries, and micro breweries, and the sole provider of alcohol—among other things—to Golden Hand. Along with his family, he spends every summer in Florida catching up with his old flame, reviewing their contract, and setting up the next year’s shipment plan; as well as making boat trips along the Gulf Coast and straightening out supply lines for… well, back room patrons, you had to know all that smoke came from somewhere.

Rosinante

An ex-marine and Doflamingo’s live-in little brother, Rosi is mostly uninterested in the family business. He has trouble saying no, however, so in exchange for pocket money, he lets his brother keep him on as a kind of secretary. Day-to-day, Rosi fields phone calls, arranges meetings, manages travel plans, and otherwise keeps his brother on track. This last task is critical, as anyone who’s worked with Doflamingo will tell you. No one’s sure how Rosi motivates him, and Rosi isn’t telling.

Law

Former ward of the Donquixotes, Law is enrolled in medical school. Prior to that, he interned with the business. While his job description was vague, he could always be spotted with Doflamingo on his 'boating trips’. Scuttlebutt is, he was a runner, and not the track & field kind. Though no longer an employee, he’s still close with the family. He lives in their house, Doflamingo pays his tuition, and he tags along on their yearly Florida trips—where he still, occasionally, goes boating with Doflamingo as a favor.

Patrons come and go at Golden Hand with the season. Some can be seen every night for weeks, or every weekend for three months; some venture in for special occasions or to impress their out-of-town friends only; and some seem like they've been at the barcade all their life.

Golden Hand appreciates any and all business, of course, but its regulars hold a special place in the staff's heart. There's something nice about knowing what faces to expect... even if some of those faces tend to cause a ruckus.

Shanks

A well-known barfly, Shanks spends 4-5 nights a week in Golden Hand. He comes in early and orders cheap drinks for all of his friends. Despite flirting with both the bar manager and floor walker, he usually goes home alone... and never a minute before closing. He's a very predictable (and unlucky in love) kind of man. He's chatty, an excellent tipper, and surprisingly good at air hockey, making him popular with other other regulars as well as the staff. A few nights a month, he can be spotted in the back rooms smoking with Crocodile. No one knows what they talk about, but these meetings always precede Shanks going out of town.

Smoker

A local cop whose beat includes the streets around Golden Hand, Smoker swings by two or three times a week. Coming off a shift, he'll order a drink to have out on the patio with his partner, Tashigi, before heading to his home outside the city. While he's heard rumors of the barcade's illicit dealings, Smoker isn't in a rush to look into it. It's a popular place, and Croc is friendly with Smoker's chief as well as the DA. Too much trouble, in Smoker's opinion. He's just here to drink.

The Strawhats

A delightfully rambunctious friend group who share a few apartments in Little Havana, the Strawhats can be found in Golden Hand every weekend. The trawl the game floor from open to close, mostly playing with each other, though they've been known to break off in pairs and challenge other couples. When not pestering Buggy for tokens or cozying up to barflies for free drinks, the Strawhats can be found in the back. Their pinball skills are the stuff of local legend, making them the favorites to bet on any evening they happen to be spotted down in the pit.

Recurring background barflies, game floor trawlers, and backroom visitors

Ace, Sabo, Bartolomeo, E. Kid, Killer, Paulie, Icerberg, Rob Lucci

[fatehbaz]

For those who know how to read them, the signs have long been there. Like the towering mound of 20 million oyster shells all but obscured by the lush greenery of central Florida’s Gulf Coast. Or the arcing lines of wave-weathered stone walls strung along British Columbia’s shores like a necklace. Such features, hidden in the landscape, tell a rich and varied story of Indigenous stewardship. They reveal how humans carefully transformed the world’s coasts into gardens of the sea -- gardens that produced vibrant, varied communities of marine life [...]. And in certain places, like on the west coast of North America in what is now Washington state and where the Swinomish are building a new sea garden, these ancient practices are poised to sustain them once again.

“I see it as a way for our people to be reconnected to our place, to be reconnected to each other, and to have a purpose, to have a responsibility that goes beyond us,” says Alana Quintasket (siwəlcəʔ) of the Swinomish Tribal Senate.

---

Across the planet, Indigenous communities, from the Heiltsuk in British Columbia, to the Powhatan on the Chesapeake Bay on the United States’ Atlantic Coast, to the Māori in New Zealand, have successfully stewarded the sea [...]. These communities avoided diminishing their productive sea gardens despite, in some cases, seeing harvests that rival modern commercial fisheries.

The scale of historical Indigenous oyster gardening, for instance, cannot be overstated. On America’s southeastern Atlantic coast, in the modern states of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, Indigenous peoples whose descendants include the Muscogee built gargantuan monuments out of oyster shells. These structures could reach 30 meters high or more. [...]

In 2004, scientists studying historical overfishing published a study showing how, starting around the 19th century, oyster stocks suffered a “moving wave of exploitation” that traveled down the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America and the eastern coast of Australia. The capitalist commercial fisheries that arrived with European colonization and settlement, Rick says, undid thousands of years of sustainable prosperity. “Within 50 years, 100 years, maybe even less in some areas, they’ve depleted that stock.” But to Rick, that modern narrative of rampant decline is only part of the story. [...] To fill in the rest of the story, Rick assembled a diverse, multidisciplinary team of researchers to revisit the history of oyster fishing in the same places [...].

---

The work adds to scientists’ growing understanding of the diversity and value of Indigenous approaches to marine stewardship. Like the oyster gardens, similar systems show up again and again around the world, from Native Hawaiian loko i‘a (fishponds) and Haida Gwaii naw náaGalang (octopus houses) to the shi hu (stone fish traps) of Taiwan and corrales de pesca (fish traps) of Patagonia. These and other examples are being cataloged by a broad collaboration, known as the Pacific Sea Garden Collective, that is working to map this diversity of Indigenous sea gardening innovations across the Pacific Ocean.

In her own work studying historical Indigenous clam gardens on the North American west coast, which date back at least 3,500 years, Anne Salomon, an applied marine ecologist at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, has noted some of the key techniques that led to these bountiful yet restrained returns. People would till the sediment, replenish shells in the water, and construct low intertidal rock terraces that flatten the shoreline and expand the farmable area. [...]

---

To Salomon, who is involved in the Pacific Sea Garden Collective, the intensive nature of some Indigenous sea gardens is fundamentally different from the maximum sustained yield mindset of today’s capitalist commercial fisheries. Archaeological evidence, paired with Indigenous oral histories, Salomon says, shows how by focusing on common reciprocal, relationship-based principles and governance practices — ones that sustain individuals, communities and their environments — Indigenous communities often made decisions that led to huge harvests while also putting some limits on the scale at which that intensification was happening.

These gardening efforts included a continuum of features, such as seasonal or size limits on harvest, that may be invisible to the eye, Salomon says. And as Marco Hatch, a member of the Samish Indian Nation and a marine ecologist at Western Washington University who was involved in Rick’s study of oyster gardens points out, “These features aren’t just physical features, they’re cultural features and spiritual features.” [...]

---

Inspired by sea garden restorations led by Indigenous communities in British Columbia, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community has just received permits to start raking sediment and rolling rocks at a site on its traditional tidelands on Kiket Island, roughly 125 kilometers north of Seattle. For years, tribal members were chased away with guns and dogs and prevented from harvesting in the area, says Swinomish tribal member and shellfish community liaison Joe Williams (Squi qui). “It’s a very special time for us to be able to reacquaint with this particular location,” he says.

This sea garden should help address recent declines of butter clams, littleneck clams and Olympia oysters, and help those populations adapt to climate change. Historically, Indigenous peoples would shift the locations of clam garden rock walls as sea levels changed. Gardens also protect clams against ocean acidification and potentially against extreme temperatures.

---

Text by Ashley Braun. This story was originally produced for Hakai Magazine. Braun’s text here appears as published/re-published by Crosscut with the title “Indigenous sea gardens fed communities, preserved ecosystems.” 3 August 2022. [Bold emphasis added by me.]

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Katherine Stewart at TNR (08.10.2023):

Earlier this year, nearly 1,000 supporters of “National Conservatism” gathered at the semicircular auditorium of the Emmanuel Centre, an elegant London meeting hall a couple of blocks south of Westminster Abbey, to hear from a range of scholars, commentators, politicians, and public servants. NatCon conferences, as they are often called, have been held in Italy, Belgium, and Florida and are broadly associated with what is increasingly called the “New Right.” In London, speakers denounced “woke politics,” blamed immigration for the rising cost of housing, and said modern ills could be solved with more religion and more (nonimmigrant) babies. The break room was lined with booths from organizations such as the Viktor Orbán–affiliated Danube Institute, the U.K.-based conservative think tank the Bow Group, the Heritage Foundation, and the legal powerhouse Alliance Defending Freedom, which is headquartered in Arizona but has expanded to include offices in nearly a half-dozen European cities. When I attended NatCon London in May, I heard a number of American accents in the crowd, and I was not surprised to see Michael Anton, a former national security official in the Trump administration and a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, a right-wing think tank, on the lineup. These days, Anton and other key representatives of the Claremont Institute seem to be everywhere: onstage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC); at the epicenter of Ron DeSantis’s “war on woke”; and on speed-dial with GOP allies including Josh Hawley, J.D. Vance, and Donald Trump.

Most of us are familiar with the theocrats of the religious right and the anti-government extremists, groups that overlap a bit but remain distinct. The Claremont Institute folks aren’t quite either of those things, and yet they’re both and more. In embodying a kind of nihilistic yearning to destroy modernity, they have become an indispensable part of right-wing America’s evolution toward authoritarianism. Extremism of the right-wing variety has always figured on the sidelines of American culture, and it has enjoyed a renaissance with the rise of social media. But Claremont represents something new in modern American politics: a group of people, not internet conspiracy freaks but credentialed and influential leaders, who are openly contemptuous of democracy. And they stand a reasonable chance of being seated at the highest levels of government—at the right hand of a President Trump or a President DeSantis, for example.

[...]

Founded in 1979 in the city of Claremont, California (but not associated in an official way with any of the five colleges there), the Claremont Institute provided enthusiastic support for Donald Trump in 2016. Individuals associated with Claremont now fund and help run the National Conservativism gatherings; Claremont Institute chairman and funder Thomas D. Klingenstein also funds the Edmund Burke Foundation, which has held those National Conservatism conferences across the globe. Claremont is deeply involved in DeSantis’s effort to remake Florida’s state universities in the model of Hillsdale College—a private, right-wing, conservative Christian academy in Michigan whose president, Larry Arnn, happens to be one of the institute’s founders and former presidents. Claremont honored DeSantis at an annual gala with its 2021 “Statesmanship Award,” and the governor returned the favor by organizing a discussion with a “brain trust” that included figures associated with the Claremont Institute. If either Trump or DeSantis becomes president in 2024, Claremont and its associates are likely to be integral to the “brain trust” of the new administration. Indeed, some of them are certain to become appointees in the administrative state that they wish (or so they say) to destroy.

The Claremont Institute in the Trump era has become a clearinghouse for far-right and fascistic ideas.  

[molinabiancavalentina]

MODERN HISTORY

3RD BLOG _ Water Conservation Month / HISTORICAL MOVEMENT

In this post, I would like to introduce you to a significant time and memorable event in the history of water conservation. I am talking about Water Conservation Month. As an important way to let people know that water conservation is important, there is now an entire month to remember it. Water conservation is becoming one of the most important ways to recycle water and stop pollution around the world, so water conservation has a month to remember what resource we are still alive for.

The first proclamation designating April as Water Conservation Month was signed in 1998 and is widely recognized by many Florida cities and counties. The City of Fort Lauderdale participates in this tradition each year. While water conservation should be a year-round practice, it is especially important during April because it is the last month of Florida's dry season. Historically, there is a higher demand for water in April. This can be due to people watering more landscapes, filling swimming pools and taking longer showers as temperatures rise. The City of Fort Lauderdale invites its neighbors, business owners and visitors to step up their conservation efforts each April by challenging themselves to implement additional water-saving measures.

Some of the key players during Water Conservation Month could be:

Local leaders: Their job or role is to conserve water in their zone by assigning certain activities to a certain number of people, such as fixing leaks or making sure the tap is turned off when not in use.

Water Experts: Their role is to raise awareness of water conservation during the month, and because they are experts in the field, they were able to explain why it is so important to conserve water today.

Environmental Advocates: The specific role of these people is to try to publish in social media or make campaigns during this month, people will by attention to you, since the "Water Conservation Month" could be trendy on tiktok or instagram, so it would be of such help to know where to find people who are interested in caring for the environment or, in this case, water.

The results of this great movement in the history of water are impressive. By doing this every April, water conservation has increased among people. In parts of Florida, a lot of water went unused because of this month. The impact has been so great that everyone in a single area can help save more than half of the water that is actually used for everyday things by realizing that there is no need to waste so much water. Water is not something we should not care about because without it we will literally die, so the impact of adding this month was wise.

Today, it is very difficult for people to try to conserve water efficiently, which is why this movement brings good news for the environment! Saving water is not new today, but few people in the world really want to do something good for this planet. Trying to implement a month dedicated only to conservation seemed to me a very positive thing, because some people are very impressionable if we look at it from the good side. 

To conclude the last blog on water conservation, we could say that in general, water is a resource of vital importance for the healthy life of any individual, not only because it is good for your health, but it has helped us throughout the history of the Earth's existence in various aspects, such as navigation, cleaning the house, cleaning ourselves and many others. From my point of view, creating a month for water conservation seems excellent! Because some people, at least in one month, come together to be against the unnecessary consumption of water, using techniques that conserve and preserve water and eliminate the fact that it is polluted.

[connectparanormal]

Haunted Dolls

For a long time, people have been afraid of and interested in haunted dolls. They are common in folklore, urban tales, and pop culture. People think that these dolls are haunted by ghosts or other supernatural beings, and individuals who come across them often have creepy and scary experiences. The idea of haunted toys comes from a deep-seated fear of the inanimate becoming alive, which is a theme that runs through many cultures and times. Ancient people used dolls in religious and ritual activities, which gave rise to the concept of evil dolls. Some countries believed that dolls could contain spirits that could either protect or curse people. The modern idea of haunted dolls, where a spirit or other mysterious force is believed to have taken over the doll and given it its own life, originated from these old beliefs.

In stories about haunted toys, a lot of scary things tend to happen. People who own the dolls say that they move, change positions, or show up in different places without any reason. Some dolls are known to produce sounds such as laughter, crying, or whispering, despite lacking the necessary mechanisms. These things can happen randomly or get worse over time, making people feel more dread and fear. The Fort East Martello Museum in Key West, Florida houses Robert the Doll, one of the most well-known haunted toys. A young boy named Robert Eugene Otto received the doll as a gift in the early 1900s. Many strange events and bad luck are believed to have occurred as a result of the doll. Otto reportedly conversed with the doll, claiming it responded with a distinct voice. People who visit the museum today still say strange things happen, such as cameras not working or feeling uneasy when they are near the doll. A well-known example is Annabelle, a Raggedy Ann doll that became famous after Ed and Lorraine Warren, who study the supernatural, looked into it. The Warrens asserted that a bad spirit haunted the doll, triggering a series of violent and upsetting events. Annabelle's story became even more well-known thanks to the movie series "The Conjuring," which made the doll's ghostly appearances more dramatic. Many psychologists and doubters think that the things that people say about haunted dolls are just the power of suggestion or pareidolia, which is the human tendency to see patterns and meanings in things that are random or unclear. Some dolls' creepy looks, such as their lifelike features and glassy eyes, can make people feel uncomfortable and scared, leading them to think about or exaggerate supernatural events. Things in the room, like creaky floors or drafts, can also make it appear as if the dolls are moving or making noise.

Despite these rational justifications, the allure of haunted toys remains strong. Horror books, movies, and TV shows frequently feature haunted toys, exploiting people's fear of the supernatural. People who collect haunted toys often write about their experiences online, which spreads the stories and draws in people who are interested or looking for a thrill. Whether you look at them through the lens of folklore, psychology, or paranormal belief, haunted toys are still intriguing and scary. They represent the meeting point of the known and the unknown, the good and the bad, which makes them lasting images of the supernatural.

[homicideworldwide2]

A serial killer is defined as a person who commits a series of murders, typically with a distinctive pattern, motive, or method, over a period of time. Key characteristics often associated with serial killers include

1. **Multiple Victims**: They kill more than one person, often with a cooling-off period between each murder.

2. **Distinctive Patterns**: There is usually a recognizable pattern or method to their killings, which may involve specific victim types (e.g., young women), certain locations, or particular rituals.

3. **Psychological Motivation**: Serial killers often have complex psychological motivations for their crimes, which may include power, control, sexual gratification, or a desire for attention.

4. **Cooling-off Period**: Unlike mass murderers who kill multiple people in a single event, serial killers have a period of time between each murder, during which they may return to their normal lives or plan their next crime.

5. **Repetitive Behavior**: They exhibit a repetitive behavior pattern in their crimes, which may evolve over time but generally retains certain core elements.

6. **Lack of Conscience or Remorse**: Many serial killers display a lack of remorse or empathy for their victims, viewing them as objects rather than individuals.

7. **Forensic Awareness**: Some serial killers demonstrate a degree of forensic awareness, taking steps to evade capture by altering their methods, locations, or victim selection.

Serial killers are distinct from other types of killers, such as spree killers or mass murderers, due to the specific criteria of multiple murders over time and the psychological complexities involved in their actions. Below are the top 10 most prolific serial killers of the modern world:

1. **Ted Bundy**: Known for his charm and intelligence, Bundy confessed to killing at least 30 young women in the 1970s. His modus operandi included luring victims by feigning injuries or authority.

2. **Jeffrey Dahmer**: Infamously dubbed the "Milwaukee Cannibal," Dahmer was responsible for the murders of 17 young men and boys between 1978 and 1991. He not only killed but also dismembered and sometimes cannibalized his victims.

3. **John Wayne Gacy**: A respected community figure known as "Pogo the Clown," Gacy was convicted of murdering 33 young men and boys in Chicago during the 1970s. He buried many of his victims beneath his house.

4. **Andrei Chikatilo**: Nicknamed the "Butcher of Rostov," Chikatilo murdered and mutilated at least 52 women and children in Russia between 1978 and 1990. His crimes were marked by extreme violence and sexual depravity.

5. **Ed Gein**: Although not a prolific killer (only two confirmed murders), Gein's crimes in Wisconsin during the 1950s were notorious for their gruesome nature. He inspired the characters of Norman Bates in *Psycho* and Leatherface in *The Texas Chain Saw Massacre*.

6. **Aileen Wuornos**: One of the rare female serial killers, Wuornos was convicted of killing seven men in Florida between 1989 and 1990. Her troubled past and claims of self-defense garnered significant media attention.

7. **Dennis Rader**: Known as the "BTK Killer" (Bind, Torture, Kill), Rader terrorized Wichita, Kansas, between 1974 and 1991. He sent taunting letters to police and media detailing his crimes, which included 10 known murders.

8. **Richard Ramirez**: Dubbed the "Night Stalker," Ramirez terrorized Los Angeles and San Francisco in the mid-1980s, committing at least 13 murders along with numerous assaults and burglaries. His penchant for satanic symbols added to his chilling persona.

9. **Pedro Rodrigues Filho**: This Brazilian killer is believed to have murdered over 70 people, mostly other criminals or those he believed had wronged him. His troubled childhood and vengeful motivations shaped his violent path.

10. **Harold Shipman**: A British doctor, Shipman was found guilty in 2000 of murdering 15 patients, although he is suspected of killing many more. His role as a trusted healthcare professional who betrayed his patients' trust added a horrifying twist to his crimes.

These individuals represent some of the darkest aspects of human behavior, each leaving a trail of devastation and fear in their wake. Understanding their motives and methods offers a sobering look into the depths of criminal psychology and serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and justice in our society. I also find it very interesting that to the nine different men, there is only one woman. I wonder why? I don't believe that women are any less dangerous. Women just seem to not follow the same pattern that the men do. That's very interesting to me.

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This blog post aims to provide a factual and respectful overview of notorious serial killers, highlighting their impact on history and the lasting fear they instilled.

[srkshaju]

Get Ready to Rumble: Road House Remake Bounces onto Prime Video in March!

Calling all Swayze fans and fight aficionados! The highly anticipated Road House remake finally has a release date: March 21st, exclusively on Prime Video.

No need to hit the theaters for this one, grab your popcorn and settle in for some brawls from the comfort of your couch.

This modern take on the 80s classic swaps Patrick Swayze for Jake Gyllenhaal as Dalton, an ex-UFC fighter who trades the octagon for a bouncer gig at a Florida Keys roadhouse.

Sounds idyllic, right?

Think again. Paradise soon turns gritty as Dalton uncovers the joint's shady underbelly.

Enter Conor McGregor, making his major film debut as Knox, Dalton's nemesis.

Sparks are guaranteed to fly (and heads might roll) in their inevitable showdown.

Speaking of flying sparks, Gyllenhaal actually filmed some scenes at a real UFC event, getting the crowd pumped with a choreographed fight against veteran Jay Hieron.

Talk about immersive!

Here's what you can expect:

Release date: March 21st, 2024 (exclusively on Prime Video)

Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Conor McGregor

Director: Doug Liman

Runtime: 1 hour and 54 minutes

Synopsis: An ex-UFC fighter becomes a bouncer in paradise, only to discover trouble brewing beneath the surface.

We've got a first look at the poster too, check it out!

Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled trip down memory lane (with a modern twist) when Road House throws open its doors on March 21st.

Will it live up to the original?

Only one way to find out!

[danyvcollins8]

Antique Auction Guide: What to Know About Buying & Selling

You’re at an antique auction. You feel the thrill of potential discovery in every item up for bid. But how do you know what’s worth your money or just old trash?

If selling is more your game, can you spot a hidden gem among Grandma’s heirlooms that others would dream of owning? This guide aims to unravel these mysteries by offering insights into buying and selling antiques effectively. Dive right in; let this be your road map through the exciting world of antique auctions!

Types of Antiques Offered at Auction in Clearwater, FL

From vintage furniture to remarkable pottery pieces, every auction offers a unique selection that’s sure to impress antique lovers. It is quite common for people to find Chinese Ming Dynasty pottery and Art Nouveau jewelry while browsing furniture pieces from the Victorian era or items from mid-century modern tables. Moreover, these scavengers often discover a plethora of aged wine bottles from Europe.

On your next trip, finding classic chandeliers with intricate detailing dating back centuries could be possible! Even sports memorabilia make their appearance in auctions sometimes. This includes autographed baseball cards and historic match tickets.

Stay eager because comic books that bring waves of nostalgia can also spring surprises, along with old-world paintings stirring profound emotions! It just showcases how diverse and versatile Clearwater’s antique offerings are, providing endless opportunities worth exploring for everyone interested!

Tips for Buying at an Antique

Diving into the world of antiques can seem daunting, but remember, knowledge is power. You must understand that in Clearwater, Florida, auctions, online platforms usually charge lower premiums compared to direct auction services, and this could save you a significant amount. The price range for items at an auction varies widely; some may be surprisingly affordable, while others might reach astronomical figures.

Keep yourself updated with prices through regular research so as not to overpay or underbid for artifacts. Are there hidden costs? Sellers pay what’s called ‘seller premiums,’ which are fees based on a percentage of the final sale cost. Buyers, too, have their share known as ‘buyer premiums.’

A key term you should know about is ‘reserves’. A reserve is a minimum acceptable bid amount set by the seller. Sellers reserve the right to withhold a sale if bids do not meet this reserve number. However, they still have to pay listing fees regardless of whether a sale occurs or not.

Remember: Bidding requires registration, so ensure your paperwork is done correctly before hitting any auction houses!

Determining Your Budget Before Shopping Antiques

While venturing into Clearwater’s antique market, take steps to set your financial limits. This precaution prevents costly mishaps, as antiques can range from moderately priced to astonishingly expensive. Before shopping for antiques, you have two tasks: understand the general price range of desired items and decide what you’re willing to spend.

Research helps in both areas. Identify reputable online platforms that offer an idea of current pricing trends for various antiques. Consider enlisting a professional appraiser who specializes in your area of interest for a more personalized budget estimation. They provide precise valuations that aid in making informed decisions about potential purchases or even sales later. Remember, though: while setting out hunting relics with deep pockets may seem appealing, respect your personal spending boundaries regardless of how enticing that vintage piece looks.

Don’t let perceived value override established monetary confines; seek enchantment within your allotted fiscal sphere.

Selling Your Own Antiques at an Auction House in Clearwater, FL

When planning to sell your own antiquities at an auction house in Clearwater, FL, there’s a clear process you can follow. First, connect with the auction house staff so they’re aware of your interest. They will inform you about upcoming auctions and provide catalogs for them.

Next, inspect properties alongside a knowledgeable professional, such as a builder or handyman. This way, all necessary repairs can be accounted for before making pricing decisions. Procuring legal packs from the auctioneer may also prove fruitful, giving comprehensive insights into each available property.

This means no hidden surprises later down the line! However, swift action remains crucial due to the short periods between catalog releases and actual auctions.

Remember that setting budgets precedes any other step. Understanding how much renovation costs might be, plus knowing payment methods, adds value, too! Lastly, but importantly, don’t overlook those terms and conditions paperwork. Stay familiarized with what needs to be paid without any nasty surprises on D-day.

Essential Expert Advice when Attending Auctions In Clearwater, FL

Auction catalogs come out a month beforehand, so use this time wisely. Investigate the item of interest by researching its history, condition, and value range. Additionally, obtain information about any associated costs, such as set fees or percentages owed to the vendor or auction house. These expenses can add up quickly if they are not taken into account, so be sure to factor them in when making bids at Clearwater auctions.

Always have sufficient funds for deposits, usually around 10%, since failure to provide that could lead you into legal trouble with sellers.

Therefore, avoiding relying solely on selling items at an auction is important. This is because vendors always set a reserve price, which is the minimum acceptable bid they must receive for them to sell the item. As such, there is no guarantee that items will always be sold through auctions.

Additionally, be cautious while referring to guide prices provided by auction houses; they’re often lower than the actual worth to boost public attention, but they might misdirect you when setting your budget limit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Antique Buying & Selling Process

Your attitude during the negotiation plays a vital role. Approaching dealers with respect ensures they will be more receptive in their responses. People may believe that haggling is a must during this process. Unfortunately, this assumption can lead to misunderstandings or neglected opportunities for discovering good items at fair prices.

When you pressure an antique dealer into dropping the price drastically, it may seem unfair and disrespectful toward their expertise and business expenses. Don’t let reality TV fool you, either! Those massive discounts stay confined primarily to television sets as part of scripted deals rather than actual transactions on the ground. So, keep expectations realistic!

Credits: https://blackwellauctions.com/antique-auction-guide-what-to-know-about-buying-selling/

Lastly, remember one man’s trash might just turn out to be another’s treasure. Targeting lower-priced antiques alone won’t suffice. Instead, focus on finding pieces that resonate personally. Striking a balance between taste and affordability should remain your goal.

Navigating the exciting world of antique buying and selling shouldn’t be intimidating. Knowledge is power; knowing what items to look for, understanding the auction process, and acting promptly are key. Always remember that every art piece has a story; your goal should be discovering its worth, considering its historical value.

[hoursofreading]

The GOP's only policy position is that of 'what will hurt people most?' There is no reason why Republicans even have a chance of taking back the majority. In 2022 alone, Biden and Dems have done the following:

passed the Inflation Reduction Act, the biggest investment in fighting climate change in history

passed the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the largest investment in infrastructure since Eisenhower

passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, breaking a 30-year streak of federal inaction on gun violence legislation

signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law

took out the leader of al Qaeda

ended America's longest war

reauthorized and strengthened the Violence Against Women Act

signed the PACT Act, a bill to address veteran burn pit exposure

signed the NATO accession protocols for Sweden and Finland

issued executive order to protect reproductive rights

canceled $10,000 of student loan debt for borrowers making less than $125,000 and canceled $20,000 in debt for Pell Grant recipients

canceled billions in student loan debt for borrowers who were defrauded

nominated now-Supreme Court Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to replace Justice Breyer

brought COVID under control in the U.S. (e.g., COVID deaths down 90% and over 220 million vaccinated)

formed Monkeypox response team to reach communities at highest risk of contracting the virus

unemployment at a 50-year low

on track to cut deficit by $1.3 trillion, largest one-year reduction in U.S. history

limited the release of mercury from coal-burning power plants

$5 billion for electric vehicle chargers- $119 billion budget surplus in January 2022, first in over two years

united world against Russia’s war in Ukraine

ended forced arbitration in workplace sexual assault cases

reinstated California authority to set pollution standards for cars

ended asylum restrictions for children traveling alone

signed the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act, the first federal ban on lynching after 200 failed attempts

Initiated “use it or lose it" policy for drilling on public lands to force oil companies to increase production

released 1 million barrels of oil a day for 6 months from strategic reserves to ease gas prices

rescinded Trump-era policy allowing rapid expulsion of migrants

expunged student loan defaults

overhauled USPS finances to allow the agency to modernize its service

required federal dollars spent on infrastructure to use materials made in America

restored environmental reviews for major infrastructure projects

Launched $6 billion effort to save distressed nuclear plants

provided $385 million to help families and individuals with home energy costs through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. (This is in addition to $4.5 billion provided in the American Rescue Plan.)

national registry of police officers who are fired for misconduct

tightened restrictions on chokeholds, no-knock warrants, and transfer of military equipment to police departments

required all federal law enforcement officers to wear body cameras

$265 million for South Florida reservoir, key component of Everglades restoration

major wind farm project off West coast to provide electricity for 1.5 million homes

continued Obama administration's practice of posting log records of visitors to White House

devoted $2.1 billion to strengthen US food supply chain

invoked Defense Production Act to rapidly expand domestic production of critical clean energy technologies

enacted two-year pause of anti-circumvention tariffs on solar

allocated funds to federal agencies to counter 300-plus anti-LGBTQ laws by state lawmakers in 2022

relaunched cancer 'moonshot' initiative to help cut death rate

expanded access to emergency contraception and long-acting reversible contraception

prevented states from banning Mifepristone, a medication used to end early pregnancy that has FDA approval

21 executive actions to reduce gun violence

Climate Smart Buildings Initiative: Creates public-private partnerships to modernize Federal buildings to meet agencies’ missions, create good-paying jobs, and cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

Paying for today’s needed renovations with tomorrow’s energy savings without requiring upfront taxpayer funding

ended Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” policy

Operation Fly-Formula, bringing needed baby formula (19 missions to date)

executive order protecting travel for abortion

invested more in crime control and prevention than any president in history

provided death, disability, and education benefits to public safety officers and survivors who are killed or injured in the line of duty

Reunited 500 migrant families separated under Trump

$1.66 billion in grants to transit agencies, territories, and states to invest in 150 bus fleets and facilities

brokered joint US/Mexico infrastructure project; Mexico to pay $1.5 billion for US border security

blocked 4 hospital mergers that would've driven up prices and is poised to thwart more anti-competition consolidation attempts

10 million jobs—more than ever created before at this point of a presidency

record small business creation

banned paywalls on taxpayer-funded research

best economic growth record since Clinton

struck deal between major U.S. railroads and unions representing tens of thousands of workers after about 20 hours of talks, averting rail strike

eliminated civil statute of limitations for child abuse victims

announced $156 million for America's first-of-its-kind critical minerals refinery, demonstrating the commercial viability of turning mine waste into clean energy technology.

started process of reclassifying Marijuana away from being a Schedule 1 substance and pardoning all federal prisoners with possession offenses

Note: This list only reflects 2022 accomplishments. Click here for 2021 accomplishments.

[sammysdewysensitiveeyes]

"You don’t miss much, do you?"

Normally, coming from Sebastian that would be a sarcastic insult.  But this time there was a grudging respect in Shaw’s voice.

“What can I say?  We’re professional thieves.”  And that’s really all they had been, no matter how Toad gave lip service to fighting for mutant rights.  That particular Brotherhood was in it for the cash. 

The cash was there for the taking when Pyro finished melting through the lock on the safe that had been hidden behind a false wall, well worth the slight headache that concentrating his flame to blowtorch intensity would bring.  Cash, jewelry, some old books – crikey, was that a signed copy of The Great Gatsby?!  Pyro snatched it up and tucked it under his shirt before Sebastian could say a word. 

“Still, I admire how thoroughly you are picking the place clean.  You’ve found hiding spots even I wouldn’t have thought of, and I assure you, my valuables are well protected.”

“The real valuables,” Shaw added when Pyro could not resist a scoffing laugh.  He’d certainly stolen enough of Sebastian’s fine liquor recently, although mostly with Shinobi’s help.

“Whatever you say, Shaw,” Pyro said.  “We’re just taking while the taking’s good, and we know a few of the tricks these rich fucks use to hide the loot.” 

The rich fuck in question was Jonathon Chambers, the mutant formerly known as Empyrean.  The Brotherhood had already taken quite a lot from his estate in the Florida Keys back when the man had first disappeared, as much as they could carry.  Way back, in Pyro’s first lifetime.  Chambers had been missing for quite awhile, and the Five had refused resurrection without proof of death, until a recent archeological discovery had changed things.  A modern human skeleton found dating back to the Late Cretaceous period, which threw the academic world into an uproar and had Krakoans taking bets on which time-traveler it was.  Beast had announced, after getting ahold of a DNA sample somehow, that it was the late Empyrean, and now he was in the queue. 

Which meant that the Brotherhood was taking this window of opportunity to snatch away everything of value from Chambers’ abandoned estate, before he came back to claim it.  Toad, Avalanche, Blob and Phantazia were all scouring the mansion, taking what they wanted, and tossing what they didn’t into a pile to sell.  Or burn.  There was a bonfire out in the courtyard of the furniture and clothing that the group had deemed laughably ugly, along with life-size portraits of the mansion’s owner. 

And Sebastian?  He’d overheard their plans to raid Chambers’ mansion, and agreed to keep both mum and lend them a boat, in exchange for access to island’s research lab (he and Phantazia could fight over the fancy equipment down there), and “dibs” on a limited number of antiques, fine wines and pieces of artwork. 

“I must say, while I appreciate the greed on display here, I don’t quite understand the violence,” Sebastian said.  Down in the courtyard, Blob was tossing a claw-footed sofa into the fire, egged on by a cheering Toad, and Avalanche was shaking the marble statues on the balcony off into the ocean.  They had already done some damage to the house, with Blob-sized holes knocked directly through walls.  Pyro and Avalanche were privately planning to shake the house to the ground and torch what was left, once Eileen got whatever she wanted from the sub-basement labs. 

“Nothing to understand, we’re just violent assholes that have been cooped up on an island making nice for too long.  Gotta let it out somehow, and this is a rare opportunity.” 

Pyro didn’t think Sebastian knew about the Brotherhood’s previous association with Chambers, when they’d been guests at his supposed refuge for sick mutants.  Pyro himself didn’t know all the details – he’d spent some time bed-ridden, going through one of his many bad spells before the Legacy Virus finally claimed him – but Avalanche’s explanation had been something about time travel and fighting the X-Men, as usual.  The upshot was, charitable bleeding-heart Jonathan Chambers was actually a dick, and wound up disappearing into the time stream.  Good riddance.

“The violence just seems a bit targeted, that’s all,” Sebastian said.  “Almost like you knew the man.  Let me guess, professional jealousy?  Was he too successful as an author, Allerdyce?”

“Author!” Pyro scoffed.  “If you could really call him that.”  He pulled a copy of Chambers’ Fatal Attractions off the shelf.  “This garbage was just flavor of the month pop philosophy.  My books might be shallow, but at least I don’t pretend I’ve got something important to say.”

“But have you been invited on any talk shows?”  Sebastian asked, smirking.  Pyro ignored him, scowling down at the book in his hands and flipping through the pages with short, sharp movements.  What utter tripe it all was.  St. John hated celebrity books and vanity authors, no-talent hacks publishing on a famous name while working stiffs like him were banging out a living at 80 words per minute. 

He hated liars.  He hated smooth-talking wannabe messiah figures who claimed compassion and kindness and lofty ideals, and turned out to be just as self-interested, greedy and cruel as the rest of the world.  And worst of all, Pyro had believed him.  At his lowest, most vulnerable moment, St. John had believed that Jonathan Chambers was a decent man. 

“There’s nothing personal about it, Shaw,” Pyro said.  “Just a rich fuck with too much money, and some of it may as well be ours.”

Pyro walked out to the balcony, and tossed the book down into the bonfire.  A pair of flaming hands emerged from the blaze to catch it, and began to rip out the rapidly blackening pages. 

Beside him, Sebastian snorted.

“Oh sure, there’s nothing personal there at all.”

[hometoursandotherstuff]

I was surprised at the interior of this 1930 home on Key West, Florida. It has 3bd. 4ba., $2.8M. The house is beautifully decorated, but the price reflects that it’s in the Florida Keys, b/c the layout is tight and choppy.

What do you think of the colors? Pumpkin cabinets and a royal blue stove.

Fancy modern farmhouse sink. You know, on HGTV I have never seen anyone pick a backsplash like that. It’s always white w/maybe a little bit of gray. I was wondering if anyone ever bought the others. 

This is pretty cozy, a combination dining/living room with doors to the patio.

Very nice. A little crowded, but cozy.

The guest powder room is nice. 

This is unusual. Look at these stairs in the back, here.

The stairs come directly up to the main bd. on the upper level. Not terribly big, but it’s set up nicely.

This is a very nice large bath.

This bd. opens right out to the back yard.

It also has an en-suite.

The 3rd bd. and bath is across the patio in the guest house.

The patio that opens to the dining room. 

The yard isn’t very large, but they packed a lot into it. There’s no room for a pool, but they have a water feature.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1113-Curry-Ln-Key-West-FL-33040/82085288_zpid/