#Brick Foundation Repair

[repairfoundation]

Brick Foundation Repair: Preserving the Strength and Beauty of Your Home

Brick foundations are not only durable but also add a classic aesthetic to your home. However, over time, they can face issues that compromise their integrity. At Foundation Solutions, we specialize in brick foundation repair, ensuring that your home remains strong and beautiful. In this blog post, we will explore common brick foundation problems, the importance of timely repairs, and the expert solutions we offer to maintain your home’s stability.

Common Problems with Brick Foundations

Brick foundations, while sturdy, are susceptible to various issues due to environmental factors, natural wear and tear, and shifting soil. Here are some common problems homeowners might encounter:

Cracks in Mortar Joints: Over time, the mortar holding the bricks together can crack due to settling or moisture infiltration.

Bulging or Bowing Walls: Excessive pressure from soil or water can cause brick walls to bulge or bow.

Efflorescence: The appearance of a white, powdery substance on bricks indicates water seepage and salt deposits.

Spalling: This occurs when bricks flake or peel away due to moisture and freeze-thaw cycles.

Settlement Cracks: Vertical or stair-step cracks often indicate foundation settling or shifting.

The Importance of Timely Brick Foundation Repair

Ignoring problems with your brick foundation can lead to severe structural damage, safety hazards, and costly repairs. Here’s why timely repair is crucial:

Prevent Further Damage: Early intervention can stop minor issues from escalating into major structural failures.

Maintain Property Value: A well-maintained foundation preserves your home’s market value and aesthetic appeal.

Ensure Safety: Timely repairs protect your family from potential hazards caused by foundation failures.

Avoid Higher Costs: Addressing problems early can save you from more expensive repairs in the future.

Our Comprehensive Brick Foundation Repair Solutions

At Foundation Solutions, we offer specialized repair services tailored to meet the unique needs of brick foundations. Our approach includes:

Thorough Inspection: Our experts conduct detailed assessments to identify the root cause of the problems affecting your brick foundation.

Customized Repair Plan: We develop a personalized repair strategy based on the specific issues and condition of your foundation.

Advanced Techniques: We use the latest industry techniques and high-quality materials to ensure durable and effective repairs.

Professional Execution: Our skilled technicians execute the repair plan with precision, ensuring minimal disruption to your home.

Preventative Measures: We provide solutions to prevent future issues, such as improved drainage and moisture control systems.

Why Choose Foundation Solutions?

Choosing the right company for your brick foundation repair is crucial. Here’s what sets Foundation Solutions apart:

Experience and Expertise: With years of experience, our team has the knowledge and skills to handle any brick foundation issue.

Customer Commitment: We prioritize customer satisfaction, ensuring every project meets our high standards.

Transparent Pricing: We offer clear and upfront pricing with no hidden fees, so you know what to expect.

Guaranteed Results: Our repairs come with a warranty, giving you peace of mind that your home is in good hands.

Contact Us Today

Don’t let brick foundation problems jeopardize your home’s safety and value. Contact Foundation Solutions today for a comprehensive inspection and reliable repair services. Let us help you maintain a strong, beautiful, and secure home.

At Foundation Solutions, we are dedicated to providing top-quality brick foundation repair services that exceed your expectations. Trust us to keep your home’s foundation strong and resilient, ensuring long-term safety and peace of mind.

Tagged Brick Foundation Repair, Foundation Repair, Foundation Solutions

[brownstonerenovation]

https://captaincontracting.com/waterproofing-solutions-for-nyc-homes/

When it comes to protecting your home or business from water damage, finding a trustworthy waterproofing contractor is crucial. Captain Renovation & Contracting Inc. is your reliable partner for all your waterproofing needs, offering expert services in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and throughout New York City. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the unique challenges posed by the region’s climate, our team specializes in delivering comprehensive waterproofing solutions tailored to safeguard your property from water infiltration and structural damage.

[seattlefoundat]

Seattle Foundation Repair: Addressing Door & Window Problems with Expert House Foundation Specialists

Dealing with door and window issues in Seattle, WA? Our skilled residential foundation repair contractors can help. We specialize in resolving these problems by focusing on the root cause—your home's foundation. At Seattle Foundation Repair, we offer expert solutions to ensure your doors and windows function smoothly by securing and repairing your foundation. Contact us today for reliable and professional repair services.

for more information visit our website https://seattlefoundationrepairs.com/

USER NAME  Noah Smith 

NUMBER   (206) 752-2991

[diy-fire-water-pups]

Heya, guys! Just an ask for you guys, especially for Rocky. What do you guys feel about those cyber trucks? To me, I get salty because people drive a frickin TRAPEZOID!! it looks like an oversized microwave with four wheels! Even raccoons are attacking those trucks because they think they are dumpsters. But hey, that’s just me. What do you guys think?

If only the problem would be ONLY that this truck looks like a trapezoid… Someone once joked it’s Lara Croft in her first game - I had to look that up - but to be very honest, I think she has more polygons than a Cybertruck. And that’s saying something for sure.

As the Paw Patrol’s pup who’s specialized in medicine, I'd like to say that this truck is literally a menace on wheels for both passengers and pedestrians. Have you seen the crash tests? The truck doesn’t crush when colliding with something! It’s supposed to crush so the force of impact won’t go fully on the passengers inside. Without it, if it hits against something full force at top speed, people’s organs will practically become puree against their ribcage. And if it hits a pedestrian, even at lower speeds, the chances of major injuries is insanely high because it doesn’t have any smooth lines on its frame to soften the impact against the person! Only sharp edges! It’s absolutely deadly!

It looks like something you'd see in an Atari game, of course there are people who would be a fan of it but that's a very small percentage of a specific public; as Marshall said, the very frame design makes it extremely dangerous; I absolutely DO NOT trust anything that's entirely dependant on a touchscreen to function, once the screen is out, you won't be able to do anything anymore; If you need to look away from the road for more than 5 seconds to do something on that tablet, it should be considered already a failure of programming and danger inducing; a lot of them came out of the factory with already rusty components so THAT SHOULD SAY SOMETHING; oh yeah, you can't even take it to a car wash or it'll come out a huge useless brick on the other side and if you can't wash it, you'd at least want to coat it but guess what, you can't do that either; a bunch of the panels are literally GLUED to the frame...?; every time you go recharge it you need to do it as correctly as possible to not risk the charger getting stuck and eventually breaking it; if you drive in the rain, water will leak in through the edges; you can't even haul stuff or help another car because you'll be risking to snap the back frame - it's not in one piece with the chassis, but connected by a sort of plastic piece to it...???? I swear I've seen Chase's cruiser hold and tow heavier stuff with its winch than what a Cybertruck can ever dream of doing; if anything happens to the back of this truck, you can kiss goodbye to its bed, even though it's not as big as they promised either; they basically made a fool of a lot of people by making them pay a lot more for a "Foundation Series" promising a full self driving feature that, as far as I know as of now, is still not available; the truck just has so many problems someone drove it out of the factory and not even two minutes later it bricked completely and has been at a repair shop ever since; the list goes on and on...

Some Tesla vehicles at least look good and have decent features, though they also have a lot more problems than they should, which could have been solved already by now, but they don't even try, all because the company owner is just... A bad person, let's put it like that. He's got a temper worse than Sweetie's, he thinks he's above everyone else and won't ever take a "no" or "don't". I've heard a lot of other EV companies are making better AND affordable EVs literally by looking at what's wrong with Tesla cars to not repeat the same errors on theirs.

Oh, and one last thing! This guy also went against regulation laws against hate speech in our Mod's country, which resulted on his social media website and app getting banned there. Not satisfied with that, he double-crossed the ban to make it available there again although totally illegally, by using the same IP servers that hospitals, public services and even the very Brazilian government websites use, so... Triple crime? Not gonna lie, it's funny to follow how it's going down there.

[whereismymonsterlover]

I think about that demon TOO MUCH AAAAAH too many headcanons I'm going to go INSANE I will be drawing evil fairy Sebastian god bless his feminine waist and heel boots.

My headcanon for what BB!demons are at their physical foundations is a very dense emulsion of matter which surrounds their soul. That's what the black goop and mist is - their flesh made of infinitely transformable "matter", hence why they can take so many forms and materialise things. The amount of matter could be relative to a demon's power which grows with every soul they consume? I think of it like stem cells or atoms that can transmute or build into any earthly substance.

I especially like this because, with this magic logic, that first feast Sebastian prepares for Ciel would have been Sebastian's own flesh. By temporarily expending a small amount of his demonic "matter" to materialise all the food, Sebastian was polluting Ciel with that physical sin, made into nutrients in the form of badly seasoned chicken breast. I love this idea because it's like a totally other level of demonic possession.

Another thing to note is that this matter is not lost. Sebastian would be able to repossess that lost sin once he consumed the boy's soul. A similar idea to 'energy cannot be created nor destroyed' It's a little crazy but that's the physics of my headcanon lmao. Same for the manor - Sebatian has cosumed Ciel entirely without even touching his soul, as every brick sebastian laid is his transmutated flesh which he could snatch back for himself anytime he liked. It is him much more than it is 'his'.

Sebastian aims to possess as much of his contractor's life as he can. Be that with the very roof over their head or the food he fattens his cattle with; he doesn't want to risk poisoning his contractor so why not assure the quality himself? It's that traditional idea of demons "corrupting humans with sin" in a very literal way. Of course, this is made harder to achieve when Ciel orders Seb to execute things step-by-step, essentially barring him from materialising things from himself like this.

Chapter 138 (ironically this feels like im citing a bible verse) Sebastian is drawling on about how to interrpret Ciel's wishes. His little comment on 'keeping ciel inside his body' totally plays into what I'm imagining. This could even imply with my headcanon's logic that the flesh he repaired the manor with is exactly the concept he's describing in this panel - quarantining Ciel from harm within his own body.

I don't know! I hope this was interesting even if it's just food for thought. I love thinking about magic lore, especially when it's so mysterious in black butler. I also adore Sebastian for being such a different idea of what a "demon" can be. He's not a little red imp. He's not just a plotting piper mildly inconveniencing passers-by. And he isn't just a Mephistopheles archetype, though very similar. I feel like his "aesthetics", physicality and godly power really sets him apart. Idk I love that freak I wish we could kiss.

And this doesn't even scratch my ideas of his 'true form' or physical/earthly manifestation. so thats for a different post

[wolfliving]

Meanwhile, in Brickland

Cory Doctorow:

Analog companies can raise their prices, or worsen next year's model of their products. *Digital* businesses can *travel back in time* and raise the price of something you already own, but need to pay a "subscription" fee for. They can reach back in time and remove features you've already paid for. They can even go back in time and take away things you already own. The omniflexible, omnipresent digital tether between a device and its manufacturer creates *so many* urges that they can't resist:

Are you one of 4,000,000 people who built "smart home" products from Wink into your walls, ceiling and foundation slab at any time since they started shipping in 2014? Surprise! Now you have to pay a "subscription" for all of those gadgets or they'll *brick your fucking house*:

Did you buy a "Mellow Sous Vide" gadget? Surprise, it now costs $48/year to use that gadget!

Did you buy an Exogen ultrasound device to stimulate bone growth after a fracture? Surprise, it bricks itself after you've used it 343 times! Enjoy your e-waste, Hopalong!

Did you *buy a Ferrari performance sports-car*? Surprise, it bricks itself if it detects "tampering" - and the only way to un-brick it is to connect it to the internet, so you'd better hope it doesn't brick itself deep in an underground parking garage. Oops!

Did you buy a Peloton treadmill? Surprise, your $3,000 "smart" treadmill no longer works in standalone mode - unless you pay $480/year, that treadmill is now a clothes-drying rack:

Did you buy an Epson printer? Surprise! It will brick itself after you print a certain number of pages, *for your own good*, because otherwise its ink-sponges might leak:

Did you get - no, wait for it - *did you get a neural implant?* Surprise. The company's new owners don't want to continue supporting your implant, and they won't let anyone else do so either. So now, *part of your brain* has been bricked:

This is like a lifetime money-back guarantee - *for companies*. Any company that experience's seller's remorse can cancel or alter the transaction, retroactively. It's as if Darth Vader opened an MBA program whose only lesson was *I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it further":

Darth Vader has the Force. Corporate enshittifiers have something even more powerful: IP law. Companies can cleverly arrange overlapping layers of IP - anticircumvention, trademark, patent, trade secrecy, terms of service, cybersecurity law, contracts - to criminalize otherwise legal activity, like reverse-engineering, jailbreaking, creating alternative clients or third-party parts:

That means that companies know that they can enshittify to their heart's content without fearing a competitor's disenshittification products. Raise the price of ink all you want, because you've figured out how to criminalize generic ink cartridges:

That's a lesson Spotify took to heart. Aaaallll the way back in 2022, Spotify started selling $90 "Car Thing" tablets - little car-vent-mounted gadgets that made it slightly easier to connect your car stereo to your Spotify account. Now that a suitable interval has gone by, Spotify has decided to remotely brick every one of these solid-state devices, no later than December of 2024:

Now, this may seem like a loss to all those Car Thing owners, who are out $90. But consider this: our descendants are *gaining* thousands of pieces of immortal, infinitely toxic e-waste.

So there's that.

Then there's this: Jason Koebler just published a breakdown of a leaked sSamsung repair contract on 404 Media, revealing how Samsung requires its "independent" repair partners to trick you, abuse you, spy on you, and literally destroy your phone:

First: every time you bring a phone to an independent Samsung repair shop, the company has 24 hours to notify Samsung, providing your name, email, phone number, address, the IMEI of your phone, your warranty status and complaint.

Then, the technician is required to inspect your device for any evidence that you have had it serviced by unauthorized technicians or fixed with third-party replacement parts. If they believe you have failed to act in accord with Samsung's shareholders' interests, the technician is required to *immediately destroy your phone* and notify Samsung.

(This is radioactively illegal, and has been since 1975, when Congress passed the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which protects your right to use third-party parts:)

Why does Samsung do this? They can't help themselves. It's in their nature.

[jsdisposal]

House Demolition Near Me: What You Need to Know Before Hiring Professionals

Introduction

House demolition is often the first step in a major construction or renovation project. Whether you’re planning to rebuild, renovate, or clear out an old structure, finding a reliable service for house demolition near me is essential. The demolition process involves careful planning, adherence to safety regulations, and the use of specialized equipment to ensure that the job is done safely and efficiently.

In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know about house demolition, from the various types of demolition to the factors to consider when hiring a professional demolition service in your area.

What is House Demolition?

House demolition refers to the process of tearing down or dismantling a residential structure, either partially or entirely. There are several reasons why property owners opt for demolition, including the need to make space for a new construction project, eliminating hazardous or unsafe buildings, or getting rid of outdated or structurally compromised homes.

Demolition is not just about knocking down walls. It requires proper assessment, planning, and execution to ensure that the surrounding properties and environment are not affected by the process. Depending on the project, demolition may involve heavy machinery or manual labor, and it must adhere to local laws and environmental guidelines.

Types of House Demolition

When looking for house demolition near me, it’s essential to understand that not all demolition projects are the same. The type of demolition required will depend on factors such as the size of the property, the structure’s condition, and the project’s goals.

1. Total Demolition

As the name suggests, total demolition involves the complete teardown of a house. This is common when the structure is beyond repair or when a property owner wants to build an entirely new home on the land. In this process, the entire house is demolished using heavy equipment like excavators, bulldozers, and wrecking balls.

When to choose total demolition: If your house is structurally unsound or you plan to build a new home from the ground up, total demolition is often the best option.

2. Selective Demolition

Selective demolition involves carefully dismantling specific parts of the house while leaving the rest of the structure intact. This type of demolition is ideal for renovation projects where only certain areas, like walls or interior features, need to be removed while the foundation or main structure remains.

When to choose selective demolition: If you're planning a home renovation and only need to remove a portion of the house, such as an old wing, roof, or interior, selective demolition is the way to go.

3. Deconstruction

Deconstruction is a more environmentally friendly approach to demolition, where the house is dismantled piece by piece to salvage reusable materials like bricks, wood, doors, and windows. This method is more time-consuming but reduces waste and allows for the recycling of building materials.

When to choose deconstruction: If you're eco-conscious and want to minimize the environmental impact of your demolition project, deconstruction is an excellent option.

4. Interior Demolition

Interior demolition focuses on the removal of internal elements like walls, ceilings, flooring, and fixtures, without affecting the exterior of the building. This is commonly done during interior remodeling projects where the layout of the home needs to be altered.

When to choose interior demolition: Ideal for remodeling projects where you want to gut the interior of the house without tearing down the exterior.

Factors to Consider When Hiring House Demolition Services Near You

Choosing the right demolition service is crucial for the success of your project. When searching for house demolition near me, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you hire a professional, reliable, and efficient team.

1. Experience and Expertise

Demolition is a complex process that requires knowledge and experience. Ensure that the company you hire has a proven track record of successfully completing similar demolition projects. Look for reviews, testimonials, and examples of past work to gauge their expertise.

Tip: Ask the demolition contractor how long they’ve been in business and if they specialize in residential demolitions. An experienced company will be familiar with local regulations and safety protocols.

2. Licensing and Insurance

Before hiring a demolition service, check that they have the proper licenses and insurance coverage. Demolition companies should be licensed to operate in your area and should carry liability insurance to cover any accidents or damages that may occur during the project.

Why it’s important: Demolition can be dangerous work, and insurance protects both you and the contractor in case of unforeseen events. Without proper coverage, you could be held liable for damages or injuries.

3. Cost of House Demolition

The cost of house demolition near me can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the house, the type of demolition needed, and the complexity of the project. On average, demolition costs range between $4 to $15 per square foot, but it’s essential to get a detailed quote from your contractor that outlines all costs, including permits, labor, equipment, and disposal fees.

Tip: Get quotes from multiple demolition contractors and compare their pricing, but don’t choose based solely on price—consider experience and service quality as well.

4. Permits and Regulations

Demolition projects are subject to local building codes and regulations, and you’ll likely need permits before any work can begin. A professional demolition company should handle this for you, ensuring that all necessary permits are obtained and that the project complies with local zoning laws.

Why it matters: Failure to secure the appropriate permits could result in fines or delays in your project, so it’s critical that your contractor handles this part of the process.

5. Environmental Considerations

House demolition can produce a significant amount of waste, much of which could be harmful to the environment if not handled correctly. Look for a demolition company that prioritizes sustainability by recycling materials or minimizing waste through deconstruction practices.

Tip: Ask the contractor how they handle waste disposal and whether they recycle materials like metal, wood, and concrete to reduce landfill impact.

6. Safety Protocols

Demolition is a high-risk job that involves the use of heavy machinery and potentially hazardous materials like asbestos or lead. The safety of workers and nearby residents should be a top priority for any demolition company. Ensure that your contractor follows strict safety protocols, including securing the site, wearing protective gear, and properly managing hazardous materials.

Tip: Ask the contractor about their safety procedures and how they plan to minimize risks during the demolition process.

Steps Involved in the House Demolition Process

Understanding the steps involved in a demolition project can help you prepare for what’s ahead. Here's a general overview of what to expect:

1. Initial Inspection and Assessment

Before demolition begins, the contractor will conduct an inspection of the property to assess the structure and determine the best demolition method. This is also the time to identify any hazardous materials, such as asbestos, that need to be removed safely.

2. Securing Permits

Once the assessment is complete, the contractor will secure the necessary permits from your local government. This can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on your location.

3. Disconnecting Utilities

Before any demolition work can start, all utilities (gas, water, electricity) must be safely disconnected to prevent accidents during the demolition process.

4. Demolition Process

Depending on the type of demolition, heavy machinery (such as bulldozers or excavators) or manual labor may be used to tear down the structure. The demolition team will work carefully to ensure the surrounding properties and environment are protected.

5. Site Cleanup

Once the house is demolished, the contractor will clean up the debris and haul it away for disposal or recycling. This includes clearing the site of all materials and ensuring that the land is ready for future construction or landscaping.

Conclusion

If you’re planning a major renovation or new construction project, finding a reliable service for house demolition near me is the first critical step. With the right demolition team, you can ensure a smooth, safe, and efficient process, whether you’re tearing down an old structure or preparing for a rebuild. By considering factors like experience, licensing, cost, and safety, you can hire the right professionals to get the job done right.

Be sure to choose a reputable contractor who follows local regulations and prioritizes sustainability, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful demolition project that sets the stage for your future plans.

[synthy-sizer]

"Everything OK there, Sofia?" You smile at him and assure him you're fine and go back to watching the view from the window. The landscape flies past. You truly live in a beautiful place. The grass is a deep green and flowers are everywhere. There's a myriad of almost completely circular lakes, some of which overlap with each other dotted all over. The truck's motor only emits a quiet hum, but it jostles and shakes on the rough gravel path. You sit back in your seat and think.

Every day for the last few weeks, you've gone to the hatch after school. It's become a routine, albeit one you can't afford to get comfortable with. Becoming comfortable in your routine could be a death sentence. The hatch is clean now, relatively at least. You've steadily dug around it, revealing a concrete foundation for the hefty metal door. Despite the progress you find yourself increasingly frustrated that none of it is helping you get inside. The door is surrounded by the remains of thick branches and cracked rocks you've tried time and time again to slam into the window, every time not even making a scratch. You've tried to hit the metal bar and the lock too, but to no avail. It's become clear that you simply don't have the tools for the job. With that in mind, you try your best to act normal while you sit in the shotgun seat of your dad's pickup truck. Apparently though, you aren't quite successful. You've got to be careful.

The workshop is coming into view now. It's a large red brick building with a black-shingled roof, alongside wings with high awnings. You can see the shapes of people working on machinery under them, fixing vehicles and repairing furniture. "I'm happy you asked to visit," your dad says. "It's good for you to learn how to work with tools and fix things." You nod along and affirm his words, and do your best to hide your nervousness. Your dad pulls into the gravel lot and nods and waves, matching the sentiments of his fellow workers greeting him. You nod too, albeit a bit more nervously. Both of you step out and walk towards the main entrance. If anywhere will have tools for you to use it will be here. As you walk you contemplate your options. A crowbar might be able to forcibly crack the lock open. Or you could use a bolt cutter to simply cut it off. "Could you plug the truck in, Sofia," your dad asks? You shake your thoughts away briefly and nod. He tosses the jack over to you and pops the port cover and walks over to the main entrance to greet everyone. You lug the jack over, struggling a little with the hefty cable, and plug it into the port. A small light next to it starts to glow green in confirmation. You turn around and look at the electricity well. It's a simple cobblestone well with large, thick cables extending from it, with a grate on top for safety. Normally you wouldn't question why something like that exists, it's a part of nature after all. But something feels off about it….

"Sofia, you coming?" You quickly turn around and jog around the car to catch up with your dad. That's right. You have a mission, you can't get distracted now. And you follow him inside.

NEXT

PREVIOUS

[lionessinarms]

The Months in Between Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

The next morning Wade and River are in Firetown. Wade finished writing up a list of violations for a brick apartment building and is now challenging River to spot the violations he took note of. All she could talk about is how soot filled the apartments are from all those added chimney fires. She is disgusted by it. 

"Agh all this filthy charcoals and brunt logs everywhere are just eww." River says nearly gaging.

Wade from behind her rolls his eyes, "Did you even look at the structures I pointed out?"

"Oh those pipes? Yeah they should be over those nasty fires." River suggests.

"No. No. Very wrong. Did you hear what I said about building when we walked in?"

"That is was originally build for Earth? Which is why the chimneys are illegal." River claims with her fist in her hand.

"No those are part of the original build. What is not original was all the extra piping in each room." Wade points out. 

"Yeah that's because Earth uses extra water." She states frankly.

"Regardless of Earth, Fire, whatever Element those added pipes are unnecessary and are causing extra leaks. Which is why the building now has foundational issues." Wade looks at the time. It's close to lunch and he promised a favor for Vinny. Wade then instructs River. "I need you to pull the original blue prints for that building and email them to me. Meet me at the next address at 2pm. It's long lunch break today because I got a special project to take care of."

"What? Why the blue prints? Are job is finish once we cite the violations." River protests.

"Wrong again because these are emergency repairs we got to write action plans, solutions, for the city to repair those violations quickly." Wade states.

"Sounds like unnecessary work." River questions. "It would be easier if they just moved."

Wade is getting frustrated, "Well, this is what you signed up for." Then he turns to leave. If he's lucky River will just quit.

At the Fireplace. Bernie is checking inventory as two construction guys walk in. One is an Air and the other an Earth Element. Seeing as they are not Firish, Bernie is immediately not thrusting of the two, and keeps a close eye on them.

The Air guy floats by showing his coworker around, "Oh man this place is great! You're really going to love these snacks. They've been a life safer on the job. Killer flavor!"

"Can't wait to try 'em."

Flarrietta greets them like old time regulars, "Ráì khìf! Great to see you again! We got a special on these mini kol nuts today, buy one get one."

"Nice! I'll take some!"

Bernie looks confused. He's never thought any other element would like Firish food other then the Firish. As the two construction workers leave Bernie them hears him say.

"This place is the best. Can't find one of these in Element City." 

Berne knew his place was special but in the whole City?

"Wade!" Flarrietta, Flarry, and Cinder all say hi as Wade steps in because he is the best regular they have, always getting Ember some extra fuel for her lunches at work. Bernie watches him.

"Hello Everyone!" Wade says as he jogs to the back to the Blue Flame.

"Yo, yo, yo Wade!" Clod runs up to him point at his head for water. 

Wade stops with a skid on one leg, almost loosing his balance, and gives Clod some water out of his hand. "Here ya go!"

Clod is refreshed by Wade's water "Ahhh."

Wade runs up to the Blue Flame and grabs a log underneath. He quickly mumbles the same prayer he always does. Bernie catches what he says. "Thank you for keeping Ember safe and please keep her burning bright." The with a little trick he figured out, holds the log right on the edge of the cauldron, and uses his hip to bump it in. Nice and dry the log flows in making it flicker less and glow brighter. Wade turns back around to Flarrietta, "Is the food ready yet? Anything I can do to help?"

Flarrietta, "Oy it's just getting packing it up now. Are you going to be able to carry all of this yourself?"

"A buddy of mine is stopping by to help me out." Wade tells her. 

"Oh good because this is a lot of Firish treats." Flarry says turning around with a few big boxes in hand.

Wade dreamily, "Yep, only the best for my Ember."

"YOUR EMBER?!" Bernie says angrily.

"AH!" Wade jumps in surprise and starts to sweat. He turns to look at a very angry Bernie with his hands on his hips. A nervous Wade starts to ramble. "I.. I.. I.. Didn't Mean.. That's not what I.." Bernie just stairs at him angrily and fumes brightly. Wade then drops his shoulders and head in defeat. Wade decides to speak honestly from the heart. "I meant no disrespect sir, I just really love your daughter very, very much."

Bernie starts to soften a bit. He can't get over the fact that some Water guy loves his daughter as much as he and his wife do. Maybe even more.

Just then the shop door opens and in walks another Water guy. "Jimmy over here!" Wade calls out. Wade turns back to Bernie. "I don't want to be rude but I'm in a hurry." Then he turns to leave with Jimmy carry out the big catering order. 

Bernie starts fuming again but the little Earth boy Clod braving goes up to him. "Umm excuse me sir?" Bernie turns to the boy and Clod nervously explains, "Wade is surprising Ember and the other Firish at the job site with a huge lunch from here." Bernie softens again.

Flarrietta is getting annoyed by Bernie's outburst and tells him honestly, "You need to calm down. Wade is a good person. Even did a quick prayer to the Blue Flame."

Cinder was next to Flarrietta this whole time watching and she tells her. "I'm starting to think this isn't a Fire Water thing."

The Shop door opens and it's another Firish business owner from down the street. "Hey did you guys hear on what the city council just voted on?"

Overhead shot of the job site. The site looks almost complete with less scaffolding and less construction material laying around but the waterfall is still raging on. Bright yellow light can be seen glowing from inside the falls. Inside Ember and Vinny are working together on a complicated weld. Their finger tips just millimeters away from the fast flowing water. 

"Just a bit more." Vinny has trouble saying from all the concentration he's putting out on that weld. Ember has her black googles on just remaining still and focused. She brightens up with intensity on the last bit of weld, heats up through the water, and completes fusing the metal together. She and Vinny both relax at a job well done. Vinny yells, "OKAY! PULL US UP!" 

They are both on a platform that get raised up through the waterfall. As it does we can see Vinny looking very tired and soaked even in the water proof suit. Ember looks the same but more calm then tired with her eyes closed. She takes a deep breath in and as she exhales the water on her suit steams away from her body. She is becoming a master of her own flame. 

All the other construction workers and Firish welders cheer. Celebrating this huge milestone in the repairs. Vinny and Ember step off the platform, "Not much longer now plus we are ahead of schedule.

Ember groans, "Agh finally." But Vinny can see she isn't tired but playing it off for the other Firish who couldn't do the work she did.

Vinny continues, "I would offer you more work but I know you'll say no with the glass internship coming up. Need a reference from me let me know. I'll write you one anytime."

Ember laughs, "Yeah I could really use the break but I appreciate you offering the opportunity and thank you." She smiles at Vinny.

Vinny then starts to look serious, "Have you heard about the city council's vote on the Firetown flood yet?"

Ember looks confused"No?"

Vinny then spots Wade, "Ah, food is here. I'll tell you about it after." Vinny turns to the rest of the crew. "Lunch is here everyone, dig in!" 

Ember brightens up at the site of Wade. She can't help but feel so excited to see her boyfriend. Ever since he pitch the weekend idea with him, only him. Out of all the amazing opportunities she's gotten the past few months, being his girlfriend has been the best one. She has never felt so sure of anything in her life. Ember practically pounces on Wade in a hug.

Wade nearly falls backwards with a laugh. "Hey don't worry about me go eat." He then jokes "Man you're heavy." As Ember lets go of him and she shakes her head at his comment.

Jimmy over hears this, "Dude, never tell your girl she's heavy. I made that mistake once."

Wade argues with his friend. "It's not her it's the suit."

Ember laughs and tells Jimmy, "Wade's right it's the suit but thanks for having my back. I'm glad Wendy forgave you too."

Everyone is laughing and having a great time. Ember picks up a Kol nut and just as she is about to take a bite freaking River chimes in.

"Eww why is there an open flame here? This seems way too dangerous to be on the job site." As River points to the cauldron holding the Blue Flame.

A very annoyed Ember and everyone else, especially the other Firish workers, turn to look at River. "Removing the Blue Flame from this site are grounds for Religious discrimination."

Wade adds standing next to Ember with his arms crossed, "Which is violation of City policy and very illegal."

River simple and uncaringly, "Oh, sorry."

Jimmy tells Wade, "How is that not Elementalism?" 

Wade shakes his head in annoyance, steps up to River, "What are you doing here? I told you to meet me at the next address in Firetown."

River coyly, "I wanted to inspect this site and make sure the work is up to par." She turns to look at Ember. River is talking specifically about her work on the welds. But Ember doesn't need to defend herself as Vinny steps in.

"Yeah I'm not going to let some intern inspect my job site." Vinny says bluntly.

River annoyed, "Why not? You let some intern work on it."

"City employee as of last week."

Ember turns to Vinny, "What?" Wade is next to her smiling.

"Congrats Kid, you've had a raise as a entry level welder, it's well deserved." 

Wade is so excited for her he puts his arms up and cheers, "WooHoo! That's awesome! Congrats Babe!" He then picks her up despite the heavy suit to twirl her around. "This will look so good on your resume!" He couldn't be happier for her. He puts her down and hears his girlfriend ask him.

"Babe?" Ember looks up at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh. Hehe." Wade is embarrassed but then nervously laughs it off and shrugs his shoulders.

Ember grabs his tie and pulls him in close. "I like it." She tells him then gives him a kiss. It's short kiss because they're in public but both are looking at each other wishing they weren't.

River huffs at the scene and storms off. Everyone laughs.

As Ember and Wade turn back to grab food she tells him, "Yeah I not worried about her at all but I'm sorry you're dealing with that."

"It is what it is. Oh I have something else for you other then food for once." He pulls out a small bag and hands it to her. "It's a special type of sand from glass internship."

Ember looks at the bag then smiles up at her Boyfriend.

"I'll meet you at the Shop after work since I'll be in the area, love you." Wade gives her a kiss on the head then goes back to work with a smile on his face.

Lunch was fabulous but it's now nearing the end of day for Ember's welding job. Her phone keeps vibrating and she finally goes to check it. It's all messages from her mom, Flarrietta, and even Clod all saying get to the Shop ASAP. Ember shows Vinny the messages.

"Sounds urgent. It must be from that city council vote. We're ahead of schedule so you can head out early to take care of this." Vinny tells her.

"Okay, thank you." Ember gets on her motorbike and heads to Firetown.

Inside the Fireplace. It's getting dark from the sunsetting. Flarrietta, Flarry, Cinder, Clod, and whoever else is shopping in the store and all starring wide eyed at the scene folding out in front of them.

Wade is pleading with Bernie, "Please let me explain."

"YOU LIED TO ME!! ALL OF YOU PROMISED THERE WOULD BE NO MORE WATER!!" Bernie is glowing from his anger.

Wade is boiling and sweating from the waves of Bernie's heat but isn't backing down. "It's has to stay in order for the water to go somewhere otherwise the pressure can build back up and another disastrous flood will happen." The next part Wade stands up firm and says. "And I am working hard to make sure Ember, you, or anyone else here in Firetown will NOT be in that kind of danger again."

"SO YOU LET THE ONE THING THAT CAN KILL US STAY?! WATER IS DANGEROUS!!" Bernie steps towards Wade his fits to his side balled up in rage.

Wade is so upset he can't tell if Bernie is taking about the water staying in Firetown or him personally. "I AM NOT DANGEROUS!"

Ember hears the shouting from outside the Shop, enters through the front door in a panic, and yells. "What is going on?!"

Bernie speaks first, "HE LIED TO US! WATER IS STAYING IN FIRETOWN!"

Ember ran up next to Wade as her father speaks. She is noticing how much of Wade's water is sweating and bubbling out. Not only that but the shelves around her father are almost lit up in flames. Wade looks to Ember hoping she will be the voice of reason to calm her father down. "Àshfá calm down you'll start a fire in the Shop and Wade isn't lying."

Bernie yells, "WHAT?"

Ember has stepped out in front of Wade with her arms open. She doesn't want to fight with her dad but he needs to hear this. "Àshfá, I've been working at the water's source for months, I understand the city council's decision because Elements need water."

"NO FIRE NEEDS WATER!" Bernie yells.

"I do Àshfá, I want my boyfriend to feel safe here." She motions to Clod. "I want Clod to get a drink of water from the Shop and my new friend Wendy, the construction crew too." 

The Air and Earth construction worker from before are hiding behind a small chair one says to the other. "A little water here would be nice." They nod in agreement.

Wade steps up next to Ember and cautiously states, "The council also voted to lower the water on the Wetro so no more over flow from above." He gently takes Embers hand as he continues. "And the city is installing heaters, as well as more water reductions, and splash zone warnings because Element City is a City for all."

The last part triggers Bernie. Even though his second language skills aren't the best he clearly remembers the banner for the Vivisteria tree all those years ago reading: for ALL to see. "CITY FOR ALL?! WHERE WAS THAT CITY WHEN WE CAME HERE? WHERE WAS THAT REDUCED WATER SO MY PREGNANT WIFE DIDN'T GET HURT?" Bernie is glowing in angry but with something new that Ember spots, tears?

Ember crouches down to her Father, grabs his hands, and calmly tells. "I know mistakes have happened in the past but that doesn't mean we can't move forward and connect to a better future together."

Bernie Looks into ember's worried face and is finally calming down to her words. As he does he looks around at the patrons in his Shop. All different elements. He even spots a younger fire guy holding hands with an air girl. Bernie looks back at his daughter and they share a big hug. Cinder comes around the corner and hugs them too. "Times really are getting better. I can smell it." Cinder proclaims. The Lumen family laughs.

Wade is holding back tears at the beautiful scene in front of him.

Ember tells her dad, "Come on Àshfá let's go rest after a long day." He nods at his daughter with a smile and he with Cinder walk hand in hand upstairs.

Ember turns back to Wade. Wade puts his hands up, "I. I didn't mean to cause a fight and I meant no disrespect. I-." He gets cut off by Ember hugging and kissing him.

She pulls back and joking says, "Thanks for not putting my dad out and I'm glad he didn't boil you away too."

Wade puts his hand over his mouth in shock and proclaims. "HUH! I would never."

Ember laughs and put her head on his chest. "I know you wouldn't." Wade hugs her back. She reluctantly pulls away and tells him. "I promise to call you later tonight. My dad and I still need to work things out."

Wade gives her an understanding smile and nod.

The Lumen's all sit around the kitchen table for dinner. It's quiet. Bernie looks tired from his earlier out buster but is now calm and content looking. Ember is determined to not let this change in him go and wants to bring back up the idea of her and Wade living together. She going to ease into it first. 

"I found out I got a raise from work today after putting in my notice for the glass internship." 

Cinder is first to speak, having her back, "Oh that's wonderful sweetie." Bernie looks up at her and smiles.

Ember continues, "Yeah this extra money is a surprise. I'm thinking about using it to let Wade go back to school to find his dream while I'm at the glass internship." She eyes her dad for his reaction.

Bernie smile's fades and raises his voice, "Oh no, it's not good to let a man not provide." 

Ember stands up to her father, slams her hands on the table, and raises her voice back, "What exactly do you have against Wade?"

Cinder looks at the two of them and quickly walks off to the other room, "I'll just let you two work this out." Honestly Cinder has been dying for them to finally have this talk. She may even gossip to her new friend Brooke about it.

Bernie calms downs and has a serious talk with his daughter, "Look I don't know how Water does this but Firish-"

"He's not Firish." Ember interrupts

Bernie puts his hands up and calmly but firmly, "Please let finish."

Ember sits back down to hear what he has to say but is in no way backing down if she needs to defend Wade again. He's done nothing wrong.

Bernie continues, "Firish men are the head of the household. They are the providers. It is their responsibility to care of their wife and children. They also don't move in together unless they are married. That is what your mother and I did. It has brought us great happiness. Which is what I want to have happen for you and Wade." Bernie was sincere on the last part. He loves his daughter and other then the fact that Wade is Water he does see he is a good man.

Ember has a realization and then points out, "Then why train me to take over the Shop or even let me do this welding job? Sounds like work a Firish man is supposed to do."

Bernie tells Ember, "I thought it was your dream at the time and this isn't Fire Land so..." Bernie pauses as it hits him. Traditions can be different here then in Fire Land. He was a part of that change and didn't even realize it.

Ember smiles at this and tells her father. "You know, I did learn a lot about love from watching you and mom. How you guys sacrificed and struggled. You were always there for each other and for me too." Bernie watches his daughter speak to him and brightens up. "Wade has helped me when I was struggling with my anger. We have made sacrifices to help our community like you and mom did with the Fireplace. We're always there for each other, in good times and bad. Love has always been the foundation and I can't thank you and mom enough for teaching me what that looks like." A tear escapes Ember's eye as she finishes.

"Hmm, I'm so happy you learn this from us and it really is time to let you live your life on your terms. I am so proud of you my daughter." Bernie smiles at her.

Ember gets more teary eyed and hugs her dad. "Oh Àshfá!"

Bernie hugs her back, "What's with the tears, Wade is really rubbing off on you, huh?"

Ember laughs as her father rubs her back.

From the hall Cinder smiles at them then quickly starts texting on her phone walking back into the living room.

It's late at night. Ember is now in her room having a video chat on her phone with Wade. "We worked things out and my dad is okay with me starting my new life at the glass internship with you."

Wade can be heard over the phone. "Really? That's great. I'm so glad things are working out. I was beginning to worry I was causing too much trouble."

"You? Trouble? Never. Besides you are totally worth it."

Wade blushes and smiles.

Ember gets a little bashful, "It's getting late. We better get some sleep. I love you Wade."

"I love you too Em. Good night, sweet dreams."

As they hang up Ember thinks to herself another pet name Wade slips out but she loves it. Now she has to come up with some of her own. She falls asleep dreaming about it.

Author's Note: I wanted to write Wade and Bernie getting into to this huge fight. Conflict is fun. I love that Cinder and Brooke are friends and we get to see them together next chapter. I wonder who else will be seeing together? XD

[o-craven-canto]

Extracts from Alan Weisman, The World Without Us, 2007. The book considers the material aspects of human civilization and how long they would last, unattended. If humans were to vanish from Earth, if all maintainance and repairing work ceased, what would happen to what we leave behind?

(The book went on to inspire two speculative documentaries, Life After People by History Channel and Aftermath: Population Zero by National Geographic, emphasizing different aspects of it. They were neat.)

Chapter 2: Unbuilding Our Home

No matter how hermetically you’ve sealed your temperature-tuned interior from the weather, invisible spores penetrate anyway, exploding in sudden outbursts of mold—awful when you see it, worse when you don’t, because it’s hidden behind a painted wall, munching paper sandwiches of gypsum board, rotting studs and floor joists. Or you’ve been colonized by termites, carpenter ants, roaches, hornets, even small mammals.

Most of all, though, you are beset by what in other contexts is the veritable stuff of life: water... moisture enters around the nails. Soon they’re rusting, and their grip begins to loosen... As gravity increases tension on the trusses, the ¼-inch pins securing their now-rusting connector plates pull free from the wet wood, which now sports a fuzzy coating of greenish mold... When the heat went off, pipes burst if you lived where it freezes, and rain is blowing in where windows have cracked from bird collisions and the stress of sagging walls. Even where the glass is still intact, rain and snow mysteriously, inexorably work their way under sills. As the wood continues to rot, trusses start to collapse against each other. Eventually the walls lean to one side, and finally the roof falls in...

While all that disaster was unfolding, squirrels, raccoons, and lizards have been inside, chewing nest holes in the drywall, even as woodpeckers rammed their way through from the other direction... Fallen vinyl siding, whose color began to fade early, is now brittle and cracking as its plasticizers degenerate. The aluminum is in better shape, but salts in water pooling on its surface slowly eat little pits that leave a grainy white coating... Unprotected thin sheet steel disintegrates in a few years. Long before that, the water-soluble gypsum in the sheetrock has washed back into the earth. That leaves the chimney, where all the trouble began. After a century, it’s still standing, but its bricks have begun to drop and break as, little by little, its lime mortar, exposed to temperature swings, crumbles and powders.

If you owned a swimming pool, it’s now a planter box... If the house’s foundation involved a basement, it too is filling with soil and plant life. Brambles and wild grapevines are snaking around steel gas pipes, which will rust away before another century goes by. White plastic PVC plumbing has yellowed and thinned on the side exposed to the light, where its chloride is weathering to hydrochloric acid, dissolving itself and its polyvinyl partners. Only the bathroom tile, the chemical properties of its fired ceramic not unlike those of fossils, is relatively unchanged, although it now lies in a pile mixed with leaf litter.

After 500 years, what is left depends on where in the world you lived. If the climate was temperate, a forest stands in place of a suburb; minus a few hills, it’s begun to resemble what it was before developers, or the farmers they expropriated, first saw it. Amid the trees, half-concealed by a spreading understory, lie aluminum dishwasher parts and stainless steel cookware, their plastic handles splitting but still solid... The chromium alloys that give stainless steel its resilience... will probably continue to do so for millennia, especially if the pots, pans, and carbon-tempered cutlery are buried out of the reach of atmospheric oxygen. One hundred thousand years hence, the intellectual development of whatever creature digs them up might be kicked abruptly to a higher evolutionary plane by the discovery of ready-made tools...

If you were a desert dweller, the plastic components of modern life flake and peel away faster, as polymer chains crack under an ultraviolet barrage of daily sunshine. With less moisture, wood lasts longer there, though any metal in contact with salty desert soils will corrode more quickly. Still, from Roman ruins we can guess that thick cast iron will be around well into the future’s archaeological record, so the odd prospect of fire hydrants sprouting amidst cacti may someday be among the few clues that humanity was here...

In a warmer world... drier, hotter desert climates will be complemented by wetter, stormier mountain weather systems that will send floods roaring downstream, overwhelming dams, spreading over their former alluvial plains, and entombing whatever was built there in annual layers of silt. Within them, fire hydrants, truck tires, shattered plate glass, condominia, and office buildings may remain indefinitely, but as far from sight as the Carboniferous Formation once was.

No memorial will mark their burial, though the roots of cottonwoods, willows, and palms may occasionally make note of their presence. Only eons later, when old mountains have worn away and new ones risen, will young streams cutting fresh canyons through sediments reveal what once, briefly, went on here.

***

Chapter 3: The City Without Us

Under New York, groundwater is always rising… Whenever it rains hard, sewers clog with storm debris… With subway pumps stilled… water would start sluicing away soil under the pavement. Before long, streets start to crater. With no one unclogging sewers, some new watercourses form on the surface… Within 20 years, the water-soaked steel columns that support the street above the East Side’s 4, 5, and 6 trains corrode and buckle. As Lexington Avenue caves in, it becomes a river.

Whenever it is, the repeated freezing and thawing make asphalt and cement split. When snow thaws, water seeps into these fresh cracks. When it freezes, the water expands, and cracks widen… As pavement separates, weeds like mustard, shamrock, and goosegrass blow in from Central Park and work their way down the new cracks, which widen further… The weeds are followed by the city’s most prolific exotic species, the Chinese ailanthus tree… As soil long trapped beneath pavement gets exposed to sun and rain, other species jump in, and soon leaf litter adds to the rising piles of debris clogging the sewer grates.

The early pioneer plants won’t even have to wait for the pavement to fall apart. Starting from the mulch collecting in gutters, a layer of soil will start forming atop New York’s sterile hard shell, and seedlings will sprout…

In the first few years with no heat, pipes burst all over town, the freeze-thaw cycle moves indoors, and things start to seriously deteriorate. Buildings groan as their innards expand and contract; joints between walls and rooflines separate. Where they do, rain leaks in, bolts rust, and facing pops off, exposing insulation. If the city hasn’t burned yet, it will now… with no firemen to answer the call, a dry lightning strike that ignites a decade of dead branches and leaves piling up in Central Park will spread flames through the streets. Within two decades, lightning rods have begun to rust and snap, and roof fires leap among buildings, entering paneled offices filled with paper fuel. Gas lines ignite with a rush of flames that blows out windows. Rain and snow blow in, and soon even poured concrete floors are freezing, thawing, and starting to buckle. Burnt insulation and charred wood add nutrients to Manhattan’s growing soil cap. Native Virginia creeper and poison ivy claw at walls covered with lichens, which thrive in the absence of air pollution. Red-tailed hawks and peregrine falcons nest in increasingly skeletal high-rise structures.

Within two centuries… colonizing trees will have substantially replaced pioneer weeds. Gutters buried under tons of leaf litter provide new, fertile ground for native oaks and maples from city parks. Arriving black locust and autumn olive shrubs fix nitrogen, allowing sunflowers, bluestem, and white snakeroot to move in along with apple trees, their seeds expelled by proliferating birds… as buildings tumble and smash into each other, and lime from crushed concrete raises soil pH, inviting in trees, such as buckthorn and birch, that need less-acidic environments…

In a future that portends stronger and more-frequent hurricanes striking North America’s Atlantic coast, ferocious winds will pummel tall, unsteady structures. Some will topple, knocking down others. Like a gap in the forest when a giant tree falls, new growth will rush in. Gradually, the asphalt jungle will give way to a real one.

***

Chapter 7: What Falls Apart

(context: this chapter describes Varosha, a city in Cyprus evacuated in 1974 after the Turkish invasion, and left abandoned until 2019)

[Two years after abandonment] Asphalt and pavement had cracked… Australian wattles, a fast-growing acacia species used by hotels for landscaping, were popping out midstreet, some nearly three feet high. Creepers from ornamental succulents snaked out of hotel gardens, crossing roads and climbing tree trunks… Concussions from Turkish air force bombs, Cavinder saw, had exploded plate-glass store windows. Boutique mannequins were half-clothed, their imported fabrics flapping in tattered strips…

Pigeon droppings coated everything. Carob rats nested in hotel rooms, living off Yaffa oranges and lemons from former citrus groves… The bell towers of Greek churches were spattered with the blood and feces of hanging bats.

Sheets of sand blew across avenues and covered floors… Now, no bands, just the incessant kneading of the seathat no longer soothed. The wind sighing through open windows became a whine. The cooing of pigeons grew deafening.

Varosha, merely 60 miles from Syria and Lebanon, is too balmy for a freeze-thaw cycle, but its pavement was tossed asunder anyway. The wrecking crews weren’t just trees, Münir marveled, but also flowers. Tiny seeds of wild Cyprus cyclamen had wedged into cracks, germinated, and heaved aside entire slabs of cement…

Two more decades passed… Its encircling fence and barbed wire are now uniformly rusted, but there is nothing left to protect but ghosts. An occasional Coca Cola sign and broadsides posting nightclubs�� cover charges hang on doorways… Fallen limestone facing lies in pieces. Hunks of wall have dropped from buildings to reveal empty rooms… brick-shaped gaps show where mortar has already dissolved. Other than the back-and-forth of pigeons, all that moves is the creaky rotor of one last functioning windmill.

In the meantime, nature continues its reclamation project. Feral geraniums and philodendrons emerge from missing roofs and pour down exterior walls. Flame trees, chinaberries, and thickets of hibiscus, oleander, and passion lilac sprout from nooks where indoors and outdoors now blend. Houses disappear under magenta mounds of bougainvillaea. Lizards and whip snakes skitter through stands of wild asparagus, prickly pear, and six-foot grasses. A spreading ground cover of lemon grass sweetens the air. At night, the darkened beachfront, free of moonlight bathers, crawls with nesting loggerhead and green sea turtles.

***

Chapter 10: The Petro Patch

If, in the immediate aftermath of Homo sapiens petrolerus, the tanks and towers of the Texas petrochemical patch all detonated together in one spectacular roar, after the oily smoke cleared, there would remain melted roads, twisted pipe, crumpled sheathing, and crumbled concrete. White-hot incandescence would have jump-started the corrosion of scrap metals in the salt air, and the polymer chains in hydrocarbon residues would likewise have cracked into smaller, more digestible lengths, hastening biodegradation. Despite the expelled toxins, the soils would also be enriched with burnt carbon, and after a year of rains switchgrass would be growing. A few hardy wildflowers would appear. Gradually, life would resume.

Or, if the faith of Valero Energy’s Fred Newhouse in system safeguards proves warranted—or if the departing oilmen’s last loyal act is to depressurize towers and bank the fires—the disappearance of Texas’s world champion petroleum infrastructure will proceed more slowly. During the first few years, the paint that slows corrosion will go. Over the next two decades, all the storage tanks will exceed their life spans. Soil moisture, rain, salt, and Texas wind will loosen their grip until they leak. Any heavy crude will have hardened by then; weather will crack it, and bugs will eventually eat it.

What liquid fuels that haven’t already evaporated will soak into the ground. When they hit the water table, they’ll float on top because oil is lighter than water. Microbes will find them, realize that they were once only plant life, too, and gradually adapt to eat them. Armadillos will return to burrow in the cleansed soil, among the rotting remains of buried pipe.

Unattended oil drums, pumps, pipes, towers, valves, and bolts will deteriorate at the weakest points, their joints… Until they go, collapsing the metal walls, pigeons that already love to nest atop refinery towers will speed the corruption of carbon steel with their guano, and rattlesnakes will nest in the vacant structures below. As beavers dam the streams that trickle into Galveston Bay, some areas will flood. Houston is generally too warm for a freeze-thaw cycle, but its deltaic clay soils undergo formidable swell-shrink bouts as rains come and go. With no more foundation repairmen to shore up the cracks, in less than a century downtown buildings will start leaning.

… When oil, gas, or groundwater is pumped from beneath the surface, land settles into the space it occupied… Lower the land, raise the seas, add hurricanes far stronger than midsize, Category 3 Alicia, and even before its dams go, the Brazos gets to do again what it did for 80,000 years: like its sister to the east, the Mississippi, it will flood its entire delta… flare towers, catalytic crackers, and fractionating columns, like downtown Houston buildings, will poke out of brackish floodwaters, their foundations rotting while they wait for the waters to recede.

… Below the surface, the oxidizing metal parts of chemical alley will provide a place for Galveston oysters to attach. Silt and oyster shells will slowly bury them, and will then be buried themselves. Within a few million years, enough layers will amass to compress shells into limestone, which will bear an odd, intermittent rusty streak flecked with sparkling traces of nickel, molybdenum, niobium, and chromium. Millions of years after that, someone or something might have the knowledge and tools to recognize the signal of stainless steel. Nothing, however, will remain to suggest that its original form once stood tall over a place called Texas, and breathed fire into the sky.

I cannot really describe the feeling I get from reading these portions in particular, only that it’s the strongest I ever got from any book. It’s certainly not one of joy: I don’t want humans to disappear -- in fact, there are a lot of humans among my family and friends -- and I don’t want human civilization to vanish, after the unspeakable effort it took to put together, with all the promise that, despite everything, it shows. It’s not one of sadness or fear, either. I suppose it’s just one of awe, of terrible grandeur, similar in kind to what I feel when considering the alien horror and beauty of evolved life, its sheer multi-layered complexity, or the unthinkable vastness of geological time.

[repairfoundation]

Brick Foundation Repair in California: Expert Solutions for a Strong and Stable Home

Living in California comes with many benefits, including beautiful weather and stunning landscapes. However, it also means dealing with unique challenges like seismic activity and diverse soil conditions that can impact the stability of your home’s foundation. At Foundation Solutions, we specialize in brick foundation repair tailored to California’s specific needs. In this blog post, we’ll discuss common brick foundation issues in California, the importance of timely repairs, and how our expert team can ensure your home remains strong and secure.

Common Brick Foundation Issues in California

Brick foundations, while durable and aesthetically pleasing, can face several issues due to California’s environmental conditions. Here are some common problems:

Cracks in Mortar Joints: Earthquakes and soil movement can cause the mortar between bricks to crack, compromising the foundation’s integrity.

Bulging or Bowing Walls: Excessive pressure from soil, water, or seismic activity can cause brick walls to bulge or bow inward.

Efflorescence: The appearance of a white, powdery substance on bricks indicates water seepage and salt deposits, often due to California’s varying moisture levels.

Spalling: Bricks may flake or peel away due to moisture intrusion and freeze-thaw cycles, more common in northern regions of California.

Settlement Cracks: Vertical or stair-step cracks can occur due to uneven soil settling, a common issue in California’s diverse soil landscape.

The Importance of Timely Brick Foundation Repair

Ignoring brick foundation issues can lead to severe structural damage, safety hazards, and costly repairs. Here’s why timely repair is crucial:

Prevent Further Damage: Early intervention stops minor issues from escalating into major structural failures.

Maintain Property Value: A well-maintained foundation preserves your home’s market value and aesthetic appeal.

Ensure Safety: Timely repairs protect your family from potential hazards caused by foundation failures.

Avoid Higher Costs: Addressing problems early can save you from more expensive repairs in the future.

Our Comprehensive Brick Foundation Repair Solutions

At Foundation Solutions, we offer specialized repair services tailored to meet the unique needs of brick foundations in California. Our approach includes:

Thorough Inspection: Our experts conduct detailed assessments to identify the root cause of the problems affecting your brick foundation.

Customized Repair Plan: We develop a personalized repair strategy based on the specific issues and condition of your foundation.

Advanced Techniques: We use the latest industry techniques and high-quality materials to ensure durable and effective repairs.

Professional Execution: Our skilled technicians execute the repair plan with precision, ensuring minimal disruption to your home.

Preventative Measures: We provide solutions to prevent future issues, such as improved drainage and moisture control systems.

Why Choose Foundation Solutions?

Choosing the right company for your brick foundation repair is crucial. Here’s what sets Foundation Solutions apart:

Experience and Expertise: With years of experience, our team has the knowledge and skills to handle any brick foundation issue specific to California’s unique conditions.

Customer Commitment: We prioritize customer satisfaction, ensuring every project meets our high standards.

Transparent Pricing: We offer clear and upfront pricing with no hidden fees, so you know what to expect.

Guaranteed Results: Our repairs come with a warranty, giving you peace of mind that your home is in good hands.

Case Study: Successful Brick Foundation Repair in California

One of our recent projects involved a historic home in Los Angeles that experienced significant foundation issues due to seismic activity. The brick foundation had multiple cracks and signs of settling. Our team conducted a thorough inspection and implemented a customized repair plan, which included reinforcing the mortar joints, addressing settlement cracks, and installing a new drainage system to prevent future water damage. The result was a stable and secure foundation that preserved the home’s historical charm.

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Don’t let brick foundation problems jeopardize your home’s safety and value. Contact Foundation Solutions today for a comprehensive inspection and reliable repair services tailored to California’s unique challenges. Let us help you maintain a strong, beautiful, and secure home.

At Foundation Solutions, we are dedicated to providing top-quality brick foundation repair services that exceed your expectations. Trust us to keep your home’s foundation strong and resilient, ensuring long-term safety and peace of mind.

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[seattlefoundat]

Top Foundation Challenges in Seattle, WA: Identifying and Solving Common Issues

Discover the essential insights into managing foundation issues with our comprehensive guide on the top foundation challenges in Seattle, WA. This resource provides homeowners with valuable information on identifying and addressing common foundation problems, such as ceiling cracks and basement cracks. Learn about the typical signs of foundation distress, including structural shifts and water infiltration, and understand the importance of timely Seattle foundation inspections.

[storiesbyscot]

To Allow a House to Die

It's sad how houses die when left alone. A house can be built one day, a perfectly good house with a sturdy foundation, but if no one moves in to take care of it, it will slowly begin to decay. Vermin will move in and chew upon the wood and wires if there's no one there to exterminate them. If no one cleans the gutter the roof will begin to leak and maybe even collapse. Mold will move in, fungus will sprout up in the carpet, ivy will strangle the place until you can't really if it even ever was a house. A house cannot take care of itself.

And yet often times, these abandoned houses will stand for years upon years, there exist those old windowless farm houses with their roofs in the bedrooms that you dare not step in less the floor give out from under you that despite everything still stand a century later, and archeologists dig up squares of bricks that were once homes from deep within the earth all the time. It is dead, do not get me wrong, to repair it would be to build an entirely new house, but as long as it remains untouched, the corpse will remain.

[mr007pennyworth]

It upsets me to think that she didn't spend the time.

There was a moment when she cared, there was a moment when she was invested in building something for you. Then all of sudden the stairs she had agreed to help build became a chore, an issue she refused to address and repair, they became rickety, cracked, parts fell down, you saw it all.

You were scared and I watched it all. I stood behind you somewhat helpless and left only offering advice while pieces broke away and that's when I saw her breaking down what you had built with purpose. I resented it. I was angry and I couldn't stand by it. I spent years, building every step and bridge to you with the knowledge and determination that I wanted it to last forever, every nail, staple, dot of glue or cement I used to build this relationship we have now I spent every bit of my love for you on making sure you could look on at it and see just how I felt and that even when I was gone, that it held strong, it held you where we had always said we would be.

Minutes, hours, days, nights we spent building this relationship into the heaven we now hold, has more than one door...no staircase is perfectly straight, our has curves, dips, it changes colour...it has doors. It has halls. It has stops. It first stopped when i saw red. I look at my anger now and I regret that perhaps it was a warning that something was about to go wrong. My heart ache must have reverberated across the stars because it shook the foundations of the stairs you had been trying so hard to focus on.I never heard the cracks or the creaking in my own grief until your own outweighed mine and the staircase came down when she died. We didn't have the time to build and I refused to ask you to look at me, at us, at what we had when all you had known and wanted in that moment was what she had promised first.

Eventually, nail and boards were picked back up, placed, ripped up, replaced, it took time to learn that ease again, it took us time to remember how to focus, somehow it just came back I can't pin point when it had, but it did, and we began to build faster, perhaps more blindly into something we didn't understand until that day I felt a wall was needed to support the height we'd come too.

A wall that lasted thirty years.

It felt right to just stop and it also didn't, believe me when I say Gareth I wanted to you have everything you wanted and therefore I had to let go of my focus, I had to put down the tools and I sat on those stairs.

I sat on those stairs we built for thirty years watching it age but it never changed. Every step looked new, every colour was vibrant and alive. Over the years people joined me, sat with me, waited. Asked who was I waiting for? Until it became only myself and Bruce, slowly, slowly Bruce convinced me to move, he helped me fix things I hadn't considered damaged. He helped me break down that wall.

I spent so long taking it down, brick by brick, listening to nothing but my own internal monologue that I never heard the steps. I never heard someone walking up the staircase, until I was standing on the city street looking into eyes I remembered with a name I had splashed with bitter grief on my tounge.

I remember running. I remember running up those stairs wondering how I had moved so far down them, when had I moved? I stood at the top in fear, I tell you I was terrified to realize I had forgotten how to build. Finding you standing there when I turned around. Terrified to hear if you were to ask of me, to tear it all down...

Maybe it was the drugs that sent me insane, or maybe it was actually all this apparent therapy I'm told is good for me. But now I feel as if we're standing in that corridor at the top of those stairs. The walls are made of glass and we're looking down admiring what we have, enjoying it again. You seem still love every inch of it. I know I do.

But I found a door I couldn't recall making. I opened it one night and found I've never wanted to walk through it more than anything in my life. This is what I built the stairs for...isn't it? When I showed you it, you agreed, you didn't even hesitate to agree that you'd go through that door with me. We still stand there now, admiring everything we could now build, joke about it too. But I'm now thinking about the bottom of this staircase. If we go through this door, the staircase disappears. I don't know where it goes, but there is no going back a few steps. I would hope my fears were unfounded but I saw it before. That other staircase you built, disappeared.

When I woke this morning to to cold sweats to find id lost myself in a heavily drug induced dreamscape, I began to place how the dream fit into us. I'm grateful I had awoken here in your bed, here in London, if I had been anywhere else, I may not be writing this letter, I dread to consider what I would have done. I look at the house around me now and I realize we already did walk through the door, it seems I can not fathom quiet when we did but it was not recently. The door itself is even still there, it must be, that glass walled corridor is how we still see it, we still talk about it, it's still as beautiful and adored as the day we started because we have wanted it to stay that way.

It became proof in its own form that love can never be rushed if it is to stand the test of time itself. It can not be made demands of if it to resist staining or wear. It is not to be forced or coerced into growing stronger without the right support and guidance. Love can be a beautiful thing when you spend the time to nurture it slowly.

I found we no longer need to worry about how our love looks, the only thing that matters now is how we love together.

'Dear Gareth' Dairy Entry- August 15th 2023 - The Staircase Theory

[kyndaris]

Country Lights

It’s a yearly tradition that when the weather gets cold and the nights lengthen, Sydney celebrates the coming of winter with a light festival. VIVID has been an annual event for many long years, although I couldn’t tell you when exactly it all began. During the pandemic years, of course, VIVID was cancelled as people were shut inside, but since the ‘official’ end of the COVID-19 pandemic, VIVID has returned with a vengeance. 

Events have even sprung up in other parts of the state of New South Wales. One, of course, was held in the country town of Bowral. Known for its flower festival in October, the town is about a ninety minute drive from Sydney.

So, upon hearing of the event, my mother most definitely wanted to take a look and experience it for herself. She had seen a few videos and photos on the most holiest of phone apps: WeChat and wanted in. Thus, I and a few of her friends were roped in to accompany her for an all-women day trip to Bowral to see the sights and make some great memories along the way!

Of course, knowing that the lights wouldn’t be on until night covered the land, we had set up an itinerary for the day that would take us all around the Southern Highlands.

Our first stop was actually a town just past Bowral. One of my mother’s friends had done a search online for places that would tickle our tastebuds or be visually appealing. After driving down from Sydney, we headed to Berrima. There, we visited a small patisserie shop renowned in the area: Gumnut Patisserie.

As my mother was a lover of all things pecan, she ordered a pecan tart (although a perusal of their website actually advises that it’s a macadamia tart, so who can say), and one of our other members put in an order for a passionfruit tart. Once our coffees, and hot chocolate, arrived, we dug in. After all, life’s short so dessert ought to come first.

Once we had warmed ourselves up, we headed towards Harper’s Mansion. Bult in 1834 by James and Mary Harper, it is now a heritage-listed house. What made it stand out in little Berrima, of course, was the fact that the house was much grander than the other residences in the villages during the time it was built. Most houses in the area were slab cottages. In fact, it was modelled on those favoured by the middle-classes in Sydney with walls that were three bricks thick, laid upon a foundation of sandstone. 

After the Harpers passed away, it was bought by the Catholic Church in 1853 nd was used as a presbytery for the nuns of Daughters of Lady of the Sacred Heart. Later, it was rented out before being sold in 1970.

In 1978, it was acquired by the National Trust who repaired the house and it is now managed by local volunteers that provide simple tours of the house. On its land, however, a hedge maze was built along with an impressive garden. The maze, of course, was a must see and our small group of four Asian women found our way to its centre as well as out without too much trouble.

Our tour of Harper’s Mansion over, we decided to take a gander at the Book Barn. The Berkelouw Book Shop is located on the Bendooley estate, which is a winery. As for the book shop itself, it also serves as a restaurant. Sandwiched between the stacks, tables had been placed allowing guests to wander through and pick up whatever they may wish to peruse for lunch or an evening meal.

If there was a place akin to heaven, this would have been it.

From there, we headed to Bowral properly to check out a family-run vintage and antiques market called Dirty Janes. Lunch would be had at Harry’s @ Green Lane in the 2 PM slot. Why the restaurant only had two lunch slots was a mystery but I had to say that its main selling feature, which I wasn’t able to see a lot of, were the books that were crammed on shelves. 

But while the ones at Berkelouw could be flipped through and read, I had a feeling that the ones at Harry’s were most likely props to sell a particular atmosphere. Which is honestly a shame.

Still, it didn’t detract me from the collection of knives and beautifully displayed insect taxidermy cases that could have been bought at Dirty Janes. I, unfortunately, didn’t buy anything to commemorate it but I must admit that there were some pretty good paper weights to be had. Although, there were also pinned spiders...and that’s a real big fat no from me because they’re terrifying. AND WHAT IF IT WAS REAL?!

After looking through the wares of Dirty Janes, we strolled through the heart of Bowral before heading to the nearby lookout to see the sunset.

Once the sun had set, we headed to Centennial Vineyards where the light show would begin.

Words fail to describe the beautiful array of lights that shone up onto the sky. In an attempt to recreate the Aurora Borealis, so named from Boreas, the personification of the North Wind, the clever minds at the vineyards used light and smoke. To be perfectly honest, I’m unsure why it was called Borealis as Australia has its own name for phenomena that can be seen in Tasmania: Aurora Australis, but I suppose Borealis is the one that most people can identify.

This, however, was no show. Rather, it was a whole event with food trucks and space for families to lay out the picnic blanket to watch the sky above them change from red to green to blue to purple. Were it not so cold, it might have been a lovely night out.

As it was, my hands were near frozen until one of our group went and bought us some hot tea from a nearby vendor.

After about thirty minutes of admiring the colourful night sky, we headed back home to Sydney, which was a whole lot warmer than frosty old Bowral. And where I could catch up on some gaming as I raced to finish off a short indie game as Diablo IV had just released that Tuesday.

And also because SOMEONE bought it for me - the DELUXE edition, no less - despite the fact that I had only joked about friends getting it for me as an early birthday present. I wasn’t serious! And I didn’t expect it to be bought! 

I am, after all, an independent young woman who could have afforded it if I had really wanted it (which, I mean, I was probably going to buy it on the day of its actual release).

So, I’m warning you! They-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named! You know who you are! You read this blog!

I AM WATCHING YOU!

Stop being nice to me! I don’t deserve it!

Okay, now that my rant is over, I have to say that the Bowral light show, while not as comprehensive as the one in Sydney still had its highlights. Beyond that, it was a good day out with family and friends in what would prove to be a hectic long weekend in June.

[ankit20222]

Best Interior designing Comany in Patna - Zee Architect

Zee Architect is Best Interior Designing Company in Patna.

Building construction Building construction is one of the first considerations for interior designing. It’s imperative to know how to create a sound foundation in order to achieve a long lasting structure that doesn't have to be renovated. There are several materials that can be used to construct a building. Each material offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Wood is considered a low cost option that provides many benefits. However, wood requires maintenance and repair over time. Concrete is a strong and durable choice that comes in various types. It can be installed quickly and easily, but concrete costs money. Metal comes in different forms including steel and aluminum. These types of metal offer good durability and high strength, making them ideal options for building construction. Glass is lightweight and shatterproof, thus serving as a great alternative for windows. Ceramic tiles are hard wearing and fire resistant. They're also water proof, making them perfect for flooring. Brick is versatile and beautiful, and they make excellent foundations for buildings. Stone is durable and beautiful, but it takes a lot of effort to build with stone, especially if done properly.

Flooring Flooring (Best Interior Designing Company in Patna) is the next consideration for interior design. Materials include; carpet, wooden floors, laminate floors, ceramic tile, linoleum, vinyl, parquet, and bamboo floors. Floors are a big aspect of any home, and choosing the wrong type could cause problems down the line. Carpet tends to wear out quickly, but is relatively cheap and easy to install. Laminate and wood floors are popular choices due to their ease of installation and affordability. Both provide soft comfort underfoot. Vinyl and plastic tiles are less expensive than other flooring choices, but they tend to crack after a few years. Ceramic tile is durable and beautiful. Linoleum and parquet are both highly durable. Parquet is not recommended since it's difficult to clean and maintain. Bamboo floors are eco-friendly and natural, but they require additional care.

Furniture Furniture is a huge and often overlooked part of interior decorating. If furniture is chosen poorly, it can ruin the look of a room. When purchasing furniture, consider ergonomics and style. Ergonomic furniture helps prevent back pain and repetitive strain injuries. In addition to being comfortable, furniture should fit the space well. A good rule of thumb is to buy items that are at least two times larger than the area where they've been placed. Style is everything and choosing a style that fits the person and the environment is half the battle. Modern furniture is trending right now. Traditional furniture styles include; Victorian, Regency, Transitional, Arts & Crafts, and Mission. There are so many different pieces of furniture available for purchase. You can get anything from simple benches to multi-functional desks, beds, tables, chairs, stools, cabinets, shelves, etc.

Lighting Lighting is another important aspect to interior design. Different types include; incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, LED (light emitting diode), and CFL (compact florescent light). Incandescent lights work well in dark rooms, but don't produce much light. Fluorescent bulbs last longer and look nicer than traditional lighting, but they need frequent replacement and are pretty loud. Halogens use less electricity and produce bright light, but the light quality isn't as good as other types. CFLs produce less heat and consume less power than other types of lighting. LEDs are a newer technology and produce brighter light without consuming much electricity. They tend to be more expensive though. Some people have reported issues with LED bulbs burning out after a year or two.

Home automation Home automation is becoming increasingly popular. People want to live efficiently and this includes saving energy. Automation makes this possible. Technology is advancing at a rapid pace and home automation solutions are no exception. One of the biggest advancements in home automation is smart thermostats. Thermostats can control heating and cooling remotely while giving homeowners the ability to schedule heating and cooling. Smart light switches allow you to turn lights on and off using your smartphone. They can even give you feedback about how much power you've saved by turning off unused appliances. Motion sensors detect when someone enters a room and turns off lights automatically. Most modern homes already have internet access, which means you can control some appliances remotely through your phone. A smart home can save you thousands of dollars each year due to reduced utility bills.

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Zee Architect is Best Interior Designing Company in Patna.