#Domestic Stone in Sydney

[jandtsmithstonemasons]

Domestic Stone Construction Sydney

For top-tier domestic stone construction in Sydney, J&T Smith Stonemasons provides exceptional craftsmanship and expertise. Specializing in creating timeless stone homes, we are recognized as premier Sydney stone home builders, delivering projects that combine traditional masonry with modern design aesthetics. Whether you’re looking to build a new stone home or enhance your existing one, our team…

[micewithknives]

Top 5 archaeological sites in Australia that you feel people should know more about? Or top 5 Australian artefacts?

I feel like I’ve talked a bit about artefacts in a few recent asks, and also I feel like a lot of Australian archaeology (and as such, sites) are very underrated, particularly on a global scale. Its often acknowledged in Australian archaeology that getting international academia to recognise the importance of our country’s archaeology is very very difficult.

While there’s a million and one sites I’d love to talk about, I’m going to TRY and give sites that relate to different aspects and locations

This is probably going to be long, so...

1. Nauwalabila, Madjedbebe (Malakunanja II), and the Deaf Adder Gorge region, Northern Territory (Aboriginal)

Rock shelters in this region, and specifically Madjedbebe, are currently the oldest location of human habitation in Australia. Dating evidence from 2017 excavations provided an estimate of earliest occupation of 50 000 years at certainty, possibly extending back as early as 65 000 (+/-6000). It also has provided a lot of evidence for research into the extensive grind stone technologies of the Pleistocene.

2. Cloggs Cave and the Buchan region of the Victorian Gippsland (Aboriginal)

So much research has been done into this region in various ways. Josephine Flood focused her research on Bogong Moth usage (and festivals) within this region, providing some of the earliest accepted academic research in support of Aboriginal peoples’ claims of large scale Bogong Moth Festivals in Australia’s highlands (although the fac that no one really believed communities until then…………..). In 2021 grind analysis found Bogong Moth residue, making this the earliest stone artefact with evidence of insect food remains. And in addition to that recent 2017 research in the area investigated Holocene occupation with Aboriginal community members, with a focus on understanding the interaction of spirituality with the resources found in the caves.

3. Mabuyag Island, Torres Strait Islands, Queensland (Torres Strait Islander)

Mabuyag Island (alternatively known as Mabuiag or Mabuyaagi) has archaeological evidence of human occupation since 7300 years ago. The island is both associated with recent religious practices associated with he heavy processing of dugong remains, and totemic associations with these, which played a role in early 2000s into community lead and directed archaeological research into ritual and religious traditions and practices. In addition to this, Mabuyag is the location of the first archaeological excavations in Australia to find pre-colonial pottery fragments. The fragments at the two sites on the island were associated with Melanesian and Papua New Guinean pottery trade. The excavations relating to pottery on the island played an important role in our understanding of domestic and international trade in pre-colonial Australia, and also formed an influence for the recent excavations at Lizard Island, 300km south, which identified the first datable domestically made pottery technology found in Australia.

4. Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney, NSW

Hyde Park Barracks is part of a collection of colonial heritage structures in Australia, relating to Australia’s time as a penal settlement. Hyde Park Barracks in particular were the location of the housing of convict men from 1819 to 1830, with the 1830s to 1840s also involving the site being a location of additional convict punishment, and the base for the Board of Assignment of Servants. Following on from a reduction of convicts to NSW in the 1840s, the Barracks became the Female Immigration Depot, and the Orphan Institution, later becoming the Asylum for Infirm and Destitute Women.

This time period of women’s occupation provides some of the most interesting archaeological remains, as redevelopment and management of the site has found high rates of preservation within walls, and in areas below floorboards. This includes textiles and fabrics, papers, and other non-organic materials such as pipes (with their tobacco intact) stashed in what was once floor, wall, and ceiling cavities. Archaeological investigations in the area form one of the most detailed assemblages of artefacts relating to instituted women in the British Empire during the 19th century.

5. Notch Point, Western Australia (Multicultural heritage)

Notch Point is a site of varied and mixed archaeology, ranging from pre- and post- colonial period Aboriginal heritage, to diverse 19th century occupation of the region by Chinese, European, Malay, and Aboriginal peoples in association with pearling industries off the coast. In addition to this, the point is located on Dirk Hartog Island (otherwise known as Wirruwana), the site of the earliest European arrival in Western Australia in 1616, and contains archaeological evidence of both various early Dutch interactions with the island in 1616 and 1697, as well as French arrival in 1772, 1801, and 1818. Notch Point in particular also contains evidence of conflict between the predominantly Chinese population of the pearling industry, with white-Australian and European pearling masters, and pastoral agents. Its not a site that is widely discussed, but provides a fascinating overlay of the amount of varied cultural groups that can be present within Australia’s archaeological sites.

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Honourable mentions to:

Lake Mungo and the Willandra Lakes which should 100% be on this list, but also I feel like I talk about it ALL the time and I wanted to mention sites that I actually don’t see discussed a lot. Theyre super important for cultural reasons, for archaeological reasons, and also for their role the development of archaeology, Aboriginal community consultation, and the role its played in developing repatriation practices in modern Australia. I have multiple posts about them HERE

Budj Bin Eel Traps in Victoria (same reasons, I’ve definitely talked about them before).

Juukan Gorge (and its destruction, im still horrified)

Harrietville Chinese Mining Village

Strangway Strings and The Peake Afghan Cameleer sites

Recherche Bay in Tasmania, and its 1792 French settlement sites

Homebush Mill & Mission Hall in QLD and Beowa National Park sites containing South Sea Islander heritage

[pixiecaps]

Hello! For the ask game:

Viajante, Parasita da Culpa, Zumbi de Sangue and Síndico Sydney: chose 3 characters and say how do you think they would play Minecraft 🫵 (like.would they really be into building? Would they die every 3 minutes, would they Speedrun the game immediately? Etc)

Viajante - What are moments that make you smile?

i think all the moments between arthur kaiser and joui honestly. the domestic nature between all of them. that love they all held for each other and they were always ALWAYS there for one another. i always think back to you know kaisers attacks and joui & arthur comforting him and kaiser taking a photo of them both so he could see them smile all the time. and man. the canon info of joui going over and cooking for ivette, arthur, and kaiser japanese & brazilian cuisines. and that it was either hit or miss on whether joui burnt it. and you know that bliss between the three and their little family. i think about all of jouis little jealous moments if someone stole away kaiser or arthurs affections. i think about that one photo kaiser drew on. i think about how arthur had lost so much in osnf and he still built up these bonds with people and he gained a new family! and i think about all the shared cigarettes between kaiser & arthur and i think about joui my body is a temple jouki only smoking if its with arthur or kaiser. i think about how kaiser could only look arthur and joui in the eyes. and i think about how they were each others rocks

Parasita da culpa - Which moment or concept would you change if you could, and how?

already answered but i’ll say something else. the change made to transcending after desconjuração. they nerfed my mechanic💔

Zumbi de Sangue - Favourite creature?

hmmmmm you know right now i’d say. its very close between two creatures but the one that takes first place is O Viajante. terrifying. INTENSE. those are scenes that i will never forget because the whole additional aspect the creature brought it was. unforgettable. definitely some of my favorite combats to date ive watched in ordem.

Síndico Sydney - Choose 3 characters and say how do you think they would play Minecraft

omg this is such a fun question

kaiser would be so tryhard when it comes to pvp he’d play on sooo many servers to train he’d love doing shit with strategy and learning how to best kill people. he’d probably have some anonymous reputation online as “Angel of the Night” where no one knows who he is but they all know that when hes there theyre all doomed. he WILL SWEEP. i imagine he has a dark looking skin with like a cloak or something. kinda bbh vibe but all black perhaps

but then when arthur suggests to do a multiplayer world hes so down and its funny cause this sorta infamous pvp god playing with two pretty indifferent players: arthur and joui.

arthur would be decent hes not as good at pvp like kaiser but hes good with the controls and he knows how to play which is the most important part. he takes more of a leadership role with gathering resources and making super efficient farms for the other two to never worry about anything. he’d probably also build their house but its not like hes an incredible builder its just a regular shack but its their regular shack<3 they all have their beds next to each other

which is where we get to joui. he’d be the one begging arthur to collect dyes in their colors like red, green, purple so all their beds are cute and together. he’d be. pretty shit with controls and. everything. he doesnt really understand the game or the point he only agreed to play because he didnt want to miss out on arthur kaiser time. the fomo. so thats how he gets himself involved into this “minecraft” shit. all he does really is follow arthur or kaiser around on their adventures. arthur would probably give joui instructions like collect all the stones with black stuff thts coal and joui would actually do good at that. if hes given a mission he’ll complete it smoothly. kaiser likes trying to train joui but he’s a longgg way from being a pro pvp player like him but kaiser encourages him and tries to make him understand how critting works. joui and kaiser probably go out at night to fight mobs together to get specific resources arthur needs and joui probably dies a couple times but he doesnt back down

they end up having a pretty nice world and maybe with a few months of playing joui can actually hold his ground. kaiser collects flowers to put around their shack and arthur starts wanting to add mods and. theyre happy. they play any free time they have off missions.

ask game

[meret118]

THE CAT WHO SAVED BOOKS BY SŌSUKE NATSUKAWA

I know there are people out there who count books, bookstores, and cats among their top interests. Here’s the book for you. What would you do if a talking cat showed up at your bookstore telling you that you needed to liberate lonely, unread books from their neglectful owners? First I would be worried they’d be coming for my physical TBR, but then I’d want to join Rintaro Natsuki on this thoughtful, sweet adventure.

GARDEN SPELLS BY SARAH ADDISON ALLEN

A comfort book for lots of readers, Garden Spells boasts an absolutely enchanting old house, home to the eccentric Waverly women who are known for their magic. When the last Waverly, Sydney, returns home, she upends everyone’s lives. The family has to come together to heal, and readers should take care if wishing to avoid domestic abuse plot lines. If you think food is magic, and you have a fondness for Practical Magic, this is definitely your flavor of cozy.

HEART OF STONE BY JOHANNES T. EVANS

Let's serve you up some slow burn, pining vampire cozy fantasy. It’s a historical romance between a vampire named Henry and his newly hired secretary Theophilus. It’s also an immersive slice of 18th century life for characters expressly written, per the author’s note, with ADHD and autism. While the threat of outing and/or violence for queer characters is often driving the plot in queer historicals, this book doesn’t not delve into those kinds of stakes. It’s gorgeous.

[geminairsolutionsau]

9 Ways We Stayed Warm in Winter Before Heaters

Throughout history, humans have developed various ingenious methods to combat the chilly embrace of winter. Long before the advent of modern heating technologies like air conditioning installation Sydney, our ancestors had to rely on the resources and knowledge available to them to keep warm during the colder months. These methods were not only effective but also played a significant role in the cultural and social practices of the times.

In exploring these historical practices, we gain not only an insight into the resourcefulness of our forebears but also a deeper appreciation for the comforts we enjoy today. This journey into the past reveals a tapestry of techniques, each unique to its time and place, yet universally driven by the human instinct to seek warmth and comfort in the face of winter's chill.

The following list details how humans have kept warm before modern comforts such as heaters.

Layered Clothing

Before the era of central heating, dressing in multiple layers was a primary way to keep warm. People would wear several layers of clothing, often made from natural fibres like wool, which is known for its excellent insulation properties. Woollen garments, including heavy coats, knitted sweaters, and thick socks, were staples in winter wardrobes. Layering clothing traps body heat, forming a natural barrier against the cold.

Fireplaces and Open Hearths

The fireplace was the heart of many homes, providing warmth, light, and a place for cooking. Constructed from stone or brick, these fireplaces were central to domestic life. Families would gather around the hearth, sharing stories and warmth. The open hearth was not only a source of heat but also a communal space, fostering a sense of togetherness during long winter nights.

Bed Warmers

A bed warmer, typically a metal pan with a long handle, was a common household item. Filled with hot coals or stones from the fireplace, it was used to warm the bed before retiring for the night. This simple yet effective tool made getting into bed during cold nights much more comfortable and was a precursor to modern electric blankets.

Thermal Insulation with Tapestries and Rugs

Homes were often insulated with tapestries and rugs. Large, ornate tapestries were hung on walls, while thick rugs were placed on floors. These not only added an aesthetic appeal to the living spaces but also provided an extra layer of insulation, helping to keep the warmth generated by fireplaces within the rooms.

Hot Stones or Bricks

Another method involved heating stones or bricks in the fire and then placing them in living areas or under bedding. These retained heat for extended periods, releasing it slowly and providing a consistent source of warmth. This technique was especially useful in areas where keeping a fire burning all night was not feasible.

Straw or Hay for Insulation

Straw or hay was often used as insulation material. People would spread it on floors or stuff it into walls and attics to help retain heat. This organic material was readily available and provided surprisingly effective insulation against the cold.

Animal Pelts and Furs

Animal pelts and furs have been used for millennia as a way to keep warm. These natural materials are excellent at retaining heat and were used in the making of clothing, blankets, and as coverings for floors and walls, providing both warmth and comfort.

Warm Beverages and Food

Consuming warm beverages and food is a time-honoured way to fend off the cold. Soups, stews, and hot drinks like herbal teas were not only nourishing but also provided internal warmth. These were often made using seasonal ingredients, and the act of cooking also helped to warm the living space.

Physical Activity

Engaging in physical activity was a practical way to generate body heat. Chores such as chopping wood or tending to animals kept people active, thereby increasing their body temperature. Indoor activities like knitting or weaving also provided a mild form of exercise, helping to keep the chill at bay.

The ingenuity of our ancestors in staying warm during winter is not only a testament to human resourcefulness but also a reminder of the importance of adapting to our environment. These methods, borne out of necessity, were effective and sustainable, utilising what was readily available. They also fostered a sense of community and togetherness, as many of these practices were communal in nature.

In today's world, where technology often distances us from our natural surroundings and each other, revisiting these traditional methods can offer valuable lessons. They remind us of the importance of simplicity, resourcefulness, and community - principles that are timeless and particularly resonant in our fast-paced, modern lives.

[airsparow]

Unveiling Unbeatable Deals on Delta Flight Tickets: Your Ultimate Guide to Cheap Air Travel

In a world where travel is a constant adventure, finding cheap flight tickets has become an art. We understand the thrill of exploring new destinations without breaking the bank. That's why we've curated this comprehensive guide to help you snag the best flight deals and elevate your travel experience without compromising your budget.

Delta Airlines Tickets: Unlocking Affordable Luxury

Exploring Delta Flight Tickets

When it comes to securing cheap Delta Airlines tickets, knowledge is power. Delta offers a myriad of options, including cheap business class flights and even cheap first class flights for those seeking a touch of luxury. Our mission is to unravel the secrets behind these exclusive deals, ensuring you can enjoy a seamless and affordable journey.

Navigating the World of Low-Cost Flights

Decoding Low-Cost Flights

For budget-conscious travelers, the search for low rate flights is a constant pursuit. We've delved into the realm of low-cost flights, uncovering the most reliable sources for cheap domestic flights and cheap international flights. Your journey towards affordable air travel starts here.

Best Cheap Flight Booking: A Strategic Approach

Crafting the Perfect Booking Strategy

Booking flights can be a daunting task, but fear not! We've identified the best website to book flights, providing you with a step-by-step guide on securing the best cheap flights. From navigating user-friendly interfaces to leveraging advanced search options, we leave no stone unturned in your quest for economical travel solutions.

Airlines Beyond Delta: Exploring Your Options

Diverse Airlines, Diverse Deals

While Delta is a fantastic choice, other airlines offer enticing deals too. Explore a world of possibilities with Cheap United Airlines Tickets, Cheap American Airlines Tickets, Cheap Lot Polish Airlines Tickets, and Cheap Aero Mexico Airlines Tickets. We've handpicked the most reliable sources to ensure you have a plethora of options at your fingertips.

Short Flights, Long Savings

Mastering Short Duration Flights

Sometimes, a quick getaway is all you need. Discover the world of Cheap Short Flights and Low Price ASAP Tickets for those spontaneous travel cravings. Our guide will help you navigate these short-haul options, making every journey an affordable adventure.

Unveiling Budget-Friendly Destinations

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Conclusion: Your Gateway to Affordable Adventures

As you embark on your quest for unbeatable travel deals, remember that affordable adventures await at every turn. Whether you're eyeing Cheap Flights to Paris, Cheap Flights to London, or even Cheap Flights to Sydney, our guide equips you with the knowledge to navigate the world of travel without breaking the bank.

[lilacchao]

hey, want some perspective about this? here's some temporal context to give you perspective, like that one xkcd about clouds and depth perception (sorry for no inline links, tumblr says no today)

okay so like, king arthur was fanfic about the transition from celtic england to anglo saxon england

(which was for hilarious reasons, it happened when the romans got kicked out, then the started having trouble with scottish invaders and went "hey, romans or anyone with a strong military, come here and help this weak, wealthy country!" - the romans said no obviously, then angles and saxons from current day netherlands and germany did that and just, stuck around, tried to take over, failed, didn't leave because they lived here now, then the celtic kingdoms mysteriously collapsed)

some ballpark numbers: this transition was around the year 500 ce, and king arthur was invented around 300 years later then popularised by wales around 300 years after that

300 years is longer ago from today than the invention of the united states, and 600 years is longer ago from today than that bastard columbus, so i guess this is comparable to… whatever the heck that one musical about america's called, was it hamilton?

anyway so there's apparently a place in cornwall known as 'king arthur's hall' (because who can resist a bit of folklore) - we don't know what it was (might've been a reservoir?) but nowaday's it's a megalithic structure of 56 raised stones, nearly a thousand square metres or over 10,000 square feet in area (a tenth of a hectare, a quarter of an acre), and there were at least 140 more stones that are now buried

i can't tell you any local folklore about it, can't find any, but i can try to put in context that it's actually from around 3500-3000 bce for you!

around 3500 bce, the wheel was just catching on outside mesopotamia, ancient egyptian civilisation was gonna form in a few centuries, the sahara desert was born, the zoo was invented, sumerians invented the first known writing (cuneiform), the earliest monument of the hill of tara was constructed in ireland, watson brake began construction in north america, the valdivia culture began in south america, the oldest known board game (senet) was invented, the sumerian white temple was built on the earliest ziggurat (and thus earliest pyramid), and tin was discovered

proto-indo-european culture had already been around for 500 years though, so a lot of early forms of things like the ancient greek creation story and zeus are already old enough for their origins to be forgotten, and this time period was towards the end of the agricultural revolution wherever in the world you look

similarly, people had lived around the nile for 400 years (because of the whole sahara thing), and the city of uruk had been around for 1500 years (and associated with the goddess inanna / ishtar for 500, and would last for another 4000 years What The Heck)

horses had been domesticated for 500 years, and sea levels in australia had been stable allowing complex coastal civilisation for 1,000 years

by 3000 bce, the uruk vase depicting ishtar has been created, a pharaoh (narmer, menes, or maybe hor-aha) has unified upper and lower egypt, north africa is doing agriculture (europe is gonna be a pretty sad place for a few more millenia yet), camels have been domesticated, work started on stonehenge, the aegean (greek) bronze age started, the oldest known tree had sprouted (prometheus, born around this time or earlier, died 1964, oldest non-clonal organism ever found), mesoamerican villages started being settled, the original shekel coinage and weight unit (~11g, 1/3 oz) was invented in mesopotamia, the sydney rock engravings were crafted

the nazca lines wouldn't be invented for another 2,500 years, the ancient egyptian pyramids for 300, the uffington white horse for 1,500, the torres strait islanders in australia wouldn't settle for 1,000, the dingo wouldn't be introduced to australia for 1,000 (unless they'd already been around for 8,000 years, unclear!), the famous (to some people) bronze age stuff like the invasion of the sea peoples wouldn't happen for… well, that in particular was 1,800 years, but other events would've been at other times

time is a heck

oh and here's that xkcd

The legend of King Arthur predates thinking

[warnerpoul]

Get Best Deal When Finding Concrete Polishing Contractor

If talking about stone polishing Sydney concrete then it is one of the least expensive flooring alternatives available, as well as one of the most durable. The polished honed concrete pool surrounds trend was down for a while, but it has made a big comeback, and many contractors are entering into polishing work. Because there is so much rivalry in the business, it is critical to know how to identify the greatest bargain. Follow these simple guidelines to ensure that you are getting the greatest bargain possible:

Experience – This is critical, especially when there is fierce competition among merchants. Many individuals merely check for the lowest price and fail to inquire about the seller’s experience. Workers that lack sufficient polishing experience will be unable to achieve the necessary outcomes, resulting in complete dissatisfaction.

Recommendations – There is no more effective way to understand a service provider’s level of service than to ask for referrals. This is the greatest way to determine whether a contractor will pay attention to your suggestions, arrive on time, and complete the job on or before the deadline. A few contractors specialize in commercial flooring while others specialize in residential flooring. If you are searching for someone to polish your home, it is an excellent choice to choose someone with experience managing domestic tasks. The nicest feature of polished honed concrete driveway is its long lifespan. They require very little care and have extremely minimal maintenance costs.

Modern polishing tools are quite complex and can produce outstanding results depending on the diamond used for polishing. Depending on the room and your preferences, you can create a variety of finishes. Furthermore, polished concrete floor cleaning is extremely efficient, and you can generate solar energy for concrete grinding near me. Many individuals utilize polished concrete to effectively heat and cool their floors using sun radiation.

If you want to undertake energy-saving work, you can use specialist energy-saving instruments that can be simply mounted on concrete polishing sydney. You can control the dust produced by the internal pressure of concrete floors by polishing your floor. By lowering hydrostatic pressure, the polish fluid repellant will ensure that your concrete slabs last longer. Services of concrete polishing company is an excellent option due to its numerous benefits and affordable cost.

The main benefit is the appealing appearance, which may be achieved by using stains to give the material a lovely tint, or molds and other methods in the hands of skilled epoxy floor contractors. Concrete floor contractors may make concrete look like flagstone, cobblestone, brick, or even hardwood flooring. People resort to floor contractors for this reason. Concrete polishing contractor near me can make installing a new patio, driveway, pool, or other substantial addition to your home easier.

Expert concrete floor cleaning service contractors can employ concrete to construct eye-catching works of art for usage both inside and outside the building. When compared to the more expensive wood, brick, and flagstone, concrete is comparatively inexpensive, which is one of the main reasons they are referred to in.

[jandtsmithstonemasons]

Sandstone Paving Sydney 

Transform your outdoor spaces with Sandstone Paving Sydney services from J&T Smith Stonemasons. Known for their craftsmanship and attention to detail, they specialize in creating stunning sandstone pavements that enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your property. Their Sandstone Paving Services Sydney are tailored to meet diverse needs, whether for residential gardens, commercial…

[sydneycleanservice]

How to Get Your Carpets and Rugs Clean

Cleaning Marrickville

If you want to clean your carpets properly then you should hire the services of a professional cleaner. They will know the trends of the region and can effectively clean your carpets to give them a new look.

There are various types of dirt in your house which can make your carpet dirty and unsightly. You can use vacuums regularly but that doesn’t completely remove all the dust from your carpet. To get rid of this you should get it professionally cleaned at regular intervals.

Refresh the look of your carpets and rugs with the help of local cleaners from Clean Master Marrickville. They will provide you with the best cleaning Marrickville services for your home and will also ensure that your carpets are free from all kinds of dirt.

You can trust the professionals from Clean Master Marrickville to get the blood stains removed from your carpets. Blood has a number of chemical elements that can damage your carpet. They will firstly remove the stain and then deodorise it to make it smell good.

The experts from Clean Master Marrickville will use their special techniques to clean the carpets of your house. They will use different kinds of chemicals and equipment to do the job well.

A dirty carpet is not hygienic at all and it can create a breeding ground for germs and bacteria that can cause disease in the household. It is essential to clean your carpets on a regular basis so that it stays in good shape and can be easily maintained for a long time.

High Pressure Cleaning Marrickville is an exceptionally effective method of invigorating your property. It’s an outright necessity if you are planning to sell your property as it will make your home look like new!

Bridling Cleaning in Marrickville

The outside of your home is where people will see it and if it looks dirty it will affect its curb appeal. We offer a range of bridling cleaning services in Marrickville to ensure that your home is always looking its best and is protected from the weather.

Roof Cleaning in Marrickville

If you have a roofing system then it needs to be cleaned thoroughly to avoid damage or leaks. There are many homeowners who attempt to pressure clean their own roofs and it is often very hard for them to do it properly. They will often break tiles and cause other problems.

Sandstone is a beautiful stone and when it is cleaned properly it can look stunning. It can be done by using a residential pressure washer. It is important to get this done regularly as the dirt, algae and mildew can accumulate on it over time.

A house wash can make a huge difference to your home and it is an affordable alternative to a new paint job! The house wash will get rid of all the cobwebs, dirt and grime and it will save you a lot of money. It will also help to keep your house a healthy place for you and your family to live in as it is not only clean but it also helps to reduce the chance of mould and other harmful spores developing in the house.

Sydney Clean Service are Sydney’s trusted cleaning service, providing high quality cleaning service to both commercial and domestic clients. Our team are highly trained cleaning experts, built on more than 10 years of cleaning experience.

[orchardlending]

Business Loan Credit Market Challenges

A challenging credit market may push more small-to-medium firms to private lenders, which may help some SMEs survive and provide more brokers a footing in commercial broking, says the CEO of a non-bank lender.

Kevin Orchard owner of Orchard Lending, said SME owners were “feeling the squeeze” when it came to being able to secure capital, and for some it jeopardised the sustainability of their company.

“The increasing rate environment isn’t making things easier,” Kevin added. “This is particularly keenly felt by clients whose business credit facilities are a remnant of cheaper money.”

“All of a sudden the jump in the cost of money as well as an inflation-driven rise in the cost of doing business are driving many enterprises to the brink.”

More will seek out private finance, Kevin said, as company owners and sophisticated investors go on the quest to acquire capital at a cost that’s not harmful to their operations.

Orchard Lending has received a rise in queries since the beginning of 2023, handling a large increase of business loans Sydney requests in January despite what was normally a slow month.

Capitalisation rates – or projected rates of return – are also going higher on commercial buildings, which is driving squeezed commercial asset values, Kevin added.

“There is a big demand for private lenders when Firms fall outside the banks’ requirements. There has to be a secondary market, otherwise they would simply fall off a cliff,” he remarked. “Private lenders are playing an essential role in the market at the moment.”

Kevin said SMEs generally utilise private lenders to grow when lending rates are low. Today, they would be employing them more regularly only to “consolidate and cling on”.

A stepping stone towards commercial lending

Kevin said that mortgage and finance brokers might leverage an increase in demand for private lending solutions as an easy entry point into the realm of commercial brokerage.

“Given its business lending character and that it is responsive to both residential and community properties, is a suitable stepping stone into commercial financing.”

Kevin said there was a misperception that SME funding entailed commercial property. It might have a domestic emphasis, aiding brokers new to SME financing, according to him.

"Just because your SME or self-employed customers don't own commercial property doesn't imply a SME loan solution can't benefit them," Kevin added.

Kevin acknowledged that private financing might be a suitable initial step towards commercial lending."Private lenders tend to see borrowers more simplistically than banks. They have a tremendous attention on the asset, on the security,” he remarked. "There are also a large number of qualified private lenders available, and brokers will frequently discover that they are willing to assist them with the deal."

Brokers are recommended to act cautiously

Private financing may be a "hazardous environment" for individuals new to the sector, according to Kevin, who advised potential brokers to "act with care."

"We know the most of the private lenders we work with, and the majority of them are excellent at what they do — 99.9% of the private lenders we utilise with our customers are amazing, respectable, and professional businesses," he added.

Kevin said that since the private loan industry was unregulated, there were private lenders on the market who would "fleece" unsuspecting SME customers.

“I would encourage brokers new to the industry chat to other brokers, and enquire what type of experience they have had with specific lenders. Be careful to examine very attentively at the deal the private lender is giving and determine whether it makes sense or not.”

Private lenders provide higher interest rates than conventional banks, and as a consequence, they are often not a viable long-term alternative for the majority of SMBs.

Kevin said that the SMBs who benefited most from partnering with private lenders had a strategy - for example, a 12-month plan - and then implemented it.

"Many private lenders are employed as a stopgap, providing you time to carry out your plans," he said. "You don't want to have done nothing in a year and then discover that you owe more money and your property's worth has decreased."

Kevin said that Australian borrowers, unlike those in nations such as the United Kingdom and the United States, have not used the full potential of private lenders and do not have adequate knowledge of the market.

"Brokers and lenders that capitalise on this opportunity have the responsibility to educate the market and ensure that the business is functioning correctly to offer genuine value to the market, particularly in the unregulated area," he added. Ultimately, voluntary regulation of private lending is likely one means of establishing credibility.

[hygienemasters]

Which Carpet Cleaning Method is Best - Wet, Dry Or DIY?

When cleaning your carpet, hot water extraction is the preferred method. Unlike dry cleaning, it uses hot water to extract the dirt and stains from the carpet fibres. A professional cleaner uses hot water to do this task, and it also helps remove harmful microorganisms and bio-contaminants. This method is more thorough, but it takes a lot of time. You can also try this method if you want to save money.

The biggest downside to the wet method is the drying time. While the results can be impressive, it takes at least five to eight hours to completely dry the carpet. If you need to use the carpet sooner, you can offer to put on booties. This method can also reduce the overall drying time. However, you should be aware that this method may have certain risks, such as using a weak vacuum.

One of the advantages of dry cleaning is its cost-effectiveness. You don't need to spend money on hiring professionals, and you can clean your carpets at any time of the day or night. You can save money by using DIY carpet cleaning methods and products. But you must remember that these methods won't provide a deep clean. They require time to dry, and they may leave stains and odors behind.

While dry cleaning requires a significant amount of water, it is the most effective method for removing stains and soil. You can use a steam cleaner or an extractor to clean your carpet at home, but you should be aware that a DIY approach can leave behind a detergent residue and could result in mold. Additionally, it will attract dirt, which is why professional cleaners recommend that you hire a professional to clean your carpet.

DIY carpet cleaning is an excellent option for homes with minimal soiling. Often, these methods are less expensive, and are recommended for light-duty carpets. Although dry cleaning can be an effective option, most manufacturers don't recommend this method because it breaks down the fibers. You'll end up with a dirty carpet that has little life span. If you're trying to save money, opt for DIY dry cleaning.

Wet cleaning is the most popular method, and is the most effective in heavy-traffic areas. Its high-pressure steam cleaning methods can also be effective for removing odors. Wet cleaning has many advantages. The solvent used by the machine is highly efficient and will leave your carpet looking fresh and clean. In addition, it will help to eliminate any oil-based stains. Hygiene Masters are trained technicians have completed accredited carpet cleaning, hard surface and chemical application course prior to commencement of fieldwork at Hygiene Masters. We believe there is no substitute for training and product education.

[umichenginabroad]

Level 3: Fancy some Barbie, mate?

Well, not the Barbie you are thinking, of course. In Australia, Barbie is the term used for BBQ. Anyway, hope you all have been doing great and welcome to level 3 where you are about to see a lot of different BBQ talk.

Before I get into the meaty business, let me catch you all up on some life stories. So, as you know it, the Aussie Experience is a roller-coaster ride. It’s super exciting with so much going in Sydney, like beach walks, downtown visits, bar crawls, making new friends and adjusting to the lifestyle here but it is a challenge to balance all of that with academics. And, with the likes of my circuits and telecommunications class, it’s not a breeze because the class meets all 5 days a week, unlike most other classes which meet 2-3 times a week. Most of the day time has been spent on campus in last 3 weeks and I get the chance of sightseeing mostly at evening and night. Places in Sydney start closing 6pm onwards, however, the 8pm late sunset does allow you to do more. Although, I am almost done with the summer course (survived the midterm - did I though?) and only 2 more weeks of circuits hopefully before we get our one week break between semesters. Definitely looking forward to that! 

As I have mentioned before, Sydney is expensive and so is the public transport here. On top of that, exchange students don’t get student discounts on transport which doesn’t make it any better. So I used some life hacks and bought a bike from Gumtree (basically Australia’s Craigslist) to get to class and save some costs of using the bus every single day. Also, been using it to explore the city and hey, it’s a great workout too because most roads are steep. Perfect - got two birds in one stone! 

The stunning panoramic view of Sydney Cricket Ground

How could we not talk about cricket here? The Australian cricket team is regarded one of the most successful in the world with 5 cricket World Cups under their belt. One of the highlights of last week was to catch live action of the Australian domestic cricket league, Big Bash Live (BBL), at the Sydney Cricket Ground. It was a thrilling match between Melbourne Stars, the favorites and table-toppers of BBL, and Sydney Sixers, the home team and underdogs. It was a great day to be there as the Sixers came out strong with a shocking home win over Melbourne. The sweet Sydney-Melbourne rivalry was honored with energetic cheers from the home crowd as their team climbed up to 2nd place on the table. What a moment!

Embracing the Sydney Sixers spirit with my friend and AirBnB host

Now let’s get down to the Barbie, mate. After the midterm, few classmates and I decided to celebrate the occasion. The celebrations kicked off with going for lawn bowling and then barbie at a friend’s place. Lawn bowling is outdoor styled bowling, different from the indoor pin bowling which is the more popular version. As opposed to aiming for striking down all pins in indoor bowling, you aim to get your bowl as close as possible to the Jack which is set at a certain distance and point at the beginning of the game. It might sound easy, but different weight distribution on both sides of the bowl really makes it a deal of swirling your wrist perfectly so the ball turns at the right time - and doesn’t end in the gutter haha. Lawn bowling with freshly brewed tap beers is a go to activity for old and retired Australian people in the summer! 

Posing like true Lawn Bowling champions..

After the bowling session, we headed over to our mate’s place. Aussie BBQ is essentially a soft white bread with ketchup spread over it and topped with a grilled sausage of your choice of meat. Simple good ol’ shrimp on the Barbie mate. However, I tried the grilled chicken kebab wrap with the Greek tzatziki sauce, which is the version for chicken lovers. Aussie people are very hospitable and it was great to be a part of that. 

The next day, I woke up to an invitation for another barbie. This time, with my house mates, as a farewell for our Brazilian friend who was leaving for Brazil next week. It was a Brazilian style barbie by the beach with all kinds of meat and Farofa, a Brazilian delicacy to have with grilled meat. It was the first time I was engaging in a barbie by the beach and it was an absolutely wholesome time bonding with more people in my sharehouse. 

Delicious home-made Garlic Bread and Chicken on the grill at Coogee Beach

Next up was the impatience for long weekend of Australia Day, which was coming up on Sunday. Since it was a very eventful weekend filled with celebrations and exploration I will give you a detailed view of it next week and not pack this dedicated barbie post with any more info. Until then, I have a message for you...

Is this a hint for Level 4? We shall find out. 

…

Nikhil Punshi

Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan

University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia - Winter 2020

[boombox3333]

Soft silk Flowers

With the progress of silk plant from crazy plastic sort-of-things to charming samples that you have to touch to see if they're actual, silk orchid blossoms have obtained regard and reputation. Many orchid blossoms are such amazing samples when they blossom, that even the actual don't look actual.

There are roughly 25,000 varieties of Orchids increasing in every country in the entire globe except Antarctica. They develop from rich in the shrub covers to subterranean (Austrian orchid develops subterranean and is pollinated by ants). Locally, over 100,000 compounds have been developed.

This article is Part 1 of a sequence talking about the most popular Orchid kinds that can be seen nowadays in silk place bouquets. Moth Orchids, Slipper Orchids, and Vanda Orchids can be seen in stunning silk orchid preparations.

Moth Orchids are probably the most popular orchid in you need to. Generally known as Phalaenopsis orchid blossoms, and shortened Phal, these orchid blossoms blossom once or twice a year with blossoms that last two to three months. Most are epiphytic, which indicates they develop non-parasitically on another place, such as a http://www.sendflowersuk.org.uk/ shrub, and obtain their wetness and nourishment from the air, rainfall, and sometimes waste which builds up around it--not from the dwelling they're increasing on. They mostly develop in colour. Phals are local throughout South east Japan, the southern part of Chinese suppliers, the Indian native Subcontinent, New Guinea, the Bismarck Islands, and north Sydney. Orchid Isle of Taiwan is known as after this genus. With single arises protected with flowers of amazing shades, Moth Orchids make stylish silk orchid blossoms and can be used in silk place decorations or as room accessories.

Slipper Orchids, also known as Woman Slipper Orchids, have also been made into stunning silk orchid blossoms. These plant is mostly terrestrial, which indicates that the place develops on, in, or from the land; however some are lithophytic increasing on stones acquiring nourishment from rainfall water and close by rotting plant such as their own deceased tissue. These sorts of orchid blossoms have a "slipper", a pocket formed lower petal which grabs the bugs that pollinate them. They develop in north moderate area public with the majority in Eastern Japan. The United Declares is home to 11 Slipper varieties. In fact one varieties, Fancy Woman's Slipper, is Minnesota's state place.

Because so many Slipper Orchids sold in you need to are dug from the crazy, and because domestically grown Slipper Orchids can take 6 to 8 years to reach the blooming level, many people choose artificial blossoms for their lady slipper orchid display.

Vanda Orchids are extremely valued for their fancy, fresh, durable and also vibrant blossoms. They put on quite a show in silk orchid preparations. Indigenous to the Eastern Oriental tropics and varying from Sri Lanka to Chinese suppliers, the Malaysia, and north Sydney, Vanda Orchids are considered to be the most extremely progressed of all orchid blossoms. They are mostly epiphytic, but sometimes lithophytic or terrestrial. Demanding great temperature, moist, drenching rainfall followed by dry means, Vandas are very difficult to develop even for orchid lovers. All the more reason to "grow" Vandas in silk place arrangements!

Moth, Slip-ons, and Vandas are among the many silk orchid blossoms out there. All very different and all so wonderful, these silk orchid blossoms can lighten up, impress, and bring joy and immediate beauty into any space. Their "real" designs are among the most progressed, stunning, and amazing plant in the entire globe.

[thesydneyfeminists]

Rural Feminisms

After spending a year and a half studying in Sydney, I made a temporary move to New Zealand just last month. Since then, I’ve been living and working on a dairy farm in a rural area of the North Island, New Zealand. My time here has made me pause and rethink my past life experiences. Of the last 8 years of my life, I’ve spent more than half of them living in rural areas. At 18, I started my undergrad degree in a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia, surrounded by dairy and beef farms. The town itself was prosperous, mostly due to tourism and the presence of two wealthy universities. However, the surrounding region was largely working-class and had a higher-than-average percentage of poverty. Although I spent 6 years living in Virginia, I wasn’t directly exposed to life outside my little town. Sure, I complained about the closest city being an hour away, the lack of good radio stations and no diversity of restaurants. But otherwise, I was safely enclosed in my university bubble.

Image Description: Photo of a bright green tractor harvesting wheat. The tractor is in the center of the photo. To the right of the tractor, the wheat has been cut. In front of and to the left of the tractor, the wheat is still long. The sky is bright blue with large, fluffy clouds. A line of trees runs along the horizon in the distance.

As such, I paid little heed to the “townies,” those people who lived and worked around me but might as well have been in a different world. I claimed my parent’s working-class background set me apart from my more affluent classmates. But my feminism was still centered around academia. At my university, I was lucky to have easy access to printed knowledge and heaps of kind, patient people from which to learn. But all that time I carried and, to an extent, still carry harmful, internalized classism and prejudice against people who live in rural areas. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to undermine the very real pain and suffering differently marginalized people experience in many rural parts of the world. In Virginia, I personally struggled with hiding my sexuality due to the prevalence of violent homophobia. And I witnessed the KKK’s vitriolic racism and, specifically, anti-blackness on the campus of my undergraduate university. However, classifying all people who live in rural areas as sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, etc. goes directly against the core causes of intersectional feminism.

In mainstream feminism, women and nonbinary people living in rural areas are largely forgotten or blatantly excluded. As one woman raised in rural California writes, “We’re always portrayed as being a group of exclusively white, mullet-wearing, banjo-playing, lazy, toothless, illiterate, alcoholics and addicts. Casual jokes about inbreeding, incest and bestiality are perpetually being made at our expense, and we’re often depicted as violent, hateful, and dangerous” (https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/transformation/six-things-urban-feminists-should-never-say-to-rural-people/). The truth is far more complex. And, as the above author states, such statements are inherently linked to capitalism, white supremacy and heteropatriarchy. One of the most damaging falsities perpetuated by these stereotypes is only white people live in rural areas. In the States, many rural, Southern areas have high populations of black people due to the lasting impacts of slavery. In Australia, many rural areas are mainly populated by Aboriginal people. Not to mention the countless rural communities around the world in countries where white people are not the majority. Our intersectional feminisms need to more actively listen to and include women and nonbinary people living in rural areas.

Image Description: A photo of an older person of indeterminant ethnicity sitting in front of a stone wall on a set of stone steps. They are holding what appears to be a carved, wooden staff. In front of them is a white sheep with a black head and, in the background, you can see unfocused mountains. The person is wearing a blue and pink flowered, long sleeve shirt, a black dress, black, closed-toed shoes and a floppy black hat with red stripe. Their head is turned slightly to face the camera.

Historical ignorance and erasure of rural women and nonbinary people in mainstream feminism are related to yet still distinct from classism. Even the most Marxist of feminist discourse often centers the urban working-class. Of course, these people are important and should rightfully be included in our feminisms. However, as the people at Rural Feminist highlight, “Rural women face unique difficulties. Finding medical care, escaping domestic violence, and accessing community services are particularly challenging tasks in sparsely populated areas. As economic growth concentrates more and more in urban areas, manufacturing jobs move overseas or become automated, and wealth inequality grows, these problems are exacerbated” (http://ruralfeminist.com/#aboutus). As feminists, it is important to make these distinctions and incorporate the needs of rural women and nonbinary people into the movement’s short- and long-term goals. It is possible to be critical of systemic injustices and acknowledge the relationship between rural living and conservative views without ostracizing all rural women and nonbinary people. Most importantly, we must recognize and listen to rural women and nonbinary people, who have always been doing the hard work of dismantling oppression – just in ways mainstream feminism rarely appreciates. 

Image Description: A photo of a pair of hands holding a pile of small purple, red, orange, green and yellow berries. The hands are quite dirty and tough, as though they have been working outside for long hours. They are holding the berries over a large, black bucket filled with the same kind of berries.

In an excellent article on Dolly Parton, Guardian contributor Sarah Smarsh writes at length about working-class feminism and, particularly, rural feminism. She discusses the class privilege inherent in many mainstream forms of activism and suggests feminism must stop privileging “intellectual knowledge” over “experiential knowing.” Smarsh reminds us, “Working-class women might not be fighting for a cause with words, time and money they don’t have, but they possess an unsurpassed wisdom about the way gender works in the world” (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/25/feminism-working-class-women-gender-theory-dolly-parton). Smarsh’s point is a crucial one for anyone claiming to be a feminist. Feminism should never require an exhaustive knowledge of academic theory or extensive vocabulary. It should also not reduce women and nonbinary people to their intellectual or physical contributions to “the cause.” For some people living in rural poverty, their mere existence is a form of resistance. So, we must all engage with others whose lived experiences are different from our own to build a more inclusive and expansive community. Rural feminisms must be integral parts of all our personal feminisms if we have any hope of progressing in the fight against patriarchal society.

By: Brittany L.

Sources:

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/transformation/six-things-urban-feminists-should-never-say-to-rural-people/

http://ruralfeminist.com/

https://www.theatlantic.com/sexes/archive/2013/06/the-particular-struggles-of-rural-women/276803/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/25/feminism-working-class-women-gender-theory-dolly-parton

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sydney Feminists. Our Blogger and Tumblr serve as platforms for a diverse array of women to put forth their ideas and explore topics. To learn more about the philosophy behind TSF’s Blogger/ Tumblr, please read our statement here: https://www.sydneyfeminists.org/a 

[buildgreen-victorianteam]

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