#Houston Flood Relief

[idolatrybarbie]

lbs!marcus masterlist

pairing: marcus pike x fem!reader

word count & rating: 1.9k | explicit - minor free zone!

summary: marcus loves you. you love him.

warnings: smut - oral sex (f receiving), sweetness, it's pretty straightforward. thee final installment of you and marcus in fairfax county, va.

You unstrap yourself from your shoes before you even get out of the car. Heels in hand, you pad across the still-frozen ground to the front door. It’s already unlocked, letting you twist the knob and open the door easily. The low buzz of a power drill whines from the shadowy living room, lamps casting a white-yellow glow down the hall to make up for the lack of an overhead fixture.

You left Marcus this morning with a couple pieces of unbuilt Ikea furniture. He decided that a Wednesday in mid-January was the perfect time to use a vacation day and build it all for you. Clearly, he’s still at it. You leave the skyscraper stilettos on the floor beside the coat rack, walking down the hall as a smile paints itself across your face. He is still in his Houston Astros shirt, grey sweatpants shifting as Marcus moves from sitting to kneeling over the small shelf he’s working on.

The floor creaks beneath you, alerting him to your presence.

“Hey babe,” he says, turning to look at you.

“Hey. How’s it going?”

“Almost done with this. I’ve got a few more screws, and she’ll be all done.”

You love that Marcus refers to things as if they were some grand sea ship, calling everything from the air fryer to this cheap hunk of plywood ‘she.’

“How was work?” Marcus asks.

“Fine. Same old.” Taking another step towards him, you wince. Marcus’ face morphs into a look of concern. “Those heels did a number on me, though.”

You haven’t worn much other than athletic footwear for the last nine months. Comfortable sneakers, supportive running shoes. High heels are the exact opposite of both those things. Not to mention, that specific pair is on the brink of falling apart. But they look so cute, you couldn’t help yourself.

Marcus stands, taking you into his arms. He presses a chaste kiss to your lips.

“Let me make you feel better,” he says.

“Marcus, you’ve been working all day,” you say.

“I sat on my ass for two hours watching that political fixer show of yours, which is why I’m not done yet,” Marcus tells you, shaking his head. “I’m fine. You’re not.”

“I’m fine, too.” Yet when you step back, a hiss slithers past your lips.

“You’re not,” he says again. “It’s no trouble. I want to.”

He’s already in your head, reading all the thoughts that pass through. You don’t want to hassle him. It’s no big deal. So on and so forth. He gives you a heart-melting stare, eyes round with softness.

You say, “Okay, yeah,” and he’s practically scooping you into his arms.

Marcus leads you up the stairs to your room with instructions to get on the bed. Laying flat on the mattress takes the pressure off your spine, your body flooding with relief. Marcus gets on his knees, kneeling at the end. He takes one of your feet into his hands, resting it in his lap before he starts to rub at the skin.

He gently works his fingers over your foot, thumb digging into your arch. You sigh at his touch, relaxing further into the pillows. Marcus soothes the ache in your first metatarsal with easy pressure. Standing at an incline for almost ten hours has done a number on your joints, the pain melting away as he continues his massage. You roll your ankle when he moves onto the next foot.

Opening your eyes, you’re quick to notice how Marcus stares at you. Your legs, specifically, thighs wrapped in sheer brown nylon. He looks like a kid on Christmas morning, enraptured, ready to tear you open.

“Like what you see, handsome?” you ask.

“Hmm?” Marcus hums, eyes back on your face in an instant.

“You’re staring at my thigh highs.”

“A man can’t appreciate his girl’s excellent taste in fashion?” he asks.

You remove your foot from his grasp, pressing your toes into the center of his chest. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say Marcus Pike has a bit of a stocking fetish.”

At your words, Marcus’ ears grow pink. His whole face is flushed, eyes crinkling as he smiles awkwardly. Realization dawns on you as he reaches to scratch the back of his neck, the conversation effectively dying. He does. You’ve caught him in a net of terrible awkwardness, laying here at an impasse.

“Marcus…”

“I know it’s weird,” he says.

“What? No,” you say. Sitting up, you shake your head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“You’re alright.”

“I don’t think it’s weird,” you assure him.

“Seriously?” Marcus asks.

“Of course not. I wouldn’t lie to you about that.”

Both kneeling before each other, you take his hand and drag it to the side of your leg. The synthetic fabric slips under his fingers. Feeling the texture of the nylon and your soft skin just beneath it stirs something in him. Pressing closer, you feel him hard against your hip.

You wrap your arms around his neck, kissing him deep and slow. His hands take their place at either side of you, sliding from the stockings up beneath your skirt. Marcus squeezes your ass, palming at you for a moment. Then he slips a finger beneath your underwear, pulling the elastic away from your body only to have it snap in place again.

“What do you want?” you ask, lips right by his ear.

“You,” he whispers. Hands at your waist now, he hugs you impossibly closer. Marcus ruts his hips into yours, breathing heavy. “Fuck…please.”

“If you want me, you have me,” you say.

Marcus pushes you back onto the bed with a little force, following you down. He meets you at the mouth, kissing you before trailing off to your cheek. He presses his lips against your jaw, down to your neck and collarbone. Through the material of your top, he kisses at your chest. Marcus bypasses your torso to mouth at the place where the bottom hem of your shirt and the cotton waistline of your skirt meet. He pulls your shirt up where it’s tucked against your stomach, kissing your belly. You giggle when he licks at the skin, tongue warm.

“Have I ever told you how much I love your new job?” he mumbles into your stomach.

“Hmmm. A little bit,” you say. Marcus nips at the skin over your ribs, making his way up your chest. You gasp quietly, continuing, “Said something about…you like seeing me happy at work.”

“Only part of it,” he says. Marcus has your shirt pushed up to your throat, bra on display for him. He slides a hand beneath you to unclasp the back. It releases from your body easily, letting him push it up and away from your breasts. You’re sure you look ridiculous swamped with clothes at the neck, but Marcus doesn’t seem to notice or care. He’s mesmerized with the pattern of your skin.

“What’s the other part, then?” you ask, trying to keep a straight face as he gently pinches at one of your nipples.

“You wear all these cute little outfits…the skirts, the stockings, the heels.” Leaning over, Marcus takes that nipple into his mouth, sucking harshly.

“You like the clothes?”

“You look so good. I can’t help myself. Just wanna—��� He interrupts himself, resting his face in the valley between your breasts. Marcus takes a deep breath, inhaling the scent of you. “Just wanna bend you over the kitchen counter when I see you get home, take you right then and there.”

“Yeah?” you ask. Rubbing your thighs together does little to relieve the growing ache between them. Picturing your cheek laying against the cool countertop as Marcus hikes up your skirt at a moment’s notice is dangerous. “We should try it out sometime.”

Marcus pauses for a split second, brain registering what you’ve said.

“You’re going to kill me,” he says.

His fingers work to find the clasp of your skirt, unlatching it. Marcus pulls down the zipper at the side of your hip, bringing your underwear down with the other fabric. He follows the line of your leg with his nose as the bottoms slide off your body, getting all the way off the bed and onto the floor with your discarded clothes.

You sit up, both to watch him and to rid yourself of your shirt and bra. Fully undressed now, you note the contrast between his clothed body and yours, starkly nude. Heat creeps through your tummy, wetness reaching the inside of your thighs. You feel like a gift freshly unwrapped; a gourmet cake too good to eat as he regards you with that look. Marcus stares up almost reverently. This man would worship at your altar. You wouldn’t even have to ask.

He leaves your stockings on, nosing against your tibia. Light licks against the skin of your ankle make you shiver. Marcus kisses his way up your left leg, nuzzling the crook of your knee. He rests his chin against your kneecap, eyes focused as he watches you watch him.

“Have I told you how beautiful you are?”

“Today, or in general?”

“Every day,” he says, pressing a kiss to your thigh. “All day, all of the time.”

His hands inch closer to the middle of your body, fingers feather-light across the swell of skin. Marcus rejoins you on the bed, kisses getting firmer as he reaches level with your cunt. He leaves another kiss to your pelvis, readjusting to drag his tongue against your cunt.

You rub at his shoulders absently, one hand moving sidelong up his neck before fingers twine in his hair. You gasp when he nips at you, catching you off guard with a hint of teeth. You pull at his dark brown strands; Marcus groans against at the feeling. He pushes you further with the slip of a finger inside, gentle but insistent alongside his laps at your clit.

It doesn’t take long for him to have you twisting in bed, gasps stuttering as you tighten your thighs around the sides of his head. He brings you to the very edge before pulling back. Marcus noses at the crease of your thigh, finger smearing against the outer part of your hip as he holds you.

“I thought you were supposed to be making me feel better,” you sigh.

“What if I just like to take my time?” Marcus asks.

“Then I’d have to tell you to hurry it up.”

It’s all in fun. Any sense of pain from earlier has disappeared, Marcus’ soft touch drawing it from you easily. Still, your words spur him on. His finger slips back inside you, middle finger joining Marcus’ index. That little bit more, the faster pace he sets along with the slide of his tongue has you at the edge again in minutes.

He stops when you push him away, thighs twitching, breath ragged. In the time you’ve been with Marcus, you have learned that this is his favourite part. Still hard in his sweatpants, sure, but sated and satisfied. He mouths gently at the slope of your stomach, your hand at the nape of his neck.

Marcus sticks his tongue in your belly button, making you groan.

“You’re so weird,” you say.

“You weren’t complaining like, three minutes ago.”

“Different. You know it’s different.”

“Hmmm,” Marcus hums. He keeps his head halfway between your gut and your lap, breathing slow. “I love you.”

“I know.” He flicks you, hip smarting with the scratch. “I love you too.”

“That’s good.”

He’s right. It is.

[camillemontespan]

her one constant [drake the bodyguard AU] [chapter fifteen, part one: rose gold glow]

So it's been a long time since I wrote more of this! I went on hiatus just before the finale and now I'm writing more of this again. Apologies if this isn't very good, I'm a bit rusty!

This was originally going to be the final chapter but I have more to write so this is the first part of the finale!

************

The dawn light filtered through the window, waking Camille. Blinking, her eyes adjusted and she found that she was lying on her side facing Drake.

They were sharing Lou's narrow sofa. Drake's back was pressed up against the back of the sofa and his arm was protectively curled under Camille, keeping her from falling off. Even in sleep, he kept her safe.

Camille's eyes scanned Drake. His dark hair was tousled and his face needed a shave but to Camille, he looked perfect. Everything about him was perfect.

His body was hard and muscled against her. Softly, Camille reached out to stroke his broad shoulders before sliding her fingers down his arms that were corded with veins. She focused on the bullet wound that was covered with a bandage and she felt her heart tug with guilt.

He had thrown himself in front of her to protect her from the assassin. He had carried out his role as a bodyguard but knowing that he had done it out of love for her, not duty.. Drake was hurt because of her.

Blinking away hot tears, Camille leaned into him and pressed a soft kiss on his skin near the bandage.

'It doesn't hurt, you know..' Drake suddenly spoke, his voice cracking with sleep. 'I know you're worrying.'

He moved to pull her into him, his strong arms wrapping around her. Camille breathed in his familiar scent of leather and sandalwood.

'I just feel guilty -'

'Don't,' he murmured.

His eyes opened now to look at her. He smiled and his brown eyes crinkled around the corners. What kind, gorgeous eyes he had.

Camille leaned in to kiss him. Drake smiled against her lips. 'I'm so happy I get to kiss you every day now,' he murmured.

'Me too,' she whispered.

They were engaged now. Drake was going to be her husband. Camille felt her heart swell and she kissed him deeper this time.

*********************

They were spooning.

Drake nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent. She felt so delicate in his arms.

‘So, how are we going to do this?’ Camille asked, lazily stroking his hand with her fingers. ‘Like.. announce that we're engaged?’

Drake chuckled. ‘If it were up to me, I'd take you away and we elope. No announcement necessary.’

Camille smiled. ‘That would be perfect. But…’

‘But not realistic,’ Drake said. ‘I know. You're the Duchess of Valtoria. You've decided not to marry a noble and are instead slumming it with your bodyguard. How Whitney Houston of you.’

‘Hey!’ Camille protested, rolling around to face him. ‘I love Whitney Houston!’

Drake chuckled. ‘Of course you do.’

Camille stuck out her tongue playfully.

Drake loved this side of Camille. She was the most carefree and relaxed she had ever been in the time that he'd known her. When they had first met, she had been anxious, skittish at every noise, constantly analysing her surroundings, never being fully present.

She had shielded his body amongst the bullets. As every instinct in her body screamed at her to get out of danger, she had stayed with him. Drake could not imagine how terrified she had been in that moment.

Camille was the strongest person he had ever known.

*************

As Camille changed into her silk dress from the ball, Drake padded through to the bathroom. On his way, he bumped into Lou, who was also creeping his way around. Clearly he didn't want to wake up his house guests.

‘Hey Lou,’ Drake whispered.

Lou smiled, relief flooding his face. He looked genuinely happy to see Drake.

Oh god. Were they friends now?

‘Glad you're on your feet, Walker,’ Lou said. ‘That bullet wound got us all a bit scared.’

‘The mighty Lou Costello, scared?’ Drake smirked. ‘Wow.’

Lou chuckled. ‘Hey, in our line of work, it's always in the back of my mind. Especially seeing you with Camille.’

Drake smiled and looked down at the floor. ‘Speaking of..’ Lou said coyly. ‘How is she?’

‘She’s perfect.’

Lou grinned. ‘Glad to hear it. You look really happy, man.’

Drake smiled. ‘I am.’

He wasn't going to tell Lou they were engaged. Better to wait for Camille to decide a game plan. She was the Duchess of Valtoria after all.

***************

Drake and Camille left Lou’s shortly after. They were dressed in their clothes from the night before. Thank god it was still early and nobody was around yet. They must have looked quite a sight.

Camille's long silk dress was stained with blood with a rip running down her thigh.

Drake's white shirt had an ugly red blood stain which had bloomed over his shoulder, directly over his wound.

Gently, Drake took his suit jacket and wrapped it over Camille's shoulders. The jacket covered the damage, at least. Camille's fingers wrapped around the fabric, pulling his jacket in close to her. She felt cocooned in the material, as if Drake was around her. As he always was.

The streets were silent after the chaos of last night. It felt eerie. If Camille thought too hard about last night, her throat would constrict and her heart would begin to rapidly beat in her chest.

She exhaled.

Drake gently reached out and took her hand, giving it a squeeze. He knew. Somehow, he knew exactly what she was feeling. Then again, she shouldn't be surprised. Drake could read her better than anyone.

‘Let’s go for a walk,’ Drake said softly. Together, they wandered down the street with the ocean in the distance.

They reached the harbour. Personally, Drake loved this place. It was so peaceful. The complete opposite to Drake's life.

Their fingers entwined, Drake and Camille walked along to the small beach located close by. It was so quiet. The sun was low, not quite risen, and cast a warm, peach glow over the water.

‘So.. can we talk about us?’ Camille asked, looking up at Drake.

Drake squeezed her hand. ‘Serious business.’

‘It is,’ Camille agreed. ‘I just wanted to know your thoughts.

‘As I said before, I'd take you away and we elope,’ Drake explained, ‘but obviously we can't do that. You'll need to speak to King Liam. Oh fuck, should I have asked his permission first? Is that a thing?’

Camille giggled. ‘He’s not my dad, Drake! Besides, I don't want permission to marry you.’

‘It might be different now you're noble,’ Drake told her. ‘Besides, he's your friend.’

Camille sighed. ‘You’re so wise..’

They both settled down on the sand. Camille snuggled up to him as they looked out at the water.

‘Are you happy to become a Duke?’ Camille asked. ‘I don't want you taking on the title if you aren't comfortable. It's a lot to get used to. I'm still adjusting.’

Drake exhaled. ‘I won't lie. Being a Duke is not exactly my life ambition. It's unexpected. But I want to be with you. I want you to be my wife. Jesus, Camille, the thought of that makes me so excited that I just forget about everything else. And I think that says it all.’

Camille's cheeks turned pink. She played with her fingers, feeling like if she looked at him she would end up acting all giddy and embarrass herself.

Right now, she wanted to shout from the rooftops. Drake wanted to be with her. The title didn't put him off. Her baggage didn't put him off. He wanted HER.

She told him this, her voice wavering with emotion.

Drake chuckled. ‘Camille, you do realise I've always wanted you? Ever since our first meeting?’

Camille covered her eyes with the palms of her hands and groaned. ‘Oh god, I was such a mess.’

‘No you weren't,’ Drake said softly.

**************

SEVERAL MONTHS AGO

Drake knocked on the heavy wooden door and waited patiently with his hands crossed. It was a force of habit. He always stood upright, his back straight, hands crossed as if he was in church. Not that Drake went to church. But if he DID.

The door opened.

For some reason, the Duke of Ramsford was standing at the threshold. Drake had seen him on TV and across the newspaper pages. He was infamous for his Beaumont Bashes, his annual party, and his arrogant attitude.

He was holding a clipboard and looked rather serious.

‘Good morning,’ he greeted Drake grandly. ‘Are you here for the bodyguard interview?’

‘Yes, I'm Drake Walker,’ Drake told him, bowing his head slightly.

Why was he bowing his head? Was it because the Duke was a noble and Drake felt he had to defer to him? Jesus Christ.

‘Excellent, please come in,’ the Duke of Ramsford said in a clipped tone. He strode ahead of Drake, leading him through a marble foyer and down a long corridor that smelled of jasmine and glowed from the light of pillar candles.

‘So, I can see from your résumé that you have great experience working with high profile figures,’ the Duke said, flipping through the pages on the clipboard. Drake could see that it was indeed his résumé and there was a ton of writing all over it with some of his information circled in red pen.

‘Yes, I've worked with diplomats mainly,’ Drake explained.

‘And you are aware of the.. sensitive situation with the Duchess of Valtoria?’ the Duke asked, eyeing Drake.

Drake cleared his throat. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I’ve read the news reports, I know she's had a hard time since becoming the Duchess of Valtoria.’

The Duke scoffed. ‘That’s putting it lightly, Mr Walker. Right, she wants to conduct interviews on the terrace. She feels more relaxed there.’

They reached French doors which opened out onto the terrace.

That was when he saw her.

The Duchess of Valtoria was beautiful. Of course, Drake had known she was beautiful as her image was always plastered over magazine covers. But to see her in person… she was gorgeous.

As soon as the thought occurred to him, he pushed it down. Not professional in the slightest.

She stood up from the table and gave him a nervous smile.

‘This is Drake Walker,’ the Duke told her. ‘Excellent resume.’

Camille reached out to shake Drake's hand. ‘Pleased to meet you. Would you like some coffee?’

‘Uh, sure,’ Drake said. ‘Black please.’

Camille poured him a cup of steaming hot coffee. The Duke tutted. ‘Camille, you have servants to do that.’

‘It’s just coffee, Bertrand,’ Camille said with a sigh. ‘I’m hardly going to hurt myself.’

The Duke shuffled Drake's résumé, clearly not wanting to dignify her reply with a response. God forbid she pours me a cup of coffee herself, thought Drake.

The Duchess passed Drake the cup of coffee and sat down at the table, crossing her legs. ‘So…’ she began.

She eyed the Duke.

He cleared his throat. ‘I’m helping the Duchess with interviews as I want to ensure she employs the best bodyguard possible. As you know, there was an assassination attempt at the palace during a ball. The Duchess was caught up in the event. Her bodyguard, Mara, was dismissed the following morning.’

Drake nodded, his eyes flitting from the Duke to settle on the Duchess. She was playing with her sleeve, an anxious gesture he assumed. Her eyebrows were furrowed, intense.

‘The Duchess has been feeling-’ the Duke said. Drake snapped his attention back to him.

‘I mean no disrespect here, sir, but surely the Duchess should be the one to say how she's been feeling?’ Drake interrupted.

The Duke stared at Drake. The Duchess's eyes widened and she abandoned her sleeve.

Drake nodded at her, giving her an encouraging smile.

‘Umm.. okay, I've been seeing a therapist once a week,’ she explained, ‘and I've been diagnosed with PTSD. I have nightmares. I can't set foot in the palace. I prefer to stay at home, declining invitations… which as the new Duchess of Valtoria, doesn't make me very popular.’

‘Being popular is overrated anyway,’ Drake said, half joking.

She laughed weakly and tucked her hair behind her ear. ‘I have to be seen in public but the idea of being in a crowd freaks me out right now. I just worry someone is going to be there with a gun. So I'm not at my most.. confident.’

Drake smiled sympathetically. ‘I can help you with that.’

The Duke of Ramsford cleared his throat. ‘Mr Walker, if you were employed as her bodyguard, your job is simply to keep her safe. You won't need to help her with confidence issues or anything else-’

‘If she has to go to events under my protection, I'd prefer knowing she was walking in there feeling assured and confident,’ Drake cut in.

The Duke gave Drake a level stare. ‘Were you like this with all your previous employers?’

‘Yup,’ Drake said, ‘that’s why you've got a solid recommendation letter.’

The Duchess hid a smile. The Duke sighed.

‘Right, moving on.. you are aware that the post would require you to live in this manor with the Duchess?’

Drake nodded. ‘Yes.’

‘You have no family that would have an issue with this?’

Drake smirked. ‘What family? It's just me.’

The Duke nodded. ‘Perfect. The other interviews we've had have all failed at this step.’

The Duchess let out a weak laugh. ‘I’m quite fussy, apparently.’

She was mocking herself. She looked down at her hands and clenched and unclenched her fists. Another anxious habit, Drake bet.

‘You would be willing to protect the Duchess with everything you have?’ the Duke asked. ‘You would put yourself in harms way to keep her safe? You would be happy to move into this manor and essentially live with her?’

Drake's eyes flicked to the Duchess's. Her eyes bore into him, like his answer was the most important thing in the world.

‘I will protect the Duchess with my life,’ Drake replied, keeping his eyes fixed on her. ‘It will be my duty and honour.’

***************

Drake looked at Camille now. She was looking out to the water and the sun had cast her in a rose gold glow.

‘You look beautiful,’ he murmured.

Camille bit her lip and smiled. She turned to look at him and leaned forward to press a soft kiss on his lips.

‘Wanna go home?’ she asked.

Drake blinked. Home. Of course. The manor was his home now, officially.

‘Sounds perfect.’

****************

Camille practically dragged him through the manor upstairs to her bedroom. She kicked the door shut with her foot. Drake laughed and pulled her into him.

‘Someone’s eager.’

Camille gave him a mischievous smile. ‘Can you blame me?’

Drake chuckled. He stepped back and looked around the room. ‘Just one second…’

He started to look around the room, opening the door to the en-suite, pulling open the closet doors.

Camille watched him as he did this. He was so careful, so serious about her safety. She knew this of course but knowing he was doing it because he loved her, not just because he was her bodyguard…

Satisfied that the room was clear, he returned to her arms, kissing her roughly. His fingers raked through her dark hair as he pulled her into him.

‘Someone’s eager,’ Camille joked against his lips.

‘Can you blame me?’ Drake teased, smiling against her mouth. She gently nipped at his lower lip, making him groan.

Camille stepped back and looked up at him with her brown eyes. He watched her, his chest rising and falling.

Slowly, she reached out and started to unbutton his shirt. She did this delicately, careful not to brush his wound. Drake closed his eyes and swallowed as he felt her fingertips trace lines along his chest.

Camille studied him. He was so broad and strong. He was built perfectly.

She slowly pulled his shirt off, letting it drop to the floor. Gently, she traced his hip lines, making him breathe in sharply.

‘You’re so handsome,’ Camille murmured.

Her hands found his belt. Keeping her eyes on his, she made quick work of unbuckling the belt, prising it off with her fingers. Drake pulled his trousers off, kicking them away.

Camille's fingers latched onto the waistband of his boxers. She pulled them down, Drake helping her impatiently.

He stood before her, completely naked.

Camille ran her hands down his chest, her fingers lightly dancing down his abs.

Drake reached out to brush her jawline with his thumb.

They were being so.. tactile. After all this time of trying not to touch, trying to be professional, occasionally failing at that… now they could do what they wanted. And it was sheer, utter bliss.

‘Your turn now,’ Drake murmured.

Camille gave him a shy smile.

Drake gently pulled the skinny straps of her silk dress down past her shoulders, pressing butterfly kisses along her neck, across her collarbone, along her shoulder.

Camille closed her eyes, focusing on his lips and his warm breath against her skin.

Her dress fell down and pooled at her feet.

He continued to kiss her skin as he pulled down her underwear.

Drake stepped back to look at her. His eyes slowly travelled down her body and back again. He couldn't believe that she was now his. He got to be with her like this for the rest of his life.

Camille stepped closer to him and kissed him, a deep kiss that he sank into.

‘You look very serious right now,’ she whispered in his ear.

‘Because this is serious business,’ Drake murmured, closing his eyes as he focused on her lips on his skin. ‘Very serious business loving you.’

[meandmybigmouth]

THE REPUBLICAN "F**K YOU AMERICAN PEOPLE" WILL NEVER END!

‘It’s shameful’: Houston homeowners in limbo after public water tank explodes, floods their homes — but home insurers won’t cover and district claims ‘government immunity’ to avoid paying

‘It’s shameful’: Houston homeowners in limbo after public water tank explodes, floods their homes — but home insurers won’t cover and district claims ‘government immunity’ to avoid paying

IT'S TIME TO END QUALIFIED IMMUNITY!

Here are some quotes and resources about ending qualified immunity:

Ayanna Pressley"Qualified immunity shields police from accountability, impedes true justice, and undermines the constitutional rights of every person in this country". 

ACLU"It's time that we abolish the doctrine and begin funneling resources away from law enforcement and into community services". 

UCLA School of Law"Eliminating qualified immunity would stop the stream of court decisions denying plaintiffs relief and sending the message that officers can violate people's rights with impunity". 

Legal Defense Fund"Qualified immunity must be abolished because it allows law enforcement – as well as other government officials – to repeatedly violate the constitutional rights of people without consequence"

[steamedtangerine]

The following may be text from a similar article put out by NYT:

Meteorologists Face Harassment and Death Threats Amid Hurricane Disinformation

Weather experts say the spiraling falsehoods, especially claims that the government is creating or controlling storms, have gotten out of hand

A meteorologist based in Washington, D.C., was accused of helping the government cover up manipulating a hurricane. In Houston, a forecaster was repeatedly told to “do research” into the weather’s supposed nefarious origins. And a meteorologist for a television station in Lansing, Mich., said she had received death threats.

“Murdering meteorologists won’t stop hurricanes,” wrote the forecaster in Michigan, Katie Nickolaou, in a social media post. “I can’t believe I just had to type that.”

Meteorologists’ role of delivering lifesaving weather forecasts and explaining climate science sometimes makes them targets for harassment, and this kind of abuse has been happening for years, weather experts said. But amid the conspiracy theories and falsehoods that have spiraled online after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, they say the attacks and threats directed at them have reached new heights.

“We’re all talking about how much more it’s ramped up,” said Marshall Shepherd, who is the director of the University of Georgia’s Atmospheric Sciences Program and a former president of the American Meteorological Society. There has been “a palpable difference in tone and aggression toward people in my field,” he said.

Mr. Shepherd said the scrutiny meteorologists face is sharply amplified during major weather events, and the back-to-back hurricanes, combined with the political climate and second-guessing of weather experts, may have created conditions ripe for abuse.

Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm on Florida’s Gulf Coast in late September, tearing through the Southeast and becoming the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland in nearly two decades. Just two weeks later, Milton rapidly strengthened and struck Florida as a Category 3 storm, resulting in at least 14 deaths, serious flooding and the destruction of scores of homes.

Emergency workers have also been targeted with abuse. In the aftermath of Helene, Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel received a significant amount of harassment, including false claims that the agency was stealing donations and diverting disaster aid to Ukraine. Calls were made for residents to form militias to defend against those workers, who also faced antisemitic and misogynistic threats.

The agency’s administrator, Deanne Criswell, told ABC in early October that the rhetoric was “demoralizing” and had created “fear in our own employees.” She added in another interview that the disinformation was hampering relief efforts.

Many of the falsehoods about the hurricanes have been spread by conservatives and supporters of former President Donald J. Trump, including a former Trump administration official and a Republican congresswoman.

Of all the conspiracy theories and disinformation that have circulated, meteorologists say one falsehood that has especially gotten out of hand is the claim that the government is creating or controlling the storms. Forecasters have been harassed for either failing to promote these claims or for disseminating accurate information that counters them.

Matthew Cappucci, a D.C.-based meteorologist for MyRadar and The Washington Post, said he received hundreds of comments and dozens of messages during the storms about how the government had modified the weather and that accused him of helping cover it up. He said that the threats were “exasperating” at a time when he was working around the clock to track the hurricanes.

“Part of me wanted to say, ‘If you don’t trust my warnings, then stay in place,’” he said. “‘Just sit there and see what happens.’”

Mr. Shepherd said that such false claims about outside forces controlling the weather have always existed, recalling how similar assertions emerged during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. “The difference is that they were always out there in ‘fringe-world,’ but now I’ve seen them become almost mainstream,” he said.

During an interview on CNN as Milton approached Florida, a reporter asked Mr. Shepherd whether the storm was manipulated by people, referring to a person he had just spoken to on the street who had made that claim. “It’s stunning that the reporter had to ask that question,” Mr. Shepherd said.

The abuse directed at meteorologists can have serious consequences, they said, eroding trust in them when they issue critical warnings, in addition to taking a personal toll on them.

Last summer, Chris Gloninger, the chief meteorologist of a television news station in Iowa, left his job after he received a string of harassing messages — including a death threat — for his on-air discussions of climate change. He began incorporating the topic into his forecasts after being stunned by Hurricane Sandy.

Matt Lanza, a Houston-based meteorologist and editor at The Eyewall, a publication covering Atlantic storms, said responding to disinformation takes time away from explaining what people should expect during the storm.

Since Helene, he said that the harassment he has received has “reached a new stratosphere,” and he’s concerned that the industry will start losing meteorologists if it continues.

[mymbios]

Ricardo "Ric" Fuentes, 37, was born and raised in Houston, Texas, the first generation in his family to grow up in America. His parents, Javier Fuentes and María Fuentes, came to the United States right after they were married, seeking a better life and greater opportunities than they had in Mexico. Javier, now gone, had been a line technician, and María, now 63, worked in the finance department at the same telephone company, handling the books. Together, they were excited to build their new life in Houston, and just two years after they settled in, Ricardo was born.

When Ric was seven years old, his life changed forever. His father, Javier, tragically died in an accident at work when he was electrocuted by a live power line that hadn’t been properly handled. The loss devastated both Ric and his mother, and to make matters worse, all the company could offer them was a few thousand dollars as a settlement, leaving them not only heartbroken but also struggling financially. From that moment on, Ric grew up quickly. He watched his mother work tirelessly to provide for them, and he developed a deep sense of responsibility, both to her and to himself.

Ric was a teenager when his mother met a new man, Kalvin Post, and started a relationship that immediately rubbed him the wrong way. He believed Kalvin was taking advantage of María’s vulnerability, and his suspicions were confirmed when the man disappeared one morning, leaving her seven months pregnant with Ric’s half-brother, Mateo Hernández, taking their mother's maiden name, who is now 20. From that point forward, Ric took on the role of protector and provider for his family, determined to ensure they were never taken advantage of or left in a vulnerable position again. He became a surrogate father to Mateo and took the responsibility of being the man of the house seriously.

Now, at 37, Ric has channeled his sense of responsibility into a meaningful career as a disaster management specialist. His job involves coordinating responses to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, ensuring that communities receive the help they need in times of crisis. He works with emergency services, local governments, and relief organizations, setting up disaster response plans and overseeing the logistics of evacuations, rescue operations, and resource distribution. Ric is often one of the first on the scene after a disaster strikes, organizing relief efforts and offering both practical and emotional support to families in need. His personal experience with tragedy has made him particularly empathetic and driven to help others when they’re at their most vulnerable.

Outside of work, Ric is a man who loves staying active. He hits the gym regularly and enjoys running as a way to clear his head. Family is everything to him, and he spends as much time as possible with his mother and half-brother Mateo, whom he’s especially protective of. Ric also has a love for cooking, a skill he learned from his mother. He enjoys whipping up traditional Mexican dishes on the weekends, filling the kitchen with the smells and flavors of their heritage.

Though Ric is serious and dependable when it comes to his family and work, he’s also known for having a cheesy sense of humor and a calm, collected demeanor in even the most chaotic situations. He doesn’t get rattled easily, a trait that makes him a strong leader in his line of work. In his downtime, Ric enjoys reading history books and watching old Western movies, both of which remind him of his father, who had a passion for those same things. He also makes time to volunteer with local youth organizations, hoping to be a role model for young people who need guidance, much like he did when he was younger.

[weather-usa]

Francine threatens flooding as its remnants move into the Tennessee Valley

Francine made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane south of Morgan City, Louisiana, on Wednesday afternoon and began to weaken after reaching shore.

A weakening Francine still has the potential to bring widespread rainfall, gusty winds, and even a slight tornado threat as far north as the mid-Mississippi Valley. The storm’s moisture will gradually move northward across the South through the end of the week.

Francine made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane south of Morgan City, Louisiana, on Wednesday afternoon and began to weaken afterward.

Weather Forecast For 77064-Houston-TX:

https://www.behance.net/gallery/201999131/Weather-Forecast-For-77064-Houston-TX

While the storm's center of circulation is expected to move well inland, its impacts could extend hundreds of miles outward.

Weather alerts related to Francine, including wind advisories, flood watches, and other hazardous weather warnings, have been issued as far north as southern Missouri and as far east as Tennessee as the remnants of the tropical cyclone progress through the South.

The primary concern is that heavy rainfall could weaken tree roots and lead to fallen trees, even though the tropical cyclone has significantly weakened.

Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, said, "What worries me about this situation is that saturated soils can make trees more susceptible to falling from wind when the hurricane’s core moves ashore, increasing the risk of power outages."

Millions of people from the Gulf Coast to the mid-Mississippi Valley are under wind advisories, with gusts potentially reaching at least 40 mph over the next 48 hours.

Climate and Average Weather Year Round in 29617 - Greenville SC:

How much rain is expected?

As the tropical cyclone moves generally northward, widespread rainfall of 2-5 inches is expected through early the weekend.

Communities in the heavy rainfall zone include Greenwood, Mississippi; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Memphis, Tennessee; and Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Although the intrusion of dry air and already dry soil reduce the likelihood of widespread flooding, localized flooding may occur where rain bands stall or repeatedly move over the same area, particularly in poorly-drained regions.

The combination of wind shear, increasing dry air, and rain bands moving through the Southeast could lead to the formation of funnel clouds and brief tornadoes through at least Friday.

Several Louisiana parishes were under Tornado Warnings on Wednesday before Francine made landfall, but no tornadoes have been reported so far.

While some tropical storms and hurricanes that make landfall along the Gulf Coast are known for generating tornadoes, Francine has not yet shown signs of producing such activity.

See more:

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-99589

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-99590

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-99591

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-99599

https://weatherusa.app/zip-code/weather-99602

Francine might actually bring some relief to areas grappling with increasing drought conditions from the Gulf Coast to the southern Ohio Valley. The expected 2 to 5 inches of rainfall could help alleviate drought levels that have ranged from "abnormally dry" to even "extreme," according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.

Similar to how heavy rains can bring relief to drought-stricken parts of central Vietnam, the much-needed precipitation from Francine could reduce water shortages in the region. Drought has also contributed to low water levels along portions of the Mississippi River, a key route for transporting goods by barge.

Although water levels remain within the acceptable range, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has noted that if the low levels persist, the weight of products transported could be limited, much like how drought conditions in the Mekong Delta affect transport along the river's channels.

A river gauge north of St. Louis recorded a water level of just 3 feet, a decrease of 6 feet over the past month and more than 10 feet below the typical level for this time of year.

Despite the impacts of the remnants of Beryl and early-summer flooding on the valley, water levels have generally remained below their average stage.

[monsoon-memoirs]

Eye of the Storm: America's Unbreakable Spirit in the Face of Hurricane Havoc

As Hurricane Zephyr barrels towards the Gulf Coast, a tale of resilience, innovation, and human spirit unfolds across America's southern states. This Category 4 monster, with winds howling at 150 mph, threatens to rewrite the coastline and test the mettle of millions in its path. In Biloxi, Mississippi, local fisherman Tom Hawkins stands defiantly on his weathered dock. "I've seen storms come and go," he says, eyes fixed on the horizon, "but this time, we're ready." Tom's not alone. The entire community has rallied, transforming the local high school into a high-tech command center, complete with satellite imagery and AI-powered prediction models. Meanwhile, in New Orleans, memories of Katrina loom large. But instead of fear, there's a palpable sense of determination. Mayor Lisa Johnson showcases the city's revolutionary flood defense system. "We've learned from the past," she declares, standing atop a massive floodgate. "This time, we're not just surviving; we're thriving." As Zephyr inches closer, an army of volunteers mobilizes. In Houston, chef Maria Rodriguez coordinates a network of food trucks, ready to feed thousands. "In times like these, a hot meal is more than food," she says, stirring a massive pot of gumbo. "It's hope." The storm's impact reaches far beyond the coast. In Atlanta, logistics expert David Chen works tirelessly, rerouting supply chains to ensure critical resources reach those in need. "It's like a giant game of chess," he explains, eyes glued to multiple screens. "Every move counts." But it's not just about preparation. Innovation blooms in the face of adversity. In Florida, engineer Sarah Patel unveils her team's latest creation: inflatable storm shelters that can be rapidly deployed in emergencies. "We're turning science fiction into science fact," she beams, as the structure inflates behind her. As Zephyr makes landfall, the nation holds its breath. But amidst the howling winds and lashing rain, stories of heroism emerge. Coast Guard pilot Jake Simmons flies daring rescue missions, plucking stranded residents from rooftops. "It's what we train for," he shouts over the roar of his helicopter. "But nothing prepares you for the look of relief on someone's face when you reach out your hand." In the storm's aftermath, as communities begin to assess the damage, the true strength of the American spirit shines through. Neighbors help neighbors, strangers become friends, and a nation comes together to rebuild. This hurricane is more than a natural disaster; it's a testament to human resilience, ingenuity, and compassion. As one local put it, "Zephyr may have blown through our towns, but it can't blow away our spirit." For those looking to support hurricane victims or learn more about disaster preparedness, visit [insert link to hurricane relief organization]. Remember, in the face of nature's fury, our greatest strength lies in our unity. Are you ready to maximize your chances for recovery? Contact us now for a FREE CONSULTATION at 8338582031 with both a state appraiser and an attorney! Get immediate advice from both a public adjuster and an attorney when you reach out to us. Receive a preliminary assessment of your property damage and an estimate of potential insurance compensation. Benefit from the expertise of construction professionals for accurate property damage evaluation.

[hiphopvibe1]

Travis Scott and his Cactus Jack Foundation launch emergency relief drive for Houston families affected by Hurricane Beryl

Travis Scott launches relief drive for Hurricane Beryl victims In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl, Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Foundation, in collaboration with the Houston Food Bank and Houston Responds, has launched a comprehensive relief effort in Missouri City, Texas. The hurricane, which resulted in severe flooding, power outages affecting nearly 3 million…

[newstfionline]

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Storms leave widespread outages across Texas (CBS News) Strong storms with damaging winds and baseball-sized hail pummeled Texas on Tuesday, leaving more than one million businesses and homes without power as much of the U.S. recovered from severe weather, including tornadoes that killed at least 24 people in seven states during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. By 5 a.m. EDT Wednesday, the number of customers in the dark was under the 500,000 mark. Heavy thunderstorms also were plowing toward Houston, where officials warned that winds as strong as 70 mph could cause damage less than two weeks after hurricane-force winds knocked out power to more than 800,000 homes and businesses. It has been a grim month of tornadoes and severe weather in the nation’s midsection.

Brutal heat dome shifting from Mexico into the U.S. (Washington Post) A prolonged and deadly heat wave in Mexico, one of the most extreme the country has faced, shows little sign of easing and is oozing into the United States, where it has already set records and fueled violent storms. The heat has been breaking records in Mexico since early May. Many Mexican states have observed their highest temperatures on record, while more than 80 percent of the country is also enduring drought. Mexico City has set all-time record highs on multiple occasions, while fears grow that it may run out of water. At least four dozen people have died of heat stroke and dehydration in Mexico over the past two months, and there’s little sign of relief. Meanwhile, there are signs that the intense zone of high pressure fueling the high temperatures, known as a heat dome, may expand northward into the western United States over the next week, to southern parts of both Texas and Florida.

Brazil: The climate refugee crisis (Washington Post) The middle-aged couple stepped through the muddy remains of their neighborhood in Porto Alegre. For 12 days, they’d steeled themselves for this: the moment when they’d return to their house, swallowed by floodwaters, and decide whether it, and their old life, was worth saving. Even as the waters rose, maiming this prosperous city in southern Brazil, claiming more than 160 lives and forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes, Silvia and Vitor Titton had tried for hope. But the last vestiges of optimism now evaporated. Rotting fish lay in the front yard. Sticky, foul mud lacquered everything. Picking through the detritus, Silvia realized she could never return. She didn’t know where she would go. But this part of Porto Alegre, increasingly prone to cataclysmic floods, was no longer home. For years, scientists have warned that climate change would displace millions of people, reordering the world’s human presence as people searched for safety. The World Bank has estimated that more than 216 million people could be driven from their homes by sea level rise, flooding, desertification and other effects of warming temperatures. A future characterized by “climate refugees,” the European Parliament reported, was coming. That future now appears to have arrived. Floods in Pakistan in 2022 displaced an estimated 8 million people. Floods in Ethiopia in 2023 and Kenya this year forced hundreds of thousands more from their homes. And now, Brazil.

Sweden seeks to answer worried students’ questions about NATO and war after its neutrality ends (AP) The teacher’s opening question to students in Stockholm is blunt: “Has joining NATO increased the threat to Sweden?” Sweden became the Western military alliance’s 32nd member in March. The abrupt end to the Scandinavian country’s 200 years of neutrality following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and officials’ warnings about the Russian threat to Sweden itself, worry many. Teenagers are no exception. Masai Björkwall helped design a national program to educate students on the history and geopolitics of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization after students at Viktor Rydberg Junior High School earlier this year anxiously asked if war might come to Sweden. Their fears had been sparked by comments from the country’s top military commander and the civil defense minister that there was a risk of war and that Swedes must prepare.

Facing an Endless Barrage, Ukraine’s Air Defenses Are Withering (NYT) Ukraine is increasingly failing to stop Russian missiles, crippling its ability to protect major infrastructure and plunging cities into darkness. Russian air assaults have struck critical Ukrainian weapons factories and railways used to supply the front. They have also targeted Ukrainian troops on the front line. Ukraine has been making desperate pleas for more air defenses from its Western allies, saying it is running out of critical supplies. But that is only part of the problem. Russia has also changed its tactics, firing larger barrages that overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses and faster missiles that are harder to shoot down. Some attacks appear intended to make life difficult for civilians by striking urban centers, or damaging power plants and cutting off electricity to tens of thousands of residents, as was the case last week.

India may have recorded its hottest temperature ever amid severe heat wave (ABC News) One of the hottest countries on Earth potentially recorded its highest temperature ever. India recorded a temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius—or about 126 degrees Fahrenheit—on Wednesday at a weather station in Mungeshpur, a suburb of New Delhi, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be indicted for royal defamation, prosecutors say (AP) Thai prosecutors said Wednesday former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be indicted for defaming the monarchy, three months after he was freed on parole on other charges. The law on defaming the monarchy, an offense known as lese majeste, is punishable by three to 15 years in prison. It is controversial not only because critics consider it harsh, but also because they charge it is used for political purposes to punish government critics. Thaksin was ousted by a military coup in 2006. His opponents then had accused him of disrespecting King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in 2016. Thaksin’s ouster set off years of struggle between his supporters and his opponents, who were generally staunch royalists. The political polarization led to unprecedented public debate about the monarchy’s role, which sharpened when student-led protests for greater democracy took the the streets in 2020.

The United States used to have cachet in China. Not anymore. (Washington Post) There was a time not so long ago in China when anything American was automatically seen as better. In the 1990s, weddings were held at a McDonald’s near Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. By the 2000s, Nike sneakers, iPhones and dates at Pizza Hut were the badges of middle-class achievement. America, which is called mei guo or “beautiful country” in Chinese, was the bastion of wealth and ease. Now, Chinese media and commentators mockingly refer to the United States not as mei guo but as mei di—“the beautiful imperialist.” And Chinese shoppers are more likely to be sipping a drink from Luckin, a Chinese coffee chain, than Starbucks or lining up all night to buy Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro than the latest Apple device. For decades, this soft power was one of the United States’ most potent weapons in China. But over the last few years, the United States has lost hearts and minds in China as its cultural luster has faded. “It’s a paradigm shift,” said Da Wei, director of the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University. “The U.S. image in China is so bad today. It’s probably the worst in the past 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations,” he said.

North Korea flies trash balloons over the South (Foreign Policy) South Korean authorities warned people along the border with North Korea on Wednesday of an “air raid.” But instead of rockets, Pyongyang launched something a little smellier. It sent hundreds of balloons carrying trash and animal feces to its neighbor, calling them “gifts of sincerity.” The unorthodox campaign was in retaliation for South Korea’s propaganda efforts, including Seoul sending inflatables carrying anti-regime leaflets, food, medicine, money, and K-pop music videos downloaded onto USB sticks.

Netanyahu frequently makes claims of antisemitism. Critics say he’s deflecting from his own problems (AP) After the International Criminal Court’s top prosecutor sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense minister and top Hamas officials, the Israeli leader accused him of being one of “the great antisemites in modern times.” As protests roiled college campuses across the United States over the Gaza war, Netanyahu said they were awash with “antisemitic mobs.” These are just two of the many instances during the war in which Netanyahu has accused critics of Israel or his policies of antisemitism, using fiery rhetoric to compare them to the Jewish people’s worst persecutors. But his detractors say he is overusing the label to further his political agenda and try to stifle even legitimate criticism. “Not every criticism against Israel is antisemitic,” said Tom Segev, an Israeli historian. “The moment you say it is antisemitic hate ... you take away all legitimacy from the criticism and try to crush the debate.”

Israeli strikes kill at least 37 Palestinians, most in tents, near Gaza’s Rafah as offensive expands (AP) Israeli shelling and airstrikes killed at least 37 people, most of them sheltering in tents, outside the southern Gaza city of Rafah overnight and on Tuesday—pummeling the same area where strikes triggered a deadly fire days earlier in a camp for displaced Palestinians—according to witnesses, emergency workers and hospital officials. The tent camp inferno has drawn widespread international outrage, including from some of Israel’s closest allies, over the military’s expanding offensive into Rafah. Israel’s assault on Rafah, launched May 6, spurred more than 1 million people to flee the city, the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees said Tuesday. Most were already displaced multiple times in the nearly eight-month war between Israel and Hamas. Families are now scattered across makeshift tent camps and other war-ravaged areas. The strikes over the past few days have hit areas west of Rafah, where the military had not ordered civilians to evacuate.

145 countries now recognise a Palestinian state (AFP) Israel’s war in Gaza since the October 7 attack has revived a global push for Palestinians to be given a state of their own. Norway, Spain and Ireland on Tuesday became the latest countries to recognise a state of Palestine, breaking with the long-held view of Western powers that Palestinians can only gain statehood as part of a negotiated peace with Israel. Their move, which has infuriated Israel, brings to 145 out of the 193 UN member states that have recognised a Palestinian state. They include many Middle Eastern, African and Asian countries, but not the United States, Canada, most of western Europe, Australia, Japan or South Korea.

Sweater-Eating Moths (The Atlantic) Every year, beginning around the end of March, my household starts planning a massacre. Our targets are our home’s clothes moths: My spouse and I lay pheromone-laced traps in the closets, living room, and bedrooms; we—and our two cats—go on alert for any stray speckle of brown on a cream-colored wall. The moment we spy an insect, we’ll do whatever we can to crush it. After killing dozens upon dozens, my husband and I can now snatch moths straight out of the air. None of this has been enough to eliminate the moths. These particular moths—webbing clothes moths—are simply too well adapted to modern human life; as a species, “they don’t really live outside anymore,” Isabel Novick, a biologist at Boston University, told me. Clothes moths have evolved into a perfect nuisance, so capable of subsisting on the contents of our homes that permanently purging them may be impossible. Their larvae are hungry for keratin, and the average home is full of it.

[aqua-aid-atlas-911]

Houston Residents Face Post-Flood Recovery Challenges Amidst Limited FEMA Assistance

Thousands of Houston-area residents are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding and the need for extensive repairs and financial support.

In the wake of devastating floods that have left many Houston-area residents displaced and their properties damaged, the road to recovery seems daunting. With limited FEMA assistance available, individuals and communities are navigating alternative avenues for financial and food assistance, as well as exploring insurance options. Despite recent changes to FEMA rules aimed at expediting aid, the challenges of post-flood recovery persist.

FEMA Assistance and Managing Expectations

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers crucial assistance to those affected by natural disasters. However, in the case of the recent floods in Houston, FEMA funds are not yet available. The state of Texas must first make a case to the federal government, providing evidence of the extent of the damage and the expected costs of repairs.

Once approved, residents will be able to apply for funds through the FEMA website or DisasterAssistance.gov. However, it is important to manage expectations, as FEMA Individual Assistance grants have a maximum limit of $75,000, with an average payout of only $2,400 per household during Hurricane Harvey.

Alternative Avenues for Financial and Food Assistance

While FEMA assistance may provide some relief, there are other avenues available for financial and food assistance. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers Home and Property Disaster Loans, allowing individuals to borrow up to $500,000 for home repairs and up to $100,000 for replacing personal property. However, certain restrictions apply, and the neighborhood must be declared a disaster area by the President or Governor Abbott.

For those in need of food assistance, the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals to children and teens under the age of 18 at approved feeding sites. Additionally, the National Hunger Hotline can help individuals locate nearby food resources.

Insurance Help and the National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance to property owners and renters, even if they have previously filed a claim. To be eligible, the community must participate in the NFIP. Unlike FEMA assistance, flood insurance payments do not need to be repaid.

It is essential for individuals to assess their flood risk and explore flood insurance options. Contacting local providers or visiting the NFIP website can provide valuable information and guidance.

FEMA's New Rules to Streamline Assistance

In an effort to expedite aid and simplify the process for those in need, FEMA implemented new rules in March. These changes aim to address previous limitations and provide greater support to homeowners and disaster survivors.

Under the new rules, homeowners who have received insurance payments that fall short of covering all damages can now apply for FEMA assistance to make up the difference. Previously, FEMA could not help if the insurance payout exceeded the agency's assistance cap. Additionally, the requirement for disaster survivors to apply for a loan with the Small Business Administration before seeking FEMA assistance has been eliminated, streamlining the application process.

Furthermore, FEMA has introduced critical needs assistance, providing survivors with $750 for immediate necessities after a disaster. This category of aid is now automatically available whenever FEMA's individual assistance funding stream is activated, reducing the need for specific requests from states or tribal nations.

Additional Changes and Aid Categories

Disaster survivors with disabilities can now use FEMA funds to make their homes more accessible, expanding the agency's support beyond rebuilding damaged structures. Pre-existing issues in homes, such as leaky roofs, can also be addressed with FEMA assistance. Moreover, FEMA has introduced a new category called displacement assistance, which helps individuals find temporary housing while they search for long-term rentals.

The road to recovery for Houston residents affected by the recent floods is filled with challenges. While FEMA assistance offers some relief, the limited funds available and the need to meet specific criteria can leave many individuals seeking alternative avenues for financial and food assistance. The recent changes to FEMA rules aim to streamline the process and provide greater support, but the complexities of post-flood recovery persist.

It is crucial for affected individuals to explore all available options, including insurance programs and community resources, to navigate the path to rebuilding and regaining stability.

[tankrental456]

Water Tank Rental Near Me

The Convenience and Necessity of Water Tank Rental Near Me

Introduction:

Water is the essence of life. Whether for personal, commercial, or industrial use, having a steady and reliable water supply is crucial. However, situations arise where the existing infrastructure isn't sufficient to meet demand, or temporary water storage is required. This is where water tank rental services step in, offering a convenient solution to ensure a constant water supply. In this article, we'll delve into the significance of water tank rental, exploring its diverse applications and the reasons why you might find yourself in need of one.

Body:

1. Construction Projects: Construction sites often require a substantial amount of water for various purposes such as mixing concrete, dust suppression, and providing water for workers. However, access to a reliable water source isn't always readily available in these locations. Water tank rental offers a practical solution, providing on-site water storage to meet the demands of the project. This eliminates the need for frequent water deliveries and ensures uninterrupted progress.

2. Events and Festivals: Large-scale events and festivals often attract thousands of attendees, necessitating adequate provisions for water supply. Whether it's for drinking, sanitation facilities, or irrigation for green spaces, having readily available water is essential for the smooth functioning of the event. Water tank rental services can provide the necessary infrastructure to meet these requirements, ensuring a seamless experience for both organizers and attendees.

3. Agricultural Needs: In the agricultural sector, water is indispensable for crop irrigation, livestock hydration, and various other farming activities. However, access to water sources can be unpredictable, especially in remote or drought-prone areas. Water tank rental offers farmers a reliable means of storing water, mitigating the impact of water scarcity and enabling them to maintain their agricultural operations effectively.

4. Emergency Situations: Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes can disrupt water supply systems, leaving communities without access to clean water for an extended period. In such dire circumstances, water tank rental services play a crucial role in providing emergency relief. These tanks can be deployed rapidly to affected areas, ensuring that residents have access to safe drinking water until normal services are restored.

5. Temporary Accommodations: Temporary accommodations such as campsites, construction camps, or remote work sites often lack access to centralized water supply systems. Water tank rental offers a practical solution for ensuring adequate water provision in these environments, supporting the needs of residents or workers without the need for costly infrastructure development.

6. Renovation and Maintenance Projects: During renovation or maintenance projects, water supply systems may need to be temporarily shut down, disrupting the regular flow of water. In such cases, having a water tank on-site can help maintain continuity in water supply, ensuring that essential activities can continue without interruption.

Conclusion:

Water tank rental services offer a versatile and practical solution for a wide range of applications, from construction projects to emergency relief efforts. By providing temporary water storage, these services ensure a reliable water supply in situations where existing infrastructure is inadequate or unavailable. Whether it's for events, agricultural needs, or emergency situations, water tank rental near you can be the difference between inconvenience and seamless operation. So, the next time you find yourself in need of a reliable water supply, consider the convenience and necessity of water tank rental services.

[dankusner]

New book argues for removal of I-345 in Dallas

That highways don’t belong in cities may be news in Texas, but it is hardly a new idea.

Back in 1963, in his book The Highway and the City, the critic and historian Lewis Mumford wrote that “arteries must not be thrust into the delicate tissue of our cities; the blood they circulate must rather enter through an elaborate network of minor blood vessels and capillaries.”

Even Dwight D. Eisenhower, the president who signed the 1956 legislation that funded the postwar American highway boom, didn’t think those roads belonged in cities.

And yet, our cities are crossed and encircled by highways that divide neighborhoods, privilege driving over other means of transit and have been linked to other ill effects, from asthma to climate change. Downtown Dallas, for instance, is choked by a noose of urban highways.

The impacts of those roads — and what we can do about them — is the subject of a new book, City Limits: Infrastructure, Inequality, and the Future of America’s Highways, by Austin-based journalist Megan Kimble.

Over email, Kimble talked about the policies that led to this situation, the targeting of minority communities and the plans to tear down Interstate 345. The conversation has been edited for clarity.

Why a book about highways and the city now? Was there anything in particular that prompted you to write it?

In early 2020, the Texas Transportation Commission voted to fund a more than $4 billion project to expand I-35, a mile from where I live in Austin. I had been writing about housing policy for the Texas Observer, where I worked, and the highway seemed like a way into that larger story of car dependency and sprawl.

That summer, I learned about a massive highway expansion in Houston that would demolish more than a thousand homes and businesses.

I went to Houston and walked the footprint of the expansion with a grassroots group opposing it and was absolutely shocked by the scale of displacement.

I didn’t feel like any reporter had really dug into the agency behind all these expansions — the Texas Department of Transportation. And no one had satisfactorily answered a pretty basic question I had: If widening highways doesn’t fix traffic, why were we still widening highways?

And then I learned about Patrick Kennedy’s campaign to remove I-345 in Dallas, and that felt like a third act — the ultimate argument of the book, that we should tear down these urban highways and build something else in their place.

We’ll get to I-345. But let’s go back in history first. The idea that highways don’t belong in cities is hardly new, but somehow we keep building and expanding them. How did we get to this point?

Americans were sold the idea that highways — and automobiles — would create prosperity and freedom.

This idea was first articulated by General Motors in 1939, but it soon became enshrined in federal policy as we subsidized car travel over every other form of transportation.

It’s hard to imagine today, but there used to be pretty robust public transit in almost every American city.

We tore out that transit to build highways.

And so people had no other option but to drive.

President Eisenhower sold Congress on the interstate highway system by emphasizing the importance of connecting cities across the country for commerce and national defense.

But cars were flooding American cities, people clamored for congestion relief, and so planners took federal money and built massive highways directly through cities, often intentionally through Black and Hispanic neighborhoods.

Federal housing policy encouraged families — namely, white families — to move to the suburbs and promised speedy access back to the city on these highways.

The same dynamic is happening today.

As people get priced out of cities like Austin, they rely on highways like I-35 to get them back to work and school.

You spend a great deal of time writing about those displaced by highway building and the impact that construction had on minority communities. In what ways has race shaped the building of urban highways?

In the 1950s and 1960s, city planners and highway engineers intentionally routed urban highways through Black and Hispanic neighborhoods.

That’s very clear in the historical record, the idea that highways could help clear so-called blighted areas.

I found a study that showed that redlined neighborhoods — communities that had been denied access to credit and government-backed mortgages simply because Black and Hispanic people lived there — were more than three times as likely as the best-rated neighborhoods to have an interstate highway routed through them.

Highways not only displaced and demolished communities of color, they also helped segregate cities.

In Austin, for example, I-35 was built along East Avenue.

Two decades earlier, the city’s first comprehensive plan had prohibited Black people from living west of East Avenue.

The highway only cemented this segregation, creating a wall between a Black neighborhood and the heart of the city.

This brings us back to I-345, the dilapidated elevated highway that divides downtown Dallas from historically Black Deep Ellum.

Back in 2013, when I began writing about the plan to tear it down, I was told it was a fool’s errand.

Today, a teardown is a reality, though the city is planning something of a half measure — trenching it instead of removing it.

What would be the best outcome, and what do you say to those who believe removing it will lead to traffic Armageddon?

I think TxDOT’s “hybrid option” for I-345 — the trench you mentioned — is a clever bit of branding, implying that the state has somehow found a compromise between a highway and a highway removal.

But a trenched highway is still fundamentally a highway, and it offers none of the benefits of full removal, namely freeing up or otherwise enhancing dozens of acres of land to build on and restore to Dallas’ property tax rolls.

When TxDOT presented the full removal option to Dallas, it presented a vision of carmageddon — 19,000 hours of travel delay!

But those traffic models don’t account for how people’s travel behavior changes according to ease of access.

Anytime I get in the car, I look at Google maps to find the quickest route to where I’m going.

If that’s not on a highway, I won’t take a highway. People are rational consumers of goods, and roads are a good like any other.

In every city that has removed an urban highway or otherwise reduced car capacity, traffic volumes go down, even on parallel routes.

People simply drive less.

The corollary to induced demand — which says that as you add car capacity, cars fill up that capacity — is reduced demand. If Dallas wants to build a less car-centric city (and I think it’s an open question as to whether it does), then removing I-345 is the best place to begin.

[custombuildershouston]

Hurricane Harvey’s Aftermath Boon for Houston Investors

Hurricane Harvey ravished the Texas gulf coast by not just winds but from 3 days of steady rain fall accumulating 50+ inches of rain water. The region was further devastated by the storm surge that blocked contributories and would not allow Houston’s water spillways to release the bayous to the Gulf of Mexico. To add insult to injury, the two main flood water retaining reservoirs were ordered by the Army Corp of Engineers to be released for fear of failing. This release flooded a large number of higher end homes that had never previously flooded.

More than 42,000 homeowners (80,000+ households) sought storm shelters after being driven from their homes from flood waters. Many of which did not have flood insurance. During the last 3 months as Houston rebuilds after the damage, the housing market is once again seeking relief from both labor and housing shortages.

The housing shortages in Houston are the result of Houston’s population growth during the 2008 – 2010 financial crisis, while the number of new home built during this period fell to record lows. As the economy began its recovery, the displaced skilled housing labor from the recession did not return. Home builders have not been able to produce sufficient inventory surplus to date. To make this situation even more intense, many of the existing flood victims have either permanently or temporarily abandoned their homes while they determine what they will do for the future.

Most homeowner storm victims moved to rental homes or apartments. At the time apartment inventory was in a large surplus due to overbuilding the past 5 years. That inventory shrunk dramatically as did the rental home market. The new home market inventory has also shrank for the same reason, leaving a large inventory of surplus damage vacant homes throughout the area and a shortage of new homes.

We will present a discussion on the dynamics this storm has placed on the Houston housing market.

Houston Economy

The Houston housing market shortly after the financial crisis was white hot from 2011 – 2015. The city population grew by 10% from 2010-2016 according to the Census Bureau. Houston Texas remains one of the most diverse, fastest growing and affordable cities in the nation. The Houston economy lead the nation out of the great recession of 2008. In 2015 the price of crude oil fell from $100 to $40 barrel during this period. Oil prices have historically driven the Houston economy to either fuel and energize or slow to a crawl.

Although the oil industry still represents 15% of Houston’s commerce the oil industry has not had the historical impact of past years. This is due to the increases and diversity of other industry sectors like health care, professional business services, energy utilities and international commerce through the Port of Houston.

Oil prices still have not recovered in the last several years but the Houston economy has proven to be very resilient. The Houston unemployment rate is 4.5% compared to the national rate of 4.2% while lower than other major cities like LA, New York and Chicago which are all above 5.0%.

Houston remains the most affordable major city in the nation. This is principally due to the cost of living expenditures of which affordable housing represents 32% on the average. On the other side of that equation, Houston’s personal income of $43,000 remains slightly below the national average of $50,500. This creates a favorable quality of life attraction for larger companies employees.

Impact on Houston Home Values

The Houston housing market is in a state of dynamic volatility due to Harvey’s devastation. Many homes remain abandoned while the owners agonize over their financial and personal situations. There are homeowners that did not have flood insurance and for those that had flood insurance, they were financial impacted by the loss cap of $250,000 less depreciation.

Older homes valued at >$350,000+ that were damaged by flood waters, will receive flood claim benefits that are not likely to be sufficient enough to actually replace the damages. This is because of the replacement values are being adjusted for depreciation. A fifteen year old home that received the full value of $250,000 would likely receive $125,000 less deductable. This means that owners will be required to either use savings or/and borrow to rebuild their home.

Typical hurricanes raise home prices in the aftermath for years as much as 5% according to the Federal Reserve studies. This is due to higher demand and a lower supply of homes and the increase price pressures on materials. Because of all the existing shortages and premiums being paid on homes that were not flooded, there is no clear conclusion for projecting how much future home values will rise in Houston.

Homes that did not flood become more coveted then before this event. So they are receiving a spike in prices from the shortages and premium prices of not being economically victimized by the storm. In the short term even the homes that are completely remodeled will be subjectively perceived at a lesser value.

There is also likely to be a large increase in ready to build home lots. Many owners have already listed their property for sale “as is”. With the supply of premium lots entering the local market, investors can expect lot prices to fall over the next 12 -18 months. This may not directly affect lots that did not get flooded, but will impact the amount of price increase they would normally expect.

Houston Investor Single Family Investment Opportunities

The current Houston housing market conditions are presenting investors that have access to capital some unique opportunities that seldom are available. They are the ability to stock pile A+ lots to sell in a few years, renovate existing homes that are being sold as is and building new homes in these neighborhoods.

There are a large number of homeowners that have been emotionally damaged by experiencing the flood water events. In many cases these homeowners cannot get past the possibility of this happening again. In these situations rebuilding is not an option. They will keep their insurance proceeds and sell the property as is. There are such large numbers of these homes that some owners will sell immediately while others will hold them to sell at a later date expecting prices to rise. This suggest that this condition is likely to last for 2 – 3 years.

In many cases the these flooded homes can be renovated and resold in the market for quick reasonable returns that if annualized are good annual rate of return. These homes can as well be demolished and new homes built on these lots. Making the selection of which of the many options requires careful market analysis.

Investors have a number of viable options when it comes to buying these homes. Each home and each neighborhood will require to be carefully evaluated. After building several different profoma scenarios and evaluating the matrix of the immediate area, the investors will select the most optimum solution for their risk aversion.

The Houston housing market is poised for a dynamic market value move over the next 2 to 4 years. While flood victims evaluate the impact on their life and net worth, investors will provide justified and a needed role in the outcome of the speculation in the Houston housing market.

Source Url. https://www.marwoodconstruction.com/investor-articles/hurricane-harveys-aftermath-boon-for-houston-investors/

[thanksforthedinosaur]

october 2023

rosie tucker - hellraiser

somoh - anything

sydney sprague - nobody knows anything

silvie - the zoo

sawyer - support group

brye - nothing!

hannah jadagu - lose

slow pulp - mud

katy kirby - cubic zirconia

tilly louise - own worst critic

stevie bill - hahaha

etta marcus - nosebleed

sundial - grass is greener

charli adams - cry over everything

evangeline - camera shop

speedy ortiz - emergency & me

sarah crean - solitaire in apt. 7

isabel dumaa - quarter life crisis

kate teague - actor

corook - alien

vagabon - anti-fuck

helena deland - spring bug

rachel sermanni - big desire

madilyn mei - slippers

sun june - mixed bag

mitski - i don't like my mind

soccer mommy - losing my religion

lighthearted - from here on out

sea lemon - vaporized

kitba - tell me what i am

allegra krieger - terribly free

salem ilese - ketchup

kate davis - yoyo

june henry - baby teeth

sushi soucy - missing hell

field medic - you deserve attention

sufjan stevens - will anybody ever love me?

pollyanna - the cold

olive klug - faking it

into it. over it. - can i buy a v_wel?

thank you, i'm sorry - parking lots

subsonic eye - tender

lacuna - red thread

brand new legs - bloom

del paxton - chart reader

runaway brother - my friends

sincere engineer - landline

boys life - worn thin

flooding - monolith girl

chase petra - reliable narrator

proper. - earn

jeff rosenstock - future is dumb

blink-182 - more than you know

hawthorne heights - we were never lost

towa bird - wild heart

fazerdaze - bigger

nightosphere - two heads

virga - portal

computerwife - lexapro

lies - knife

cafuné - unchained memory

adoy - avenue

lany - alonica

allie - ambient playlist

boyish - split up

s. carey - new meaning

sonny zero - dew

a beacon school - alone

cherry glazerr - shattered

tanny ng - my, my, my

leebada - sleep

fieh - full time (part time allthetime)

berryblue - selfish

tiffi - bored

dounia - coolest girl in california

olivia rodrigo - all-american bitch

juliana chahayed - strawberry town

devon again - deep

easha - manic pixie dream girl

may-a - lola

charlie houston - all night

eliza mclamb - glitter

luna aura - blind

jessica andrea - sage

gatlin - paris

sad alex - jupiter

yeule - cyber meat

lolo zouaï - vvvip

mothica - sirens (feat. sophie powers)

ūla - scandal

madison beer - sweet relief

kim petras - problématique

slayyyter - girl like me

ebony loren - tongue tied

dacey - getaway (feat. kimmortal)

cleo sol - self

living legends - lettermen

meltycanon - out of body

phora - stay beside me

doja cat - balut

astrus* - throwaway tantrum

take van - bad behavior

fifi zhang - so beautiful so lonely

tomcbumpz - c u never

layzi - idk

troye sivan - got me started

pinkpantheress - mosquito

meltycanon - ghost in the shell

tinashe - tightrope

alex sloane - nuclear

[weather-usa]

Texas Faces Another Round of Dangerous Storms: Full Weekend Forecast

The central U.S. is bracing for more rounds of thunderstorms on Friday and into the weekend, with the potential to unleash damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes. This storm-weary region is still reeling from weeks of severe weather that have produced deadly twisters and caused immense damage.

According to the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center, over 25 million people from southern Texas and New Mexico to Kansas and Colorado are at risk. Dangerous conditions include strong wind gusts, hail larger than 2 inches in diameter, and the possibility of an isolated tornado in west Texas. Cities in the storm's path include San Antonio, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Pueblo, Colorado.

See Weather Forecast for Texas today:

https://devpost.com/software/weather-forecast-for-texas

"There’s still plenty of uncertainty as to where exactly storms will initiate and be most impactful," the weather service noted.

Early Friday morning, meteorologists issued flood and thunderstorm advisories across central and eastern Texas as some rivers neared their flood stages. The weather service also placed parts of the Mississippi Valley under flash flood advisories due to the rolling storms expected to develop over the area.

In Matagorda County, southeast Texas along the Gulf Coast, hail measuring 2.75 inches in diameter was recorded. Wind speeds in the same area reached 72 mph, according to the weather service.

Communities Devastated, Over 30 Killed by Recent Storms

This week, passing storms destroyed dozens of homes and businesses across Texas. One of these storms tragically killed a 16-year-old construction worker when a building collapsed around him near Houston on Tuesday. The death is currently under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, according to local media outlet KTRK.

Deadly Weather Strikes Southern Plains Over Memorial Day Weekend

At least 22 people lost their lives as severe weather swept through the southern Plains region during Memorial Day weekend. Authorities reported at least eight fatalities in Arkansas, seven in Texas, five in Kentucky, and two in Oklahoma as twisters and storms ravaged hundreds of homes.

See more:

In Texas, this hardship followed closely on the heels of flash floods and high winds that struck the Houston area just two weeks prior, claiming the lives of at least eight individuals and leaving thousands without power for several days.

Storms to Sweep Across Plains Through Weekend; Relief Expected Ahead

This weekend, the most intense storms will gradually shift northward, eventually impacting the Upper Plains and portions of the Midwest.

Saturday is expected to see storm development across the central and southern High Plains before these systems coalesce into clusters and advance from eastern Texas to South Dakota. The storms bring threats of severe winds, hail, and "potentially a few brief tornadoes," particularly in Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, New Mexico, and eastern Texas.

Meanwhile, another cluster of storms may develop along the central Gulf Coast, leading to heavy rainfall across a large portion of Mississippi and Alabama.

See more:

By Sunday, the storm clusters are anticipated to concentrate over the Upper Plains, primarily affecting the Dakotas, Nebraska, and much of Minnesota. Looking ahead to next week, adverse weather conditions are expected to remain confined to the northern U.S. and the Midwest, offering a welcome break to Texas and the southern Plains.