#Tiger Athletic Foundation

[subsidystadium]

Negotiations continue to happen in secret across the country, all without the public seeing or hearing about it

This is not going to shock anyone. Sports owners hate when their plans are released and looked at intensively by anyone. Have you ever tried to read one of them? Try taking a look at the “Potomac Yard Economic and Fiscal Impact Study” from the failed Capitals/Wizards to Alexandria, Virginia proposal. The agreements are nearly impossible to read and understand unless you read these types of…

[lboogie1906]

Leon Joseph “Bip” Roberts (October 27, 1963) is a former MLB second baseman and outfielder who played (1986-98) for the San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, and Oakland Athletics.

He was a speedy second baseman. Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the Draft as a supplemental pick in 1982, after stealing a combined 90 bases in his two previous minor league seasons, he was taken by the San Diego Padres in the Rule 5 draft in December 1985.

In 1992, he was selected as a National League All-Star, going 2-for-2 with two RBI. Ηe was named the Cincinnati Reds team MVP, and was 8th in voting for the NL MVP, stealing 44 bases, and hitting .323. He tied an NL record in 1992 with ten consecutive base hits.

After the 1993 season, he re-signed with the Padres. In 1994, he recorded an MLB-best 24-game hitting streak for the Padres. He would play for the Indians in the postseason, although he missed a game in the World Series.

In 1202 games over 12 seasons, he posted a .294 batting average (1220-for-4147) with 663 runs, 203 doubles, 31 triples, 30 home runs, 352 RBI, 264 stolen bases, 396 bases on balls, .358 on-base percentage, and .380 slugging percentage. He finished his career with a .976 fielding percentage. In 16 postseason games, he hit .246 (15-for-61) with 4 runs, 5 doubles, 5 RBI, 3 stolen bases and 5 walks.

He has worked for NBC Sports Bay Area as a co-host for the Oakland Athletics pre-game telecasts. In 2008, he took over as the head coach for the Skyline High School baseball team in Oakland. He was an assistant coach to the Academy of Art Urban Knights NCAA Division II PacWest baseball program (2010–12). He has donated his time to the Students Rising Above Foundation, which helps low-income, at-risk Bay Area kids overcome obstacles.

He was born in Berkeley and raised in Oakland, attending Skyline High School And Chabot Community College. He is married to Janina Roberts and has one child. He is the nephew of former NFL player Roy Shivers. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s leading agarbathi manufacturer and title sponsors for Ability Sports League T20, concluded the final match, held on 16th December at Alur KSCA Ground, Yelahanka. In a thrilling final match of the 3rd edition of the league, Chennai Legends emerged victorious, defeating Bengaluru Eagles by 53 runs. The match showcased the exceptional skills and abilities of wheelchair athletes from across the region. The event was graced by the presence of Spandan Kaniyar, Sports Head & Deputy News Editor, Kannada Prabha, Mukund Shetty, Sports Head, Samyuktha Karnataka, and Krishnappa Gowtham, Indian all-rounder who represents Karnataka in domestic cricket, and marquee player of Mysore Warriors.   The 3rd edition of the Ability Sports League witnessed Chennai Legends triumph over the Bengaluru Eagles   Chennai Legends showcased a sensational performance, led by Suresh Selvam's explosive innings of 111 runs off just 43 balls. Despite a resilient effort from Saliesh Yadav of Bengaluru Eagles, who scored 42 runs off 28 balls, the match belonged to the Legends. Jenish Anto's outstanding bowling spell, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs in 4 overs, played a pivotal role in securing a memorable victory for the Chennai Legends.   Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director, Cycle Pure Agarbathi, said, “We congratulate the Chennai Legends for their brilliant performance, and all the participants for their dedication and spirit. The Ability Sports League T20 celebrates the abilities of athletes beyond physical challenges, and fosters a spirit of inclusivity, courage, and perseverance in everyone, which we hope to continue to bring to other sporting leagues.”   Cycle Pure Agarbathi has made significant strides in fostering a vibrant sports culture. By supporting events including the Tiger Cup and the victorious Mysore Warriors in the 2024 Maharaja Trophy, the organization has positively impacted the local community and inspired aspiring athletes.   About NRRS The Mysuru-based NRRS was founded by Shri N. Ranga Rao in 1948. A true visionary and philanthropist, Shri Ranga Rao created the ubiquitous Cycle Pure Agarbathi which has, today, become the largest-selling incense stick brand in the world. From a home-grown enterprise, NR Group has evolved into a successfully run business conglomerate with an established presence in India and abroad. The Group has diversified into various business categories like functional air care products (Lia brand of room fresheners and car fresheners), wellness home fragrance products (IRIS) under Ripple Fragrances, floral extracts (NESSO), and Rangsons Technologies. Today, it is truly an Agarbathi to Aerospace conglomerate as it is also involved in making parts for defense helicopters. The organization has largely committed to social responsibilities and fulfills them, through its charity arm ‘NR Foundation’.   NR Group today is managed by the third generation of the Ranga family. For more information on NR Group, please visit www.nrgroup.co.in. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window,document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '311356416665414'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s leading agarbathi manufacturer and title sponsors for Ability Sports League T20, concluded the final match, held on 16th December at Alur KSCA Ground, Yelahanka. In a thrilling final match of the 3rd edition of the league, Chennai Legends emerged victorious, defeating Bengaluru Eagles by 53 runs. The match showcased the exceptional skills and abilities of wheelchair athletes from across the region. The event was graced by the presence of Spandan Kaniyar, Sports Head & Deputy News Editor, Kannada Prabha, Mukund Shetty, Sports Head, Samyuktha Karnataka, and Krishnappa Gowtham, Indian all-rounder who represents Karnataka in domestic cricket, and marquee player of Mysore Warriors.   The 3rd edition of the Ability Sports League witnessed Chennai Legends triumph over the Bengaluru Eagles   Chennai Legends showcased a sensational performance, led by Suresh Selvam's explosive innings of 111 runs off just 43 balls. Despite a resilient effort from Saliesh Yadav of Bengaluru Eagles, who scored 42 runs off 28 balls, the match belonged to the Legends. Jenish Anto's outstanding bowling spell, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs in 4 overs, played a pivotal role in securing a memorable victory for the Chennai Legends.   Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director, Cycle Pure Agarbathi, said, “We congratulate the Chennai Legends for their brilliant performance, and all the participants for their dedication and spirit. The Ability Sports League T20 celebrates the abilities of athletes beyond physical challenges, and fosters a spirit of inclusivity, courage, and perseverance in everyone, which we hope to continue to bring to other sporting leagues.”   Cycle Pure Agarbathi has made significant strides in fostering a vibrant sports culture. By supporting events including the Tiger Cup and the victorious Mysore Warriors in the 2024 Maharaja Trophy, the organization has positively impacted the local community and inspired aspiring athletes.   About NRRS The Mysuru-based NRRS was founded by Shri N. Ranga Rao in 1948. A true visionary and philanthropist, Shri Ranga Rao created the ubiquitous Cycle Pure Agarbathi which has, today, become the largest-selling incense stick brand in the world. From a home-grown enterprise, NR Group has evolved into a successfully run business conglomerate with an established presence in India and abroad. The Group has diversified into various business categories like functional air care products (Lia brand of room fresheners and car fresheners), wellness home fragrance products (IRIS) under Ripple Fragrances, floral extracts (NESSO), and Rangsons Technologies. Today, it is truly an Agarbathi to Aerospace conglomerate as it is also involved in making parts for defense helicopters. The organization has largely committed to social responsibilities and fulfills them, through its charity arm ‘NR Foundation’.   NR Group today is managed by the third generation of the Ranga family. For more information on NR Group, please visit www.nrgroup.co.in. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window,document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '311356416665414'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); [ad_2] Source link

[pablogerbolesparrilla]

Mastering Golf Techniques: Secrets of Success from the Experts

Mastering Golf Techniques: Secrets of Success from the Experts

Golf, an elegant sport with centuries of tradition, requires a balance of technical skill, mental focus, and physical fitness. Becoming successful in golf is not just about hitting the ball straight; it’s about refining every aspect of your game. Here, we'll explore essential techniques and strategies that professionals rely on to excel, from grip to mental resilience.

1. Perfecting the Grip

The grip is one of the most fundamental elements in golf. It influences control, distance, and accuracy. Professional golfers often experiment with different grips to find what works best for them. The three primary grips are:

The Interlocking Grip: Used by greats like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, this grip is favored for golfers with smaller hands. The pinky finger of the right hand interlocks with the index finger of the left, providing stability.

The Overlapping Grip: Popular among players with larger hands, this grip involves overlapping the pinky finger of the right hand on top of the left hand's index and middle fingers. It encourages more wrist action, which can generate power.

The Ten-Finger Grip: Often used by beginners, the ten-finger (or baseball) grip can give maximum control for those who struggle with other grip types. Some pros occasionally use it for unique shot types. Tip: Experts recommend frequent practice to maintain consistency in your grip, as this will significantly impact your shot's accuracy.

2. Mastering the Stance and Posture

Stance and posture set the foundation for a powerful and accurate swing. Golfers adopt a stable, slightly bent stance with feet shoulder-width apart to allow smooth weight transfer.

Balanced Posture: The correct posture should feel natural and athletic. A slight bend in the knees and a forward tilt from the hips, keeping the spine straight, is crucial. This posture provides balance and enables an unimpeded swing path.

Ball Positioning: Depending on the club, the ball’s position should vary. For example, experts position the ball slightly forward for drivers to help launch it with a slight upward trajectory, while wedges may have a more centered position for precision. Tip: Maintaining a consistent setup routine ensures that stance and posture remain steady, helping golfers develop reliable habits that lead to success.

3. Swing Mechanics

A perfect swing requires impeccable timing, coordination, and rhythm. Professionals spend years fine-tuning their swing to reduce flaws and optimize efficiency.

Backswing: The backswing sets up the energy for the shot. Keeping the arms and body connected as you turn is essential to prevent erratic movements. Professionals emphasize a slow, smooth backswing, enabling better control over the club.

Downswing: Timing is everything in the downswing. Pros accelerate through the ball, initiating the swing with the lower body rather than the arms. This sequence helps achieve maximum power and a consistent strike.

Follow-Through: A balanced follow-through reflects a good swing. The club should naturally guide the body toward the target, indicating proper alignment and rhythm. Tip: Practicing the swing with a mirror or video recording helps identify areas for improvement, making it easier to adjust mechanics effectively.

4. Short Game Mastery

The short game (chipping, pitching, and putting) is where many games are won or lost. Experts place a heavy emphasis on these areas, refining their technique to save strokes around the green.

Chipping: Experts keep the ball low to minimize unpredictable bounces. The chipping stroke resembles a putting motion, using minimal wrist movement and focusing on consistent contact.

Pitching: In situations where a higher trajectory is needed, pros use an open stance and adjust the loft to control spin and distance. This allows them to land the ball softly on the green.

Putting: Putting is often the most mentally demanding part of the game. Professionals spend hours reading greens and practicing putting drills to enhance touch and consistency. Tip: Dedicated practice with wedges and putters is crucial for improving short game skills. Many pros practice exclusively with these clubs for up to 50% of their training time.

5. Course Management

Course management is a strategic approach to navigating a golf course based on one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Playing to Strengths: Top players analyze each hole and select shots based on their strengths, even if it means sacrificing distance for accuracy.

Risk Assessment: Professional golfers are cautious about risky shots. Instead of trying to reach the green in two on a long par-5, for instance, they may opt to lay up, leaving a manageable wedge distance instead of risking a bunker or water hazard. Tip: Developing a pre-round strategy that takes the course layout, wind, and hazards into account can reduce mistakes and maximize scoring opportunities.

6. Physical Fitness and Flexibility

Physical conditioning plays a significant role in modern golf. Strength training, flexibility, and endurance exercises allow golfers to maintain high levels of performance across four rounds in a tournament.

Core Strength: The core is essential for generating power in the swing. Exercises like planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball throws improve stability and enable a stronger swing.

Flexibility: Flexibility, particularly in the shoulders and hips, allows for a full range of motion in the swing. Many professionals incorporate yoga or dynamic stretching routines to maintain flexibility.

Endurance: Walking a golf course can be physically taxing, especially over multiple rounds. Cardiovascular conditioning, like running or cycling, is beneficial for maintaining energy and focus throughout the game. Tip: A golf-specific fitness routine enhances endurance and minimizes the risk of injury, helping pros stay sharp and healthy.

7. Mental Focus and Resilience

The mental side of golf is just as important as the physical. Professionals are known for their strong mental game, which allows them to handle the highs and lows of each round.

Visualization: Before each shot, golfers visualize the desired result. Imagining the ball’s trajectory and final position helps players focus and commit to the shot.

Emotional Control: Golf can be a frustrating game, but experts stay calm, especially after bad shots. They focus on the next play, avoiding negative thoughts and staying present.

Routine: Consistent pre-shot routines help players relax and mentally prepare. This routine typically involves visualizing the shot, taking a few practice swings, and ensuring alignment. Tip: Practicing meditation, breathing exercises, or mindfulness techniques can improve focus and resilience, helping players manage pressure and maintain composure.

Conclusion

Success in golf is a result of attention to technique, mental discipline, and physical preparedness. Professionals are relentless in refining every aspect of their game, from grip to fitness to emotional control. For amateur golfers, adopting even a fraction of these strategies can lead to significant improvement, moving them closer to the professional level. Whether you’re just starting or aiming for expert-level play, these techniques form the foundation of a successful golf journey.

[sportfancity]

Joe Burrow (Bureaux) Jersey: Celebrate His Legacy with a Custom Design

Joe Burrow, often referred to as "Joe Bureaux," has solidified his place in football history as one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch. His remarkable career, which includes leading the LSU Tigers to a National Championship and making a significant impact in the NFL, has made him a fan favorite. One way to celebrate this legendary athlete’s contributions is by sporting a custom-designed Joe Bureaux Jersey, allowing fans to not only show their support but also create a unique piece of memorabilia that reflects their passion for the game.

The Rise of Joe Burrow

From his early days as a college football star to his current status in the NFL, Joe Burrow's journey is an inspiring one. His performances on the field have earned him numerous accolades, and his dedication to the sport has set a standard for future athletes. As Burrow continues to leave a lasting impression on the football world, fans from all over are looking for ways to commemorate his achievements, with jerseys being one of the most popular options. A custom-designed Custom Cincinnati Bearcats Jersey can be a perfect tribute to his days of glory before stepping into the professional league.

Why Choose a Custom Jersey?

A custom jersey offers more than just a piece of sportswear; it becomes a symbol of dedication, admiration, and personal connection to the sport. By choosing a custom Joe Bureaux Jersey, you can add personalized elements such as your name, favorite number, or even a special message. This option allows you to stand out at games and events while showcasing your support for Joe Burrow in a one-of-a-kind way. With a custom jersey, you’re not only supporting the player but also creating a timeless keepsake that can be cherished for years to come.

The Cincinnati Bearcats Connection

Before making waves in the NFL, Joe Burrow was associated with the Cincinnati Bearcats, where he honed his skills and laid the foundation for his remarkable career. Many fans who have followed his journey from college to the professional league feel a deep connection to his early days. Owning a Custom Cincinnati Bearcats Jersey is a perfect way to remember his beginnings and celebrate the team that helped shape him into the star quarterback he is today. Whether worn at a game or displayed as part of a sports collection, a Bearcats jersey offers a unique way to pay homage to Burrow's legacy.

For fans of Joe Burrow, owning a custom jersey is a great way to celebrate his incredible career and personal journey. With a custom Joe Bureaux Jersey or a Custom Cincinnati Bearcats Jersey, you can show your support in a personalized and memorable way. Whether you’re wearing it to the next big game or displaying it as part of your sports collection, a custom jersey offers the perfect blend of fandom and individuality.

To get your own custom Joe Burrow design, visit Sport Fan City, where you can create a jersey that reflects your passion and admiration for one of the greatest football talents of this generation.

[suvcarslover]

Trendsetting Excellence: A Look into Kia's Stylish Cars

Kia began its India operations with two SUVs – the Seltos and Sonet. The Seltos, launched in 2019, is a compact SUV featuring a sporty design language, powerful engine options, and generous equipment. Its sophisticated looks, feature-rich interiors, and strong value proposition made it an instant hit. The Sonet followed in 2020 as a subcompact SUV packing style, technology, and adaptability for the urban market.

In 2022, Kia diversified into the 6 & 7 seater segment with the Carens – a versatile people mover fusing sophistication, flexibility and family-friendly practicality. The same year marked Kia's foray into electric mobility with the futuristic EV6. Blending boundary-pushing design with long range, rapid charging, and sharp performance, the EV6 spearheads Kia's electric ambitions. Read on to learn more about the Kia car model in India.

Kia Seltos - The Foundation of Success

The midsize Seltos compact SUV left a strong first impression back in 2019. Its athletic shape, daring "tiger nose" chrome grille grabbed attention. Inside, the high-quality cabin with fancy touches like ambient mood lighting and ventilated seats made owners feel extra special. Buyers also appreciated Seltos' lively engine options and long features list, which are typically seen only on more expensive vehicles.

This clever balance of standout looks lots of equipment, capable engines, and reasonable pricing made Seltos an instant hit. It laid the foundation for Kia's popularity in India, which continues to grow today.

Kia Sonet - Winning Hearts in the City

Launching shortly after its Seltos sibling, the Sonet subcompact SUV had big shoes to fill. However, the smart packaging and design of Sonet makes it very appealing to find parking or turn in crowded cities. Owners loved the interior space despite the compact size outside. Mixing style and practicality for urban use worked very well.

Adding spirited engine performance and extensive feature options in top versions also won buyers. Moreover, as an affordable gateway into the Kia brand for first-time buyers, the value-packed and fun-to-drive Sonet struck the right chords.

Kia Carens - Sophistication with Flexibility

As a family needing a spacious yet sophisticated new vehicle, the 2022 Kia Carens catches our eye. The flexibility of its 6- and 7-seater configurations is perfect for changing carpool demands. Inside, the premium dash and materials and the latest technology and entertainment features create a refined environment the whole family enjoys.

Under the hood, fuel-efficient engines employ clever tech that assists with partial electric boosts for fewer stops at the pump. This creative combination striking new ground between practicality and appeal has attracted many families.

Kia EV6 - Future of Driving Arrives Today

As Kia's debut dedicated electric vehicle in India, the revolutionary KIA EV6 India gives buyers the first truly world-class EV option locally through superb Korean technology. Futuristic shapes mixing a sleek stance with aerospace ambitions provide strong hints for mobility advances. Vast tech transforming the cabin hints at potentials too - from dual HD displays to sustainable materials and 64 Color Ambient mood lighting settings. For Indian customers desiring a peek at tomorrow's electric possibilities made exciting today, Kia's luxury EV6 remains a red-hot talking point.

Kia Cars Models and Price When it comes to prices, Kia cars strike an appealing balance between affordability and premium ownership experience. Among the current Kia lineup, the Sonet subcompact SUV is the most accessible model for buyers looking to enter the Kia family.

Kia Sonet price starts at ₹7,99,000. T&C apply, ex-showroom price all India . This makes the lively yet practical Sonet subcompact SUV the most affordable way to own a new Kia car in India. With its eye-catching looks, extensive features list, efficient engines and composed road manners, the Sonet punches well above its price tag.

Moving up the ladder, we come to the popular Kia Seltos, which slots in as a compact SUV. Kia Seltos ex-showroom price starts at ₹10,89,900 T&C apply, ex-showroom price all India . The tech laden Seltos packs in a lot of money. From its high-quality interiors to versatile engine options and assured dynamics, the Seltos sets an aspirational benchmark in its segment.

Kia Carens ranges from ₹10,51,900* ex-showroom prices in all India . The Carens has transformed mobility for modern families with seating flexibility for 6 or 7 passengers, a striking design, and a premium cabin. Available with both petrol and diesel drivetrains, the Carens can suit varying budgets and needs.

Overall, Kia India has ensured widespread accessibility across its model range. For customers, this translates into vehicles matching their requirements and the style, features and technology defining the Kia brand. The market has received the pricing strategy well, as indicated by the sales success of Seltos and Sonet. Expect Kia to build on this momentum with competitive pricing, driving value-conscious purchases.

Conclusion By focusing on great design, consumer convenience, quality manufacturing and intelligent technologies in just 5 years, Kia India has achieved record sales most global brands take decades to reach! Now, they plan to raise the bar further - a more widespread presence countrywide. Given their customer-first mindset, which delivers joy and efficiency in equal proportions, we expect Kia's future journey to shine bright.

[tigerathleticmissionexperience]

Thursday’s recap of the Tiger Volleyball team’s TAME trip to Chile is provided by Junior Hannah Perry.

“We had another early morning at Grace College, arriving at 9:00 AM. We started the day by attending a welcoming ceremony from the students. We presented an ETBU flag to the school and led them in the Tiger clap. Following this we spent some time with the kids just playing and hanging out outside. We played soccer, gave out stickers, and continued to get the know the students. After this we split our team into two groups, where the first group went and observed some classes, while also getting to mingle with the kids and helping with English. The second group had a large group of students in the gym and we helped teach the younger kids how to pass a volleyball, while the older kids played soccer outside with some of the girls. I was helping my kids learn to pass a volleyball and while there was a big language barrier with this group, they listened to everything I said about how to hold their hands to pass a ball. They loved chasing the ball down for me to toss it to them for them to try it out.

Afterward we went to Chapel with the 11th and 12th graders and were able to worship with the student body and heard a short word from the principal of the school. Lillie Hill gave her testimony and shared a word about not putting our identity in our sports as athletes. Following that I gave my testimony and it was a good experience to share with people who have been experiencing some of the same things. Our time in Chapel came to an end with Dr. Blackburn sharing a devotional about Jeremiah 29:11, which is a verse that is hung on a banner in the school. The Lord has a plan for each and every persons lives and we just need to build our foundation on Him. At the end of Chapel we had a time for students to come up and talk to the team and get prayed for or just have a conversation about the message. The movement in the room started very slowly as only about 4 people got up, but as courage grew and the Lord continued to move, most everyone got out of their chair at some point. Great conversations were had, some tears were shed, and the prayer was powerful.

Shortly after we went to ate lunch at the school and they had a room set up with drinks and we grabbed our meals and fellowshipped together. After this we took a short break and then hosted our volleyball clinic. Most of the kids from the day before returned, so we got to continue our process of helping them better their skills.

One of the most significant things I remembered from this camp was helping a girl learn to serve over the net as well as getting to pray with two different steudents at the end of this clinic. Google translate was our best friend for this conversation. They were both Christian, so it was just a sweet moment to get to pray over them and their walk with the Lord. Once we finished this clinic we had another small break and then grabbed our things to head to our final game in Chile. We played Club Morano, who had four players that currently play on the Chilean National team and it was a very different experience than your typical game. The warmup was different and there was new rules we were not familiar about, but regardless we made it work. This included me playing backrow and serving which is not something I typically do, but it was great.

We had so much fun with the crowd that LOVED cheering for all of our big points. We won in five sets and it was a very exciting game. We ended the night with a dinner at McDonalds and ice cream. Then we headed back to our hotel and spent the rest of the night sharing testimonies and things that have been on our hearts until around 2:00 AM. Today was special and throughout this trip every single person has mentioned how much we have been impacted by the Chilean people, as well as each other.”

[peaches-and-daydream]

BIG SIGH.

BIG MOTHERFUCKING SIGH.

LSU football gets hella money from donors, so if y’all wanna be mad at that, be mad at it, but let’s not forget that through football LSU academics benefits millions of dollars a year. Here in BR I hear the same people who bitch about this also complaining that the alumni associations called to ask for donations as if they didn’t benefit from other alumni who donated. 

And before anyone comes for me I donate to both the alumni association and Tiger Athletic Foundation, because both are important to me.

PS. If anything, let’s talk about the ridiculous UREC lazy river bullshit.

PPS. Athletic ability is a form of intelligence!!! 

priorites

[greenteabtch]

OC Info!

I was tagged by @cullenvhenan​ <3 whoo! I’m super excited. Tagging to (if ya’ll want) @isalavhenan​, @sweethawke​, @kirkwallgremlin​, @twinlaurels​, @mrs-theirin​, @josieofantiva​ (featuring my work in progress art hhh)

GENERAL

name: Helena Guo Hawke

alias(es): Ice Queen (Varric), Tiger Lily (Sebastian), Champion of Kirkwall (Kirkwall)

gender/pronouns: cis woman, she/her 

age: 23 at the beginning of the Fifth Blight

place of birth: Judian (Original Country) 

spoken languages: Judanese, Common

sexual orientation: Bisexual 

occupation: former champion, temporary unoffical princess, now hunting slavers.

APPEARANCE 

eye colour: brown 

hair colour: black 

height: 5′10″ 

scars and burns: nothing significant

body type: athletic 

FAVOURITE 

colors: blue, red.

music genre: korean rap

movie genre: documentaries, mysteries, dramas

tv show: crash landing onto you *projects*

drink: matcha tea and thai tea 

book: the art of war

HAVE THEY 

passed university: home-schooled! so maybe? 

had sex: yes 

had sex in public: yes :| 

gotten pregnant: maybe...

kissed a boy: yes 

kissed a girl: yes 

gotten tattoos: no 

had a broken heart: hell yeah

been in love: yes 

stayed up for longer than 24 hours: yes

ARE THEY 

scared easily: no 

jealous easily: from time to time 

trustworthy: yes 

dominant/submissive: dominant 

a cuddler: yes 

a kisser: sometimes 

in love: yes 

single: nope!

RANDOM QUESTIONS 

wanted to kill someone: yes 

have/had a job: if you count swindling n light political advising

have any fears: insecurity, whether that’s financial, foundational, or emotional.

FAMILY 

sibling(s): Carver Fai Hawke, Bethany Huang Hawke (both alive)

parents: Malcolm Ji Hawke, Leandra Li Amell

children: mystery box

pets: Bao Bao the mabari :3

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s leading agarbathi manufacturer, is extending their support as the title sponsors of the Ability Sports League T20 (previously known as Karnataka Wheelchair Premier League). The tournament will be held from 10th December 2024 to 17th December 2024 at Alur KSCA Ground. The 3rd edition of the league will provide wheelchair athletes with the opportunities to showcase their unique talents and abilities, while competing in an inclusive arena.   The brand equipped all the 90 players with professional-grade cricket kits, including helmets, gloves, pads, and bats   The T20 tournament is the first South Asian wheelchair cricket league, offering athletes a unique platform to represent the future of India’s wheelchair cricket team. Launched in 2018, the league offers over 600 players in wheelchairs with the chance to showcase their talents and play for an international league. Cycle Pure Agarbathi has further extended their support by supplying the 90 players from six teams with helmets, gloves, pads, bats and kits.   The brand's support aims to level the playing field by providing each player with their own individual kit. This includes helmets, gloves, pads, and bats, ensuring that every athlete has the necessary equipment to perform at their best.   Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director, Cycle Pure Agarbathi said, “At Cycle Pure Agarbathi, we believe in the power of sports to inspire and unite communities. Supporting the Karnataka Wheelchair Premier League is our way of supporting the incredible athletes who demonstrate strength, resilience, and determination. We are proud to contribute to this platform that celebrates inclusivity and empowers individuals to achieve greatness, regardless of the challenges they face.”   Cycle Pure Agarbathi has showcased their support on numerous occasions to athletes by providing a platform to display their skills. The organisation is renowned for their contributions towards the Tiger Cup and Mysore Warriors, where the team was awarded the winners of the 2024 Maharaja Trophy.   About NRRS The Mysuru-based NRRS was founded by Shri N. Ranga Rao in 1948. A true visionary and philanthropist, Shri Ranga Rao created the ubiquitous Cycle Pure Agarbathi which has, today, become the largest selling incense stick brand in the world. From a home-grown enterprise, NR Group has evolved into a successfully run business conglomerate with an established presence in India and abroad. The Group has diversified into various business categories like functional air care products (Lia brand of room fresheners and car fresheners), wellness home fragrance products (IRIS) under Ripple Fragrances, floral extracts (NESSO), and Rangsons Technologies. Today, it is truly an Agarbathi to Aerospace conglomerate as it is also involved in making parts for defence helicopters. The organization has largely committed towards social responsibilities and fulfils them, through its charity arm ‘NR Foundation’.   NR Group today is managed by the third generation of the Ranga family.   For more information on NR Group, please visit www.nrgroup.co.in. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window,document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '311356416665414'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s leading agarbathi manufacturer, is extending their support as the title sponsors of the Ability Sports League T20 (previously known as Karnataka Wheelchair Premier League). The tournament will be held from 10th December 2024 to 17th December 2024 at Alur KSCA Ground. The 3rd edition of the league will provide wheelchair athletes with the opportunities to showcase their unique talents and abilities, while competing in an inclusive arena.   The brand equipped all the 90 players with professional-grade cricket kits, including helmets, gloves, pads, and bats   The T20 tournament is the first South Asian wheelchair cricket league, offering athletes a unique platform to represent the future of India’s wheelchair cricket team. Launched in 2018, the league offers over 600 players in wheelchairs with the chance to showcase their talents and play for an international league. Cycle Pure Agarbathi has further extended their support by supplying the 90 players from six teams with helmets, gloves, pads, bats and kits.   The brand's support aims to level the playing field by providing each player with their own individual kit. This includes helmets, gloves, pads, and bats, ensuring that every athlete has the necessary equipment to perform at their best.   Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director, Cycle Pure Agarbathi said, “At Cycle Pure Agarbathi, we believe in the power of sports to inspire and unite communities. Supporting the Karnataka Wheelchair Premier League is our way of supporting the incredible athletes who demonstrate strength, resilience, and determination. We are proud to contribute to this platform that celebrates inclusivity and empowers individuals to achieve greatness, regardless of the challenges they face.”   Cycle Pure Agarbathi has showcased their support on numerous occasions to athletes by providing a platform to display their skills. The organisation is renowned for their contributions towards the Tiger Cup and Mysore Warriors, where the team was awarded the winners of the 2024 Maharaja Trophy.   About NRRS The Mysuru-based NRRS was founded by Shri N. Ranga Rao in 1948. A true visionary and philanthropist, Shri Ranga Rao created the ubiquitous Cycle Pure Agarbathi which has, today, become the largest selling incense stick brand in the world. From a home-grown enterprise, NR Group has evolved into a successfully run business conglomerate with an established presence in India and abroad. The Group has diversified into various business categories like functional air care products (Lia brand of room fresheners and car fresheners), wellness home fragrance products (IRIS) under Ripple Fragrances, floral extracts (NESSO), and Rangsons Technologies. Today, it is truly an Agarbathi to Aerospace conglomerate as it is also involved in making parts for defence helicopters. The organization has largely committed towards social responsibilities and fulfils them, through its charity arm ‘NR Foundation’.   NR Group today is managed by the third generation of the Ranga family.   For more information on NR Group, please visit www.nrgroup.co.in. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window,document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '311356416665414'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); [ad_2] Source link

[getawaycarsie]

hi guys. I want to get very honest and vulnerable on here for a second. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 epidemic, things around me have rapidly changing. Quite honestly, I have been lacking on here. I haven’t been posting, liking, commenting or even being active in groupchats that mean the absolute world to me. I have never liked change. change comes with uncertainty and things that are WAY beyond my control. I am the type of person that needs control over my life and the situations that I am in. Change is inevitable. It has always happened, and always will. It will continue to develop, and lose features that will never be seen again. but, with that being said, I’m struggling. a lot more than I’d like to admit. I haven’t been able to sleep until like 6:30 a.m. resulting in me waking up at 1 or later, pushing off work and cutting myself off from friends and family. I’ve got myself cooped up in a blanket watching the tiger king (110% recommend. it’s my new favorite show. & it features my hometown!) I’m struggling letting go of what was supposed to be my perfect year. things has finally fallen into place and I was FINALLY an upperclassmen. I worked my tail off since august for softball and I’m watching it get torn away from me and there’s absolutely nothing I can do about it. Softball has been my life since I was 10 years old. I wrote this letter to put my emotions into words: Dear Softball,

You are the most diverse, surprising, rich, heartbreaking relationship I've ever had.  It's hard to put into words the spectrum of a relationship that spans over 10 years and has produced such growth that runs deep enough it's hard to separate where I, Carsie Reed, end and where Softball begins.  What a beautiful thought - a relationship that is literally part of my DNA.  Not something I was born with, but something that evolved to be forever rooted in my character.

The most incredible thing about you, Softball, is that your face is ever changing.  When we first met you were bubbly and friendly.  You took pity on me and allowed me to pick flowers in the outfield when I was supposed to be "playing" defense.  As we grew older we started to change and became stronger, taller and more determined.  The girls you surrounded me with were passionate, infectious and driven.  They thought you were as cool as I did!  The pulse of these young women when in sync was powerful beyond measure.  To know the feeling of being a part of something great and watching each teammate take pride in their role to achieve heights we never considered independently possible was true harmony.  What a wonderful life lesson you've given me; the understanding of selflessness.  The knowledge that being a part of something bigger than myself is a force that has the ability to reach heights never thought imagined from my singular perspective.

Softball, these core values that you have instilled in me is something you can't take back.  I'm forever impacted by our relationship and now realize you continue to grow with me.  I was fearful that our last collegiate game meant that our relationship would cease to grow and soon become a distant memory.  I'm humbled and grateful that this is not the case.  You continue to stick with me.  You're in my work ethic.  You're in my drive to be a part of something bigger than myself at work, in my marriage, with my friendships.  You are part of my foundation that gives me fuel to be courageous with life and continue to dream big and not be deterred by the fear of failure.  Imagine that... viewing failure as a gift.  What a concept.

Softball, you are one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me and I'm forever grateful that you've revealed yourself in so many aspects of my life.  I feel fortunate that you picked me almost 9 years ago.  That you decided to invest in me and provide me opportunities to be surrounded with like minded people who wanted to compete and challenge themselves on a daily basis.

I realize now, that you were always a part of my life fabric.  Our journey did not end just because we are forced to leave the ball field.  You have woven yourself into my identity and I'm proud to know you and fortunate that you took the time to know me. Until we meet again...

Forever yours:  Carsie Reed #12

To any other spring athlete, drama club member, or anything else I could be leaving out (unintentionally of course.) I stand with you and I will always be a text or call away. Please please please check on your friends and family during this time... I know I cannot be the only one feeling this way. I didn’t owe anyone this explanation, I just needed to get it off my chest. I love you all. Please stay safe, stay home, and wash your hands!!!! 💗🥰

@taylorswift @taylornation ✨💗

[frishay5]

Golf Tips For Hitting the Long Irons

Golf fetters are typically used for shorter golf shooter that invention from 200 lot to less than 100 yards. The best iron to use is determined by the loft of the club head as well as the golfer's talent to punch the domain a specific distance. Golf irons typically include a set of eleven irons, numbered one (long) through nine (short), a establishment wedge, and a sand wedge.

Long fetters are typically the one iron through the four iron, have a longer shaft, and less loft, but commonly they are somewhat lighter than short irons. Many of us pondering long irons are hard to get under control, and therefore they don't utility long and mid iron golf clubs. These irons require high swing speeds to obtain good results, and a solid foundation, or stance, can give the golfer the capacity to swing more powerfully and hit the longer cudgel more consistently. Visualize Ernie Els, or Tiger Woods, and the permanence they maintain with their post and standpoint throughout their swings. This is what you are experimentation to achieve.

Long fetters are an absolute delight to hit, but tins be very difficult to hit, as well and education to master golf irons is said to be one of the mass difficult lessons for beginning and intermediate golfers alike. Among the longest clubs in the bag, long irons tins even give good athlete trouble. These types of cudgel are no longer carried by many golfers, dozens of whom are now opting for fairway woods or other new loanblend clubs to envelope some of the same track as their long irons. Even if you don't carry these clubs, performing with one can assistance improve your swing.

Learning how to crate long irons in golf consistently may be one of the hardest shots to play in a sport that is already difficult - especially for beginners. The first funeral many new golfers cover when using these bat for the first time is unrealistic expectations. Try to focus on hitting a good, clean short and income what the quarry gives you.

With best online shopping experience, Frishay is designed for our Worldwide customers needs. Get the latest products with great discounts. Our Golf Club P7TW Irons is really amazing. We have variety of lengths available from which you can choose.

[nwbeerguide]

Heineken USA signs Exclusive Beer & Hard Seltzer deal at UBS Arena. Now the official beer and hard seltzer during New York Islanders games.

Press Release

HEINEKEN USA to be Exclusive Beer & Hard Seltzer Partner of UBS Arena, New York's Premier Entertainment and Sports Venue and Future Home of the New York Islanders

...

HEINEKEN USA will be the exclusive beer and hard seltzer partner of the new UBS Arena, the metropolitan area's most anticipated, cutting-edge live entertainment venue and new home to the New York Islanders Hockey Club.

Through this partnership, HEINEKEN USA will be the exclusive marketer of the entire beer category at the arena, including alcohol-free beer, cider and hard seltzer. As a founding partner of UBS Arena, exclusive beer of the four-time Stanley Cup champion New York Islanders and an official partner of the UBS Arena Concert Series, this is one of HEINEKEN USA's most exciting sports and entertainment partnerships to date.

"It's an incredible opportunity to be a founding partner of this new state of the art arena. Through modern design inspiration, Heineken®'s branded bars will bring sports fans and concertgoers an unforgettable experience," said Jonnie Cahill, HEINEKEN USA CMO. "As the first imported beer to arrive in New York once prohibition ended in 1933, we wanted to give fans that same exciting experience when they return to entertainment venues this fall."

As part of the partnership, there will be four Heineken® branded bars throughout the arena, each uniquely designed to evoke a boutique hospitality experience. Inspired by iconic New York landmarks, Heineken® will bring a modern interpretation of classic East Coast architecture in each of its branded bars.

Notably, one of Heineken®'s branded spaces includes an outdoor terrace bar designed with the fan experience in mind.  The open-air setting with views of historic Belmont Park will be a memorable place for fans to gather for a refreshing Heineken® as the action unfolds.

As part of the exclusive partnership with the team, Heineken® and the New York Islanders will codevelop programming that includes strategic branding and in-market fan activations.

"Their rich history and proud New York heritage makes Heineken® the ideal foundational partner to complement UBS Arena's timeless and classic design and further enhance our guest experience," said Tim Leiweke, CEO of Oak View Group and leader of the arena project. "Together we look forward to welcoming home the New York Islanders and live entertainment audiences this fall to the last great arena built for this generation."

UBS Arena is a $1.1 billion multipurpose arena under construction and development next to the Belmont Park racetrack. The world-class entertainment venue will feature today's advanced technology and premium amenities and is one of the few venues in the world designed for music and built for hockey. The state of the art arena will deliver an unmatched live entertainment experience for artists, athletes and guests alike with clear sightlines and premier acoustics.

UBS Arena will open for the 2021-22 National Hockey League season this fall and host more than 150 sports and live entertainment events annually. For more information about the construction of UBS Arena and its upcoming events, visit www.UBSArena.com.

About HEINEKEN USA HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation's leading high-end beer importer, is a subsidiary of HEINEKEN International N.V., the world's most international brewer. Key brands imported into the U.S. are Heineken® – the world's most international beer brand, Heineken® 0.0 – an alcohol-free beer innovation, the Dos Equis Franchise, the Tecate Franchise, and AriZona SunRise Hard Seltzer. HEINEKEN USA also imports Amstel Light, Red Stripe, Tiger Beer, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, Birra Moretti, Bohemia and more. For news and updates, follow us on Twitter @HeinekenUSACorp, or visit HEINEKENUSA.com.

About UBS Arena UBS Arena is New York's next premier entertainment and sports venue and future home of the New York Islanders. Located at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, the state of the art facility is projected to open for the 2021-22 National Hockey League season and will host more than 150 major events annually. The arena and surrounding development are expected to create 10,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs, generating approximately $25 billion in economic activity over the term of the lease.

Developed in partnership with Oak View Group, the New York Islanders, and Sterling Project Development, UBS Arena is poised to be one of the area's – and the nation's – most prestigious and appealing venues for musical acts, events and performers of all genres, and will create a unique entertainment experience for artists and audiences alike. The venue is being constructed with a fan-first approach that leverages sophisticated engineering acoustics to amplify the audio experience, high-resolution LED displays and will include the largest scoreboard in New York.

UBS Arena will offer the highest-end amenities and customer service, through VIP suites and clubs that merge boutique hospitality with live entertainment. Clubs and suites will have a timeless design inspired by classic, well known New York establishments and will offer premier views of the bowl. Complementing UBS Arena, Belmont Park's campus will comprise of 315,000 square feet of luxury retail and will include a 4-star boutique hotel.

UBS Arena is being built to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for New Construction. In an effort to build a greener future and minimize environmental impact, UBS Arena intends on being 100% carbon neutral, utilizing renewable energy by 2024, which will make it the first arena to do so on the eastern seaboard.

About the New York Islanders Founded in 1972, the New York Islanders Hockey Club is the proud winner of four Stanley Cup Championships and 19 consecutive playoff series victories. The Islanders have had nine members inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and play in the National Hockey League's Eastern Conference.

The Islanders Children's Foundation has helped countless youngsters in need around the world since its inception. Donations are raised through the efforts of our players, management and employees, along with our fans and partners.

UBS Arena at Belmont Park is finishing construction and will be the team's new, state of the art home starting with the 2021-22 NHL season.

[route22ny]

(In the previous post I referred to Mr Gallagher’s book Reimagining Detroit. In looking for a bio to link his name to, I discovered he was retiring and had written an open farewell letter to the city in December.  I’ll put the entire text & photos where possible into this post.)

***

Dear Detroiters,

After 32 years covering this city and state for the Detroit Free Press, today marks my final column. For a lot of reasons I’ve decided this is a good time to move on to my next chapter.

But I’m not leaving Detroit and I’m not hanging up my keyboard. I’ll continue to write in a variety of ways — more books, perhaps blogging and podcasts, and otherwise I'll be engaging with this fascinating city and its people in a bunch of new ways.

I thank my editors and my colleagues for their support during my career here at the Free Press. And I thank you, my readers, who over the years have shared this amazing city with me. You’ve responded to my work by turns complimentary and critical, encouraging and scathing, but never dull.

This job has given me a front-row seat into one of the world’s great urban dramas — the resurrection of a once-powerhouse city brought low by the scourges of racism, suburban sprawl and factory closings. Whether you agree or disagree that Detroit has made progress in recent years, you have to admit that the range of effort here has been nothing short of remarkable. Not for nothing is Detroit known as an urban laboratory for the world’s struggling cities.

The work of reimagining a Detroit after the fall has been the focus of my work for many years. So today, let me try to sum up what I think we’ve learned.  

The free-fall years

When I joined the Free Press in 1987, the city of Detroit was still in free fall. Decades of factory closings, years of of flight to the suburbs, a dismal legacy of racism and its effects, had drained the city of residents, jobs and political clout. A population of about 1 million would drop at least another 300,000 in years to come. Anchor employers like Comerica decamped their headquarters to the Sunbelt.

Perhaps the low point was the case of Malice Green in 1992, when two white cops during an arrest beat Green, a black suspect, to death with flashlights. The case exposed all of Detroit’s woes and seemed to give the lie to any notion of progress on race or any other matters.

Two neighborhood boys walk past the Malice Green memorial at Warren and 23rd Street in Detroit in 1997. (Craig Porter, Detroit Free Press)

And more disappointments were to come. Michigan would sink into its “Lost Decade” in 2001 when the state began to shed jobs every year for 10 years in a row. Those who predicted a quick turnaround were proved wrong again and again. It was no normal business cycle but, as University of Michigan economist Donald Grimes told me for a 2018 article, the long-overdue reaction to the vanished market share of the Detroit Three automakers.

"That was a permanent adjustment of the auto industry to the loss of its monopoly power," Grimes said. "We'll never get back to where we were in the year 2000."

And then came the Great Recession of 2007-2009. Short of an atom bomb going off here, it’s hard to image a worse calamity for the city. The collapse of the subprime mortgage market, the devastation wreaked by the Wayne County tax foreclosure auction, the implosion of home values, all but finished off Detroit.

The Great Recession turned Detroit from a city of homeowners to a city of renters. It wiped out a generation of black family wealth that we are yet to recover. And it led inexorably to the city’s municipal bankruptcy of 2013-14.

The first hints of recovery

But even amid the losses and abandonment, some early shoots of recovery were showing.

For years, Detroiters were turning vacant lots into urban farms. There were hundreds of small community gardens and several larger farms like Earthworks and RecoveryPark on the east side, the D-Town Farm led by Malik Yakini of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network on the west side, and the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative in New Center.

This repurposing of vacant and abandoned land for productive use first drew the attention of the world and began to inch Detroit’s reputation from Rust Belt failure to that of a city reinventing itself.

Then, too, a city government too broken and dysfunctional to do all it should began to spin off some of its operations into innovative conservancies, nonprofit corporations and public authorities. These spin-offs were hotly contested each time but ultimately proved remarkably successful.

Under these new management models, Eastern Market transformed from a faded and failing operation to the lively marketplace we see today. Cobo Center, now renamed the TCF Center, was once so poorly run by the city that it almost lost the annual auto show. Once spun off into a regional authority in 2009, the convention center transformed into the gem we see today with its soaring riverfront atrium and a ballroom that is one of the city’s best venues.

The nonprofit Detroit Riverfront Conservancy built and manages the RiverWalk. Ditto the lively Campus Martius Park, built by another conservancy and managed today by the Downtown Detroit Partnership on behalf of the city. The Detroit Historical Museum, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the city’s workforce development agency, the Detroit Land Bank Authority, and, most  controversially, Belle Isle itself, all improved, often dramatically, once spun off from direct city control into some new form of management.

Mina Powell of Southfield skips rope at Eastern Market before the 2018 Ford Fireworks in Detroit on Monday, June 25, 2018. (Cameron Pollack, Cameron Pollack, Detroit Free Press)

And in this process, philanthropic foundations played a key role. The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has been a leader in building greenways like the Dequindre Cut. The Kresge Foundation contributed tens of millions of dollars to the RiverWalk and other efforts. The Ford Foundation was a lead contributor to the Grand Bargain that made the city’s trip through bankruptcy a success.

It would hard to imagine Detroit’s recent progress without the work of these and many other foundations. And the foundations weren’t the only nonprofits to take a leading role.

Neighborhood community development organizations like the Southwest Detroit Business Association, Eastside Community Network, U-Snap-Bac, and, perhaps most successfully, Midtown Detroit Inc. under its longtime leader Sue Mosey, led the recovery in their districts. These community groups and their staffers worked when no one else seemed to care, often for years, often alone.

And beginning in the early 2000s the city’s economy began to slowly evolve from the heavy-industry model of the past to a more entrepreneurial ecosystem. Entrepreneurship gave Detroiters a new path to remake their lives.

There was a former Chrysler line worker named April Anderson whose dream of becoming a baker led to Good Cakes and Bakes, one of the city’s leading suppliers of sweets. Roslyn Karamoko’s Detroit is the New Black apparel shop, the StockX sneaker exchange, and hundreds of other startups showed that there was indeed economic life in the city, after all.

Detroit’s municipal bankruptcy, and the 2010 move by Dan Gilbert of his Quicken Loans downtown, with Gilbert's rapid remaking of the downtown core, were major steps that have gotten a lot of the credit for the city's comeback to date. But I think we cannot underestimate the importance of the urban farmers, the spin-offs, the foundations, the neighborhood activists, and the entrepreneurs in reinventing Detroit. 

And along the way there were milestones of recovery once thought unattainable. Both the long-dormant Book-Cadillac Hotel and the defunct Michigan Central Station stood for years as international symbols of the city's failure. Both at times were recommended for demolition. But the Book-Cadillac reopened to fanfare in 2008 and Ford today is turning the train station into its future center of mobility research.

Setbacks aplenty

To be sure, the work has been long and tedious, beset by setbacks at every turn.

Rebuilding a city already built upon for 300 years means dealing with a legacy of debris just beneath the surface. When the Orleans Landing project by McCormack Baron Salazar on the riverfront east of the Renaissance Center started to dig foundations a few years ago, crews uncovered sewer lines that according to city maps shouldn’t have been there.

As another developer joked about his project building a medical warehouse in New Center, “We dug up everything but Jimmy Hoffa.”

Facing these and other challenges, almost every project takes longer than we think it should.  When the Police Athletic League was planning what became the Willie Horton Field of Dreams at the site of the old Tiger Stadium, it discovered a regulation that a public playfield couldn’t be landlocked by other development on all sides as was planned for the perimeter of the site. So lawyers had to work out a solution to solve that problem. It worked, but the process that burned up several more weeks of time.

Problems so complex

Or take mortgage lending. Detroit is a city so financially broken that a normal mortgage market here almost didn’t exist until just recently. Thousands of houses do change hands each year, but mostly through cash sales or land contracts, a financially risky way for a buyer to get a home.

The dearth of market rate mortgages reflects the legacy of  racism and redlining that scarred Detroit and many other older urban centers at mid-20th century. But even bankers who admitted their past mistakes and tried to infuse more capital into the mortgage system here found that it was no simple matter.

With the Detroit skyline in the background, several empty lots sit on the corner of Park Ave and Sibley in the Cass Corridor.  There are still many undeveloped sites despite the empowerment zone being in Detroit since 1994. (Eric Seals, Detroit Free Press)

In Detroit, a potential buyer might have saved enough for a down payment but not enough for the repairs that would make a house move-in ready and eligible for a market-rate mortgage. Or an annual income that might support a mortgage in most cases might not be enough once student debt or child-care expenses were added to a borrower’s burden.

Low appraisals, lack of public transit for residents to get to jobs, food or housing insecurity — all these could hold back efforts to create a thriving mortgage market in the city.

As Janis Bowdler, president of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, told me earlier this year, "As we've been sleeves rolled up, working in the community, we're learning over and over how multifaceted the challenge is. It's not just a supply of mortgage capital or a matter of producing enough credit-worthy borrowers. It's much more complex."

Working the problem

Detroit's mortgage lenders, and civic and nonprofit leaders, have worked hard to overcome these challenges. As they've counseled home-buyers and come up with innovative approaches to housing, the number of mortgage loans made in Detroit has been rising from almost none 10 years ago to more than 1,000 a year today. But clearly we still have a long way to go.

Earlier this year I wrote about Detroiter Jomica Miller, 43, a cashier working at 36th District Court. She had hoped to buy her parents' home after her father died but found it had been sold out from under them at the annual Wayne County tax foreclosure auction. She also found her past credit history presented a problem for lenders. She had student loans she was slowly paying off and a past bankruptcy on her record.

Jomica Miller stands in front of her house she recently purchased on Detroit's northwest side on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. (Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press)

"I actually started my process in 2017," she said. "Nobody wanted to work with me because my credit was so bad. I didn't know where to start."

Through credit counseling and perseverance for more than a year, she eventually was able to buy a house in the Marygrove district on the city's northwest side with an FHA-backed mortgage. The house is one of four that were part of the Fitz Forward project that has gotten mortgages closed in the Fitzgerald neighborhood. Fitz Forward is the initiative led by Century Partners and The Platform to rehab houses in the district.

"I almost gave up, but I had some great people in my corner," she said. "Don't give up."

Grind it out

So if the problems are complex, so, too, are the solutions. A week ago Mayor Mike Duggan and other leaders announced a $10 million gift from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation to the city’s Strategic Neighborhood Fund. The fund works in 10 specific neighborhoods on streetscape improvements, new and rehabbed housing, retail readiness and other improvements.

But if it sounded like a simple transfer of funds from the foundation to ready-to-go projects, it wasn’t. The money flows through Invest Detroit, a mission-based nonprofit lender that has worked overtime in recent years to generate new investment in the city’s neighborhoods. Speaking at the announcement, Dave Blaszkiewicz, president of Invest Detroit, noted that it took the coordinated efforts of multiple departments and agencies to make the work possible.

Without question, the complexity of the problems and the difficulty of coordinating solutions has held back Detroit’s efforts at recovery. But the good news — the really good news — is that Detroit in recent years has gotten so much better at working that magic.

Whether it’s city planners, the foundation staffs, bankers or neighborhood activists, more and more of these players have learned to reduce the barriers and make a complex system of investment work.

Try everything and keep trying

Does that system sometimes favor corporate interests to the detriment of ordinary Detroiters? Perhaps. Do we still sometimes see well-meaning efforts result in nothing much? Sure. Are there still problems that we have barely begun to touch? Certainly.

But the overall impact of Detroit’s recovery efforts — efforts by thousands of committed people working across a broad range of activities, from workforce training to urban farming to education and transit, these efforts have slowly inched Detroit forward. And the city is better for it.

There’s a saying that “nothing works but everything might.” It means that there is no silver-bullet solution to our problems. But if we work across a hundred different fields, making progress in each one, those efforts will add up to something greater than the sum of the parts. That’s the approach Detroit has taken and must continue to take.

There’s a story from the American Civil War that I like.  A new regiment came up to the battlefront and its colonel asked the general commanding where they should go in. “Why, go in anywhere,” the general replied. “There is lovely fighting all along the line.”

And so in Detroit. If you want a to-do list to take away from this column, work on whatever holds your interest. We need progress on public safety and education, but we also need to work on transit and child care and vacant buildings and entrepreneurship and any of a hundred other fields. Take your pick, and get busy.

It’s a long and difficult task. But that shouldn’t faze a city with a gritty work ethic like Detroit's.

And so, onward

Detroit’s story is so varied, with so much conflicting evidence of progress or lack of it, that even today one can lean toward either optimism or despair. I choose hope. I believe with Dr. King that the arc of the moral universe is long but that it bends toward justice. And I hold with the message of Irish poet Seamus Heaney whose words about his homeland echo for me in Detroit:

History says, don't hope

On this side of the grave.

But then, once in a lifetime

The longed-for tidal wave

Of justice can rise up,

And hope and history rhyme.

So much work lies ahead of us. And in that task, I'll be there. Though I won’t be writing as a Free Press columnist, I will be writing about Detroit in other ways, and engaging in the life of this community in new ways yet to come. I’m looking forward to that.

See you around.

(John Gallagher is a native of New York City who joined the Free Press in 1987 to cover urban and economic development. He is a resident of the city for many years. He is the author of several books including "Reimagining Detroit: Opportunities for Redefining an American City" and "Yamasaki in Detroit: A Search for Serenity." He was a 2017 inductee into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame.)

https://www.freep.com/in-depth/money/business/john-gallagher/2019/12/19/reporter-john-gallagher-retires-detroit/2685362001/

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The bio of Gallagher I mentioned in the intro is here; there are also links to a  number of his more recent articles about the city and related issues.