#best snow blowers

[centereachvalue]

YARD MACHINES Gas Snow Blower, Single-stage, 123cc Engine, 21-in. Path

Light weight and maneuverable, this single stage snow thrower with 123cc OHV 4-cycle engine, clears paths up to 10-inch deep and 21-inch wide.

123cc Powermore OHV 4-cycle engine

21" Clearing width

EZ Chute rotation

Auger-assist drive

2 year limited warranty

[talesfrommedinastation]

My Redneck Neighbor Doug Writes Star Wars Smut/Fluff

Like a true, red-blooded American, I outsourced a task because I'm a lazy piece of shit overworked. I'm trying to write my own Mayday/Phee piece, but in the meantime....LSU absolutely curb stomping Florida last weekend had Doug practically skipping all over the block.

Doug was more than happy to write a piece for you PheeDay fans out there. He's eager to have y'all join his extremely rare of rarepair clubs.

Here y'all go, the Mayday/Phee piece, written ENTIRELY BY TEXT MESSAGE BY A CHUBBY OLD CAJUN ENGINEER NAMED DOUG.

-------------------------

"Shit? What’s smut? Does it involve butts? It can? Awesome. 

By the way, don’t tell my wife I’m writing this.

Church Lady’s on Coruscant. Sassy Park Ranger’s on break there too, because fuck that BLOND JACKASS and all the Jedi are MIA. They meet in a bar because Church Lady’s gotta watch the Saints game and Sassy Park Ranger found out they have 50 cent wings and he don’t get paid all that well watching the snow with his best friend, Daddy Warcrimes. 

(“The Saints? You know the NFL doesn’t exist in Star Wars land, Doug.” 

“IT’S MY STORY, I WRITE WHAT I WANNA WRITE!”)

She’s all “GOT A NAME, BROWN EYES” and he’s all “THE NAME’S SASSY PARK RANGER BUT YOU CAN CALL ME COMMANDER”. They split a basket of wings, because Church Lady’s got the confidence of a woman who knows where the shallow graves are located, and Sassy Park Ranger likes a woman who can suck a bone or two in front of him while keeping eye contact.

Yeah. If your woman can handle extra hot sauce on the first date you better get a ring ordered ASAP. 

Anywho, he’s so turned on by her eating these wings that he asks her to lick the sauce off his beard. She says treasure hunter’s don’t do that. He says the greatest treasure is found in the most unlikely of places.

So she begins to mouth-ram him and lick all the buffalo sauce off of that face fur. He runs his hands through her hair to see if there’s any weapons in there, because Sassy Park Ranger learned a thing or two in the field and Church Lady’s got dat WHO DAT energy.

You don’t mess with a Creole woman I tell you what and Sassy Park Ranger ain't no fool.  

(SAINTS NATION RISE)

Satisfied that they've freaked out all the aliens and shit at the bar, they end up at Church Lady’s hotel room. They get naked and do it and it’s so hot.

Um, yeah. It’s hot. Yeah. It’s so consensual, because I gotta include that. I don’t wanna get in trouble on the internet. And it's weird writing this out.

Don't tell my wife I'm writing this!

After they do it, Church Lady’s all ‘Let’s watch Space HBO’ and Sassy Park Ranger’s like ‘Yeah’, and they watch that show where white people yell at each other about money*.

They order room service and do it again, this time, in front of the poor droid bastard dropping off their food, because Sassy Park Ranger don’t give a crap and Church Lady likes an audience. Trust me. 

They exchange phone numbers, and text when they can and when they see each other they have wings and then wild-assed booty banging somewhere I don’t know where.

THE END!

("Where does that leave Ryan-from-Accounting? Don't you think Church Lady and him belong together?"

"Ryan-from-Accounting don't deserve that independent, smart woman."

"Oh?"

"He's got his bitch wife Laura and her KIA and his goofy brothers on the HMS Search Warrant. Let Church Lady have a hot bearded tanned park ranger who can lead and mouth off for the fun of it.")

---------------------------------------

There you have it folks. I could have asked for more, but I like knowing I can look Doug in the eye when I borrow his snow blower, and like in 'Game of Thrones', Winter is Coming.

I'll try to write my own, I promise!

Tagging some of Doug's greatest fans in here: @amalthiaph @megmca @skellymom @sued134 @merkitty49 @insertmeaningfulusername @thecoffeelorian @eyecandyeoz

Let me know if you'd like to be tagged in the future!

*= I think he meant 'Succession'?

[acurlygirlamy1]

DIARY OF A SNOW SHOVELER:

Moved to North Dakota this fall. We heard that summers are fun and winter is beautiful. We think there is no more beautiful a place in the whole world!

December 8 - 6:00 PM It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses print. So romantic, we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!

December 9 - We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the whole world? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had! Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks.

This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life!

December 12 - The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment! My neighbor tells me not to worry- we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.

December 14 - Snow, lovely snow! 8 inches last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.

December 15 - 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.

December 16 - Ice storm this morning. Fell on my ass on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like hell. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.

December 17 - Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God! I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20 - Electricity's back on, but had another 14 inches of the damn stuff last night. More shoveling! Took all day. The damn snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but. they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.

December 22 - Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white shit fell today, and it's so cold, it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to piss. By the time I got undressed, pissed and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob-who has a plow on his truck-for the rest of the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think the asshole is lying.

December 23 - Only 2 inches of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she, nuts?!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago. She says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24 - 6 inches - Snow packed so hard by snowplow, l broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son of a bitch who drives that snow plow, I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling, and then he comes down the street...at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents...but I was too busy watching for the damn snowplow.

December 25 - Merry f---ing Christmas! 20 more inches of the damn slop tonight - snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. God, I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to feed her through a chipper shredder.

December 26 - Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27 - Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze; plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he only charged me $4,400 to replace all my pipes.

December 28 - Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. The BITCH is driving me crazy!!!

December 29 - 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?

December 30 - Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver, and now he is suing me for a million dollars, not only for the beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up his ass. The wife went home to her mother. Nine more inches predicted.

December 31 - I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.

January 8 - Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed ???

-Author Unknown

[floridaboiler]

DIARY OF A SNOW SHOVELER:

Moved to North Dakota this fall. We heard that summers are fun and winter is beautiful. We think there is no more beautiful a place in the whole world!

December 8 - 6:00 PM It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses print. So romantic, we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!

December 9 - We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the whole world? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had! Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks.

This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life!

December 12 - The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment! My neighbor tells me not to worry- we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.

December 14 - Snow, lovely snow! 8 inches last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.

December 15 - 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.

December 16 - Ice storm this morning. Fell on my ass on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like hell. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.

December 17 - Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God! I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20 - Electricity's back on, but had another 14 inches of the damn stuff last night. More shoveling! Took all day. The damn snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but. they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.

December 22 - Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white shit fell today, and it's so cold, it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to piss. By the time I got undressed, pissed and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob-who has a plow on his truck-for the rest of the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think the asshole is lying.

December 23 - Only 2 inches of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she, nuts?!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago. She says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24 - 6 inches - Snow packed so hard by snowplow, l broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son of a bitch who drives that snow plow, I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling, and then he comes down the street...at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents...but I was too busy watching for the damn snowplow.

December 25 - Merry f---ing Christmas! 20 more inches of the damn slop tonight - snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. God, I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to feed her through a chipper shredder.

December 26 - Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27 - Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze; plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he only charged me $4,400 to replace all my pipes.

December 28 - Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. The BITCH is driving me crazy!!!

December 29 - 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?

December 30 - Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver, and now he is suing me for a million dollars, not only for the beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up his ass. The wife went home to her mother. Nine more inches predicted.

December 31 - I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.

January 8 - Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed ???

-Author Unknown

[itchy-9884]

DIARY OF A SNOW SHOVELER:

Moved to North Dakota this fall. We heard that summers are fun and winter is beautiful. We think there is no more beautiful a place in the whole world!

December 8 - 6:00 PM It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses print. So romantic, we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!

December 9 - We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the whole world? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had! Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks.

This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life!

December 12 - The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment! My neighbor tells me not to worry- we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.

December 14 - Snow, lovely snow! 8 inches last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.

December 15 - 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.

December 16 - Ice storm this morning. Fell on my ass on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like hell. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.

December 17 - Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God! I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20 - Electricity's back on, but had another 14 inches of the damn stuff last night. More shoveling! Took all day. The damn snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but. they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.

December 22 - Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white shit fell today, and it's so cold, it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to piss. By the time I got undressed, pissed and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob-who has a plow on his truck-for the rest of the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think the asshole is lying.

December 23 - Only 2 inches of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she, nuts?!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago. She says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24 - 6 inches - Snow packed so hard by snowplow, l broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son of a bitch who drives that snow plow, I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling, and then he comes down the street...at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents...but I was too busy watching for the damn snowplow.

December 25 - Merry f---ing Christmas! 20 more inches of the damn slop tonight - snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. God, I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to feed her through a chipper shredder.

December 26 - Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27 - Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze; plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he only charged me $4,400 to replace all my pipes.

December 28 - Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. The BITCH is driving me crazy!!!

December 29 - 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?

December 30 - Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver, and now he is suing me for a million dollars, not only for the beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up his ass. The wife went home to her mother. Nine more inches predicted.

December 31 - I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.

January 8 - Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed ???

-Author Unknown😎

[jungle-angel]

17 and hannix? 😍😍

Dahling......you've only to ask and ye shall receive (lol).

Natasha still couldn't believe how fucking cold it was outside with all that snow falling.

And Jake was out in it.

She heard the snow-blower stop once he was in the garage and the door shutting a few minutes later. Togo, Jake's husky, went scritching across the floor a few minutes later to greet his master who stamped off his boots and hung his coat right on the hook in the garage.

"You good Jake?" she asked.

"Freezing my balls off," Jake shuddered, stripping off his hat and his boots.

"You get that shit off then meet me upstairs," Natasha told him.

He looked up at her wide-eyed. "Upstairs?"

"And when I say strip, I mean it," Natasha purred.

"A striptease?" Jake gasped. "Don't you toy with me you saucy minx!"

Natasha laughed and ran right up the stairs with Jake hot at her heels until she reached their shared bathroom. She turned on the hot water and let it run until it was steaming, adding a little bit of the cedar, pine and cool rain essential oils that Jake loved. It wasn't long before the whole bathroom smelled of it, luring her husband in quicker than she could blink.

"Like what you see?" Jake asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Shut up and get in the bath already," she chuckled.

Jake slipped in as Natasha stripped off all her clothes, lowering herself in as soon as she was ready, the two of them enveloped under the hot water.

"Oh there we go," Jake groaned happily as he felt Natasha lowering herself onto his already stiff cock. "Oh baby, you read my mind."

"Whaddaya say Bagman?" Natasha purred. "Best two outta three?"

"Challenge accepted," Jake answered.

Natasha slipped off his cock and laid back against the other end as Jake drew in a breath and went under the water. A rather unladylike moan fell from her mouth as she felt Jake's head go between her legs, his tongue grabbing ahold of her clit and her fingers clutching his hair.

Round two out of three was definitely not bad at all.

[marshallpupfan]

You have a massive taste for Marshall Merch, so well: What, in your opinion is the most high quality items you've came across, Plushes, Toys, etc.

A part of me feels like the plush dolls are a bit hard to judge, since their quality can be all over the place. One day, you'll find a doll that looks surprisingly good, and then the next, Marshall looks like one of those knock-off characters sold at a dollar store. Still, I was able to pick out a few that I think represent some high quality, such as...

...the Build-a-Bear plush, which I think is still one of the finer plush dolls in my collection to this day. It's such a shame they don't sell these in the BAB stores anymore (last I heard, anyway).

And this plush doll from "GUND". Honestly, they often release high quality products, so I'm not surprised I'm finding myself including their name here. This one in-particular has always stood out to me.

Moving away from plush dolls, I wanted to find some items that I felt here high quality in the sense that A) they represent or look like the character quite well, B) are painted or manufactured carefully, and C) are actually sturdy or seem like they'll last.

This, sadly, leaves out some of the items I purchased recently. For example, that cup topper I got from the AMC Theater; it's nice, but Marshall's outfit on it is all red, despite his actual outfit having more color than that (such as the black on his hind legs). While it's a cool item and I'm happy to have it, that seemed like such a shoulder shrug to the manufacturers, thus I wouldn't deem it "high quality".

In any case...

One such item that fits this criteria, imo, is this item. It looks surprisingly great, the character looks quite accurate, and it doesn't feel cheap... and it's just a shampoo bottle! Crazy to think a company put this much effort into something that might get thrown away once its empty. This one was never sold in the United States, so I had to import it from the United Kingdom.

I also feel this bank fits my criteria, too. Funnily enough, this was also imported from the United Kingdom. I'd joke and say all of their products must be high quality, but I also imported a battery-powered bubble blower from them, and that thing feels so cheap and brittle, just staring at it might cause it to break. lol

The Christmas ornaments... er... hang on. That's not a great pic, huh? My phone can be so inconsistent. Sometimes it looks good, sometimes not. The flash can help, but not always. My TracFone camera is something that's NOT high quality. lol

Okay, now that I've returned with my mother's camera (after scrounging around for four AA batteries to power the thing)...

The Christmas ornaments can often look weird, hastily painted, and have eyes that appear so... off. But then you'll find ones like this that are surprisingly good. It really stands out, imo. However...

THIS is easily the best of the bunch. It's made by Hallmark, and the detail is surprisingly so good! My only gripe is the crease around his mouth, but even the Chase ornament (released a year prior) did the same thing, too. Guess it's unavoidable, since they didn't even skimp on giving the inside of his mouth some detail, too. I have to wonder if we'll ever see another Marshall ornament of this quality again? I hope we do... and I'll collect it, of course. :)

(The flash kept making the pic too dark, so this is the best I could do.)

This item also counts. It looks better than most of the figurines I've collected, and to think, it's just a simple flashlight. I guess it helps that the designs of the pups are quite simple, thus some products can get their likeness down pat so well... which makes it confusing when other manufacturers gets them so wrong. lol

This snow glove is also really, really good. The pups are a little expressionless, but other than that, it just looks great. I feel like plenty of care went into this one... which is probably why they sold out so quickly when I went looking for one. lol

I could probably find some more items, but I think this will do it for now. However, before closing this out, I would like to state one thing; just because I don't find every item in my collection to be of high quality, that doesn't mean I dislike them or something. Sure, that AMC topper I mentioned earlier might be missing some color and detail I was hoping to see, but I'm not disappointed in it at all. I was still really happy to get one! In fact, outside of a very few items, I've loved collecting everything you see in my collection thus far! Hey, something doesn't have to be perfect to be good. :)

[rothjuje]

I definitely did not mean to imply that New Englanders are unkind in my last post. I spent 8 years in Texas and I never made a best friend (my TX bff moved there with me from CA). I’ve only known my two bffs here for 6 months and I know we’ll be friends for life. I have 5 friends here that I see on a regular basis, and I haven’t had that since CA.

There is a saying that people here are like jelly beans, hard on the outside but soft once you break through their exterior. I don’t know if I agree with that one, but I do agree with a podcast I heard recently that said that west coasters are nice but not kind and east coasters are kind but not nice. The example they gave was that someone from the west coast would see you struggling with a flat tire and walk on by, saying “I’m so sorry, that sucks, how stressful” while a New Englander would help you change it while talking about how annoying it is. (And people in the south would be so nice about it and offer to help you change it, then tell their friends about the idiot they had to help earlier.)

January 15th marked 6 months in Georgetown. I asked Justin if we could stay in Massachusetts forever and he said probably, depending on job stability/income. Things are going really well at his job, he might get a promotion soon, and he’s getting to travel a lot coming up so he is pretty content. He’s grumpy about the inconvenience and expense of living here, but there are a lot of pros. He has a very east coast personality, and he enjoys that people out here are more proper in their dress and social interactions.

It hasn’t snowed for a week and it’s been such a nice break. Today was warm (50) but the snow didn’t melt all the way which is a little disconcerting. Guess I’ll be seeing snow for a while! It’s not supposed to snow again until next Monday so I should really figure out how to use our snow blower before then. We have yet to have a weather delay day but we have had a weather related early release day and an after school activities canceled day.

Now that I have grocery shopping experience here, Market Basket is hands down the best. Crazy crowded and I will never go on a weekend again, but they have a huge selection, probably more stuff even than Texas grocery stores. What they don’t have our (super expensive) tiny little grocery store has, oddly enough. It works out.

And I also discovered that we have a convenience store open until 10:30 pm! In town! Whattt. Things close so early here, I remember the culture shock when we moved to Texas and grocery stores were only open until midnight. Here they close at 9. NINE.

George had an IEP progress meeting. They’re going to keep him 9-11:30 am M-F until the end of the school year. Their summer program is 8:30-11:30 am M-Th, and in the fall he’ll be full day (9 am- 2 pm). His teachers and therapists are all super sweet and they adore him. Last week George ran to hug his main teacher and didn’t even look back, he’s come such a long way. He hasn’t had a tantrum that lasted for more than two minutes since October. Not even in public places packed with strangers. School has been so good for him and I am so proud of him and how far he’s come in just a few short months.

[centereachvalue]

TORO Electric Snow Blower, 18-in. 1800 Power Curve

The 1800 Power Curve electric snow thrower performs like a gas unit without the maintenance. Just plug in and throw snow up to 30'. The Patented Power Curve technology moves more snow in less time and virtually eliminates clogging and cleans all the way down to the pavement. Its ergonomic handle design allows for comfort and ease of use. It is equipped with the Zip Deflector™ - you can throw snow high, low or in-between. The positive-locking ratchet deflector adjusts in less than a second with just a touch of your hand. It has a Cord Lock System to ensure the cord is locked in for long reliable operation. It has a lift handle to easily transport the unit from patios, decks, and pathways. With a 2-year full warranty, if anything goes wrong in the first two years, under normal use and maintenance, Toro will fix it free.

[ogradyfilm]

Recently Viewed: Violent Night

Violent Night shouldn’t be nearly as good as it is. How can a film best summarized as “Die Hard, but starring the real Santa Claus” be simultaneously subversive and sincere, irreverent and earnest, obscene and wholesome? Somehow, director Tommy Wirkola (Dead Snow) pulls off the delicate balancing act with aplomb, embracing the utterly absurd premise without ever resorting to patronizing irony.

Beneath its excessive violence and foul language, the movie actually tells a rather traditional Christmas story—indeed, it’s reminiscent of A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life. The plot revolves around an alcoholic, pessimistic Saint Nicholas, who has grown disillusioned with the Yuletide season after seeing it perverted and corrupted by commercialism and materialism. When an innocent young girl on his Nice List is kidnapped by some very naughty robbers, however, he gradually rediscovers the true meaning of the holiday: family, forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption.

Cheesy? Perhaps. But it’s also undeniably effective at making even the Grinchiest viewer’s shriveled, coal-black heart grow three sizes—and it pairs surprisingly well with the practical stunt work and gnarly gore effects. Elevated by solid performances (particularly from David Harbour and John Leguizamo) and creative set pieces (the extended action sequence in which Kris Kringle utilizes a series of increasingly ludicrous improvised weapons—including ice skates, a sharpened candy cane, and an industrial snow blower—is especially impressive), Violent Night is a genuine Christmas miracle; I definitely plan to revisit it in the years to come.

[cyarskj1899]

Fans of Tory Lanez: Every Black Man Who’s Convicted Is Not Nelson Mandela

The Canadian rapper’s family started a petition that goes after Jay-Z, Roc Nation, the jury and the music industry.

By

Noah A. McGee

PublishedTuesday 10:20AM

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After years of speculation, and multiple rounds of “he said, she said,” Tory Lanez was finally found guilty of all charges in the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion just two days before Christmas. But, despite the conviction already being made, Lanez’s family is not giving up on him so easily.

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Shortly after the Canadian rapper was convicted, an online petition called, “Appeal Tory Lanez Verdict Immediately,” appeared on change.org. More than 36,000 people have virtually signed it and the number only continues to increase. The petition attacks everyone from Megan, the jury, the music industry, Roc Nation and even Jay-Z.

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The petition claims the assault trial was a “miscarriage of justice” and that the prosecution “did not prove that Lanez undoubtedly committed any crime. Furthermore, the petition also claims that the case “is also about branding, marketing, label heads and a music industry that pushes narratives based on who they have personally invested millions into. Could Jay-Z or RocNation be involved??”

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Lanez’s father made similar accusations outside the courtroom after his son was convicted.

When the hell did Jay-Z and Roc Nation become the Illuminati?! I get the label is one of the biggest out and Jay-Z is rich but damn.

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Additionally, the petition claims that this case was taken to “fake” protect Black women and that it instead divided Black Women and Men. 

Lanez’s friends, family and supporters have the right to make whatever petition they want. If they think he’s innocent, that’s on them. But the fact that they’re speaking about this man like he’s a martyr is ridiculous.

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Some are even saying he’s a modern-day Nelson Mandela or Emmett Till. For real, look at this tweet:

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Thankfully, Till’s cousin, Joshua Harris-Till, called out the comparison and the incorrect spelling of his relative’s name, writing, “It’s spelled Emmett, and no he is not.”

In response, Seattle_supa_staar said, “Tory Lanez was lied on just like you’re family member. He is being publicly lynched just in modern times.”

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Harris corrected her, saying, “Emmett was kidnapped at 14 years old, tortured, castrated, shot, and had his body thrown into a River tied to a metal fan so that his body wouldn’t be recovered.

He continued, “Tory is ‘maybe’ going to go to jail for a few years after losing a case within the Justice system. That’s not lynching.”

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Listen, Lanez is a criminal, according to the jurors and the justice system. He is not a sacrificial pawn for some larger scheme. He didn’t lose his life. Nobody forced him to fire the shots,. He’s simply a rapper who was convicted of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot. That’s it. He’s not unique.

As Huey Freeman once said, “every famous nigga that gets arrested isn’t Nelson Mandela.”

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[eilooxara]

Ok time for an infodump I guess

Noise Control: How To Make That Fucking Thing Stop

Perhaps you hate noise. Perhaps you have neighbors or roommates or a washing machine or whatever that, despite your suffering, persists in making noise.

In that, you are like me. But one way we may differ is that I've studied physical acoustics extensively back in grad school and I know a lot about what can be done about noise.

There are a lot of methods to control noise, but they are not all equally effective; in fact, there is a strict hierarchy of efficacy, and each tier is only worth trying if you can't meaningfully do anything in the tier before it.

Tier 1: Stop it at the source

The best way to keep a noise out of your ears is to make the noise never come into existence in the first place. It's like if you have a prophesied enemy who'll destroy you so you kill their parents before they're born. Sensible!

Stopping it at the source depends, of course, on the source.

For your squeaking and creaking noises, these come from microscopic slipping and catching of two or more solid surfaces in contact with each other. There are two ways to stop these sorts: make it EASIER for the surfaces to move against one another--no catching--or make it IMPOSSIBLE (not just more difficult) for them to move against one another--no slipping. Which is better will depend on the thing! A creaky metal bed frame might be best fixed by welding the joints to prevent any movement. If you own your home and have a creaky floorboard, you could (though it's a big project) replace flooring nails with screws, because screws will keep the boards from pulling up as they flex over time. A squeaking doorknob, hinge, etc just wants some oil. Use 3 in 1 oil rather than WD40, it's a better lubricant in most cases. If you've got a fan or something that squeals, take it apart and clean it, then lubricate the bearings.

For your thumps and bumps, the noise is caused by the rapid impact of one thing on another. The best way to stop sounds like this is to soften the impact points. I'm mostly thinking of footsteps in the floor above you--a rug or carpet, especially with a soft pad underneath, will help a lot in making those footfalls not make sound in the first place.

Traffic noise mostly comes from the tires rubbing against the road. You may have noticed that traffic noise is less when there's a soft layer of snow.

But you can't make it snow (can you? If you can, DM ME PLEASE).

Time for Tier 2: I can't stop the source, but I can block the way

Sound propagates through anything. The ones that matter most here will be air and solid structures.

What to do next depends on which it's doing.

If the sound is propagating through air--your roommate is having a party outside your door, there's somebody outside with a leaf blower and it's illegal to murder them in your area, etc., then the best thing you can do is block the path of sound. Sound is great at turning around corners, so putting a shield directly between you and the source will not help much (though it may still make a noticeable difference). You want to completely fill the space between you and the sound source: a door with a 3 inch gap lets through nearly as much sound as a door that is all the way open. If you've got a little gap at the bottom of the door or window, stuff it with something. The best gap fillers will be malleable to press and fill whatever gaps exist, and they'll be heavy, and they'll be complex in shape (more on that later). But whatever you can manage is better than open air.

Ok, so what if the sound isn't coming to you through air? Your upstairs neighbors are playing DDR and the sound is coming from your ceiling.

Unfortunately, blocking the path when the sound is propagating through a structure is much harder to do. You'd have to dismantle the ceiling/wall/etc and introduce gaps between the structure on your side and on their side. If you own your home this is possible but expensive and elaborate. If you're renting then you obviously can't.

Or perhaps the source of the sound is in open air and you want to be outside, and blocking the path would mean building some sort of elaborate dome over you or it. Impractical!

Unfortunately we're at Tier 3: stuff that sort of works

Sound can be reduced in intensity by making it turn a lot of corners or go through a lot of changes in medium. Even sound that still has a direct path to your ears can be mitigated by putting something along its route that will suck some of its energy away.

What can do that?

- complex surfaces. This is where things like acoustic foam, or fluffy fabrics, or bags of sand, or shelves full of books come in. What these all have in common is very complex geometry. When a sound wave gets inside them, it has many tiny bounces and turns and twists before it gets back out.

- heavy weight. Air is light. Not-air is comparatively heavy. Every time sound moves from a light thing to a heavy thing, it loses some energy. If the sound is in a structure, like say your ceiling, your best option is to put a heavy-ass layer in between (one that's heavier than the stuff the structure is made of). Hard to do. But it would help.

[moomeecore]

horrible noise. went outside in just my socks neighbor was using a leaf blower. screamed at them but they probably couldn't hear me. went inside and paced around and ranted and raved for like 20 minutes. now im so angry im sweating and my cats are concerned about me. just as i finally calmed down another fuckijg noise started up again. for most of this i was so angry i couldn't even make words just like "arrghgh" . i forgot i can be this loud. i almost cried. i said a lot of very mean and violent things and i only was kinda exadurating. i hope every leaf blower, lawn mower, and weed wacker combusts. and this time i hope they do it violently. that's the best thing about winter. the worst lawn equipment ppl use is a snowblower and those at least actually have a purpose and don't hurt the enviorment muchy. like yeah i had some bursts of uncontrollable anger over the snow blowers but at least i understood once i calmed down that. i live in minnesota. people actuallt need to get rid of the snow when we get like. 6 ft of snow. but it is fucking APRIL theres nonfucking leaves no fucking grass but now there's also. no snow. so i guess people are chomping at the bit to make me feel like im one step away from becoming a supervillain

[zumbinoconcrete]

How to Maintain and Care for Your Stamped Concrete Driveway

Stamped concrete driveways are a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their curb appeal with durability, style, and affordability. With a range of designs and colors that mimic natural stone, brick, and more, stamped concrete can transform an ordinary driveway into a stunning entryway. However, like any exterior surface, a stamped concrete driveway requires maintenance to keep it looking new and to protect your investment over time. Here’s everything you need to know about maintaining and caring for your stamped concrete driveway, with insights from Zumbino Concrete, Buffalo's top concrete contractor.

Why Maintain Your Stamped Concrete Driveway?

Stamped concrete is known for its durability, but it’s also exposed to various elements, including sunlight, rain, snow, and everyday wear and tear. Over time, these elements can cause fading, cracking, or discoloration if the surface is not properly maintained. Regular upkeep not only keeps your stamped concrete driveway looking beautiful but also extends its lifespan, saving you from costly repairs or replacements in the future.

1. Seal Your Driveway Regularly

One of the most important maintenance tasks for a stamped concrete driveway is sealing. A high-quality sealer helps protect the surface from moisture, chemicals, UV rays, and stains, making it easier to clean and maintain. Most experts, including Zumbino Concrete, recommend resealing your driveway every 2-3 years, though high-traffic areas may require more frequent sealing.

Tip: For optimal results, choose a sealer specifically designed for stamped concrete. Avoid high-gloss sealers if you prefer a natural look, and ensure the surface is dry and clean before application.

2. Clean the Surface Regularly

Dirt, leaves, oil, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of your stamped concrete driveway, leading to stains and discoloration. Regular cleaning keeps your driveway looking fresh and prevents dirt from becoming embedded in the surface.

How to Clean: Use a broom or leaf blower to remove loose debris. For deeper cleaning, mix a mild detergent with water and use a soft brush to scrub the surface. Rinse thoroughly with a hose or pressure washer, keeping the nozzle at a safe distance to avoid damaging the stamped texture.

Frequency: Cleaning once a month is ideal, but adjust based on your environment. For example, if your driveway is in an area with heavy rainfall or surrounded by trees, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.

3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

While stamped concrete is durable, harsh chemicals can wear down the sealer and damage the surface. Avoid using de-icing salts, bleach, or acidic cleaners on your stamped concrete driveway. These chemicals can lead to surface erosion, discoloration, and cracking.

Tip: In colder months, consider using sand instead of salt for traction on icy surfaces. This will help protect the concrete without compromising its appearance.

4. Repair Cracks and Chips Promptly

Despite its durability, stamped concrete can still develop minor cracks or chips over time. Small cracks, if left untreated, can expand and cause more significant damage. Catching these early can save you from a larger repair job later on.

How to Repair: For minor cracks, use a concrete repair caulk that matches the color of your stamped concrete. If you notice larger cracks or more severe damage, consult a professional like Zumbino Concrete. They can assess the situation and offer the best solution, whether it’s a patch, resurfacing, or replacement.

5. Protect Your Driveway from Heavy Vehicles and Equipment

Stamped concrete driveways are strong, but they’re not indestructible. Avoid parking heavy vehicles, trailers, or machinery on your driveway for extended periods, as this can cause cracking or sinking. If you’re having construction work done around your home, make sure contractors are aware not to place heavy equipment on the driveway.

Tip: If parking heavy vehicles is unavoidable, consider placing plywood or rubber mats beneath the tires to distribute the weight more evenly and reduce stress on the surface.

6. Maintain the Surrounding Landscape

The area around your stamped concrete driveway also impacts its durability. Overgrown plants or tree roots can interfere with the structure, causing cracks or uneven surfaces. Keeping your landscaping trimmed and managing root growth will prevent damage to your driveway.

Tip: Install edging along your driveway to prevent soil erosion, which can lead to sinking or shifting. Regularly check for any signs of root growth near the driveway and remove invasive plants as necessary.

7. Reseal After Harsh Weather

In regions with extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow or intense sunlight, your stamped concrete driveway may need extra protection. If you notice the sealer wearing off after a particularly harsh season, consider applying a fresh coat. This is especially important in climates with freeze-thaw cycles, as moisture that seeps into the concrete and freezes can cause cracking.

Tip from Zumbino Concrete: “Always inspect your driveway in early spring or late fall. A quick reseal can prevent extensive damage and ensure your driveway stays in top shape year-round.”

Why Choose Zumbino Concrete for Your Stamped Concrete Needs?

When it comes to stamped concrete driveway maintenance, working with a knowledgeable and experienced contractor can make all the difference. Zumbino Concrete, Buffalo’s top concrete contractor, has a proven track record of delivering high-quality stamped concrete services and exceptional customer care. Whether you need help with resealing, repairs, or a brand-new installation, Zumbino Concrete’s team of experts is ready to help you create a stunning, long-lasting driveway that complements your home.

Conclusion

With proper maintenance, your stamped concrete driveway can stay beautiful and functional for decades. From regular cleaning and sealing to preventing damage from chemicals and heavy equipment, a little effort goes a long way in preserving the elegance and durability of your investment. Follow these care tips, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals like Zumbino Concrete when you need assistance. A well-maintained stamped concrete driveway not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also adds lasting value to your property.