#home inspector oklahoma

[newhorizonsinspections]

New Horizons Inspections | Home Inspector | New Home Inspections in Norman OK

We are your dependable and trustworthy go-to Home Inspector in Oklahoma City OK, dedicated to providing clients with comprehensive home inspections. Whether you’re buying or selling a property, our meticulous inspections cover every aspect, from the foundation to the roof. From identifying potential issues to providing recommendations for repairs or maintenance, we do it all. Moreover, we also have a well-earned reputation as one of the best New Home Inspections in Norman OK. We assess the integrity of the electrical system, checking for any code violations, faulty wiring, or potential hazards. With us, you can discover all hidden defects in your home’s electrical system. So, if you need our expert assistance, call us today.

[loomisroofpro]

Oklahoma’s Trusted Roofing Experts: Loomis Construction

When it comes to protecting your home, the roof over your head plays a crucial role. At Loomis Construction, we’ve been providing reliable roofing services to the Oklahoma community for years, ensuring that every roof we work on is built to last. Whether it’s storm damage, routine repairs, or a complete roof replacement, we’re here to deliver quality workmanship you can count on.

Why Choose Loomis Construction?

At Loomis Construction, we’re more than just a roofing company—we’re a part of the community. Our commitment to excellence is evident in everything we do, from the materials we use to the care we take in every project. Here’s why homeowners and businesses across Oklahoma trust us:

We’re Always Here for You We understand that roofing projects can be stressful, so we make it a priority to keep you informed at every step. From the initial inspection to the final result, we ensure you’re completely satisfied with our work.

Craftsmanship Above and Beyond With years of experience in the roofing industry, our team is highly knowledgeable about the best materials and techniques. Whether it’s gutters, storm damage restoration, or general repairs, we’ve got the expertise to handle it all.

Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal Your new roof won’t just be durable—it’ll be the envy of your neighborhood. We offer a wide range of color options to ensure your roof looks as good as it functions. We guarantee you’ll love the end result.

Handling Oklahoma’s Weather: We’ve Got You Covered

Oklahoma’s weather can be unpredictable, with strong winds, hail storms, and even tornadoes posing a threat to your roof. At Loomis Construction, we’re equipped to handle emergency roofing repairs 24/7, ensuring that your home is protected no matter what Mother Nature throws at it.

But it’s not just about emergencies—routine maintenance is just as important. Issues like water damage, mold, and outdated roofing systems can lead to expensive repairs down the line. Regular inspections and timely repairs can save you money and maintain your home’s value and curb appeal.

Complimentary Roof Inspections

When you choose Loomis Construction, you’re choosing a roofing company that offers more than just repairs. We provide complimentary residential roof inspections to help you stay ahead of potential problems. During our thorough inspection, we’ll look for:

Cracked or curling shingles

Poorly installed or maintained flashing and sealants

Damaged or clogged gutters

Signs of water damage inside and outside your home

After the inspection, we’ll give you a detailed report and estimate, along with honest recommendations for any repairs. Our goal is to treat your home like our own, ensuring you receive the best service possible.

The Loomis Construction Process: 3 Simple Steps

We believe that roofing should be straightforward and stress-free. Here’s how we make it happen:

Contact Us Get in touch with our team to schedule your inspection. We’ll work with you to find a convenient time for one of our expert inspectors to assess your roof.

Discuss Your Options After the inspection, we’ll sit down with you to discuss our findings and your options. Whether you need repairs, maintenance, or a full replacement, we’ll help you choose the best solution for your home.

Complete Your Service Once you’ve made your decision, we’ll get to work. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process and conduct a final inspection to ensure everything meets our high standards. We’ll also provide maintenance tips and warranty information to help you keep your roof in top shape.

Why We’re the Best in the Business

At Loomis Construction, we’re proud to be recognized as Oklahoma’s top roofing contractor. Our reputation is built on quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and a dedication to customer satisfaction. We strive to innovate and improve, making sure that every roofing project we complete leaves our customers feeling confident and secure.

Whether you need a new roof, repairs, or just a routine inspection, Loomis Construction is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection and experience the best roofing services Oklahoma has to offer.

[whitepolaris]

Chinese Underground

It's safe to say most Oklahoma City residents are familiar with the Underground, the series of tunnels running beneath downtown streets that offer subterranean dining, shopping, and haircuts. Originally known as the Conncourse-named after Banker Jack Conn-it connects more than thirty downtown buildings via a subterranean network that was dug out in the 1970s. Yet few may have know that, as far back as the 1920s, an entirely separate underground system would its way below the city, which was known only to a certain segment of the populous.

Its existence was discovered around 1921, when the Oklahoman reported on the inspection of Oklahoma City's Chinatown by six members of the health department and a police detective, during which the officials were led by a resident below ground and through "a dozen connected caverns." Slipping into a basement below California Avenue, the men were greeted by several Chinese residents who appeared to have been expecting them, leading the inspectors to surmise that word of their presence had spread through the Chinese suburbs. They had no idea anyone had actually been living below ground, but how would they? The underground population may have been larger than they would have ever imagined.

The follow year, federal agents discovered another subterranean area, an opium den beneath a Chinese restaurant at 12 S. Robinson Avenue. The Oklahoman reported on the raid: "Down a flight of stairs went the officers . . . and through an oaken door which is (entered) by means of a hanging rope." Inside, they discovered twenty-five men, some unconscious, lolling in a stifling mist. Rumors followed of even more subterranean chambers that included a temple and a cemetery.

A large number of Chinese immigrants had come to Oklahoma in the late 1800s in an attempt to escape intolerance on the West Coast. Thousands who had worked for the railroad were laid off when the lines were completed and the Chinese were subsequently seen as a detriment to the white working class, forcing them to migrate inland to escape racial persecution. Unfortunately, the federal government declared in 1878 that Chinese people could not become U.S. citizens, compelling many to stay well below the radar, possibly even establishing their homes in secretive basements.

Some say the underground city existed only in rumors, which grew more elaborate as the years passed. By some accounts, the tunnels extended from NW Seventeenth Street and Classen Boulevard all the way to the North Canadian River, some thirty blocks to the south. Secret entrances dotted the city like mysterious portals to a forbidden world. Residents with somewhat questionable parenting skills convinced their children that, should they misbehave, the Chinese would kidnap them and take them to their labyrinthine lair, never to be seen again.

The tunnels had taken on incredible proportions that some historians originally insisted were really only a couple of disconnected basements. In 1969, however. the folklore received a shot of hot mustard when wrecking crews began demolishing some downtown buildings. In an alley near Robinson and Sheridan avenues, workers discovered a short flight of "expertly handcrafted stone stairs" leading to an old wooden door fastened with an intricate lock and leather straps. Inside lay a long-abandoned maze of rooms, partitioned by walls of brick and wood. It seemed Chinese Underground, which had been nearly forgotten, was rediscovered.

The ceilings inside the chambers were low, the floors were damp and there was no apparent source of daylight. Abandoned artifacts, including an old stove and papers with Chinese writing, pointed to the mystery space as being a rooming house, laundry, opium den, and gambling space. A second entrance was discovered, and officials hypothesized that the tunnels extended below the rest of the block, but access to them was never found.

Unfortunately, appeals to preserve the discovery as a historic site were rejected and the whole thing was covered by the Cox Convention Center. The find did, however, prove that the secret Chinese Underground did exist, at least to some extent. It also raised speculation that other secret chambers may yet lie below the streets of downtown Oklahoma City, their back doors just waiting to be spotted down some forgotten alleyway.

[mr880fan]

10 of the Best States for Off Grid Living

  Are you thinking about going off-grid? One of the most significant decisions you’ll make is where to live. While the off-grid movement has become more mainstream, many places still aren’t friendly towards off-grid living. So, we decided to make a list of the best states for off-grid living in America.

How Did We Decide Which States Are Best for Off-Grid?

There are a lot of things you should consider when deciding where to live, but for off-grid living, these are the main parameters to consider: Laws You may be surprised that off-grid living isn’t completely legal in some states. For example, you might find it challenging to get a “certificate of occupancy” if your home doesn’t have electricity. Likewise, some states have stricter permitting and building code requirements than others. This can make it difficult to legally use certain off-grid systems, such as greywater recycling or wind turbines. For more info, read: Is Living Off Grid Legal? The Laws of Every State in America Ability to Live Off the Land For many people, living off-grid and homesteading go hand-in-hand. This means you’ll need to live somewhere with natural resources like fertile soil and enough water for farming. Even if you don’t want to live off the land, you will need natural resources like sunlight or wind to produce your own electricity. For more info, read:  Which States Are Best for Homesteading? Natural Disasters Some states are great for off-grid living but often get struck by severe disasters. This is one reason that Texas, Oklahoma, and Montana didn’t make the list of best off-grid states. Droughts in many states also make it harder to live off the land. Cost Unfortunately, going off-grid usually isn’t cheap. In addition to the cost of land, you’ll also have expenses like building permits. Installing alternative systems legally – especially if the state has strict building codes – can also be pricier than using traditional grid-connected methods. Long term, there are costs like property taxes, sales taxes, and cost of living to consider. Luckily, some states encourage self-sufficient living by giving tax breaks for homesteads. Community and Culture Some states have thriving off-grid communities. These communities can be a great resource and support you as you figure out your self-sufficient lifestyle. Community and culture are important even if you want to live an isolated, off-grid lifestyle. For example, states with a culture of agriculture or strong Amish communities tend to be more accepting of the off-grid lifestyle. You won’t have as much interference from local government or neighbors.

Best States for Off-Grid Living

1. Vermont

Laws Vermont has stringent building laws, and you’ll need a permit for just about everything. However, this is a good thing. Here’s why: In many other states, the laws don’t mention composting toilets or alternative building methods (think straw bale). This puts them in a legal gray area: you won’t know if the system is legal, and it is basically up to the whim of the local inspectors to approve or deny the system. By contrast, Vermont’s laws are very clear. For example, Vermont is one of the only states that clearly outlines alternative waste disposal systems rules. You’ll still need a permit and maybe even a licensed engineer to design the system, but at least you know it will pass inspection. For more info, read: Off-Grid Laws of Vermont Living off the Land Nearly 80% of the state is covered by forests, and the land is lush and arable. The state is well known for dairy, maple syrup, apples, and cheese – but many crops will also excel in the fertile land. There is ample water but only approximately 167 sunny days per year, so producing your own electricity from solar year-round can be a challenge. On the downside, Vermont winters come early and are harsh. The time between the last and first frost is only about 155 days, but the growing season can be extended by building a greenhouse. Disasters When it comes to natural disasters, Vermont is one of the safest states in the country. There are flooding and winter storms, but the state doesn’t have a significant risk of wildfires, drought, heat waves, hurricanes, or earthquakes. For more info, read: Natural Disasters in Vermont Cost The cost of land in Vermont is not cheap. However, unlike in many states, most counties don’t have strict “minimum plot size” zoning rules. This means buying a small piece of land for your off-grid home is possible. Costs are also high when it comes to taxes. Vermont has one of the country’s highest property tax rates and high sales taxes. Community and Culture Vermont is famous for its thriving homesteading culture, and there are numerous off-grid communities. Just note that a lot of this culture is because of how many hippies went to the state during the 1960s and 1970s in a “back to the land” movement. If you are liberal, you will feel at home here, but not so much if you are conservative. 2. Maine

Laws When it comes to laws, Maine is one of the best states for off-grid living. As a water-rich state, you are legally allowed to use the water on your property and do things like digging retention ponds. Zoning laws are surprisingly friendly towards tiny homes and mobile home living. State laws even allow for alternative sewage systems, such as outhouses, in many cases. Like with Vermont, you’ll need permits for almost everything in Maine. However, the laws are clear about what’s allowed, so there’s no legal gray area. For more info, read: Off-Grid Laws of Maine Living Off the Land Maine is very similar to Vermont when it comes to living off the land. It also has a 155-day time between the last and first frost. However, Maine is a bit colder and snowier. The main agricultural items in Maine are dairy, potatoes, and chicken eggs. Because of the short growing season, greenhouse and aquaculture are also popular. Disasters Maine is one of the states that is least at risk when it comes to natural disasters. If you manage to find land outside of a flood zone and learn to prepare for the harsh winters, you can rest at ease. For more info, read: Natural Disasters in Maine Cost Farmland is quite expensive in Maine. Expect to pay at least $5,350 per acre. Finding small plots of land in Maine can be difficult because of minimum plot size zoning rules. The cost of living in Maine is lower than any other state in New England. However, the costs are still higher than in most of the country. Property taxes and sales taxes are higher than the national average. Community and Culture Maine’s motto is “Live and Let Live.” This mentality is very favorable for off-grid living and you’ll find a supportive culture in the state. There are lots of farmer’s markets and a strong homesteading community. 3. Wisconsin

Laws Wisconsin is mostly great when it comes to laws about off-grid living. There are still many places without zoning laws, so you can use your property how you wish in these areas. You must meet the state building codes, but there are exceptions for “primitive cabins” if you don’t live there full-time. The state even allows outhouses and is friendly to tiny homes. However, living in an RV is usually illegal. As a water-rich state, Wisconsin has very relaxed laws about using water on or next to your property for domestic use. You don’t even need a permit to drill a well in many cases. For more info, read: Off-Grid Laws of Wisconsin Living Off the Land Wisconsin’s soil is good for both crops and livestock. However, the growing season is very short, with just 110 days between the last and first frost. There is an average of 188 sunny days per year, so year-round solar power will be a challenge. While Wisconsin does have a good supply of water, the state does have occasional problems with drought. Droughts are expected to worsen over the next decades. Disasters Compared to the rest of the country, Wisconsin is relatively safe from natural disasters. The biggest risk is winter storms and blizzards. Some parts of the state average 3 to 5 blizzards per season. For more info, read: Natural Disasters in Wisconsin Cost The cost of land in Wisconsin is very high and is only getting more expensive. Expect to pay $5,700 per acre of farmland. Cropland is even more expensive. Property taxes in Wisconsin are the 8th most expensive in the country. On the plus side, the cost of living in Wisconsin is lower than in most other states. The Community and Culture There are about 17,000 Amish living in Wisconsin and the state as a whole has a very favorable attitude towards living off the land and self-reliance. Many parts of the state are very rural though. So, if you were hoping to connect to other people living off-grid or need assistance with some of your systems, you may struggle. 4. West Virginia

Laws If you want to build your own off-grid home or live in an alternative structure, West Virginia is one of the best states to do it. That’s because, while West Virginia has a state building code, it does not require communities to adopt or enforce it. As a result, many unincorporated areas in West Virginia have no building codes. About 40% of West Virginia is unincorporated, so there’s a good chance of finding land in an area without building codes. Also read: States without Building Codes Regardless of where you live, you must meet the state’s sewage laws. In most cases, you will be required to have septic, though outhouses are still legal in WV in certain situations. As a water-rich state, West Virginia has very relaxed rules about water rights. In general, you’ll be able to use the water on your property without restrictions. For more info, read: Off-Grid Laws of West Virginia Living Off the Land West Virginia is a very water-rich state and has lots of forests. However, the natural resources mostly stop there. The state has shallow, acidic clay soil. There are only 150 days between the last and first frost, so West Virginia is not great for farming. It is better suited for livestock. There are only about 160 sunny days per year in West Virginia, so providing your own solar power year-round can be a challenge. However, you may be able to utilize hydropower because of the state’s many waterways. Disasters When it comes to natural disasters, West Virginia is at lower risk than the rest of the country. However, the state does regularly experience devastating floods, heavy snowfall, freezing rains, droughts, and heat waves. For more info, read: Natural Disasters in West Virginia Cost West Virginia has one of the lowest costs of living in the country. There are also low property taxes and state taxes are moderate. Farmland is still moderately expensive, though, with costs averaging $3,600 per acre. Community and Culture West Virginia has numerous thriving off-grid communities – and the state is becoming even more popular with people who want to live a self-reliant lifestyle. Overall, the state has a low violent crime rate, though there are problems associated with the state’s high poverty levels. 5. Minnesota

Going off-grid in Minnesota could be difficult from the legal aspect. There are many rules and regulations, especially around waterways and tourist destinations, which might make it illegal to live the type of lifestyle you want. One of the most frustrating obstacles is that the state highly regulates water use. You’ll need to apply for a permit to use water, even if it’s on your own property. Surprisingly, composting toilets and outhouses are legal in Minnesota. Though there are regulations you need to follow about these too. In some places, you will be required to hook up to the local sewage system if it’s located nearby. For more info, read: Off-Grid Laws of Minnesota Living Off the Land Minnesota really shines when it comes to living off the land. The state has ample water with a low risk of drought. Soil quality is also good throughout most of the state, so farming is strong. The state ranks #5 in the USA for agriculture, so you should be able to grow your own food. Providing your own electricity could be a challenge, though, since the state has 195 sunny days per year (slightly below the average of 205 days). Disasters Compared to the rest of the country, Minnesota is at low risk for natural disasters. The state does regularly have harsh winters and freeze events, which you will need to be prepared for. For more info, read: Natural Disasters in Minnesota Cost Farmland in Minnesota is very expensive at over $6,000 per acre. The cost of living is moderate, as are the state’s property and sales taxes. Don’t expect it to be cheap to go off-grid in Minnesota! Community Minnesota doesn’t have a strong off-grid community. However, they do have a very strong farming culture. Almost 3% of all land in the state is farmland. The residents are known for their courteous and reserved manners. 6. Kentucky

Laws Kentucky is very relaxed when it comes to off-grid laws. Approximately half of the state is rural, and the zoning laws in these areas also tend to be very relaxed. The state allows alternative sewage systems (though outhouses are illegal). Kentucky is one of the only states where you can legally recycle graywater without needing a septic system for it. Despite having a high risk of drought, Kentucky still has relaxed laws regarding water rights and usage. You can generally use the water on your property without any restrictions or permit requirements. For more info, read: Read the full article

[newstfionline]

Saturday, April 22, 2023

World could face record temperatures in 2023 as El Nino returns (Reuters) The world could breach a new average temperature record in 2023 or 2024, fuelled by climate change and the anticipated return of the El Nino weather phenomenon, climate scientists say. Climate models suggest that after three years of the La Nina weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean, which generally lowers global temperatures slightly, the world will experience a return to El Nino, the warmer counterpart, later this year. “El Nino is normally associated with record breaking temperatures at the global level. Whether this will happen in 2023 or 2024 is yet known, but it is, I think, more likely than not,” said Carlo Buontempo, director of the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Thieves steal nearly $15M in gold, other cargo in Toronto airport heist (Washington Post) Thieves at Canada’s busiest airport made off with gold and other valuables estimated to be worth just over $20 million Canadian dollars ($14.8 million), police said Thursday. No arrests have been made yet and an investigation is underway. The high-profile heist occurred after a flight carrying the cargo landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday evening, Peel Regional Police Inspector Stephen Duivesteyn told reporters. After the plane was unloaded, the shipment was brought to a holding facility, from which it was removed “by illegal means,” he said. The theft comes amid surging demand for gold, which jumped 18 percent in 2022, according to the World Gold Council—a spike it attributed to geopolitical uncertainty and inflation. The airport heist could rival some of the more famous—and intriguing—thefts in Canadian history. Among them is the so-called maple syrup heist, in which 9,571 barrels of the sap, worth nearly 18 million Canadian dollars—around $13.3 million—were secretly drained and replaced with water.

Tornadoes kill 3 in Oklahoma (AP) Crews scrambled Thursday to restore power to thousands of residents after tornadoes plowed through Oklahoma during another deadly spring storm in the U.S., killing at least three people and damaging dozens of homes. A day after at least eight tornadoes spun through Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt said authorities were still assessing the scale of destruction. He toured the aftermath in Shawnee, where nearly every building at Oklahoma Baptist University showed damage. “The damage is unbelievable when you walk through there,” Stitt said after touring the city.

Distrust in America: Small mistakes, deep fear—and gunfire (AP) In suburban Detroit, it was a lost 14-year-old looking for directions. In Kansas City, it was a 16-year-old who went to the wrong house to pick up his younger brothers. There was the 12-year-old rummaging around in a yard in small-town Alabama, the 20-year-old woman who found herself in the wrong driveway in upstate New York and the cheerleader who got into the wrong car in Texas. All of them, and dozens more across America, were met by gunfire. Some were injured, some killed. In a nation where strangers are all too often seen as threats and fear has been politicized, honest mistakes and simple acts like going to the wrong address or car in a parking lot, or even just ringing the wrong doorbell, can seem like a fateful question of trust. In the early 1970s, surveys showed that about half of America believed most people were trustworthy. By 2020, that number had fallen to less than one-third. Meanwhile, Americans have believed for decades that crime is going up—even in years when it is going down—and also wildly overestimate their chances of being a crime victim. This American mistrust, when mixed with legal confusion, easy access to weapons, poor firearms training and sometimes outright racism, has produced a string of shootings like these that never seems to end.

Argentine peso hits record low in black market as economy creaks (Reuters) Argentina’s peso currency sank in widely used parallel markets on Thursday, hitting a record low against the U.S. dollar as concerns grew about the Latin American country’s economy, with 104% inflation, reserves dwindling and drought hitting exports. The black market peso , one of several unofficial rates that have flourished as tight capital controls have limited access to official forex markets, weakened almost 4% to 438 per dollar, roughly double the official rate of 218 pesos. Argentina, the world’s top exporter of processed soy and a major supplier of corn, beef and wheat, is battling to keep its economy stable as a historic drought crimps foreign currency income, fans local prices and drains central bank reserves.

Hungary food prices spike most in EU (AP) Magdolna Gozon nibbles spicy green peppers from a fruit and vegetable stall at a sprawling indoor market in Budapest, sampling them to make sure they’re hot enough for a soup she’s cooking. The 83-year-old retiree can’t afford to buy more if they don’t have enough kick—not with her small pension and Hungary facing the biggest spike in food prices in the European Union. “I don’t buy fruits. We got potatoes from the municipality, so we don’t have to buy that, but onions became expensive,” said Gozon, who has stopped buying dairy and rarely shops for meat. Food prices have risen dramatically across Europe in recent months, jumping 19.6% in March from a year earlier and becoming the main driver of inflation as energy costs have fallen. But in Hungary, food prices have surged more than 45% over the year, according to EU statistics office Eurostat, far surpassing the next highest figure of just over 29% in Slovakia.

Russia accidentally strikes its own city, state media says (Washington Post) A Russian warplane accidentally fired on the Russian city of Belgorod, the country’s defense ministry said, according to Tass, a Russian news agency. The incident resulted in damaged residential buildings, Tass reported. The governor of the Belgorod region said that the explosion caused three injuries but no deaths. Belgorod is about 20 miles from the Ukrainian border.

Ukraine’s battle for Bakhmut (Washington Post) Ukraine continues to hold Bakhmut’s western edge, despite suggestions from Washington months ago that Kyiv cut its losses and let the city go, according to a leaked classified U.S. assessment obtained by The Post. The document cautioned that “steady” Russian advances since November “had jeopardized Ukraine’s ability to hold the city,” and Ukrainian forces would probably be “at risk of encirclement, unless they withdraw within the next month.” Ukraine has since clung onto western Bakhmut, framing its defense as an imperative far greater than the city’s strategic military value.

Funding the Taliban? (CNN) On Wednesday, John Sopko, the head of the U.S. government’s oversight authority on government spending in Afghanistan, told members of the House that he couldn’t guarantee that U.S. aid to the country is “not currently funding the Taliban.” Over the years, the U.S. has given about $146.68 billion in aid to the country, with $8 billion provided since the U.S. finished withdrawing its forces in 2021. “While I agree, and we all agree Afghanistan faces a dire humanitarian and economic situation, it is critical that our assistance not be diverted by the Taliban,” Sopko, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), said to the House Oversight Committee. “Unfortunately, as I sit here today, I cannot assure this committee or the American taxpayer we are not currently funding the Taliban.” “I haven’t seen a starving Taliban fighter on TV, they all seem to be fat, dumb, and happy,” he said. “I see a lot of starving Afghan children on TV, so I’m wondering where all this funding is going.” Since the U.S. withdrawal, Washington has been sending aid to the country through a network of NGOs and international organizations, with little in the way of actual on-the-ground oversight. Sopko added that the Biden administration’s lack of cooperation in tracking down the billions of dollars in aid sent to Afghanistan “is unprecedented in the nearly 12 years that I have been the SIGAR.”

Israel’s Right-Wing Government Has Jewish Democrats at a Loss (NYT) Last month, as demonstrations across Israel convulsed politics in the Jewish state, Jewish Democrats in the House who have made up the bulwark of Israel’s support on their side of the aisle met privately with the country’s ambassador. Representative David Cicilline of Rhode Island. In meetings with liberal groups on and off Capitol Hill, where support for Israel has grown more tenuous by the month, he had always fallen back on what he called the shared democratic values of Israel and the United States, Mr. Cicilline told the ambassador, Michael Herzog. But the new far-right government in Jerusalem, with its efforts to undermine Israel’s independent judiciary and its inclusion of extremist politicians, was making even that plea “much, much more difficult,” Mr. Cicilline recounted in an interview. In the ensuing weeks, the strains between Israel and the Democratic Party, and particularly an American Jewish community that remains predominantly liberal, have only grown worse. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, may have put his overhaul of Israel’s judiciary on pause, but the beating of Muslim worshipers during Ramadan in the Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem—known to Jews as the Temple Mount—the bloodletting on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian divide and the empowerment of far-right ministers in Mr. Netanyahu’s government are fraying relations between the world’s two largest Jewish communities, Israeli and American.

U.S. Positioning Troops for Evacuation of American Embassy in Sudan (NYT) The Pentagon is moving more troops to the African nation of Djibouti to prepare for a possible evacuation of U.S. Embassy staff in Sudan, where fierce fighting between two warring generals has led to the swift deterioration of conditions in the capital, according to two officials. Senior U.S. officials acknowledged that it would not be easy to get embassy staff out, let alone the estimated 19,000 American citizens who are believed to be in the country. The international airport in the capital, Khartoum, has been the target of heavy shelling, leaving destroyed planes littering the tarmac. Sudan’s air space is also closed. Vedant Patel, a U.S. State Department spokesman, said on Thursday that because of the fighting at the Khartoum airport, “it is currently not safe to undertake a U.S. government-coordinated evacuation of U.S. citizens.” More than 330 people have been killed in Sudan in six days of fighting between the army and a powerful paramilitary force, including one American citizen, the State Department told CBS News Thursday. More than 3,180 have been wounded in the incessant clashes.

Amid joy and tragedy, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr holiday (AP) The holiday of Eid al-Fitr ushered in a day of prayers and joy for Muslims around the world on Friday. The celebration was marred by tragedy amid the explosion of conflict in Sudan, while in other countries it came against the backdrop of hopes for a better future. After the Ramadan month of fasting, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr with feasts and family visits. The start of the holiday is traditionally based on sightings of the new moon, which vary according to geographic location. The streets of Arab capitals Damascus, Baghdad and Beirut were crowded with worshippers heading to mosques and cemeteries. Many Muslims visit the graves of their loved ones after the early morning prayer on the first day of Eid al-Fitr. Visitors toted bouquets of flowers, jugs of water for plants, and brooms to clean gravestones.

Long after heyday, soda fountain pharmacies still got fizz (AP) The jukebox plays Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” as Malli Jarrett and Nathaniel Fornash take turns at the Griffith & Feil Drug food counter preparing old-fashioned, soda-fountain phosphate drinks. Soda fountains like this were hugely popular a century ago. Often located in pharmacies, they were a gathering spot during Prohibition when bars shut down. But over the past half century, their numbers fizzled, relegating soda fountains to the scrapbooks of U.S. history. In West Virginia, Ric Griffith is keeping the tradition going. His 131-year-old business is a Norman Rockwell scene and time-travel tourism all wrapped into one. “When you had a soda fountain, people would stay longer, they’d sit down and they’d share stories,” Griffith said. “It would not become the place where you grabbed lunch. It was a place where you had an experience.”

[househuntersus]

How to Sell Inherited House Oklahoma City

It can be difficult and tiring selling a house that was inherited. It's even more challenging selling a house that has been inherited when there is money due. - Sell Inherited House Oklahoma

If there's no money due and you are permitted to sell your home Make the property attractive and make the required repairs.

It will leave prospective buyers with a great impression that will last. There are other options to consider if would like to sell your house that you have inherited Oklahoma.

Are you looking to sell your inheritance house in Oklahoma? We at W Properties OK, we will purchase the home and simplify the process. We will take care of all expenses associated with closing the property, which means there are no costs to pay.

Prepare for the Sale

It is crucial to clean and organize the house prior to selling it. Thus, get rid of sentimental items as well as furniture, and then make minor repairs to the interior and outside of the house.

The buyers will take a look at the property prior to buying it. If the home is crowded and is ugly, many buyers will steer clear of it. Making the house ready for sale will increase the chance of getting the perfect buyer in a short time.

Set the Right Asking Price

A few people do not sell their homes that they have inherited because they have set the wrong price. Market conditions determine the outcome of selling the house you inherited and it is therefore essential to establish the appropriate price for the house.

Examine the cost of homes in your area to determine a fair value. Speak to an expert particularly if you don't have any knowledge of the homes for sale okc. It's much simpler to sell a house that you have inherited when you decide on the best price.

Inspect the House

Make sure to check the property. Make sure to inspect the house prior to placing it up for sale. It is possible for buyers to be turned away because of small problems in the property.

Employ a certified home inspector to examine the home. If there is a problem regarding the plumbing, insulation, foundations and so on. Repair them as soon as you can. It's inexpensive to fix these issues, and you'll get back the money when you sell the house.

Promote the House

When you've improved the appearance of your home and make the required repairs, it's the time to sell the property. A lot of potential buyers look for homes to buy via the Internet, therefore you should use the internet to market your home.

For example paying for advertisements on social media is among the most efficient methods of bringing traffic to your website's property listing. Utilize proven strategies for marketing when you are looking to sell your home quickly.

Now you are aware of how to market inherited homes in Oklahoma. If you're having difficulty selling your inherited home in Oklahoma and we are able to purchase the property.

cash for house okc

[mod-realty-okc]

Buying a home doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it only takes 7 simple steps. But if you feel like buying a home is a little overwhelming or stressful, that’s okay! It helps to have things broken down into simple steps that you can mark off as you go through the process. So no matter what part of the process you’re in, you can know you’re making progress. If you haven’t started your journey to becoming a homeowner yet, then I suggest researching lenders and agents and setting up interviews to find some you like. If you’re stuck in the middle, looking at houses, patience is your best friend. Making a list of your wants and needs is also super helpful at this point! If you’re closer to the end, it’s a good time to start finding an inspector that you can trust. Remember: you don’t have to do any of this on your own. There are so many helpful resources out there to help guide you through your journey. One resource you may find helpful is my Buyer Guide! It will walk you through each of these steps and provide you with the advice you need to make the right decisions. Get your copy for free at the link in bio! . . . #buyersmarket #homebuyer #firsttimehomebuyer #homebuying #homesearch #househunting #homebuyingprocess #downpaymentassistance #homeequity #homeshopping #buyersagent #buyeragent #homeownership #homegoals #letstalkrealestate #wannabuyahouse #buyingandselling #sellingokc #buyingokc #buyingoklahoma #okcrealestate #oklahomarealestate #okcrealestateagent #oklahomarealtor #okcrealtor #modrealtyok #okcliving #okclife #okclocal #okclocalbusiness (at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl1YuN7r70N/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[amycampbellrealtor]

Tips for First Time Home Buyers

Are you a first-time homebuyer, but you don't have the first idea of what to do or where to start?  Does the idea of buying a home seem overwhelming?  Believe me, when I tell you I understand. I have been there.  One of the reasons I got into real estate is to help first-time homebuyers navigate this process and walk them through it.  I am here to tell you it's not as scary or out of reach as it may seem.

The first step is to find a REALTOR® you trust. This person will make or break the deal for you.  A good REALTOR® will have a network of referrals for you, including lenders, inspectors, electricians, roofers, movers, etc. If you are in Northeastern Oklahoma, I hope you let me be your REALTOR®. If not, I can find you one in your area.

The next step is to find a lender.  I usually recommend a mortgage broker as opposed to a bank and will recommend them for my clients. However, clients are always permitted to use anyone they want.  Feel free to meet with several; not all lenders are a good fit for everyone.  You may want to meet with a lender early enough in the process to work on your credit if needed.  A suitable lender will tell you what you need to do to increase your credit score.  The better the score, the better the loan program they can get for you and the better the interest rate.  There are several different types of loans. The most common are FHA, VA, and Conventional.  There are pros and cons to each, and the lender can go over all of them.  There are also down payment assistance programs available that lenders can discuss with you.

Your lender will go over your budget.  This is more than just the overall cost of the home.  The monthly budget includes the mortgage, mortgage insurance, HOA fees, homeowners insurance (different from mortgage insurance), and utilities.  Keep in mind, if you are in an apartment, you may not be paying for water or trash services, and you might be paying those when you purchase.  Also, if you are buying a significantly larger home than your current rental or have a pool, your utilities could be substantially more.  Most utility companies will let you call them, give them the address, and you can get the average cost and the high and low cost for the last year.  This will give you an idea of how much the utilities will be.  

Once you start looking for homes,  keep in mind must-haves versus wants.  Of course, as a real estate agent, we want to find all your wants, but if we can get most of your must-haves, that is usually a win.  I have found the best way to find the best home is to rank them as yes, no, and maybe.  All the yes's, rank 1-?, if the same house consistently stays #1, you have a winner.  It's time to put in an offer.  What should your offer look like?  That depends on many things, and that is why you need a strong REALTOR® you trust.

Once your offer gets accepted, you have to put in your earnest money.  Your real estate agent should go over all that at the beginning of the process.  Then you will also need to schedule an inspector. Make sure you inspect the home, roof, termites, and pool.  It is crucial you hire licensed inspectors and do this early in the process so you can get repairs bids if needed for negotiations.

Then you have the appraisal, and once it appraises, you are ready to close.  Then you just need to set up the utilities and hire movers.  And if you loved your agent and want to thank her, refer her.

[assuredhome]

What you need to know about mold.

What is mold and where is it found? Mold are tiny creatures that create spores and can be found virtually everywhere indoors and out. It grows on plants, food, and other organic matter. It needs moisture to grow, so address moisture issues quickly.

Mold exposure is unhealthy for everyone, but it is more dangerous for older people, babies, and immunocompromised people. It can cause respiratory difficulties like wheezing, nasal and sinus congestion, watery red eyes, mose and throat irritation, skin irritation, aches and pains, fevers, asthma, emphysema and in some cases even death.

You can be exposed to mold when moldy objects are damaged or disturbed and the spores are released into the air. Flooding, leaky roofs, humidifiers, wet basements or crawl spaces, plumbing leaks, house plants, steam from cooking, wet clothes and clothes dryers vented indoors can cause mold problems.

The mold Stachybotrys Chartarum is a greenish-black toxic mold with about 15 species that grows in areas where the relative humidity is above 55%. It colonizes well in high-cellulose material. This type of mold is thought to be a possible cause of the sick building syndrome.  Childrens’ exposure to Stachybotrys spores are thought most likely to cause pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding in the lungs) and can cause a wide array of symptoms such as respitory problems, nasal and sinus congestion, immune suppression, central nervous system problems and much more.  

To detect mold, we perform two types of tests, cartridge and swab tests. Cartridge tests indoor and outdoor air by pulling air into the cartridge where a sticky substance that traps the spores. The swab test collects samples of suspicious staining on a surface.

After our mold inspection, the mold laboratory typically returns a report within 3 business days. The report shows the type of mold discovered, if any, the level of concern, and information regarding the health risks and typical dangers. If mold is found, our inspectors recommend that a qualified remediation company determines what actions should be taken to properly address the issues.

Do you suspect you have mold? Suspicious about the property you’re about to buy? Schedule a mold inspection with AHI.

Read more

[theinspectionconnection-blog]

Residence Evaluation List: What to Look for in a Home Examination Firm

Are you acquiring a house? Getting a home is most likely one of the most complicated (and vital) acquisition a lot of us will certainly make in our life time. Like any kind of significant purchase there are attributes and specs for all homes. On paper it may be the features that offer the house yet if any of those features are in disrepair, you could be signing up for more than you imagined as well as getting less than you spent for.

When you're purchasing a house, you need to know what you're obtaining. There are a few means you can aid protect on your own-- one of them is with a complete residence evaluation. Hiring a certified house assessment business to take a look at the home you're interested in purchasing is very crucial. At the same time, you require to recognize what's entailed with a house assessment so years after your acquisition, you can stay up to date with the upkeep of your house. Right here's why ...

When you are purchasing a residence it is essential that you recognizing what's included with a residence inspection. It can pay dividends for the rest of the time you possess your residence.

First, it is essential to note that some points are not covered in a standard residence evaluation:

Bugs - Insect inspections call for a qualified bug control professional to perform inspections of developing frameworks to identify damage or opportunity of damage from parasites.

Radon-- Radon gas is an undetectable, odorless gas created by the regular malfunction of uranium in the soil.

Lead Paint - Examining a house for lead-based paint is not commonly consisted of in a home assessment due to the fact that it occurs over a number of days as well as needs unique equipment.

Mold - Mold evaluation is a separate evaluation since it calls for 3 separate air examples as well as surface sample evaluation. Because mold examination is beyond the scope of a traditional home assessment, make sure to especially ask your residence inspector if she or he would certainly advise a mold and mildew examination.

Asbestos - Asbestos is generally outside the scope of a home evaluation due to the fact that asbestos requires its very own complete review. Like with mold and mildew inspections, make sure to particularly ask your house assessor if he or she would advise a separate asbestos evaluation.

Orangeberg Sewer Pipe-- Also called "fiber avenue", Orangeberg Sewer Pipe is bitumenized fiber pipe made from layers of wood pulp and also pitch pressed together. It was utilized from the 1860s through the 1970s, when it was changed by PVC pipeline for water delivery and also ABDOMINAL MUSCLE pipe for drain-waste-vent (DWV) applications.

The first thing to point out is that every house as well as home buyer are various which means that every home inspection is various and the importance of residence examination things are different. Below are some typical things that are checked during a house assessment. Remember that some products in this checklist might not be needed for your specific residence - and that this listing does not include all the thing checked by an expert residence evaluation solution.

Contact Us

The Inspection Connection Address: 121 Northeast 52nd St. Suite 205 Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Phone: (405) 227-5030 Email: melissa@theinspectionconnection.net

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[parkerinspections1-blog]

Tulsa’s Best Home Inspector

We deliver a fresh approach to home inspections in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Some of the things included in our services are: - Friendly and courteous scheduling - Reasonable home inspection prices - Thorough, unbiased inspections - Professional, easy-to-understand reports - 24 hour turn-around home inspection report - Plus... you get a free PIE at every inspection! We do everything from a Tulsa roof inspection, all the way down to a crawl space inspection. House inspection areas include Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Coweta, Bixby, Glenpool, Sapulpa, Owasso, Catoosa, and more. Call us today for all your Tulsa Home Inspector needs!

[robertreich]

Public Workers’ Trump Card

Air traffic controllers hold the trump card (pardon the expression) in upcoming negotiations between Donald Trump and congressional Democrats over border security.

That’s because the president and the Republicans know that another shutdown would likely cause a repeat of what happened last Friday, when so many of the nation’s air traffic controllers called in sick that America’s air traffic came to a near standstill. Hours later, Trump agreed to reopen the government without funding for his wall.

Never underestimate the power of airport delays to arouse the nation. Nancy Pelosi deserves credit for sticking to her guns, but the controllers brought the country to its knees.

Trump is threatening another shutdown if he doesn’t get his way by 15 February, when government funding will run out again. “Does anybody really think I won’t build the WALL?” he tweeted Sunday, after his acting chief of staff said that he was prepared to shutter the government for a second time.

But his threat is for the cameras. If there’s no agreement this time around, the controllers won’t work another 35 days without pay. Now that they understand their power, they will shut down the shutdown right away. Trump knows this.

Ironically, it was Ronald Reagan’s audacious decision in 1981 to fire and replace more than 11,000 air traffic controllers who were then striking illegally that legitimized decades of union busting. It signaled to employers around the country that unions – both public and private-sector – were fair game.

It also unleashed political forces against unions, culminating last year with the supreme court’s 5-4 decision in Janus v AFSCME, holding that government workers can’t be forced to contribute to labor unions that represent them in collective bargaining.

But the decision last week by thousands of controllers not to come to work wasn’t a strike, and it wasn’t initiated by a union. Beforehand, Paul Rinaldi, the president of the controller’s union, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, even went so far as to announce that the union did not “condone or endorse any federal employees participating in or endorsing a coordinated activity that negatively effects the capacity of the National Airspace System”.

Controllers simply stayed home. No federal law prohibits federal employees from getting sick or calling in sick. And who’s to say it was coordinated? Today, the internet can spread information about a voluntary walkout as quickly and efficiently as any centralized coordinator.

The larger story is that public workers who lack any formal power to strike – but have the informal power not to work – are becoming a new force in American politics and labor relations.

Look what teachers accomplished last year by walking out of their classrooms in the unlikeliest of places – West Virginia, Arizona, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Colorado and North Carolina. Most of these are Republican “right-to-work” states that bar strikes by public employees. In recent years, all have slashed school funding and eroded teacher pay and benefits.

Like the air traffic controllers, the teachers chose not to work rather than give in to what they considered intolerable conditions. These unauthorized “wildcat” strikes won gains in teachers’ salaries and funding for schools. (Not incidentally, they also galvanized thousands of teachers to run for office in the 2018 midterm elections.)

They were especially powerful because they offered elected officials no union leader or chief organizer with whom to negotiate a deal, who would then sell it to rank-and-file workers. As with the air traffic controllers last week, officials had to back down because the people they were dealing with were all rank-and-file, and public pressure was mounting rapidly.

Not all public workers can expect similar results by walking off their jobs. The walkout has to cause a major and visible disruption. (A work stoppage by FDA inspectors would hardly be noticed, at least until the public begins to worry about toxic drugs and tainted meat.)

And the public has to be supportive. By the fifth week of Trump’s shutdown, polls showed the public highly sympathetic to federal workers who hadn’t been paid. Likewise, most Americans have been on the side of teachers. National polls have shown the public largely in favor of higher teacher pay and supportive of teachers’ right to strike.

Finally, it’s not a weapon that can be used often because it relies for its potency on public frustration and inconvenience. If walkouts by public employees in France and other nations are any guide, public patience eventually wears thin.

But when elected officials in the United States abuse their power or take actions that unnecessarily harm the public, walkouts by public workers can function as an important constraint.

In the age of Trump, we need all the constraints we can get.

[robertbaxterelectric-blog]

Robert Baxter Electric is a full-service electrical contractor serving Oklahoma since 1976.

Robert Baxter Electric is a full-service electrical contractor. We are known for safety, reliability, and ingenuity in electrical installations since 1976. Throughout Oklahoma, we have developed a reputation for high quality, innovation, and the best customer satisfaction. Our electricians are current with their knowledge in all of Oklahoma and other municipal Electrical Codes and regularly receive praise from city inspectors about the quality of our work. We continually strive to raise the bar for all our projects, and with our investment in our employees.

After 40 years, we continue to proudly serve Oklahoma City and Edmond residential, commercial and industrial communities, bringing the professionalism and the trust our customers deserve from their electrical contractor. Robert Baxter Electric provides a wide range of electrical services including troubleshooting, electrical panel installs, service upgrades, complete rewiring, electrical safety inspections, new construction, remodeling projects, and smart home integration. When you choose to work with Robert Baxter Electric, you will not be disappointed. We guarantee it! We stand behind our work.

Contact Us:

Robert Baxter Electric

Address: 2421 NW 160th St, Edmond, OK 73013, USA

Phone: (405) 340-5670

Email: robertbaxterelectric@gmail.com

Website: https://www.rbeelectric.com/

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[dendroica]

The Environmental Protection Agency should consider recovering nearly $124,000 in improper travel expenses by former EPA chief Scott Pruitt, the agency’s inspector general recommended Thursday. The findings, issued nearly a year after Pruitt resigned amid controversy over his spending, travel and ties to lobbyists and outside groups, highlight the fiscal impact of his penchant for high-end travel and accommodations. Investigators concluded that 40 trips Pruitt either took or scheduled during a 10-month period, between March 1 and Dec. 31, 2017, cost taxpayers $985,037. The bulk of those expenses were for Pruitt’s round-the-clock security detail, which billed $428,896 in travel costs. The agency spent an additional $339,894 on staffers traveling with the former administrator. The “questioned amount” the inspector general’s office identifies for possible recovery is the $123,941 that taxpayers spent on flying both Pruitt and a security agent in first- or business class, instead of coach. The report also highlights the extent to which Pruitt’s official travel revolved around trips to Tulsa, Okla., where he maintained a home while a member of President Trump’s Cabinet. It noted that out of the 40 trips investigators scrutinized, 16 included “travel to, or stops in, Oklahoma” — where Pruitt maintained a residence.

EPA watchdog suggests agency recover $124,000 in Pruitt’s 'excessive’ travel expenses - The Washington Post