#transport car from california to texas

[reboottechblogs]

Simplifying Auto Transport in New Jersey: Discovering the Excellence of American Transport Logistics

Introduction:

Finding a reliable auto transport company is paramount when transporting your vehicle, especially in a bustling state like New Jersey. Whether you're moving to New Jersey or need to transport your car within its borders, the search for a reputable and efficient auto transport company can be overwhelming. Look no further—American Transport Logistics is here to simplify the process and provide top-notch services.

1. Extensive Experience:

With years of experience in the industry, American Transport Logistics has established itself as a trusted auto transport company in New Jersey. Their expertise and knowledge of the local transportation landscape enable them to handle various vehicle shipping requirements efficiently and professionally.

2. Comprehensive Services:

American Transport Logistics offers a comprehensive range of auto transport services tailored to your needs. Whether you're relocating to or from New Jersey, purchasing a vehicle online, or attending a car show, they have you covered. Their services include open transport, enclosed transport, door-to-door delivery, expedited shipping, and more. You can rely on them to safely deliver the vehicle to its destination with the highest care.

3. Licensed and Insured:

Choosing an auto transport company in New Jersey that is licenced and insured is essential. American Transport Logistics holds all the licences and certifications required to operate legally and safely. They also provide comprehensive insurance coverage for your vehicle during transit, ensuring your peace of mind throughout shipping.

4. Efficient and Reliable:

When it comes to transporting your vehicle, timeliness is of the essence. American Transport Logistics prides itself on its commitment to punctuality and reliability. They understand that your time is valuable and strive to deliver your vehicle within the agreed-upon timeframe. With their efficient processes and strategic planning, Your automobile will be delivered quickly and effectively, so you can relax.

5. Transparent Pricing:

American Transport Logistics believes in providing transparent pricing to its customers. They offer competitive rates for their auto transport services in New Jersey, and you can request a quote through their website (americantransportlogistics.com) to get a clear understanding of the costs involved. Their pricing is fair and reflects the quality of service you can expect from them.

6. Excellent Customer Service:

From the moment you reach out to American Transport Logistics, you'll experience their dedication to customer satisfaction. Their friendly and knowledgeable team can answer any questions, guide the shipping process, and ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Their commitment to exceptional customer service sets them apart from other auto transport companies in New Jersey.

7. Positive Reputation:

Word-of-mouth marketing is quite effective when choosing an auto transport company. American Transport Logistics has earned a stellar reputation in the industry thanks to its consistent delivery of high-quality services. They have garnered positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers, further solidifying their standing as a reliable choice for auto transport in New Jersey.

Conclusion:

Regarding auto transport in New Jersey, American Transport Logistics stands out as a reliable and trustworthy partner. With their extensive experience, comprehensive services, efficient operations, and commitment to customer satisfaction, they simplify the process of transporting your vehicle. Whether you're moving to or from New Jersey or need to transport your car within the state, you can count on American Transport Logistics to handle the task professionally and carefully.

Visit the American Transport Logistics website today to learn more about their auto transport services in New Jersey. Experience the excellence and peace of mind of entrusting your vehicle to a reputable auto transport company that delivers outstanding service.

[batboyblog]

Things the Biden-Harris Administration Did This Week #32

August 30-September 6 2024.

President Biden announced $7.3 billion in clean energy investment for rural communities. This marks the largest investment in rural electrification since the New Deal. The money will go to 16 rural electric cooperatives across 23 states Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Together they will be able to generate 10 gigawatts of clean energy, enough to power 5 million households about 20% of America's rural population. This clean energy will reduce greenhouse emissions by 43.7 million tons a year, equivalent to removing more than 10 million cars off the road every year.

The Biden-Harris Administration announced a historic 10th offshore wind project. The latest project approved for the Atlantic coast of Maryland will generate 2,200 megawatts of clean, reliable renewable energy to power 770,000 homes. All together the 10 offshore wind projects approved by the Biden-Harris Administration will generation 15 gigawatts, enough to power 5.25 million homes. This is half way to the Administration's goal of 30 gigawatts of clean offshore wind power by 2030.

President Biden signed an Executive Order aimed at supporting and expanding unions. Called the "Good Jobs EO" the order will direct all federal agencies to take steps to recognize unions, to not interfere with the formation of unions and reach labor agreements on federally supported projects. It also directs agencies to prioritize equal pay and pay transparency, support projects that offer workers benefits like child care, health insurance, paid leave, and retirement benefits. It will also push workforce development and workplace safety.

The Department of Transportation announced $1 billion to make local roads safer. The money will go to 354 local communities across America to improve roadway safety and prevent deaths and serious injuries. This is part of the National Roadway Safety Strategy launched in 2022, since then traffic fatalities have decreased for 9 straight quarters. Since 2022 the program has supported projects in 1,400 communities effecting 75% of all Americans.

The Department of Energy announced $430 million to support America's aging hydropower. Hydropower currently accounts for nearly 27% of renewable electricity generation in the United States. However many of our dams were built during the New Deal for a national average of 79 years old. The money will go to 293 projects across 33 states. These updates will improve energy generation, workplace safety, and have a positive environmental impact on local fish and wildlife.

The EPA announced $300 million to help support tribal nations, and US territories cut climate pollution and boost green energy. The money will support projects by 33 tribes, and the Island of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands. EPA Administer Michael S. Regan announced the funds along side Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in Arizona to highlight one of the projects. A project that will bring electricity for the first time to 900 homes on the Hopi Reservation.

The Biden-Harris Administration is investing $179 million in literacy. This investment in the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant is the largest in history. Studies have shown that the 3rd grade is a key moment in a students literacy development, the CLSD is designed to help support states research, develop, and implement evidence-based literacy interventions to help students achieve key literacy milestones.

The US government secured the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua. Nicaragua's dictator President Daniel Ortega has jailed large numbers of citizens since protests against his rule broke out in 2018. In February 2023 the US secured the release of over 200 political prisoners. Human rights orgs have documented torture and sexual abuse in Ortega's prisons.

The Justice Department announced the disruption of a major effort by Russia to interfere with the 2024 US Elections. Russian propaganda network, RT, deployed $10 million to Tenet Media to help spread Russian propaganda and help sway the election in favor of Trump and the Republicans as well as disrupting American society. Tenet Media employs many well known conservative on-line personalities such as Benny Johnson, Tim Pool, Lauren Southern, Dave Rubin, Tayler Hansen and Matt Christiansen.

Vice-President Harris outlined her plan for Small Businesses at a campaign stop in New Hampshire. Harris wants to expand from $5,000 to $50,000 tax incentives for startup expenses. This would help start 25 million new small business over four years.

[the-forest-library]

Free & Discounted Election Day Rides 2024

Election Day is nearly here, and if you haven’t already mailed in your ballot or gone in for early voting, you might need a ride come November 5.

Here’s a roundup of some of the freebies, discounts, and information on getting to the polls that organizations are offering.

Lyft

Lyft announced that riders can preload the code VOTE24 for a half-price discount of up to $10 on rideshare, bike-share, or scooter rides on or before Nov. 5. The code is only valid between 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. every time zone.

Uber

Uber also announced it will offer half-off rideshare costs of up to $10 on Election Day for users in most states.

Using a new "Go Vote" tile displayed on the app, users can book a ride to the nearest poll with the discount unless they are in California or Georgia. The offer works between 4 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. local time on Nov. 5. The company will also offer 25% off food orders up to $15 with a minimum order of $25.

Lime

Lime is offering free rides to and from your polling place to vote early or on Election Day. Riders can use the promo code VOTE2024 to get two free 30-minute rides in the U.S.

Bird & Spin

Bird and Spin are also offering two free rides as part of their Roll to the Polls initiative. Riders can use the code RockTheVote2024 in the app.

Rideshare2Vote

Rideshare2Vote helps voters in need of a ride get to their local polling facilities for free. Ridshare2Vote is available in seven swing states (Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin), as well as Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. If you live in one of these states and have a car, you can also volunteer to drive others to the polls. Go to Rideshare2Vote.com or call 888-977-2250 for more information.

Rides to the Polls (Georgia Only)

The New Georgia Project's Rides to the Polls program will give free rides to voting sites for Georgia residents on Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Go to newgeorgiaproject.org/rides or call 800-874-1541 for more information.

Moovit

Moovit has integrated tens of thousands of polling locations from 130 counties across 11 states into its trip-planning app. The app also provides users with quick access to voter registration information and which transit agencies are offering free rides.

Transit Agencies / Public Transportation

There are countless transit agencies offering free rides on Election Day — everywhere from Detroit to Des Moines to Durham — so be sure to check with your local authority.

Please share any additional resources you’re aware of. Let’s make it easy for people to get to the polls!

[mariacallous]

If you’re one of the millions of Americans worried about your pocketbooks and the general cost of living, you might have picked up on some good news recently: Inflation has really been cooling off this summer, as long-sticky (and long-lamented) food and energy prices continue to moderate. Some economic indicators remain stubborn, however—and they aren’t likely to abate anytime in the near future, no matter how long the Federal Reserve keeps interest rates high, what tweaks President Joe Biden makes to his trade policy, whether corporations decide themselves to slash prices on certain products, or whether Covid-battered supply chains finally get some long-needed fixes.

Other, grimmer recent headlines help to explain why. Hard rains from a tropical disruption in the Gulf have been battering Florida’s southern regions for days, leading to a rare flash-flood emergency. Another batch of storms is swirling near Texas at the moment and could form into a tropical depression, according to forecasts from the National Hurricane Center. Even if both states end up missing bigger storms now, it’s likely only a matter of time before they’re threatened again: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that the United States will see its worst hurricane season in decades this summer.

Meanwhile, the heat waves that have enveloped Phoenix are intensifying to the point that some analysts are deeming its latest conditions “a Hurricane Katrina of heat.” Spanning outward, the Midwest and Northeast are projected to get their own extreme heat warnings as early as next week, with energy demand set to skyrocket as people turn on their air conditioners. The country has already seen 11 “billion-dollar disasters” this year, including the tornadoes that slammed Iowa just weeks ago. Meanwhile, the already strapped Federal Emergency Management Agency faces a budgetary crisis, and sales of catastrophe bonds are at an all-time high.

Now, let’s look back at the inflation readings. One of the categories remaining stubbornly high while other indicators shrink? Shelter and housing, natch, as rents and insurance stay hot—and still-elevated interest rates make construction and mortgage costs even more prohibitive. On the energy front, motor fuel may be cheapening, but fuel and electricity for home use are still pricey. Auto insurance remains a driving outlier, as I noted back in April, not least because of insurers hiking premiums for cars in especially disaster-vulnerable regions—like the South, the Southwest, and the coasts.

Look at what else is happening in those very regions when it comes to home insurance: Providers are either retreating from or dramatically heightening their prices in states like California, Texas, Florida, and New Jersey, thanks to their unique susceptibility to climate change. These states have seen supercharged extreme weather events like floods, rain bombs, heat waves, and droughts. National lawmakers fear that the insurance crises there may ultimately wreak havoc on the broader real estate sector—but that’s not the only worst-case scenario they have to worry about.

Agricultural yields for important commodities produced in those states (fruits, nuts, corn, sugar, veggies, wheat) are withering, thanks to punishing heat and soil-nutrition depletion. The supply chains through which these products usually travel are thrown off course at varying points, by storms that disrupt land and sea transportation. Preparation for these varying externalities requires supply-chain middlemen and product sellers to anticipate consequential cost increases down the line—and implement them sooner than later, in order to cover their margins.

You may have noticed some clear standouts among the contributors to May’s inflation: juices and frozen drinks (19.5 percent), along with sugar and related substitutes (6.4 percent). It’s probably not a coincidence that Florida, a significant producer of both oranges and sugar, has seen extensive damage to those exports thanks to extreme weather patterns caused by climate change as well as invasive crop diseases. Economists expect that orange juice prices will stay elevated during this hot, rainy summer.

(Incidentally, climate effects may also be influencing the current trajectory and spread of bird flu across American livestock—and you already know what that means for meat and milk prices.)

It goes beyond groceries, though. It applies to every basic building block of modern life: labor, immigration, travel, and materials for homebuilding, transportation, power generation, and necessary appliances. Climate effects have been disrupting and raising the prices of timber, copper, and rubber; even chocolate prices were skyrocketing not long ago, thanks to climate change impacts on African cocoa bean crops. The outdoor workers supplying such necessities are experiencing adverse health impacts from the brutal weather, and the recent record-breaking influxes of migrants from vulnerable countries—which, overall, have been good for the U.S. economy—are in part a response to climate damages in their home nations.

The climate price hikes show up in other ways as well. There’s a lot of housing near the coasts, in the Gulf regions and Northeast specifically; Americans love their beaches and their big houses. Turns out, even with generous (very generous) monetary backstops from the federal government, it’s expensive to build such elaborate manors and keep having to rebuild them when increasingly intense and frequent storms hit—which is why private insurers don’t want to keep having to deal with that anymore, and the costs are handed off to taxpayers.

When all the economic indicators that take highest priority in Americans’ heads are in such volatile motion thanks to climate change, it may be time to reconsider how traditional economics work and how we perceive their effects. It’s no longer a time when extreme weather was rarer and more predictable; its force and reasoning aren’t beyond our capacity to aptly monitor, but they’re certainly more difficult to track. You can’t stretch out the easiest economic model to fix that. And you can’t keep ignoring the clear links between our current weather hellscape, climate change, and our everyday goods.

Thankfully, some actors are finally, belatedly taking a new approach. The reinsurance company Swiss Re has acknowledged that its industry fails to aptly factor disaster and climate risks into its calculations, and is working to overhaul its equations. Advances in artificial intelligence, energy-intensive though they may be, are helping to improve extreme-weather predictions and risk forecasts. At the state level, insurers are pushing back against local policies that bafflingly forbid them from pricing climate risks into their models, and Florida has new legislation requiring more transparency in the housing market around regional flooding histories. New York legislators are attempting to ban insurers from backstopping the very fossil-fuel industry that’s contributed to so much of their ongoing crisis.

After all, we’re no longer in a world where climate change affects the economy, or where voters prioritizing economic or inflationary concerns are responding to something distinct from climate change—we’re in a world where climate change is the economy.

[mandsleanan]

Sorry, parents: The American dream is only for DINKS

Homebuyers with kids will likely spend 66% of their income on a mortgage and childcare this year.

Parents in Los Angeles and San Diego can expect to spend as much as 121% and 113%, respectively.

Some Californians have moved across the country to afford to buy a home.

Thinking about buying a home this year with kids already in the picture? Get ready to dig deep.

A recent study from Zillow found that potential homebuyers with children are likely to spend 66% of their income on mortgage payments and childcare expenses — an increase of nearly 50% from 2019. 

The real-estate company estimated city- and state-level childcare costs from 2009 to 2022 for the typical American family with 1.94 children by analyzing data from the Women’s Bureau of the US Department of Labor and advocacy group Child Care Aware.

According to Zillow’s analysis, in 31 of the largest 50 US metropolitan areas with available childcare cost data, families looking to buy a home can expect to spend more than 60% of their income on mortgage and childcare costs.

Some areas are even costlier, with parents in cities like Los Angeles and San Diego needing to dedicate as much as 121% and 113%, respectively. (In those areas, the cost of buying a typical home and childcare is so big relative to the median income that Zillow's calculation results in figures over 100%.)

Zillow determined that a family earning a median household income of $6,640 per month can expect to allocate $1,984 of that to childcare. If the family purchased a house at a 6.61% interest rate — the rate in early January, when the US Department of Labor released its latest data on childcare costs — and made a 10% down payment, their monthly mortgage would amount to $1,973.

That leaves just $2,683 for additional expenses like food, transportation, and healthcare. This means many households with kids are financially strained; they're likely spending more than 30% of their income on housing, well above what experts recommend.

It all adds up to a costly reality that's making the American dream of homeownership seem farther out of reach for parents than ever before.

Parents can blame a yearslong battle with inflation, as well as stubbornly high home prices and mortgage rates, for contributing to their predicament.

Based on the study, a new buyer household in the United States, making the median income, would spend 30% of it on housing. It's paying for childcare, then, that adds so much on top of the housing budget.

The upshot: Another group, less encumbered financially, appears better poised to realize the dream of homeownership: "DINKS," an acronym that stands for "dual income, no kids."

Some child-free DINKS — who boast a median net worth above $200,000 according to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances — devote their disposable income to luxuries like boats and expensive cars.

Without the financial obligations of raising children, such as covering medical expenses or enrolling them in daycare or private school, DINKS can save thousands of dollars a year and build greater long-term wealth.

Some DINKS use their savings to finance vacations and travel the world, like Elizabeth Johnson and her husband, who, over the past couple of years, have hiked in the Swiss Alps, snorkeled in Hawaii, and enjoyed leaf peeping in Canada.

"We hang out with other people's kids every once in a while," Johnson previously told Business Insider's Bartie Scott and Juliana Kaplan, "but then we happily just give them back to their parents."

Some Americans with kids move to places where their money goes further

One solution to the high cost of both buying a home and raising a family?

Move.

In recent years, young Americans in higher-cost states have decided to move to places that offer them a cheaper cost of living.

Janelle Crossan moved to New Braunfels, Texas, from Costa Mesa, California, in 2020 following a divorce.

She was able to become a first-time homebuyer and found a safe community to raise her son.

"I paid $1,750 for rent in a crappy little apartment in California," Crossan told BI earlier this year. "Now, three years later, my whole payment, including mortgage and property taxes, is $1,800 a month for my three-bedroom house."

Pengyu Cheng, a program manager for a tech company, told BI in 2023 that moving from California to Texas allowed him and his wife to afford their first home, giving them the confidence and security to have their first child.

"Living in California has always been expensive," Cheng said. "I knew that when my wife and I eventually expanded our family, we wouldn't be able to afford San Francisco or the Bay Area in general — even though we both earn good salaries."

[beardedmrbean]

A 30-ton shipment of a chemical that can be used as fertilizer or an explosive is missing from a California-bound railroad car after rail officials confirmed it disappeared during a trip across the West last month.

The railcar, loaded with 61,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate, left Cheyenne, Wyoming on April 12, a Union Pacific spokesperson told USA TODAY Tuesday. Two weeks later it was found empty at a rail stop in the California Mojave Desert, according to a report filed with the federal National Response Center on May 10.

Dyno Nobel, an explosives manufacturer, told local station KQED News the material − "transported in pellet form in a covered hopper car similar to those used to ship coal" − likely fell from a rail car on the way to a rail siding (a short track connecting with the main track) about 30 miles from Mojave in Kern County, just east of Bakersfield.

"The railcar was sealed when it left the Cheyenne facility, and the seals were still intact when it arrived in Saltdale," the company told the outlet. "The initial assessment is that a leak through the bottom gate on the railcar may have developed in transit."

In addition to Dyno, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and Union Pacific are investigating the case.

Neither the FRA nor CPUC could immediately be reached by USA TODAY on Tuesday morning.

'Seal still intact'

Officials told KQED the railcar was transported back to Wyoming where it will be inspected.

"At this point in the investigation, we do not believe there is any criminal or malicious activity involved," said Kristen South, a spokesperson for Union Pacific, who works with its customers to investigate any loss of commodity or damaged freight.

"Our investigation is in its early stages because the customer recently reported the possible loss of fertilizer from one compartment of a multi-compartment railcar," South told USA TODAY Tuesday. "The fertilizer is designed for ground application and quick soil absorption. If the loss resulted from a railcar leak over the course of transportation from origin to destination, the release should pose no risk to public health or the environment."

What is ammonium nitrate?

Ammonium nitrate is explosive under certain conditions. Mixed with something flammable and exposed to flame, it can explode.

Timothy McVeigh used 2 tons of ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil to destroy the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people in 1995.

But it's not a danger that exists in many places. That's because the chemical, once a popular fertilizer, is rarely used these days, USA TODAY reported in 2013.

Ammonium nitrate was the main suspected chemical in a Texas explosion that killed 14 people in April 2013.

The explosion at West Fertilizer Co. also injured more than 200 and left at least 50 homes uninhabitable.

[guerrerense]

DL 190 - ALCO PA-1 at Kansas City, KS por Zach Pumphery Por Flickr: On its way to new owner Genesee Valley Transportation Company is the famous ALCO PA-1 restored by preservationist Doyle McCormack over the past 2 decades in Portland, Oregon. The locomotive began moving east in late April from the PNW on BNSF Railway, arriving at Kansas City early this morning on BNSF Train H PASKCK9 25A, appropriately behind a warbonnet painted Dash-9. In this view, the locomotive is at the "Tall Tower" at BNSF Argentine Yard. The unit is on home rails at this former Santa Fe facility. This engine was built for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway by the American Locomotive Company in 12-1948 as ATSF 62-L, builder number 76541 wearing the famous red and silver Warbonnet paint scheme leading famous trains such as the "El Capitan" between Chicago and California. On 4-5-67, the Santa Fe retired the unit and sold it to Morrison–Knudsen in Boise, ID. 4 Ex-ATSF units including this one were rebuilt by MK with the "PA-4" classification, for the Delaware and Hudson on 8-11-75, with this one becoming D&H 18. Under D&H ownership, they were used by Amtrak for the "Adirondack", and later by the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority hauling commuter trains around Boston. The last PA's to operate in the United States, they were sold in 1978 to the NdeM, where this one ran as DH-18 until 1981. All 4 of those PA's remain, 2 at the National Museum of Mexican Railways, and 2 in the US. In 2000, McCormack of American Freedom Train and SP 4449 fame worked with the Smithsonian Institution to bring two of these engines back to the United States. What was left of the 16 and 18 came home on flat cars to Oregon. Doyle bought a set of trucks in Canada to replace the ones that were missing when it arrived from Mexico, and the hulk of a BC Rail M420B for its 251 prime mover, electrical cabinet, and traction motors. 16 later wound up at the Museum of the American Railroad in Texas where it is steadily being restored to its Santa Fe appearance. McCormack's father worked for the NYC&STL, better known as the Nickel Plate Road, and his first cab ride when he was 12 was aboard the real NKP 190. Doyle later worked for the N&W in Ohio and an operator, eventually becoming a fireman before moving to the Pacific Northwest in the 1970's. He hired out on the SP, worked freight an passenger service for Amtrak, and has retired from the UP, all the while being heavily involved with the 4449 organization. When he restored the PA it was only natural for him to restore it to an NKP appearance, which took the better part of 2 decades to complete. The engine traveled to Spencer, NC in 2014 for the "Streamliners at Spencer" event featuring a plethora of locomotives from that era. Now in his 80's, it was announced in March 2023 that he had sold the engine to GVT after years of talks. The engine will be put into excursion service by GVT and will pull excursions in Northeastern Pennsylvanian, including former D&H track the engine ran in revenue service. Assigned "DL 190" for movement to GVT's Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad in Pennsylvania, it retains its Nickel Plate Road paint scheme. The real 190 was built in March 1948 and carried builder number 75457. For what was regarded as one of the most beautiful locomotive designs ever built, not many of these were preserved, and half of those units suffered what had been a grim fate for decades. It's nice to have a few left to enjoy. Locomotive: DL 190 5-3-23 Kansas City, KS

[blubushie]

GOOD MORNING BLU, LEAFANON HERE! GIVE US SOME MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS!

So I typed up a whole response to this, hit undo by accident, and lost it all. Terribly sorry, leafanon. Let's try to do this over.

I HOPE YOU LIKE COUNTRY 'CAUSE BOY DO I HAVE A LOT OF IT.

First on this list is Luke Combs’ Where the Wild Things Are. I’ve been listening to his song on repeat for the past two days and I love it. It hits something in my heart I suppose? I can definitely relate to it. Not only does the verse “American Spirit hanging out of his mouth, just like our daddy” hit me because American Spirit (the blue pack) is my choice of cigarette when I’m in the States (and red Winnies in Oz), but my parents also wanted me to stay in California, so the verses “He kickstarted that bike one night and broke mama’s heart. He pointed that headlight west, out where the wild things are” really strike home with me because I absolutely did break their hearts when I left. This song is faintly hinted at in the upcoming Chapter 11, but blink and you’ll miss it!

I also get emotional at the very end verses of the song, “We buried him out in the wind ‘neath the West Coast stars, out where the wild things are” because I want to be buried in Australia. I don’t want my body transported back to the States to waste away on some plot of land in a California cemetery and be forgotten about after a few generations. I want my ashes to be spread from the summit of Table Top at Kakadu, where the wild things are. Let the land remember me, because in a thousand years no one else will.

The next song is another Luke Combs song, You Found Yours.

“Age of seventeen, you worked all summer long washing cars and pulling weeds from your neighbour’s lawn. Well, it wasn’t no King Ranch, but she was paid for. When you find that kinda freedom, buddy, you found yours.” Story of Matilda right there. I worked graveyard for two years to afford a hard-loved ’99 Ford ute. One year for the ute, and another year for the cabin plus some extra cash for stability. Dad helped me fix her up and I went east for six months, taking jobs out in New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. Came back with my wanderlust worse than ever and got Matilda on the first boat out of San Francisco to Australia.

Next is Where I Find God by Larry Fleet. “That day out on the water, when the fish just wouldn’t bite, I put my pole down and I floated around. It was just so quiet. And I could hear my old man saying, ‘Son, just be still, ‘cause you can’t find peace like this in a bottle or a pill.’” Saying I sympathise with that is the understatement of the bloody century.

Now for my favourite song (besides Waltzing Matilda) by my favourite bush bard! It’s Old Dingo by Slim Dusty!

Little-known fact about me: I’m a part-time dogger. When someone has an issue with a particular individual or pack of dingos, I’m the bloke they have come out to take care of it. I only do this when all other management options have been exhausted. I don’t like shooting dingos, but sometimes it’s necessary, like coyotes.

“And because his tracks are frequent to the these paths and often seen, there’s a dogger and his bullet’s got your name… Oh, they watched his movements day and night until he came to water at the station bore beyond the coolabah. And as he raced for freedom a single shot rang out. Now he lays to rest beneath the desert stars.”

Sometimes I feel like the dogger. Sometimes I feel like the dingo. Either way, sometimes when I’m hunting from a far enough distance that I don’t have to worry about my prey hearing me, I’ll find myself humming this song under my breath while I’m waiting. “So run old dingo, watch your tail, keep your wits about you, never let your concentration slide. For the word’s out that they want you, and they’ll track you till you’re dead as long as there’s a bounty on your hide.”

The next song is my favourite song of all time and the song that should’ve been our national anthem if the pollies weren’t such fucking sooks about a bad image because if you ask me there’s nothing more Australian than lifting a sheep and throwing yourself into a billabong to drown when you’re caught because you’re going to die on your own bloody terms and no one else’s.

Ignore that the song is sung by Rolf Harris. We don’t claim the nonce but he’s got the best version of this song both because of the commentary, the excitement with which he sings it, and because you can hear the audience singing along with him.

Some other great songs by Rolf Harris, as much as I hate to say it, are Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport (I sang this religiously as a kid and my teachers hated me) and Sun Arise, which I sometimes find myself singing in the early morning when I’m half-awake and making coffee.

I also love war songs, don’t ask why, reckon it’s the history aspect. The entire Remembrance album is great. It’s an album completely dedicated to World War 1, but The Green Fields of France strikes a chord with me that makes some deep sorrow well in my chest.

“Did you leave a wife or a sweetheart behind? In some loyal heart is your memory enshrined, and though you died back in 1916, to that loyal you’re forever nineteen? … And I can’t help but wonder, oh, Willie McBride, do all those who lie here know why they died? Did you really believe them when they told you the cause? Did you really believe that this war would end wars? Well the suffering, the sorrow, the glory, the shame, the killing and dying, it was all done in vain. Oh, Willie McBride, it all happened again. And again, and again, and again, and again.”

The main song on that album that really hits me is And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda. The song starts off with a man relaying his life: “Now when I was a young man I carried me pack and I lived the free life of a rover. From the Murray’s green basin to the dusty Outback, well I waltzed my Matilda all over. Then in 1915 my country said, ‘Son, it’s time you stopped rambling, there’s work to be done.’ So they gave me a tin hat and they gave me a gun, and they marched me away to the war.” Just from this we know he’s an Aussie bloke and if you know anything about the Australians in WWI you’re probably feeling an immediate concern. Maybe you’re hoping he’s sent to Europe to lay mines, but then you get the next verses: “And the band played Waltzing Matilda as the ship pulled away from the Quay, and amidst all the cheers, the flag-waving and tears, we sailed off for Gallipoli.”

And anyone who knows about what actually happened at Gallipoli knows just what’s in store for this poor bloke.

Now for some folk songs! Moreton Bay is one I sing often as it’s very easy to remember and has a nice melody. This song also makes an appearance in Chapter 12. The Fields of Athenry is an Irish folk song, but the man it’s about, a lad named Michael, is sent to Botany Bay in Australia as a convict so I’m counting it as an Aussie song too!

Of course we also have some non-country/folk songs!

Back on the war songs, another great one is Khe Sanh by Cold Chisel about the repercussions of the Vietnam War on an Australian soldier. Many American vets have heard this song and strongly identify with it. Amazing how an Aussie band understands the American veteran mindset better than American bands at the time. (Don't even get me started on how the American populace treated soldiers returning from Vietnam.)

Another song on that list is Redgum's I Was Only Nineteen. My dad loves this song despite not knowing any of the Australian locations, but he can name all the Vietnam ones. He gets that faraway look in his eyes when he listens to it. The verses "Frankie kicked a mine the day that mankind kicked the moon. God help me, he was going home in June" cracks something in my heart each time I hear it. My dad was in the Vietnam bush and they didn't even find out that MLK had been killed until over two weeks after it happened, and it was an immediate uproar amongst his men as there were black and white Marines in his company. After an hour the row quieted and then there was just mourning from everyone involved. Even the people who weren't well-versed in who MLK was (not that there was many) were mourning simply because their brothers in arms were mourning. There isn't race in the bush, no white or black or anything else. Everyone is green--the colour of the camouflage they wear.

And lastly on a more upbeat note, how could anyone forget about the song that even people who haven’t heard Waltzing Matilda have heard and associate with Australia. The quintessential Aussie song! The one we play at international sport matches, the one we ANNOY THE FUCK OUT OF EVERYONE WITH when every fucking Aussie in attendance starts singing along to it, the one that causes a row of “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! OI OI OI!” in succession for five minutes after the song ends. The Aussie song: Down Under by Men at Work!

[merry-kuroo]

you lived in the UK for a time ??? Ok I gotta hear the story on this, and totally ignore this ask if you'd rather not say lol I was just curious after I saw the tag you left

Haha thanks for the ask! I totally don't mind talking about it. I may just message you with all the other miniscule details.

So, I was in Wales for 9 months from 2020-2021 to attend graduate school. For context, if I'd stay in America for graduate school I was looking at student loans of about 100k and finishing in 3 years. By going to graduate school in Wales, I only had to pay 20k and I got my degree in 1 year. So, it was a no brainer in my eyes 😂

It was a constant battle of "Yay, I'm in the UK its so nice over here!" to crying and wanting to come home because I was locked down for 5 months and craved human interaction and attention 🥴 I was a 30 minute walk from the beach so I went down there almost every day during the lockdown in order to keep my sanity.

(Here's some pictures from where I stayed in Wales)

My classmates loved that I was from Texas and said "y'all" constantly. They also told me they could name 3-4 states (California, New York, Florida, and Texas were the main ones). They also loved hearing about homecoming, prom, and my time as a cheerleader in high school 😂😂 It was just little things like that made them laugh.

My classmates were appaled that Americans eat donuts for breakfast. That's not a thing to eat in the morning apparently. My friend said you eat donuts DURING AFTERNOON TEA 😭😭

The food over in the UK is so...healthy. And I didn't have a car nor did I take public transportation so I walked everywhere and when I came back to Texas I had lost 25 pounds and the doctor said I was under weight 🙃 My family kept asking why I was so skinny when I sent them pictures and they were concerned for me while I was over there 😅

But some of the things over there had no flavor. I avoided fish pie or any form of mash potatoes over there. No amount of salt or pepper could make it taste good. I wish I had some stronger seasoning. Mashed peas are the worst thing to ever be served with food. I was to scared to try blood pudding 😭

Graduate school was good. I had insane flat mates and 1 insane classmate and I had a crush on this really really sweet Welsh guy 🥰 I wanted to ask him out, but I was ready to come home 😅 If I had stayed over there, I would've

I had the opportunity to get a graduate student visa and work over there, but the jobs in my chosen field were abundant in America compared to what I saw in the UK (it was pandemic/lockdown related. America was opening up and the UK was still shuttered.) It was a hard decision but I came back to America because I'd knew I could save more money and get started on my career. There are days where I wonder where I'd be if I did stay in Wales or just move to England and Scotland. Some days I tell myself I'll move back or go get my Ph.D over there.

But I think I was meant to move back to Texas for a reason.

I plan on going back this summer to visit my best friend in Edinburgh but it's tentative and depends on what happens in both of our lives from now until April/May.

So, yeah if you have any other questions for me about my time in the U.K. or in Ireland let me know!! 🥰

Here's some more pictures:

[thekindlygrammarfairy]

This but unironically, actually. For reasons I won't get too deep into, much like brick and mortar stores in the wake of online shopping, a lot of train companies shot themselves in the foot rather than adequately responding to the new competition from trucks for shipping. And, because those same companies were often strongarmed by the government into mostly money-losing passenger transit, getting places by train kind of went with those companies.

more infodump under the cut

Anyway, this left a ton of land that was previously train stuff with not much use to anyone. A lot of it was converted to other things. Warehouses and whatnot became low-rent studios for up-and-coming artists, the paths through forests often got converted into walking trails, and so on. And so putting trains back on those rails is complicated by the fact that your Sunday morning jog would be, let's say, inconvenienced by a train going through at 40 miles an hour.

So the failure of rail companies to survive trucks essentially created interest groups opposed to their revival. But, as public opinion shifts against road-based transit, I think that we'll see more trains put back on their rails. Amtrak on the east coast and California's various train networks on the west coast are both trying their best to expand rail service, mostly for passengers, as it becomes increasingly obvious that you functionally can't add capacity to car-based anything because of how induced demand works*. And modern warehousing technology means that stuff basically takes up less space because it's moving faster and organized better, so even if we put all the freight rail back, artists wouldn't necessarily be kicked out of their converted warehouses. *By building more road, you displace people who now need to go further to get places, and you encourage people who previously took other means of transportation to get a car, meaning that any capacity you add will be filled within a few short years (often, the same few years it takes to build the dang thing), and in some cases, you'll wind up with worse traffic than you started with. See: the fucking Katy Freeway in Texas.

Anyway, go listen to Well There's Your Problem, it's where I learned all this stuff.

ME: hold up. you see that? train's been through here FRIEND: how can you tell ME: tracks. they're not fresh, maybe 60, 80 years old FRIEND: no chance it'll come back, then ME: don't be so sure. That's well within their lifespan... and they're highly territorial

[dankusner]

“The Road Gang” Derailed Dallas’s Streetcar Dreams, but Bike Friendly South Dallas is Leading a Two-Wheeled Revolution

The saying goes that “everything is bigger in Texas.”

The Lone State has gained a reputation for having large-scale everything – from its ranches and oil fields to its cowboy hats, food portions, and probably consequently, its people.

The saying has, for decades, served as a playful exaggeration meant to highlight Texas’s excessive size, resources, pride and ego. Texas’ self-proclaimed pretentious jewel, Dallas, is no different.

A northern-set miniature, reflective of its parent state, Dallas boasts much of the same “bigness” – from its booming population and ever-growing brunch scene, to its footprint.

Still, while the city’s large footprint means ample space to spend on residential and commercial developments with plenty of change left over for green spaces, there’s one major issue: the ever expanding urban sprawl in a city that was already fairly spread out.

But Dallas living didn’t always mean car dependency.

In fact, Dallas was once a walkable place – just dense and compacted enough that people could get between their work, leisure and home lives simply by putting one front in front of the other or via an extensive streetcar system.

Between 1889 and 1936, the city inhabitants would have access to a fully functional and booming public transit system that, at its peak, operated close to 400 cars between 20 routes, all riding atop 200 miles of track.

For nearly 30 years, these streetcars ruled Dallas transit, shuffling people around the most densely populated areas of the city.

The system also featured a tie-in to a wider light rail train system.

“Not only could you take a train through the city – an extensive out-of-town light rail network also existed to take you to places like Waco, Ft. Worth, and Corsicana, with trains departing every hour from the Interurban Building downtown”, writes Jake Berman, cartographer and historian who studies the researches and redraws maps of the lost streetcar and subway systems of America.

By the late 1930s, buses – a cheaper competitor – had rolled onto the transit scene.

Met by the ever rising costs of maintaining the streetcars, the devastating Great Depression and National City Lines’ acquiring of local streetcar systems and subsequent conversion to bus operations (which was backed by investment from General Motors, Firestone Tire, Standard Oil of California, Federal Engineering, Phillips Petroleum, and Mack Trucks), by the 1950s, streetcars were difficult to find.

A redrawing of the Dallas streetcar system by Jake Berman, a New York City-based writer, cartographer, and historian.

The image is featured in his book “The Lost Subways of North America: A Cartographic Guide to the Past, Present, and What Might Have Been.”

“The system survived until after World War II, but was eventually dismantled in favor of highway construction as the system became unprofitable to run”, explained Berman.

By 1954, a desperate Dallas City Council ordered the streetcars to be shut down within two years, and in January 1956, the final lines were officially removed from service.

For Dallas and much of the rest of the nation, the shuttering of the streetcar system would mark the beginning of the widespread adoption of automobiles as a mode of transportation that provided a more convenient and flexible transportation as the city grew and expanded outwards.

Following the General Motors streetcar conspiracy, car, oil, construction, rubber, asphalt, trucking, and limestone industries (known as “The Road Gang”) would begin to lobby hard for government funding to build and maintain extensive highway and expressway networks and parking facilities while opposing initiatives to expand public transportation systems, supporting suburban development to create more spread-out cities, and advertising to promote car ownership as part of a more desirable lifestyle.

Once a bustling hub of Dallas’s streetcar activity, South Dallas was a predominantly affluent neighborhood tied into the rest of the city.

Today, however, South Dallas is still dealing with the neglect of Civil Rights Movement era white flight, intentional divestment, removal of historic landmarks, displaced residents, and highway construction – with the construction of Interstates 35, 45, and 175 between the 1950 and 1970s cutting through the heart of South Dallas, disrupting businesses, dividing the community and increasing urban sprawl.

A bustling scene at the Interurban Building in Downtown Dallas, circa 1925. (Bud Biggs Collection, Dallas Public Library)

As a result of this transit neglect, transportation inequities have continued to disproportionately impact South Dallas.

Fewer public transportation options with infrequent routes and limited coverage means it’s more difficult for residents to reach jobs, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential destinations.

There are also financial barriers, as residents can find it difficult to afford a vehicle and the associated costs including insurance, registration, fuel, and repairs.

Still, South Dallas residents are turning a new corner, and back to a childhood pastime that’s now being recognized as a reliable and renewable means of transportation – cycling.

Ashly Fletcher and her team are chartering the route.

Fletcher founded Bike Friendly South Dallas, the only African American founded bicycle education non-profit in the state of Texas, in 2012.

“It started with me riding with some of my girlfriends and I noticed that people really liked what we were doing”, she says.

“People would say that they had never seen women of color who were full-sized biking like us – they were used to white guys in spandex.”

Ashly says that she soon realized that she wanted to do more with biking in South Dallas and began thinking of ways to educate others about how biking could be both fun and productive, as a passion and a reliable mode of transportation.

“After a while, Cornerstone Baptist Church got wind of what we were doing, liked it, and asked what we needed – I said, ‘we need a building to house a bike shop.’”

Before long, Bike Friendly South Dallas had a space to call their own.

“They gave us this space and ended up raising $330,000 for us to build it out the way we needed and launch our operation”, Fletcher explained.

Ashley Fletcher, founder of Bike Friendly South Dallas, a community-based organization working to revitalize transportation in South Dallas.

Today, Bike Friendly South Dallas aims to promote cycling as a safe, accessible, and enjoyable mode of transportation into, out of and around South Dallas.

But besides education and bike maintenance, the organization works to further bike policy in the city.

While Dallas has made significant strides in recent years to become a more bike-friendly city, the city is still heavily car dependent and is expected to remain as such as the population grows and the city spreads away from its center.

In 2011, Dallas adopted a comprehensive Bike Plan, which outlined the city’s vision for expanding the bike network and improving safety for cyclists.

Since then, the city has been expanding the bike network, including building new bike lanes, trails, and shared paths.

Today, there are now over 200 miles of bikeways in Dallas with various initiatives to improve safety for cyclists, such as educational campaigns, engineering improvements, and law enforcement training.

Despite progress, Dallas still faces challenges in becoming a truly bike-friendly city.

These include traffic congestion, lack of safe infrastructure in some areas, and public perception.

Fletcher says that her organization is constantly pushing for the improvement of biking infrastructure in the neighborhood and around the city by advocating for enhancements such as a more comprehensive trail system and more bike lanes and racks.

By creating a more bike-friendly environment, Bike Friendly South Dallas hopes to encourage residents to adopt cycling as a regular part of their daily lives.

This can have many benefits, including improved health, reduced transportation costs, and a more sustainable community.

Then, there is the issue of cost.

Ashly says that Bike Friendly South Dallas is also committed to making cycling, as a reliable and legitimate means of transportation, accessible to anyone who’s willing to work for it.

Fletcher says they do this through “sweat equity”, wherein residents can earn a bike through service.

“A good way to earn a bike is, you come in, and say ‘I need a bike. This is a good bike. I think I’ll take this bike. This bike is five hours? I’ll sweep the parking lot. I’ll clean the bathroom. I’ll fix a couple bikes that need to be fixed.’”

This way, Ashly says, not only are members of the community gaining the agency that comes with reliable transportation, but they’re gaining it through labor that’s invested back into the community.

“There’s a sense of pride that comes with earning your own bike, and a little more each time you come into the shop to work on your bike when it needs a little tune up.”

Volunteers like Anthony, a South Dallas community member, bicycle enthusiast and volunteer showcase this pride daily.

Anthony, who happened to be working on several bikes as the Dallas Weekly interviewed Ashly, explained that he liked “being in the shop, just working on things for other people.”

In a city where car ownership can be a luxury, Bike Friendly South Dallas is providing a lifeline for residents.

These bikes represent freedom, mobility, and a brighter future for South Dallas.

Later in the evening, Anthony would get the chance to help another community member who would drift into the shop earn a bike of his own.

Two rims, inner tubes, tires, and a new chain later, yet another South Dallas resident would leave with his own reliable mode of transportation – connecting him to an expanding world of economic, education, healthcare, and social opportunities in and around South Dallas.

The recent resurgence of cycling culture is breathing new life into the neighborhood.

Bike-friendly initiatives, including dedicated bike lanes, repair stations, and community rides, are not only improving transportation options but also fostering a sense of camaraderie among residents.

As South Dallas embraces its cycling heritage, it’s clear that two wheels at a time can bridge the gap left by the city’s lost streetcars. Bike Friendly South Dallas is helping to bridge that gap by getting “more butts on bikes!”

Cruising through South Dallas:

This classic cruiser bike is a popular choice among residents looking for a comfortable and stylish way to get around. Bike Friendly South Dallas is helping to make cycling a viable transportation option for people of all ages and backgrounds.

[securecarshipping]

Looking for reliable and secure car shipping? Look no further! Secure Car Shipping offers top-notch vehicle transport services across the USA. Whether you're in Greenville, Car Shipping in California, Texas, or Florida, our expert team ensures your car is handled with the utmost care. Enjoy competitive pricing, comprehensive insurance, and exceptional customer service. With Secure Car Shipping, your vehicle is in safe hands from start to finish. Discover why we’re the best in the business and get your free quote today!

[vibranttexas]

Things to Know Before Moving to Texas: A Comprehensive Guide

Texas is a land of vast opportunities, diverse landscapes, and a culture all its own. Whether you're moving for work, seeking adventure, or just ready for a change of pace, the Lone Star State has something to offer everyone. Before you pack up your belongings and head south, here are some things you should know to make your move smoother and more enjoyable.

1. Size Matters

Texas is massive. It’s the second-largest state in the U.S., behind Alaska, and driving from one end to the other can take over 12 hours. That means everything from road trips to daily commutes may involve a lot of driving. Be prepared to spend time behind the wheel, and make sure your vehicle is in top shape!

Pro Tip: Get used to the phrase “everything is bigger in Texas” – because it's true for highways, cities, and even weather events!

2. Diverse Climate

One of the most significant misconceptions about Texas is that it's all desert. In reality, the state has a wide variety of climates, ranging from arid in the west to humid and coastal in the east. Summers can be scorching, particularly in central and southern parts, where temperatures often exceed 100°F. Winters vary from mild in cities like Houston to colder snaps in the Panhandle or Dallas.

Recommendation: Make sure your new home has a reliable air conditioning system and, if you're building a shed or cabin, consider insulation and ventilation to withstand the heat.

3. Cost of Living

Texas is known for having a lower cost of living compared to other states like California and New York. Cities like Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas offer affordable housing options, but costs can be higher in rapidly growing areas like Austin. Property taxes are higher than the national average, which can surprise new residents, especially those moving from states with lower rates.

Fun Fact: Texas has no state income tax! However, that’s balanced by higher property and sales taxes.

4. Texan Pride is Real

Texans are fiercely proud of their state. From the state flag flying high to BBQ cookouts and Friday night football games, the sense of community and local pride is palpable. If you’re moving from out of state, embracing the local culture will help you settle in more smoothly. Learn the basics of Texas history, pick up some local slang, and you’ll fit right in.

5. Job Market and Economy

Texas has a robust economy with thriving industries in technology, energy, healthcare, and agriculture. Cities like Austin have emerged as tech hubs, attracting startups and large companies. Houston remains a global energy leader, particularly in oil and gas. This strong economy, coupled with Texas' friendly business climate, makes it a great place for entrepreneurs and job seekers alike.

6. Outdoor Adventure

If you love the outdoors, Texas won’t disappoint. The state is home to everything from vast plains and deserts to lush forests and stunning coastlines. You can hike in Big Bend National Park, swim in the Gulf of Mexico, or explore the Texas Hill Country. For nature lovers, the opportunities for adventure are endless.

Pro Tip: Invest in a sturdy shed or cabin for your outdoor gear. Having a dedicated space for bikes, fishing equipment, or camping gear will make it easy to take advantage of all that Texas has to offer.

7. Friendly People

You’ll hear this a lot: Texans are friendly. The state's strong sense of hospitality means you’ll likely be greeted with a warm welcome. Neighbors are quick to lend a hand, and people generally look out for one another. Expect to engage in more conversations with strangers than you might be used to – it’s just part of the charm.

8. Transportation and Infrastructure

Texas’ public transportation infrastructure is not as extensive as in places like New York or Chicago. If you’re moving to a big city, like Houston or Dallas, you’ll likely need a car to get around. While some cities, like Austin, are trying to expand public transit, most Texans rely heavily on their vehicles.

A Recommendation for New Texans: Consider a Shed or Cabin

Whether you're settling in a city or a more rural area, having a quality shed or cabin on your property can be incredibly useful. Texans love the outdoors, and with the state's variable climate and vast landscapes, a shed provides valuable storage space and even expands your living area.

Benefits of a Shed or Cabin in Texas:

Storage for Outdoor Equipment: If you plan on hiking, hunting, or enjoying water activities, a shed is a great place to store all your gear.

Extra Living Space: Many Texans use sheds as guest cabins, workshops, or even home offices. With a bit of insulation and some creative touches, a shed can become a cozy space for you or your guests.

Weather Protection: Texas weather can be unpredictable. High-quality sheds are built to withstand the heat, wind, and rain. Make sure to invest in a shed with durable materials to protect your belongings year-round.

Customization: Cabin sheds are incredibly customizable, whether you want a rustic, countryside look or a more modern, practical design. You can add ventilation, insulation, windows, and even solar panels to enhance the usability of the space.

Conclusion

Moving to Texas is an exciting adventure, but there are a few things to keep in mind as you make the transition. From the hot summers to the warm hospitality, Texas has a lot to offer, and knowing what to expect will make your move much smoother. And as you settle in, consider adding a shed or cabin to your property. Not only will it add value, but it will also make life in Texas a little more comfortable and organized.

Welcome to Texas, y’all!

[undeadorion-archive]

2017 for sure.

That was the year that started with the friend I'd been living with kicking me out. He's the one who was weirdly transphobic and kept telling me directly and unprompted that as a gay man he'd never date a trans man. He didn't tell me, but I found out he was having some barely legal twink with a vomit kink move up from California and he wanted to give the room I was staying in to that guy.

I was going to school at the time and couldn't afford my own place so I was forced to move in with my mom who was moving back to the area from Texas. Despite her having a car and me taking public transportation, she insisted on living super close to her preferred area, which meant I had to catch the train every day in the part of town with some of the highest crime rates while she drove safely to work.

She was a grossly emotionally manipulative and abusive person. Stuff like I told her to keep a door closed so my cat wouldn't ruin the inflatable mattress my visiting friends were using. But she neglected the part where that meant making sure the cat was outside the room. She locked the cat in the bedroom for over 8 hours, and my cat used my friend's suitcase as a litterbox. My mom then screamed at me in front of my friends that it was my fault (the friends then said it was my fault, too). Her friend was visit once and went on a homophobic rant at the dinner table. I tried to change the subject, but eventually just left the table without saying why. My mom then insisted I hurt her friend's feelings and that I needed to go apologize to her friend. I refused.

She was a horrible drunk and spent all her free time at local dive bar. She would get so drunk she could barely stand, then drive home. I kept expecting the cops to drive up to tell me she'd killed herself by crashing her car. On the fourth of july, she wanted to go to the bar instead of spending time at home. So I told her I was worried about her drinking so much. She ended up yelling at me, and throwing a huge fit and accusing me of ruining the holiday. We'd had nothing planned to ruin.

Come Thanksgiving, things were getting really bad. She was running out of money despite having a job, in theory. Mind you, I never actually saw proof of her having this job other than her being gone most of the day. But I was trying to hold things together so I could continue with my degree as I was really enjoying studying architecture. So I offered to do all of Thanksgiving myself so she could just have a day off. Instead of staying home, she chose to go to the bar. I told her dinner would be done around 6. I spent all day cooking to the point that I felt physically ill. But it would all be worth it if it made her holiday better. She didn't get home until around 7. She put her purse down in the middle of all the food I'd set out on the table and just said "ooh, yum." She then informed me she'd invited someone over. A man I'd never met before. She didn't tell him I'd made dinner, and he'd already eaten. She changed into a silk robe and cuddled with him on the couch and demanded I serve them both pumpkin pie. Multiple times. I just made myself a plate of food and went to my room. I started planning how to get out of there.

She lied to me about her reasons for coming back to the area. She made some pretty intense claims about her husband (not my father) being abusive and threatening her with a gun. I wanted to believe her. I tried to do all I could to help her. But it all turned out to be a manipulation tactic to get her husband's rich mother (Texas oil money rich) to give her money. Eventually, the woman offered to pay for my mom to come back.

More and more she'd been having issues with me being trans. She blamed every strong emotion I showed on T, saying I was "angry" when I as more emotionally stable than I'd ever been. But the Monday after thanksgiving my name change was made official by my documents being sent by the court. And she got so much worse after that, saying she was mourning the loss of her "baby". Mind you, I was in my mid-thirties.

Even more importantly, because I had her support I'd planned to have the 2 big surgeries. The first on December 18th and another the following summer. She needed to drive me to and from and help me out the week following because I was supposed to have zero stress so I could heal from organ removal.

Well, sometime around there, I overheard her on the phone. She was making plans with her husband, who she still hadn't divorced despite saying she was going to. I heard her clear as day. He'd be there on December 17th. She even said she loved him. The last time he'd seen me, I'd been a woman. She refused to tell him about my transition because he "wouldn't understand." If he was the horrifying Texan bigot with a gun that she claimed him to be, we needed to work this out. But she said I'd misunderstood who she was talking to. And it was a friend of hers going to visit family on that day, and she always told her friends she loved them (no she didn't).

Since she wouldn't tell me the truth about her plans, I tried to get her to admit she wouldn't help me with the surgery transportation and recovery. She refused to say either way, yet insisting I could still go through with it. So the week before, I had to call them to cancel it. She insisted that was my choice, and she wasn't forcing me to do it.

Knowing for absolutely certain that she was lying, I made plans. The night before the 17th, I packed a bag and found a motel I could afford that accepted pets because I wasn't leaving my cat behind.

Lo and behind, she tells me that he's coming from a "surprise visit" but it was okay, they'd go stay at a hotel. But they MIGHT come back to the apartment. She gave me only a few hours warning, saying they were on their way. So I had to grab what I could and bail. The problem was, I'd recently changed my name on my ID so I only had temporary paper one and the real one would be there any day. Thankfully the hotel I found took it.

The hotel was disgusting. There was a blood stain on the ceiling. Thankfully, a local friend saw my plight and offered me their spare bedroom until I figured things out, so I only stayed in that awful place for one night.

Shortly after, I got a text from my mom saying my ID had arrived. I got a friend to go with me, because I didn't want to go alone. This was around December 20th, now.

When I walked in to get my mail and a few other things the apartment was completely packed up. She was standing right outside the apartment when I got there. She watched me walk in. She never said a word about it. I was so stunned, the only thing that really properly registered was the relief that my room was untouched. So I gathered up what needed protecting the most and went back to the friends I was staying with.

About a day after, I got a text just saying that HE was gone. Not that they were both gone, just that he was. When I finally returned home, the apartment was completely empty except for my bedroom. Even my stuff from the kitchen was gone, including an apron I'd sewn for myself. Thankfully, some of my kitcheware was put in storage that my mom had forgotten about. But I had to replace so much.

All that my mom had left me was a note saying "this was the only way" to solve the money issues. Mind you, she left me no money at all. Thankfully, a former work friend had connections that got me more than enough money to cover moving expenses and then some.

My friends offered for me to stay with them for cheap while I figured things out. But they didn't have a lot of space, so I had to rent a storage unit. I didn't have a car, but it was close. So I carted a lot of it by hand. My dad helped me with the big stuff on moving day. Which wasn't until January.

Through all of this, I worked with the apartment managers. My mom hadn't paid December rent and was ignoring their calls. She hadn't even removed herself from the lease. Because I'd been working with them, and because of my mom's behavior, and because they saw her drive off in a moving truck, they were willing to remove me from the lease without penalty. And since my mom didn't leave a forwarding address I got the full security deposit, too.

I got to spend the holidays that year packing and cleaning all by myself. Facing the fact that I had to drop out of school and find a full time job.

That following February I moved into a tiny apartment, but it was all my own. I hated my job but I didn't have to deal with roommates. But things in the area were getting bad and I desperately wanted to go back to school. So I eventually moved in with my dad like I should have done in the first place but I was too prideful. That's where I've been for just about 5 years, now, slowly recovering. I now have a degree in web development, and a solid (if part time) job.

sorry to make you acknowledge that 2013 was 11 years ago

[journaljotz]

Cheap Places to Visit in the USA: A Travel Guide

Traveling across the United States can be an enriching experience, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. From stunning national parks to vibrant cities, there are plenty of budget-friendly destinations that offer unique experiences without the hefty price tag. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the cheapest places to visit in the USA, along with tips for making the most of your travel budget.

1. New Orleans, Louisiana

Why Visit: Known for its vibrant culture, music, and food, New Orleans offers a unique blend of French, Spanish, and African influences. You can immerse yourself in the local culture without spending a fortune.

Budget Tips:

Free Events: Enjoy live music in the French Quarter or visit during one of the many free festivals held throughout the year.

Affordable Dining: Savor delicious po’boys and gumbo at local eateries that offer generous portions at reasonable prices.

2. Austin, Texas

Why Visit: Austin is famous for its live music scene, outdoor activities, and food trucks. It’s an ideal destination for budget travelers looking for a mix of culture and nature.

Budget Tips:

Free Music Events: Take advantage of free live music at various venues, especially during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival.

Parks and Outdoor Spaces: Explore Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake, and the Barton Springs Pool, which are all free or low-cost.

3. Portland, Oregon

Why Visit: Known for its quirky charm, Portland is a haven for foodies and nature lovers. The city’s extensive public transport system makes it easy to explore without a car.

Budget Tips:

Food Carts: Enjoy delicious meals at food carts that offer diverse options at affordable prices.

Free Attractions: Visit the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden for stunning views without spending a dime.

4. San Diego, California

Why Visit: With its beautiful beaches and mild climate, San Diego is perfect for those looking to soak up the sun without the high prices of other California cities.

Budget Tips:

Beaches: Spend your days at popular beaches like La Jolla Cove and Mission Beach, where access is free.

Free Attractions: Explore Balboa Park, home to museums and gardens, many of which offer free admission on certain days.

5. Savannah, Georgia

Why Visit: Savannah’s historic charm and beautiful architecture make it a great destination for budget travelers. The city is known for its stunning public squares and oak-lined streets.

Budget Tips:

Walking Tours: Take a self-guided walking tour to explore the city’s historic district without the cost of a guided tour.

Public Parks: Spend time in Forsyth Park, a lovely green space perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.

6. Denver, Colorado

Why Visit: Denver combines a vibrant urban scene with easy access to the Rocky Mountains, making it a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Budget Tips:

Free Festivals: Attend free events like the Denver Arts Festival and the Great American Beer Festival.

Hiking: Enjoy numerous hiking trails in nearby parks, such as Red Rocks Park, without spending a dime.

7. Nashville, Tennessee

Why Visit: Known as the Music City, Nashville is a must-visit for music lovers. The city offers plenty of free live music, great food, and Southern hospitality.

Budget Tips:

Free Music Venues: Check out places like the Bluebird Cafe and various honky-tonks on Broadway for free performances.

Affordable Eats: Taste authentic Nashville hot chicken at local joints that won’t hurt your wallet.

8. Asheville, North Carolina

Why Visit: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning natural beauty. It’s an excellent spot for budget travelers who enjoy outdoor activities.

Budget Tips:

Biltmore Estate: While the estate has an admission fee, consider exploring the surrounding gardens and trails for free.

Local Breweries: Many breweries offer affordable tastings, allowing you to enjoy the local craft beer scene without overspending.

9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Why Visit: Rich in history and culture, Philadelphia is home to iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, making it a fantastic place to explore on a budget.

Budget Tips:

Free Museums: Take advantage of free admission days at various museums, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Street Food: Enjoy cheap eats from food trucks and local markets, such as Reading Terminal Market, where you can find affordable and delicious options.

10. Salt Lake City, Utah

Why Visit: Known for its stunning mountain views and proximity to national parks, Salt Lake City is perfect for outdoor lovers and those looking for affordable adventures.

Budget Tips:

Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, biking, and skiing at nearby parks and mountains without the high costs of resort fees.

Cultural Attractions: Explore free attractions like the Utah State Capitol and the Natural History Museum on discounted days.

Tips for Traveling on a Budget

Plan Ahead: Research and plan your itinerary in advance. Look for free or low-cost events and activities.

Use Public Transportation: Utilize public transit systems to save on transportation costs.

Travel Off-Peak: Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when prices for accommodations and flights are generally lower.

Accommodations: Look for budget-friendly options like hostels, motels, or vacation rentals. Websites like B0arding.com can offer affordable alternatives to hotels.

Pack Smart: Bring snacks and water to avoid high prices at tourist attractions.

Conclusion

Traveling on a budget in the USA doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice experiences. From vibrant cities to stunning natural landscapes, there are countless affordable destinations waiting to be explored. By planning wisely and taking advantage of free attractions and local events, you can create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank. So grab your bags, set your itinerary, and get ready to discover the beauty of these cheap places across the USA!

[beardedmrbean]

A licensed gun owner shot a man at a Texas smokehouse who allegedly knocked an elderly man unconscious in a restaurant bathroom. 

Just after noon Aug. 14, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Woody's Smokehouse in Centerville about shots being fired, the sheriff's office said on its Facebook page last week. 

Authorities said suspect Kevin Craig Anderson entered the barbecue joint that day in a "harassing manner" and "aggressively approached several customers inside the store." Anderson is from Houston, which is roughly 115 miles south of Centerville, according to the sheriff's office.

KNIFE-WIELDING MAN ATTACKS WIFE IN TRAFFIC BUT ARMED GOOD SAMARITAN STEPS IN

Anderson reportedly went into Woody's bathroom and "began assaulting an elderly male knocking him unconscious onto the tile floor and continued assaulting him," according to the sheriff's office Facebook post. 

GUN-TOTING FLORIDA DAD RUSHES TO DAUGHTER'S APARTMENT, TURNS TABLES ON HER ABUSIVE EX: POLICE

A man with a license to carry then became involved and tried to stop Anderson from continuing his attack on the unconscious man, authorities said. 

Anderson allegedly turned his aggression toward the armed man, "knocking him to the floor and continuing to assault him."

OHIO DOORBELL SHOOTING: WOMAN SAYS EX-BOYFRIEND KILLED BY DAD 'DIFFERENT' AFTER MOVE TO CALIFORNIA, DRUG USE

The man carrying the gun pulled out his weapon during the attack and fired off two shots at the suspect. 

Anderson was shot in the right arm and fled the restaurant in a car. Authorities found the suspect sitting in his vehicle on the shoulder of a nearby highway, and he was transported via helicopter to a local hospital. 

The case is still under investigation by the sheriff's department and Texas Rangers, local media reported.