fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
Dear nCoV-2019…
By: Mohan Babu V
Tags: Musings, Letters

Dear nCoV-2019,

We human beings have been ruling this planet earth for a small speck of time. You are challenging that now. The tragic comedy is, the smugness in us is preventing us from learning from or registering this challenge. You have challenged the long held view that, human beings own this planet earth. Well, I hope we can soon accept the problem, perhaps then, we should be able to solve it.

For a reasonable part of my life, I have held the value of equality very dearly. Here you are! You don’t seem to see gender, faith, caste or wealth. Now, the equality which I have been craving all along, appears pretty scary now. I can understand, scared we must be!

God made us all the same, during the course, we thought we got sanctions to alter the course. I was always taught, love is god, “Anbe Civam”. But when we go astray and begin to see only difference due to our intellect. Where would love and compassion find its place be in all this madness?(or intellect?) Now I can understand why you are here! To show us how fragile, confused and limited our lives are. Perhaps, even to course correct and bring us all together to fight you. To switch off the discerning intellectual mind, that which always…always differentiates along numerous…numerous ways. To replace the paranoid hate and prejudice and to recommence the lost love and compassion. Perhaps to prefix the equality I love the most with liberty and suffix it with fraternity.

You have already showed us that, Live is not life style. The cost of living was actually cost of lifestyle. The struggle of staying at home all day long for smug men, while that was perfectly what was expected out of housewives. We all got a taste of what retirement would be during this lock-down. We crave for freedom, but, when we eventually got it during the lock-down, we turned bone marrow numb and tired. Freedom, I understand comes with a lot of self responsibility. The endless freedom without knowing what to do was like heaping a death wish upon us.

You came from nature(I hope) and by that extension, from God. Things that which are made by men are stalled today and that which are made by God blissfully continues. If and only if we could return to the fold of love and compassion, I hope, you would spare us and let us live joyfully. For the moment, I shall wait for this essence to seep within us and flush away you and the poison which has engulfed us. Till such time, I know it is not going to be business as usual.

with much love,

MB
Thursday Thoughts–Should the Blog Adopt a Dog?
By: John Dilillo
Tags: Thursday Thoughts, Entertainment, Buses, Musings, Life

Thursday Thoughts–Should the Blog Adopt a Dog?

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts, a new Local column where one of our writers shares some of the thoughts that they just can’t shake.

Should the blog adopt a dog? Probably, right?

When someone in my class said “my wife,” did the entire class hear me quietly repeat those words in a Borat voice?

Will the next episode of The Bachelor be pushed back a week because of the premiere of the new spin-off The Bachelor: Listen to Your Heart? Do I have enough self-respect to avoid googling this?

Can someone give me a job?

Should someone give me a job?

Should I buy the feminist Monopoly game where women get paid more than men?

Will I ever finish season two of Westworld? (No.)

Would Totoro from My Neighbor Totoro be my friend, or would he get fed up and leave after I kept asking him if he really liked hanging out with me?

Steve Harvey is on the front of a lot of NYC buses right now. If I got hit by a bus, would Steve Harvey be the last thing I ever saw?

If Baby Yoda is ever on the front of a bus, will that be dangerous for me?

Will my roommate read this article and realize he should stop listening to Chapo Trap House out loud in our shared living space, or am I going to have to ask him nicely like a real adult?

Did this article only run because we didn’t have enough content today?
Wardrobe Wondering
By: Harper
Tags: Style Guides, Capsule Wardrobe, Style, Wardrobes Solutions, Musings

The morning creeps into awareness beneath my black eye mask. I feel unready for the day. I work better at night and I come into my own. It’s quiet, magical, it’s a time for reflection and creative possibilities. The day is good of course in ways but after 10am, not now, not yet.

Mornings even after a decade of competitive swimming in my high school days ‘ain’t my thing’. I love my bed, I enjoy being still, the peace of sleep— four children and a sense of loss of self later. Need I say more.

So getting up, and wearing an outfit that felt all wrong, with no time to fix it or even any knowledge of how best to — used to be a bad way to start my day. I used to feel horrid if I wore clothes that itched, clung, sagged, or lacked ‘cool factor’’. Occasionally I managed to piece together an outfit that worked satisfactorily all day long. Though the mismatching, clutter and adhoc contents of my wardrobe made this a rarity.

My clothes and the outfits they created were an expression of self. To the world around me, my style and how I wore my clothes saw as a reflection of my inner self. Get my outfit working and I had it together — get my outfit wrong and the opposite, chaotic disorder and malfunction. Maybe not that extreme. Nonetheless, we do have a right to our own selves to look and feel our best.

I speak in the past tense for the reason that I found a solution. The results of this solution fixed my style and my wardrobe chaos. I went from clutter and style dysphoria to a stylish minimalist with an organised wardrobe.

Each day I piece together outfits with ease and relief.

I feel proud of my style and it feels like it is ‘ME’. The same me that was screaming ‘no don’t wear that’, that didn’t like the itchy, the style was wrong, hell the colour was wrong — but I didn't understand the problem to fix it.

The result has transformed my world, my mornings and my outfits. Every day!

I now choose to wear only and all black. This is not for everyone and I was made aware of this point-blank after I complimented my young child’s preschool teacher for her well-chosen red 70’s vintage ski jacket she had teamed with a midi length floral skirt. The mother next to us piped up ‘Yes, you need colour in Winter!’ I said no, I don’t, I only wear black. Her face was horrified and she slunk away.

What a liberating moment — I realised, right then I had found my wardrobe style.

I know what MY wardrobe essentials now, and I stick to them — with confidence.

Outfits easily come together each morning. I am happy in my style every day. No more dreaded getting dressed moments. I feel relieved and empowered.

As for sleep, I still love a sleep in!

_________________________X_________________________

Find YOUR wardrobe way: The capsule wardrobe solution
Stairs upon a temple. I remember how I sat there and spoke of…
By: Jamie Walford
Tags: Reflections, Musings, Travel, Thoughts, Summer

Last year, before I embarked on a trip that would forever change my life, I remember sitting by a large ornate pond with a friend of mine. We both paddled out feet over the edge and watched the ducks sail on by, the summer air had already arrived, and the day was gorgeous.

I remember how I sat there and spoke of the the things I would do on my trip I was soon to take, how I would see a friend of mine, who I missed and hadn’t seen for a year. I thought myself proper and obove it all.

And after that trip things turned sour rather quickly, and thoughts of happily paddling my feet in that pond had disappeared.

I was eternally humbled. Truly.

So often I compare myself not with other people, but rather myself, or more specifically the past version of me. Am I better off or worse than I was a year ago say. The answer of which I found today, was that I was infact better off.

In the twelve months since I had paddled my feet in that pond, things had gotten real dark, and it came as kind surpise, when I ran into my friend, who I had paddled with a year ago, and was reminded of the lesson I needed to learn.

But still I can’t think, are my predictions of the future now just as wrong as my view of the future a year ago?

I imagine I’ll soon find out.
I quit religion for good. Then I found the Absolute.
By: Nyah Carmeli Morrison
Tags: Religion, Journal, Religion And Spirituality, Musings, Life

I quit religion for good. Then I found the Absolute.

There has been days in which I mused upon complex religious questions and the institution of it all. I felt less connected with the idea of God. I couldn’t think in a way that they administered. Then I thought deeply about all the things religion has taught me. It was mainly a guilt trap. I was trapped in this intolerant brain wobbling mesh of ideas that meant that I was never enough…

It drained me enough personally. I stepped out of my comfort zone of thought. It was not easy. I was brought up as a conditioned catholic. I have nothing against the church of any kind.

But I don’t want to be in them. I though wanted to fit in with the mental space and common belief systems. I thought it is better to let go. I couldn’t find God there. How can one contain an omnipresent God with guilt trips?

Then the inward journey began. People often associated me as religious. But I was just finding my voice and personality in the way of Absolute.

To know God is to live in love.

It is basically a state in which one is obliterated from what is the worldly. But there is a tiny lacunae of perfect communion. To be in it is my life ambition. Even if I don’t feel home in my religion.

Pandemic was this wake up call. I couldn’t find a God anywhere. It was a sort of abandonment of the of a God that was constructed in my mind over ages.

It is thawed. The hard shell of my heart didn’t want anymore of the prior construct. A faulty idea of a messiah who can always save me from the blistering thoughts in my mind. The messiah had become something of an ache.

Something that I have carried over the ages. It is not of God.

The whole persecuted Christian who lavishes in splendour of the world never appealed to me. There was something so wrong in that trajectory. It was not from God either.

I learned of something that nourished me.

It was the gentle power of the unknown. It was the energy of life. That gathered me in the womb. Pruned me in my suffering. Caressed me to sleep at night. It was the sense of Absolute Love.

I don’t ever want to be away from that. I don’t disrespect anybody’s belief system either. It is just that doesn’t work anymore. I am tired of not enjoying the freedom in living in love.

I crave for the highest amount of freedom and love from my life and in my relationships. I need that sustaining love. Only that. I tried all routes. This is my way. The way of Love. Truth. Perfect Peace. That is the only way I want to know. I want that to ground me.
Home
By: Nikki Del Principe
Tags: Reflections, Essay, Writing, Musings, Prose

Photo by Ansgar Scheffold on Unsplash

We build boxes and then we live in them. The walls, the borders we put around us—the roof over our heads is meant to protect us from the outside: strangers and bad storms.

It wasn’t until I became an adult when I began to appreciate having a place to put stuff on the walls, comfy couches to sit on, a bed with clean sheets and fluffy pillows to sleep in. It was then when I understood the value of “a place of own’s own.”

As a child, I didn’t know fear. My parents opened a rainbow-colored umbrella over the heads of my sister and me. We never knew what a bad storm felt like.

Now, I drive to the grocery store, I walk my dog, I visit family — adult things. The wind cuts through my jacket. My neck feels exposed even though I wear the patterned scarf I bought in China Town.

I was more vulnerable as a child, but I didn’t know what that meant. As a child, I skinned my knees. I said hurtful things and felt sorry about it. Other kids said mean things on the playground, and I learned to brush them off. I got hurt, but never permanently. There was always Mom and Dad to tell me everything was going to be all right. Not all childhoods are like that. I was lucky.

I was home when I was outside: running along the shores of Lake Michigan, chasing seagulls, and kicking up water with my bare feet. The lake captured my soul, or maybe my soul was always there in those blue-gray waters and that’s where I found it. The lake was where I belonged.

I’ve always liked looking at other peoples’ homes, especially at night when the windows illuminate interior lives: a woman having a glass of wine; a family on the couch watching TV, empty rooms with paintings on the walls.

My mother has two drawings of an old English village on the dining room wall. I think she chose them because they augment the aesthetics of the room. There is also a painting of Lake Michigan in a heavy black frame outlined in gold. Lake Michigan is not so ornate. It is a familiar place, absent of borders and boundaries.
La douleur exquise
By: Shantanu Chakraborty
Tags: Writing, Musings, Feelings, Heartfelt, Thoughts

“La douleur exquise “, my French teacher said, “literally means exquisite pain” before moving on to the very next word of the paragraph we were reading. This dates back to the time when my voice wasn’t coarse at all and people would mistake me for my sister on the phone. But to this day, this word stuck with me. With every passing day, I understood it a bit more. With a fair amount of trepidation, I embarked on a journey, to feel it, to feel that “exquisite pain”- a pain so beautiful that we fail to notice what lies under it’s deceptive beauty .There’s something bizarre about us humans- even if something ruins us, we don’t care as long as we’re beguiled by its beauty. Salman Rushdie famously uses the words “ruinously beautiful” to describe such things. We are surrounded by instances of this — A habit that makes us feel alive but harms us in stealth, a love that seeps into our veins and poisons us steadily. But the poison makes us hallucinate, it trick’s the mind into believing that everything’s alright, that the world is a boundless ocean ruffled by the winds of our lives. And when the realisation strikes that we’ve been poisoned, we realise that we had been standing so close to an oasis that we mistook it for an ocean. We realise that we’ve been stranded in the middle of a desert, left to fend for ourselves. Yet, if we were to redo it, even the best of us would succumb to the beauty and do it the same way they did the first time. we just couldn’t resist it, because it hurts so good. All it takes is one gingerly pat from that person in whose perfume you wish to drown, and you’ll find yourself standing dangerously close to the oasis. That’s the thing about exquisite pain- you don’t get to choose it, it chooses you. The chosen ones are often enviable. But few see through them and make them out to be what they truly are — guinea pigs for fate.

The chosen ones, what happens to them you ask?

They go on to create what meagre muggles like you and I call magic.
Pushing Past Fear
By: Haikal Satria
Tags: Self Improvement, Fear, Personal Development, Musings, Alex Honnold

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” — Frank Herbert

I’ve recently been spending all my time watching videos about rock climbing.

Bouldering, free soloing, Olympic climbing events, flashing — in the past week I’ve gathered more information about climbing than I knew about the sport in the past 22 years of my life.

I’ve honed in particularly on one climber — Alex Honnold.

One of the world’s most famous climbers, partly due to an Oscar-winning documentary covering his free solo climb of El Capitan. Also a really chill dude who seems to be completely calm when facing everything in life.

As someone who climbed up 3,000 feet (2,307 meters) with no ropes, you definitely get asked one question in particular:

“How do you deal with fear?”

And even though I didn’t climb up 3,000 feet without ropes, I wondered the same question to myself.
Preparing for the Florida Computer Science Teacher Certification Exam
Tags: Computer Science, Ftce, Teachers, Professional Development, Florida

Preparing for the Florida Computer Science Teacher Certification Exam

Looking for resources to prepare your computer science teachers for the Florida Teaching Certification Examinations?

CodeHS offers an online professional development course to help prepare teachers for the Florida Teaching Certification Examinations (FTCE) — Computer Science.

The CodeHS FTCE-CS Preparation Course is entirely online and is made up of a series of learning modules that cover both the basics of programming and the pedagogy of teaching programming in a blended classroom.

The course is designed for any new or experienced teachers interested in taking the Florida Teaching Certification Examinations — Computer Science. Teachers can complete it on their own time, during summer, school professional development days, or school holidays.

Skills and Competencies Covered

The CodeHS FTCE-CS Prep is the only course that covers 100% of the competencies designated for the exam including:

Competency 1: Knowledge of computational thinking and problem solving

Knowledge of computational thinking and problem solving Competency 2: Knowledge of data types and structures

Knowledge of data types and structures Competency 3: Knowledge of programming logic

Knowledge of programming logic Competency 4: Knowledge of programming languages

Knowledge of programming languages Competency 5: Knowledge of computer hardware, software, and networking

Knowledge of computer hardware, software, and networking Competency 6: Knowledge of the historical aspects and social issues related to computer technologies

Knowledge of the historical aspects and social issues related to computer technologies Competency 7: Knowledge of computer science pedagogy

How to Get Started

Interested in enrolling your district in the CodeHS FTCE-CS Prep Course? Contact the CodeHS Team at hello@codehs.com today.
What’s Up with the Fashion Industry and Florida’s Heat?
By: Simply Sunni, Sunni Baerwalde
Tags: Florida Fashion, Fashion Trends, Fashion Industry, Marketing, Florida

Florida’s Temperatures are Hot, Hot, Hot!

Fashion magazines in the mail are a treat for my eyes, my creativity and a welcomed break. Spending time going through the latest trends and the season’s hottest colors is a feast for the eyes and sparks my fashion sense. There’s one problem. Every clothing ad I see is for cooler weather, There’s no way anyone can wear long sleeve layers in Florida this time of year. Is it me or can you not find short sleeve blouses, either? What is it causing the fashion industry to cater to the northern stores in the spring and fall? I have lived in Florida most of my life and I can honestly say I have never understood this purchasing decision. Thus, I investigated!

Where does fashion come from?

Cold Weather Layers

Fashion, as we all know, predominately originates in three places; The runways, the streets, and with celebrities. As I see it, the problem here is location. The runways are located in New York, Milan and Paris. New York’s average temperature in March, when the stores are advertising their spring lines is 50 degrees. Milan’s average temperature in March is 58 and Paris is 55 degrees. In central Florida, the average is 78 degrees! That difference is enough to keep the models and celebrities in the streets and on the runways in clothes and to make the Floridians want to shed as much as possible.

What are Floridians to do?

Florida Weather

We Floridians are an adaptable and transient bunch. With natives as well as our northern residents, adjustments are necessary. We call it layering, but not in the way the north refers to it. We layer to remove. One may need a sweater inside a store to combat the blowing AC. As soon as we make our way outside, the sunglasses go on and the sweater comes off.

Navigating the fashion world is a burden we carry. (poor us) To live in the “land of flowers” and sunshine, we pour through the fashion magazines taking looks from the scantily clad or the sensible layers we can make work. I don’t think the world will change for us, so we will adapt, as always!

Hey, and remember… Don’t Sweat It!

-SimplySunni
Representative Anna V. Eskamani’s Statement on the Passage of SB404
By: Anna V. Eskamani
Tags: Abortion, Reproductive Rights, Reproductive Health, Reproductive Justice, Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 20, 2020

Florida House & Senate Passes Anti-Abortion Legislation, Forcing Minors to Seek Parental Consent to End a Pregnancy

Tallahassee, FL — Today on a vote of 75–43 the Florida House passed SB404, legislation that puts into place forced parental consent for minors who wish to end their pregnancy. Below is Representative Anna V. Eskamani’s statement in response.

“I am disappointed but not surprised with today’s passing of SB404, and remain forever committed to fighting for abortion access in the State of Florida and across the country. It’s critically important that we honor and respect young people to make their own personal medical decisions, and I urge my colleagues to focus on prevention of unplanned pregnancies versus politically motivated legislation that is ultimately designed to ban abortion. SB404 is dangerous, likely unconstitutional, and a trojan horse to ban abortion statewide. I urge Governor Ron DeSantis to veto this bill.”

You can read an initial draft of Representative Eskamani’s full debate remarks at this link and watch her remarks on the Florida Channel.

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Hello, Elsa!
Tags: Storm Preparation, Tropical Weather, Blog, Hurricane Elsa, Florida

Hello, Elsa!

An uninvited visitor is coming. Tropical Storm Elsa is leaving Cuba and knocking on Florida’s door. The Keys are currently experiencing strong winds and rain.

Tropical storm winds are 39 to 73 mph; anything above that is a hurricane. Elsa’s currently at 60 mph. Over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, her wind speeds will certainly increase — perhaps to hurricane force. Fingers crossed that doesn’t happen.

The track predictions for Elsa are in agreement that she’s headed to our area of the state. Fortunately, I live inland enough that the winds will surely decrease before reaching us. Still, they’ll be formidable with expected gusts 45 mph or above.

Our sandy soil is waterlogged from days and days of rain. Gusty winds could easily topple trees with loosened roots. Without a doubt, tree branches will go flying. As beautiful as Spanish moss looks dangling from tree branches, it absorbs a heck of a lot of water. Right now, a minor gust of 25 mph will send those heavier-than-usual branches flying.

Photo by Jessica Furtney on Unsplash

My day will be busy with storm preparations. I have potted plants, wind chimes, birdfeeders, plant stands, and lawn furniture to move to protected areas, and I’m considering taping a few windows. Plus, I have to work for a client this afternoon.

Consider this a warning that I will be unavailable for publishing during much of today. The storm will come ashore west of us sometime tonight or early tomorrow. We’ll be in the weather-heavy eastside of Elsa, meaning we’ll experience some of the worst weather she has to offer — expected winds of 45 mph and higher, 3 to 5 inches of rain, flooding, and possible tornados.

There’s certainly a strong possibility we’ll have power outages. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, which was a tropical storm when she arrived here, we were without power for 36 hours. So, I may not be able to publish for the next day or two.

Well wishes and prayers, if you’re the praying sort, are welcome.

And, since I can’t do a darn thing about Elsa, I’ll listen to some Jimmy.
Residential Solar — Is solar worth it in Florida? — Clean Energy Savings USA
By: Clean Energy Savings Usa
Tags: Home Solar, Solar, Solar Florida, Solar Energy, Florida

Florida encounters rigorous sunshine throughout the year. Blessed with sunlight, Florida capitalizes solar energy by offering sales tax exemption and net metering programs. Such solar incentives urge homeowners to switch to residential solar energy in Florida.

Keeping in mind the solar potential, the lawmakers have come up with state laws such as solar panel Florida law 2021 to encourage the homeowners to adapt to cost-effective residential solar panels in Florida. Since most of us are acquainted with the traditional energy methods, we will likely struggle to change our ways. You might be wondering if solar energy is worth it or not.

The answer is yes.

Here are some reasons why you should switch to residential solar power in Florida-

Taking into consideration the expenses of electrical charges, the solar panel cost in Florida is budget-friendly and economical. Adding to it, the solar panel tax credit Florida 2021 makes it highly affordable.

Moreover, there are many financial options available to ensure the customer can afford installations. Cash payment is a go-to- mode for installation amongst homeowners. But, if you cannot afford one-time payments, you can choose solar loans and solar lease programs. We offer quality home solar at affordable prices, do check us out.

The newly passed residential solar tax credit Florida law 2021 allows you to claim 26% of your solar system’s cost as a deduction on your taxes. Suffice to say; if your tax liability is less than 26% of your solar system’s cost, you can roll the remaining balance over to the next period for up to 10 years.

If you are wondering how to avail of the 26% tax credit, don’t worry; we got you covered. All you need to do is fill out the 5695 while paying your tax. It is that easy!

The best part about shifting to home solar panels in Florida is — environmentally friendly. Rapid population expansion is a significant challenge for the planet. To safeguard our depleting condition, it is high time we turn to solar power as early as possible. To conserve the environment, one must adapt to clean energy sources like solar energy.

How much can you save by turning to residential solar panels in Florida?

Installing residential solar in Florida can cut down your expenses by approx. 3.7%. Suffice to say; the inexhaustible solar energy allows you to stop worrying about hefty electrical charges throughout your life. We thrive to offer cost-efficient home solar panels that are rich in quality yet fits into your budget. Also if your energy consumption is low, you will save more.

The Final Verdict

The points mentioned above clearly state that solar energy is the most suitable form of energy today. Switching to residential solar panels in Florida can cut down the state’s energy consumption and make it safe for our future generations. Not to miss the convenience and affordable charges of it. At Clean Energy Savings USA, we thrive to offer you a seamless solar experience by the prompt installation of solar panels.
How Often Should I Pressure Wash My Roof in Central FL?
By: Brevard Countyfl
Tags: Brevard County, Roof Cleaning, Florida, Pressure Washing

originally published here

It’s easy to see when it’s time for your home’s exterior is due for its annual pressure washing, but homeowners often forget about their roof. While your roof may not need as much attention as the rest of your home, it’s important to remember rain does not wash your shingles. In fact, rain and wind lead to a build-up of debris on the roof, which leads to the growth of algae and moss.

Here’s How Often You Should Pressure Wash Your Roof in Melbourne, FL

On average, a pressure wash is recommended nation-wide every two or three years. Florida homes may need it more frequently, especially after a heavy storm. You also want to make sure you are always compliant with your HOA rules. If you notice dark patches on your roof, it’s a sign mold is growing.

Depending on your roofing materials you may need to take extra care when pressure washing. An asphalt composite shingle roof requires a soft pressure wash that does not harm the granules in the shingles. Tile roofs also require a soft wash.

Asphalt Roofs

Pressure washing on an asphalt composite shingle roof requires no more than about 30 psi. This is similar to a garden sprayer but you need special equipment to safely reach the entire roof. Professionals should pressure wash an asphalt roof. A professional pressure wash includes a special non-toxic cleaner that does not harm the shingles or metal fastenings.

Tile Roofs

Tile roofs are popular throughout Central Florida. It’s important to take special care not to crack tiles while pressure washing. Clay and ceramic tile roofs require the same low setting as asphalt tile materials. You can also seal clay tiles with a protective coating that discourages the growth of moss and other organisms.

Check out some before and after photos of our recent roof cleanings.

Rain Gutters

Rain gutters are part of the roof system and need to be washed when they are full of dirt, leaves, and other debris. A careful power washing cleans most gutters and the downspout.

This prevents the growth of mold under the roof eaves and on the walls of the building. A thorough roof pressure washing should be done by a professional company.

Pressure Washing by Mike Schwab uses a special solution to carefully wash tile, metal, and shingle roofs using the correct low pressure for each kind of surface. We serve Brevard, FL and neighboring counties with full service for washings buildings and pavements along with homes. Contact us today to schedule your pressure washing free estimate.
heaHeat Pump vs. Furnace: Which Should You Choose
By: Brevard Countyfl
Tags: Heat Pumps, Florida, Hvac, Furnace

originally published here

It’s a good time to consider your heating options, now that summer beach weather is paused. We are often asked for input on if whether it’s better to warm a Florida home using a heat pump or furnace. The answer to this requires examining a few aspects of your home and gain more insight into the differences of a heat pump and furnace. Here’s what the experts from Reynold’s Air and Heat use to determine the best recommendation for our customers.

How Is a Furnace Different From a Heat Pump?

A heat pump collects heat from the air, water, or ground and transfers it inside your home. In Florida, most residents use an air source version of the pump, whereas a furnace makes heat. This heat is then dispersed throughout your home using ductwork, fans and other measures. A heat pump is ideal for areas who experience mild winters.

Should You Purchase a Heat Pump or Furnace?

Most cities in Florida only endure a handful of days that go below freezing (32 C), According to the Southeast Regional Climate Center. Tallahassee sees an average of over 30 days below freezing. Heat pumps work best in temperatures between 40–50 C, so the question is where do you live in Florida; how well you can handle a few cold days in your home?

Cost of a Heat Pump and Fuel Costs

Another factor is the cost of fuel compared to the cost of electricity. Heat pump systems cost more initially

compared to a furnace, but the lower cost of electricity as compared to gas saves utility expenses and helps recoup some of the upfront costs over time. If you live in an area that typically stays above freezing, then a heat pump can adequately warm your home.

Other Factors to Decide on Purchasing a Heat Pump or Furnace:

Is your home in Florida your main residence?

Does your home already have a furnace or heat pump?

Are you building a new home or updating an older home?

If you have a furnace, what type of fuel does it use?

There are always ways to save energy and reduce the monthly heating bill. Discover energy tips that apply to all homes, regardless of whether you use a heat pump or furnace. If you are looking to install a heat pump in your Florida home give us a call. Reynolds Air and Heat, located in Brevard County, FL offers free estimates and military discounts.
Oppose Deletion of Mining Overlay in Southeast Lee County
By: Conservancy Of Swfl
Tags: Environment, Mining, Florida

In 2010, Lee County adopted new policies to direct various land uses in the Southeast Lee County Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource area (DR/GR) to the most appropriate and compatible locations. These policies balanced protection and restoration of environmental resources, such as flow ways, wetlands and listed species habitat, with more intensive uses, such as residential development, agriculture and limerock mining. Indeed, concern about the potential for mines being located throughout the DR/GR was a main impetus for creating these Lee Plan policies. The policies were the result of a multi-year public process that included experts, residents, business owners, and other stakeholders. The outcome resulted in, among other things, policies to direct mining in the DR/GR to the “Traditional Alico Road Corridor,” because it was acknowledged that limerock mining is an intensive and impactful activity that is not compatible with many residential and environmental areas. These policies were adopted into the Lee Plan in Goal 33 and Map 14 and provided balance between environment, neighborhood and resource extraction.

Unfortunately, Lee County is now proposing to eliminate these same policies, thus opening the entire DR/GR to the threat of limerock mining. The Conservancy is very concerned about the impacts these proposed changes may have on this environmentally sensitive area of Lee County. Mining is impactful, and once blasted, land can never be returned or recovered to its natural state. The DR/GR is a uniquely important area for wildlife, conservation, residential uses, agriculture, and water recharge. More and more residential uses have been approved for the DR/GR, increasing the need for water recharge as well as increasing the probability that future and proposed mines will negatively impact residents, water recharge areas, flowways, and wildlife. This means that the existing policies to direct mining in the DR/GR are more important than ever to retain.

Lee County’s responsibility is to protect the interests of Lee County citizens. Map 14 and its supporting policies do this by directing an impactful activity such as mining to a specific area while allowing for a process that engages private landowners and the public if a new mine needs to be added, as well as requiring a needs assessment to verify that additional limerock supply is necessary.

Map 14 has been one of the successful ways Lee County has protected and managed competing and incompatible interests and uses in the DR/GR. The Conservancy is urging the Lee County Commission to retain Map 14 and associated Goal 33 policies.
When is the Best Time to Sell Your Home in Brevard County, FL
By: Brevard Countyfl
Tags: Space Coast, Real Estate, Florida

originally published here

Have you been thinking about starting the process of selling your home? Maybe half of your family has already moved due to a new job. Did you just purchased your dream property and hire a custom builder? Is it time to look for a larger home with your growing family? Whatever the reason, you may be wondering when is the best time to sell your home. Century 21 Indian River Realty works with clients year-round and knows the buying and selling trends in the area. Here’s what the experts recommend.

Should You Sell Your Home in the Spring or Summer?

Spring and summer are competitive months for buyers. Many families start looking in the winter with the hope to move when the school year ends. This also means there may be a lot of homes already on the market, so the expectations of buyers are higher.

Should You Sell Your Home in the Fall or Winter?

Analysts reveal there are often fewer homes on the market during the fall and winter. Partly because the summer time gives families time to move and settle before the school year starts. As a seller, you will have less competition, but there will most likely be fewer buyers coming through.

Questions to Ask Before Selling Your Home

It’s important to take an inventory of what you need to do before you can even list your home. Some repairs can mean the difference between receiving your asking price versus a bidding war. Don’t forget these small details when you are ready for your first showing.

What repairs or upgrades will make the home show ready?

Will you do the work yourself or hire a contractor?

Will you continue living in the home while trying to sell?

Do you have another home lined up in case your home sells quickly?

Does your landscaping need sprucing up?

What areas should you declutter?

How many homes are for sale in your area?

When it comes to knowing the best time to sell your home it’s best to talk to a local real estate agent. Local agents are familiar with the trends in the community and will know the best time to list your home and how to attract the perfect buyer.

When you are ready to sell your home on in Indian River, FL contacts Century 21 Indian River Realty. Our agents will help you find the best home for your needs and connect walk you through each stage of the process as you sell your home.
Commercial HVAC System Issues Frustrating You in Tampa, FL?
By: Brevard Countyfl
Tags: Tampa, Commercial Hvac, Hvac Contractor, Hvac, Florida

original article published here

Running your business should be your first priority, but experiencing issues with your HVAC system can create a huge distraction. Additionally, a humid environment can harm equipment and impair the health of your employees. What are the common commercial AC repairs needed to restore your HVAC system to working order? Ball Building Services wants to help alleviate and prevent these frustrations. Here are common problems that a professional HVAC technician will resolve.

Common Commercial AC Repairs in Tampa Florida Include:

Irregular Temperatures

It’s a great day in the office when no one complains about being too hot or cold. Have these complaints increased? Check the thermostat to see if the AC is maintaining the set temperature. If not, call an HVAC technician to check the coolant levels and ask for more ways to regulate the temperature.

Leaking Water

Leaking water is never a good sign, especially around your HVAC system. Systems vary, but many are connected to a traditional furnace and leaking water is sometimes a sign of a corrupted heat exchanger. This can become a safety risk if carbon monoxide releases, so contact your commercial AC repair technician immediately if you see water!

High Utility Bills

Have you noticed your utility bills increasing? This could be a sign of a blockage in your HVAC system or a signal you need a new air filter. An increase during peak months of commercial AC use is normal, but keep track of any huge usage spikes and ask your HVAC technician for ways to reduce cooling expenses.

Regular Maintenance

Does your HVAC technician check your HVAC system each year? Scheduling regular maintenance is ideal to help catch any blockages before you need emergency commercial AC repair during a peak month in Tampa, FL. Not maintaining your commercial HVAC system can reduce the lifespan of your system and lead to costly repairs.

If your commercial HVAC system is frustrating you in Central Florida contact Ball Building Services. Our licensed contractors will do a thorough inspection of your system and make sure your AC system is running efficiently. Contact us to learn more about our services today.
What is a Literature-Based Preschool Curriculum?
By: Brevard Countyfl
Tags: Literature, Preschool, Education, Brevard County, Florida

originally posted here

Going to preschool is a big step for your child. When you decide to enroll your child in a VPK program, you want to make sure that they are enrolled in a program with a rich curriculum that meets their needs and will help them reach their full potential. A literature-based preschool curriculum may be the perfect fit for your child.

What is a Literature-Based Curriculum?

A literature-based curriculum uses books as the main tool to build literacy in young children. This unique approach to learning has a number of benefits for preschoolers. It exposes children to an abundance of new vocabulary and helps them understand how words are used in context. It also exposes them to different people, places, and ways of thinking which helps children develop empathy as well as an appreciation for literature.

In a literature-based curriculum, teachers and children discuss what is read. Children are encouraged to think about what they read and share their thoughts and opinions. Teachers plan different units and select books they use to teach about the topic. For example, when teaching a unit about animals and insects, children might read The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In addition to teaching about the life cycle of a caterpillar, the book also covers counting, days of the week, and foods. Response activities and group discussions help ensure that children understand what they are reading.

A Literature-Based Curriculum Inspires Imagination

The variety of exciting books that are explored as part of the curriculum keep children engaged and build their attention span. By taking turns reading aloud, they improve their pronunciation. They learn how to analyze and better understand a piece of writing. Books inspire children to use their imagination to visualize what they are reading about or the story they are listening to. “A literature-based curriculum guides children towards becoming better readers, writers, and thinkers.” (Source)

At Dairy Road Discovery Center in West Brevard, Florida we have a “learning by doing” philosophy as a foundation for reading. By integrating daily reading several times a day into our curriculum we encourage future readers to engage with books early. Contact us to learn more about our literature based curriculum and other programs.

Related article: What Are the Main Benefits of Preschool Programs?
Why You Need to Take Pool Leakage Seriously In Brevard County, FL
By: Brevard Countyfl
Tags: Pool Leak Repair, Pool Leak Detection, Swimming Pools, Florida

article originally published here

The lazy days of summer may come to a crashing — or rather — flooding end if you let your pool leakage go undetected. Parties, teaching your kids how to swim, and enjoying countless days in the refreshing water are part of a pool owner’s dreams — but so should maintaining the pool. Checking the water level, balancing the chemicals. It’s all part of owning a pool, regardless of whether your pool salesman outlined the responsibilities.

A leaking pool can mean having to shut down for costly repairs that were not part of the pool float budget. Aquaman Leak Detection has helped many pool owners in Brevard County, FL prevent major repairs. Here’s what can happen if you don’t take pool leakage seriously.

Pool Leakage Can Lead to a Floating Pool

What is a floating pool? A pool with water surrounding the foundation and even underneath it. A slow and steady leak can lead to the foundation deteriorating and even shifting, especially with a concrete foundation. This is not only unsafe but can lead to chlorine contaminated groundwater, which damages your landscaping.

Pool Leakage Can Lead to a High Utility Bill

Many pool owners realize there is a problem when they see their water bill. It’s easy to forget how often you have filled the pool unless you keep a chart. Don’t wait until you have lost thousands of gallons of water at the end of the season. This money could be used to prevent leaks, instead of having to cover the cost of major pool repairs.

Pool Leakage Can Lead to Costly Repairs

Many parts ensure your pool functions properly. Letting leaks go undetected can mean the water pump or skimmer haven’t been working properly. Problems due to gradual wear and tear can be hard to detect. Keeping track of the water level and routinely inspecting the components of your pool will prevent undetected issues.

How to Avoid a Leaking Pool

Pool leaks are normal to experience as your pool ages. Hiring a professional pool repair company each year to inspect your pool can prevent leaks. Routinely checking for holes in your pool liner or cracks in the cement or fiberglass will increase the life of your pool.

Testing the chemicals in your pool throughout the season ensures it’s properly balanced. Perform the bucket test if you suspect your pool is leaking. You may want to consider replacing an older pool if you are purchasing an older home.

Aquaman Leak Detection understands the importance of catching pool leaks before they become pool disasters. Our licensed pool contractors are often able to identify and repair pool leaks in one visit. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
Miami: Latin Passion & Pastel Pink Skies
By: Mila Singh
Tags: Food, Latin, Travel, Miami, Florida

From the Porter & Sail editorial team.

Each month Skyscanner puts out a list of affordable flights to cities. This July, Miami caught our eye. Book that plane ticket, and then check out Porter & Sail’s Guide to Miami for those in search of the city’s local flavors.

What do you think of when you think of Miami? For us, it’s an endless cafecito beneath a slow ceiling fan while sun-beaten old men in white shirts play dominos at the corner table. If you concur, let these perfect renditions of dishes from Cuba, Mexico, Haiti and Venezuela take you there.

The Cubano

Las Olas Cafe

This fast-moving cafeteria is a local favorite for legendary Cuban comfort food. Arguably Miami’s finest Cubano, the bread is slathered in real butter and filled with house-made mojo-infused pork loin, salty ham, and topped with pickles, mustard, melted Swiss, and expertly pressed on la plancha.

Churrasco

Fiorito

Exceptional Argentinian cuisine is cooked and served by Fiorito’s owners in unassuming Little Haiti. The tender Churrasco is prepared either as a main dish or a sandwich, topped with colorful chimichurri.

Ropa Vieja

David’s Cafe

A Miami institution, David’s Cafe serves authentic Ropa Vieja like the Cuban grandmother you never had — and now wish you did.

Arepas

27

This two-story restaurant linked to Freehand Miami’s supercool Broken Shaker bar, dishes out impressive Latin fare. The house-made Arepa platter, served with ropa vieja, queso de mano, and hogado easily feeds four.

Empanadas

Los Fuegos

Crisp and stuffed with hand-cut beef and spicy llajua sauce, Los Fuegos’ empanadas are an elevated take on a Gaucho staple, prepared by a renowned Argentinian chef.

From the Porter & Sail editorial team.

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The best restaurants, drinking establishments, art galleries and more are yours to peruse whether you are traveling now or planning your next trip.

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Prince Peezy and Lala Chanel slated to Headline the 2021 Tap Out Music Conference in San Diego…
By: Country Clubs
Tags: Music Festivals, Hip Hop, Music Video, Broward County, Florida

Prince Peezy and Lala Chanel slated to Headline the 2021 Tap Out Music Conference in San Diego, California

Prince Peezy & Lala Chanel are two talented recording artists based in Broward County, Florida. Prince Peezy himself is of Jamaican descent, while Lala Chanle has Bahamian origins. The two came together to make amazing music, bringing quality entertainment to the audience and creating songs that blur the lines between different genre definitions. Stylistically, Prince Peezy & Lala Chanel are very diverse. Their songs have some trap and hip-hop influences, but they also love to explore styles as diverse as R&B and even some hints of pop, giving their music some truly universal appeal that turns listeners into life-long fans! With such great passion and quality songwriting, Prince Peezy & Lala Chanel are on the fast track to success.

Fans of artists like Tupac Shakur, Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar, DMX, Juice Wrld, or XXXtentacion are most definitely going to enjoy Prince Peezy & Lala Chanel’s music.

Spotify

Apple Music

iHeart Radio

Soundcloud

Tidal

https://tidal.com/browse/album/148114713