Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Requirements To Buy A House 6 Rules For First-Time Buyers

steps to buying a house for the first-time

A mortgage preapproval also tells sellers and real estate agents that you won’t have trouble finding funding for your home purchase. To buy a house, you’ll need enough money to cover the down payment and closing costs. These add up to at least 5 to 8 percent of the home’s purchase price. For example, if you’re purchasing a $300,000 home, plan on budgeting a minimum of $15,000 to $24,000.

How to buy a home in NJ in 2024, for first-time buyers - NorthJersey.com

How to buy a home in NJ in 2024, for first-time buyers.

Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Step 4: Decide What Type Of Mortgage Is Right For You

A real estate agent will help you locate homes that meet your needs and are in your price range, then meet with you to view those homes. Once you’ve chosen a home to buy, these professionals can assist you in negotiating the entire purchase process, including making an offer, getting a loan, and completing paperwork. A good real estate agent’s expertise can protect you from any pitfalls that you might encounter during the process. Sometimes a bank will give you a loan for more house than you really want to pay for. Just because a bank says it will lend you $300,000 doesn’t mean that you should actually borrow that much. You may also be able to take advantage of down payment assistance or closing cost assistance programs as a first-time buyer.

Types of Home Loans for First-Time Buyers

Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the speaker or author, as applicable, and not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments. The third-party contributors are not employed by Fidelity, and have not received compensation for their services. Even if your mortgage terms stay the same, you’ll review and sign what feels like a mountain of paperwork at closing. Once Steppling knew the neighborhood he and his wife wanted to be in, he started spending an hour a day there.

Get pre-approved and secure your dream home

steps to buying a house for the first-time

The size of your down payment is largely determined by the type of mortgage you get. Down payments on conventional mortgages begin around 3% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. Counter-offers are common and should even be expected when buying a house. Common counter-offers can include proposed changes to the price, closing date, or purchase contract contingencies. You may go back and forth with the seller a few times before you come to terms you both agree on.

In general, the longer you plan to stay in a home, the more sensible it is to buy points as you’ll recoup the cost by way of the lower monthly payment on your loan. To calculate the breakeven point, divide the amount you pay for a point by the amount you’ll reduce your mortgage payment by each month. Talk to your agent about your budget and top requirements so that you don’t waste time looking at homes that don’t meet your needs. If possible, visit homes in person, and avoid buying a home sight unseen, even if it seems like the perfect fit based on an online description and photos. There’s also the earnest money deposit, which is a smaller deposit submitted with your initial offer to buy a home. This cost varies but is usually 1 percent of the home’s purchase price.

You need money put away not only for those costs but also for your emergency fund. Your lender will send over a closing disclosure, which details how much money you need to bring—typically in the form of a bank check—as well as details of your loan and monthly payments. Not only can agents find homes for sale as soon as they’re listed, agents know the housing market in your area and can provide unique insights that will help you find the perfect home.

steps to buying a house for the first-time

With a higher credit score, you’ll likely qualify for a lower interest rate. If you find that your credit score is lower than you anticipated, you can research how to increase your credit score quickly so you can start house shopping. The main one is first-time homebuyer programs, which are designed to make purchasing a home more affordable. Some lenders offer a mix of slightly discounted mortgage rates, minimal fees and low or no down payment options for qualifying novices. Buying a house can take as little as a few days if you're buying in cash, or can take years if you're counting the amount of time it takes you to save money for a down payment and decide where to live.

Mississippi First-Time Home Buyer 2024 Programs and Grants - The Mortgage Reports

Mississippi First-Time Home Buyer 2024 Programs and Grants.

Posted: Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Having a handful of lenders look at my finances helped me feel just a little bit better about the whole process. Numerous programs are in place for buyers without much cash on hand. They include Federal Housing Authority loans for first-time buyers, VA loans for veterans and active servicemembers, and Home Possible Mortgages for buyers with low or mid-level incomes.

Below, we’ll dive into the factors lenders and homeowners alike should consider. Before you shop for properties and compare mortgage options, you’ll need to make sure you’re ready to be a homeowner. Buying your first home can be a complicated process, but you can make it easier on yourself by following a checklist that breaks down the steps.

If you have the means to pay cash for a home, you certainly should consider it since taking out a home loan can cost you more in the long run. Financing a home purchase with a mortgage can cost tens of thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. And pulling together the documentation, and going through the hoops needed to get a mortgage, is time-consuming and challenging. According to a study by Freddie Mac, buyers who get mortgage quotes from one additional lender save an average of $1,000 over the life of their loan. Those who get up to five additional rate quotes save an average of $3,000. As you get ready to commence your home search, it pays to shop around for mortgage loan rates.

When you get pre-qualified by a lender, it’s an estimation of what they’ll lend you. During the shopping period, you’ll learn what is and is not important to you for a new home in your price range, which neighborhoods you prefer, and what your deal-breakers are. However, if you want to avoid private mortgage insurance, you’ll need 20% down. Take some time to consider how your current monthly expenses compare with the results of your mortgage calculator estimates. This is when you can verify that the condition of the house hasn’t changed and that all updates and repairs have been made.

If your state does require a real estate attorney, avoid choosing the cheapest service you can find. Treat this process similar to how you would select a lender or an agent — get recommendations, read reviews, and speak with several options before deciding. While you have been pre-approved, you still need to meet with your lender and finalize your mortgage application. Now that you’ve completed all negotiations, it’s time to finalize and sign the purchase agreement with the seller. Once you and the seller agree on the terms, you’ll enter the closing process, which usually takes 30 to 45 days.

There are also programs in the Los Angeles area available specifically for first-time buyers. They include California’s first mortgage programs and LA County’s First Home Mortgage Program. Both offer financial assistance to cover down payment and closing costs.

You’ll need to be 100% sure you want to purchase a home before you submit an offer, because if you back out of the purchase last-minute, you could lose your earnest money deposit. Check out the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's first-time homebuyer guide for answers to questions like what is a conventional mortgage, how to choose a mortgage lender and more. You may be able to get into a home sooner and for less money with down payment assistance from a first-time homebuyer program. Keeping a monthly budget can help you stay on top of your mortgage and other costs, while taking care of your home over the long term. Depending on how quickly you plan to move, you’ll likely want to start planning for the move before the closing.

According to the California Association of Realtors, Los Angeles County homes sold for 99.1 percent of their listed price in November, suggesting that some houses sold for more than the sticker price. Developers of small lot homes often bill them as (slightly) more affordable alternatives to traditional houses. Right now, for instance, a three-bedroom small lot home in Eagle Rock is listed for more than $400,000 less than a similarly sized single-family home a few blocks away. While LA is the opposite of “bargain,” there are pockets where you can find a cheaper place to call home. While there are plenty of headlines about people moving from Los Angeles, the city will always be an attractive destination.

If not, renting may make more sense, given the flexibility it provides and the lower amount of risk. “Typically in this market, a buyer that stays focused on their home search should be able to identify a property and close escrow within a six month period,” says Do. With less equity in your home, you may also be more susceptible to downswings in the housing market, making it easier to end up underwater on a home loan.

Monday, April 29, 2024

First-Time Home Buyer Checklist

steps to buying a house for the first-time

Click the image to open a PDF version of the home buying checklist. The more you know about the pros and cons of buying a house, the easier it’ll be to make the right decision for you. Rocket Homes agents have proven track records of success and are at the top of their field, so you know you’ll get expert information. Let’s look at some major expenses related to a home purchase and how much you should save for them.

Home Maintenance Checklist for First-Time Buyers

Your purchase offer will include an earnest money deposit — typically between 1% to 3% of the purchase price — that will be put into escrow. The earnest money will remain in escrow until the seller accepts your offer. Once the seller has accepted the offer, the earnest money will be deposited into an escrow account or held by the listing agent. Once the sale of the home has been completed, the earnest money you paid will be applied toward your closing costs. The more debt you pay off before applying for a mortgage, the less stress you’ll likely have when it comes to making your monthly payments.

Step 2: Get preapproved and compare loan offers (one to two weeks)

We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent, a Motley Fool service, does not cover all offers on the market. When that happens, it’s a good bet that the seller received multiple offers from buyers. Being a buyer in that situation can be stressful, since you’ll have to decide how much you’re willing to stretch your budget to beat out other offers. The cost of buying has been steadily rising, and homes are now pricier than they were even in the housing bubble years leading up to the Great Recession. Real estate experts blame a variety of factors for LA’s high home prices, including the area’s persistent desirability among well-heeled buyers and a dearth of new construction to satisfy buyer demand.

Types of Home Loans for First-Time Buyers

Vermont First-Time Home Buyer 2024 Programs and Grants - The Mortgage Reports

Vermont First-Time Home Buyer 2024 Programs and Grants.

Posted: Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

But on average, expect your closing costs to be an additional 2% to 5% of the loan amount. An effective way to determine how much of a mortgage you might qualify for is to utilize a mortgage calculator. A mortgage calculator will require information like income, total monthly debt obligations, and how long you've been with your current employer. Your credit score will also be needed to provide an accurate estimate of the mortgage amount and interest rate for which you would potentially qualify. Your real estate agent can draft an offer letter, which could include potential deal sealers, such as that you've been preapproved for a mortgage and can be flexible on closing dates.

steps to buying a house for the first-time

You don’t have to put down 20 percent, though — you can pay as little as 3 percent, depending on the type of conventional loan you get, with PMI. If you’re getting a VA loan or a USDA loan, you don’t have to make any down payment. With a higher credit score, you can get favorable loan terms that will save you money over the life of your mortgage. That said, you can still get a loan with a score as low as 500 (for an FHA loan) or 620 (for a conventional loan), but you may not get the most attractive rate.

After you know you’ve checked your credit report, the next step in the homebuying process is to determine your budget. The fastest way to get a sense of how much you can afford is with an online mortgage calculator. A mortgage calculator will estimate your mortgage payment, including the principal and interest, taxes, insurance, HOA, and PMI.

Can I use an FHA loan to buy a foreclosed home?

For example, you’ll need to pay property taxes and maintain some form of homeowners insurance. Factor these expenses into your household budget when determining how much house you can afford. Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is another factor mortgage lenders assess when considering your loan application. Your DTI helps your lender see how much of your monthly income goes to debt payments so they can evaluate the amount of mortgage debt you can take on. Before closing, you’ll receive a document from your mortgage lender called a Closing Disclosure. These documents include the final terms of your mortgage loan, what you owe in closing costs and your interest rate.

Arkansas First-Time Home Buyer 2024 Programs and Grants - The Mortgage Reports

Arkansas First-Time Home Buyer 2024 Programs and Grants.

Posted: Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The Bottom Line: A First-Time Home Buying Checklist Can Help You Stay On Track

Getting pre-approved initiates the mortgage process with a lender and tells you how much you can borrow. It also allows you to move faster when you’re ready to make an offer. It is important to get quotes from multiple lenders, rather than choosing the first mortgage lender you come across or even your current bank. Different lenders offer different mortgage options and rates, so research is key in finding the best rate for your homebuying goals.

Still, data from ICE Mortgage Technology shows the average time to close is 42 days once you're under contract. Finally, it’s time to put pen to paper and close on your new house. The closing is when you finalize the purchase contract and officially become a homeowner.

You’ll also want to determine whether you would like a 15- or 30-year mortgage loan. A shorter-term loan will increase your monthly payments but save you lots of money in interest over the lifetime of the loan. A longer-term loan will make payments more affordable, but your interest rate will likely be a bit higher. This overview should help put you on the path to filling in any gaps in your homebuying knowledge.

Home buyers can often lower their monthly payments and save thousands just by shopping around for lower rates. To qualify for a mortgage loan — even with a low credit score — you typically can’t have any defaulted loans or late payments on your credit report within the past 12 months. You might still qualify with one or two late payments during the past 12 months, but only if the lender accepts your explanation for lateness. A common rule of thumb used by lenders in determining mortgage affordability is for the estimated mortgage payment to be no more than 28% of a borrower's monthly gross income. In deciding how big a loan to actually take, you’ll want to look at the house’s total cost, not just the monthly payment.

Concrete Repair Service

concrete contractors charlotte nc

For years, we have been refining our processes, our product, our delivery, and our customer service skills. We are proud of the reputation we have within the community and within the industry as one of the leading concrete contractors in the Charlotte area. We take care of our customers and employees, and we pride ourselves on doing what we say we are going to do.

OUR SERVICES

When the soil isn’t properly ready to deal with the settling of moisture or dirt, it can lead to concrete fracture and likewise, damage the integrity of the framework. The concrete applied to this strategy is somewhat thinner compared to regular concrete. Regular concrete usually has many large stones in it, but the concrete is sifted to be softer and fine for appropriate stamping.

Doggett Concrete Construction, LLC

We specialize in driveways, foundations, patios, walkways, stairways, and more in Charlotte and surrounding areas. For a free estimate on your concrete repairs, installation or maintenance, call Concrete Solutions of Charlotte Today. Stamped concrete can transform any concrete slab into a decorative and functional addition to your home. Consult a professional Concrete installer for additional details. We know the dos and don’ts to correctly and effectively take care of your home or business needs because our Concrete crew is native to North Carolina. Our goal is to complete each project on or before the scheduled completion date, and to leave the General Contractor better off when we are finished with the job.

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Services

Get in touch with our company right away to speak with our skilled concrete contractors. When it comes to concrete building, Charlotte has access to the qualified craftsmen and workers you need to get the job done on time and within budget. We are happy to get back to you as soon as possible if you have any questions about our concrete installation or repair services. Concrete Charlotte is widely regarded as the most trustworthy Concrete Company in all of North Carolina. Concrete installation is a viable option for commercial and residential spaces alike. There are several applications available for concrete installation.

We can provide you with a concrete patio explicitly tailored to your needs. Whether you want a patio that is simple and modern or something more elaborate, we can help you get the perfect patio for your home. We also offer a variety of colors and textures so you can find the perfect one for your home. Contact us today to learn more about our concrete patio options. Concrete Contractors Charlotte NC dedicates itself to eco-friendly stewardship, sustainability, economic prosperity, and personal responsibility.

Our Service

Concrete offers a vast array of designs and styles that are extremely durable. We’d be delighted to work with you to create the precise appearance you want for your patio. You can have us demolition the existing concrete and pour a new slab. Or, depending on the level of deterioration, you can opt for resurfacing. Resurfacing allows us to make your driveway, patio, floor or countertop look like new by utilizing a polymer modified cement resurfacing system.

We wish you opt to choose Concrete Contractors Charlotte NC as your contractor for whatever concrete task you might have. We’ve created a company with global recognition for integrity, reliability, and stellar service. When working with a private homeowner, a residential builder, and perhaps a sizeable industrial contractor, the goal is precisely the same. Create an inviting outdoor living space with our custom concrete patio solutions. We design and construct durable and visually stunning patios that seamlessly blend with your landscape.

We’re dedicated to preserving natural resources, staying away from hazardous problems, and sustaining the surrounding environment. The Concrete Contractors Charlotte NC employees can direct you to the best resources, studies, and certifications required to construct your project on the top. Our objective is generally to get the process done correctly the first time. Starting with preconstruction and continuing through the various phases linked to a concrete undertaking, great concepts provide an impetus for our effective services. We strive hard to steer clear from re-work by having Concrete Contractors Charlotte NC experts focused on well-defined deliverables at a predictable and reliable speed.

Call or text for free estimate

New Jersey Says These 51 Contractors Fined For 'Shoddy' Work, Other Violations - Patch

New Jersey Says These 51 Contractors Fined For 'Shoddy' Work, Other Violations.

Posted: Tue, 24 May 2016 07:00:00 GMT [source]

To ensure that our patios are long-lasting and able to withstand the elements, we only use the best materials and workmanship. There is a reason Doggett Concrete is a leader in the construction industry across the Southeast. From hotels to apartment buildings and residential housing, we rely on the leadership and skills of our employees to provide quality concrete services. To meet the growing demands of our customers and the fast-paced environment of concrete construction, we are always keeping an eye out for exceptional employees. Reliability – About selecting Charlotte concrete building on your numerous concrete tasks, dependability is crucial.

Uncertain about the reliability of concrete driveway Charlotte NC contractors? A professional concrete driveways contractor Charlotte NC will be ready to quickly reveal to you their previous works, together with their last projects and customers. Enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor spaces with our expert stamped concrete services.

Looking to make your concrete driveway, patio or interior floors come to life? We guarantee the most professional and best concrete stamping services! Venture Concrete provides professional concrete building slab services in Charlotte, NC. Our team has years of experience designing and building durable concrete slabs. To make sure that your slab is strong and able to support the weight of your building, we utilize the most recent technology and materials. We provide a wide range of stamped concrete services, including custom stamped concrete, concrete repairs, and more.

It is a more durable alternative to wood and more visually appealing than asphalt. Moreover, you would like to select concrete contractors Charlotte NC that has access to various decorative concrete Charlotte NC materials required for the job. That way, very few projects get outsourced to other companies.

Our quality and final product will bring you many years of satisfaction. OUT & IN Concrete is constantly growing in the industry and in new and innovative ideas to bring you a beautiful product! We make sure that your concrete is the best product and it's delivered from the best yards in the Charlotte area. Concrete Pros Charlotte was on time and very helpful throughout the whole process. My biggest concern was out internet cable was ran right through the area we’re the work was to be done. Their team did an excellent job of being careful not to cut the came and work around it.

They provide a safe and secure pathway for people and pets, complement the aesthetics of your property, and are an affordable way to improve pedestrian safety. Our concrete walkways are made from high-quality materials and are designed to last. We also offer various customization options to ensure that your walkway is perfect for your needs. Contact us today to find out more about our Concrete Walkways. We are experts in the concrete industry and can help with all your residential concrete needs. We have a wide variety of concrete products, and our team is dedicated to providing you with the best possible service.

We install new concrete patios suited for all your outdoor needs. After contacting many different concrete companies for a quote, it was clear Concrete Pros Charlotte was the most professional of them all. They helped us visualize what we wanted and walked us through the entire process.

If you want higher slump, it is always safest for the concrete to adjust slump at the plant. Adding just 1 gallon of water per cubic yard can decrease compressive strength 150 to 200 psi, waste cement and increase shrinkage by 10%. Measurements can frequently be a little off, so we highly recommend ordering a little extra. Build depth and add character to any outdoor space with a retaining wall or pathway. Since Venture Concrete is locally owned, we have a deep understanding of the local market and community needs. We are fully licensed and insured, giving our clients peace of mind at the job site.

Mold Exposure: Signs, Symptoms, and Complications

mold in house symptoms

But if you have moderate or severe symptoms, you might need to take them daily. Your doctor might also suggest prescription allergy medicine. The length of time it takes for mold to leave your body will depend on your level of previous exposure. But there’s no solid evidence proving that black mold is toxic. Molds are microscopic fungi that grow everywhere, both outdoors and indoors.

What happens if you breathe in black mold?

EPA would like to thank Paul Ellringer, PE, CIH, for providing the photo of Mold growing on the back side of wallpaper.

Mold & Asthma: How Are They Connected? - Health Central

Mold & Asthma: How Are They Connected?.

Posted: Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

How Often to Check For Mold and Remove It

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis).

Mold allergy and asthma

Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Black mold, like other molds, can cause typical allergy symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. This can happen when you touch the mold or breathe in mold spores. You're more likely to have this type of reaction if you have a mold allergy or a respiratory condition such as asthma or COPD.

Hidden Signs Your House Could Have Toxic Mold

To diagnose an allergy to mold, your healthcare provider will take a complete medical history and examine you. To diagnose most types of allergies, including mold, your provider will probably do a skin and/or blood test. There are also many different types of mold that can cause allergies.

Symptoms of Black Mold Exposure

“All in all, there is no simple way to diagnose mycotoxin illness,” says McElroy. She prefers to start patients with at-home tests and also recommends a home inspection by a certified mold inspector. “[At-home tests] should only be ordered, in my opinion, once the environment is evaluated for the source of mold,” explains McElroy. According to McElroy, one of the biggest challenges with mold is that mycotoxins can cause only some people to launch an inflammatory response. “This unpredictable response can go on for years after a long-term exposure in a susceptible individual,” she explains.

While black mold can certainly look scary, the CDC says that Stachybotrys chartarum isn't any more harmful than other types of mold. However, some people may be more sensitive to mold spores than others, and they may develop respiratory symptoms after inhaling even a small number of spores. In large quantities, mold spores can cause ill health in almost anyone.

mold in house symptoms

Exposure to mold in the home can cause symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, eye itchiness or irritation, breathing problems, and more. It is important to contact a doctor for advice if a person has concerns about mold sickness. Wipe hard surfaces with a suitable commercial product, soap and water, or a heavily diluted bleach solution. Always dry the surfaces after use to prevent mold from reappearing. Always wear non-porous gloves and protective eyewear when working with bleach.

They will often recommend a licensed mold remediation company to come in and clean the mold properly if needed. Check that a company is licensed by the NYS Department of Labor to perform mold remediation. Those who work around potentially moldy crop materials on a regular basis should watch for early histamine reactions and seek treatment if they suspect that farmer’s lung is developing. Because these spores can eventually make their way into the air, they can also make their way into your nose.

This article discusses the most common symptoms of black mold, rare symptoms, and when to seek medical help. Supporting the body’s ability to bind to and eliminate toxins is a key part of healing from mycotoxin exposure. And according to McElroy, this is where supplements can be helpful. Some of her go-to’s include antioxidants like glutathione and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), charcoal, and bitter greens, which all support the liver.

If you've already been diagnosed with allergies or asthma, let your provider know that your symptoms are persistent or worsening. Be sure to mention if you've been exposed to mold, especially if you've touched it or breathed it in. In general, it's worth seeing a healthcare provider if you have bothersome symptoms or if allergy symptoms are not under control within three to six months.

You can prevent mold buildup by regularly washing the garbage cans in your kitchen. For example, some believe that inhaling mold can cause permanent damage. By Anna GiorgiGiorgi is a freelance writer with more than 25 years of experience writing health and wellness-related content. Outdoor sites include places where leaves and other vegetation are decomposing.

If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced. Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.

The first step in treating a mold rash is to remove yourself from the source of the mold and avoid further contact with it if the source can be identified. Allergy blood tests use a sample of your blood to diagnose allergies. The tests measure levels of IgE antibodies, which your immune system releases in response to an allergen. Symptoms of mold exposure vary by individual depending on your sensitivity to mold. Symptoms can also be immediate or delayed, with minor symptoms that worsen over time. Reactions to mold depend on the degree to which you are sensitive to or allergic to mold.

Lawsuit over IU student arrest settled shortly after IUPD chief departure Indiana Daily Student

charlotte watts

Lately I have been thinking about how and when I will have to rehome my own collection of rare books and how I see my career unfolding in the rare-book world. As I contemplate these questions, I know that my guiding principle will be accessibility. And in the meantime, I plan to accept an invitation to bring my Hemingways to Penn State University to be digitized. At the same time, the rare-books market is evolving as the medium itself changes, which is seen in the popularity of audiobooks and ebooks. Have we, or are we about to, hit a civilizational point in which all writers from today onward will not compose handwritten manuscripts and letters?

Services and information

Will the only manuscripts and letters that circulate the marketplace be pre-2020? Are visible drafts—which allow us to trace an author’s structuring and even restructuring of a novel—a thing of the past, as the errors in our online documents are constantly replaced by spell-check and are saved over and over again, erasing the history of a truly original document? One can project that the marketplace will begin to include technological objects, which will come at exorbitant costs. If bundles of Joan Didion’s empty notebooks sold for $11,000 apiece and her Celine faux-tortoiseshell sunglasses were purchased for $27,000 in 2022, what price tag will be put on an author’s cellphone or laptop, if they choose to sell them? Salman Rushdie, for example, sold his personal archive to Emory, including a Mac desktop, three Mac laptops, and an external hard drive.

Charlotte Center City Partners Talks Upcoming Events

Charlie Watts Hates Tattoos - FemaleFirst

Charlie Watts Hates Tattoos.

Posted: Mon, 05 Oct 2015 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Children are encouraged to discover the center’s great outdoors and challenge themselves amidst an array of activities, including biking, climbing, hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and more. Our spa reservation department will help you plan the perfect spa experience, including the best order in which to enjoy your treatments. The Spa & Wellness Center at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte incorporates treatments utilizing 100% organic products and also features a bromine-treated swimming pool designed to avoid the effects of traditional harsh pool chemicals. Signature spa experiences include the unique Green Your Body Eco-Treatment, utilizing organic and vegan essential oils as well as environmentally-respectful scrubs and polishes.

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Man stabbed neighbour with drill in 'excessive self-defence' over fence dispute - Wiltshire 999s

Man stabbed neighbour with drill in 'excessive self-defence' over fence dispute.

Posted: Thu, 04 Mar 2021 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Follow the glow five stories high to the JW Marriott Charlotte rooftop lounge, a space inspired by the regal aura of Queen Charlotte herself. Soak in stunning views of the city and savor vibrant small plates and signature botanical cocktails. Discover innovative treatments designed to recenter and reconnect you to your mind, body, and spirit. The reality of the dangers that he and other law enforcement officers face took on added meaning Monday, but Watts acknowledged that it’s not his first brush with violence.

Professional sports, renowned art museums, preserved neighborhoods, luxury shopping and major conventions draw visitors to Charlotte, NC. The city blends its historic roots with modern touches, offering a year-round destination for business or leisure. Guests can catch major sporting and entertainment events near the hotel at Spectrum Center and Bank of America Stadium, or visit one of the city's museums.

Whole Health

Or consider the archives created from the collections of Lisa Unger Baskin, who sold her trove of women-related ephemera—including thousands of books dating from 1240 to the late 20th century—to Duke University. Unger Baskin’s political activism is reflected in her collection of materials created by women. She told me how, for example, she priced herself out of the market because she participated in the creation of a market that values women’s work. With a sharp eye, she bought many materials that others didn’t pay attention to, such as Charlotte Brontë’s needlework, which she scooped up in London for £60. Before selling to Duke, Unger Baskin considered four other universities.

GoFundMe Accounts Created For Officers Affected By Monday’s Deadly Shooting

Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Charlotte must be 18 years of age or older to enjoy spa services. Please also take note that use of the Relaxation Lounge area is limited to adults, 18 years of age or older. If you choose to shave prior to your facial, please do so at least two hours before your appointment. Shaving is not recommended prior to body treatments or hair removal services.

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Local Attractions for Young Guests

Centrally located across from the Charlotte Convention Center, our downtown Charlotte hotel provides all you desire to explore the finest aspects of the city. The hotel sits within Charlotte's financial district in proximity to the Nascar Hall of Fame, Bank of America Stadium, and lively nightlife. Unwind in upscale well-appointed rooms with lux amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, Spa by JW, Executive Lounge, Aura Rooftop & pool, Dean's Italian Steakhouse, and Caroline's Oyster Bar.

INTERNATIONAL

The artistic director Kim Jones made Woolf’s Orlando a central theme in Fendi’s spring/summer women’s collection in 2021, and used Jack Kerouac’s On the Road as the basis for Dior’s men’s fall 2022 fashion show. Both fashion shows were complemented by exhibits featuring the books that were cornerstones of the collections. Located on the 5th floor, this rooftop botanical paradise includes city views, private cabanas, cocktails, and small plates to share. Open all year, our heated pool is surrounded by greenery and set against an incredible view of Uptown Charlotte. Enjoy cocktails and champagne from your private cabana or bask in the sun and experience luxury at its pinnacle. He chose to donate much of his collection to his alma mater rather than put it back into the marketplace.

Arts and performance seasons also begin at the Blumenthal and other performing arts venues, many in walking distance of our Uptown Charlotte hotel. Farther afield, stylish and arts-oriented Asheville beckons, as do the brilliantly hued leaves of North Carolina as they change colors during the autumn months. Don’t miss the region’s wineries either; North Carolina is gaining considerable acclaim for its contributions to viniculture. When making reservations, please notify the agent if you have high blood pressure, allergies, any physical ailments or disabilities, or if you are pregnant (there are a few services that should be avoided during pregnancy, specifically in the first trimester, but many that can be enjoyed). Gather and share something special together, whether a poolside perch, nature-inspired spa escape, or skyline-revealing rooftop.

IUPD body cam footage shows Baryoh saying he drove away because his friend in the passenger seat became angry at the parking attendant, and Baryoh wanted to deescalate the situation. The lawsuit was filed against IU and the IU Board of Trustees in addition to the two IUPD officers involved. The plaintiff alleged IU was “deliberately indifferent” in their failure to properly train and supervise the officers. On Sept. 5, IU filed a motion to settle, and counsel informed the court a settlement had been reached two days later. To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

National Whitewater Center, or experience Charlotte’s craft beer scene at a brewery. One of the most luxurious hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte provides the perfect place to discover the city's best shopping, sightseeing, sports, dining and nightlife. Whether your journey to the Queen City includes strolling around Uptown or a tour of Downtown from one of the hotel's complimentary bikes, The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte stands ready to create unforgettable moments. Family-friendly Charlotte amusement parks include Carowinds often called the thrill capital of the region, and few guests can resist the remarkable outdoor recreation choices available at the US National Whitewater Center. Further outdoor entertainment awaits at Charlotte’s PNC Music Pavilion and other outdoor concert venues, while many restaurants offer outdoor dining in the warm summer months.

In addition to being a collector and an obsessive reader, I’m also an academic—meaning I understand acutely how crucial it is for people to be able to explore literary history through primary documents, and how even the smallest marginalia may carry immense meaning. Does the copy of The Great Gatsby signed to Goldman belong in an institution, such as the New York Public Library or a university’s special collections, where the public can see and access it, whether it be for the pleasure of viewership or for scholarship? For example, in libraries, uncataloged books can lie untouched for months, or even longer, because of a librarian’s other responsibilities or a lack of resources and time. For these reasons, donations or newly purchased books may not be as readily available as one may think. At the same time, Rebecca Romney, a co-founder of the rare-book firm Type Punch Matrix and the rare-books consultant for the TV show Pawn Stars, told me that “it’s not uncommon for collectors to have open invitations for scholars to come to their collection.

How Long Does It Take to Get Sick from Mold Exposure?

mold in house symptoms

Mold grows in dark, damp places, like basements, around sinks, roofs, windows, and areas with standing water. The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. There is no evidence that black mold causes symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, an inability to focus, or a headache. These symptoms have been referred to as "toxic mold syndrome" but are largely due to media hype.

Toxic effects

Take precautions to protect yourself before you attempt to remove mold. However, a condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis has been attributed to prolonged inhalation of certain types of mold. You could also call in a professional if the water-damaged or moldy area is larger than 3 feet by 3 feet. If the moldy area is small—it's growing in an area smaller than 3 feet by 3 feet—you can probably do a DIY cleanup. The CDC recommends wearing an N-95 respirator (found in hardware stores) and protective eyewear and gloves while handling mold.

mold in house symptoms

Symptoms of a Mold Rash

However, mold in the home can negatively affect a person’s health if it lands on damp or wet areas, as this is the ideal environment for growth. It is not always possible to prevent mold from growing, but regular cleaning and wiping can reduce the risk of it appearing or getting worse. Controlling moisture is the key to preventing mold from growing indoors. It is also important to keep the home clean and well ventilated to reduce humidity. Most people can breathe in the spores of this fungus without becoming sick. However, people who have a weakened immune system or an existing lung condition can have a severe reaction.

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home

Mold in home left healthy woman with dementia - New York Post

Mold in home left healthy woman with dementia.

Posted: Sat, 20 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

This article describes mold rash symptoms, causes, testing, and treatments. It also explains ways to reduce your risk of getting a mold rash. Mold rashes can be hard to identify because they do not have unique features.

The molds that grow inside our houses prefer dark and damp places and can be harmful to some people with immune systems that develop responses against mold. If you have a mold allergy, you react differently to mold than other people. You might have minor symptoms like itchy eyes or a rash, or you might find breathing difficult. Although the best way to deal with a mold allergy is to avoid mold, other treatment options include medications or immunotherapy. Molds also produce microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which create an unpleasant “moldy” or musty smell.

Who’s most at risk for developing symptoms from mold exposure?

Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. On the basis of current research, black mold exposure is no more dangerous than any other type of mold exposure. However, it is important to take the proper precaution to avoid spreading the spores and causing further damage. As such, if a person notices black mold, it is advisable to contact a professional mold remediator.

This can happen right away, or you can have a delayed reaction. Fortunately, holistic medicine providers consider environmental factors that affect health when evaluating patients and may have additional advanced training in treating mold toxicity. If hearing the words “mold toxicity” immediately sends shivers down your spine, you’re not alone.

From wheezing to rashes – the subtle signs your body is telling you there’s hidden mould in your house... - The Sun

From wheezing to rashes – the subtle signs your body is telling you there’s hidden mould in your house....

Posted: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

People can have allergic reactions to mold, explains Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist/immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network. The symptoms can include itchy and watery eyes, coughing, and nasal congestion. You can also visit an allergist for a blood or skin test to confirm the allergy.

What are molds and where do they grow?

mold in house symptoms

In cases of large areas of mold, it is best to call in a professional mold removal service. Mold exposure may also trigger sinusitis, which refers to inflammation of the sinuses. Spores can enter the home either through the air or by attaching to objects or people. Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience.

There may be instances, however, when professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immune-compromised individuals are present). When you have asthma, several changes in your airways occur, making breathing difficult, such as swelling, excess mucus, and muscle contraction. Asthma can usually be managed, but asthma attacks can also be life-threatening. So far, Smith Valley has spent about $150,000 on the water line replacement, mold remediation, asbestos abatement and engineering services.

Areas in homes that are commonly vulnerable to moisture issues include basements, bathrooms, kitchens, crawl spaces, attics, and the areas around windows or door frames. The moisture accumulation might stem from poor ventilation, leaking roofs or pipes, or groundwater seepage, or it might be due to external factors, such as being in a high rainfall zone. Homes that have been affected by flooding or have unresolved water damage can also become mold hot spots. Removing excess moisture can stop a mold problem from progressing, but the mold itself will need to be removed in order for it to go away completely. One of the most important ways to manage a mold allergy is to avoid mold. Reduce your exposure to mold as much as possible by avoiding damp places and things like piles of wet leaves.

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Congressman Mike Johnson Elected Speaker of the House

house speaker mike johnson

The 30-year saga began with Gingrich of Georgia, who was the first member of his party to gain "the big gavel" since the early 1950s and the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Gingrich had been a backbench rabble-rouser since coming to the House in 1978 and built up a cadre of supporters until he won the party's No. 2 power position as minority whip in 1989. He soon eclipsed the party's leader, Robert Michel, who was nearing retirement.

GOP Rep. Bice considering running for Johnson's former leadership role

He and his wife Kelly, a former school teacher and now a Licensed Pastoral Counselor, have been married since 1999, and have four children, Hannah, Abigail, Jack and Will, and an older son Michael, who became a part of their family in 1999. Today, they reside in Bossier Parish.You can find Congressman's official photo here. In February 2015 Johnson ran unopposed as a Republican in the special election to fill the vacant seat in the lower chamber of the Louisiana legislature representing District 8, made up of a section of the northwestern part of the state, including a portion of Shreveport. As a legislator, he was driven by his opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage and his support for religious freedoms. In the Louisiana House of Representatives, Johnson authored the Marriage and Conscience Act, a bill aimed at averting harmful treatment by the state of individuals in response to their views on marriage. Critics of the legislation—which failed to advance beyond committee consideration—argued that it offered legal cover to discriminate against same-sex couples.

Trump weighs in on contested seat for McCarthy’s former district, endorsing Vince Fong

“My message to the students inside the encampment is go back to class and stop the nonsense,” said Johnson. Hundreds of students have occupied the campus in tents for days demanding the school divest from companies with ties to Israel. And finally, when his plan to work with Democrats to clear the way for aiding Ukraine met with an outpouring of venom from ultraconservatives already threatening to depose him, Mr. Johnson, an evangelical Christian, knelt and prayed for guidance. Johnson, who also met with Jewish students before his remarks, said he planned to call President Biden later Wednesday to urge him to take action, adding that the National Guard may need to be deployed. "Our feeling is that they have not acted to restore order on the campus," he said.

Proudly Representing the 4th District of Louisiana

The school also announced it would start a hybrid learning model for the rest of the year. Johnson, a longtime opponent of abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights, served in Louisiana’s state Legislature from 2015 to 2017. In Washington, he ran the Republican Study Committee, a group of socially conservative lawmakers, and served as vice chair of the House Republican Caucus, a low-ranking party leadership post. Some on the right opposed to Mr. Emmer cited his vote in favor of codifying federal protections for same-sex couples. Others railed against Mr. Emmer’s vote in favor of a stopgap spending bill put forward by Mr. McCarthy, the speaker at the time, to avert a government shutdown.

"The university is a private campus and the group had been violating some of their orders. It was a trespass at that point and we assisted with the arrests," Los Angeles Police Captain Kelly Muniz said during a briefing. “I want to be on the right side of history,” Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, recalled the speaker telling him. Intelligence, politics and personal considerations converted the Republican speaker, who had largely opposed aid to Ukraine as a rank-and-file member, into the key figure pushing it through Congress. Since then, Stefanik has led the charge among Republicans, pushing for the resignation of the university leaders. The presidents of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard have already resigned. And last week, Columbia's president became the latest to testify before Congress.

3rd Republican joins motion to oust Mike Johnson as House speaker - NPR

3rd Republican joins motion to oust Mike Johnson as House speaker.

Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:17:59 GMT [source]

Covenant marriage

Mike is a dedicated husband and father and an attorney who has devoted his life and career to fighting for the fundamental freedoms and traditional values that have made America the greatest nation in the history of the world. Mike was first elected to Congress on December 10, 2016, by the largest margin of victory in his region in more than 50 years and is currently serving in his fourth term in Congress. As the end of October approached, Johnson emerged from the chaos as a consensus candidate whose relatively short tenure in the House and rather low profile meant that he had yet to generate many enemies. His staunchly conservative ideological orientation and election denial satisfied the far right, and his gentle personal style was widely appealing. It was even posited that he might be able to work well with the Democrats, though Johnson had ranked 429th out of 435 representatives on a 2021 bipartisan index released by the Lugar Center and Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. Just the same, on October 25 Johnson was elected the 56th speaker of the House and stood second in the line of succession to the presidency.

A beleaguered gentleman: House Speaker Mike Johnson - The Highland County Press

A beleaguered gentleman: House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Posted: Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:38:55 GMT [source]

A social conservative, Mr. Johnson is a lawyer and the former chairman of the Republican Study Committee. But by late Tuesday night, Mr. Johnson appeared to have put together a coalition that brought him closer to capturing the speakership than any candidate has been since hard-right rebels deposed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy three weeks ago. Though it was not certain he had the votes to be elected, he said he planned to call for a floor vote on Wednesday at noon. The podcasts, spanning 69 episodes, offer an extended window into Mr. Johnson's views and politics, as he co-hosts the program with his wife, a licensed pastoral counselor.

Basil Rodriguez, 23, argued Wednesday that Johnson and any lawmaker who backed sending aid to Israel is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Palestinians. The hearing launched further investigations by the committee and continual hearings to combat antisemitism on college campus, ending in Shafik’s Capitol Hill testimony last Wednesday. “If you are a protester on this campus, and you are proud that you’ve been endorsed by Hamas, you are part of the problem,” fellow N.Y. That Democrats would save a Republican speaker is almost inconceivable, and it’s the ultimate evidence that we’ve got a coalition government in the House.

Editorial: Sending armed troops to quash peaceful campus protests is a dangerous idea

Tom Emmer, a member of House GOP leadership, failed to secure the votes for the speakership Tuesday after the former president expressed opposition to Emmer’s candidacy. Sources told CNN earlier Wednesday that there was a "big push" to bring the bill to the floor once the House elected a new speaker. Republicans have now spurned all three of their top leaders over the past few weeks. The chamber has been frozen for the better part of a month as Republicans feud over who should be in charge, even as wars rage overseas and a government shutdown approaches.

house speaker mike johnson

The speaker’s visit marks the first time the top representative in the U.S. House has visited a college campus amid ongoing protests that have led to tense exchanges between pro-Palestinian and Jewish students. More than 100 people on Columbia’s campus were recently arrested and charged with trespassing, with several students who took part in the protest facing suspension just weeks before year’s end. Shafik called on the New York Police Department, whose officers arrived in riot gear, to arrest protesters just one day after she and other Columbia leaders told Congress she would make changes aimed at ending the harassment of Jewish students.

On the other hand, the House unanimously approved legislation introduced by Johnson that prohibited “dismemberment abortion,” the dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure often used to terminate second-trimester pregnancies. Also passed by the Senate and signed by the governor, the law went into effect in August 2016. Johnson's political career began when he was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2015; he served in that body until 2017. He was first elected to represent Louisiana's 4th congressional district in 2016. During his time in Congress, he contested the results of the 2020 presidential election on the House floor and in court. Johnson was chair of the Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus of conservatives in Congress, from 2019 to 2021.

In 2016 Johnson defeated a pro-gun, anti-abortion Democrat by more than 30 percent of the vote to gain the seat representing Louisiana’s deep-red 4th district in the U.S. (He was reelected in 2018, 2020, and 2022.) He entered Congress in the same election that elevated Republican Donald Trump to the White House. Johnson soon became a member of the president’s inner circle, regularly joining the entourage that flew with the president on Air Force One.

Mr. Emmer’s demise was the latest evidence of the seemingly unending Republican dysfunction. He began the day with a scant victory, winning an internal party nominating contest by a vote of 117 to 97 over Mr. Johnson. Last year, Mr. Johnson, an evangelical Christian, sponsored legislation that would effectively bar the discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity at any institution serving children younger than 10 that receives federal funds. To show support for racial equality, Mr. Johnson in the past has told audiences that he and his wife adopted a Black teenager they met through an evangelical youth group — like the movie “The Blind Side” but without the N.F.L. prospects, he has quipped. Mr. Johnson was only able to emerge as his party’s nominee for speaker this week after three other G.O.P. nominees before him were unable to rally enough support. “You know the allegations about these voting machines, some of them being rigged with this software by Dominion, there’s a lot of merit to that,” Mr. Johnson said.

Representative Pete Aguilar of California, the Democratic conference chairman, said that the speaker fight had devolved into a contest over “who can appease Donald Trump.” At that line, a handful of hard-right Republicans stood and applauded. He voted against bipartisan legislation to codify same-sex marriage, which Biden signed into law last year. In the immediate aftermath of the election, Johnson advanced the spurious allegation that voting software used in the election was suspect because it had supposedly come from the authoritarian regime that ruled Venezuela. However, it was his later argument—that COVID-19 pandemic–related changes to voting procedures in some states were unconstitutional—that gained steam.

In 1989 Speaker Jim Wright of Texas resigned under pressure following revelations about a book deal the House Ethics Committee saw as circumventing fundraising rules. Longworth's successor, John "Cactus Jack" Garner of Texas, left the office after just over a year to be Franklin Roosevelt's first vice president. Ryan, then just 45, was the youngest speaker in nearly 150 years but had already been party's vice presidential nominee on the 2012 ticket. Once he had Boehner's job, however, he experienced much the same internal strife. Ryan also had a strained relationship with then-President Donald Trump, with whom he had a falling out during the fall 2016 campaign.

Saturday, April 27, 2024

House Speaker: Johnson Elected Speaker of the House, Ending Weeks of Chaos The New York Times

house speaker mike johnson

On Wednesday, Mr. Johnson was toiling to help Republicans turn the page from the chaos of the past few weeks. He said there would be none of the typical celebrations that accompany the election of a new speaker. On Nov. 8, 2020, Mr. Johnson was onstage at a northwest Louisiana church speaking about Christianity in America when Mr. Trump called.

Elections

House of Representatives and a Republican member of Congress proudly serving Louisiana’s Fourth District. On October 25, 2023, he was elected unanimously by his House Republican colleagues to serve as the Speaker. After a tenure of less than 6.8 years in the House, Mike was given the honor faster than any person in history except for Speaker John G. Carlisle in 1883, who had previously served for only 6.75 years. As a Member of Congress, he represents the nearly 760,000 residents of 16 parishes in the northwest and western regions of his state.

Northwestern State University

He has also opposed continued funding for the war in Ukraine, which has emerged as a bitter fault line in the G.O.P. and in the spending battles that any new speaker will have to navigate in the coming days. Representative Mike Johnson, a little-known social conservative from Louisiana, emerged on Tuesday night as the latest contender for the post after Representative Tom Emmer of Minnesota, the No. 3 House Republican, dropped his bid only hours after securing the nomination. Mr. Emmer’s downfall followed a swift backlash from the right, including former President Donald J. Trump, that left his candidacy in shambles and the G.O.P. as divided as ever.

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The House GOP went more than three weeks without a leader after eight Republicans, led by Florida’s Matt Gaetz, voted to jettison McCarthy with the help of House Democrats. Johnson didn’t take any questions at a news conference Wednesday, and hasn’t addressed his decades-old opinion pieces since his elevation to the speaker’s chair. Johnson supports new restrictions on abortion and the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans. He has won consecutive A-plus ratings from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, a Washington-based nonprofit that opposes abortion rights, for his efforts to limit access to the procedure. “The door to the speaker’s office now is open to the members and to the constituents, not just the lobbyists,” Rep. Matt Rosendale told reporters.

Trump doubles down on Mike Johnson after foreign aid vote - Axios

Trump doubles down on Mike Johnson after foreign aid vote.

Posted: Mon, 22 Apr 2024 23:49:05 GMT [source]

Why Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 2003 tabloid deal came up at Trump’s hush-money trial

In terms of tenure in the House, Johnson is one of the least experienced speakers in modern U.S. political history. Johnson faces backlash from hard-right members of his party after he joined Democrats on Saturday to pass a critical foreign aid package that included $60.8 billion of aid for Ukraine. Republican Reps. Paul Gosar of Arizona and Thomas Massie of Kentucky have signed on to the motion to vacate, which Greene authored but hasn't yet brought to the floor as a privileged resolution. The Israel-Gaza war is also contentious among House Democrats, with liberals clashing with some Jewish colleagues early on in the war. That prompted Democratic leadership to attempt to keep attacks from becoming personal.

In the News

That was on display on Wednesday, when he vowed to try to find common ground with Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the minority leader. The exchange reflected the lawmaker’s deeply conservative views, particularly on social issues, and his tendency to express them in inflammatory ways. “Do you support the right of a woman who is just seconds away from birthing a healthy child to have an abortion? Mr. Johnson came to Congress in 2017 with support from the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, though he has never joined the group. “The slates of electors were produced by a clearly unconstitutional process, period,” he said. Over a year later, on “Truth Be Told,” the Christian podcast he hosts with his wife, Kelly, Mr. Johnson continued to argue that he and his colleagues had been right to object to the election results.

house speaker mike johnson

Wednesday morning, hours before an expected vote, Trump, the de facto leader of the Republican Party, said he wasn't technically endorsing Johnson but suggesting the House elect him. Johnson has also co-sponsored legislation by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., called the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, which would make it a crime to provide gender-affirming care to people under 18 years of age. Johnson is a constitutional lawyer who has used his talents to craft some creative — and controversial — theories. The most notable is his role in devising an argument aimed at keeping Donald Trump in power even though he lost the 2020 election.

Marjorie Taylor Greene calls on Johnson to resign after foreign aid bills pass: ‘If he doesn’t do so, he will be vacated’ - CNN

Marjorie Taylor Greene calls on Johnson to resign after foreign aid bills pass: ‘If he doesn’t do so, he will be vacated’.

Posted: Sun, 21 Apr 2024 21:09:00 GMT [source]

Johnson enters speaker’s office for first time since being sworn in

Usually when control of the White House, Senate and House is divided between the parties, Democrats and Republicans firmly exercise their respective levers of power, until one side relents or both compromise. When a House majority is united, it can run over the minority, and maximize its leverage against the Senate or White House. “When I vacated the last one, I made a promise to the country that we would not end up with a Democrat speaker ... The surprise maneuver by Greene marks a stunning turn of events for Johnson who has fought for months to navigate an increasingly fractured Republican conference, which has been operating in the majority effectively in name only since January 2023.

Column: The Republican Party can still do what’s rational and right. Here’s the proof

Mark Meadows of North Carolina, a Republican who later became Donald Trump’s White House chief of staff, introduced a resolution to declare the speaker’s office vacant. The current rules of the House allow for any single lawmaker — Democrat or Republican — to make a “motion to vacate the chair,” essentially a vote to oust the speaker through a privileged resolution. Johnson has gained stature and won bipartisan praise for letting the whole House vote on the aid package.

Mr. Johnson had been in touch with the president’s team on his myriad legal challenges seeking to overturn the results, “to restore the integrity of our election process,” according to a Facebook post by Mr. Johnson recounting the exchange. After a mob of Mr. Trump’s supporters, believing the election was rigged, stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 and injured about 150 police officers, Mr. Johnson condemned the violence. But he defended the actions of congressional Republicans in objecting to Mr. Biden’s victory. No credible evidence has ever emerged to support the conspiracy theories about Dominion and another voting machine firm having helped to ensure Mr. Trump’s defeat. In April, Fox News agreed to pay $787.5 million to settle a defamation suit by Dominion over reports broadcast by Fox that Dominion machines were susceptible to hacking and had flipped votes from Mr. Trump to Mr. Biden.

Early in their marriage, they took custody of a Black teenager (now an adult), whom they raised as a son though never formally adopted. In Congress, guided foremost by his evangelical faith and belief in traditionalist family structures, Johnson has amassed a staunchly conservative voting record. As of 2022–23, he had earned lifetime scores of 89 percent and nearly 92 percent, respectively, from Heritage Action for America and the Conservative Political Action Conference (formerly American Conservative Union). Moreover, the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America organization’s scorecard awarded him an A+ rating.

They insist that with enough willpower, particularly among their leaders, they could impose their will on the Democratic-controlled Senate and White House. And when they inevitably fail, they whine that they were “betrayed” by Republican quislings who collaborated with the Democrats, all while raising money off the notion that they’re courageous warriors who are willing to lose on principle. For the last few years, congressional Republicans have been split into factions that are not ideological in the traditional sense.

house speaker mike johnson

In an evening update, the Texas Department of Public Safety said that 34 arrests had been made by law enforcement on the campus as of 9 p.m. A photographer was among those arrested during clashes between protesters and law enforcement on the University of Texas at Austin campus on Wednesday. The university "supports free speech through open dialogue that is respectful and constructive," the officials said. Other buildings on the campus in Arcata are at risk of being occupied, and protesters “have shown a willingness” to lock themselves in facilities and steal equipment, the officials said.

I was called to legal ministry and I’ve been out on the front lines of the “culture war” defending religious freedom, the sanctity of human life, and biblical values, including the defense of traditional marriage, and other ideals like these when they’ve been under assault. On October 25, 2023, following the ousting of Kevin McCarthy from the speakership, Johnson was elected as the 56th speaker of the House. In 2024, he helped pass a bill meant to provide Ukraine with $60 billion of U.S. aid. Speaker Mike Johnson is the Speaker of the House of Representatives and a Republican member of Congress proudly serving Louisiana’s Fourth District. On October 25, 2023, he was elected unanimously by by his House Republican colleagues to serve as the 56th Speaker of the House. As a Member of Congress, he represents the nearly 760,000 residents of 16 parishes in the northwest and western regions of the state.

Contour Makeup: Liquid, Bronzer & Exclusive Kits

charlotte tilbury contour kit

"With just one swipe, it really mimics a shadow, making your cheekbones appear naturally sharp," she says. Another favorite for Grogan is Tom Ford's Shade & Illuminate Cream Contour Duo. "I love this one because it comes in four shades, so there's more than just one option," she says. Not to mention, this cream blends out seamlessly for a natural-looking sculpt. Contour with ease using Too Faced's Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer. Its full-coverage, long-wearing formula — which lasts up to 12 hours and comes in nearly 40 shades — is both oil-free and noncomedogenic, making it a solid choice for acne-prone skin.

The 13 Best Cream Contour Palettes, Hands-Down - Who What Wear

The 13 Best Cream Contour Palettes, Hands-Down.

Posted: Wed, 24 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

CHARLOTTE’S SPA-LIKE RADIANCE SKINCARE SETSKINCARE KIT

Unfortunately, the darkest hue included just isn’t dark enough for dark skin tones. However, the stellar results, especially for the price, make this palette a strong option for those with light and medium skin tones. The Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo is a favorite of senior commerce writer Angela Trakoshis.

HOLLYWOOD CONTOUR WANDLIGHT TO MEDIUM

Neither clung to dry spots or accentuated texture; instead, the featherweight contour and highlight complemented her foundation. "You can go darker based on how dramatic you want the final effect to be," she adds. In the video, Tilbury says that no other beauty product compares to the “dreamy, fresh, glass-like, candlelight skin” effect of the wands.

CHARLOTTE'S ICONIC BEAUTY TRIOCHEEK KIT

The Best Contour Palettes for the Ultimate Chiseled Complexion - Allure

The Best Contour Palettes for the Ultimate Chiseled Complexion.

Posted: Wed, 15 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

While Smashbox's Step-By-Step Contour Kit only comes in Light/Medium and Medium/Dark colorways, the contour shades are highly pigmented and work for most skin tones. Plus, the highlighter shade in the palette is ideal for brightening and setting your undereyes. The KVD Beauty Shade + Light Refillable Face Contour Palette comes with six matte shades—three for highlighting and three for contouring. New York City-based makeup artist Krystal Vigo loves this pick because you can pop out the empty pans once emptied and replenish them (for $16 a pop), in lieu of replacing the entire palette. According to Kaye, the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, which is also an Allure editor favorite and three-time Readers' Choice Award winner, doubles as an excellent liquid contour to finish off any makeup look. Additionally, she says, the best way to determine this is to test the product on the back of your hand.

It even has skin-nourishing ingredients in the formula like jojoba seed oil, and oil-absorbing kaolin clay, which helps the pigment stay in place. Gabbay especially loves Milani's Conceal + Perfect Liquid Contour for its wallet-friendly price tag. We had to use a heavier hand with this palette compared to others, so it’s better suited for those who like a natural look over dramatic makeup. Plus, it didn’t oxidize throughout the day, staying on top of the skin rather than sinking in and accentuating texture.

It was pretty easy to blend all three shades, and the formulas didn’t dry down too quickly, leaving time to blend. The product didn’t pick up our tester’s foundation when she buffed it into her skin, either. If you're into a sculpted complexion — keep reading because the below is for you.

When shopping for liquid contours, the key is to opt for cooler tones that mimic a shadow, explains New York City-based makeup artist Suzy Gerstein. Warmer tones, on the other hand, tend to look more like bronzer, which does not have the same effect. Alyssa Brascia is a staff shopping writer at PEOPLE, covering beauty, fashion, home, and lifestyle. She has previously written for InStyle, Shape, Southern Living, and Real Simple. This subtly sculpting highlight and contour compact from Tom Ford is perfect for someone who prefers a natural look and a simple product that’s easy to throw in a travel makeup bag. We like that it comes in four shade combos, helping you achieve a more customized look.

"These sticks maintain a longer-lasting contour that never picks up like in an area where we want to create shadows," she adds. In a recent Instagram video, Tilbury explained that the wands, which offer various blush and highlight shades, are a “viral, sellout sensation,” for their ability to flatter and illuminate the complexion. But the best part about these powders was how they blended beautifully with our tester’s makeup.

Just a little bit gave a good punch of pigment, and the non-cakey formula didn’t crease throughout the day. It did sink into pores a bit, but that’s to be expected with a drugstore product. Both the E.L.F. Putty Bronzer and the Huda Beauty Tantour Contour & Bronzer Cream are what creamy contour dreams are made of. The Putty Bronzer is made with argan oil that moisturizes skin and vitamin E that nourishes it.

This contour had a saturated pigmentation that wasn't too intense—we recommend starting with just a little to avoid overdoing it and building the color if needed. One thing to note is that the formula dries down somewhat fast, so you may need to blend it quickly. Also, it doesn't do much in terms of blurring pores or smoothing uneven texture, but it didn't accentuate these issues, either. Just one swipe of each product offered medium coverage, but we could build the color up pretty easily. And since the formula didn’t dry down too quickly, our tester was able to blend before it set.

For your drugstore pick, the Maybelline New York Master Contour V-Shade Duo Stick rings up at only $7 and has your contour and highlight needs covered in one product. This two-in-one stick features a creamy contour and highlighter to enhance and define with ease. Senior commerce writer Angela Trakoshis is a major fan of the 2021 Best of Beauty-winning Patrick Ta Beauty Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo.

Powder is an essential step in every makeup routine, whether you’re setting or baking your makeup. While powder contour products can be categorized as drying or too matte, this contour palette from KVD Beauty is a timeless must-have that even dewy skin lovers can appreciate. Mehta loves how the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand, a 2022 Best of Beauty Award winner, is so user-friendly. "The built-in applicator makes it easy to apply, and the creamy formula means it blends out like a dream," she tells Allure.

charlotte tilbury contour kit

Its diamond-shaped doe-foot applicator is also ideal for carving out your cheekbones and jawline. For a more subtle look, your fingers are your best tool; however, for more defined results, a brush or sponge is ideal. According to Mehta, the best way to buff out the contour is by starting with short strokes and always blending upward rather than downward. That way, she explains, "your face is not being dragged down, and you don't end up with muddy cheeks." Celebrities have been contouring their faces for quite some time, and the trend has only become more mainstream in recent years — and it's easy to see why.

However, the versatile contour kit can be used for light everyday makeup, a beachy sun-kissed effect, or a noticeably chiseled, full-glam look. The shade our tester tried was perfect for her skin tone, mimicking the look of a shadow rather than leaning muddy or orange. Though it dried down fast, it was incredibly easy to blend out and build if you worked quickly, whether with fingers, a sponge, or a brush. The compact we tested (Intensity 1.0) features a bronzy-brown contour shade and an eggshell highlighter flecked with micro glitter. If your goal is natural-looking radiance over a true highlight, then this is the contour kit to try.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line Reviews Read Customer Service Reviews of www ncl.com

reviews of norwegian cruise line

If you’re not picky about the treatment you want or when you want it, keep an eye on the Freestyle Daily. During my cruise, the price of specially curated 75-minute treatments went from about $199 down to $139 toward the end of the cruise. I don’t love the idea of having to think ahead about where and when I want to eat when I am on vacation, but I made a reservation for each night so I had somewhere to go.

reviews of norwegian cruise line

What is the best Norwegian cruise ship?

There are no set dining times or assigned seats, as is customary with “traditional” dining on many cruise lines. Other Norwegian cruise ships, such as Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Sun, have specific features that might make them better options for solo travelers or retirees. Certain Norwegian ships are best for budget travelers, while others are best for luxury travelers. For this 12-night cruise, the Free at Sea package included three meals at specialty dining venues. Additional meals were available as an upgrade — $99 for two more, $139 for three more, and $30 more for each additional meal you wanted after that. The upgrades are per person, so you cannot buy a two-meal package and share it with another person, giving each of you one additional meal.

THE 25 BEST Norwegian (NCL) Cruises from the West Coast - Cruise Critic

THE 25 BEST Norwegian (NCL) Cruises from the West Coast.

Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:30:25 GMT [source]

The best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for every type of traveler

One problem for me was that the safe was not big enough for my laptop. I also didn’t like the fact the bed didn’t have a bed skirt and I was always looking at my empty luggage I stored under the bed. The cabin seemed very spacious because the bed was by the balcony, which left a big open space in the cabin. While this was nice, anyone sleeping next to the balcony would have a difficult time getting out of bed without hitting the sliding glass door or the bed.

I spent $20 at NCL's Ice Bar, and it was the best-kept secret on Epic

Once passengers are on board, the remaining reservations open up. You can make reservations for specialty dining venues and the main dining rooms before embarkation and while on board at either a dining desk or on the TV system in the room. The TV system allows you to make a reservation, but not cancel one, so I had to wait in the dining desk line anyway. Entertainment on Norwegian Encore is well above average for a mainstream cruise line. In addition to an astounding number of daily activities like game shows, trivia and art classes, passengers can enjoy top-deck fun that ranges from laser tag to waterslides.

Norwegian cancels more than a dozen cruises on 7 ships in 2025

So, for example, an upcoming cruise on the Prima — a seven-day trip from Galveston, Texas, to the Caribbean in February — is about $2,400 per balcony cabin (with two people). Then you add on gratuities for the open bar at $305 and specialty dining of about $40. However, passengers who don't have it included — or those who have the basic plan included but want to upgrade — can pay to connect. Prices vary, but they're generally pretty expensive, ranging from about $30 to $35 per person, per day, depending on whether or not you need streaming capabilities. The cost is slightly cheaper if you purchase in advance instead of waiting until you board.

Booking the trip

It was difficult to obtain the actual address of the port in Incheon for embarkation (conflicting information by two NCL representatives) so as to be able to arrange transport from our hotel in Seoul. Likewise, the address of the port in Osaka was difficult to obtain. Also, our transfer from Tokyo cruise terminal never materialised probably due to the confusion as to where the ship was docking.

My best friend (and fellow CruiseBlog writer) Hayley joined me for this two night sailing onboard Norwegian Sun. We had quite the adventure flying standby to Europe for this cheap cruise, so we were excited to board Norwegian Sun in Malaga, Spain for some much needed relaxation. More importantly, I was really excited to have another chance to experience a Norwegian cruise. It’s been over a decade since my Pride of America sailing, so my cruising perceptive is much different now.

reviews of norwegian cruise line

Hayley had only sailed on newer and bigger Norwegian cruise ships, like Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Getaway, so the size and age were very apparent to her. Norwegian offers many different types of staterooms to accommodate all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re traveling solo or with the whole family, on a budget or looking to splurge, you’ll find a stateroom that will suit your needs.

Every opportunity was made to extract even more money from the traveller - with 2 phone messages urging us to take advantage of future cruise offers and points. This was to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to this part of the world which we had dreamed of visiting, unfortunately it was - all for the wrong reasons. Norwegian Cruise Line is known for pioneering "anytime dining" on cruise ships — eating whenever you want, wherever you want, with whomever you want. Passengers are not assigned set dining times, and you can eat in any of Norwegian Encore's main dining rooms or extra-fee restaurants by making a reservation or showing up when you're hungry. Other meal options include a complimentary buffet and 24-hour room service that comes with a delivery fee. You may also have the option of upgrading to "Free at Sea Plus" , which would give you extra specialty dining, extra credit towards excursions, unlimited Wi-Fi, and a premium beverage package.

On the two outer decks directly above it, passengers will find laser tag and Speedway, the ship's go-kart track. What started as a yearly vacation with family quickly turned into a passion for travel, cruising and adventure. She even studied abroad on Semester at Sea, sailing the world on a ship while taking courses for college and visiting 4 continents. To take advantage of the cheap cruise fare, we opted to book an inside cabin guarantee onboard Norwegian Sun. I often choose to sail in an inside cabin because the price is always right and I never spend too much time in my cabin anyway. Norwegian Sun was built in 2001 while Pride of America construction was complete in 2005.

The company dates back to 1966 when it got its start as a Norwegian shipping company. Today, it has become one of the more popular mainstream cruise brands and is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which also includes the Regent Seven Seas and Oceania brands. The high levels of English comprehension across the region means booking your own activities and exploring ports independently is much easier than in many other parts of the world. Even so, look for independent tours that take place earlier in the day to reduce any time-related risk.

Evening shows include Broadway-caliber musicals, comedians, magicians and more. The Local is often crowded because it's free and the choice for anyone who wants a waiter-served meal not in one of the fancy dining rooms. It's also located just above the stage and screen area in the main atrium, so it draws crowds wanting to sit and watch what's happening below.

This certainly wasn’t a traditional cruise and felt more like we came super late to the party, like when a party is almost over and everyone’s getting ready to go home. It almost felt like we were late to the party because everyone already knew each other after sailing for nearly two weeks together. It was an unusual experience that I’ve never had more, and makes me wonder if this is something Norwegian does more than other cruise lines. Guest services indicated that those of us joining for just two nights didn’t have any options for purchasing drink or Internet packages, much to our surprise.

Then there was the buffet, the Surfside Cafe & Grill, which was tremendously undersized, always incredibly busy and without enough seating options. While the food was good, the traffic flow was not, and once you had your food in hand, finding a place to eat it was not easy. For breakfast one morning, I balanced my plate on the waitstaff’s cleaning area and ate there. With a reservation, the dining venue holds your space for 15 minutes and then gives up your table, which we learned the hard way one night when we arrived late. Our table was gone, forcing us to wait about 45 minutes for another one.

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