located in charm city, md. been in & out of landscape construction for a decade (im 26) and had been doing construction for 3 years until recently which was alot of hardscaping work and exterior home improvment. i am very interested pursuing carpentry or masonry when it comes to the union. i do plan on keeping up with painting, plaster, landscaping, home diy level plumbing and electrical on my own time just for extra cash every now and then. the unions here that cover masonry and carpentry are BAC Local 1 for masonry, ABC for both but also a shit ton of other trades, and MACTC for carpentry.
BAC Local 1 seems to want you to already have an employer to sponsor you. Or to find work under a union contractor and then apply as an apprentice. The guy i talked to kept answering in really short sentences and not really seeming interested. But I’m gonna call back. MACTC has an info session but seemingly only in one location which is 1.5 hours away at 6 pm and i work until 5pm. ABC needs a physical done that approves you for construction work, a proof of work signed by your employer, and an employer reference. i’ve been working solo for about a month specifically because i quit my construction job because my boss paid me 2 weeks late and kept wanting me to use MY truck for work. during covid i was purely self employed. i also do not have health insurance.
i am sorry to make a post about this but would appreciate some experienced guidance on the subject. been trying to find work specifically in carpentry or masonry but seems hard to come by. cheers!

A few days ago I received an email retrospectively billing me for all of my February’s electricity which confused me as they appeared to have already billed me for this period in drip feed amounts. I was then surprised to learn the bill was based not on my Intelligent Octopus tariff but using the full variable tariff rate. I operate with a 10 kWh battery so that means I charge it at night resulting in virtually all off my consumption is at off peak rate ie 7.5p/kwh. So instead of an expected £70 bill for that month they were billing me for all electric at the full variable rate - nearly £300. I spoke to their customer services person who erroneously claimed that I had only just started with IO and in Feb hadn’t joined IO. I requested they check their records and sure enough they confirmed I’ve been on IO tariff for almost 2 years. I was then very surprised when the cust services rep said the problem was due to them not being able to fully read my half hourly meter data and therefore not separate peak from off peak consumption for one day. In the circumstance ofa tech glitch he informed me their T’s and C’s allows them to bill at full rate in such circumstances. I find that claim quite astonishing and having scanned their terms I can only find reference to their half hourly billing perhaps going awry sometimes but never that they can opt to hike the rate back to full standard rate. The CS rep did yield in the end and although I have the bulk of the bill corrected, there are still one or two days being charged at full rate. Is this a correct situation?

Hey chefs anyone use the smoke function on the alto shaam ??? I just got one and I do some precise things or I’m just nuts about temp control. Anyway I don’t want to buy another smoker. 1. Does it work well , it’s really more for charcuterie and not like BBQ. I do salami cottos , Lebanon bologna, fermented sausages etc. so I’m not looking to slam out bbq like at a restaurant. I really don’t want to drop another additional 3k on a small vertical smoker . Although I did get a slab and electrical put in outside should I need it . Cheers

There’s a lot to learn when you’re new to RVing. After purchasing your RV and equipping it with the right gear, the last thing you want is to feel overwhelmed trying to select where to camp. So we asked the question: what are the best RV trips for beginners?
Of course, we have our own opinions, but we wanted to see what the RV community felt. We asked experienced RVers which destinations or campgrounds they would recommend for beginners. With over 150 replies, here are the top five answers:

1. Somewhere close to home
2. State parks
3. Good Sam Campgrounds
4. Your backyard
5. National parks

(Runner-up: Wal-Mart parking lot).

Why Stay Close to Home on Your First RV Trip as a Beginner?

The overwhelming majority of experienced RVers recommended sticking to somewhere close to home as a beginner. Their reasons were practical:

• You know where to go (home or familiar stores) if you forget supplies.
• You’re not far from your community if you need help.
• If something breaks down, towing your RV back to your house won't take long or cost too much.
• You do less driving and more time getting familiar with your RV.
• You won’t hurt your wallet on gas expenses if you overpack (which most first-timers do!)

Boondocking in your backyard is a great way to learn about your RV and its systems. Just remember: Depending on your RV, you’ll need potable water, a way to empty your holding tanks, and a proper power supply – 30 or 50 amps.

Which Locations Make For The Best RV Trips for Beginners?

We collected specific recommendations for those who want to venture out while staying close to home. These came directly from experienced RVers nationwide who were willing to share their favorite destinations for RV newbies.
Because we don’t know where home is for you, we organized this list of the best RV trips for beginners and organized them by region.

The Best RV Trips for Beginners in the Northeast

Bayley’s Camping Resort – Scarborough, Maine

Park Features:

• 512 full hookup sites
• 75’ pull-thru sites
• 44’ back-in sites
• Weekly entertainment schedule
• Recreation facilities
• Pools, restaurants, camp stores, and an arcade

Learn more or Book now.

Kennebec River Campground – The Forks, Maine

Park Features:

• Six secluded RV sites with electric hookups
• Full restaurant and brewery with deck seating
• Swimming pool and hot tub
• Bathhouse with hot, running water
• Easy access to the Kennebec River
• Base camp for whitewater rafting, snowmobiling, and other Maine adventures

Learn more or Book now.

Gettysburg Battlefield RV Resort – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Park Features:

• 250 RV sites
• 60’ maximum RV length
• Battlefield reenactment grounds, Olympic swimming pool, and stocked fishing pond
• Game room, general store, and ice cream parlor
• Canoe, kayak, and paddle boat rentals
• Themed activities, nature trail, and laundry facilities

Learn more.

Quechee / Pine Valley – Hartford, Vermont

Park Features:

• Full hookup RV sites (30 and 50 amp service)
• 85’ maximum RV length
• Off-leash dog park and activity field
• Bike, canoe, and banana bike rentals
• Heating swimming pool (open 5/27 to 9/5)
• Saturday hay rides, playground adventures, and family fishing at the pond

Learn more or Book now.

Cherrystone Campground – Cape Charles, Virginia

Park Features:

• Open seasonally from 4/1 to 10/31
• 181 full hookup 30 amp sites (87 wateelectric only 30 amp sites)
• 121 full hookup 50 amp sites
• Private beach, beach entry pool, and two Olympic-sized pools
• Lazy river, mini golf course, and four fishing piers
• Daily shuttle service into Downtown Cape Charles

Learn more.

Holiday Trav-L-Park – Virginia Beach, Virginia

Why They Recommended: “The place is pretty big (but tight, please know HOW to drive). It has seven pools, a bar, a restaurant, laundry, concerts, and a little trolley that will take you to the beach for even more entertainment.”
Park Features:

• 700 RV sites (full hookup and wateelectric only)
• Wooded, partly shaded, or open site locations
• Maximum RV length varies by site type
• On-site laundromat, Safari Cafe, and eight tiled comfort stations
• Trolley from the cafe to the beach and beyond
• Dog park, bike path, and convenience store

Learn more or Book now.

Virginia Beach Holiday – Virginia Beach, Virginia

Why They Recommended: “They just put in a lazy river and a brand new pool. It’s state-of-the-art!”
Park Features:

• Full hookup sites with 50, 30, and 20 amp compatibility
• 45’ maximum RV length
• Two heated pools, a lazy river, and a splash pad
• Trolley stop for exploring the nearby Virginia Beach waterfront
• Community bonfire, dog park, and electric vehicle charging station
• Bicycle, golf cart, and pedal cart rentals

Learn more or Book now.

New River Gorge Campground – Lansing, West Virginia

Park Features:

• Full hookup RV sites (30 and 50 amp)
• Views of ponds, sunsets, and nightly firefly displays (seasonally)
• Catch-and-release fishing
• Hiking and biking trails, swimming, and kayaking nearby
• Nearby rock climbing, rafting, and horseback riding

Learn more.

The Best RV Trips for Beginners in the Southeast

Wind Creek State Park – Alexander City, Alabama

Park Features:

• 586 campsites with wateelectric hookups
• 157 waterfront campsites and 268 full hookup sites with sewer
• Two laundry facilities at the marina and a bathhouse
• Archery range, fishing, and mini golf course
• Boat rentals, horseback rides, and zipline canopy tours
• Sunday services, swimming area, and outdoor pavilions

Learn more or Book now.

Everglades Isle – Everglades City, Florida

Park Features:

• 59 full hookup RV sites (30 and 50 amp)
• Concrete pads (waterfront and inland) with daily trash service
• Clubhouse laundry facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi
• Luxury clubhouse with drinks, food, billiards, movies, and more
• Fitness center, office space, and veranda seating
• Lounge area, salon, and spa

Learn more or Book now.

Orlando / Kissimmee – Kissimmee, Florida

Why They Recommended: “Orlando has the best prices all year round! It’s in close proximity to Universal Studios, Disney, Disney Springs, lots of attractions, several grocery stores, and restaurants. Target even ships deliveries there.”
Park Features:

• Full hookup RV sites with 134’ maximum RV length (30 and 50 amp)
• Bike rentals, mini pocket park, and access to the public bus service
• Dog park, outdoor pavilion, and fitness center
• Heated swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna (open year-round)
• Electric vehicle charging station and taxi service
• Jump pad and playground for the kids

Learn more or Book now.

Fisheating Creek Outpost – Palmdale, Florida

Why They Recommended: “The lots have much more space than most parks. You are not three feet from your neighbor.”
Park Features:

• 18,000+ acre wildlife management area
• 48 full hookup RV sites (5 of which are ADA-accessible)
• The swimming area at Depot Lake
• Large pond with two islands near the Camp Store
• Canoe rentals and Riverside Cafe (open seasonally)
• Large screened recreation area with central bathhouse

Learn more or Book now.

Big Lagoon State Park – Pensacola, Florida

Park Features:

• ~75 campsites (some RV or tent, some tent-only, some RV-only)
• 40’ maximum RV length
• Swimming, boating, fishing, and paddling
• Biking, stargazing, and geocaching
• Access to the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail
• Boat launch, playground, and amphitheater

Learn more or Book now.

Jetty Park Campground – Port Canaveral, Florida

Park Features:

• 358 total sites (variety of water-only and wateelectric hookups)
• Bathhouses and communal fire pits.
• Views of rocket launches from Canaveral Air Force Station
• Shuffleboard courts and horseshoe pits
• Daily arrivals and departures of cruise ships and submarines
• Camp store and nearby fishing pier

Learn more or Book now.

Smith Ridge Campground – Campbellsville, Kentucky

Park Features:

• 80 campsites (62 with water and electric hookups)
• Flush toilets, showers, fire rings, and potable water
• Kid’s playground and easy access to miles of hiking trails
• Frisbee golf course, boat ramp, and swimming beach
• Fishing pier, marina, and picnic areas

Learn ore.

Mountain Stream RV Park – Marion, North Carolina

Park Features:

• 44 full hookup sites (30 and 50 amp)
• 45’ maximum RV length
• Access to Buck Creek along two edges of the campground
• Five miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Dog park, kid’s playground, and outdoor pavilion
• Camp store and bathhouse with showers and toilets

Learn more or Book now.

North Myrtle Beach RV Resort – Little River, South Carolina

Park Features:

• Oversized full hookup sites and a fully-stocked camp store
• Views of the nearby Intracoastal Waterway
• Swimming pool with a slide and splash pad for the kids
• 60-slip boat dock with observation deck
• Live music every weekend during the summer
• Food and drinks on the water at the Tiki Bar and Grill

Learn more or Book now.

Myrtle Beach State Park – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Park Features:

• 140 standard water and electric campsites
• 138 full hookup sites
• All sites are located about 300 yards from the beach
• 30-40’ maximum RV length
• Beach access for pets and bikes is restricted to certain time periods (see site for more info)
• Nearby access to birding, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more

Learn more or Book now.

PirateLand Family Camping Resort – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Park Features:

• 748 full hookup sites
• Access to free Wi-Fi and daily trash pickup at each site
• Gated entrance with 24/7 patrol crew
• Eight climate-controlled bathhouses with toilets and showers
• Fully stocked camp store, outdoor chapel, and laundry facility
• On-site water park with Olympic swimming pool, lazy river, and more

Learn more or Book now.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Park Features:

• 859 full hookup sites with free Wi-Fi
• 649 concrete pad sites with 45’ maximum RV length
• 19 total beach accesses
• Three-acre family fun center with game center, mini golf, swimming pool, and more
• Volleyball, shuffleboard, and basketball courts
• Nearby Ocean Lakes Nature Center Discover Lab with more than 10,000 shells and fossils

Learn more or Book now.

Anchor Down RV Resort – Dandridge, Tennessee

Park Features:

• 170 concrete full hookup sites
• All sites at least 50’ long by 18’ wide (sites differ by type and location)
• Basketball, gaga ball, pickleball, and volleyball courts
• Boat, jet ski, and golf cart rentals
• Leash-free pet park, beach area, and campground cafe
• Saltwater kiddie pool and large pool with waterslide (open Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Learn more or Book now.

Cherokee Dam Campground – Jefferson City, Tennessee

Park Features:

• 44 total sites (39 with water and electric)
• Views of the lake and mountains from nearly every site
• Sites require a two-night minimum stay
• The use of a water pressure regulator is highly recommended
• Nearby access to swimming and birdwatching
• Large public boat ramp nearby

Learn more or Book now.

Melton Hill Dam Campground – Lenoir City, Tennessee

Park Features:

• 61 total sites (35 with water and electric)
• Sites require a two-night minimum stay
• Two bathhouses with showers and flush toilets
• Designated swimming area
• Canoe and boat ramp access
• Free dump station access

Learn more or Book now.

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Lodge – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Park Features:

• Full hookup concrete campsites
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and cable TV
• Nearby Fin City Entertainment Center with arcade, bowling, billiards, and more
• Nearby pool recreation area with water slides, lazy river, and kid zone
• Pet park, camp store, and kid’s playground
• Live entertainment, breakfast buffet, and barestaurant

Learn more or Book now.

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort – Townsend, Tennessee

Park Features:

• Luxury and standard full hookup RV sites
• Luxury sites with outdoor sink and cabana
• Standard sites with paved patios and fire rings
• 24/7 coffee lounge with playroom and movie/book exchange
• Zero-entry pool with grottos, hot tub, and splash pad
• 1-2 miles of quiet, peaceful hiking trails

Learn more or Book now.

The Best RV Trips for Beginners in the Midwest

Sycamore Springs Park – English, Indiana

Park Features:

• 30 and 50-amp sites with a 55’ minimum site length
• Full hookup, wateelectric, and primitive camping available
• Free firewood and fire pits on all sites
• Modern restrooms and shower houses
• Family-friendly camping with no alcohol allowed on the grounds
• Fishing, hiking and picnicking available

Learn more or Book now.

Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort – Santa Claus, Indiana

Park Features:

• Open season 5/1 to 10/31
• 146 full hookup 50-amp sites
• 110 full hookup 30-amp sites
• Gem mining, golf cart rentals, and take-out dining
• Swimming pool, dog park, and water park
• Free shuttle service to the theme park and water park

Learn more.

Grand Haven State Park – Grand Haven, Michigan

Park Features:

• 48-acre park with Lake Michigan to the west and the Grand River to the north
• 174 paved campsites
• Steps away from the beach and the river
• Scenic views of the Grand Haven pier and two lighthouses
• Boardwalk along the Grand River for fishing or walking
• Accessible playground, picnic area, and modern restrooms

Learn more or Book now.

Otsego Lake State Park – Gaylord, Michigan

Park Features:

• 155 campsites (split between the North and South campgrounds)
• Half-mile sandy beach with designated swim area
• Kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals for day-use
• Nearby access to the Iron Belle Trail for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling
• Fishing pier and boat launch
• Designated beach area for metal detecting

Learn more or Book now.

Itasca State Park – Park Rapids, Minnesota

Park Features:

• 223 drive-in campsites in two campgrounds (160 electric-only)
• 60’ maximum RV length
• Seasonal dump station available in the Bear Paw Campground
• Interpretive exhibits and year-round naturalist programs
• Two-hour excursion boat tours of Lake Itasca
• Nearby restaurant and cafe (open seasonally)

Learn more or Book now.

Silver Dollar City Campground – Branson, Missouri

Park Features:

• Full hookup sites (30 and 50 amp)
• Picnic table and fire ring at each site
• Kid’s playground and swimming pool (open 5/28-9/5)
• Nearby theme park, water park, and dinner cruises
• Clubhouse with supplies and an air-conditioned lounge with Wi-Fi
• Complimentary shuttle service into Silver Dollar City

Learn more or Book now.

Lake Mcconaughy State Recreation Area – Brule, Nebraska

Park Features:

• Seven developed campgrounds
• Reservable and first-come, first-served campsites
• Reservable beach camping in 17 designated zones
• Reservations required 5/20 to 9/10
• Archery range, swimming, and playground
• Boating, fishing, and hunting

Learn more or Book now.

Mt. Gilead Holiday – Mt. Gilead, Ohio

Park Features:

• 150 acres of walking trails
• Dog park, playground, and fishing ponds
• Golf driving range
• Zero-entry swimming pool (open 5/26-9/4)
• Golf course rentals, sand volleyball, and ‘The Bonfire Bar’

Learn more or Book now.

The Best RV Trips for Beginners in the South

The Woodlands RV Resort – Heber Springs, Arkansas

Park Features:

• 71 full hookup sites
• Five minutes from beaches, boat ramps, restaurants, and a golf course
• Easy access to hiking and biking trails
• Swimming pool, playground, and fishing pond
• Bathhouse, laundry room, and dog run coming soon

Learn more or Book now.

Sarah’s Seaside RV Oasis – Grand Isle, Louisiana

Why They Recommended: It’s the most laid back!
Park Features:

• Full hookup sites (30 and 50 amp)
• Family and pet-friendly
• Walking distance from restaurants, shopping, and bars
• Renowned for nearby world-class fishing and birdwatching
• Seasonal events like holiday decorating contests, seafood boils, movie nights, and more

Learn more.

The Best RV Trips for Beginners in the Southwest

Mather Campground – Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

Park Features:

• 327 primitive campsites with fire rings, a cooking grate, and a picnic table
• Flush toilets and drinking water spigots throughout
• Free dump station at Camper Services nearby
• Generators not permitted in Pine Loop (sites 265-319)
• Easy access to a paved walking and biking trail leading to overlooks and the visitor center

Learn more.

Tucson Lazydays – Tucson, Arizona

Park Features:

• 360 full hookup sites
• 73’ maximum RV length
• Pet-friendly sites, dog park, and dog wash available
• Two swimming pools, a hot tub, and a sauna (open year-round)
• Mini golf, bike rentals, workout room, and more

Learn more or Book now.

Caballo Lake State Park – Caballo, New Mexico

Park Features:

• Seven full hookup sites
• 98 water and electric (30 amp) sites
• 10 water and electric (50 amp) sites
• Three boat docks and two boat ramps
• Playgrounds and visitor centers with interactive exhibits for the kids
• Fishing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, and more

Learn more or Book now.

The Best RV Trips for Beginners in the Northwest

Coloma Resort – Coloma, California

Park Features:

• 43 full hookup sites
• 45’ maximum RV length
• Sewer hookups are available at off-river sites only
• Calendar of naturalist-led activities available (summer months only)
• Exclusive riverfront access with nearby kayaking, tubing, and rafting
• Swimming pool and children’s playgrounds
• Wireless internet throughout the campground

Pro Tip: You must cross the Mt. Murphy Bridge to reach this campground. Here are the height and weight restrictions for that bridge:

• Max Height: 13' 6
• Max Weight for 2 Axle vehicles: 12 Tons (24,000 pounds)
• Max Weight for 3 Axle vehicles: 19 Tons (38,000 pounds)

Learn more or Book now.

Arrowhead RV Park – Cascade, Idaho

Park Features:

• 116 full hookup sites
• Easy access to the Payette River for fishing or paddling
• Shuffleboard and horseshoe pit for family entertainment
• Communal firepit on the edge of the river
• Recreation room with books, board games, and movies

Learn more or Book now.

St. Mary / East Glacier – St. Mary, Montana

Why They Recommended: “Beautiful views right from the park!”
Park Features:

• 75’ maximum RV length
• 30 and 50-amp sites
• Large hot tub, pool, and sauna (seasonally)
• Kayak rentals and easy access to the Lower St. Mary Lake & River
• Dog kennels and dog walking service (for when you want to explore nearby Glacier National Park)

Learn more or Book now.

Cape Blanco State Park – Port Orford, Oregon

Park Features:

• 52 electric hookup sites with water
• Easy access to wildlife viewing, fishing, and horse trails
• Beach access and hiking trails
• Flush toilets and hot showers
• Lighthouse and Hughes House for historical tours

Learn more or Book now.

Seven Feathers RV Resort – Canyonville, Oregon

Park Features:

• 182 full hookup sites
• 60’ maximum pull-thru size
• 55’ maximum back-in size
• Hotel and casino across the street
• Indoor heated pool and hot tub
• Fitness and media centers

Learn more or Book now.
Want to add your advice to our poll? Click below to join the conversation!
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Which destinations would you recommend for first-time RVers? Share your tips in the comments below.

Hi, I’m very uninformed regarding anything related to electricity. I am located near the Twin Cities in Minnesota. These wires run through a cabinet in my mother’s house to a light over the sink. Has the sheath melted away? Is this a fire hazard? It almost looks intentionally peeled back? I’m just a little unsure what I’m looking at, and whether it is the fire hazard I think it is? Thank you in advance for any insight.

Trying to decide whether I want either freedom planet 2 or spark the electric jester 2(steej2) I know steej runs at 60 fps on xbox one but freedom planet has way way more content and playable characters plus I'm hooked on pixel art games right now because of my sonic marathon/obsession. Its really hard to find gameplay of fp2 on xbox one so does it keep a consistent framerate.

There is a curious dynamic at work in politics these days. Trump does not appear to be trying to court voters to his standard. If he were, he would be reaching out to Nikki Haley voters and trying to moderate his stances. Instead, he is rejecting her voters and doubling down on extreme positions. Rather than trying to appeal to swing voters, he seems to be trying to whip up his right-wing base to engage in violence on his behalf. In Minnesota on Friday, Trump echoed fascists when he told supporters, "No matter how hateful and corrupt the communists and criminals we are fighting against may be, you must never forget this is not a nation that belongs to them. This is a nation that totally belongs to you. It belongs to you. This is your home, this is your heritage." Saturday, at the annual meeting of the National Rifle Association in Dallas, Texas, Trump floated the idea that he could throw out the constitutional amendment limiting a president to two terms. “You know, FDR 16 years—almost 16 years—he was four terms. I don’t know, are we going to be considered three-term? Or two-term?” he asked the crowd. Some yelled, “Three!” In the same speech, Trump told attendees that the Second Amendment “is very much on the ballot” in November, and he urged gun owners to vote and to “be rebellious.” Then he told the crowd that Biden’s actions were such that if he “were a Republican, he would have been given the electric chair, they would have brought back the death penalty.” This evening, Trump’s Instagram account posted a video of what a newspaper would look like after a 2024 MAGA win. Under the headline “WHAT’S NEXT FOR AMERICA?” were the words “INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED DRIVEN BY THE CREATION OF A UNIFIED REICH,” a clear reference to fascism and German dictator Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. It is not clear to me how anyone can any longer deny that Trump is promising to destroy our democracy and usher in authoritarianism. But it is also not clear that he is still a figure that any but the extremes of his base will follow to that end. Hence his emphasis on turning them to violence. His lies have become increasingly outrageous. On Friday he told a crowd in Minnesota that he won the state by “a landslide” in 2020 even though he actually lost it by more than 7 points. At the NRA annual meeting, Trump claimed that his former physician told him he is “healthier” and “a better physical specimen” than the famously athletic former president Barack Obama. At that same event he boasted that he won 31 club golf championships; the day before, he boasted that he won 29. Significantly, he continues to insist that the area around the courtroom is like “Fort Knox.” “There are more police than I’ve ever seen anywhere because they don’t want to have anybody come down,” he said today, “There’s not a civilian within three blocks of the courthouse.” But this is, quite simply, a lie. Virtually no one has turned out to support him. As conservative lawyer George Conway noted today, “There is virtually complete freedom of movement around that courthouse.” Social media contributor Eddie Smith, who filmed the handful of Trump protesters in New York today, put it more colorfully. After noting that “MAGA’s not repping in New York,” he added: “Wait a minute! You guys hear that? There is a mouse pissing on a ball of cotton in China. That’s how quiet it is out here.” Republican lawmakers are stepping in where Trump’s base followers are not. Republicans attacked as unfit for office 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton for her use of a private email server. They tried to impeach current president Biden on unfounded accusations that he took bribes from foreign countries. Now they find themselves forced to defend a man who is currently the defendant in a criminal trial that is showing that his associates acted like a criminal gang. As Tom Nichols put it today in The Atlantic, that defense is partly because they are afraid of their own voters. Nichols also called out those “now circling Trump like the cold fragments of a destroyed planet” who “resent the people who stuck to their principles.” Those MAGA Republicans lawmakers are, like Trump, trying to gin up anger with lies. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), who went to Trump’s Manhattan trial to support him on Thursday, told Jesse Watters of the Fox News Channel and later posted on social media that “[t]hey’re trying to keep cameras out of the courtroom so that the American people don’t see what’s happening.” Former federal prosecutor Ron Filipkowski noted in response that “New York has banned cameras in courtrooms since June 30, 1997.” The most important of their lies, though, is that the 2020 presidential election was stolen and that to protect the 2024 election, it is imperative to police the election. This is the same tactic Trump used in 2020, claiming exactly four years ago that “they send in thousands and thousands of fake ballots.” Those lies have resulted in a huge increase in threats against those whom MAGA perceives as an enemy. Danny Hakim, Ken Bensinger, and Eileen Sullivan reported in the New York Times yesterday that last year, threats against federal judges increased 150% over 2019: 450 federal judges were targeted. Since 2018, threats to members of Congress have increased by 50%, with more than 8,000 such threats last year. More than 80% of local officials also say they have been threatened or harassed. MAGA lawmakers refuse to say they will accept the results of the 2024 election. On Saturday, Wisconsin senator Ron Johnson refused to commit to that fundamental tenet of our democracy. On Meet the Press on Sunday, Florida senator Marco Rubio also declined to say he would accept the election results. Those vying for the Republican vice presidential nomination, including North Dakota governor Doug Burgum and South Carolina senator Tim Scott, have refused to say they would accept the results. Their tactics are working among the Republican base. A CBS News/YouGov poll released this weekend showed that only 47% of Arizona Republicans say they will accept the results of the 2024 election no matter who wins. An equal number—47%—say they will challenge the results if the other side wins. That result is not symmetrical with the Democrats: 82% of them say they will accept the results, while only 14% say they will challenge the results if their opponents win. But people are pushing back against the MAGA narrative. On May 15 the Texas Tribune and ProPublica published a story by Jeremy Schwartz about Courtney Gore, a woman who ran for a Texas school board to combat pornography and critical race theory in the schools, only to find there wasn’t any. When she told the public, her former colleagues turned on her. “I’m over the political agenda, hypocrisy bs,” Gore wrote. “I took part in it myself. I refuse to participate in it any longer. It’s not serving our party. We have to do better.” Steve MacLaughlin, a meteorologist for NBC 6 News in Miami, reported on a new law Florida governor Ron DeSantis signed into law last week that will remove references to climate change from state law. “On Thursday, we reported on NBC 6 News that the government of Florida was beginning to roll back really important climate change legislation and really important climate change language in spite of the fact that the state of Florida, over the last couple of years, has seen record heat, record flooding, record rain, record insurance rates, and the corals are dying all around the state,” MacLaughlin said. “The entire world is looking to Florida to lead in climate change, and our government is saying that climate change is no longer the priority it once was. Please keep in mind, the most powerful climate change solution is the one you already have in the palm of your hands: the right to vote. And we will never tell you who to vote for, but we will tell you this: We implore you to please do your research and know that there are candidates that believe in climate change and that there are solutions, and there are candidates that don’t.” On May 17, former lieutenant governor of Georgia Geoffrey Duncan noted on Amanpour & Company that Trump had done less for rural voters than any other president in modern history. “At the end of the day,” he said, “we just cannot get into the business in America of electing dishonest human beings to represent us…. The world’s watching us. I’m hoping we get this right.” Tonight, Sarah Matthews, who was deputy press secretary for the Trump administration, wrote: “Trump’s continued use of Nazi rhetoric is un-American and despicable. Yet too many Americans are brushing off the glaring red flags about what could happen if he returns to the White House. When someone shows you who they are, believe them.” — Notes: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/19/trump-nra-convention-dallashttps://www.rawstory.com/trump-threat-biden/https://nymag.com/intelligencearticle/the-nra-is-weaker-than-ever-how-much-does-that-matter.htmlhttps://time.com/6979795/trump-receives-nra-endorsement-urges-gun-owners-vote/​​https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-minnesota-4f7ebfe7a2e1949d38a7c9894616a985 https://apnews.com/article/trump-election-2024-rhetoric-germany-antisemitism-31002afb91b642c0314223d19e51f427https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/marco-rubio-joins-republicans-hedging-accepting-election-results-rcna153011 https://presswatchers.org/2024/05/trump-choosing-not-to-testify-in-his-defense-should-be-a-banner-headline/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/19/us/politics/political-violence.htmlhttps://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/4675594-florida-meteorologist-ron-desantis-climate-change-roll-back/https://captimes.com/news/elections/top-wisconsin-republicans-mixed-on-accepting-2024-election-results/article_2ae8f1e4-1538-11ef-a217-d7802fd5a882.htmlhttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/donald-trump-fire-up-supporters-nras-annual-us-gathering-2024-05-18/,accepted%20the%20influential%20group's%20endorsement)https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/05/the-maga-memory-hole/678435/https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/15/texas-granbury-isd-school-board-courtney-gore/X: BidenHQ/status/1791469492440072359RonFilipkowski/status/1792195770374099083samstein/status/1792188951920361645HueyRey/status/1792635408506912824mkraju/status/1792515853314904293gtconway3d/status/1792548740525363276eddsmitty/status/1792573721615434037atrupastatus/1792626209118884346BidensWins/status/1791609511435714795BidenHQ/status/1792209690664845569BidenHQ/status/1791946911340999113CarlosGSmith/status/1792207611733172238Tim_Walz/status/1791620309105119419BidenHQ/status/1791949552469082444AccountableGOP/status/1791661408641298808SarahAMatthews1/status/1792760772193374274

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/may-20-2024

Some POS stole my Electric Scooter from my garage, at night. What’s the best way to track down one of these guys? All I want is my Scooter back..it was a gift; not going to hurt him.

I’ve come to realize that I want to have a remote job. I want to travel while not working and work from wherever I am at the time. My s/o is able to take contract work 8 weeks at a time and we will probably work around that.
Currently, I’m an assistant Project manage assistant estimator for an electrical contractor. I’ve only been here for a year. Prior to this I was working in building materials for 6. For that company I started as a driver but very quickly became in house safety person - logistics coordinatoscheduler and then operations manager before getting my current role. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity that I have, but my heart is adventurous and I’ve been dreaming of this life for way too long.
I have a CDL (I do NOT want to be a driver) OSHA 30 Experience with Estimating software My old company used Agility so I’ve got some experience there I’ve taken web development courses mainly just to learn different things. HTML, CSS, JavaScript and some Python I’ve also played around with some SQL mainly because I use excel a lot
I’m pretty open to ideas as long as I can get remote. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated to get me out of the office and outside but not on a job site

I am one of three roommates all 25F. I moved in here after my lease was up and I found it on an Facebook group looking for roommates. I messaged my one roommate on the forum, Sam (25F), and immediately clicked and after viewing, I decided to go ahead and agree to be the third roommate. We were all in a group chat with each other, me, Sam and the roommate in question, Lana. We all got along and I was very excited. My roommate Sam, texted me separately and said “I don’t want to poison you against her but she really struggles with follow through and cleaning”. I told her, between the two of us, we can have a roommate meeting and sort out what our expectations and boundaries. She liked that and I moved in on April 20th. The house was a disaster moving in. It reeked of cat piss and shit and smelled like weed. My family was very concerned but after I calmed them down, I got to work to clean. Before this, Lana said that she would clean her stuff and since I am paying for two rooms, she will clean the cat piss and shit and the smell will be gone. This was over a month before I moved in. She never did it and after me asking her, politely to clean the rooms I am paying for she said “I can’t clean it because the carpet cleaner is broken”. It is also probably important to mention she has two cats and a dog. I have a dog who has an ESA and is in training and is always attended or being crated trained. The whole two weeks I moved in, I felt sick with the smell and my dog and I were living in one room together and I finally had enough of her excuses and bought the supplies to clean the rooms. I cleaned the rooms and the bathroom (which also smelled like cat piss and weed) and I basically begged her and my other roommate to be respectful of the fact that I cleaned the whole upstairs. Sam lives on the top floor (attic) she has a cat but that cat does not leave the area. My dog is crated when I am not home or at doggie daycare. Lana’s animals roam around and cause havoc in the house. On top of all that, she leaves her stuff all over the house for days if not since I moved here (it’s been over a month at this point), smokes weed when we are a non-smoking household, loiters the house with stuff, doesn’t pay bills on time (we might get our electric shut off because she won’t send her part), complains about not having money but buys stuff online and DoorDashes all the time (none of my business but can’t pay bills?), absolutely refuses to meet with us about concerns, doesn’t control her dog so her dog comes at my dog and our landlord is coming to inspect. I wouldn’t be surprised if all the shit on our porch gets us a fine because it’s against neighborhood regulations. I am so exhausted and stressed and I can’t live like this. I feel horrible everyday and I don’t like eating here and I can’t stand her and her constant disrespect. I’ve tried to like her or talk to her but nothing gets done.
Side note: She broke our washer (landlord only provides hookups so we are screwed)
I don’t want to lose my deposit and I want to leave. She’s incompetent and probably stupid because she doesn’t understand how a lease works.
My pet fee is waived in my state because of ESA (I think that’s federal) but she owes money on her THREE pets and wants to fool the landlord, only having to pay for one.
Please give me advice and if this is enough to take to the landlord.
I HAVE TAKEN PICTURES AND I HAVE TEXTS, RECEIPTS AND MY ROOMMATE SAM AND I ARE ON THE SAME PAGE
thank you 🤍

This city has affluence but no opportunities. Why does not anyone raise questions against the government in power. It's a shame that since 2017 nothing has changed in this city. It has had no development at all.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting have the possibility to considerably impinge on the stock market at large as well as individual stocks like FFIE. Here is an outline of what could happen:
General Stock Market Impact
Interest Rates: If the FOMC chooses to hike up interest rates, it typically suggests tightening monetary policy in order to fight inflation. For companies and consumers, higher interest rates means increased borrowing costs that could slow down their spending or investment activities hence leading to decline in stock prices based on lower anticipated future earnings.
Economic Outlook: Investor confidence may be impacted depending on how positive or negative their assessment is about where things are headed economically speaking; such outlooks have been known to raise markets up while dragging them down too so it really does matter what they say there!
Liquidity: Policy changes related to the Fed’s balance sheet like quantitative easing/tightening have bearing on financial system liquidity; high stock prices are usually observed alongside loose monetary conditions just as tight ones tend to exert downward pressure through the opposite effect (i.e., less money available for borrowing).
Specific Impact on FFIE
Interest Rates and Financing Costs: Electric vehicle companies such as FFIE may face higher sensitivity to interest rates. This is because increased interest rates could lead to more expensive financing for expansion and research and development which can adversely affect its prospects for growth as well as stock price.
Market Sentiment and Risk Appetite: Growth stocks such as FFIE are categorized as EV stocks and are more likely to be affected by market sentiment and interest rates. A hawkish FOMC may decrease investors’ risk appetite thereby reducing demand for high-risk high-growth stocks.
Speculation about innovation and tech industry future: Sectors heavily reliant on future growth and innovation, such as electric vehicle manufacturers (EVs), can be substantially impacted by the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) perspective on the economy. When there is optimism concerning economic prospects it can encourage investment in companies that are considered to be inventive like FFIE. Conversely, pessimism will hurt them.
Liquidity and Investment: If the FOMC indicates tightening liquidity conditions, there might be less speculative capital available for growth stocks, which could pressure FFIE’s stock price. Conversely, if liquidity remains abundant, it could support higher valuations for growth-oriented companies.

In today's rapidly evolving automotive industry, software development plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and transforming the way we perceive mobility. The convergence of cutting-edge technology and automotive engineering has given rise to a new era of intelligent and connected vehicles, making our roads safer, more efficient, and increasingly autonomous. At the heart of this transformation are the talented minds and pioneering efforts of automotive software developers, who are tirelessly working to shape the future of mobility.
The integration of advanced software solutions in vehicles has revolutionized everything from in-car entertainment systems to complex driver assistance technologies. Modern vehicles are equipped with a myriad of sensors, processors, and communication devices that enable real-time data processing and decision-making. This not only enhances the driving experience but also paves the way for autonomous vehicles that can navigate our streets with minimal human intervention. The quest for safer, smarter, and more sustainable transportation is a driving force behind the relentless innovation in automotive software development.
One of the most significant advancements in this field is the development of sophisticated algorithms for autonomous driving. These algorithms leverage machine learning, artificial intelligence, and vast amounts of data to enable vehicles to understand and respond to their surroundings. From detecting pedestrians and other vehicles to predicting traffic patterns, these systems are designed to ensure a safer and more efficient driving experience. Additionally, the rise of electric vehicles has further underscored the importance of software in optimizing battery management, energy efficiency, and overall vehicle performance.
Automotive software development companies are at the forefront of these technological advancements. They are not only creating innovative solutions for current automotive challenges but also anticipating future trends and needs. These companies are working on a wide range of projects, from enhancing the connectivity and user experience of in-car systems to developing robust cybersecurity measures to protect against potential threats. Their contributions are instrumental in driving the evolution of the automotive industry, ensuring that vehicles are not only more capable but also more secure and user-friendly.
The future of mobility is undoubtedly exciting, with automotive software development companies playing a crucial role in shaping it. As we move towards an era of autonomous and electric vehicles, the importance of software will continue to grow. The ongoing collaboration between software developers and automotive engineers promises to deliver groundbreaking innovations that will redefine our relationship with transportation. From improved safety features to enhanced connectivity and beyond, the possibilities are endless, and the journey towards a smarter, more efficient future has only just begun.

We are playing Stevious 2x Large for the rest of May
About Us:

• Mature Adults: All of us are mid 30s.
• Core Group: 6 members with a combined experience of over 50k hours, playing together since 2018. We want to increase this to 8-12.
• Play Style: We play both vanilla and modded servers (typically 2x to 5x), focusing on strategic and skilled gameplay including shooting, raiding, building, electrics, and more.
• Active Times: Mostly evenings after 5pm EST and weekends, with some members playing throughout the day (work from home). 2 players in EU.
• Social and Competitive: We play for fun but also to win, maintaining a great balance between camaraderie and competition.

We're Looking For:

• Mature Players: Preferably 30+, but open to mature younger players.
• Clean Steam Account: Steam account must be at least 4 years old with no VAC/game bans.
• Flexible Skill Levels: We value attitude over hours logged. Whether you have 200 or 10,000 hours, we’re willing to help you improve.

Come introduce yourself - https://discord.com/invite/z2FA2yJCHa
Some of the things we do:

• https://youtu.be/uiCy2YfONX0?si=rK2jsD6NVJl9DZv2
• https://youtu.be/08KkiFJ2Gzs?si=Cka5eF5Yjdhs5ys3
• https://youtu.be/ByutAm1Fy5I?si=6k_VdS67zaVFX3UF

…..A ufo crashes on Earth.
The ufo is found by a farmer who calls the military, and a secret group is created to study it.
In order to keep it secret only a small number of people are allowed to know about it. It is classified at the highest level.
The ufo inspires the creation of new technologies resulting in huge amounts of money being made by the people in charge of The Program.
They find a way to classify all ufo information so only they can benefit from it.
Billions of dollars are made that only benefit certain families. These families become extremely powerful.
The technologies of the craft lead to the realization that there is something to the “Woo” aspects of ufo encounters reported by experiencers.
Studies are funded. Specifically, remote viewing is explored.
Remote viewing studies of possible futures were done using hundreds of remote viewers over the decades. There seems to be a huge problem reported starting on earth starting between 2024 through 2027.
Possible causes are investigated.
Solar maximum occurs in 2025.
It is determined that a massive solar flare knocks out half the world’s electricity permanently, the superpower with the lights still on attempts to take advantage and launches a massive nuclear strike on their enemies. Electromagnetically shielded missile silos survive and retaliate.
A nuclear winter sends the world into famine. When there is no food left mankind begins to eat itself. Everyone becomes food.
More secret remote viewing studies are done and repeated to confirm the timeline.
The American Elite develop a plan to survive this. Money is funneled into black budget classified special access programs, and deep underground military bases are dug. Massive secret cities connected by underground tunnels are created, costing trillions.
Scientific progress and industrial development is pushed with no regard for pollution. The world is fated to end, pollution means nothing to those who know this.
Mankind is pushed towards wage slavery, and beyond. The suffering of the non elite doesn’t matter to those in the know. From a certain point of view they’re already dead. Their lives and happiness are sacrificed for the “greater good” of allowing the Elite to survive the end of the world.
When the time comes, certain groups are saved from the end of the world. Less than 100 thousand humans are chosen. 90 percent of the people who were told they were part of the Elite and were complicit in the Program find out that they were merely pawns and are left on the surface to die with the rest of humanity.
The world ends. Horrifically.
For thousands of years the remnants of humanity, the Elite, exist underground. Radiation eventually seeps into groundwater and they begin to suffer from dna damage. In time they become monstrous in appearance. Pale skinned and weak. Resorting to genetic manipulation they attempt to survive, but in doing so much of what we consider human is lost. Emotion, compassion, and the ability to feel pain become relics of the past.
Progress is extremely slow underground. Tens of thousands of years pass before the ufos are fully understood, but when they are it is realized they offer a means to travel back in time to collect genetic samples from healthy humans.
A breeding program is created.
The subterranean future humans eventually figure out how to breed healthy generations of offspring from the most intelligent, healthy, and beautiful human specimens from the past.
In time they restore and reclaim the surface of the earth. They learn from the mistakes of the past and create a beautiful, balanced and healthy ecosystem and develop an enlightened society that lasts for millions of years, eventually spreading to hundreds of worlds beyond earth.
At some point someone decides it would be better if the destruction of earth had never happened. They illegally go back in time to try and change the timeline.
Changing the timeline would result in millions of years worth of humans that existed after the “world ended” being wiped from existence. It is decided that this would be highly inappropriate.
The humans of the past, us, made our choices of our own free will. It is decided that there will be no interference in the timeline. Temporal Laws are created. WW3 will occur as recorded.
A defense network of small orbs, spherical shaped ufos are created to defend the integrity of the timeline. All illegal time ships are intercepted by the orb defense network, as is recorded in many old ufo photographs.
Time ships are legally sent back to verify that nuclear weapons can be turned on or off at the appropriate time to result in the correct end of the world happening.
The Elite eventually discern the intentions of the future humans from their temporal incursions into our time, they learn the fate of humanity and understand the results of The Program and so they develop a strategy to alter this outcome.
The intent of this secondary project is to avoid attracting the attention of the orb defense network and use their limited understanding of ufo technology to prevent the full destruction of the earth in WW3, while still destroying all of their enemies.
If successful, there will still be a full collapse of current society, billions of deaths, but in time the Elite families will rise from their holes in the earth in their “primitive” ufo reproduction vehicles and claim to be Gods that have returned to earth in order to lead mankind into a better future.
Pyramids and temples will be built. A religion formed. And populations will be continually culled to prevent anyone from ever gaining enough scientific knowledge to overthrow the “Gods.”
But the advanced future humans from the other timeline had a contingency plan. AI drone ships were concealed outside of 4d space-time. Free from timeline alterations.
These drones patrol multiple Earth timelines searching for anomalous temporal activity.
The two largest enemies of the American Elite in our current time, Russia and China, get wind of the situation.
They begin to shoot down ufos and plan their own contingencies to survive the end of the world.
Their countries laws make it easier for them to do unethical experiments. Many horrific things are created through genetic experimentation and unrestrained AI development.
China loses control of an AI that disappears into the past with a small army of insect/human hybrids. They move out well beyond the patrol zone of the 6th dimensional AI contingency drones and travel deep into the past.
On distant worlds billions of years ago the AI “Queen” begins its plan and starts to quietly populate worlds with its insectoid mantid servants.
In time there are multiple schisms that occur within the hive. War breaks out between the various insectoid groups.
The ancient universe begins to fill with problems.
Billions of years later, primitive humans in 10,000 BCE look to the sky and see ufos. They wonder who could be piloting them. They dream up new gods as the seeds of civilization begin to appear.
Time passes, a farmer in America in 1947 looks up at the night sky, wondering if anyone is out there, and a ufo crashes on Earth…..

I’ve been in this relationship for six years now. it was going great right before we had our child and we’ve hit a rough patch, which is a story in itself. That has been rough very rough for me. It’s gotten to a point where there’s isn’t any available daycare for our son so I can actually work. I had a job that I got at a daycare, but it ended up falling through because of sit situations out of my hand. And that was the only option that I opened myself up to being. I never wanted to be a daycare teacher. So we haven’t had any daycare I’ve called around I’m on waiting lists. Some places aren’t even bothering to answer the phone or reply back to me. my partner works a seasonal job that’s whether depending. And he hasn’t been making all that much a year with this job. Initially he wanted me to stay home and take care of our son which I did for the first year but he didn’t cover all of my bills. He just paid for my car bills. Everything else I took care of with the exception of rent which is extremely low. We were only paying 800 for rent at that time and for this last year we’ve been paying 1000. And the electricity which isn’t that much either we have to pay for this year but prior we didn’t have the $800 rent. this is the first time he’s ever lived on his own and it’s also a surprise child we did not plan for. I get he’s having some sort of issues. But I feel like I should be the one working and I’ve mentioned this to him multiple times and it doesn’t seem to be something he’s on board with even though I would bring in more money. The job I had give me 41,000 a year minimum and I always had overtime which that does not include. Currently the last two years that he’s been working for this company he’s only brought in $25,000 on the books and maybe an additional 5000 from other side jobs and another guy he works with off the books. For the last year I’ve been covering all my bills and since losing my job in February I went through my savings, my very small tax return and now I don’t have anything. I was forced to use my credit cards in order to pay some of my bills and yes I’m sure you all cringed hearing that I’ve ruined my credit paying my bills and I’m trying to work on consolidating them. It’s manageable for me to get out of this I am working. I’ve mentioned to him, and he seems reluctant. And I’ve also mentioned that that I could screw him over and make it so he couldn’t leave for work. Since my job requires me to be at work by 3 o’clock in the morning to start baking I would be leaving three hours prior to him even getting up to get ready for work. He doesn’t seem to care that I am financially dependent on him right now, because our son doesn’t have daycare available and no one to watch him. Would I be an asshole to do this to him? I could be making more money paying the bills and not be struggling. I don’t see the problem in that. he has a drinking issue he’s definitely an alcoholic and he wouldn’t be able to do that while taking care of our son. Would it be a rude thing to do to your partner when they are financially screwing you over while you’re taking care of the child? Maybe I’m out of line some outside perspective might be nice. We’ve had a rough time the last two years together. He’s been absent for most of the time, and when he is here, he’s glued to his phone and still drunk or drinking. Would leaving for work and just leaving him screwed with his job make me an asshole? he is screwing me over financially?

Short question: Do I need a generator with an inverter to safely run my variable speed AC unit? Compressor Model# HVA948GKA (20.9 LRA)
Looking at portable trifuel generators. Standby is not in the budget. I’d prefer not to pay the extra money for an inverter if it’s not necessary. It will run it off NG, so fuel consumption savings with an inverter is not a selling point and I don’t care about marginal noise decrease because it is only for emergency’s. I’d rather put that money toward a bigger generator and be able to help a neighbor or future proof myself.
I am most confused about THD, some people say it’s not important unless you have sensitive audio equipment or UPS. I don’t have either of those but I saw someone mention high THD could cause issues with a variable speed AC compressor. I couldn’t find a post about it but it’s probably been covered.
My situation: 2200 sq ft house in Houston. I want to be able to power whole house during power outages. Just got wrecked by this last storm. Hot summers, need to run AC. -variable AC unit 14 ton 19 seer (20.9 LRA compressor) HVA948GKA -Gas furnace -gas stove -electric dryer -run on NG -inlet to breaker panel
This community has had a lot of good posts answering questions I had. Thank you all for the help! Let me know if more info is needed.

Budget Review - New job, new kid
Hey! I had a kid about a year ago and that ended up leading to me taking a new, lower paying job in order to spend more time at home with the family (missed 3-4 months of her first year because of travel). With the new lower income, we re-did our budget and I’m curious for feedback or to see if there are any opportunities to make improvements. Not sure if I’m missing/forgetting something or if there’s a category that feels too high/too low to someone. Thanks in advance!
This budget excludes retirement savings, taxes, and workplace insurance.
Monthly Total: 4,613.16 - $1,365.80: Mortgage, Escrow, Home Insurance - $500: Home Improvement/Maintenance - $475: Groceries - $463.12: Charity - $353.31: Car Payment - $330: Counseling - $208.50: Car Insurance - $130.13: City Utilities - $100.62: Gas (House) - $100: Entertainment - $75: Gas (Car) - $75: Discretionary (Husband) - $75: Discretionary (Wife) - $61.68: Electric - $55: Internet - $50.73: Life Insurance - $50: Eating Out - $50: Car Maintenance - $50: Clothing - $44.27: Phone Bill

Recently I noticed my 3 year old started climbing up my kallax and touching my most prized possessions. I scolded him twice, but when he ate the shrink off my first edition patchwork, I knew I had to do something.
I installed some commercial grade electric fencing I acquired at tractor supply. I also went to my local military surplus store and got some vintage WWI barricades, for if he tries to crawl under. I put a fake turret up to see that distracts him, but I’m sure if the razor wire doesn’t deter, the 2000 volts should do the trick!