2023 reads

The Deep Sky

scifi mystery thriller

on a deep space mission traveling from an environmentally devastated earth with hope to restart humanity elsewhere

when they’re halfway, an explosion kills 3 crew and pushes them off course

the only witness is the Alternate who has no specific role, and she has to figure out who caused it & if they might continue to sabotage, while they're figuring out a way to get back on course with limited resources

flips between present and the past: of her childhood and training for the mission, her identity struggles, and relationship with her mother

questions the ethics of ‘restarting’ humanity elsewhere vs putting resources into fixing earth

Survey #305

“you want me to be yours, well then you’ve got to be mine, & if you want a good girl, then goodbye”

Do you call the ice cream topping "jimmies" or "sprinkles"? They're "sprinkles" down here. What music are you listening to? Ha, I just turned on music before starting this. "Sex Metal Barbie" by In This Moment is on rn. If you go to school (HS or college) does your school have a rival? N/A Have you been baptized in any religious tradition? Yeah; I was born in a Roman Catholic family. My mom's mom would've probably had a heart attack if us kids weren't. At family gatherings, are you more likely to hang out with the younger or older relatives? I mean, I'd go for those my age or older, generally. I'd hang out with kids though if they wanted me to. Considering you current health, how long do you think you will live? With my CURRENT health, probably not even 80. Do you have anything in your room that would be 'weird' to others? Posters, yeah. Have you ever done geocaching? No, but it'd be cool if my body could actually handle taking a single goddamn step. What was the last game you won? Maybe Uno with my niece? I generally let her win, but occasionally I'm "lucky" to TRY to be more convincing, lol. I think she knows I let her, though. Do you know any deaf people? If so, is it easy or difficult to have conversations with them? No. Do you enjoy playing Monopoly? Why or why not? No, because I don't like board games, especially any that involve math. Is there a doorknocker on your front door? No. Do 'laugh tracks' on TV shows annoy you? They're so normal that I don't even notice them, really. Do people often mistake you for other ethnicities? If so, what do you usually get? No, I'm pretty obviously white. Has anyone famous ever attended your school? Who? I won't say his name for the sake of not connecting dots, but a well-known football player attended my high school. Have you ever had to attend an event that occurred on your birthday? Ha, my 16th birthday landed on the Super Bowl... I was at Jason's that night, and just to be "part of the family," we watched it with everyone else that came over. I was so bored and uninterested, but that's my own fault, really. I could have said something, but this was only a month into our relationship so I was too uncomfortable to speak up. What do you think makes a girl a slut? Do you believe that label is thrown around far more often than it should be? And finally, do you think it's unfair that mostly only women receive that label? I don't give a flying fuck how many people a girl is sexually involved with so long as she is safe and open and honest with her partners. I'm not a fan of the word and don't think anyone should be called it. Do you think it's bad to have sex at 15 or younger? I don't think it's smart, really. It's just too young to risk pregnancy. Yes, abortion is an option, but like... a 15 y/o girl should never be faced with that dilemma. I'ma be real tho, I don't think it's a "good" idea until you're at least 18, aaaand I don't know any non-virgin who waited that long. Just try your best to wait, ig. Favorite love song at the moment? Love songs never sit well with me anymore. I mean I can enjoy them, absolutely, I just... have a lot of bitterness. Trying to pick a favorite when you feel like that is like trying to pick the best-looking rotten apple of the bunch. Ever wondered what it would be like dating the same gender as you? I've done that already, and it was great but also scary in a massively homophobic state. Ever paid for sex? No. During thunderstorms, how does your pet react? Neither have a unique reaction; they're unfazed. What internet browser do you use? Google Chrome. Do you like eggnog? Noooo no no. How often do you see your mother? Every day, because I live with her. Do you like croutons in your salad? No, I really don't like the texture difference. Who did you last play truth or dare with? I don't know. Have you ever brewed your own mead, wine, beer or soda? No. Have you had to make any changes in your life lately? If so, what kind of changes? ugh What's the earliest popular thing you can remember from your childhood? Ummm. I mean, probably like Barney or Elmo? Do you prefer practicality or fashionability when it comes to clothes? Well, really neither. I'm the type that wears tank tops in snow, flipflops year-round, sweatpants in summer... so I don't really dress with practicality. I don't care what's "fashionable," so. Comfort pretty much reigns over my wardrobe. Which kinds of berries grow in the wild where you live? There are these little red ones that grow in little groups and somewhat resemble raspberries. I can't remember if they're edible, though... Oh, and muscadine grapes (I had to look up if they were berries lmao) can be found here, too. They're yummy. Beautyberries are another. Have you ever made an article of clothing yourself? If so, what was it? No. Do you go to arcades? If so, what's your go-to game at one? Even before Covid, I never really went to them. I enjoy them, though. I guess my favorite is maybe air hockey? When's the last time you had an alcoholic beverage? What was it? At the Cheesecake Factory for my birthday. It was some kind of sangria... Maybe strawberry and peach? Idr, but it was good. What has been the most enjoyable job you've had? You assume I've had a job I actually enjoyed. How about the least enjoyable job? Well, I barely lasted two hours in a dairy, soooo... When's the last time you had to carefully plan how you used your time? You're asking the wroooong person, 'cuz my life is never busy enough for that. Who do you usually say hello or good morning to first? My snake Venus, usually. Well, that is if her head is peeking out of her hide or is just fully out. Do you ever chat about your favorite video games with your friends? I don't really have gamer friends anymore, so not really. What do you hope you grow out of? Being so goddamn dependent. What movie made you cry the most? I can't say for sure considering it's easy for movies to make me cry, lmao. Maybe Titanic. What was one of the happiest moments of your childhood? Seeing a container of dog food in the far back behind the Christmas tree one year. It's how I learned I was finally gettinga dog (Teddy). What brings you the most joy in life? Probably my cat lmao. What's a hobby you would like to try out? I wanna get back into video editing, I just. Don't have the motivation for it anymore. As with most things. What sort of a kiss do you count as the first kiss? On the lips and with mutual intention. What was the last event you attended? Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's, ig. How about the last event you organized? Me? Organizing an event? What's the biggest insect you've ever seen? In the wild, probably like... a rhinocerous beetle or something. NO NO WAIT. I remember at least once in my life seeing a fucking GINORMOUS moth on the ground one morning. I don't know what kind it was, but jc it was huge. How about the biggest spider? Oh yikes, I'll never forget this: an orb weaver wandering across the floor of our childhood van and under the passenger's seat. Never saw it again. I was afraid to let my feet stay on the floor for a looong time, haha. What's something you'd never ever dare to ask another person? I'd never ask certain "why" questions, like "why did you get an abortion?" or something like that. I can think of valid situations to ask most things, even controversial matters, but no one should ever have to justify something like that. "Why don't you have kids?" is another. That one gets to me. Having children is not an advancement or milestone in everyone's life, and hell, you never know if the woman's had like five miscarriages or something. What's something you've always wanted to ask someone but haven't dared? Why Mom didn't raise her eldest daughter, at least for her whole life. Katie's childhood is a big mystery to me, and I want to know more, but I know the topic is very upsetting to Mom, so I'm not about to make her explain it. What's the worst/best thing you've done without your parents knowing? Saying "worst/best" makes this question confusing... but I'm guessing you mean the best thing to me that they wouldn't have approved of? I really didn't do a lot of things that would fit that description. I can only think of a certain intimate occasion where things happened where they probably shouldn't have. If you wear earrings, what does your favorite pair look like? Ugh, I don't because of the holes being too stretched out from wearing heavy earrings too long. I still haven't gotten to putting proper gauges in so it looks less stupid. Have you ever won any money from a scratch card? Maybe like, $10 or something. How about a slot machine? I've never played one. Do like playing bingo? Sure, it's all right. What small, everyday thing makes you really happy? Cuddling with my cat. Do you enjoy puzzle games? If so, which one's your favorite? Yeah, I do. I can't really pick a favorite, though... Is there a substance you avoid at all costs? If so, what is it and why? I think in a past survey I mentioned my aversion to beer because of the association it has with my dad. I'd never be able to get a sip down. Not that I really want to anyway though, it stinks. What you would you absolutely hate living next door to? Any really busy location or travel hubs, like a train station. My childhood home was near a railroad track, and it sucked, so I can only imagine a station. What would you love to live next door to? A waterfall, uggghhhh. In the woods too to hear plenty of frogs and toads and crickets... What gives you nostalgia? It is very easy to make me nostalgic. The littlest things can do it. Hearing about/seeing/playing childhood video games, like Spyro, is a biggie. Which reminds me how damn badly I wanna play the Reignited trilogy, fuck. I just don't have the proper console. Which language do you think is the most complicated to learn? Well English is supposedly the hardest objectively, but as a native English speaker, I can't say anything about that. In my experience, Latin was like fucking impossible. Is there a place that you might call your second home? I guess Dad's house, but it's not like I'm there a lot. I feel comfortable there, though. How do you imagine your later life to look like? I DO NOT want to think about this. I fucking dread the thought. What is a job you would never in a million years want to do? A butcher. There is absolutely no motherfucking way I ever could do it, even if it kept me off the streets. What's the weirdest building in your city? *shrug* How do you keep in touch with friends usually? Facebook. Do you recognize friends'/family's vehicles by sound? Not anymore. Dad had an old car that was very easy to recognize with its shitty muffler, but he hasn't had that car in years upon years. I used to be able to recognize Jason's old car too because of sound, but primarily because he drove way too fast down our path that when I heard a car zooming over rocks, I knew it was him. What's something new you've just recently learned? It was actually a topic of recent discussion that I may have high-functioning Asperger's. Very, very unusual to learn later in life, but apparently Mom's seen the warning signs in some things since childhood, like my extreme pickiness with textures, my tendency to knead and play with my hands in situations of discomfort, my social ineptitude, hyperfixations, it actually running in our family (which I didn't know beforehand), among a lot of other things. We're not really digging into it though because it just doesn't matter; there's obviously no magic treatment for autism, and me being in therapy and having a psychiatrist to handle my meds is enough. If you were in Harry Potter, which house would you be in? Apparently I'm on the Hufflepuff/Gryffindor line when I took a survey a long time ago. Are you nagged about being on the computer too much? Not anymore, at least on the average day. Mom's accepted it by now. Dad's joked about it before though and I know others have certain opinions about it. Based on your personality, what animal do you think you'd be? Maybe a deer. Shy, reclusive, and always on alert. Have you ever been in a hot tub? Yeah. What song is stuck in your head at the moment? I have "my boy" by Billie Eilish on right now because it's stuck in my head. What's your father's middle name? John. What's the last movie you saw in theaters? Yikes, good question. I think it was The Lion King remake. Have you ever vandalized? No. What's a pet you've always wanted? Most pets I want I've had at some point or another... I guess I'll say a ferret, though I've really only wanted one in concept. I could never keep up with their maintenance, but by god they are the cutest fucking things ever. Do you like mice? I love mice! What's your favorite t-shirt? My "equal in our bones" Cloak shirt. :''') The design is so beautiful and just my style in general, plus I live to support anything Fischfuck takes part in. Did you/will you get a car for your 16th birthday? I'm 25 and still have never had my own car lmaoooo. What's your favorite tomato variety? I generally don't like tomatoes themselves, but rather products made with them, like ketchup. If I'm in the mood though, I do like tomato sandwiches with mayo and bacon; I only ever enjoyed them though if they were fresh right from an old friend's garden. Which well-known person's death shocked you the most, if any? I think Chester Bennington's was the biggest surprise. Rest easy, you legend. What's the craziest color you'd dye your hair? More like what crazy color WOULDN'T I dye it... What was the longest train ride you've been on? I've never been on one. What's the coolest hobby one of your friends has? uhhhhh idk Have you ever played in a stack of hay bales? No. If you could learn any skill, which would you like to learn? Ha, cooking. How do you like your steak? Medium well.

TWiFFON: On Power Dynamics [circa Chapter 19]

Just a sit-rep, because the unreliable narrators skimmed over a few things since the get-go and this has mostly been in the background:

[aka the foundation for the accidental world domination so far]

Chapters 1, 2, and 3 [IM3, Thor 2, prelude to CA2]: 

Tony’s going back to his roots, but, as a billionaire who’s revolutionized the political landscape, that’s not exactly a minor detail. 

In the international arena, he’s been a major name for a while because of it, and having Iron Man rescue the POTUS means that he’s not too shabby in the States, either.

SI Legal’s already a known [and low-key terrifying] entity, and nobody wants to call their bluff of “want us to move this up a tier? Because Pepper Potts and Tony Stark would be more than willing to have an appointment”.

Overall, same as per canon, though he’s starting to expand [as we’ve seen with the start of the Iron Legion].

Tony’s involvement with cleanup operations alongside SHIELD is also making him a known quantity in a way the world hasn’t really seen before. 

I mean, his show of responsibility from Afghanistan was one way, sure, but now he’s being seen dealing with reconstruction efforts on a semiregular basis. [e.g. New York, AIM, London]

And the Avengers/SHIELD...aren’t. 

The Avengers because they disbanded after New York, of course.

 SHIELD just loves the ‘one hand doesn’t know what the other’s doing’ approach, plus they’re a secret but menacing spy agency, what would they want PR for? [Plus, y’know, HYDRA.]

Chapter 4 [CA2]:

...here’s where we start to wave goodbye to canon.

SHIELD fell, but Tony was there to pick up the pieces with a speed and efficiency that’s frankly terrifying to the international community. 

Thus why there’s talk of the accords so soon; they’re seeing Tony doing what he’s doing, and think what he’s done is part of a team effort. 

It wasn’t, of course, but Stark Industries’ immediate response to the entire fiasco is showing the world that he’s stepping up to fill the power vacuum by SHIELD not an hour after it fell.

Chapters 5, 6, and 7 [the CA2 fallout]:

After DC, there’s a bit of a time skip, and the narrators glossed over a lot. [Plus the start of Tony’s obliviousness to all things world domination]

Tony’s visibly hiring a good chunk of SHIELD survivors, plus his company having been the driving force for ‘privatized world peace’, mean he’s very much a major name, worldwide.

Internationally, everyone’s seeing this hypercompetent philanthropic businessman who’s very responsible and willing to play nice. 

The Iron Legion’s helping clean up and rescue victims of natural disasters, and tensions are lower than ever between countries that’d normally be...not at each other’s throats, but close. Overall, respectable. 

And considering he’s Howard Stark’s son? Ironic as hell. [...more on that in another post, but in this one Howard was a major figure and also a bit of an ass to anyone who ‘didn’t further American interests’.]

SI’s Legal department’s also dealing with the rumors about some accords of some sort, and trying to keep Ross from sniffing around too much. [So far, so good on the world domination front]

Nationally, Tony’s still a household name, but the press hasn’t forgotten his womanizing ways, and are reluctant to let anyone else do it either. 

The PR department came up with the ‘genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist’ image to distract from the ‘could kick-start an arms race at any moment’ thing, and it worked only too well.

Still respectable, but much less serious than what those outside the States would think. 

PR did enough ‘look how much he did for our military! So patriotic!’ coverage earlier on that he doesn’t ping much on their radar, is what I’m getting to.

SHIELD isn’t doing so hot. They’re barely functional, because between HYDRA and SWORD, they don’t have very many people left. There’s also the start of a difference of ideologies, because the fallout’s not even across the board. 

The World Security Council are particularly interested in Tony.

He’s not subtle about this whole ‘protecting the planet’ thing, which they can get behind, really. 

That he’s also filling in for a lot of things SHIELD’s done also helps.

His being on the roster [if only as a ‘consultant’—ha, that’s cute] plus what he’s doing mean Tony’s having multiple conference calls with the WSC, and that’s the story of how a) they have his number, and b) get to know him [and see him as a responsible leader who’s competent and does what’s necessary. Sure, he’s strangely insistent on not being called team leader, but to each their own. Rogers sure wasn’t the one dealing with the fallout from DC].

Chapters 8 and 9 [buildup to AoU]:

Bit of a time skip here too.

SI and the then-Unnamed Support Group [SWORD] are gaining traction as they’re getting used to the new status quo. Due to their willingness to listen and above-board presentation, they’re a pretty large contender in the international arena, even in countries that may not have been fans of SHIELD earlier on. 

The Avengers haven’t been in media recently.

Internationally, everyone’s word-associating ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Tony Stark’ and ‘the Avengers initiative’. Captain America’s some dude, and he clearly must be badass for Tony Stark to respect him, but clearly the leaked files are wrong because Iron Man is obviously the team leader.  

Stateside, Captain America is so obviously the one calling the shots, and look at how patriotic he is, fighting Nazis even now! [...no comment about rl, nope this is my stress relief dammit] Tony’s clearly a founding member, but genius though he may be he just doesn’t have the battle instincts or integrity such an icon has to lead a team.

Tony’s too focused on safeguarding the future to really care about what’s at hand. All these people bugging him about this supposedly elite team [ha. Go team] are more than welcome to fuck off and leave him alone, except he’s not done with the long-term plan to protect the Earth so he’ll play ball. [For now.] 

SHIELD’s barely able to keep it together, and want their people back but Dr. Stark’s saying no and they can’t afford to alienate him. They’re persona non grata in some places, because HYDRA. 

they’re not exactly happy campers at the moment, is what I’m saying.

Chapters 10-19 [AoU arc because it just won't end]:

...it’s like less than a week, if that. Idek. 

SWORD’s assembled, and kicking ass, taking names, and filling out paperwork like a boss because that’s how Stark Industries rolls.

Tony’s making the Avengers look good, because he’s doing like 80% of the paperwork while trying to figure out a polite way to say ‘so long, losers! I quit’ while also not endangering the planet. 

The world sees Tony as a heavy hitter, and if he’s having issues then clearly he needs everything in their arsenal. 

...there’s quite a bit more to it, but that’s all I’ve got atm. Anything anyone wants to see clarified, and as long as it’s not too spoilery, just shoot me an ask.

Online dating age difference

How Age Difference Factors In Online Dating I will find happiness there as well, although it will be of a different type.  Couples with a 5 years age difference usually have more children.  I got many more responses from men within 5 years of my actual age when I posted a younger age.  The results are exemplified in the section below.  However, even some Western men sincere in seeking wives lie about their own age so that they can be accepted by much younger women.  I often tell people that Kevin and I met at the perfect time.

How Age Difference Factors In Online Dating If there is a 10 years age difference in relationships when a man is older and a woman is younger, it is clear that such relationships will require making constant efforts to maintain them, to make them long-lasting, stable, strong.  Dating someone younger means you will have more of a chance that she will be fun, adventurous and full of life.  However, in the meantime, I am fully appreciating the beautiful gift God has given me! No one knows how long their time here on earth is.  Maybe their Chinese wives did not tell them the true reason of their leaving for avoiding hurting them further? We went on a supposedly platonic outing to the movies one night, and that's when I realized I was in trouble.  Anonymous1003 - I agree wholeheartedly with paulfox1 that this is a great thread you've posted.

Online dating age difference What can we draw from this finding? Nowadays more and more Western men are interested in Chinese culture, but few have noticed the age difference in a marriage that Chinese women are fond of.  What kind of future could we possibly have together? I wish you and lady many years of bliss! This way the search is more open and natural, as it would be in real life.  But the fact was, I was 30, and he was 22.  He is interested to date our female protagonist aged 27.  You carefully craft the perfect message to get the ball rolling, press send, and then — you wait.  Having said all that, most people still let age — and setting their age range online — hinder them.

Relationship Age Gap: How Big Is too Big? Or perhaps cultural forces, such as lower rates of marriage, are making the generation gap less relevant.  She's seeking experience What a young lady is looking for in such a marriage? In the final tally, The Washington Post sample included 224 blind dates, and The Boston Globe sample included 123 blind dates.  If, despite his age, he will be able to have children in such , it'll become an obvious proof of the fact that 'he's a real man' and it'll gives him more scores in the society.  I am usually not asked my age by a man in person.  Growing up in the 60's and 70's and into adulthood in the 80's I, like many of my contemporaries, would aim for women to date who were either the same age or a little younger.  They will know what after knowing the real modern Chinese culture for marriage.  Knowing that there are men of that age who are in great shape, physically , interesting and successful is there a reason to categorically exclude these men? Consider between you and your potential match.

How Age Difference Factors In Online Dating I joined an online dating site, which as you noted, requires my age to be front and center.  Every woman would like to find a partner with physical attaction to her; if she has to choose a much older man due to her poor ecomonic condition or child reason, she would feel miserable by herself, not peer pressure thing.  When the aims of the research are to investigate age as a factor in relationships, then the design of the research is going to be biased because it is looking at age as a main factor in the development of relationships.  Mehta provides speaking engagements for your organization and for adults.  Besides, the older partner is not only sexually more experienced and ready for new challenges in this field but also can offer more in spiritual life! This energy can have a spill-over effect on older men as well, making them feel younger.  Are you a rich man or a very successful man? Several of my friends have told me the same thing, many times over the years.  The attraction was undeniable, but horrifying nonetheless.

Wary of dating a much older man You may see a relation with a very large age difference, it is probably not absolutely a rich man- young girl or a very successful man-young girl combination in which the young girl gets a shortcut to a good life.  My sense is, as you said, more guys are willing to give me a chance in person vs.  Although the cultural norm leans towards women dating older men, some would prefer to reverse the expectation.  In addition, Buss collected actual age differences at for 27 of the 37 cultures, and across the board men normally married women who were younger than themselves.  To be honest, she knows how to arrouse me with her big, round body.  For some people, it never happens at all.

Age Differences When Dating Get acquainted with a beautiful lady from 30 y.  Similarly, in a 1994 study using a nationally representative sample of single Americans younger than 35, the results revealed that women were significantly more willing than men to marry someone older by five years; conversely, men were significantly more willing than women to marry someone who was younger by five years.  She was alone and I was alone and it was, as saying, that a hug soon was followed by a kiss and a kiss was a step to physical intimacy.  In other words, men gave higher ratings to dates where the man was older than the women; women also endorsed a higher rating when the man was older.  If one of you is ready to settle down and have a family and the other has already done that, you may find that your compatibility doesn't override your needs in life.

Age Differences When Dating Conversely, older men to find a lot of younger, often rely on their own resources, but also their own or other advantage, that can be switched to the.  And older man can give his woman feeling of security and commitment.  I recently had a wonderful date with a man 12 year my senior; we met online and he was indeed a bit older than I typically go for, but we had a great connection.  I have no idea why, especially since I'm really negative about the institution of marriage.  As a Silicon Valley firm, we have been in the online dating business for over 18 years! My message to women here is to state clearly what you want.

Age Differences When Dating There are many examples of happy relationships when a man is 20 years older than a woman.  And as we spent more time together and I prayed about it, my worries disappeared.  And if you want to learn more about Russian women, read this article.  He had a fantastic, razor sharp wit that kept me laughing when we worked together in the college's writing center.  A person's maturity also depends on life experience.  Or generation gap stands out after the fresh period of marriage? If you are a desirable mate, than you have more choice, if you are not so desirable, you might need to compromise.  Effect on the marital relationship.

Age Difference And though not statistically significant, the ratings of dates were this time in the predicted direction.  My younger guy has chosen to be open to the journey and see where it leads, for the simple reason of.  There are some excellent Christian dating advice books by well-established Christian authors; most are inexpensive and available through your local Christian bookstore or online. He explains that during his years at a Bible college, he gave his desire for a spouse over to the Lord and asked Him to determine who his wife would be.  Likewise, women also rated the dates lower when the man was older than the woman.

Rick Redniss Op-Ed: Zoning Tweaks That Transform Stamford

Rick Redniss Op-Ed: Zoning tweaks that transform Stamford

Published 4:45 pm EST, Wednesday, January 23, 2019

This is my fifth op-ed correcting Barry Michelson. His latest “Zoning in Stamford — profit vs. perspective” (Oct. 17) should have been titled “Planning vs. Politics.” It is important that the public understands the facts relating to Zoning Text Amendments.

Though he called my stating his 80-percent positive voting record on zoning text changes “spurious,” the facts are in the zoning files. He obviously once agreed text changes were an appropriate land use tool.

He states how bad things are in Stamford and inaccurately insinuates I said the city tax base “has been stabilized.” Here is what I said:

“Section 10-H has allowed many office buildings to be converted to housing, thus reducing peak hour traffic with people living, walking, and supporting local retailers, stabilizing the tax base, strengthening public safety, creating jobs, on-site affordable housing, enhanced public infrastructure, and the benefit list goes on.”

Repurposing the derelict, empty, commercial 614 Shippan Ave building into new residential homes helps stabilize the city tax base. Visit it and compare it to the years of derelict condition. It took two text changes to accomplish that positive result. This adaptive reuse creates four affordable apartments at no cost to taxpayers. The only way affordable housing was produced prior to Stamford’s inclusionary zoning text was with partial taxpayer funding. Now private developers produce much needed below market rate housing with every new development, without taxpayer funding. That helps stabilize our tax base.

The 614 Shippan Ave. developer is also rebuilding offsite public sidewalks and improving water quality at no cost to taxpayers. The taxes on this property will increase by about $100,000 per year with little increased demand on services/infrastructure. The apartments are studios and one-bedrooms, so demand on our schools is minimal. The application and permit fees, WPCA fees, affordable housing, and offsite improvements equate to more than $1 million in public benefits. Not to mention jobs created, materials purchased, new appliances, etc. If it wasn’t for the text amendments, that derelict non-conforming building would likely have been reused as-of-right with virtually none of these long-term benefits.

He also claimed that “We have not seen the ‘enhanced public infrastructure’ improvements Redniss touts.” That is not true. For example, there have been many millions of dollars of improvements to Stamford’s infrastructure via Zoning approvals. Recent applications along Tresser Boulevard have improved almost half of a mile of public sidewalks; new crosswalks, traffic signals, pedestrian detectors, and turning pockets.

Anyone can look at the conditions of Zoning Approvals to see significant public infrastructure improvements that, absent these approvals, would not exist or would eventually fall on Stamford taxpayers. The facts are there. These offsite improvements typically correct prior existing traffic deficiencies beyond just mitigating the impact of the individual development proposed. These improvements that are warranted without any new development yet are deferred using taxpayer funding are being done by the private sector.

Mr. Michelson must also have never been to the Mill River Park where zoning text changes and subsequent approvals have added many acres of land and thousands of linear feet of river frontage to our publicly accessible park system. This includes expensive relocation of private ownership that the city was unable to do for decades. Does he not see Mill River Park as “enhanced public infrastructure?” Does he not know it took several text changes to make that happen?

On the day of his op-ed there was a story of another approved text change to facilitate removing vacant High Ridge Road office space and creating much-needed senior living opportunities. This had no opposition, no controversy, and received unanimous Planning Board and Zoning Board approval. Should we listen to the Michelson mantra and stop these supposedly life degrading text changes? What would be the result? More vacant office space with lost tax revenue so the burden shifts to residential home owners? More peak hour traffic if the offices were reoccupied? Less opportunity to meet the demographic demand of our aging population?

His attack on me also tries to convince people that since I get paid to draft regulations that is a reason to stop text change applications. What about text changes I helped craft where I didn’t get paid? Do these get equally thrown out with his political bathwater? Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Boys & Girls Club, Stamford Land Conservation Trust, Historic Preservation, affordable housing, public park land, etc. I have had a hand in more than 100 text change applications over 40 years. Michelson tries to convince people the “liberal granting of changes to the zoning regulations that affect similarly zoned parcels throughout the city for a “single applicant” on a “single parcel” and that “text changes are granted far too liberally.” Let’s look at an example of a “single applicant” change and the results over time.

I proposed the Special Exception Uses for Historical Buildings with Renee Kahn decades ago to save one historic house. Ironically that particular house was not saved, yet Section 7.3 has since enabled 48 other historic buildings to be preserved. Is that too liberal? Was it better when these historic buildings were being demolished?

Zoning is a dynamic, complicated process that requires careful thought, consideration, and an objective examination of all of the effects — intended and unintended. Misrepresenting facts and publicly bashing our dedicated volunteer land use board members and staff for political purposes does nothing to improve land use in Stamford.

Rick Redniss is a land-use consultant from the Stamford land surveying, engineering and planning firm Redniss & Mead.

Read the complete Press Release

Banker signs on for Rx accounts

Also, hemp and CBDs.

John Stacks, the chairman and CEO of a small Arkansas bank, last year voted against the amendment that allowed the sale of medical marijuana in Arkansas. But Stacks attributes his opposition to a "lack of knowledge" of the benefits of cannabis, and announced this week that his bank, HomeBank of Arkansas, will handle accounts from medical marijuana growers and sellers.

HomeBank, with branches in Little Rock, Portland (Ashley County), Greenbrier, Damascus and Marshall, will partner with third-party private banking company Safe Harbor, which Stacks said will provide compliance with complicated federal laws, such as the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money-laundering laws, by vetting growers and sellers and keeping a transparent accounting of cash transactions. "Safe Harbor has been doing this as long as we know of," Stacks said. By using Safe Harbor, the bank can "file the proper reports with the proper authorities and you take all that cash" away from the growers and sellers. "It hopefully prevents theft and crime."

Stacks said many people in the small communities where HomeBank operates "are very supportive and we're starting to see a lot more people" support the idea of medical marijuana. "In the past year, when I talked to several doctors, I realized the medical benefits. My dad passed away a year ago. If I'd known then what I know now I would have found him some to help with the pain and nausea" of cancer, he said.

Stacks said his motivation was also economic. "We felt like there was a strong need and we didn't see anyone else stepping up to the plate." Another Arkansas bank is said to be working with the industry, but has not gone public.

HomeBank had $78 million or $79 million in assets in its last quarter, Stacks said.

He purchased HomeBank, which is building headquarters in Greenbrier, in 2001. He took a leave of absence in 2014 after he was indicted on charges of submitting a false claim for federal disaster aid for his Mountain Pure water bottling company and wire fraud. He was convicted, but federal Judge Leon Holmes set aside two of the convictions, saying the prosecutor had insufficient evidence, and ordered a new trial. The U.S. attorney decided to dismiss the remaining charges rather than relitigate them.

Had Arkansas legislators attended this week's Ark-La-Tex Medical Cannabis Expo at the Statehouse Convention Center and seen the dozens of businesses that will be created as a result of the marijuana industry, they might have decided to expand, rather than limit, growing and dispensing in Arkansas.

There were booths for everything from fertilizer products to safety testing, hemp oil products, custom lighters and pipes and grinders, safe cash recycling and banking apps and grow lights. There was even a booth touting coconut coir as a growing medium.

One of the booths was hosted by the Arkansas Hemp Association, a nonprofit trade group founded to promote and expand non-intoxicating industrial hemp as an agricultural crop in the state. AHA Vice President Jeremy Fisher said the first licenses to grow experimental plots of hemp in the state should be issued by the Arkansas State Plant Board next spring.  Arkansas approved the issuance of licenses to grow experimental plots of hemp in March 2017 with the passage of House Bill 1778, which became Act 981. The bill empowers the Plant Board to license growers to participate in a 10-year industrial hemp research program. The Plant Board will administer the program, in cooperation with the University of Arkansas's Department of Agriculture and the Cooperative Extension Service. The board will set the location and acreage of the test plots. Yields and acreage will be small in early years, but should be steadily increased if the crop proves itself viable. An ancient crop that was historically grown for rope, sail canvas, fishing nets and clothing — George Washington grew the stuff at Mount Vernon — industrial hemp differs from cannabis in that it's low in THC, the active ingredient in cannabis that gets a user "high." Under the law, strains to be grown as industrial hemp in Arkansas must contain less than .3 percent THC.  Fisher was a volunteer with Arkansans for Compassionate Care in 2014. After Issue 7, the ballot initiative pushed by ACC, was disqualified from the ballot, Fisher said medical marijuana advocates Gary and Melissa Fults asked him to help write a bill to try and get an industrial hemp pilot program for the state. With Nicholas Dial, now the president of the Arkansas Hemp Association, Fisher drafted the bill, which ultimately led to hemp being legalized by the Arkansas General Assembly.  "Writing the bill, we put it under a research pilot program where farmers, processors and businesses can conduct agronomy research, water research and things like that and also market research," Fisher said. "It can help expand the business toward commercialization in the years down the road."  Fisher said that unlike medical cannabis, which is often grown indoors under very strict lighting, nutrient and watering conditions to maximize its THC content, industrial hemp is grown outdoors like any other agricultural crop. "Similar to a weed," Fisher said, hemp is naturally drought tolerant and pest resistant, and can grown in pretty much any soil type. The plants mature at between 90 to 120 days, and have over 25,000 uses, Fisher said. "The major markets right now have to do with food for the seed oil, the industrial oil for cosmetics and shampoos and lotions, things like that," he said. "You can use the fiber to make fabrics, and also building materials." Fisher said insulation, particle board and fiberboard can be manufactured from the sturdy hemp fibers, which can also be mixed with cement to form "hempcrete," a strong and lightweight building material. Hemp can also be formulated into biodiesel. One of the biggest potential markets for hemp — and one that could have a huge impact on the economy of Arkansas — is its use in making paper. Unlike trees, which can take 20 to 30 years to grow big enough to pulp for paper, a hemp crop can be grown over a summer. There are currently five industrial paper mills in Arkansas, and Fisher said they could likely be retrofitted to use or supplement with hemp fiber.  Fisher said that the support from the farming community for a new potential cash crop has been overwhelmingly positive. "Everyone we've talked to that's either a farmer or supports the agricultural community is 100 percent for it," he said. "They believe it's a great, green crop that can help give farmers something else to rotate in. Instead of poisoning or degrading the soils they have, it can jump start a new economy that can start new businesses and new processes for hemp. It's all support." 

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main active ingredient in cannabis — and the one whose effects science know the most about. But, marijuana has over 80 cannabinoids that bind to the receptors in your brain. Beyond THC, the most talked about one is cannabidiol, or CBD, which does not have the psychoactive effects of marijuana but is being tested as a drug.

It's still too early to say for sure what CBD does or if it works as a vitamin. But it's not illegal to purchase products labeled "CBD only" in Arkansas, and vendors are selling it, both online and in dispensaries, in the form of oils, creams and drops that supposedly give relief to such things as arthritis. At the Expo, one company showed a slew of these products, even offering gummy bears to folks to sample and dog treats for their pooches.

Still, the FDA frowns on companies that make health claims on their CBD oil product labels, and has written warning letters to companies to stop making such claims, including That's Natural!, Stanley Brothers, Natural Alchemist and Green Roads Health (find more information on the fda.gov website).

Warning: Leafly.com says there may not be CBD in your CBD products. The only states in which you can be sure products contain CBD are where the products are regulated and tested: Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska. As Leafly says, "outside of those four states, consumers must put their trust in the manufacturer."

Banker signs on for Rx accounts