Havalisia Owens will never recover tangible memories such as the family photographs and art her daughters made in elementary school that Tropical Storm Harvey washed away. And more than one contractor has told her that her home, which has started to sink into the land, won't withstand being elevated.
But a newly opened federal program administered by the Texas General Land Office has the potential to build her a new, raised home so she can stay on the Port Arthur property where many of those memories were made.
"Honestly, I had no idea what I was going to do to fix it," the mother of two said Wednesday.
The Homeowner Assistance Program — the single largest housing program within the Land Office's Harvey-recovery plan — is expected to help repair and reconstruct owner-occupied single-family homes damaged by the storm.
Land Commissioner George P. Bush came to Jefferson County Wednesday to talk with Owens, local media and officials about the program and to open a regional office in Beaumont that will help administer it.
The General Land Office allocated $1.098 billion of federal disaster recovery funds to the program, which will go to 48 eligible counties, excluding the city of Houston and Harris County. About $205 million of that will go to Hardin, Orange and Jefferson counties.
"This is an ongoing conversation outside of Houston: What about us?" Bush said, expressing hope that this money will provide another solution to area residents.
Activities potentially eligible for the program include home rehabilitation, reconstruction, new construction, hazard mitigation, elevation and relocation assistance.
Money will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis.
As of Wednesday afternoon, at least 89 people had applied or were working on online applications for the Homeowner Assistance Program.
Owens, whose home belonged to her grandfather and who remembers summers there with her cousins while growing up, said it's important to her to remain in the neighborhood. When her own grandkids visit, she said, she knows her neighbors will watch out for them.
Community Development and Revitalization Senior Deputy Director Pete Phillips said the Land Office and Bush have used lessons learned in past hurricanes to improve this program's rollout. For instance, residents can apply for funds online instead of needing to visit an office.
The program also works with state-approved builders and contractors to minimize or eliminate the possibility that contractors won't finish repairs, honor warranties or create other problems residents have faced in the storm's aftermath.
It's also working to keep contractors in the state to ease concerns that there's too much work for too few workers.
Susie Murray, one of the first people to visit the Beaumont office Wednesday, was cautiously optimistic about the project.
She said she applied for money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after Harvey but was denied because her flood insurance policy — which cost $2,600 that she couldn't afford — wasn't up-to-date.
In the wake of other storms, she's tried to get help from government agencies but the reality never lived up to the promises she'd heard politicians make or seen advertised on television.
Bush said his office understands fatigue that comes from trying to find help from multiple agencies. As a result, it's pursuing more than one program to form a "tailored approach" for people looking for help.
The General Land Office is administering $5.734 billion in federal long-term disaster recovery funds in the state. This money will go to housing, infrastructure and state and local planning programs.
Other programs include local buyouts, homeowner reimbursement and the multifamily housing repair program.
The Land Office is also waiting for direction on how to administer an additional $4.7 billion in federal disaster relief funds.
Or download the application online and return it in person to one of the General Land Office's regional offices.
Or visit a regional office and fill out application in-person.
Send questions to cdr@glo.texas.gov or call 844-893-8937.
You'll need as many relevant documents as possible. Examples include income information for all adult household members, proof of home ownership and, if applicable, proof of child support payment. More information can be found at the link above.


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water fluoridation and fluoride in toothpaste have recently led to people keeping their natural teeth over their entire lifetime. However, as you get older, you may have to take extra care to keep your teeth in ideal condition.
As people age, they may have trouble with saliva production, which could create an increase in gum disease and tooth decay, according to the CDC. Aging may also result in receding gums that expose teeth to decay-causing bacteria. Thirdly, aging may cause difficulties with flossing and brushing due to poor eyesight, chronic disease, or physical limitations. The CDC also says that other factors influencing seniors, such as being homebound, disabled, or institutionalized in a nursing home, increase the risk of poor oral health.
20% of adults age 65 or older have untreated tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel and is largely preventable.
68% of adults age 65 or older have gum disease. Gum disease is the infection and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround the teeth. Untreated gum disease can lead to teeth loss.
20% of adults age 65 or older have lost all their teeth (missing teeth and dentures can affect nutrition).
The median age of oral and pharyngeal cancers is 62. Cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoking can contribute to oral cancers.
Medications that cause dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities, if not enough saliva is produced to keep the mouth healthy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are ways to maintain dental hygiene and keep your mouth and teeth healthy as you age.
Drink fluoridated water. (You may already be drinking fluoridated water. According to the CDC, more than 200 million Americans had access to fluoridated drink water systems in 2014).
Use fluoride toothpaste (check your toothpaste tube; it may contain fluoride).
Don't forget to floss after brushing thoroughly (if you are unable to brush or floss by yourself, ask a caregiver to assist you).
Visit your dentist regularly, even if you have dentures and no natural teeth.
Don't smoke, and drink alcohol sparingly.
If your medication causes dry mouth, drink plenty of water and chew sugarless gum.
If you have diabetes, ask your doctor about how to manage the disease. Well-managed diabetes could decrease the risk for complications such as gum disease.
Keep in mind that plans vary as to what they cover and not all plans may be available in your area. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you must continue to pay your Part B premium.
If you still have questions about proper dental hygiene for seniors, I am happy to help you find answers. If you prefer, you can schedule a phone call or request an email by clicking on the buttons below. You can also find out about plan options in your area by clicking the Compare Plans button.


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In and Out
The Opening & Closing of the Week: Feb 21-27
Saying ciao and ciao to a couple of Italian institutions.
By Katharine Shilcutt 2/27/2015 at 2:25pm
Each Friday, Gastronaut rounds up the most notable opening and closing of the week.
Good news for those seeking a deep dish fix a little closer to the city than Spring: the second Houston-area location of Gino's East opened in Willowbrook yesterday afternoon at 17116 Tomball Pkwy. The first location near The Woodlands marked the famed Chicago deep dish pizza chain's first entree in Texas, with four more locations planned in San Antonio, Austin, and the Dallas area.
Gino's East will be open until 11 p.m. tonight to celebrate, but will begin normal operating hours of 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting tomorrow. In keeping with the slogan seen throughout the restaurant—"Deep dish in the heart of Texas"—the menu at the Texas locations of Gino's East features some Lone Star State-inspired pies like the BBQ Brisket Za (look, we don't name these things...) with barbecued brisket and caramelized onions as well as an extensive selection of Texas craft beer.
Meanwhile on Studewood, the Heights location of Piatto Ristorante closed its doors this week after less than a year. An announcement on Facebook alerted patrons on Wednesday that though the restaurant—owned by the Carrabba family—on the ground floor of the six-story midrise at 1111 Studewood was closing effective February 25, they hoped customers would still visit their original Galleria-area location at 4925 W. Alabama St.
No word on what's going into the now vacant space, though the Los Cucos that also occupies a first floor spot next door is still going gangbusters, judging by the line of cars squatting on Studewood each evening waiting to be parked. Because if there's one thing Houstonians love these days, it's valeting their cars for Tex-Mex. What is happening to us, y'all?
Pizza, Heights, Willowbrook
Captain Enormo
The Largest Slices in Houston Are at Gotham Pizza
07/15/2019 By Joanna O'Leary
Our Latest Obsession: Eggplant Parmesan Pie at Pizza Motus
The Heights Boulevard Sculpture Project Takes Off
05/23/2019 With Marianna Corcoran
Where You Should Eat This Month: July 2019

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Michigan is a Constitution Free Zone
October 24, 2008 by Ryan Jones
The US constitution simply doesn't apply in Michigan. According to the latest ACLU post, border patrol agents no longer need a warrant to search a person within 100 miles of the US border.
The problem? There's no place in Michigan that's more than 100 miles away from a border.
This doesn't bode will.
Filed Under: Main
Ryan Jones is an SEO from Detroit. By day he works as a manager of SEO & Analytics at SapientNitro where his team performs SEO for Fortune500 clients. By night he's either playing hockey or attempting to take over the world with his own websites - which he would have already succeeded in doing had it not been for those meddling kids and their dog. The views expressed here have not been paid for and belong only to Ryan, not any of his employers or clients. Follow Ryan on Twitter at: @RyanJones, add him on Google+ or visit his personal website: www.RyanMJones.com
Thomas says
I think you meant well. This doesn't bode well.


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Hollywood So White
Now You See Me 2 Takes a Small but Vital Stand for Asian Representation in Hollywood
Jay Chou may have a small role in the film, but his face on the poster speaks volumes.
By Katey Rich
Courtesy of Lionsgate.
It's been a month since the #StarringJohnCho Twitter meme took hold, inspiring fans to Photoshop the Star Trek and Harold & Kumar actor on various movie posters to suggest a world in which an Asian-American leading man is as common a sight as a white one. Since then, character posters for the upcoming Star Trek: Beyond have featured John Cho, but the visibility of other Asian stars in Hollywood has remained as dim as ever.
Until, at least, posters for Now You See Me 2 began popping up, featuring the film's voluminous cast lined up in a row, with one face in particular standing out. Jay Chou, a major Taiwanese pop and movie star, has a small supporting role in the sequel out this Friday, but he takes his place alongside Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Lizzy Caplan, and all the rest in the film's poster. Maybe this wasn't a direct answer to #StarringJohnCho, says the film's director, Jon Chu—but it was a deliberate choice all the same.
"We all knew we wanted to show the diversity of our cast and all the different ranges of our talent and personality," says Chu of the decision to crowd the movie poster like a police lineup. He doesn't take credit for putting Chou on the poster, but as one of very few Asian-American directors making blockbusters in Hollywood, he recognizes his role in promoting that kind of visibility. "I feel a lot more responsibility now to see what I can do as an artist to help push that and open more paths for the next generation. That's pretty cool, at least in Hollywood. Things are changing but there's a lot more to do."
He points out that between himself, Star Trek Beyond director Justin Lin, and The Conjuring 2's James Wan, there are three major tentpole films directed by Asian-Americans opening this summer—not bad for an industry still widely regarded as a "straight, white boys' club." And as for Chou, though his presence in the film may be limited—as well as a nod to audiences in China, where the first Now You See Me made nearly 10 percent of its $234 million foreign gross—it's likely we'll see much more of him in the future. Chu is already attached to Now You See Me 3 (though it's still not too late to retitle it Now You Three Me), and says that for Chou's character, the second movie "may be the beginning of his story."
But when it comes to breaking down the barriers of what Asian actors can do on-screen, we may also want to look toward Crazy Rich Asians, which Chu also plans to direct. An adaptation of Kevin Kwan's 2013 social satire about a Chinese-American woman attending a wedding among wealthy Chinese expats in Singapore, the movie would feature an all-Asian cast in roles wildly different from the familiar Hollywood stereotypes for Asian actors. As Chu puts it: "We're going to break that mold and smash it all over the place and pour Cristal all over it."
All of the Red Carpet Looks You Need to See From the 2016 Billboard Music Awards
Wearing Thierry Mugler.
Lizzy Caplan Is the Best Part of Now You See Me 2
Director Jon Chu had big plans for her from the beginning.
By Laura Bradley
Now You See Me 2 Is Awfully Silly, But It Does the Trick
A goofy magic show in a world where magic is cool.
By Richard Lawson
Oscars So White
Chris Rock's Oscars Asian Jokes Finally Prompt Academy Response
Following a letter from Ang Lee, George Takei, and other Academy members, the organization "regrets that any aspect of the Oscar telecast was offensive."


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Florida Georgia Line Joins USO Virtual Summer Music Series
Coming off a successful Fourth of July kick off of its debut virtual summer music series, the USO announced today the award-winning, multiplatinum duo Florida Georgia Line will headline the nonprofit's next Military Virtual Programming (MVP) episode on Saturday, Aug. 1.
The MVP summer episode, also featuring Grammy Award winners The Chainsmokers and singer-songwriter JoJo, will be streamed at noon ET. Viewers can tune in at USO.org/MVP to learn more about ways to watch.
Florida Georgia Line, longtime supporters of the USO, the U.S. military and their families will bring their high-energy concert to viewers around the world as they perform their blockbuster BMLG Records hits like "Cruise," "H.O.L.Y." and "Meant to Be."
This prerecorded concert, was previously shot at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., as part of the World's Biggest USO Tour, and is the second in the USO's MVP summer series. The first episode was a Fourth of July extravaganza featuring country music legend Clint Black, comedian Iliza Shlesinger and other entertainers. The special garnered more than 140,000 views across the USO's platforms.
A special Labor Day episode will be announced at a later date. The summer series combined with previous MVP events, is part of the USO's ongoing commitment to keep our military and their families connected to home by providing high-quality programs and entertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been 40 MVP events since April, reaching nearly 24,000 members of the Military community around the world.
For more on the summer series and to view past MVP events, visit USO.org/MVP.
Florida Georgia Line
United Service Organization
Veteran/Service Member Support
2nd Annual ASCAP Foundation Silent Auction Kicks Off Online With Exclusive Items Dec 5, 2022
The ASCAP Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting American music creators, launches its second annual silent auction to benefit its efforts to nurture the next generation of music creators. More →
USO Hosts Operation Play It Forward featuring 72-Hour Gaming Streamathon on Twitch Nov 9, 2021
Anti-Trafficking International Hosts First "Be the Light" Gala Sep 29, 2021
USO Kicks Off 11th Annual T-Shirt Campaign May 6, 2021
¡Gracias! Every Moment Counts PSA
Peyton Manning, Stevie Nicks and Others Shine at USO of Metro of Washington-Baltimore's Dinner
Bruce Willis' USO Holiday Message to the Troops
USO and Gary Sinise - Navy Yard Healing Concert


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Iran's Foreign Minister Holds Talks with New Iraqi Counterpart
TEHRAN (Press Shia) – Foreign Minister of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif held a telephone conversation with his new Iraqi counterpart Mohamed Ali al-Hakim, congratulating him on taking up the post.
In the telephone conversation on Thursday, Zarif wished success for the Iraqi diplomat in his new post, expressing the hope that the close relations between Tehran and Baghdad would further expand in various arenas and fulfill the interests of the two nations.
The Iranian foreign minister also thanked the Iraqi government and nation for their warm hospitality by serving the Iranian pilgrims traveling to Iraq's holy cities of Najaf and Karbala during the Arbaeen season, which marks the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shiite Imam.
Describing Arbaeen as the symbol of greatness of and respect for Ahl al-Bayt (the family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)) and the unity between the Iranian and Iraqi nations, Zarif called for further assistance by the Iraqi government to facilitate the visit for Iranian pilgrims along the common border, particularly at Mehran border crossing, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website.
For his part, the incoming Iraqi foreign minister expressed gratitude to Zarif, highlighted the good and longstanding relations between the two nations, and called for stronger bilateral ties.
Al-Hakim also referred to the Iranian pilgrims travelling to Iraq for Arbaeen as guests of the Iraqi government and nation, and assured his Iranian counterpart that the Baghdad government would provide the pilgrims with the necessary facilities during their stay in the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf.
On Thursday, the Iraqi parliament approved 14 new cabinet ministers proposed by prime minister-designate Adel Abdul Mahdi, while key portfolios such as defense and interior affairs have remained unassigned.
Mohammad Ali al-Hakim, a former ambassador to the UN, was elected as the new foreign minister.


Winter is still not letting up even though it's already late February and everyone is expecting temperatures that are at least above freezing. When you're hooked at home all weekend, it can definitely be a long and hard decision to even get out of the house. The winter blues that you're experiencing is normal — who dares to venture outdoors and get frostbitten?
But it's not healthy to stay glued to your couch when you can do more exciting stuff that does not involve trekking in the snow. The Berkshires has lots of indoor activities for you and the family so you won't have to hate winter after all.
Not your ordinary traditional museum, Animagic may be small but features a plethora of visual effect models and techniques used in movies like Predator and The Matrix. In the animation workshop, the guide will lead you through the creation of a clay character and then later make a short film out of these characters. The founder of the museum, Eugene, is a great entertainer and filmmaker as well so you'll be sure to learn a lot from him. Animagic is open all-year round but appointments are required.
When was the last time you visited a library? If you can't remember anymore, then it's definitely the time to relive the smell of old books and the sound of turning pages. Explore the latest publications at the Window Library where there are always new titles in store for you.
Think of the greenhouse as an oasis in the middle of snow-covered tundra. Even if you don't have a green thumb, you'll be amazed with the collection of plants in the series of greenhouses in the campus. Everything is well planned and laid out and there are also flower shows for every season. Entrance is free but donations are welcomed.
Listen to catchy live jazz music at the Gateways Inn & Restaurant lounge and piano bar from Thursdays to Sundays. There's Rob Kelly & Friends, David Grover, Sherri Buxton, and other musical personalities that you should be listening to if you want to relax while sipping some wine. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and you have three hours of enjoyable entertainment to celebrate the weekend.


Get your members hooked on working out with you even outside the studio.
Tip #1: Keep email subject lines clear and to-the-point.
Having a strong presence and dedicated following of class members is crucial in this business.


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Rector is upbeat in the face of apathy
Winston Churchill, Gordon Brown and John Cleese have all served as rector in one of Scotland's four ancient universities, lending their considerable talents to fight the corner of students on the institutions' governing bodies.
But apathy among students to vote or even nominate candidates at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews universities is prompting concerns that the role - which comes with the automatic right to chair university council - might become redundant.
Robin Harper, the UK's first Green parliamentarian, was last week elected rector of Aberdeen, in a contest against Hamish Mackay, a local media consultant.
But Mr Harper is in charge of Aberdeen's supreme governing body on the basis of only 326 votes. Only 531 (4 per cent) of Aberdeen's more than 13,000-strong student body voted in the poll, which was delayed by five months because of an initial lack of nominations. Mr Harper, leader of the Scottish Parliament's Greens, commented: "At least there was an election."
In 2000, Mr Harper was appointed rector of Edinburgh. He was the sole candidate. He agrees with Calum Mair, Aberdeen students' association vice-president, that students were suffering from election fatigue after a series of campus polls and the general election. The rectorial contest took place the day before study leave began.
Student apathy in rectorial elections is not unusual. The largest recent turnout was at St Andrews, where 29 per cent of its 6,500 students voted in an election in which broadcaster and former Liberal Democrat MP Sir Clement Freud was elected. Only about 4 per cent of Edinburgh's 20,000 students turned out to vote for Mr Harper's successor in 2003, in which MP Tam Dalyell won with 639 votes.
Glasgow's most recent rectorial election had to be postponed because students were too apathetic to nominate anyone. Last December, 9 per cent of the 20,000 students voted. The winner was Israeli whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu, an absentee rector, since his dealings with foreigners are restricted.
But even when rectors are free to attend, they perform their duties with varying levels of assiduity. A previous Glasgow rector, television actor Ross Kemp, resigned after a no-confidence vote when he failed to attend freshers' events two years running.
Almost a decade ago, the Garrick committee, the Scottish arm of the Dearing inquiry, decided that the rector's right to chair the court had had its day. This was rejected by the Scottish Office without consultation, and there is no sign that universities wish to end the tradition.
Mr Harper, widely praised for his work at Edinburgh, said: "I do not think for one minute that this lack of interest (in voting) means I have no mandate to chair court."
It was in the interests of students who were active on committees that he helped represent them on the court, he said. "The most important work of rectors is off-court, anyway. I hope to do a lot for welfare, volunteering and, of course, greening the university."
An Aberdeen spokesperson said: "We would have hoped for a higher turnout.
But it is a democratic process and we look forward to working with Mr Harper. His role as chair of court is important and he will work closely with the other court members, the university and the students."
olga.wojtas@thes.co.uk
Aberdeen University Lord Asquith, Andrew Carnegie, Winston Churchill, Eric Linklater, John Buchan, Clarissa Dickson Wright
Edinburgh University W. E. Gladstone, Lord Kitchener, Winston Churchill, Sir Alexander Fleming, Gordon Brown, Magnus Magnusson
Glasgow University W. E. Gladstone, Benjamin Disraeli, Raymond Poincare, Winnie Mandela, Arthur Montford, Richard Wilson
St Andrews University J. M. Barrie, Rudyard Kipling, Fridtjof Nansen, Guglielmo Marconi, John Cleese, Nicholas Parsons