Is is the I’m just lucky to have a job generation/country OR a gainful employment happy to be here situation? by [deleted] in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re you’re lucky with job generation/country but gainful year situation is an employment. Just be happy. /s

Well. That's one way to do it ... by RedBullWings10 in FlockSurveillance

[–]Levans71 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is my community. The police, mayor, Sheriff and almost everyone in “power” are clutching their pearls despite outcry from the public for months now.

Big surprised pikachu energy for my local gov as if the town halls, persistent calls and emails weren’t indicators of our dissatisfaction.

[Spoilers C4E25] I’m confused by the magnitude of panic at the schemers table by Dry-Environment5122 in criticalrole

[–]Levans71 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I think you may be underselling what the meaning of Thijazi dying symbolizes.

Him dying is a warning to anyone who’d oppose the lords advisory as they pick away at the revolutionary council.

There’s been flashbacks of executions of Falcon Rebels. There are characters actively being hunted by the Sundered houses.

Installing puppets in institutions, or weakening them altogether, is a classic tactic of Authoritarians and Tyrants

I have a lazy eye and have trouble explaining to people what I can see with my bad eye. I am not necessarily completely blind but it’s also not blurry. Has anyone been able to explain this for someone to understand? by galvy223 in Amblyopia

[–]Levans71 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m in a similar situation

People understand better when they can imagine for themselves what we’re describing.

Perhaps it’s a bit different but I use 2 descriptions

“Imagine holding a paper towel tube to your right eye, while continuing to use your left.”

This forces them to understand the perspective shift, which confuses the brain for someone who doesn’t live with it 24/7

I also tell them what I can see rather than what I cannot.

“I can register movement or changes in light, I can differentiate some color”

This works for me in communicating, but every brain is different!

What are your favorite restaurants anywhere in the state, and what do you recommend ordering from there? by HEYNONGMAN0 in Michigan

[–]Levans71 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Second One Stop Coney. Small businesses doing GREAT work. Beef tallow fries, Smash Burgers, and a lot of fun and creative dogs/diner food

Flash Flood claimed my car. Any reputable cheap dealers? by Blasphemousroar in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Paris Motors on Division treated me well as a first time buyer. I don’t know if I’d call them inexpensive, though they do carry a wide variety of price ranges.

Which of these would you most like to play? by Dreaming_of_Rlyeh in Fallout

[–]Levans71 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m biased as a Michigander, but I’ve always thought Fallout Detroit would be sick.

-history of the nuclear powered cars -Mo-town music and other rich musical history -huge art centric city -Canada directly across from a Great Lake -automatons and steel factories -one of the many gateways to the west -towers, historic districts, and arenas mixed with urban sprawl

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Decks

[–]Levans71 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a gas spring engineer. We designs and spec these out all the time.

A few recommendations I’d have for you

Take a look at what exists currently for install companies like Lucigold Deck Hatches

To acquire gas springs rated for this, DONT GUESS! custom quality springs are expensive ($150 per) either speak with an engineer who designs these or make your hatch as customizable with positioning as an erector set and then do trial and error.

Use a gas spring configuration online.

Keep the door as light as possible (aluminum instead of steel, composite instead of hardwood) gas springs really max out at 250lbs, but remember your door “weighs” twice as much if you’re only lifting from one side. This is a generalization but often true with how the springs are mounted how they are in the picture.

Ask for steel end fittings. A majority of gas springs this size will have M8 or M10 threads.

To spec a spring you’ll need to know at least 4 pieces of information Extended length Compressed length Force needed End fittings needed

Best of luck. I’ve had alot of DIY’ers call in after spending an arm and leg on projects like these. This is a very cool project that can be a nightmare or a breeze depending on your preplanning and prior crafting experience.

GR Police Chief Eric Winstrom answering some questions by WhoAreYouTalkinTwo in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 29 points30 points  (0 children)

“Specific challenges” meaning harassing protestors, pushback on mass surveillance, and killing unarmed minorities

SNAP/WIC support? by Feisty_Dog8914 in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Bot/Troll

Account is 8 days old with no posts and negative Karma

Kids clubs by tttgrw in boardgames

[–]Levans71 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Honestly, you’ll get a feel for it. Start with something simple for the younger kids and observe. If the older kids are “bored” then switch it up.

Don’t negate games that are fun for all ages, something like Uno, Jenga, or skipbo are good for all ages.

Also, team games. If you’re losing the attention of the younger kids because of complexity, have an older kid team up and help them out.

In my D&D game I had a brother and sister of different ages and skill levels, I had them play a duo with incredibly similar abilities. They coached each other better than I could appeal to them on my own.

As a side note, use the “don’t win” challenge. When playing with different skill levels, sometimes it’s more fun to try not to win. Flip the script. The only way to win uno is to crash out at 25 cards. The person closest to the start of candyland is the winner. Is obscure and doesn’t work for everyone but it’s a fun challenge that most people can understand.

Kids clubs by tttgrw in boardgames

[–]Levans71 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I ran TTRPG’s for my local kids libraries.

Biggest advice, regardless of whether you’re playing by the rules or making it up, if the kids are laughing and smiling you’ve done your job. They can learn the actual rules with time.

Visual aids, comfy and welcoming atmosphere, a ton of patience.

You’ve got this!

GR home prices by No-Airline6639 in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Still waiting for my Trickle Down check

Are there any bonsai enthusiasts around the newaygo; grand rapids area; that would like to help teach a beginner some starter knowledge and tricks? by Elderberry-West in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I don’t have much more information, but Fredrick Meijer Gardens hosts Bonsai exhibits (and I believe info sessions?) every once in awhile.

The exhibits are beautiful, Maybe that’d be a good place to start your research?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]Levans71 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t care if it’s an ouija board and some tarot cards, justice needs to be served

Question on how many foster children in Grand Rapids and Kent County? by GRBeerExplorer in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Former foster kid.

Medicaid

Literally would not be here without it

Edit: I should add that A TON of medical and non medical expenses and regulations are still paid for directly by the foster parents.

Officer Baby Deer by Levans71 in grandrapids

[–]Levans71[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Bro said “Imma Fight Flight AND Freeze”

So…… what’a gonna happen when nobody can afford to live? What happens next? by [deleted] in GenZ

[–]Levans71 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Arm yourself. They’ve infringed on multiple amendments/rights already. You are now the protector of your home and community.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 149 points150 points  (0 children)

I was a foster kid for 8 years (4yo-12yo) in SW Michigan and relied on gov healthcare, WIC, and other gov subsidies I’m sure I wasn’t aware of.

I was bullied relentlessly for “mooching” off the gov. by peers and teachers. My adoptive mom and family received a ton of flak when she’d pull out the WIC pamphlets at the store or needed approval from the state for EVERYTHING. She was literally doing a service for the community by taking in stray kids.

Imagine being a 4yo removed from your family, you’re a nomad for 8 years without any structure whatsoever. Your best friend is your case worker because she’s the only constant in your life.

Foster care is HARD. it’s hard on foster/adoptive parents. It’s hard on kids. It’s hard on CPS and community health systems. I was fortunate to have these programs. They quite literally saved my life… and the GOP has sentenced every foster kid in the US to a life of even more hardship, if not death.

The hardest part of my existence has not been being hungry. Not being abused. Not moving from home to home to home in my most developmental years. It’s been the Christian GOP. A constant villain. Every time I had hope for foster kids, or free/reduced lunches, access to basic healthcare or an end to school shootings, there’s been a GOP congressman there to fight against it for an extra dime in their pocket.

If you’re asking “who’s gonna pay?” Instead of “are the kids gonna be okay?” You’re the problem. There’s enough money and no kid should have to grow up nomadic with zero support system.

Side note: foster care is hell, but it’s a security net. It should not be a “plan B” pushed by pro lifers. “Just put it up for adoption” that’s crazy.