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Yes, You Can “Short-Term” Rent Your FHA Property—But You Need to Extend the Timeline

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FHA mortgages offer an excellent opportunity to buy a home due to their low down payment and lenient credit score criteria. However, they are designated for owner-occupants, not landlords. You must live in a property for one year before renting it out to earn an income.

Fortunately, there are workarounds to this.

The Great Debate: Can I Short-Term-Rent My FHA-Mortgaged Primary Residence?

There is a lot of contention about whether FHA-mortgaged residences can be used to house short-term rental guests in spare bedrooms for under 30 days. This BiggerPockets forum discussion lands heavily on being able to STR your FHA-mortgaged home. 

However, FHA.com (not a government- or HUD-affiliated website) states that rentals in FHA homes can only be for 30 days or more, meaning you can only rent out your FHA-mortgaged home on a mid-term basis. Anything under 30 days is considered “transient” use and prohibited.

Important Things to Consider When Mid-Term-Renting Your FHA-Mortgaged Home

Mid-term renting a home you currently live in is the same as having a roommate. Whether your “guest” chooses to stay for one month or 12, unless you have a completely separate living area and kitchen/bathroom, you will have to get comfortable sharing your living space. 

Many homeowners purchased their personal residences to get away from exactly that type of scenario. However, with the country in the grip of an affordability crisis, taking on a mid-term rental in your property could not only help you get a handle on your finances but could also be a vehicle to save money to jump-start your investing career.

You only need to live in your FHA home for a year before being able to legally use it as a rental before moving on to another primary residence, which you could, again, buy using FHA financing (so long as you refinance the first home out of an FHA mortgage) and thus repeat the process. 

If you have to relocate (for work, for example), you may still be able to rent out your FHA-mortgaged home without refinancing. Many use this strategy to build a portfolio of solid single-family homes in decent neighborhoods by taking advantage of FHA’s low down payment guidelines.

Small Multifamily Buildings and FHA Mortgages

One of the best uses of an FHA mortgage for a real estate investor is buying two-to-four-family buildings. You can rent out the rest as long as you live in one unit. You are still eligible for a low down payment, less-than-perfect credit, and everything else associated with an FHA mortgage. 

The additional benefit of buying a small multifamily home is the extra rental income, which might cover your entire mortgage, as well as the tax benefits of owning investment properties. Many investors have used this strategy to get immediate liftoff with their investing careers, refinancing the home to a regular mortgage as they rinse and repeat the process with other small multifamily units.

Flipping an FHA-Mortgaged Home

If you are prepared to live in a home you are renovating, FHA-mortgaged homes, in conjunction with a 203(k) renovation loan, offer a great way to buy a flip a home with a low down payment and a much lower cost of financing your renovation than with hard money. Your contractor will be paid in draws by your lender once each part of the renovation has been completed—according to the satisfaction of a 203(k) consultant. 

As with usual FHA guidelines, you must live in the home for a year before renting or selling it (two-to-four-unit dwellings can be rented immediately). To make your flip even sweeter, live in the home for two years and forgo paying capital gains taxes (as part of the IRS’ exclusion gain program) on $250,000 of profit if you are single and $500,000 if you are a couple. This is particularly advantageous with costlier homes at the limits of FHA lending guidelines or homes in quickly appreciating neighborhoods.

Remember, you can incorporate this strategy while owning and renting non-FHA mortgaged properties. 

Getting a Second FHA Loan

Generally, you are only allowed one FHA loan at a time, as they are intended for primary residence use only. However, there are occasions when you can get a second FHA loan in addition to the one for your primary residence.

Relocation

If you have to relocate due to a job opportunity that is beyond the commuting distance from your primary residence, a bank may allow you to get a second FHA loan. It will not be long-term, but with the understanding that you will sell/refinance out of your FHA on your primary residence.

Your family has outgrown your primary residence

If your space is too small for your growing family’s needs, you may be eligible for a second FHA loan. To qualify, you must show 25% equity in your home or pay down the FHA’s loan balance to 75%.

Co-signing another FHA loan

There are instances where you might be able to become the co-signer on a family member’s FHA loan while also having an FHA loan on your primary residence. In this instance, you would be liable for both loans should your co-signer fail to make their mortgage payments.

Divorce

Divorces are rarely pleasant, but sometimes they can have a silver lining. If you are leaving a house you share with a co-borrower on an FHA loan and your ex-spouse is staying in the former marital home, your slate gets wiped clean when it comes to applying for another FHA mortgage. You must be able to document the divorce with your new lender with a divorce decree or separation agreement.

You’re investing in a HUD REO

If you intend to buy a property that the FHA has foreclosed on (a HUD REO), you may be granted a second FHA loan, as the FHA is keen to get these properties off its books.

Final Thoughts

High prices and interest rates mean investors must be creative to make money. While FHA loans are not usually considered investment vehicles, they can be a great launchpad for real estate investing. 

Whether you choose to mid-term-rent out your FHA home to save for another investment or are looking for a low-interest rehab loan and the chance to save big on capital gains taxes, there are government programs that you can utilize to help you invest. Think outside the box and look for opportunities under your nose.

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Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Skinnytaste

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This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Craving crispy, juicy chicken wings without the grease? My crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a total game-changer! They’re ready in a flash, perfectly golden, and bursting with flavor—no mess, no fuss!

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air fryer chicken wings are a go-to dinner in my house because my family absolutely loves them! They’re quick to make, delicious, and always perfectly crispy. Plus, they’re a lifesaver on busy nights when we want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. No air fryer? No problem! Bake them in the oven instead. Whether dipping them in ranch, drizzling with BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce or enjoying them plain, these wings are guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family! I also have these baked Buffalo Wings for a spicier version. See all my air fryer recipes here.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Gina @ Skinnytaste.com

I enjoy making wings in the air fryer because it’s a quick way to get that crispy, juicy texture I love! After trying a few different methods, this air fryer chicken wing recipe has become my go-to for basic wings. If you have one of my air fryer cookbooks, you should also try my air fryer buffalo wings, my signature wings, and Korean wings!

If you make this healthy air fryer chicken wing recipe, I would love to see it. Tag me in your photos or videos on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook!

Gina signature

What You’ll Need

Here’s the ingredients to create the most craveable wings. The exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings
  • Chicken Wingettes and Drumettes are parts of the whole chicken wing. Chicken wings are usually sold already cut into smaller pieces, which makes them easier to cook evenly since the pieces are all the same size.
  • Seasoning: Kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika
  • Dried Herbs: Oregano, thyme, sage
  • Baking Powder It works with the chicken skin to raise its pH level, giving you that perfect golden-brown crispiness.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings

This easy air fryer chicken wing recipe only takes a few minutes to prep. Then, they’re ready to cook! Scroll to the bottom for the complete instructions.

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the wings dry and season with the herbs, spices, and baking powder.
  2. How Long to Cook Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with oil and air fry the wings for 16 to 22 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through.

Variations

There are so many ways to switch up this basic recipe! Just add your favorite wing sauce. Here’s a few ideas:

  • Garlic Parmesan: Toss wings in a touch of melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese, then finish with a sprinkle of parsley.
  • Buffalo Wing Sauce: Omit the salt. Once cooked, coat the chicken in a tangy mix of Franks hot sauce and a little melted butter for that classic spicy flavor. See this buffalo wing recipe for seasoning.
  • Honey Sriracha: Sweet and spicy! Combine honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and a bit of lime juice for a sticky glaze during the last minute of air frying.
  • Lemon Pepper Wings: Replace the spices with lemon pepper for a zesty, peppery kick.
  • Teriyaki: Marinate the wings in soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, then bake until caramelized.
  • BBQ: Toss the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky finish.
  • Cajun Spice: Swap the spices out for Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne for a spicy, bold flavor.
  • Korean Gochujang: Glaze the wings at the end with a mix of gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for a savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.

No air fryer? No problem! Bake them at 425°F for 45 minutes, flipping halfway.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Storage

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken wings for 4 days.
  • Freeze wings for 3 months in an airtight container.
  • Thaw the chicken in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or air fryer.

FAQs

Why are my wings not crispy in the air fryer?

It’s essential to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. The less moisture on the meat, the crispier it’ll get in the air fryer. These wings come together in no time, but one secret ingredient makes all the difference: baking powder! It works with the chicken skin to raise its pH level, giving you that perfect golden-brown crispiness.

Do you stack chicken wings in the air fryer?

Keeping them in a single layer is best so that they cook quicker and brown more evenly. However, if your air fryer is smaller, you can do a second layer of wings. Just cook for an extra 10 to 15 minutes and shake the basket 5 or 6 times while cooking.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings with ranch

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

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Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 20 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Serving Size: 5 wings

  • Pat the wings dry so there is no moisture. Spray the air fryer basket with oil.

  • In a large bowl, season the wings with salt, spices and baking powder to coat well.

  • Transfer the wings to the air fryer basket in a single layer, in batches as needed and air fry 400F 16 to 22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Note, cook time varies greatly by air fryer and by how much food is in the basket.
So cook according to your desired crispness. If your air fryer is too small to do this in a single layer, you can cook them in one batch, and just add 10 to 15 minutes to the cook time and shake the basket 4 to 5 times while cooking.


There are so many ways to switch up this basic recipe! Just add your favorite wing sauce. Here’s a few ideas:

  • Garlic Parmesan: Toss wings in a touch of melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese, then finish with a sprinkle of parsley.
  • Buffalo Wing Sauce: Omit the salt. Once cooked, coat the chicken in a tangy mix of Franks hot sauce and a little melted butter for that classic spicy flavor. See this buffalo wing recipe for seasoning.
  • Honey Sriracha: Sweet and spicy! Combine honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and a bit of lime juice for a sticky glaze during the last minute of air frying.
  • Lemon Pepper Wings: Replace the spices with lemon pepper for a zesty, peppery kick.
  • Teriyaki: Marinate the wings in soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, then bake until caramelized.
  • BBQ: Toss the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky finish.
  • Cajun Spice: Swap the spices out for Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne for a spicy, bold flavor.
  • Korean Gochujang: Glaze the wings at the end with a mix of gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for a savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.


 

Serving: 5 wings, Calories: 270 kcal, Carbohydrates: 2 g, Protein: 25.5 g, Fat: 17.5 g, Saturated Fat: 5 g, Cholesterol: 156.5 mg, Sodium: 644 mg, Fiber: 0.5 g, Sugar: 0.5 g





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No Shortage of Dreams: Apollo-Soyuz II (1974)

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Image credit: NASA.

The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) had its origins in talks aimed at developing a common U.S./Soviet docking system for space rescue. The concept of a common docking system was first put forward in 1970; it was assumed at that time, however, that the docking system would be developed for future spacecraft, such as the U.S. Space Station/Space Shuttle, not the U.S. Apollo Command and Service Module (CSM) and Soviet Soyuz spacecraft in operation at the time.

A joint U.S./Soviet space mission served the political aims of both countries, however, so the concept of a near-term docking mission rapidly gained momentum. In May 1972, at the superpower summit meeting held in Moscow, President Richard Nixon and Premier Alexei Kosygin signed an agreement calling for an Apollo-Soyuz docking in July 1975.

NASA and its contractors studied ways of expanding upon ASTP even before it was formally approved; in April 1972, for example, McDonnell Douglas proposed a Skylab-Salyut international space laboratory (see “More Information,” below). A year and a half later (September 1973), however, the aerospace trade magazine Aviation Week & Space Technology cited unnamed NASA officials when it reported that, while the Soviets had indicated interest in a 1977 second ASTP flight, the U.S. space agency was “currently unwilling” to divert funds from Space Shuttle development.

Nevertheless, early in 1974 the Flight Operations Directorate (FOD) at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas, examined whether a second ASTP mission might be feasible in 1977. The 1977 ASTP proposal aimed to fill the expected gap in U.S. piloted space missions between the 1975 ASTP mission and the first Space Shuttle flight.

Cutaway illustration of ASTP Apollo Command Module (lower left), ASTP Docking Module (DM), ASTP Soyuz Orbital Module, and ASTP Soyuz Descent Module (upper right). The three U.S. crewmembers wear brown coveralls. Image credit: NASA.
The brief in-house study focused on mission requirements for which NASA JSC had direct responsibility. FOD assumed that Apollo CSM-119 would serve as the prime 1977 ASTP spacecraft and that the U.S. would again provide the Docking Module (DM) for linking the Apollo CSM with the Soyuz spacecraft. CSM-119 had been configured as the five-seat Skylab rescue CSM; work to modify it to serve as the 1975 ASTP backup spacecraft began as FOD conducted its study, soon after the third and final Skylab crew returned to Earth in February 1974. FOD suggested that, if a backup CSM were deemed necessary for the 1977 ASTP mission, then the incomplete CSM-115 spacecraft should get the job. CSM-115, which resided in storage in California, had been tapped originally for the cancelled Apollo 19 moon landing mission.

FOD also assumed that the ASTP prime crew of Thomas Stafford, Vance Brand, and Deke Slayton would serve as the backup crew for the 1977 ASTP mission, while the 1975 ASTP backup crew of Alan Bean, Ronald Evans, and Jack Lousma would become the 1977 ASTP prime crew. FOD conceded, however, that this assumption was probably not realistic. If new crewmembers were needed, FOD noted, then training them would require 20 months. They would undergo 500 hours of intensive language instruction during their training.

FOD estimated that Rockwell International support for the 1977 ASTP flight would cost $49.6 million, while new experiments, nine new space suits, and “government-furnished equipment” would total $40 million. Completing and modifying CSM-115 for its backup role would cost $25 million. Institutional costs — for example, operating Mission Control and the Command Module Simulator (CMS), printing training manuals and flight documentation, and keeping the cafeteria open after hours — would add up to about $15 million. This would bring the total cost to $104.7 million without the backup CSM and $129.7 million with the backup CSM.

The FOD study identified “two additional major problems” facing the 1977 ASTP mission, both of which involved NASA JSC’s Space Shuttle plans. The first was that the CMS had to be removed to make room for planned Space Shuttle simulators. Leaving it in place to support the 1977 ASTP mission would postpone Shuttle simulator availability.

A thornier problem was that 75% of NASA JSC’s existing flight controllers (about 100 people) would be required for the 1977 ASTP in the six months leading up to and during the mission. In the same period, NASA planned to conduct “horizontal” Space Shuttle flight tests. These would see a Shuttle Orbiter flown atop a modified 747; later, the aircraft would release the Orbiter for an unpowered glide back to Earth. FOD estimated that NASA JSC would need to hire new flight controllers if it had to support both the 1977 ASTP and the horizontal flight tests. The new controllers would receive training to support Space Shuttle testing while veteran controllers supported the 1977 ASTP.

ASTP Apollo spacecraft and Saturn IB rocket sit atop the “milkstool” on Launch Pad 39B, Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Image Credit: NASA.
ASTP Soyuz 19 spacecraft and Soyuz rocket lift off from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Soviet central Asia. Image credit: NASA.
The ASTP Apollo CSM (CSM-111) lifted off on a Saturn IB rocket on 15 July 1975 with astronauts Thomas Stafford, Vance Brand, and Donald Slayton on board. The ASTP Saturn IB, the last rocket of the Saturn family to fly, lifted off from Launch Complex (LC) 39 Pad B, one of two Saturn V pads at Kennedy Space Center, not the LC 34 and LC 37 pads used for Saturn IB launches in the Apollo lunar program. This was because NASA had judged that maintaining the Saturn IB pads for Skylab and ASTP would be too costly. A “pedestal” (nicknamed the “milkstool”) raised the Skylab 2, 3, and 4 and ASTP Saturn IB rockets so that they could use the Pad 39B Saturn V umbilicals and crew access arm.

Once in orbit, the ASTP CSM turned and docked with the DM mounted on top of the Saturn IB’s second stage. It then withdrew the DM from the stage and set out in pursuit of the Soyuz 19 spacecraft, which had launched about eight hours before the Apollo CSM with cosmonauts Alexei Leonov and Valeri Kubasov on board. The two craft docked on 17 July and undocked for the final time on July 19. Soyuz 19 landed on 21 July. The ASTP Apollo CSM, the last Apollo spacecraft to fly, splashed down near Hawaii on 24 July 1975 — six years to the day after Apollo 11, the first piloted Moon landing mission, returned to Earth.

Conceptual illustration of proposed Space Shuttle/Salyut docking. Image credit: Junior Miranda.
U.S. Space Shuttle Atlantis docked with the Russian Mir space station, 4 July 1995, as imaged from the Russian Soyuz TM-21 spacecraft. Image credit: NASA.

The proposal for a 1977 ASTP repeat gained little traction. Though talks aimed at a U.S. Space Shuttle docking with a Soviet Salyut space station had resumed in May 1975, no plans for new U.S.-Soviet manned missions existed when the ASTP Apollo splashed down. Shuttle-Salyut negotiators made progress in 1975-1976, but the U.S. deferred signing an agreement until after the results of the November 1976 election were known.

In May 1977, the sides formally agreed that a Shuttle-Salyut mission should occur. In September 1978, however, NASA announced that talks had ended pending results of a comprehensive U.S. government review. Following the December 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, work toward joint U.S.-Soviet piloted space missions was abandoned on advice from the U.S. Department of State. It would resume a decade later as the Soviet Union underwent radical internal changes that led to its collapse in 1991 and the rebirth of the Soviet space program as the Russian space program.

Sources

“Second ASTP Unlikely,” Aviation Week & Space Technology, 3 September 1973, p. 13.

Memorandum for the Record, “information. . . developed in estimating the cost of flying a second Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) mission in 1977,” NASA Johnson Space Center, 4 April 1974.

Thirty Years Together: A Chronology of U.S.-Soviet Space Cooperation, NASA CR 185707, David S. F. Portree, February 1993.

More Information

Skylab-Salyut Space Laboratory (1971)

“Still Under Active Consideration”: Five Proposed Apollo Earth-Orbital Missions for the 1970s (1971)

NASA’s 1992 Plan to Land Soyuz Space Station Lifeboats in Australia

SEI Swan Song: International Lunar Resources Exploration Concept (1993)



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LANDFALL Of Hurricane Beryl At Texas!!!!!

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JUST IN:  Landfall Of Hurricane Beryl At Houston, Texas Winds 75, Gusts 90, Straight-Line Looks Like Oaxaca, Nepal, And Oklahoma Bout 5.9 On The Richter Scale!!! EQ Guy


Check Out all my best Earthquake Stories And My “EQ Alert Theory” and
“Go Straight Theory” in My E-Book, “Bringing Earthquakes To Life”@ http://www.eqalert2.blogspot.com  AND Thank-You For Reading, Too!!!  EQ Guy

 



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David Lee Roth ‘Popped a Fuse’ in Fight Over Eddie Van Halen Tribute

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Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth, and Eddie Van Halen.
Steve Granitz/WireImage

A planned Van Halen reunion is now off after lead singer David Lee Roth refused to pay tribute to Eddie Van Halen on stage, according to the late guitarist’s brother, Alex.

The Van Halen drummer, 71, told Rolling Stone that the reunion made it as far as rehearsals before he broached the subject with Roth, 70, leading to an argument that derailed the potential tour.

Eddie died in 2020 due to complications from throat cancer. He is survived by son Wolfgang Van Halen, 33, whom he shared with ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli.

“The thing that broke the camel’s back, and I can be honest about this now, was I said, ‘Dave, at some point, we have to have a very overt — not a bowing — but an acknowledgment of Ed in the gig,’” Alex said. “If you look at how Queen does it, they show old footage. And the moment I said we gotta acknowledge Ed, Dave f—in’ popped a fuse. … The vitriol that came out was unbelievable.”

Related: Valerie Bertinelli Details ‘Drugs, Infidelity’ in Eddie Van Halen Marriage

Kevin Winter/Getty Images Valerie Bertinelli is looking back at some of the darkest memories of her relationship with ex-husband Eddie Van Halen. After watching son Wolfgang Van Halen‘s Behind the Music episode, in which he detailed his relationship with his late father, Bertinelli, 64, reflected on their marriage and how hearing her son’s side of […]

“It’s just, my God. It’s like I didn’t know him anymore,” Alex continued. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for his work ethic and all that. But, Dave, you gotta work as a community, motherf—er. It’s not you alone anymore.”

David Lee Roth Disagreed Over Eddie Van Halen Tribute 3

Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth, and Eddie Van Halen.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

At the time of the argument, Alex’s health had already jeopardized the tour. The Van Halen drummer began feeling numbness, especially in his feet, from peripheral neuropathy. He feels it could have been “an omen from above” not to push forward.

Roth declined to comment to Rolling Stone, but Alex insists the two are still in touch. In the past, Alex says, the pair has gotten along better than any other duo in the band. When Eddie died, Roth was Alex’s first call.

Alex added that he even consulted with Queen’s Brian May, picking his brain about how the band continues to play while honoring their late singer, Freddie Mercury.

Related: Alex Van Halen Still Furious That Brother Eddie Worked With Michael Jackson

C Flanigan/Getty Images Four decades after Eddie Van Halen worked with Michael Jackson, brother Alex Van Halen is still disappointed. “Why would you lend your talents to Michael Jackson? I just don’t f—ing get it,” Alex, 71, told Rolling Stone in an interview published on Tuesday, October 15. “And the funny part was that Ed […]

Ultimately, Alex is at peace with the reunion tour falling through.

David Lee Roth Disagreed Over Eddie Van Halen Tribute 2

Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony, David Lee Roth, and Eddie Van Halen.
Fin Costello/Redferns

“It’s too bad on one hand, but it’s fine on the other,” he said. “Because now, in retrospect, playing the old songs is not really paying tribute to anybody. That’s just like a jukebox, in my opinion. … To find a replacement for Ed? It’s just not the same.”

Four years after his brother’s death, Alex says he can still feel Eddie’s spirit with him.

“Ed’s been around a couple times,” he said. “He was there this morning.”

More than anything, however, he misses his brother’s physical presence.

“I just miss him,” he added. “I miss the arguments. I live with it every day. And I can’t bring him back. I can’t make things right.”





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UNHCR and Platon launch collaboration to bring refugee voices, aspirations into focus

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THE HAGUE – Portrait of a Stranger, a creative multimedia collaboration between world-renowned photographer and storyteller Platon, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, will debut today in partnership with the Movies That Matter International Human Rights Film Festival in The Hague, Netherlands. 

The 18-minute film features interviews and portraits of over 20 refugees who fled conflict and persecution in various parts of the world, exploring the universal desire to be free, safe, respected and valued, and to belong.

Over the last year, UNHCR and Platon interviewed a diverse group of refugees ranging in age, nationality, ethnicity and personal circumstances. The result, Portrait of a Stranger, is a holistic, multimedia experience, marrying film and photography. It asks audiences to look beyond our differences and instead focus on our shared humanity. 

“Living in exile may be their life circumstance, but it is not what defines them,” said Platon. “I hope the images and voices of the refugees in this film will help audiences focus on the shared humanity that unites us, rather than the barriers that divide us. Not only for these particular refugees but for all people forced to flee around the world.”

As the number of people forcibly displaced continues to rise – last year there were more than 100 million people uprooted globally – it is hoped that the collaboration will help to reframe the narratives and perceptions around people forced to flee.  

“This film and these images are powerful reminders of who refugees really are. They are people like your neighbour, your friend, your colleague. Like you and me, each with our own personality; our hopes; our dreams,” United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said. “By amplifying the voices of refugees, the film offers an important reality check to counter the negative public discourse we often hear about people forced to flee. 

Notes to Editor:  

  • Selected Images available here.  

For more information on this topic, please contact: 

About Platon:  

Photographer, communicator and storyteller Platon has gained worldwide fame with his portraits. Platon has worked with a range of international publications including Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Esquire, and won a Peabody Award for his photo essays for The New Yorker. He has photographed over 30 covers for TIME Magazine and is a World Press Photo laureate. He is currently on the board for Arts and Culture at the World Economic Forum. In 2013, Platon founded The People’s Portfolio, a non-profit foundation dedicated to celebrating emerging leaders of human rights and civil rights around the world. 

About UNHCR:  

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. 

 



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Netflix’s The Electric State trailer shows off cartoony robots and oversized VR headsets

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Netflix has released the first trailer for , a post-apocalyptic road from Marvel (and Community) mainstays The Russo Brothers. The adaptation of Simon Stålenhag’s 2018 graphic novel is set in a retro-futuristic version of the ’90s after a robot uprising. It tells the story of Michelle, an orphaned teenager (Millie Bobby Brown) who ventures across the west of the US to look for her younger brother with a smuggler (a mustachioed Chris Pratt) and a pair of robots.

The movie’s look draws heavily from , right down to the oversized VR helmets. The robots, in particular the one accompanying Michelle, have a cartoon-inspired aesthetic that wouldn’t look out of place in Fallout. A large teddy bear robot can be seen as part of a parade of machines, while our heroes appear to face off against a massive one that looks a little like Sonic the Hedgehog.

Meanwhile, the whole “slowed down iteration of a popular song in a movie trailer” thing might have jumped the shark with the version of Oasis’ “Champagne Supernova” that plays over the top of this. It fits the ’90s setting, of course, but I couldn’t help but laugh as soon as I recognized it.

The movie has a hell of a cast. Alongside Brown and Pratt, it stars Ke Huy Quan, Jason Alexander, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Giancarlo Esposito and Stanley Tucci. The Electric State hits Netflix on March 14.



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Guide to TikTok SEO to improve visibility on TikTok

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SEO and Discoverability on TikTok Shop: Advanced Techniques

SEO and Discoverability on TikTok Shop: Advanced Techniques

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Running short of time? Get PDF of the blog in your mail.

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Ever posted a product on TikTok Shop, hoping it would blow up, but instead, it got buried under a million other videos? Yeah, we’ve all been there, and this is the world of TikTok SEO. Wait, let’s make this more TikTok-y!

Lights, camera, optimization!

Picture this: You’re about to go live on TikTok Shop with your products glimmering under the spotlight, ready to steal the show. But hold up – where’s the audience? What’s your strategy for standing out in the endless scroll? Welcome to today’s episode where we unlock the real secret to making your products the star of the show. Think of this like the behind-the-scenes magic that gets you on the FYP faster than you can say “algorithm.” We’re talking TikTok SEO strategy—your VIP pass to discoverability.

From mastering the perfect hashtags to writing descriptions that slap, this is where the fun starts. Why let your products get lost in the shuffle when they could be front and center, grabbing all the attention? It’s time to hit play on the ultimate guide to making your TikTok Shop go viral. Ready to roll? Let’s do this!

Act 1: Why SEO is TikTok’s Best-Kept Secret

Sure, you can dance, lip-sync, and jump on the latest trends—but did you know that SEO secretly powers TikTok? Yep, just like Google. It’s what decides if your video gets its moment on the For You Page (FYP) or fades into the endless scroll of content. Think of SEO as your hidden superpower on TikTok, the one that most people don’t even realize they’re missing. Here’s the deal: TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t just care about what’s trending but about how discoverable your content is within the platform’s unique ecosystem. That’s where SEO comes in.

Unlike traditional search engines where people type in what they want to find, TikTok’s searchability is driven by social trends and its powerful recommendation engine. The algorithm analyzes everything: the hashtags you use, the length of your videos, and even how people engage with your content. All of this determines if your video will land on the FYP. The more you optimize your content with relevant keywords, descriptions, and hashtags, the more TikTok pushes it to the right audience. TikTok SEO is different because it’s not just about what people are searching for—it’s about what the algorithm thinks people will like. And when you master that? That’s when your TikTok Shop becomes unmissable; that’s when you go viral on TikTok.

TikTok’s algorithm drives your content onto the coveted For You Page (FYP), where discoverability takes center stage. Here’s how it works:

1. For You Page (FYP): 

The FYP is personalized for each user based on their interactions—likes, shares, comments, watch time, and more. It curates videos that align with individual preferences, making it the ultimate destination for visibility.

2. Hashtags:

TikTok prioritizes content tagged with trending and relevant hashtags, helping the algorithm categorize and surface videos to users who have interacted with similar content.

3. Trends:

Jumping on trending sounds, challenges, and topics can skyrocket your visibility, as TikTok boosts content that aligns with the platform’s current popular themes.

4. SEO Strategy:

Optimizing your content with the right keywords, video descriptions, and hashtags helps the algorithm match your videos with interested audiences. Unlike Google SEO, TikTok’s SEO revolves around social engagement and trends, making it crucial to optimize for virality.

So, if you’ve been focusing only on following trends without paying attention to optimization, it’s time to switch things up. SEO is the secret weapon that’ll make sure your products get seen by the right people, at the right time, on TikTok’s ultra-competitive stage. Ready to use it? Let’s dive deeper!

Act 2: Optimizing Video Descriptions – Your Script for Going Viral

Scene: Welcome to the TikTok writing workshop—where your video descriptions are the scripts and SEO is your editor. Your video description isn’t just filler text; it’s the dialogue between your TikTok Shop and the algorithm. Nail it, and the algorithm listens. Here’s how to script your descriptions to maximize discoverability, keyword flow, and storytelling—all in 100 characters or less!

1. Crafting Descriptions for Searchability:

Keep it short but packed with value. Use relevant keywords naturally—don’t just stuff them in. Make sure your description is engaging for users and searchable for the algorithm. Think of it as writing for both an audience and a machine.

2. Keyword Placement:

Place your primary keyword at the start of the description for a higher ranking. Sprinkle in secondary keywords where they feel natural. For example, if your product is skincare, mention key features like “hydrating” or “eco-friendly.” Always consider search intent: What would your customers type in if they’re looking for your product?

Creative Tip:

Think of your description as a dialogue line in a script. It’s gotta have energy, hit the right keywords, and keep the story (aka your product) front and center. Optimizing your descriptions this way ensures your content speaks directly to the algorithm and your audience—bringing you closer to the FYP!

Act 3: Hashtags – The VIP Access to Trending

The #HashtagHustle challenge! The game is simple: pick the right mix of hashtags and you’ll get a VIP pass to TikTok’s FYP party. But here’s the trick—it’s not just about using any hashtags, it’s about finding the perfect balance of popular, niche, and long-tail hashtags that’ll get your TikTok Shop discovered by the right crowd.

Strategic Hashtag Usage:

Think of hashtags as your backstage pass to visibility. Use a blend of trending, high-volume hashtags for a broad reach, but don’t skip the niche and long-tail hashtags. These are your secret weapon for capturing targeted traffic. For example, instead of just using #skincare, mix in niche ones like #EcoFriendlyBeauty or #HydrationHacks to hone in on your exact audience.

Hashtag Research Tools:

Want to know what hashtags are trending? Use TikTok’s built-in tools to spot the hottest tags or go third-party with apps. These tools will help you discover a winning combo of trending and relevant hashtags tailored to your products and audience.

Hashtag Best Practices:

Keep it tight: aim for around 3 to 5 hashtags per video. Rotate them based on trends, seasons, or product updates to stay fresh.

Pro Tip: don’t reuse the same hashtags every time! Mix it up to appeal to different sub-communities within your niche.

Create your hashtag

Act 4: Profile Glow-Up – Time for a Makeover

Profile checklist challenge

Welcome to your profile’s glow-up session! Think of your TikTok profile as the storefront window to your shop—if it’s not glowing, nobody’s stopping by. So, let’s make sure it’s as inviting as possible! Your TikTok Shop profile needs to be optimized for both searchability and engagement. Here’s how to get that before-and-after transformation:

Optimizing Your TikTok Shop Profile:

First, let’s talk bio: your bio needs to be keyword-rich and straight to the point. Think of it as a mini sales pitch that’s searchable. Include relevant keywords like what you sell to help people—and the algorithm—find you. Don’t forget to link directly to your TikTok Shop or other relevant content!

Consistency and Aesthetic:

Your aesthetic and branding should be on point across your entire profile. This means sticking to a cohesive color palette, tone of voice, and vibe. Your audience should instantly recognize your brand whether they’re watching your videos or scrolling through your profile. Bonus points for using high-quality visuals and creative captions!

Time to give your profile the makeover it deserves and watch that traffic roll in!

Maintaining consistency & aesthetic on your TikTok account

Act 5: SEO Performance Tools – Your Secret Weapon Arsenal

Welcome to your TikTok SEO strategy toolbox! Think of these tools as your TikTok superpowers—they let you measure, optimize, and tweak your SEO strategy like a pro. As we pop open this virtual toolbox, get ready to level up your TikTok game!

SEO Analytics for TikTok:

  • TikTok Analytics: This is your go-to tool for tracking how your content is performing. Dive into metrics like engagement rates, views, and follower growth to see what’s working and what’s not.
  • Google Trends: Use this to spot trending topics and keywords that can help inform your content strategy. What’s hot today could be tomorrow’s viral video!
  • Third-Party Tools: Consider third-vendor tools to track hashtag performance and manage your posting schedule efficiently. They can provide additional insights that TikTok’s built-in analytics may not cover.

Performance Metrics:

Keep an eye on these key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor your success:

  • Engagement Rates: Measure likes, shares, and comments to gauge audience interaction.
  • Video Views: Track how many times your content is viewed—more views mean more exposure!
  • Hashtag Performance: Analyze which hashtags are driving traffic to your videos.
  • Follower Growth: Watch how your audience grows over time to understand the impact of your SEO strategies.

Iterating Based on Data:

Don’t just set it and forget it! Use your performance data to tweak your SEO strategies continuously. If a certain hashtag isn’t performing, swap it out for a more relevant one. Testing and optimizing your content is essential to staying ahead of the game.

Aim for these performance metrics

By treating these metrics like your very own TikTok leaderboard, you’ll be motivated to keep leveling up your content.

Act 6: Influencers & UGC – Your Viral Cheat Code

Influencers and UGC are like those secret cheat codes that take your TikTok Shop to the next level without even trying! Picture this: a fun TikTok-style dialogue unfolds between a brand, an influencer, and a happy customer creating UGC. Let’s dive in!

Collaborating with influencers means combining their massive following with your brand’s SEO strategy. This partnership enhances discoverability and connects you with new audiences. Meanwhile, UGC not only boosts engagement but also showcases authentic customer experiences that make your brand more relatable and trustworthy.

So, get ready to leverage these secret weapons! By integrating influencer partnerships and UGC into your SEO strategy, you’ll amplify your visibility and create a community of engaged fans—all while having a blast!

 

The Encore: TikTok SEO Never Stops!

The grand finale! But here’s the scoop: SEO isn’t just a one-hit wonder; it’s an ongoing show! As TikTok evolves with fresh trends and shifting algorithms, your SEO strategy needs to evolve, too. We’ve covered everything from profile optimization and catchy video descriptions to harnessing the power of influencers and user-generated content. Remember, to keep your TikTok Shop visible, you must continuously test, tweak, and ride the latest trends!

And don’t forget the power of integration! As you plan to increase your discoverability on TikTok, you are also preparing for higher sales. Linking your TikTok Shop with other eCommerce platforms with the CedCommerce integration solution can elevate your business even further. Imagine seamlessly managing your inventory and orders across multiple channels, all while maximizing your reach and sales potential.

Now, it’s your turn to take center stage!

CSS nesting improves with CSSNestedDeclarations  |  Articles  |  web.dev

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Published: Oct 8, 2024

To fix some weird quirks with CSS nesting, the CSS Working Group resolved to add the CSSNestedDeclarations interface to the CSS Nesting Specification. With this addition, declarations that come after style rules no longer shift up, among some other improvements.

These changes are available in Chrome from version 130 and are ready for testing in Firefox Nightly 132 and Safari Technology Preview 204.

The problem with CSS nesting without CSSNestedDeclarations

One of the gotchas with CSS nesting is that, originally, the following snippet does not work as you might initially expect:

.foo {
    width: fit-content;

    @media screen {
        background-color: red;
    }
    
    background-color: green;
}

Looking at the code, you would assume that the <div class=foo> element has a green background-color because the background-color: green; declaration comes last. But this isn’t the case in Chrome before version 130. In those versions, which lack support for CSSNestedDeclarations, the background-color of the element is red.

After parsing the actual rule Chrome prior to 130 uses is as follows:

.foo {
    width: fit-content;
    background-color: green;

    @media screen {
        & {
            background-color: red;
        }
    }
}

The CSS after parsing underwent two changes:

  • The background-color: green; got shifted up to join the other two declarations.
  • The nested CSSMediaRule was rewritten to wrap its declarations in an extra CSSStyleRule using the & selector.

Another typical change that you’d see here is the parser discarding properties it does not support.

You can inspect the “CSS after parsing” for yourself by reading back the cssText from the CSSStyleRule.

Try it out yourself in this interactive playground:

Why is this CSS rewritten?

To understand why this internal rewrite happened, you need to understand how this CSSStyleRule gets represented in the CSS Object Model (CSSOM).

In Chrome before 130, the CSS snippet shared earlier serializes to the following:

↳ CSSStyleRule
  .type = STYLE_RULE
  .selectorText = ".foo"
  .resolvedSelectorText = ".foo"
  .specificity = "(0,1,0)"
  .style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 2) =
    - width: fit-content
    - background-color: green
  .cssRules (CSSRuleList, 1) =
    ↳ CSSMediaRule
    .type = MEDIA_RULE
    .cssRules (CSSRuleList, 1) =
      ↳ CSSStyleRule
        .type = STYLE_RULE
        .selectorText = "&"
        .resolvedSelectorText = ":is(.foo)"
        .specificity = "(0,1,0)"
        .style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 1) =
          - background-color: red

Of all the properties that a CSSStyleRule has, the following two are relevant in this case:

  • The style property which is a CSSStyleDeclaration instance representing the declarations.
  • The cssRules property which is a CSSRuleList that holds all nested CSSRule objects.

Because all declarations from the CSS snippet end up in the style property of the CSStyleRule, there is a loss of information. When looking at the style property it’s not clear that the background-color: green was declared after the nested CSSMediaRule.

↳ CSSStyleRule
  .type = STYLE_RULE
  .selectorText = ".foo"
  .style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 2) =
    - width: fit-content
    - background-color: green
  .cssRules (CSSRuleList, 1) =
    ↳ …

This is problematic, because for a CSS engine to work properly it must be able to distinguish properties that appear at the start of a style rule’s contents from those that appear interspersed with other rules.

As for the declarations inside the CSSMediaRule suddenly getting wrapped in a CSSStyleRule: that is because the CSSMediaRule was not designed to contain declarations.

Because CSSMediaRule can contain nested rules–accessible through its cssRules property–the declarations automatically get wrapped in a CSSStyleRule.

↳ CSSMediaRule
  .type = MEDIA_RULE
  .cssRules (CSSRuleList, 1) =
    ↳ CSSStyleRule
      .type = STYLE_RULE
      .selectorText = "&"
      .resolvedSelectorText = ":is(.foo)"
      .specificity = "(0,1,0)"
      .style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 1) =
        - background-color: red

How to solve this?

The CSS Working Group looked into several options to solve this problem.

One of the suggested solutions was to wrap all bare declarations in a nested CSSStyleRule with the nesting selector (&). This idea was discarded for various reasons, including the following unwanted side-effects of & desugaring to :is(…):

  • It has an effect on specificity. This is because :is() takes over the specificity of its most specific argument.
  • It does not work well with pseudo-elements in the original outer selector. This is because :is() does not accept pseudo-elements in its selector list argument.

Take the following example:

#foo, .foo, .foo::before {
  width: fit-content;
  background-color: red;

  @media screen {
    background-color: green;
  }
}

After parsing that snippet becomes this in Chrome before 130:

#foo,
.foo,
.foo::before {
  width: fit-content;
  background-color: red;

  @media screen {
    & {
      background-color: green;
    }
  }
}

This is a problem because the nested CSSRule with the & selector:

  • Flattens down to :is(#foo, .foo), throwing away the .foo::before from the selector list along the way.
  • Has a specificity of (1,0,0) which makes it harder to overwrite later on.

You can check this by inspecting what the rule serializes to:

↳ CSSStyleRule
  .type = STYLE_RULE
  .selectorText = "#foo, .foo, .foo::before"
  .resolvedSelectorText = "#foo, .foo, .foo::before"
  .specificity = (1,0,0),(0,1,0),(0,1,1)
  .style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 2) =
    - width: fit-content
    - background-color: red
  .cssRules (CSSRuleList, 1) =
    ↳ CSSMediaRule
      .type = MEDIA_RULE
      .cssRules (CSSRuleList, 1) =
        ↳ CSSStyleRule
          .type = STYLE_RULE
          .selectorText = "&"
          .resolvedSelectorText = ":is(#foo, .foo, .foo::before)"
          .specificity = (1,0,0)
          .style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 1) =
            - background-color: green

Visually it also means that the background-color of .foo::before is red instead of green.

Another approach the CSS Working Group looked at was to have you wrap all nested declarations in a @nest rule. This was dismissed due to the regressed developer experience this would cause.

Introducing the CSSNestedDeclarations interface

The solution the CSS Working Group settled on is the introduction of the nested declarations rule.

This nested declarations rule is implemented in Chrome starting with Chrome 130.

The introduction of the nested declarations rule changes the CSS parser to automatically wrap consecutive directly-nested declarations in a CSSNestedDeclarations instance. When serialized, this CSSNestedDeclarations instance ends up in the cssRules property of the CSSStyleRule.

Taking the following CSSStyleRule as an example again:

.foo {
  width: fit-content;

  @media screen {
    background-color: red;
  }
    
  background-color: green;
}

When serialized in Chrome 130 or newer, it looks like this:

↳ CSSStyleRule
  .type = STYLE_RULE
  .selectorText = ".foo"
  .resolvedSelectorText = ".foo"
  .specificity = (0,1,0)
  .style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 1) =
    - width: fit-content
  .cssRules (CSSRuleList, 2) =
    ↳ CSSMediaRule
      .type = MEDIA_RULE
      .cssRules (CSSRuleList, 1) =
        ↳ CSSNestedDeclarations
          .style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 1) =
            - background-color: red
    ↳ CSSNestedDeclarations
      .style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 1) =
        - background-color: green

Because the CSSNestedDeclarations rule ends up in the CSSRuleList, the parser is able to retain the position of the background-color: green declaration: after the background-color: red declaration (which is part of the CSSMediaRule).

Furthermore, having a CSSNestedDeclarations instance doesn’t introduce any of the nasty side-effects the other, now discarded, potential solutions caused: The nested declarations rule matches the exact same elements and pseudo-elements as its parent style rule, with the same specificity behavior.

Proof of this is reading back the cssText of the CSSStyleRule. Thanks to the nested declarations rule it is the same as the input CSS:

.foo {
  width: fit-content;

  @media screen {
    background-color: red;
  }
    
  background-color: green;
}

What this means for you

This means that CSS nesting got a whole lot better as of Chrome 130. But, it also means that you might have to go over some of your code if you were interleaving bare declarations with nested rules.

Take the following example that uses the wonderful @starting-style

/* This does not work in Chrome 130 */
#mypopover:popover-open {
  @starting-style {
    opacity: 0;
    scale: 0.5;
  }

  opacity: 1;
  scale: 1;
}

Before Chrome 130 those declarations would get hoisted. You’d end up with the opacity: 1; and scale: 1; declarations going into the CSSStyleRule.style, followed by a CSSStartingStyleRule (representing the @starting-style rule) in CSSStyleRule.cssRules.

From Chrome 130 onwards the declarations no longer get hoisted, and you end up with two nested CSSRule objects in CSSStyleRule.cssRules. In order: one CSSStartingStyleRule (representing the @starting-style rule) and one CSSNestedDeclarations that contains the opacity: 1; scale: 1; declarations.

Because of this changed behavior, the @starting-style declarations get overwritten by the ones contained in the CSSNestedDeclarations instance, thereby removing the entry animation.

To fix the code, make sure that the @starting-style block comes after the regular declarations. Like so:

/* This works in Chrome 130 */
#mypopover:popover-open {
  opacity: 1;
  scale: 1;

  @starting-style {
    opacity: 0;
    scale: 0.5;
  }
}

If you keep your nested declarations on top of the nested rules when using CSS nesting your code works mostly fine with all versions of all browsers that support CSS nesting.

Finally, if you want to feature detect the available of CSSNestedDeclarations, you can use the following JavaScript snippet:

if (!("CSSNestedDeclarations" in self && "style" in CSSNestedDeclarations.prototype)) {
  // CSSNestedDeclarations is not available
}



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