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5 Longest Running Soap Operas

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One of the best things about a soap opera is that it can last for generations. It’s truly surprising that this happens, too, with so many storylines and characters making their way through the countless episodes that air each year. While some soap operas have met an early exit, there are some that have withstood the test of time and became television staples.

Of those soap operas that have held on the longest, which ones are the longest running in television history? Here’s a look at the five longest running soap operas across the world, all of which date back several decades and may never come to an end.

Coronation Street 

“Coronation Street” holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running soap opera, first airing in December of 1960, and is still going strong today. This British soap opera, created by Tony Warren, takes place in the fictional city of Weatherfield, based on the real city of Salford just outside of Manchester. 

More than 10,700 episodes of this long-running soap opera have been filmed and aired, with three new episodes coming out weekly. “Coronation Street” has become a staple in British homes and doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. 

Neighbours

Although this Australian soap opera is no longer releasing new episodes as of July 2022, “Neighbours” stands as the longest-running soap opera in Australian television history. It all began in March of 1985 when Australian television producer and screenwriter Reginald Watson created the “Neighbours” series following the end of his other successful drama series Sons and Daughters. “Neighbours” focuses on the dramatic lives of the residents of Ramsey St., set in the fictional town of Erinsborough, based on the area of Melbourne in Australia. 

General Hospital

“General Hospital” holds the title of the longest running American soap opera in the Guinness Book of World Records, first airing in 1963 and continuing through the present day. The series presented its 15,000th episode in the Summer of 2022, also winning its 15th Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series that same year, making “General Hospital” the soap opera with more Daytime Emmy Award wins than any other. Fun fact, “General Hospital”, like many soap operas, helped launch the careers of lesser-known actors, such as John Stamos and Mark Hamill.   

Days of Our Lives

Created by Ted and Betty Corday, “Days of Our Lives” debuted in 1965 and, as of now, has been renewed until September 2023. The iconic soap opera has aired more than 14,000 episodes over the years and is set in the fictional Illinois town of Salem. Some high-profile fans of the show include Julia Roberts, Thurgood Marshall, and Monica Lewinsky. Roberts and Marshall even made a guest appearance on the soap opera. The show has been nominated for multiple awards, winning four Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series.  

The Young and Restless

Set in the fictional Genoa City in Wisconsin, “The Young and Restless” first aired in March of 1973 and still releases new episodes to this day. Over 12,500 episodes have aired since its debut. The show follows the fictional lives of the powerful and wealthy Newman and Abbott families. The series has earned 11 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series over the years, with a total of 116 Daytime Emmys won in total, out of its 360 nominations. 

The series has been surrounded by controversy in the past due to the show’s openness to touch on the taboo subject matter and the tendency to display heavy sexual content, one of the first soap operas to do so. Although it’s because of that, “The Young and Restless” remains one of the longest-running and most popular American soap operas of all time. 

The 5 Best Places To Live In Canada

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Canada ranks as one of the best countries in the world to live in, behind only Germany and Switzerland. Whether you’re the type that prefers to live in a major city or like the laid-back rural life, there are plenty of great options throughout Canada. With that in mind, which cities were ranked as the best to live in? Here are the five cities in Canada that had the highest scores.

5. Quebec City, QC

Affordability is one of the biggest reasons that people move to any city, and Quebec City has that in spades. With some of the lowest utility bills and rent for a major city, Quebec also has plenty of natural beauty with its many surrounding national parks. While it does get cold in the winter, Quebec City does allow people to experience all four seasons instead of a long winter and a cooler summer.

Among the safest cities in Canada, Quebec City is also a great place to make a living. The average salaries in QC are well above the national average, allowing people to put money into savings as they also pay lower bills.

4. Halifax, NS

While it has the feel of a big city, Halifax, Nova Scotia doesn’t quite have the same hustle and bustle, so it puts those that are laid back more at ease when living there. As a result, the cost of living is much cheaper in Halifax compared to many of the other major cities, and the weather is much warmer than in places like Calgary throughout the year.

While living in Halifax, you can expect an extremely low crime rate with a lot of natural beauty and things to do. The people are incredibly friendly in Halifax and traffic is almost nonexistent, with plenty of great educational options for those with children.

3. Calgary, AB

With one of the strongest urban areas in Canada and much friendlier housing prices compared to the rest of the big cities in the country, Calgary is the top destination in Alberta. Calgary is one of the cleanest cities in the world and has in fact been named the cleanest in years past. The local government has made sure that it will stay that way, with heavy regulations being put into place.

Calgary also has a lower sales tax, and the infrastructure makes it so that you don’t have to spend much time outside during the winter months. There are plenty of walkways between buildings downtown and a lot of public transportation options for those that don’t want to deal with traffic.

2. Vancouver, BC

If you want to move to a city that has great healthcare and education, Vancouver is a top option not only in Canada but one of the best in the entire world. Receiving perfect marks in these categories by the Global Livability Index, Vancouver has been amongst the world’s fastest-growing cities for quite some time now.

The surrounding natural beauty of Vancouver alone has people flocking to the city, and living downtown is an ideal setting to be close to it all. Another big positive for Vancouver is the weather. While it does have winters, they’re basically considered summers for much of the rest of Canada with less than eight centimeters of snowfall on average each year.

1. Ottawa, ON

Another one of the cities that’s considered to be among the cleanest in the country also happens to be the capital: Ottawa. There’s a lot of natural space to enjoy while living in the Ottawa area, which is ranked at the top for greenery above even the likes of Vancouver. Another big reason to move to Ottawa, especially for younger people, is the impressive work-life balance that gets high rankings.

Among the major cities in Canada, Ottawa has the lowest percentage of people who are working more than full-time hours. There are a lot of job opportunities thanks to Ottawa being the nation’s capital, and a high walkability score with low crime to boot.

5 Most Creative Roblox Games You Might Have Missed

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Back in 2004, developers David Baszucki and Erik Cassel had a plan for an MMO that would allow players to create their own games and worlds, calling it “Roblox”. The game was released two years later, and though it didn’t have a lot of traction at first, would slowly develop into one of the world’s most popular games, especially among children.

Since the 2010s saw the release of “Roblox” on mobile devices, there has been an explosion in popularity and creativity from those that make their own games within “Roblox”. There are countless games to pick from that really show off how creative you can get with “Roblox”, with these five that you might have missed truly setting the standard.

Welcome to Bloxburg

Welcome to Bloxburg is a popular “Roblox” game developed by user Coeptus, where you can design and build a virtual home, chill with friends, and work a variety of jobs. A player can choose to start off with a prebuilt home or create their own on their 30 x 30 plot of land. 

Homes aren’t the only thing you can build on your land. You can build a farm, a restaurant, a hotel, or a small village. A player can pay for access to a larger plot of land and the ability to create multiple stories in their home. 

MeepCity

Over ten billion players have visited MeepCity, making it one of the most popular “Roblox” games. User AlexNewtron created this casual MMO-style game, similar to and inspired by games like Club Penguin and Toontown. Its main purpose is to serve as a social hangout platform, although players have homes they can personalize by going to some of the shops in the city. 

Using the city’s currency of coins, you can make a visit to the home improvement shop, where you can change the interior or exterior design of your home. There’s a toy shop where you can purchase tons of fun items. There’s also a furniture store you’ll find plenty of cool items for your rooms, party supplies, outdoor decor, and more.  

Theme Park Tycoon 2

Theme Park Tycoon 2, developed by user Den_S, is a game where players can create their own amusement parks, food vendors, and more for other players to visit and enjoy. There are five different types of rides offered in the game like roller coasters, water rides, transportation rides, intense rides, and some less intense rides. 

Players can customize the rides to their liking on their own plot of land. Neighboring players within the server can visit your amusement park and rate their experience, earning your achievements and access to special items to adorn your park with. 

Work at a Pizza Place

Work at a Pizza Place, developed by users Dued1 and RBXZach, is another highly popular “Roblox” game that has accumulated over four billion visits. In the game, you work as an employee at a pizza place, choosing from jobs like cook, cashier, pizza boxer, delivery person, supplier, and manager. 

Working as a team, you and your fellow employees make and serve guests their food, earning you coins. With those, you can buy items to fill your virtual home with while on break. 

Build a Boat for Treasure

Created and developed by Chillz Studios, Build a Boat for Treasure is a game where you do just that. You and other players can work as a team to build a vessel and sail it across the ocean with the goal of reaching an island where you’ll find a treasure chest full of goodies. 

You can unlock quests, earn badges, and collect gold blocks if you survive the trek through the roaring waters and dangerous obstacles leading to the treasure. 

The Five Best States To Live In The USA

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When it comes to choosing a state where you want to settle down and spend the foreseeable future in the USA, it can be very difficult. There are a lot of regions to choose from that all bring their own climate, job market, and just about everything else. The United States is the fourth-largest country in the world, featuring desert areas, forests, mountains, and more.

From the history of the New England region to the mountains of the west, and from the sunshine of Florida to the rains of the Pacific Northwest, which states are the best to live in? Here are five that really stand out above the rest for a long list of reasons, some of which may have you call one of these states “home” for many years to come. 

New Hampshire

This tiny and unassuming state may not be the first place you’d think of when deciding on a place to visit or relocate. New Hampshire’s mountainous landscape offers breathtaking views, especially in autumn, and is the perfect place to indulge in your favorite winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. 

Alongside the beautiful views, the state is ranked highly for its excellent air and water quality. According to usnews.com New Hampshire rates 2nd in the safest states to live in the US, with the lowest crime rate second to its neighbor, Maine. Another perk of living in New Hampshire is the absence of sales tax. 

Massachusetts 

If you’re looking for reasons to relocate to Massachusetts, here are a few. Massachusetts is known for their excellent schools and universities, Harvard to name one. Nearby is the hustle and bustle of the city of Boston, the sports mecca of the New England area. 

The diversity in cultures throughout the state and larger cities provides the locals with a great selection of cuisine and an eclectic community. Massachusetts is ranked as the 7th safest state to live in by USNews.

Washington

Washington state has a lot of neat stuff that will make you want to stick around for a while. Washington has a variety of gorgeous state parks where you can take in the scenery, enjoy what nature has to offer, and feel the Oceanside breeze if you visit a park closer to the coast. Speaking of nature, the weather there isn’t half bad either. 

The climate differs depending on the area you visit, giving you options when choosing where to settle down. As far as the job market is concerned, you won’t have to worry too much, because Washington is home to some of the largest and most successful companies (Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing) where you can seek employment. 

Minnesota

If you’re thinking of heading to the Midwest, Minnesota would be a fantastic fit for those wanting the best that part of the country has to offer. Loved by tourists and locals alike, the Mall of America has a lot to offer, besides holding the title of the largest mall in the US. Visit the Sea Life Aquarium and Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park while you’re there. 

Minnesota also carries a lower poverty rate, with the median income being over $70,000 per household. It’s also cheap to live there as it falls below the United States average, making it a great option when relocating.

Utah

Utah is a promising choice when figuring out where you want to venture next. The most tempting selling point when considering moving to Utah is the affordable cost of living. Higher income, paired with generally low spending costs makes for a perfect combination. 

Utah is considered one of the most naturally beautiful states in the country. Locals can enjoy an average year-round temperature of 52F°. Crime rates in the smaller cities are extremely low, giving them some of the lowest of any in the United States.

The 5 Best Places To Live In The USA

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Finding the right place to live in the United States can be difficult. There are a lot of things to take into account when trying to pick the city you’re going to call home for the foreseeable future. There are variables such as climate, education, the job market, housing, and much more that all play a part in what makes a city a desirable place to live.

It’s hard to narrow it down to just a few places in the United States that really stand out since they all have their pros and cons, but there are a few that really stand out above the rest. Here are the five best places to live in the USA overall when all factors are considered, with one state boasting two cities on the list.

Boulder, Colorado 

Boulder, Colorado is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country in recent years. It is quickly becoming a place of interest for those looking to relocate. Boulder is ranked #4 of the best cities to live in the US in 2022. Even taking the #1 spot the two years prior. 

The metro population consists of over 320,000 people, with an average annual income of over $70,000 yearly. Although the cost of living in Boulder can exceed a quarter of the average household’s salary, a hefty income helps to balance it out. 

San Jose, California

San Jose comes in at #5 on the list of best places to live in 2022. The diversity throughout the city gives residents, and those visiting, a taste of an array of rich cultures. Explore the streets of Little Portugal, Little Italy, Little Saigon, or Japantown. 

Or maybe take in the lush and plentiful nature on the many hiking trails you’ll find. It’s a beautiful city with an even more beautiful melting pot of people and cultures. San Jose is also the epicenter of Silicon Valley and has a booming job market with high-paying salaries. The annual average income is over $90,000 and provides residents with the means to afford the comfortable and lavish lifestyles California is known for. 

Green Bay, Wisconsin 

Green Bay, Wisconsin holds over 320,000 residents, earning an average annual income of $50,000. Green Bay earns a spot on this list due to the low cost of living in comparison to the yearly earnings the average resident takes in. 

It makes for a comfortable and financially secure home, something nearly everyone would find appealing. The bustling art, entertainment, and comforting food scene are just a bonus. Green Bay has been ranked #3 of the best places to live in 2022. 

Colorado Springs, Colorado 

Colorado Springs is an even more breathtaking Colorado city to make the cut, ranked #2 in the best places to live in 2022. The incredible scenery and mountainous landscape make it a hopeful contender when considering relocation. Spots like the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak are a must-see. You can enjoy a thrill seekers’ paradise with white water rafting and zip-lining available as well. The people are friendly, the school districts are above average, and the weather is tamer than most places, while still giving you four seasons throughout the year. 

Huntsville, Alabama

Ranked #1 in best places to live in 2022, Huntsville Alabama is a surprisingly desirable destination. One of the fastest growing cities in the US, Huntsville offers residents a blossoming job market with companies like Amazon and Facebook building a fulfillment center and $1 billion data center, offering up even more job opportunities. 

Another perk of living in Huntsville is the people. Huntsville residents are known to be kind and friendly, with a strong sense of community. The schools aren’t half bad either. They’re ranked as some of the tops in the country. 

The Story of Flappy Bird And Its Elusive Creator

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“Flappy Bird” was the game that caught everyone’s attention for a brief period of time, only to be stripped away from the masses without any warning. It was a simple concept, really. You tap your phone screen to temporarily elevate the tiny yellow bird without letting him hit the multitude of pipes or the ground below while the game keeps track of how far you made it without hitting an obstacle.

Millions of people were competing with their friends to see who could get the highest “Flappy Bird” score, and it was the game that almost everybody had on their smartphone during that golden age of apps in the early to mid-2010s. Unfortunately, “Flappy Bird” left just about as quickly as it came. So what happened? Let’s look at the story of “Flappy Bird” and its elusive creator.

The Creator

“Flappy Bird” wasn’t created by a large publisher that has cornered the mobile gaming market, but rather by one man. Dong Nguyen grew up in the Vietnamese village of Van Phuc, and took an interest in video games at a young age, particularly the “Super Mario Bros.” franchise. Nguyen had been working on developing games for a few years but found some of them to be too complicated for public consumption.

Nguyen took one of the characters that were to be used in a previous game, a bird named Faby, and plugged him into the game where all you have to do is tap anywhere on the screen. One tap makes Faby increase in height slightly and temporarily as the player attempts to traverse between pipes without hitting the ground.

Skyrocketing Popularity

The simplicity of “Flappy Bird” made it an instant hit. The game was released in May 2013, and within months was the top mobile game in the world. By the end of the year, there were 50 million “Flappy Bird” downloads. People were trying to break their own high scores while sending screenshots of their scores to everyone they knew, hoping to have the highest “Flappy Bird” score amongst their friends and family.

Clones

Just like with any popular mobile game, there are always a series of knockoffs that make their way to the App Store and Google Play. It seemed like every day, there were dozens of

 “Flappy Birds” clones that made their way into stores only to be taken down. Of course, there were also plenty of developers that said that “Flappy Bird” was the clone, but nothing came from the claims that Nguyen took his ideas from anybody else.

Flying Away

While still at the height of its popularity, millions of people woke up on February 20, 2014, only to find that Flappy Bird was no longer available in app stores. Many thought it was a mistake at first, but it turned out that “Flappy Bird” was gone for good. The only ways to try out “Flappy Bird” afterward were via the arcade game or the Amazon Fire TV version of the app as all others were removed permanently.

Where Did Nguyen Go?

So why did Nguyen decide to rip the game from app stores while it was pulling in tens of thousands per day? According to Nguyen, he said that people were becoming addicted to the game. “‘Flappy Bird’ was designed to play in a few minutes when you’re relaxed,” he said. “But it happened to become an addictive product. I think it has become a problem. To solve that problem, it’s best to take down ‘Flappy Bird’. It’s gone forever.”

News outlets couldn’t stop talking about “Flappy Bird”, but Nguyen didn’t want to see the success of his own game. “It is something I never want,” Nguyen said of the popularity. “Please give me peace.” On the positive side, Nguyen did feel more confident in his game development abilities as a result of “Flappy Bird”. 

Nguyen has been almost radio silent since “Flappy Bird” was taken away from stores. His small gaming development company, dotgears, has created other games including “BOOP”, “Swing Copters”, and “Ninja Spinki Challengers. However, nothing has seen quite the success of “Flappy Bird”.

5 Reasons To Learn To Type Properly

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As the years go on, more people are able to increase their typing speed, but there are plenty of people who aren’t typing the way that they should. You’ve likely seen the types; the ones that type with only their index fingers or with one hand in particular. These are hard habits to break, but they should be changed.

There are plenty of reasons to learn to type properly, including your own health. If you’ve been looking for a reason to practice the proper techniques, here are the five biggest reasons why you should be adjusting your typing practices today.

1. Make Your Job Easier 

These days, more and more jobs offer partial, or solely work-from-home positions. Although it can make for a more comfortable environment, sometimes it’s difficult to stay focused when you’re not in a typical workplace. 

Learning to stay focused on the task at hand, as well as getting it done efficiently and accurately will make your work day run smoothly. Typing with precision and speed makes work a less daunting task. It’s an extremely helpful tool everyone should have in their arsenal when working from home. 

2. School Work 

With the rise in people working from home, more students have been given the freedom to take classes virtually and complete work on their home computers. For the students within the school walls, schools typically provide computers in the classroom, or library as well. 

Typing with increased speed and accuracy can cut down on time spent in front of the computer, which is useful when you’re spending multiple days, or nights staring at a screen for school. Getting through school work and essays more efficiently by practicing your typing speed will give you more time for rest and other activities. 

3. Keep Up With Tasks and Communications 

There’s a lot to keep up with and a lot of people to stay in touch with. The best way to get through your daily, weekly, or even monthly tasks is to approach them in an organized and speedy fashion. Open a word document, or notepad and type out a well-organized to-do list. 

Not only can you get it done faster, but you’re saving paper and can quickly fix mistakes by doing it on the computer. If one of those tasks includes keeping up with friends and family, utilize your fast typing skills to send thoughtful messages to your loved ones without taking up too much of your day. 

4. Gaming

Nearly everyone on Earth plays games of some kind and a large percentage of that is made up of PC gamers. There are an estimated 1.75 billion PC gamers out there today. For games that must require a mouse and keyboard, or if you just prefer using them over handheld controllers, typing fast is an extremely useful skill to learn. 

There are a specific set of keys on the keyboard that make up the controls of each game, with some varying as well as having the option to change/customize them. Most of which follow the same posture and hand placement you need when learning to type efficiently and quickly. It’s a great way to improve your gameplay and skills. 

5. Improves Posture and Prevents Aches

One often overlooked reason to learn how to type with more speed and accuracy, is that it helps you maintain proper posture and can keep aches and pains at bay. Use the correct technique to type fast and efficiently by keeping your shoulders down, feet flat on the floor, arms resting at the base of the keyboard, and keeping your back straight, allowing your spine to sit at its normal curvature. This will not only help you in all aspects of your online life but keep you feeling healthy and happy while you do it. 

5 Ways To Improve Your Attractiveness

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Many of us wish that we were more attractive to the point where we think about it every day. Not finding yourself attractive can be one of the most mentally draining things imaginable, especially when you’re trying to get into the dating scene. Of course, a lot of attractiveness comes naturally, but there are also some steps that anybody can take to make themselves more attractive to others.

While some of these methods can cost quite a bit of money, there are some that are completely free of charge. If you don’t like the way you look and wish you could change, here are five ways to improve your attractiveness, starting as soon as today.

Exercise

Exercise is a great tool to improve your bodily features, it boosts your confidence, and fills your brain with endorphins. Whether you’re looking to shed unwanted pounds, tone specific areas, or pack on muscle, there are tons of exercises you can discover throughout the internet to help guide you to improving whichever areas you’d like to focus on. 

Hiring a trainer to equip you with a personalized regime would surely give you the best results. No matter what route you choose, choosing exercise is incredibly beneficial and will improve more than just your physical appearance. 

Dress Better

You don’t have to don a suit and tie every day unless you want to, but stepping up your wardrobe is a surefire way to improve the way you look and how others perceive you.  That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort either. Starting with the basics, make sure you wear clean, stain-free, clothing that’s in relatively good shape with no rips and tears. 

Next, figure out what kind of style suits your personality, body shape, and comfort needs. After that, you can move to choosing which colors, accessories, and footwear you like most and accentuate your look. In the end, you and everyone around you will notice your newfound confidence. 

Hair and Makeup 

Along with dressing yourself more efficiently, focusing on styling your hair and the addition of beauty products is an important step in improving your appearance. Firstly, ensure you’re showered and smelling fresh.  After that, it’s time to decide the look you want to pull off. There are so many ways you can style your hair, depending on your preferences and hair type, with styling products you can purchase to help achieve them. 

Next, the addition of makeup helps to accentuate your features as well. Makeup doesn’t have to be solely feminine, or glam either. Anyone can use makeup to enhance their features in any way, shape, or form no matter how subtle, or loud.  

Build Self-Esteem and Confidence

Most would say that true beauty comes from within.  Despite all of these tips, it takes a strong sense of self-love and inner confidence to truly feel beautiful and attractive. There are many helpful steps you can take to work towards improving your self-esteem. Seeking therapy is likely the most beneficial. 

Professional guidance unique to your situation can drastically improve the way you feel about yourself. You can also try positive affirmations and speaking kindly to yourself while looking in the mirror. Find things you love about yourself inside and out and celebrate them. 

Surgery 

If all else fails and there are certain features you can’t improve naturally, cosmetic surgery is a risky, but viable option. Although seen as taboo by some, cosmetic surgery can be a helpful tool and is a personal choice to the individuals who choose that route. 

Regardless of your reasoning behind it, it is a big decision to make and comes with risks and a sometimes lengthy healing process. In the end, it can be worth it to achieve the look you want and rid yourself of lifelong imperfections that have taken a toll on your confidence.  

What To Know About Section 8 Housing Applications

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In the early 1970s, federal assistance for housing was increased as part of the Housing and Urban Development Act. This allowed low-income people to more easily become tenants of apartment buildings thanks to the Section 8 program.

These days, around 3 million households are included in the Section 8 program, with tenants averaging around six years as Section 8 recipients. If you’re in need of rent assistance, you may be able to join the millions that are in Section 8 housing. Here’s what you need to know when applying for the monthly voucher.

Eligibility

Before applying for Section 8, you’ll want to ensure you’re eligible for the program. Section 8 recipients must be United States citizens or have an eligible immigration status. These statuses are:

  • Refugee
  • Permanent Legal Resident
  • Lawful Temporary Resident
  • Asylee

Income

If you meet these qualifications, you’ll have to be below a certain income level. Each metropolitan area of the United States has a median income, and Section 8 recipients must be below 50 percent of that median number. For example, if the median income in a city is $60,000 per year, your income would have to be below $30,000 per year to qualify.

Not every metropolitan area will be the same in terms of median income levels or to who Section 8 vouchers are given. There are many areas in which Section 8 recipients are making 30 percent or less of the median income.

Health and Age

Those that are young and healthy while also making around 50 percent of the median income level tend to be the last in line for Section 8 housing. Instead, a top priority is given to those that are older and have medical conditions that require shelter to be safe. Senior citizens are given first consideration, so if you do have a senior living with you, it’s vital that they’re listed on the application.

Also, no matter how minor, make sure to list any medical condition that you may have along with a doctor’s note in the application. Those with disabilities that include deafness, blindness, mental illness, and many others are more likely to be approved for a Section 8 housing voucher.

Stay In Touch With the PHA

When applying for Section 8, it’s important to become well acquainted with your local public housing agency, or PHA for short. It’s through your area’s agency that you’ll be applying for Section 8, as well as receiving updates and partaking in meetings. Those that are in emergency need (such as a previous home becoming unlivable) should contact their local PHA right away to get the process started.

The PHA will never ask you for money throughout the application process. If anyone saying that they’re with an agency asks for money, it is a scam. These scams should be reported to the PHA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development immediately. 

How Long Will You Wait?

Every metro area will be different in terms of how long a Section 8 applicant is waiting to hear their name called. In a perfect world, Section 8 applications would be sorted out within a week, but unfortunately, it can take years. Most people who are approved for Section 8 have been on the waiting list for one to two years.

During this time, it’s likely that a waiting applicant will get an opportunity to receive a project-based voucher (PBV). These are monthly subsidies where rent is fixed to a percentage of income, typically at 30 percent. Around a quarter-million Americans each year are entered into this program.

Finding Housing

After finally becoming approved and receiving a Section 8 voucher, an applicant will have to find qualified housing. Not all landlords will accept Section 8, so it can be difficult in some metro areas to find anything available. Once you do find the right spot, the local public housing agency will pay rent directly to the landlord so that it’s one less concern you’ll have to deal with.

Greatest Players in Griz Football History

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The University of Montana has had a football program active since 1897 and has had many signature wins in program history including a pair of national championships. There have also been plenty of legendary players to come through the Montana Grizzlies football program, but which ones are the best? Here are our picks for the five greatest players in Griz football history.

5. Dante Olson

After redshirting his freshman season with Montana, Dante Olson became the Griz’s Special Teams Player of the Year. Olson’s success on special teams continued into his second season in the lineup, and in 2018 he got his chance to shine in the starting lineup. Olson set the new school record for tackles and became the Big Sky’s Defensive Player of the Year en route to becoming an All-American.

In his senior season, Olson took things to the highest level when he was named the Buck Buchanan Award Winner for being the FCS Defensive Player of the Year. A hopeful to be drafted, Olson wasn’t selected in 2020, instead making his way to the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. After trying out for the team and the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos, Olson retired from football in 2021.

4. Kirk Scrafford

Hailing from Billings, Kirk Scrafford was a monster of a man standing at 6’6” when he made his way to the Griz. Scrafford was an All-Big Sky player twice during his four years as a starter, playing in 43 consecutive games. Scrafford was an honorable mention for the 1988 All-American team and was named to the first team the following year.

Scrafford entered the 1990 NFL season as an undrafted player, signing with the Cincinnati Bengals. Scrafford made his first start in a playoff game and spent almost the entire 1990s on a roster. His stops in the league after Cincinnati were in Denver and San Francisco, playing his last game for the 49ers in 1998.

3. Tim Hauck

After starting his impressive college football career at the University of Portland, Tim Hauck transferred to Montana where he made an immediate impact. Hauck was the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year in his final two seasons with the Griz, also making the All-American Team in the process. In 1989, Hauck was named the team’s most valuable player in 1989 but went undrafted the following year due to his size.

Hauck was signed by the New England Patriots, however, and wound up spending more than a decade in the NFL with seven different teams, most notably the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles. Following his retirement in 2002, Hauck became a coach, returning to Montana to coach the secondary while also having stints with UCLA, UNLV, and three NFL teams.

2. Kroy Biermann

Born in Hardin, Montana, Kroy Biermann stayed in the state for college and became a four-year starter with the Griz. Biermann consistently piled up tackles (220) and sacks (32) during his career, becoming a two-time All-Big Sky and All-American player in 2006 and 2007. In the latter year, he was named the conference’s defensive MVP.

Biermann was selected in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, playing eight seasons with the franchise. Biermann retired after trying out for the Buffalo Bills in 2016, finishing his NFL career with 333 tackles, 23.5 sacks, and three defensive touchdowns.

1. Dave Dickenson

There’s little debate about the greatest player in Griz history, as Dave Dickenson is considered far and away to be the school’s (and Big Sky Conference’s) best of all time. Dickenson completed more than two-thirds of his passes with the Griz, throwing for 11,080 yards and 96 touchdowns compared to just 26 interceptions.

Dickenson led Montana to a national championship and was named the nation’s best player, winning the Walter Payton Award. The three-time All-American holds almost every passing record and went into the Canadian Football League out of college. Dickenson played with the Calgary Stampeders and BC Lions, as well as four NFL teams before starting his coaching career in Calgary in 2009.