Tennessee Land and Chattanooga Happenings Blog

The Haars Family Officially Moves In!

dane bradshaw — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:23:00 GMT

After 5 months of construction we are thrilled with our new home and loving living in The Ridges – again thanks to Battle Creek Log Homes and our contractors. It is so beautiful and peaceful at all times and we love seeing deer run through the development early morning and at dusk is a real treat. To date, there are two more land owners currently building and we hope to have others start in the near future. Take care everyone and we’ll see you at The Ridges!

Tennessee leads the nation in auto manufacturing

Charles Rash — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:51:00 GMT

According to national economic development publication "Business Facilities,"

Tennessee leads the nation in auto manufacturing strength, and industry analysts said they aren’t surprised by that ranking.

In 1997, Nissan started production at another Tennessee plant in Decherd, Tenn.
Having two major plants draws in more suppliers to the area and that can help attract more manufactures and suppliers.

Construction is also underway on Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn., which will produce lithium-ion batteries to power the Nissan LEAF zero-emission vehicle. The plant will be capable of producing 200,000 advanced-technology batteries annually and is located adjacent to Nissan’s vehicle assembly plant, where the all-electric Nissan LEAF will be produced beginning in late 2012.

Combined, Nissan LEAF and battery production will create up to 1,300 manufacturing jobs when the plants are operating at full capacity.
In addition to the Volkswagen and Nissan auto assembly plants, more than 860 automotive suppliers, original equipment manufacturers and ancillary manufacturers are located in Tennessee.

This is the second consecutive year that Tennessee has landed the No. 1 spot in the annual ranking.

http://www.nooga.com/13526_tennessee-leads-nation-in-auto-manufacturing/

Chattanooga to be in Southern Livings November Issue

Charles Rash — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:46:00 GMT

When Southern Living writer Eric Crevar wandered into the Winder Binder folk art gallery in North Chattanooga earlier this month, owner David Smotherman said he chatted him up just like all of the customers who venture into the eclectic gallery and book store.

"I'm just such a talker when it comes to talking about the city and I ended up talking to him for about two hours," Smotherman said.

After discovering Crevar was spending the weekend in Chattanooga doing "research" for an upcoming feature on the city, Smotherman jumped at the chance to tell him about several of his favorite new places that had popped up since the publication's last feature about the city in 2007.

According to Chattanooga Convention and Visitor's Bureau marketing & public relations manager, Candace Davis, Crevar "visited places all around Chattanooga" over two weekend visits in June and July.

Although Smotherman said the conversation he and Crevar had in the store's "living room" during the most recent visit two weeks ago didn't include much talk about the gallery itself, he was thrilled to learn that his shop was included on staff photographer Gary Clark's shot list for the upcoming feature in the November issue of the popular magazine.

Clark is spending three days in Chattanooga this week taking photographs in nine locations including the Hunter Museum, The Incline Railway, the Walnut Street Bridge, Aleia Restaurant, and the Pickle Barrel among others.

http://www.nooga.com/11036_southern-living-magazine-to-feature-chattanooga-in-november-issue/

Mud Run and Swamp Romp to benefit Habitat for Humanity

Charles Rash — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:51:00 GMT

The second annual Chattanooga Mud Run to benefit Habitat for Humanity will be taking place at Greenway Farms on Saturday, August 20th. That same evening, a low country boil and concert will take place during the nonprofit's second fundraiser of the day, the all new Swamp Romp inside the First Tennessee Pavilion.

The mud run is a team-based 5K race through dirt mounds, wall mounts and mud pits staged throughout the natural landscape of the farm.

Slippery hills and military grade obstacles have been added this year to make things more interesting, according to organizers.

Registration is limited to the first 400 five person-teams to sign up. That is nearly twice as many teams than participated last year, but the group hopes the money raised will be far more than double.
Lamb said the Swamp Romp has been added this year as a totally separate event that will also be used as a fundraiser on the same day. Participants of the mud run can attend at a discounted admission price, but the Swamp Romp is open to anyone who would enjoy zydeco music and a fresh low-country boil.

The evening includes yard games like corn hole and ladder golf, the low-country boil dinner by Petunia’s Silver Jalapeno; and music by Lon Eldridge, the W.T.M. Blues Band, and Zydeco legend C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band.

http://www.nooga.com/10256_mud-run-and-swamp-romp-to-benefit-habitat-for-humanity/

Southern way of life writes an amazing article about Chattanooga

Charles Rash — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:54:00 GMT

After a thirty-year downtown revitalization project, Chattanooga, Tennessee has evolved into a true Renaissance City. Helmed by a visionary group of civic planners, investors, and ordinary citizens, Chattanooga has left its gritty industrial manufacturing past behind and reinvented itself as a clean, green-technology-friendly city dedicated to sustainable urban development. Mixing a commitment to innovative technology with an appreciation of healthy lifestyles, Chattanooga is “well on its way to becoming one of America’s best mid-sized cities,” according to The Washington Post, and boasts not only the fastest high-speed internet service in the country, but also the world’s longest pedestrian bridge.

The jewel in the city crown, and the impetus for much of the downtown redevelopment, is the Tennessee River. Snaking its way past the spot where John Ross once traded goods with the Cherokees, the riverfront is now a 13 mile greenway of pedestrian trails, parks, museums, restaurants, shops, and carefully planned urban housing. Anchored by the downtown Tennessee Aquarium, the largest freshwater aquarium in the world, the brand-new riverfront entertainment district stretches along the river and up the bluffs to the Bluff View Art District, a quaint neighborhood of restaurants, museums, retail space, and mixed use housing.

Chattanooga is a safe, clean, well-lit city and pedestrian traffic is constant, even in the late evening. For those who prefer to ride, Buzz Chattanooga Pedi Cabs, Chattanooga Horse-Drawn Carriages, Downtown Electric Free Shuttles, Chattanooga Double Decker Bus Tours, and Chattanooga Funny Carsprovide less strenuous options. A fun way to explore the downtown riverfront area is through the Chattanooga Ducks, an authentic WWII amphibious landing craft tour of the river and historical districts.

Although the showpiece of the riverfront development is the beautiful Tennessee Aquarium where visitors can explore three living forests under glass, the downtown is also home to the new Chattanooga Lookouts AT&T Field. An average 6,000 baseball fans watch the Chattanooga Lookouts, an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, play Double A ball each week. Next to the aquarium, the IMAX 3D Theater shows a number of first run 3d movies on a screen six stories high, while the new downtown Majestic Theater boasts 12 screens and a special adults-only VIP auditorium where cocktails and upscale snacks such as crab cakes and salads are delivered to viewers at their seats.

For those with younger children or grandchildren, the Creative Discovery Museum is a wonderful place to spend a lazy summer afternoon digging for dinosaur bones or creating a clay sculpture in the Artists’ Studio. The new Chattanooga Regional History Center, opening in 2012, will offer a permanent exhibit highlighting two centuries of regional history while the Chattanooga Theatre Centre features Broadway-style musicals, dramas and comedies. For those intent on exploring the river, the Southern Belle Riverboat, Blue Moon Cruises, and River Gorge Explorer all feature scenic cruises. For music lovers, Nightfall offers free summertime music concerts on Friday evenings and Rhythm and Brews is one of the best places in Chattanooga for live music.

A short stroll across the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge from the Tennessee Aquarium is the Northshore Area, which bills itself as “Hip to Historical.” In addition to the beautiful Renaissance Park and Coolidge Park Carousel, you’ll also find an eclectic mix of boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops offering everything from designer dresses to handmade jewelry to gourmet pet products. Complementing the shops and art galleries, a number of restaurants offer an array of dining choices, everything from sophisticated street fare to French/American fusion cuisine.

Located approximately ten blocks from the downtown riverfront area is the newly-revitalized Southside Historical Art District. Home to the world-famous Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel, where you can sleep overnight in a restored Victorian railway car, the Southside is also home to The Chattanoogan Hotel, Chattanooga’s only AAA Four Diamond-Rated full-service hotel. But it’s the restaurants alone that make a visit to the Southside mandatory.

Profiled on CBS’s Early Show as a “green” vacation destination where “the revitalization projects have made the city a model eco town and tourist hotspot,” Chattanooga is within a two hour drive of Atlanta, Knoxville, Nashville , and Birmingham.

Read Southern Way of Life’s full article at the link below:

http://www.southeastdiscovery.com/southern-way-of-life/2011/07/looking-for-a-great-mid-sized-city-consider-chattanooga-tennessee?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SoutheastDiscovery+%28Southern+Way+Of+Life%29

chattanooga arboretum and nature center begins next era of conservation

Charles Rash — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:39:00 GMT

In 1956 the late John and Margaret Chambliss transformed an abandoned farmland into a 300 acre nature preserve that opened to the public as Reflection Riding Arboretum.

Twenty-two years later, the Chattanooga Nature Center was created on 17 acres of land donated by Reflection Riding and acquired from the family of Harold and Marie Humphreys, long time residents of the site.

Today the two organizations, considered Chattanooga's oldest and best known outdoor recreation and nature education institutions, have reorganized to become the Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center.

The site is located along Lookout Creek at the western base of Lookout Mountain, surrounded by the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

Under the Tennessee Arboretum Certification Program, Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center is certified as a Level Four Arboretum.

Among other requirements involving public access and public programs, a level four certification means that at least 120 different species of trees have been located, identified and labeled. The purpose of the certification program is to define what the word "Arboretum" means in Tennessee and set standards for what can be called an arboretum for public educational purposes.

The location is also home to several species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Rehabilitation and rescue projects for the American crow, bald eagle, broad winged hawk, great horned owl, turkey vulture, bob cat, southern flying squirrel, red wolf, as well as turtles, frogs, snakes and salamanders, are also part of the offerings of the institution.

The area's Wildlife Wanderland is a natural area with enclosures housing native wildlife which are no longer able to successfully return to the wild due to injury or lack of survival skills.

http://www.nooga.com/10022_chattanooga-arboretum-and-nature-center-begins-next-era-of-conservation/

Go caving to beat the summer heat

Charles Rash — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:52:00 GMT

For many, the heat may be unbearable. But for a few local adventure seekers, one particular outdoor experience provides a unique way to cool down—underneath the outdoors.

Thousands of caves hidden throughout the Chattanooga region offer cool, year-round temperatures of 55 degrees, providing a natural respite from hotter above ground conditions. While the unique experience of spelunking may lure people underground, experts advise that anyone thinking of heading into a cave plan accordingly.

The "TAG" cave system, which spans across Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia and is regarded as one of the finest in the country, was formed by the dissolution of limestone by acidic water over millions of years, which formed networks of cavernous holes underground that many compare to sponges or swiss cheese.

The club meets on the second Monday of every month, at the Nature Center.

http://www.nooga.com/9535_cool-caves-offer-break-from-summer-heat/

Tennessee Wild will be offering a series of guided outings to visit Cherokee National Forest

Charles Rash — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:41:00 GMT

In an effort to create a better understanding of the recent legislation that will protect nearly 20,000 acres of wilderness in the Cherokee National Forest, the Tennessee wilderness advocacy group Tennessee Wild will be offering a series of guided outings to visit the forest this summer.

Saturday July 23

An easy 2-mile family hike will take place on the Big Creek Trail in the Big Frog Wilderness. The hike, ideal for families with young children, will take participants one easy mile on a fairly level trail to a creek. There, kids will have an opportunity to play in the water during lunch. Registration is limited to 18 participants.

July 29-31

Tennessee Wild will hold its first ever weekend camp out at Gee Creek Campground in Delano, TN. The campout is Friday and Saturday night, with snorkeling on the Hiwassee River on Saturday July 30, and tubing the Hiwassee on Sunday July 31.

Saturday, August 6

A snorkeling trip will take place on the Conasauga River. The crystal clear waters of the Conasauga contain one of the highest concentrations of freshwater fish species of any river in North America.

Saturday, August 20

A 6-mile hike of the Kirkland Creek Trail will take place in the Upper Bald River Wilderness Study Area. This hike contains twenty-four stream crossings.

Saturday September 10

An easy 4-mile hike along the Brookshire Creek Trail will lead participants to a beautiful waterfall where attendees will enjoy lunch before returning to cars.

Saturday September 24

An 11.2-mile hike of the Big Frog Trail will take participants to the summit of Big From Mountain. The hike is rated very strenuous due to the elevation gain of over 2000 feet. This outing is limited to 12 hikers.

http://www.nooga.com/8989_guided-walks-through-area-wilderness-scheduled-through-september/

All American Summer Music Series at the Hunter Museum

Charles Rash — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:51:00 GMT

The Hunter Museum of American Art's "All American Summer Music Series" will take place every Thursday evening at 6pm through August 4th on the Hunter's terrace, a covered outdoor band shell overlooking the Tennessee River and Walnut Street Bridge. The series will also include two Sunday concerts at 1 p.m. during the museum's "Free First Sunday" program, which offers free admission to the museum and events scheduled on the first Sunday of each month.

This is the fourth season for the music series, and Causey said it has been specially programmed in honor of the current Between the States civil war photography exhibition, with a heavier focus on traditional regional music.

ALL AMERICAN SUMMER OF MUSIC SCHEDULE

June 30, Thursday, 6 p.m.
Folk School of Chattanooga
Three musicians and instructors from the folk school, Lon Eldridge, John Boulware, and Christie Burns, will play together and individually for an evening of traditional music

July 3, Sunday, 1 - 3 p.m.
The Culprits
The Indie-pop trio from Sewanee, Tenn. take influences from The Police, The Strokes, and The Kooks for a high energy show. (Free First Sunday, 12-5 p.m.)

July 7, Thursday, 6 p.m.
New Binkley Brothers
A new twist on traditional music, the New Binkley Brothers perform many outdoor venues and events in Chattanooga.

July 14, Thursday, 6 p.m.
Rick Bowers and the Majors

July 21, Thursday, 6 p.m.
Milele Roots
The local five piece reggae beat favorites, Milele Roots, will bring their blend of ska, funk and reggae to the music series.

July 28, Thursday 6 p.m.
The Divine Write
Spoken word and music duo The Divine Write, featuring Marcus Ellsworth and Brandi Alexander, will bring in the oral tradition of spoken word to the music series representing the diversity of American music and art forms.

August 4, Thursday, 6 p.m.
Moon Slew
This modern bluegrass Americana band features blended vocals, fiddle, guitar, bass and mandolin.

August 7, Sunday, 1 p.m.
Jennifer Daniels
Emotional, singer-songwriter folk rock closes out the 2011 series. (Free First Sunday 12 - 5 p.m.)

http://www.nooga.com/8098_all-american-music-series-kicks-off-at-hunter-museum/

Chattanooga makes parking downtown easier

Charles Rash — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:40:00 GMT

Chattanooga is the first city in Tennessee to adopt technology made available by Parkmobile, a global company seeking to bring innovative technologies to the simple concept of paid parking.

The service, which is offered free of charge to the city, will require drivers to pay an extra 35 cent service charge for every transaction made using the technology. Parking can purchase time through a smartphone app, or by calling a toll-free number.

When a drivers' parking is set to expire, Parkmobile will send a text message alert presenting them with the chance to purchase more time. Once the time expires, a digital receipt will be emailed to customers.

http://www.nooga.com/8066_new-parking-technology-introduced-in-chattanooga/

The East Tennessee River Valley will become the 16th Geotoursim Mapguide

Charles Rash — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 19:35:00 GMT

The East Tennessee River Valley, from Chattanooga to the Smoky Mountains, will become the 16th Geotourism Mapguide, and local residents have the opportunity to go online and nominate their favorite destinations.

Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield made the first nomination, the Walnut Street Bridge, which he called “our own personal bridge over troubled waters,” that is a symbol of the city’s rebirth. “We are the most transformed city in America,” Littlefield said.

The map will showcase venues to be of interest to a wide range of ages, interests, activity levels, etc.—as long as they are authentic to the region and good quality.

http://www.nooga.com/8139_chattanooga-destinations-to-be-featured-in-national-geographic-mapguide/

How Great Is This?!

dane bradshaw — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 22:05:00 GMT

Hey Everyone,

I'm sure you all will enjoy the latest photo from Gary and Sharon Haars. Pretty exciting to say the least!

Here is a message from the Haars; "Well, we’ve come a long way so far since our last photo we submitted. As you can seeThe roof is complete, house staining done, garage doors installed, as well as all windows and doors. HVAC is almost complete, electrical will be done by next week for our first electrical inspection, then plumbing comes next week as we get ready for our first dry-in inspection. Then it’s on to completing the interior by end of July so we can get our COO, move in date should be August 12^th!!...cross your fingers we get there everyone!"

Top canopied city

Charles Rash — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:29:00 GMT

Chattanooga, Tennessee is one of the most heavily canopied cities in the U.S. while other cities such as Philadelphia, who is canopied at 20 percent is spending millions of dollars to get their canopy to 30 percent. Chattanooga before the tornadoes back in April was canopied at 51 percent; it is now at 50 percent with our closest competitor being Charlotte at 46 percent and Austin at 35 percent.

The local tree canopy provided 421 million cubic feet of storm water detention services, valued at $1.26 billion. Chattanooga trees removed 4.5 million pounds of pollutants annually at a value of $12.9 million per year. Personal benefits also include reduced energy bills, as much as 15 percent, using well-placed shade trees to lower roof and wall temperatures, according to Take Root, a program whose efforts have already included the planting of nearly 1,400 “street trees” in the 'expanded central business district' in the last three years.

http://www.nooga.com/6676_new-citizen-forester-program-plans-to-grow-tree-stewards/

Tennessee ranked number 4 in best states to do business

Charles Rash — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:06:00 GMT

Chattanooga was a contributing factor to Tennessee winning the number 4 spot of best states to do business. Chattanooga has received a lot of attention recently with the grand opening of Volkswagen and the Amazon’s decision to put one of the country’s largest distribution centers in Chattanooga.

http://www.nooga.com/6587_tennessee-ranks-no-4-in-business-friendly-states-chattanooga-gives-a-boost/

East Tennessee to have 20,000 acres designated new wilderness area

Charles Rash — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:34:00 GMT

Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker are re-introducing the Tennessee Wilderness Act of 2011 to officially designate nearly 20,000 acres in six areas of the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness.

The act creates one new wilderness area and expands the boundaries of five different existing wilderness areas with the forest.

The Tennessee Wilderness Act of 2011:

Creates the 9,038 acre Upper Bald River Wilderness (Monroe County)
Adds 348 acres to the Big Frog Wilderness (Polk County)
Adds 966 acres to the Little Frog Wilderness (Polk County)
Adds 2,922 acres to the Sampson Mountain Wilderness (Washington and Unicoi County)
Adds 4,446 acres to the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness (Carter and Johnson County)
Adds 1,836 acres to the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness (Monroe County)

http://www.nooga.com/6327_tennessee-wilderness-act-reintroduced-in-congress/

New sport allows participants to be outdoors and on the water

Charles Rash — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:18:00 GMT

Chattanooga residents love the outdoors this is apparent in the new sport that arrived in Chattanooga last summer. Stand up paddle board yoga or SUP yoga. SUP yoga is yoga done on the water and on a nine to twelve foot flat paddle board. Chattanooga paddle board yoga was started last summer and now offers classes of all levels at the Big Ridge Marina in Hixson.

http://www.nooga.com/5705_just-add-water-new-sport-balances-yoga-and-outdoor-fitness/

CHATTANOOGA CLEAN AIR

Charles Rash — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:25:00 GMT

On Tuesday afternoon, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that Chattanooga has met the requirements of the Clean Air Act, passed in 1997 to curb pollution from evaporative emissions.

http://www.nooga.com/6164_epa-announcement-marks-milestone-for-chattanooga-air-quality/

Gearing up for Riverbend

Charles Rash — Tue, 31 May 2011 16:45:00 GMT

Chattanooga is gearing up for the 30^th Riverbend Festival. The 200 feet long Coca-Cola stage was brought down the Tennessee River and moved into place on the river front last week.

Riverbend is June 10^th – June 18th

Acts appearing this year on the main stage are:
June 10 - Huey Lewis and The News
June 11 - Beach Boys
June 12 - The Machine
June 14 - Casting Crowns
June 15 - Miranda Lambert
June 16 - Brian McKnight
June 17 - Alan Jackson
June 18 - Kellie Pickler and the fireworks show after

Go to Nooga.com’s link below for pictures of the stage coming down the Tennessee River into Chattanooga.
http://www.nooga.com/5340_main-stage-moved-into-postion-for-upcoming-riverbend-festival/

It's Coming Together!

Charles Rash — Tue, 31 May 2011 16:39:00 GMT

Hey Everyone,

It's getting more and more exciting with each update from The Haars family! They've made a lot of progress in the past 3 or 4 weeks as the dry-in is complete on house and garage. The roofing material was delivered and started this week, as well as HVAC. Soon they will be wiring for electrical and plumbing.

Another home has begun construction on lot 101-A, as well, the more the merrier! Hope you all had a great Memorial Day Weekend and stay tuned for continued updates in the area!

Grand opening of VW’s new $1 billion plant in Chattanooga

Charles Rash — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:15:00 GMT

Hey Everyone,

Executives at Volkswagen officially held the grand opening for the new $1 billion plant here in Chattanooga. The grand opening was viewed by VW executives, the Governor of Tennessee Bill Haslam, Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander, Chattanooga government officials and by 1,000 Chattanooga area business leaders. There was also a special appearance by little Darth Vader from the Volkswagen Super Bowl commercial.

To read the Chattanooga Times Free Press and Nooga.com’s full story and see pictures of the new plant click the link below.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/may/25/vw-ceo-volkswagen-delivered-new-chattanooga-plant/
http://www.nooga.com/5592_vw-grand-opening-in-chattanooga-aided-by-the-force/

Noog.com also caught up and got an interview with Little Lord Vader
http://www.nooga.com/5654_an-interview-with-lord-vader/

Chattanooga Resource and Relocation Guide

Charles Rash — Tue, 24 May 2011 18:47:00 GMT

Hey everyone,

The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce has posted a downloadable PDF version of the Chattanooga Resource and Relocation Guide. It is filled with a wide range of information on Chattanooga and the surrounding area with sections on: business, food, transportation, services, education, healthcare, senior care, and religion.

Download your copy at http://www.chattanoogachamber.com/RandR.asp

The Ridges at Franklin Forest update

Charles Rash — Mon, 09 May 2011 17:52:00 GMT

Hey Everybody,

First and foremost, we hope all of you are safe and sound after the awful storms that passed through the region.

Due to the amount of damage impacting the surrounding area we wanted to verify that no damage was sustained at The Ridges at Franklin Forest from the strand of tornadoes that struck the Southeastern region on April 25, 2011.

We’ve walked the property several times and it’s clear that we were very fortunate that The Ridges was unaffected.

Again, we hope all is well and come out to see us at The Ridges soon!

More Excitement from The Haars'

dane bradshaw — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 17:52:00 GMT

They're getting closer and closer!

More Progress from The Haars'

dane bradshaw — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:58:00 GMT

It will be finished before we know it!

National Geographic Society Chooses Chattanooga

dane bradshaw — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:37:00 GMT

Hey Everyone,

Once again, Chattanooga has been selected to join prestigious company and we wanted to share it with The Ridges family. The National Geographic Society has chosen the Chattanooga region to join a select group of 15 Geotourism destinations featured around the globe, ranging from the city of Montreal to the nation of Guatemala.

Click here http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_198088.asp to read the entire article.

The Chattanooga area continues to receive high praise and is showing no signs of slowing down!