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 IDF Chief of Staff told US Israel has no military option in Iran (UPDATED) | +972 Magazine IDF Chief of Staff told US Israel has no military option in Iran (UPDATED)

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IDF Chief of Staff told US Israel has no military option in Iran (UPDATED)

According to reports in the Israeli media, a major reason for the bad blood between Defense Minister Ehud Barak and departing Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi was their differences on the issue of Iran, and especially what Barak saw as an attempt by Ashkenazi to bypass him

Did the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iran play a major role in leading to the current IDF generals’ wars? Yedioth Ahronoth’s veteran diplomatic pundit Shimon Shiffer claims that one of the reasons for the all-too-public rift between Israel’s Defense Minister Ehud Barak and the IDF’s departing Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi was a move by Ashkenazi that was interpreted by Barak as an attempt to undermine the military option:

Discussing the bad blood between Barak and Ashkenazi, Shifer writes (my translation):

Barak claims that Ashkenazi did not respect his authority in many cases. The most serious charge is that Ashkenazi told the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral [Michael] Mullen, that talks by [Prime Minister] Netanyahu and Barak regarding an Israeli military option against Iran are empty words. Israel has no military option.

The unrest in the army’s leadership has reached new heights last week, when Barak and Netanyahu were forced to cancel the nomination of Major General Yoav Galant as the incoming Chief of Staff, after it was established that Galant didn’t tell the truth in documents involving the acquisition of agricultural lands and the construction of his home.

Despite public pressure, Barak decided not to extend Ashkenazi’s term at the head of the IDF (which will end in ten days), but rather asked Major General Yair Naveh to serve as a temporary Chief of Staff until the government approves a new candidate.

Reports in the Israeli media linked some of the recent events in the IDF leadership and the political system to the possibility of a strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Barak and Netanyahu are said to be favoring such an attack; Ashkenazi, as well as government ministers Avigdor Lieberman and Moshe “Bugi” Yaalon (a retired chief of staff himself) and possibly President Shimon Peres are said to be on the skeptics’ side. Speculations were that Major General Galant was more comfortable than Ashkenazi with the idea of a military strike. With him out of the picture (at least for the time being), Barak will have to look for a new candidate that would not undermine his authority on the issue of Iran.

UPDATE: reports are that Barak has made up his mind to appoint Major General Benny Gantz as the incoming Chief of Staff. Gantz dealt with Iran during his time at the IDF, and upon his retirement, he called Iran “a threat to Israel and the entire world.”

It was also speculated that the one of the main reasons for Netanyahu’s successful attempt to split Labor a few weeks ago was his desire to have Barak, a decorated officer and a former Chief of Staff, at his side when he decides to push forward with the military option.

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    1. If it is a choice between nuclear armed or nuclear capable Iran, Israel has to strike using all options to get the job done. Israel should not wait for Obama’s approval.

      Reply to Comment
    2. General Ashkenazi deserves the greatest respect for everything he did for the State of Israel. But Iran is the special issue. Even if it just 1% that they ever create nuclear weapon, that should not be allowed. We already lost 6 million Jewish people for nothing. Israel was created to protect them. Obama will do no more to help Israel, than Roosevelt did to stop Holocaust. We can not be allowed to be naive. Jewish blood should not be ever again allowed to be lost with impunity. Israel has the capability to reduce to dust Iranian nuclear undertaking. And it should be done until it is too late.
      I call prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to give the order to general Benny Gantz to do what it takes, to eliminate this threat to the Jewish State. It takes what it takes, but it should be done. And sooner is better. Menahem Begin had courage to do it. Netanyahu should do the same.

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Bullshit bookstores and beautiful sentiments…

October 6th; News Marshall was closing came today.

It was like that Bitch was taking away our family.

Much venting was done today in our classes,

Mr. Horner and Rocky talked a serious talk about representing the school through our art, to put up in a display for visitors.

We all went to work on a person who would represent us, saying what we felt Marshall students were feeling.

People got their hands dirty and everyone worked(except people that didn’t)

even people who didn’t think they were necessarily “good at art”

Not to sound like a tool,

but it was a beautiful moment for the Marshall community.

We even put some Biztech shirts on some of the people. <3

Went to the park;

Powell’s is like, my home away from home away from home.

went to the book store, realized, only once it was gone;

that The Devil Finds Work was the book I wanted.

You probably can’t tell that’s me in the book store; look really hard.

Got to school fairly late.

Apparently, skipped all of Smith’s bullshit.

All the people involved with Marshall came, to listen and support. I saw as people who had been thoroughly affected by Smith’s plan to uproot the community, the school and the people in it. I saw them sob and pour their hopes, wishes and feelings out and saw as Smith and other board members simply stared apathetically back.

Enjoyed commenting on the board members BS and the beautiful speeches made by the community<3

I wish I could say more in more meaningful words but that day was more like a feeling and I am no James Baldwin…no matter how much I wish I was! So these are just a ton of pictures that mean nothing to you and that’s just how it is. That day was more of a feeling, already put into words in the past…and that’s all I have to say about that.

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Farming & Ranching

Farming and Ranching

Farm and ranch industry margins are extremely competitive and it is essential that owners stay on top of their accounting to be profitable.  Farming and ranching accountants work with farmers and ranchers to help regulate margins, cash flow and assure the lowest tax liabilities possible.

Farm & Ranching Taxes

Agricultural taxes can be quite complicated. These complications can make it very difficult leaving many farmers and ranchers to miss tax exemption opportunities. Many of rules surrounding agricultural exemption are difficult to navigate and can vary from state to state. Enlisting a farm and ranching accountant can help you organize and understand the rules of agricultural tax exemptions.

Abercrombie tax accountants specialize in farm and ranching taxes. We can maximize your tax exemptions while giving you the confidence that you have filed your taxes correctly. Our areas of expertise include but are not limited to the agricultural types below.

Areas of Expertise

  • Commercial Farms and Ranches
    • Crop Farms
    • Fish Farms
    • Dairy Farms
    • Poultry Farms
    • Meat Farms

Ranch and Farm Accounting Services

Our agricultural accounting is not limited to taxes services only. We specialize and can save you money with all the services below.

  • Tax Preparation
  • Strategic tax planning
  • Cash flow management
  • Quickbooks setup, training, and support
  • Succession planning
  • Internal controls
  • Mergers/acquisitions


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How to get a good translation – five top tips

You need a translation but you are not sure how to go about it? Here are five useful tips to put you on the right track.

1. Find the right translator
Appoint a professional translator, not a colleague or a relative with some knowledge of the target language. You would not ask your niece to write your marketing content either, would you? (Unless, of course, she is a marketing expert.) Professional translators are writers who produce texts that read well in the target language, and they generally translate into their native language or language of habitual use. If you work on a specialised subject, make sure your translator is knowledgeable in that field too.

2. Finalise your text before commissioning the translation
Making changes to the original text when the translation is already underway means added time and cost.

3. Allow enough time
Consider how much time it takes to craft the original version of your text. If you want a good translation that reflects the style and content of your message in the target language, don’t leave it to the last minute. Ask the translator for a realistic time frame.

4. Communicate
Tell your translator what the translation is going to be used for and who the target readership is. This way you will get charged for the right service and receive a translation that is suitable for the intended use.

5. Double-check
Have the translation proofread once it is formatted, especially if it is going to be printed, to avoid last-minute errors that may have slipped in at typesetting stage. If you work in a specialised field, it can be useful to ask an expert who speaks the target language to double-check the terminology. Even with a sound knowledge of the subject, a translator might have picked a term that is technically correct but not the one that is commonly used in practice.

More information on buying translations


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Community Support / Donations
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The Academy of Neonatal Nursing believes in supporting and giving back to our local communities. We focus on working with organizations which champion nurses and their families, education, health care, and children and infants in need. ANN holds fundraisers at the twice yearly conferences, and is always accepting donations for the ANN Scholarship fund, which directly supports neonatal nurses seeking academic advancement. Together, we can make a difference.

ANN has been an ongoing supporter of the Foundation for Neonatal Research and Education and has recently partnered with FNRE to fund a scholarship award specifically for ANN members who are seeking degrees in advanced practice neonatal nursing. We encourage our members to further their neonatal nursing education and together we support that dedication and commitment. Since 2001 ANN has contributed over $35,000 to support the mission of FNRE.

Thanks to our members and conference attendees for the following generous contributions over the years.

Foundation for Neonatal Research and Education (Ongoing) — $46,240.64

ANN Scholarship Fund (Ongoing) — $2,194

Ronald McDonald House Charities Nashville (2016) — $355

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida (2015) — $576

Newborns in Need (2014) — $350

Foundation for Neonatal Research and Education (2013) — $657

New Orleans Ronald McDonald House (2012) — $606

Mary’s Center of Washington, DC (2011) — $490

Hawaii Red Cross Japan Relief (2011) — $524

Greenbriar Children's Center (2010) — $973

Florance Nightingale Foundation (2010) — $572

Crisis Nursery (2009) — $1,378

Please consider making a secure online donation today!

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Print Page   |   Contact Us   |   Sign In   |   Register
Conference Attendance Justification Toolkit
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In keeping with the Academy of Neonatal Nursing’s mission to provide quality neonatal nursing education, we offer these tools to provide a clear path to assist you in achieving your educational goals. Realizing effective results in your practice is achieved with exposure to new thoughts and ideas that you will experience by attending one of our live conferences. As you attend sessions and network with colleagues, you will open your mind to innovative solutions. ANN Conferences are the most cost-effective, educational, career enhancing experience; and the single best thing you can do to enhance your professional practice.
We invite you to review the materials in this section to learn more about our National Conferences. This will assist you in communicating the value of participating in a live conference experience to your manager. Your manager or supervisor is sure to appreciate the investment made into your professional development as well as greater knowledge that you can apply directly to patient care.
As a neonatal nurse, we understand that you need to be on the cutting edge and, while treatment strategies evolve and technology advances, it remains the goal of the conference to help you ensure and facilitate the best possible patient outcomes. When you propose attending an ANN Conference, focus specifically on what you will bring back to the unit/hospital to demonstrate return on the investment.
Skills & Knowledge Benefits
State your hospital's or institution's specific goals or needs, and then state how specific components of the conference will help meet those needs.
  1. Which topics or specific sessions have particular relevance to your job, department, or hospital's current priorities and goals or needs? Identify specifically what you can use, and how.

  2. Which of the sessions are most relevant to your skill development, goals, or your unit/hospital's expectations of you? What new skills, techniques, or approaches will you bring back?
Networking Benefits
Attending an ANN Conference will enable you to meet and interact with industry professionals and technical experts from around the country. You will be able to acquire valuable information and insights, gain an understanding of what other nurses and hospitals/organizations are talking about and planning for, and how they are accomplishing certain goals or tackling specific challenges that are similar to your own.
Exhibit Hall Benefits
The exhibit hall will showcase vendors with new products you could use or evaluate for potential future use. It's an opportunity to collect first-hand information and compare competing technologies all in one place. It's also a chance to discover companies you've never heard of before, offering solutions you don't even know about yet, so you can make more informed decisions for current and future projects.

Justification Letter and Reports
Prior to the conference, you will most likely have to submit forms or letters to your supervisor and/or organization to approve the costs associated with attending an ANN Conference. We have created several documents you can use to help with your efforts.
Justification Tips
Three days at an ANN Conference will be the most cost-effective educational and professional development choice you will make all year.
Ten Tips for Building Your Case for Attending the 11th National Advanced Practice Neonatal Nurses Conference:
  1. Focus on the issues at hand. Explain what you plan to get out of attending and how that will benefit your work, patients, and organization or hospital. Explore the conference session schedule and make a list of the sessions that will help you address those groups.

  2. Share and present. Offer to share handouts and present Q & A session to your colleagues to share what you learned. They will get the benefits of your attendance, too.

  3. Talk up the takeaways. From networking opportunities to practical takeaways from each session attending a live conference provides information you can put into action when you get home. In addition, you can bring back ideas or solutions from new or improved products and/or services presented in the exhibit hall.

  4. Take advantage of early registration. Register early for lowest registration, hotel, and airfare rates. You can save by signing up before the early registration deadlines.

  5. Consider status. If your hospital has or is trying to obtain magnet status, remind your supervisor that demonstrating staff participation in continuing education is vital to securing and keeping magnet status.

  6. Call attention to quality. As the premier source for neonatal nursing education, ANN Conferences offer a comprehensive, time-intensive learning environment. Attending the conference is much more cost-effective and time-efficient than participating in multiple seminars or webinars because you get all of the information you need in one place at one time.

  7. Have a plan. Be ready with a plan that shows who will cover for you while you are attending the conference.

  8. Be proactive. Offer to share a room to reduce hotel expenses. Be sure to check out the Conference Registration Pricing page where all the various rates are listed to see if you qualify for any of the lower rates or discounts. Submit an abstract to present at the conference. Remember, poster presenters save $50 and podium presenters save $100 off registration fees.

  9. Build a networking list. Our conferences are an unmatched source for networking, bringing together nurses from across the country and around the world. Make note of speakers, exhibitors, or industry representatives you would like to meet or learn new techniques from.

  10. The value of ANN Conferences. A stand-alone 60-minute CE webinar can cost over $100. However, at ANN Conferences, you can earn up to 29 contact hours of CNE credit for as low as $435 (members early registration price). Attendees get all that CNE and face-to-face networking in just three days (additional pre-conferece day available), meaning fewer days out of the office, lower travel costs, and immediate results.
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A wander around Lisbon and a little purchase to treat myself

Kicking myself for forgetting my camera on my wanders. Took the train and metro to Almeda and wander from there back down to Cais de Sodre and enjoyed three (!) delicious macaroons and a coffee in the Mercado de Ribeiro. A beautiful day, not too hot and not too cold. It is strange that when I walk through the tourist areas, past the restaurants, with S – they are always trying to drag us in to eat. When I’m on my own, they don’t. Have I reached the age of invisibility? Or do they just think women don’t eat out on their own?

April 15 Misc 002 April 15 Misc 003

There is nothing quite like buying a couple of new, luxury notebooks to use. The computer is great, but sometimes writing by hand is therapeutic.

Remember the treats – I’ve now got some sassy new ways to wear my collection of scarves.

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Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns

Ideal for protecting a cracked, broken tooth or covering up tooth discolorations, crowns at your Blue Springs dentist can be a great solution for improving your smile.

A crown is a tooth shaped cap that fits over a problem tooth to improve strength, size and appearance.

The crown procedure is relatively simple.  First we will anesthetize the problem tooth area.  Once completely numb, the tooth is filed down so that the crown fits appropriately.  Then, we will take an impression of the tooth to use in the construction of the crown.

The impressions are sent away to a dental laboratory to create your crown.  Meanwhile, we apply a sturdy temporary crown over the problem tooth while your customary crown is manufactured.  Once your customary crown is ready, you will come back to Adams Dairy Family Dental Care and the crown will be applied.  Now you have a bright, healthy-looking new tooth!

Dental Crowns

Crown placement can offer several benefits:

  • Long term durability
  • Protection from further decay, infection and cracking
  • Improved chewing and talking
  • An improved, natural and healthier smile

Don't wait another day!  Call Adams Dairy Family Dental Care at 816-229-4527 to learn more about crowns, and how we can help you have the smile you deserve!


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Julien Brulé, 31, in Seoul, South Korea in January 2017.

Episode 15: Julien Brulé

Julien Brulé, 31, is a Korean adoptee from France. Last year, he quit his job and his life in western France to come to Korea to meet his biological mother. Then he took the unusual step to move in with her, despite a language and cultural gulf. For more than half a year, he’s been learning more about her and himself as they attempt to write a new story together.

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Times Group Bennett University Admission 2018Apply Now for UG / PG Courses

The AUAT 2018 Admit Card will be issued for only those candidates, who will submit the application form completed in all aspects before the due date. The admit card can be downloaded from the official website of the University, i..e, aliah.ac.in. THE AUAT Admit card 2018 will be published online only. The admit card for AUAT 2018 can be downloaded by providing the Application ID and Date of Birth.

The admit card is an important verification document and must be produced at the examination center. Candidates who fail to bring the hard copy of the AUAT Admit card will not be allowed to sit for the test. The admit card will bear the information of the examination date, time and venue. Candidates should note that no printed admit card will be sent through post. Check more details on AUAT 2018 Admit Card from the article below.

AUAT Admit Card 2018

The admit card for the entrance test AUAT 2018 will be issued by Aliah University at its official website. The exact dates for AUAT 2018 UG and PG admission are not yet announced. However, candidates may refer to the tentative schedule provided in the table below.

Events UG PG
Issuance of Admit Card Second week of May 2018 Fourth week of June 2018
AUAT 2018 Third week of May 2018 First week of July 2018

Get Admit Card: Link will be available on the official website i.e., www.aliah.ac.in

Official Website of AUAT 2018 is www.aliah.ac.in.

How to Download the Admit Card?

Candidates can download the admit card by following the instructions given below:

  1. Click on the link that will be provided on this page for downloading the admit card
  2. Enter the Application ID and Date of Birth in the specified fields
  3. Submit the details
  4. Download and take print out of the admit card.

Details Mentioned in the Admit Card

The following details will be mentioned in the admit card:

  1. Name
  2. Photograph and signature
  3. Address
  4. Category
  5. Date and time of the examination
  6. Name and address of the examination center

After downloading the admit card, carefully examine if the details mentioned in the admit card are correct or not. If there is any kind of error or discrepancy in the admit card, contact at the AUAT office immediately regarding this.

Importance of Admit Card

It is mandatory for candidates to bring the admit card at the examination center, failing which they will not be allowed to sit for the test. Also, it is important that candidates should preserve the downloaded admit card. It will be required at the later stages of admission process. No duplicate admit card will be issued in case if the admit card is lost or damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. My date of Birth is printed incorrect in the admit card. What should I do?

A. tn case of any discrepancy or error in the admit card, report the matter immediately to the AUAT authorities.

Q. Can I change my test center after the admit card has been issued?

A. The test centers once allotted to the candidate is final. Any request for change in the test center or date of the exam will not be accepted.

Q. Can I bring the digital copy of the AUAT Admit Card?

A. Candidates should bring only the print out of the admit card for AUAT 2018. No digital copies will be accepted at the examination center.

Insofar, official details of AUAT admit card 2018 have not been announced. Information on this page is as per last year brochure and for reference purpose only. As soon as Aliah University releases LPCET AP 2018 information brochure, details will be updated here.

AUAT Complete Information

You wish to report grammatical or factual errors within our online articles, you can let us know using the article feedback form.


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The accommodating and faithful transfer man.

WDT 3 14 1919 Henry Tart

Wilson Daily Times, 14 March 1919.

In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Walter S. Mitchel, 42, mason; wife Elizabeth, 36, laundress; and children Ada, 14, and Esther, 18; plus, wagon factory laborer Oleone Brooks, 18, and laborer Henry Tart, 18.

Henry Tart registered for the World War I draft on 18 September 1918. He recorded his address as the corner of Green and Reid Streets, his birth date as 11 April 1884, and his occupation as self-employed in the transfer business. His wife Julia C[lark] Tart was his next-of-kin, and he signed his card in a neat, well-spaced hand.

Upon Henry’s death, Tart’s wife applied for Letters of Administration for her husband’s estate. She listed four surviving daughters, all minors — indeed, young children — Olivia, Julia, Josephine, and Miriam Tart.

North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998 [database online],

  1. I don’t know what to say, I am at a TOTAL loss of words and that is rare for me. I can’t believe it. I have often heard, that my grandfather’s family had money or should I say, was not poor. The picture I have of Henry’s and Arthur’s mother, is a woman that is wearing a bright gold medallion around her neck, 2 bright gold rings on one hand and a bright gold ring on the other. It is an oil painting in a large frame and glass covering it. Who was doing oil paintings during that era? Just wondering, that is all.
    He got married on December 13, 1911, to Julia Clark. They married at the AME Zion church, in Edgecombe County. I wondered why he died so young, was it an accident? Did he get shot? Now, I know. He had a brother that worked at the Briggs Hotel, his name was Offie Tart. What is a transfer man? What is a drayman?
    I appreciate all of the work you have done on this web site. It has answered a lot of unanswered questions, I had about my grandfather and his family.
    Once again, thank you so very, very much.

    Linda Tart

    I now feel a REAL connection, to Wilson, NC. Where can I see copies of the old city directories? At the library? Where can I view the old newspapers?

    1. Offie Tart was the son of James Gray Tart and Cora Best Tart. Gray Tart was the son of John and Olivia Tart of Greene County, as was Henry Tart. Thus, Offie was Henry’s nephew, not brother. (Offie migrated to the Detroit area.) Records showing these relationships are found at, as are city directories. (The Wilson County Public Library does have directories, too.) Newspaper clippings may be found at There are a couple more I found that briefly mention Henry’s trade. A dray was a type of wagon (later, truck) used to transport goods. A transfer man hauled luggage or wares to or from homes and businesses to train depots or otherwise acted as a mover might in modern times.

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The Instrucktional Journey Blog was created to meet requirements for a course that I am taking entitled, “Instructional Strategies.”  This is part of Vancouver Community College’s School of Instructor Education: Provincial Instructor Diploma Program (PIDP).  I am a first-time blogger and must admit that there is a lot to learn about this method of broadcasting my thoughts and opinions with…well, everybody!  I chose the title of my blog purely because the recent shift in my career path has been both STRUCK with excitement/fear and will be an ongoing JOURNEY.

Having studied in VCC’s Practical Nursing Program soon after graduating high school, it only seemed natural after 12 years to come and teach the program.  I worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse while attending University of Victoria to complete my Bachelor’s in Nursing.  For 3.5yrs I worked as a RN/staff nurse in various hospitals in the lower mainland.  I spent the next 3yrs working in community heath as a home care nurse on Vancouver Island in the Oceanside area.  I stumbled across teaching when a colleague of mine was desperate for a clinical nursing instructor for a private college.  I was able to help her out and ended up really enjoying it.  Soon after, an opportunity came my way to teach clinical at VCC and the rest is history.  I am currently in my 2nd year as an instructor in the Practical Nursing Department and recently achieved full time faculty status this year.

My name is Aimee Wheatley and I was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia-Canada.  I have lived in B.C. all my life but have travelled parts of the world (time and finances allowing) and visited remarkable places and have been privy to meeting some amazing people.  My parents met and married in Vancouver in the early 1970’s when platform heels and bell-bottoms were all the rage.  My folks were immigrants from the Philippines and found their way to Canada for work and the prospect of a better life.  My older brother and I were both born before the 80’s and I am proud to say that I have had my photo taken with Expo Ernie.

As mentioned, the blog will concentrate on instructional strategies-theory from text and my own experiences with these concepts.  I hope to grow professionally from what takes place and the comments left.  Blog-on.

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Last Night

My roommate left to go study at the library with a friend around 9pm. She usually averages a good three hours there, so I decided, around 10:30, to go to bed early so as to get a good night’s sleep and be completely under once she returned so she wouldn’t disturb me.

Around 11:45, my roommate came back. How do I know this, if I was asleep? As it turns out, while I was sleeping, she came back, set her things down, and went back out into the hallway… closing the door behind her and effectively leaving her keys in the room. Realizing this, she began to knock on the door, hoping I would wake. I don’t know how long she’d been knocking before my brain actually reacted to the sound, but when I did wake, I simply lay in bed, thinking to myself, No. No way am I getting up. This is not my problem. Go get the lock-out key from the front desk. I’m asleep. I can’t hear you. Stop knocking! But she didn’t stop. For a good ten minutes, she stood outside, knocking and knocking and calling my name in hopes that I would wake up. Finally, annoyed, I had no choice but to get up and open the door.

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” she said as she walked in.

I said nothing and just went back to bed, more than a bit irritated. She left again, this time taking her keys with her and propping the door slightly. I didn’t care, so long as she didn’t directly bother me again.

For a few hours, I was stuck in that weird limbo where you’re not really awake, but you’re still somewhat aware of what’s going on around you. Through my closed eyelids, I detected that she’d come back, because her desk light was suddenly on. Usually light doesn’t disturb me, but this particular one jarred me awake all the same. I pulled my fleece blanket over my face to block out the light, but I could still hear her as she, at what must’ve been 2 or 3am (I had no clock near me to see) putting her damn silverware away. Why she felt the urge to put her spoons back in her drawer at an ungodly hour is beyond me. Was she afraid that her dish and spoon were actually going to elope? I don’t know. But there I was, half-awake, subjected to my roommate’s late-night activity.

Eventually, it got to be too much, and I got out of bed and stormed out of there for a few minutes. Waiting in the floor lounge for my annoyance to subside, I finally returned after fifteen minutes. The lights were out, and she was in bed.

I made sure to slam my door as hard as I could on my way in, and as I made it back to my bed, I may have knocked over a few loud-sounding things on “accident”. But even that wasn’t enough to make my anger pass; I still ended up lying awake in bed until 5am, and morning saw me rising with a terrible headache.

All I can say is, I feel sincerely sorry for the poor soul who gets to room with this girl next year.

3 thoughts on “Last Night

  1. So thankful I never had to have a roommate when I was in college! I feel your pain. I did have to have one the first summer I worked in Yellowstone National Park, but thankfully that was only for three months. We had absolutely nothing in common.

    Happy April NaBloPoMo! I’m going posts that cover teaching, writing, and traveling.

    • Happy April NaBloPoMo to you too! 🙂

      And you’re lucky! Having a randomly assigned roommate has really been something of an experience this year. I’ll have a roommate next year too but luckily she’s a friend this time. Until then… just over a month left with this one. 😛

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What exactly does a social media consultant DO, anyhow?

Since announcing yesterday that my doors are open to social media business, several friends and potential clients have written to me asking, so what does that mean you actually do?

Like most consulting positions, social media consulting can mean a lot of different things. Consultants provide a huge range of services and their prices fall across the board. But me? I’m looking to help businesses and organizations use social media to extend their reach.

My services fall generally into two categories:

1. For businesses who don’t have the time and/or the know-how to use social media themselves, I help them create a plan and then implement it for them. Could be as simple as growing a following on Twitter and Facebook and YouTube, or a more in-depth online community-building strategy. It all depends on your specific goals and budget.

2. For businesses who know how to use social media or want to learn, I help them figure out which networks and strategies will be most effective for their goals and how to leverage them effectively. I can tailor a plan, talk with you over the phone and leave you to implement it (with optional follow-ups), or I can coach you through implementing that plan if you’re starting from scratch with social media. A lot of my ideas revolve around social networks, but I also help with blogging, finding customers in forums, etc.

I’m also available to write press releases and reach out to appropriate media for businesses that would benefit from some more traditional marketing.

If what you need falls outside these categories, that doesn’t mean I can’t help you! By all means, drop me a note, let me know what you’re looking for and I’ll give you an idea of how much it would cost. Since I’m just starting to turn this into a business, I’m willing to size the scope of your project to your budget. Especially for small businesses and organizations with financial restraints, I recognize that working with you to make my services affordable helps us both.

My e-mail: alexiskgrant@gmail.com

[tweetmeme source=”alexisgrant”]

Want to help me succeed? Post this on Facebook, tweet it or tell a friend who might want to hire me! Thanks, y’all!

8 Responses

  1. This is wonderful, Alexis. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met who want to engage is social media, but are either scared of it or don’t have the time or resources to devote to it. I have a feeling you are going to be in great demand. Congrats!

  2. I love that you are doing this. A company would be very wise to get you on board as their social media guru!

    I work primarily as web writer, but my interest in social media meant I had a bit of an unofficial promotion to social media guru for the station’s site, and I have to say, I have really enjoyed it. Obviously there’s work involved, and I do a lot of research and I write up usage guides and all of that, but for the most part, I enjoy it.

  3. What a great idea! Best o fluck to you with it 🙂

  4. If you can figure how to use the Hootsuite dashboard, you actually know enough to run a small company’s entire social media presence for them. I feel like such a novice with this stuff sometimes, because there is so much to learn. But any of us who know enough to be able to successfully use Facebook and Twitter regularly know more than we think we do. We know enough to make this a marketable skill.

  5. And I thought I was the only one in the world doing this work! You are doing it right by having them implement it and then maintain their “social voice”, as it’s what they will need to do anyhow.

    A lot of the outsourced social media maintenance services may need fully communicate the voice of the business, and can a lot of times stray way off target.

    Showing clients how to connect, be transparent, and maintain authenticity is what it’s all about. And it’s even easier for small business and solo professionals than it is for large companies and corporations.

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The Government of Bangladesh and the Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was established a joint venture Islamic Development Bank-Bangladesh Islamic Solidarity Educational Waqf. It is known as IDB-BISEW. IDB-BISEW has invited application from the talented underprivileged Muslim youth for development of IT sector.

Interested applicants requirement qualification should have Graduation/Fazil/Masters degree or Diploma in Civil/Architecture/Construction/Survey exam completed. One year or two year Masters or Kamil students also be eligible to apply for this scholarship.

This project is going to be the 34th round from next year. The Scholarship will be given 11 to 13 months diploma degree in Information Technology (IT) under this project.

The application process has already begun and application last date on 31 January 2017. Interested and qualified candidates can apply in two ways directly or online.

Applicants should be submitted application from to collecting application form from any branch of Islami Bank of Bangladesh with taka 100/-.

Applicants also be apply online. Go to Online Apply button and follow the instruction to fill online application form.

Online applicants must be submit application fee taka 100/- from B-kash account. Otherwise application will be rejected.

IT scholarship written and oral test will be held in Dhaka and Chittagong. Written exam eligible candidates list and exam schedule will be published on 13 February 2017.

Round 34 Scholarship

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text:
A link with some brevity today, since this chapter is BORING enough that it’s okay to add a bit of humor:
4 Ways the ’50 Shades of Grey’ Film Is Worse Than You Expect (from Cracked.com)

(Directory of recap links)

Right away, he’s whining about stuff not being good enough for him.  He’s pissed about the new electronics plant being sited in Detroit because he doesn’t like that city.  It gives him bad memories.  Boo hoo.  Know where I come from?  A town so terrible that I don’t even claim it.  Winton is a town that shouldn’t exist.  Its claims to fame are a Hell’s Angels bar, and having the highest crime rate for a small city in the entire US.  That’s it.  And you want to talk about abuse and trauma?  Oh, I can give him worse than a loving mother who happened to die.  But I’ll spare you all, my dear readers, because there are enough horrors in this book without getting into the real-life horrors of Winton.

So he’s whining about Detroit, even though the car factories closing down does mean that there will be a lot of people with relevant experience who need jobs.

Who wants to wager that that’s how he wants things run?

He gets an email two minutes past midnight.  It’s from Ana, and he’s annoyed she’s still awake.  He’s awake, but she can’t be.  What a controlling hypocrite.  Anyway, she says she’s sending her list of issues, and Grey pulls up a copy of the contract.  Rather than just telling us this, he tells us, and we get literally fourteen pages of the contract.  So I was just spared from fourteen pages of reading.  I swear, this book is full of whatever is worse than nitrates and fecal matter in cheap hotdogs.

She starts off on calling him out on how a contract really isn’t for her benefit, but for his.  He gives us that “Fair point well made” tripe.  At least he acknowledge it isn’t for her.

She then tells him that, since he’s her only partner and she doesn’t do drugs and has never had a blood transfusion, she’s disease-free.

Another fair point! And it dawns on me that this is the first time I haven’t had to consider the sexual history of a partner. Well, that’s one advantage of screwing a virgin.

This angers me.  It reminds me of an ex of mine who I found out, after we broke up, that something he liked about me was not having to worry about me getting pregnant since I’m infertile (my daughter’s the product of a few rounds of in vitro).  I don’t like guys who see things like infertility and virginity as Super Awesome Bonuses, especially since it’s always SOLELY for their own selfish gains.

8: I can terminate at any time if I don’t think you’re sticking to the agreed limits. Okay—I like this.

I hope it won’t come to that, but it wouldn’t be the first time if it did.

I’m now extremely curious who else walked out on him, and where he hid their bodies.

11: One-month trial period. Not three.

Only a month? That’s not long enough. How far can we go in a month?

How far?  Let’s see…  The rest of Fifty Shades of Grey AND Fifty Shades Darker happen before a month from “today.”  They’ll have a break-up AND be back together AND engaged within three weeks.

Yeah.  This isn’t even a whirlwind abusemance.  This is one hell of a category 50 tornado.

12: I cannot commit every weekend. I do have a life, or will have. Perhaps three out of four?

And she’ll have the opportunity to socialize with other men? She’ll realize what she’s missing. I’m not sure about this.

Oh, Lordy, she might see her roommate’s brother, and want to hang out with her best friend.  The “I’m not sure about this” clearly means that he thinks he has the right to decide whether or not she’ll get the concessions she wants.

He’s mad that she doesn’t want to be hit in any way.

Food—I am not eating food from a prescribed list. The food list goes or I do—deal breaker.

Well, this is going to be an issue!

Why?  She’s not a child.  She doesn’t have medical issues.  Honestly, I can understand someone trying to ban a loved one from eating cake all day if they’re diabetic, but that’s not the case here.  Ana is healthy and has no dietary restrictions.  She has a right to eat what she wants.

He’s ultimately pleased that there’s “hope for [their] relationship,” and he responds to ask why she’s still awake.

If you recall, I was going through this list when I was distracted and bedded by a passing control freak.
Good night.

Her e-mail makes me laugh out loud but it irritates me in equal measure. She’s much more sassy in print and she has a great sense of humor, but the woman needs sleep.

That’s not humorous.  It’s putting mildly what he did.  Maybe he thinks the funniness is that he got away with rape.

He orders her to bed.

I need to remind her of what I expect from our relationship. I don’t want her getting the wrong idea. I’ve strayed too far from my goal.

Yeah.  Stop yanking her around.

So he heads to bed with his computer, and has to think about how to manage her.

Opening my laptop, I read through her “Issues” e-mail again. I need to manage her expectations and try to find the right words to express how I feel.

Finally, I’m inspired.

Guess what he does.  He copies and pastes the dictionary definition of “submissive” into an email with some of the etymology of the word.  So more filler.

That’s it. I hope she’ll find it amusing, but it gets my point across.

Proof he has no sense of humor.  A dictionary definition isn’t amusing.

Oh, look.  A dream again.  He and Elliot are kids, and Elliot wants to know why he doesn’t talk.  Grey beats the hell out of him, gets in trouble, and smugly thinks about how Elliot knows he’s a monster.  Grey used the word “monster.”  I just didn’t put it in quotes because it’s too true for quotes.

Following morning, he’s having a video conference with Ros, and a solar-powered tablet computer prototype is almost ready.  On May 24th, 2011, Samsung was less than six weeks from releasing a finished solar-powered device to the public.

Ros wants to know why he’s in Portland, and why he’ll be there so long. Fair question.  He bolted without saying anything when there was work to be done.  He quips that there is a “merger” happening, but not the kind the mergers and acquisitions department would handle.  Ros gets the meaning, and if I was her, I’d be angry that my boss left to go wet his dipstick.

200_s (1)

JFC.  I’m interested in business, legitimately interested, and have a background in tech and currently own a real-deal business.  The business talk in this book?  Boring.  And not needed.  It’s only in there to fluff the word-count and to try masking the lack of plot.

Over the past year, we’ve acquired three tech companies. Two are booming, surpassing all targets, and one is struggling despite Marco’s initial optimism. Lucas Woods heads it up; he’s turned out to be an idiot—all show, no substance. The money has gone to his head and he’s lost focus and squandered the lead his company once had in fiber optics. My gut says asset-strip the company, fire Woods, and merge their technology division into GEH.

But Ros thinks Lucas needs more time—and that we need time to plan if we’re going to liquidate and rebrand his company. If we do, it will involve expensive redundancies.

“I think Woods has had enough time to turn this around. He just won’t accept reality,” I say emphatically. “We need him gone, and I’d like Marco to estimate the costs of liquidating.”

“Marco wants to join us for this part of the call. I’ll get him to log in.”

That ends the scene, and we don’t need to know any of it.

And it’s followed by two pages of him talking to his mom about his sister coming to town and her wanting Grey to tell Ana hi.

I HAVE MANAGED TO keep Anastasia Steele out of every waking thought today. Almost. During lunch there were times when I found myself imagining us in my playroom…

I’m recycling this gif:

200_s (1)

Lunch was a meeting with the president, the head of the environmental sciences department, and the vice president of economic development.  He’s comforted by the thought that surely she must be in the school’s library reading a classic book.

Screen Shot 2015-07-09 at 12.33.54 AMGrey shows that he doesn’t understand the meaning of “provocative” when Ana sends him an e-mail telling him about compromise. That should only provoke him if he’s dangero-

Oh.  That’s right.  He is.  He replies that he’ll “collect” her from her apartment at 7.  Elliott calls, and it’s more filler.  We’d miss nothing by not knowing that Kate asked Elliot to have Grey help.  He’s not gonna help, so there was no point to this other than making this book longer.

Look at how little there is on these pages:

Screen Shot 2015-07-09 at 12.41.05 AMThe email he referenced is the one with the “submissive” definition.  She hasn’t agreed to be a sub (kind of hard to be a sum when there’s only an abuser, not a Dom).

He takes issue with the subject line.

Intractable? Me? Fuck. If our meeting goes as planned, her contrary behavior will be a thing of the past. With that in mind, I agree.

He agreed to let her drive, and that’s this chapter.

Nothing.  NOTHING.


text:
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I like choosing my next book based on my mood. Do I want an engrossing YA book? A long epic tale? A classic? An intriguing Science Fiction story?

This spring I needed a lighter book to take a break from all my dark Science Fiction novels. Everything I wanted from the library was already checked out. Nothing on my personal shelves sounded good. Then a friend recommended NetGalley. NetGalley is a site where I get an advanced reader copy (ARC) or a galley book in exchange for a review. Not a bad gig. Galley books are a gamble, because there aren’t many reviews to see if I will like a book or not. All I have to go on is a cover and little synopsis. This spring I read two netgalley books and thankfully I liked them both.

Here is my disclosure statement: I received these two books for free in exchange for my honest opinion. I’m a Candor at heart and I can’t lie.

Both RADIO GIRLS and THE MEMORY OF US take place around England in 1920s and 1930s, so I thought it would be appropriate to review them together. I think having Big Ben on both covers got me. I love stories set in London. One story focuses on a woman in a professional setting and the other focuses on a romantic relationship. Both stories are hindered by political circumstances and society’s limited roles for women. I don’t want to give too much away and spoil the stories.

RADIO GIRLS by Sarah-Jane Stratford

I was looking for a good Historical Fiction novel when I saw this beautiful cover and interesting story. RADIO GIRLS certainly rekindled my joy for Historical Fiction. Late 1920s London after WWI is a fascinating window into the history of the BBC. We know what’s going to hit London in 1940, but the characters can’t see the future.

The story of Maisie and the other characters feels like Mad Men meets Mr. Selfridge. I would even say RADIO GIRLS could have been set in the seventh or eighth season of Downton Abbey if Edith went into radio.

I enjoyed the book very much and finished it within a week. Maisie is a strong character. I appreciated her generous appetite. Everyone else adds their own spice into the mix. I enjoyed the fast and snappy dialogue. I also appreciated how the male relationships weren’t the sole focus of the novel. I don’t want to give too much away, but it was intriguing to see some of the struggles of women in 1920s London.

There were a few parts when it felt like the story wasn’t moving, but when things got going I couldn’t put it down. Be sure to read all the way through the very end. Some of the best bits are in the back.

Definitely giving this one two thumbs up and recommending it! There are also book club questions listed in the back which definitely help book club leaders.

THE MEMORY OF US by Camille Di Maio

I requested this book for two reasons. First the cover of the book is so pretty. Second, the author is a homeschool mom in San Antonio, Texas. I’m also a homeschooling mom in San Antonio, Texas and I want to support a local author.
The Memory of Us begins in 1930s England with a young debutant, Julianne Westcott, who doesn’t ignore reality, but also wants to follow her heart. I think readers who enjoyed Colm Toibin’s BROOKLYN will also enjoy this romantic tale.

The book has a Catholicism theme, but it’s reminiscent of Jane Austen using clergymen in her stories. I liked looking at the Catholic aspects through Julianne’s perspective, because I’m not Catholic and have only attended mass a few times. The balance of the church and priesthood with the overall story was done very well.

The book is romantic without being gross or bawdy. So if you are looking for a book with heart and intrigue while being clean then I would definitely recommend this one!

The book starts in the middle of the story. The mystery of what happens keeps you turning pages until very end. This book would be nice summery read.

What is your favorite book set in London? What is your favorite city to read about?

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Blogging and Books Update – May 2016

I blogged everyday for a few months in 2015. I loved creating small posts with interesting photos and sharing my art with the world. Then I simply ran out of words. I started living my life offline and my life became less complicated. For a while my husband and I blogged about paying off debt and traveling. We traveled a bit and we are still deciding what comes next for our family. We don’t have the funds to make any real decisions so we are just schooling our kids and working. Living a normal life doesn’t make for sensational blog posts.

One other reason I haven’t been blogging is because my health revolted against me. When I’m stressed out my body lets me know with small, annoying symptoms. One symptom caused me to see 5 different doctors last year. My issue could only be cured with a prescription which required a doctor visit. Sometimes I would ask for refills, but they weren’t always given. I hated the prescription, because it limited my diet and activities for two weeks. Doctors have no idea what causes the issue and can only treat the symptoms.

My main doctor prescribed yoga and said I need to chill out, because the issue could be caused by stress. I found a natural cure at my local health food store which completely cured me and I decided to chill out. I don’t “work” after the kids go to bed anymore. I like to relax while playing WordBrain, reading a book, or catching up on a show. Since I’ve stopped working after the kids go to bed I haven’t had that specific health problem in 6 months.

Still Reading

I haven’t been writing online, but I have been reading a lot of books. Reading will always be a constant in my life. I love books. At the start of this year I listed 17 books I wanted to read. It’s been 4 months so let’s see how I did on those 17 books.

Science Fiction & Fantasy

READ! A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab (Pseudonym), Victoria Schwab – 4 stars. I think the sequel will be better than the first.

READ! Seveneves by Neal Stephenson – 3 stars. I feel like I have a degree in astrophysics after reading this one. Not an easy read, but I did like the premise a lot.

READ! The Final Empire (Mistborn #1) by Brandon Sanderson – 5 stars. So far it is my favorite book of the year.

NOT YET. The Deed of Paksenarrion (Paksenarrion #3-5) by Elizabeth Moon – I still plan on reading this one this summer.

READ! The Diamond Age: or, A Young Lady’s Illustrated Primer by Neal Stephenson – 3 stars. I liked how it messed with my mind, but I didn’t love it. I did start learning how to code in Python after reading this one.

NOT YET. Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card

READ! The Rule of Thoughts and The Game of Lives (The Mortality Doctrine series) by James Dashner – 4 stars and 3 stars, respectively. Fun reads, but forgettable.

NOT YET. Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank

Non-Fiction Books

ALMOST DONE. Jesus, The One and Only by Beth Moore, Dale McCleskey – I’m procrastinating, but I don’t know what study I should do next.

DID NOT FINISH. Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver – I have such a difficult time getting through Non-Fiction.

NOPE. The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa TerKeurst – I still think it is a great premise, but I’m not going to read it.

Book Club Picks

READ! Brooklyn by Colm Toibin – 3 stars. I liked it, but I wanted more historical fiction.

CURRENTLY READING. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard – I didn’t like it at first, but now I can’t wait to finish this one.

READ! The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood – 2 stars. I think this is a love it or hate it kind of book. I didn’t like this one at all.

SOON. Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner – This is June’s book club pick, so I will get to it.

READ! Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier – I’m glad i read it, but I didn’t love it. It did keep me up into the night to finish.

So that is 9 out of 17. That’s half my list and I’m pleased with my progress. I’ve also been reading a bunch of other books including some advance reader copies. I’m looking forward to telling you about those two galley books in my next post.

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17 Books I Want to Read in 2016

Happiness is found in a pile of books waiting to be read. My To-Be-Read shelf in 2016 is already stacked to the ceiling. These are not books being published in 2016. They are simply books I want to read. I’m in a Science Fiction & Fantasy phase, so at least half my list falls in those genres. I’ve already read 5 books this year, but here are 17 more I’m excited to read.

Science Fiction & Fantasy

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab (Pseudonym), Victoria Schwab – I just started this one and I like this twist on magic in parallel Londons. The minimalist cover is really cool.

Seveneves by Neal Stephenson – I bought the ebook and audible book with my Amazon gift card money. I adore Stephenson’s Reamde and I can’t wait to dig into this one.

The Final Empire (Mistborn #1) by Brandon Sanderson – It’s classic Fantasy and the reviews are really good. It’s been recommended by many booktubers as one of their favorite books. It’s been on my TBR list too long.

The Deed of Paksenarrion (Paksenarrion #3-5) by Elizabeth Moon – While Christmas shopping I went through the Fantasy section of Barnes & Noble. I saw a lot of Elizabeth Moon books. I looked her up on Goodreads and found Deeds of Paksenarrion very highly rated. I had started the book 2014 and didn’t finish it, because I wasn’t in the mood for Fantasy. My friend Topher recommended the book to me years ago and I need to finish this one.

The Diamond Age: or, A Young Lady’s Illustrated Primer by Neal Stephenson – Classic Science Fiction

Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card – I’ve read Ender’s Game three times and I’ve read Speaker for the Dead, but I’ve never read the story from Bean’s perspective.

The Rule of Thoughts and The Game of Lives (The Mortality Doctrine series) by James Dashner – I love the way James Dashner writes books. I liked The Maze Runner series for it’s fast paced, mind bending stories. I read The Eye Of Minds earlier this month and I can’t wait to finish this YA series. If you like the movie Blade Runner, then you’ll like these books.

Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank – I read this book in high school and I really liked it as a teenager. I’m curious to see if I still like this book as an adult. I started watching The 100 and it kind of reminds me of this book.

Non-Fiction Books

Jesus, The One and Only by Beth Moore, Dale McCleskey – Each chapter has an assigned reading from the Bible. Then Beth Moore writes a narrative and commentary about the assigned section of scripture. This book follows the life of Jesus in the book of Luke.

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver – This was super popular a few years ago, but I never read the book. I feel like Christians get pushed to serve and do a lot of things. I’m curious to see what this book has to say about a Christian culture of actions and serving.

The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa TerKeurst – I already feel like I’m good at saying no, but the book was $3 over the holidays so I bought a copy.

Book Club Picks

The book club I participate in picked a lot of good books for 2016. These are 5 books I’m glad we selected.

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin – I’m dying to see this Oscar nominated movie, but only if I’ve read the book first.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard – This is my book club’s YA pick for the year. My high schooler niece is a big fan. The cover is really cool. Fingers crossed, this one is good.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood – I bought this as a Kindle book over a year ago. I’ve been too afraid to read this one, so I’m glad book club is pushing me to read it.

Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner – 1940s, England. I’m sold.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier – This was thrown in as a joke at our book club selection party. We kept joking about it’s horrible cover so much we decided to read it. I’m 10% in and I’m picturing Max as Jon Hamm and Mrs. De Winter as Lady Rose MacClare from Downton Abbey. I’ll be glad to have this classic read.

What are you excited to read this year?

Are you on Goodreads? Find me at AmandaEspi and add me as a friend! I love talking about books and seeing your updates on Goodreads.

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2015 Annual Review

My husband, Daniel, did a 2015 Annual Review on his blog and I’m totally copying him. Here is my 2015 Annual Review:

What went well this year?

Schooling through the summer, because they didn’t have a chance to forget everything I’ve taught them!

Schooling only 4 days a week. I get to create my own schedule, so why not give myself a three day weekend every week?

I switched my 8 year old daughter’s reading curriculum to All About Reading. She is finally reading with confidence.

Joining a Homeschool Group. We joined Hill Country Christian Homeschoolers in the fall. I love all the field trips and the Friday afternoon park meet-up where dozens of kids battle with lightsabers and nerf guns. I didn’t realize how much I needed homeschool mom friends. I feel like I found my people.

The Gym

I loved trying new classes like Barbell Strength and TCX. I worked on my running speed and ran a 7:30 mile. I also reached my goal to run a 5K under 30 minutes. I could do it around 27:00 minutes. I learned about squats, lunges, planks, burpees, more core exercises, free weight exercises, and nutrition.

I wrote 106 blog posts in 2015. Nearly 80 of them were written all in a row when I tried blogging everyday. I also published my first blog series, because I had a lot to say about marriage.

My youngest is fully potty trained! No more overnight pants or traveling potty seat. In a related note, NO MORE DIAPER BAG! I can leave the house with only my purse. This may be a small logistical change, but not carrying around a 200 pound bag is glorious in the life of a mother.

My oldest learned how to swim. Thanks swim lessons at the gym.

I have fallen in love with tabletop games and enjoy playing them with my family. Now I want to move into a large home so I can have a game room with squishy chairs at a grand table and a beverage cabinet. So anyone can come over eat dinner and play a tabletop game comfortably for four hours. Squad goals!

I read 35 books in 2015. I discovered fun graphic novels and conquered many long books including THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. My two favorite books of the year THE NAME OF THE WIND and A DANCE OF DRAGONS are both Fantasy novels.

What did not go well this year?

Weight Loss

I’m not sure how many pounds or inches I lost last year. My scale at home is broken. I don’t like weighing myself in the evening at the gym. I felt great in August, but I didn’t maintain my 3-4 times a week gym schedule and I started gaining again. After the holidays my clothes don’t fit as well anymore.

No Travel

For a long time I was depressed we couldn’t afford to take a long, family trip. I’m sure my friends appreciated my entitled whining about the subject.

You can take a look at the bar graph on Daniel’s blog to show the roller coaster of our income. We didn’t make a lot traction toward our financial goals. Daniel’s post describes the changes we are making in 2016.

Online Live Show

I tried hosting a live show with Victoria Wilson called Blog Toast. It was super fun to try and I’m glad we did it. I learned a lot about Google Hangouts, setting up lighting, and getting more comfortable in front of a camera.

Several months after my youngest son was potty trained we tried to fix his carboholic diet. I’ve tried so many methods and failed. He still doesn’t want to try new foods.

What am I working toward?

Over the holidays I was kind of depressed how 2015 felt like a failure. A year passed by and we weren’t any closer to being a traveling family again. I believe we will take more month long family trips, but it probably won’t happen in 2016.

I thought about the things I love doing – running/working out, writing, and reading. I realized I did improve in each of those three areas and 2015 wasn’t a waste of time. So for 2016 I want to more of what I love.

Doing More Of What I Love

Running. I started a 12 week training program to run a Half Marathon in March. I’ve only completed 2 of my 48 training runs, but I think I have the time and energy to make this happen.

I’ve decided to write more essays about my personal struggles with family and body image. I may not publish these essays, but I think it will be cathartic for me to write and process. Four years ago I wrote one about my son’s hearing loss and I’m glad I have the essay to remember that moment in time. In addition, I also want to publish blog posts about the books I’m reading.

I was once asked in a life coach survey, “What are three things people cannot stop you from doing?” My immediate answer was reading. It doesn’t matter if I am discouraged or full of joy I will always be reading. Of course, my mood dictates what I read. Looking forward to tackling many books on my TBR list.

Homeschooling my kids is my main job and in 2015 I really embraced my role as a home educator.

My youngest starts Kindergarten this Spring. I think he’s ready. I like starting Kindergarten early, because now I have 1.5 years to get it done in case it doesn’t go well. If it goes well and we finish it quickly, then we start 1st grade early.

I plan to school through summer again and my daughter will be ready for fourth grade in the fall. Yay!

I didn’t think about the long term effect of catching up my 6 year old son with his older sister. Technically, he will be starting fourth grade in the fall even though he would only be in second grade at public school. I’m not entirely sure how this will work out.

In 2016 I get to continue homeschooling my kids, taking care of my family, running, writing, and reading. It’s a great life.

What are you working toward in 2016?

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#255206 - 11/02/07 10:46 AM Medical Insurance
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 56,282
Marty Online happy
Marty  Online Happy
Here is an interesting thread on Belize Forums about medical insurance in Belize. Anyone care to comment on what they do for insurance?;f=24;t=000487

#255214 - 11/02/07 12:13 PM Re: Medical Insurance [Re: Marty]
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,817
JZB Offline
JZB  Offline
There are plenty of companies out there offering Major Medical insurance if you live overseas etc. We use IMG and it costs about $3200 US a year for the two of us. The day to day stuff (colds/coughs, check ups, etc) we pay cash. We can submit the day-to-day healthcare receipts to cover our yearly deductible but I'm too lazy.

#255320 - 11/03/07 09:49 AM Re: Medical Insurance [Re: JZB]
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,408
Katie Valk Offline
Katie Valk  Offline

Belize based travel specialist
#255327 - 11/03/07 10:18 AM Re: Medical Insurance [Re: Katie Valk]
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,435
Cooper Offline
Cooper  Offline
I carry Universal Health Insurance and am very pleased. The Doctors have all seemed very well qualified, the equipment, mama gram machine, Ultra sound, Colonoscopy, etc that I have had done equals that of the States, with one exception, My abdominal Ultra Sound cost me $1,200 in the Staes, here it was only $50. I paid less than $20. My Mamagram in the States was $500, here it was $30 I paid around $11. My Colonoscopy, well it was my first including the wonderful beverage you must drink it cost around $120 I paid $30. I pay a monthly fee of $32 to carry the insurance and then 20% of services, I LIKE IT! I have never had to wait more than 15 minutes to see the doctor. If I want lab work done I just go to the lab, you dont have to see the doctor first, and there is no charge at all to have the doctor read you results. The Pharmacy also at 20% copay tends to run short of some meds, but do OK overall.

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Wednesday 17 January 2018
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The most effective method to Shop For Hand Fans for Your Summer Wedding

Looking for wedding hand fans? Ensure that they can overcome the mid year warm, sufficiently snazzy to adorn your and your visitors’ best wedding attire, and sufficiently reasonable to give you a chance to appreciate extraordinary funds without the need to trade off of incredible quality, capacity, and style.

Measure the Necessity of Hand Fans on Your Wedding.

Ask yourself: Are they, really, essential considering the subject, the time, and the wedding area? On the off chance that yes, what amount am I willing to spend for them?

Summer weddings can survive even without hand fans, however with regards to keeping yourself and your visitors agreeable and looking straight from the begin till the finish of the wedding thinking about how possible it is of the damp climate, at that point, maybe, you may need to re-consider the value of giving an appropriate cooling embellishment, which can serve as a wedding keepsake or Thank You blessing.

Check Your Choice of Fan’s Material and Craftsmanship.

By and large, the thicker the material of the hand fan’s leaf and casing, the more is it ready to loan a decent breeze on a marginally damp to exceptionally sticky climate.

Try not to leave the cost or your financial plan be manage your decision of hand fan supports as the costly of their kind may be the hand fans that will remain with your visitors for quite a long time, so you can properly consider them as a shrewd buy – simply like stunningly created paper fans, which are normally evaluated modest simply because they are made of basic materials.

Pick the Color and Style that Suits Your Wedding’s Theme.

Most weddings today play around a subject or theme, accordingly the simple alternative of picking plain-shaded or printed fans that match your wedding’s topic. On the off chance that you can’t locate the ideal shading to coordinate your theme, at that point have a go at picking a shade that intently takes after or supplements your wedding theme, or which include delightful prints and hand craft.

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Part 347 – Savagely Hungry

The pain flared up again.

Ambrose pressed his hand against his neck.

The pain faded, but it took a lot longer than last time.

He shivered.

It can’t be the hunger Sammy warned me about. It can’t be. It’s the cold. It’s too cold out. I need heat. A cup of hot water. And I’ll feel better.

I want one more night. One more day as just me. Before the hunger grabs me.

That’s all I want.

The pain surged back and his body heat increased.

Maybe I’m sick. It’s a rare vampire flu. Maybe I caught something from that caith girl. Some sort of cat flu or—

He shivered again. His stomach clenched up on him.

Ambrose sank down to his hands and knees. The snow on the ground melted fast from his touch.

He gagged and retched, but nothing came up. He panted in hard, raspy breaths.

no one’s around.

what am I supposed to do?

His stomach tightened.

Ambrose couldn’t feel the cold anymore.

He stopped thinking.

He rose to his feet and put the black box in his slacks pocket.

He went hunting.

A man sat inside a tent, talking on his cell phone. “Look. I’m just saying. No. No! You listen to me. I didn’t sign up for anything like this. What? Oh, is that what you really think?” He unzipped his tent and stepped outside. “Oh, yeah? You wanna know what I really—”

Ambrose grabbed him and sank his fangs into the man’s neck.

“No! No!” He struggled to escape.

Ambrose dug his claws into the man’s arms.

The cell phone fell into the snow.

Blood poured into his mouth. Barbeque sauce scented blood.

But it didn’t fill him. Nor did it send him into a blood high.

He sank his teeth deeper and drank longer.

The man died.

Ambrose was still hungry.

He growled and threw him into the snow.

Anger pulsed through him. He needed to lash out at someone.

He extended his claws and attacked the tent.

In a matter of seconds, the tent was nothing but a pile of scraps. But Ambrose wasn’t satisfied.

His neck still hurt.

And he was still hungry.

He ran through the snow without a particular destination in mind. The hunger stayed with him and drove him onward. Steadily, thoughtlessly onward.

2 thoughts on “Part 347 – Savagely Hungry”

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Political Discord

Trump Most Unpopular 2nd-Year President Ever; 38% of America Voters Think Country Heading Down Right Track

Trump Unpopular

Despite strong economic data, low unemployment, and soaring stock prices, President Donald Trump’s approval ratings continue to languish near record lows. In fact, Trump is the most unpopular president to ever enter his second year in office. And his popularity is waning. According to one poll, 38% of American likely voters think the U.S. is (more…)

Trump Border Wall Push Comes While Political Tension Remains High

President Donald Trump’s famous plan for a border wall is serving to create an even bigger divide among Congress than we witnessed in 2017, as Senators and House members look toward potential bipartisan legislation on immigration despite the president’s outcries. The Trump border wall has long been a sticking point for Democrats on any immigration (more…)

Barely One-Third of Americans Would Vote for Trump in 2020

President Donald Trump 2020

An increasing number of Americans are turning their back on President Trump. According to a recent poll conducted by NBC News/The Wall Street Journal, just 36% of Americans say they will vote for Donald Trump if he runs for reelection in 2020. Meanwhile, 52% of Americans say they will “probably” or “definitely” vote for the (more…)

Trump’s Approval Rating Craters to Record Low 32%

President Trump

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has taken another hit. According to poll conducted by Monmouth University between Sunday and Tuesday, just 32% of American voters approve of the job Trump is doing as president. Meanwhile, 56% say they disapprove of the way president Trump is handling the country. This is Trump’s lowest approval rating since (more…)


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Find a Sober Living Transitional Home

In the United States in 2014, about 1 out of every 12 people who were at least 12 years old suffered from a substance use disorder, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) publishes. Addiction is considered a brain disease that is chronic, with relapse rates as high as 40-60 percent, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Relapse is a return to drug or alcohol use after a period of abstinence or sobriety. Relapse is often thought of as a natural part of addiction treatment and recovery, as relapse rates are similar to those of other chronic diseases like type I diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, NIDA states. In order to help prevent, or at least minimize, episodes of relapse, aftercare services beyond a residential treatment program are important.

Sober living homes, often referred to as transitional living arrangements, are a step down from formal substance abuse treatment programs. These homes can offer an in-between option for individuals after completing a treatment program and before returning to their homes and lives. This transition can provide continued support and the ability to apply newly learned tools and skills for becoming self-reliant and remaining drug- or alcohol-free in a community environment.
Referrals to a sober living home may come from the criminal justice system, from family and friends, or from an inpatient or residential treatment program. In a study of individuals in sober living homes published by the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 25 percent were referred by the criminal justice system, 23 percent by family or friends, 20 percent by the individual seeking these arrangements, and 13 percent from a residential or inpatient substance abuse treatment program.

Anyone who feels they would benefit from a buffer between treatment and a return to everyday life in order to solidify abstinent habits and coping mechanisms can choose to live in a sober living home for a period of time.

Individuals in sober living homes are required to remain abstinent from drugs and alcohol, and often required to attend meetings, counseling and therapy sessions, and other aftercare programs. Sober living homes are populated with groups of people all in recovery and striving for abstinence. They provide a peer-support network of individuals all with similar experiences and goals.

These homes may be actual family homes, apartments, condos, etc. Depending on the size, there may be a wide range in the number of people who live in each particular home. Each sober living home may be structured differently, although individuals are typically expected to contribute to the maintenance of the house, and there may be a chore schedule or even a democratic voting system or hierarchy in place. There may be rules on guests, set mealtimes, lights-out times, or curfews in place in some sober living homes. The rules are often set at the discretion of the people living in the home and always stipulate complete abstinence from drugs or alcohol. Sober living homes may be tied to local treatment programs. Substance abuse treatment providers may provide oversight in some instances, although this is not always the case.

Sober living homes may not require residents to participate in formal treatment programs; however, they may strongly recommend participation in a 12-Step program. Oxford House is a nonprofit and self-sustaining type of sober living home, and studies published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs report that more than three-quarters of individuals in this type of transitional residence attend 12-Step meetings at least once a week. While it may not be a requirement, this type of peer support during recovery is often strongly recommended while living in a sober living home. Individuals in sober living homes may also attend regular counseling and therapy sessions as well as receive treatment for mental health disorders or medical conditions while in residence.

Defined as transitional living arrangements, sober living homes may include halfway houses, 3/4 houses, and Oxford Houses as options. In some cases, sober living homes are considered to be different from traditional halfway, or 3/4 houses, in that they are generally not funded, licensed, or run by the state; they are paid for directly by the individuals living in them. Halfway houses may be more structured than a sober living home, although in some states, the terms are used interchangeably. A sanctioned halfway house, for instance, will often require individuals to pass drug screenings or breathalyzer tests to gain entry and remain in residence. Sober living homes may or may not have this requirement in place. Individuals seeking a sober living home environment should check the specifics of the home before moving in to determine its structure and the type of environment offered.

Oftentimes, as they are government-funded, halfway houses have a set length of time that people can remain a resident. Other sober living homes that rely on residents to pay their own rent may allow individuals to stay as long as they wish to, provided they continue to abide by the house rules. Length of stay is a personal decision as each individual recovers at their own pace. The brain takes some time to heal from chronic substance abuse patterns, and it takes time for cravings and withdrawal symptoms to completely subside.

Length of time in treatment may be concretely tied to relapse and abstinence rates. Per a study in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, individuals who stayed in sober living homes for longer were less likely to drink or use drugs at 6-month, 12-month, and 18-month follow-up points.

Tips for Choosing a Sober Living Home

choosing a sober living Anyone who struggles with drug or alcohol abuse or addiction can benefit from a sober living home; however, people who suffer from co-occurring mental or medical health issues, those who have attempted treatment multiple times already, individuals without a supportive home environment, or those who may be resistant to treatment may benefit the most from long-term substance abuse treatment programs that include sober living homes as part of a full continuum of care, Psych Central postulates. Sober living homes can be a beneficial part of a treatment program wherein individuals move between levels of care as their personal recovery dictates. It is often the last step before returning to society. Individuals often go back into the workforce, back to school, and start integrating back into their “normal” lives while living at a sober living home. Many sober living homes will stipulate that individuals spend at least five nights a week in the home, but allow for residents to spend a night or two at home as well. This can help to ease the transition back into living at home fulltime and returning to all obligations there.

Some of the best resources for finding a sober living home are treatment facilities, 12-Step groups, or medical and mental health professionals. Some tips on how to find and choose a sober living home include:

  • Find a home that is centrally located to meeting, counseling, or therapy session locations.
  • Be sure that all rules are understood and attainable.
  • Try to find a home that has a range of people in recovery, such as a selection of people who have been abstinent for longer than 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days.
  • Listen to or seek out personal referrals from people who have lived, or are living, in the sober living home to decide if it is the right fit for you.

Sober living homes may or may not be accredited or licensed through a state, local, or national agency. The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) sets national standards that affiliate agencies can use to certify sober living homes and that individuals can use to find a sober living home with a high standard of care.

Find a Sober Living Transitional Home

Start The Admissions Process Now

Your 1-on-1 consultation and Insurance Verification are 100% Free

All you have to do is pick up the phone and call or chat now

We will never share your information with a third party without your explicit consent

Call Now (888) 966-8152
Carf Accredited The Joint Commission American Addiction Centers, Inc., Drug Abuse & Addiction  Info & Treatment, Brentwood, TN

American Addiction Centers

(888) 966-8152
200 Powell Pl
Brentwood, TN 37027

© 2018 American Addiction Centers

Confidential — Insurance Accepted Call (888) 966-8152


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Pulp Fiction (1994)

May 11, 2011 § Leave a comment

John Tavolta and Samuel L. Jackson being humbled in "Pulp Fiction"

Written by Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

Starring John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames, Maria De Medeiros, Eric Stoltz, Rosanna Arquette, Tim Roth, Amanda Plummer, Frank Whaley, Phil LaMarr, Quentin Tarantino and Harvey Keitel

A seminal and revolutionary film, Pulp Fiction has no peer, can’t be duplicated no many how many inferior films copy its style and structure, and like a fine wine, gets better with age. Yes, there is gratuitous violence, yes, there are extreme and graphic instances of drug culture, but yes, there is a moral center and a point to the film. An interwoven collection of loosely connected stories, told in chapter form as a pseudo-fairy tale version of Los Angeles’ seedy underbelly, in which we follow mob enforcers, a mob boss wife, drug dealers, a shady boxer, a man and woman wanna-be stick up team and their various associates. Pulp Fiction doesn’t claim to be realistic, but the stylization is firmly grounded in something resembling our reality, providing the characters with relatable attributes. Pay close attention to the divergent paths of Travolta and Jackson’s characters to understand this. They might talk in a unique pattern with interesting conversations, but look closely and its feasible that while their thoughts may not have been as well collected, these conversations could happen in real life between a pair of high thinking criminals.

Pulp Fiction is a movie which revitalized John Travolta’s career from former wunderkind up and comer to aging hack by giving him a unique character that he knocks out of the park in a perfect, legendary performance that he disappears into as Vince, a thoughtful hit man slash heroin addict. It transformed Samuel L. Jackson from a working character actor into one of the most cherished cinematic icons of our generation and possibly of all time as Jules, an even more thoughtful and very spiritual hit man. It crackles with gorgeous, poetic and pulpy dialogue that sings out of the actors’ mouths to the point that the film could be listened to as a radio play and it would still be gripping.

It gave interesting, vital and empowering roles to female actors with equally inventive and interesting dialogue, from the most famous- Uma Thurman- to the nearly nameless in Maria de Medeiros as Bruce Willis’ innocent lover. Quentin Tarantino’s use of music and pop culture is unrivaled in this film and the gratuitous violence can be forgiven by how clever it is and by Tarantino’s inventive and stylized way of showing us violence. Tarantino is able to take a character with only 5 or 10 minutes of screen time and make them indelible and definitive with performances from the likes of Harvey Keitel as mob cleaner Winston Wolf, Tim Roth as the male part of a pair of would-be crooks, Amanda Plummer as his girl Hunny Bunny, Christopher Walken as a Vietnam army vet with an amazing story to tell, Frank Whaley as a clueless white bread criminal, Rosanna Arquette and Eric Stoltz as slacker stoner drug dealers, Paul Calderon (My name’s Paul and this shit’s between y’all) as a bar tender. (Interestingly enough, Calderon was Tarantino’s first choice for Jules, the Sam Jackson part.) and above all, oddly enough, is Tarantino himself as the surly Jimmy Dimmick, a friend of Sam Jackson’s Jules, who helps him and Travolta’s character out in a tough spot, though finds every way to whine about it as he does so. It’s a very naturalistic, smooth and hilarious performance. Pretty amazing stuff from a guy who only acts as a side gig to his film making.

Pulp Fiction forced us to reassess how many levels a film could work on. Pulp Fiction is a gangster film, a spiritual journey, a moral metaphor, a pop culture event, an ode to 70’s style exploitation films, a snapshot of the era in which it was made and a wholly original form of cinematic language and above all, a damn entertaining time at the movies.

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Friday, January 09, 2015

Republicans Prepare for 2016 Presidential Clown Bus

It is looking more and more like the run-up for the 2015-2016 GOP Presidential nomination will be more a double-decker killer clown bus than the killer clown car we witnessed in 2011-2012, as this time around both the megaphone bigot plutocratic Base tier (Huckabee, Cruz, Paul, and so on) and the stealth bigot plutocratic Establishment tier (Christie, Bush, Kasich, and so on) are looking quite competitive. Get ready for a multibillion dollar freakshow ending in a circular firing squad and followed, quite beyond decency or sense, by tall tales of a horse race.

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