“
I think everyone’s caught up in these narrow-minded worlds and they think their world exists in the center of the universe. Relationships only happen when it’s convenient. You have to walk on eggshells for people because that’s about how strong they are these days. And you can’t confront people, because if you do, that brittle shell of confidence will crack. So we all become passive cowards that carry a fake smile wherever we go because God forbid you let your guard down long enough for people to see your life isn’t perfect. That you have a few flaws. Because who wants to see that? My theory is everybody sucks. So, my conclusion is I don’t need anybody.
”
”
Katie Kacvinsky (First Comes Love (First Comes Love, #1))
“
Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference. Don't allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It's there for your convenience, not the callers. Don't be afraid to go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is. Don't burn bridges. You'll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river. Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated. Don't major in minor things. Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Helen Keller, Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein. Don't spread yourself too thin. Learn to say no politely and quickly. Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved. Don't waste time grieving over past mistakes Learn from them and move on. Every person needs to have their moment in the sun, when they raise their arms in victory, knowing that on this day, at his hour, they were at their very best. Get your priorities straight. No one ever said on his death bed, 'Gee, if I'd only spent more time at the office'. Give people a second chance, but not a third. Judge your success by the degree that you're enjoying peace, health and love. Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly. Leave everything a little better than you found it. Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation. Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life and death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems. Never cut what can be untied. Never overestimate your power to change others. Never underestimate your power to change yourself. Remember that overnight success usually takes about fifteen years. Remember that winners do what losers don't want to do. Seek opportunity, not security. A boat in harbor is safe, but in time its bottom will rot out. Spend less time worrying who's right, more time deciding what's right. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life. Success is getting what you want. Happiness is liking what you get. The importance of winning is not what we get from it, but what we become because of it. When facing a difficult task, act as though it's impossible to fail.
”
”
Jackson H. Brown Jr.
“
Question: would I do it the same way all over again? Absolutely - because I learned something along the way. Most people don't learn things along
the way. Or if they do, they conveniently forget those things when it suits their need. Most people, given a second chance, fuck it up completely. It's
one of those laws of the universe that you can't shake. People, I have noticed, only seem to learn once they get their third chance - after losing and
wasting vast sums of time, money, youth, and energy you name it. But still they learn, which is the better thing in the end.
”
”
Douglas Coupland (Girlfriend in a Coma)
“
The older I get, the more I realize the importance of connectivity, not taking people for granted. Don't be so busy "doing you" that you lose sight of those who love and support you. They will be the ones you seek, the ones you need when those you "thought" had your back turn their's away. If you only reach out when you need something, one day you'll discover that lifeline was cut and is now unavailable. Appreciate the good people in your life when it counts, not when it's convenient.
”
”
Liz Faublas, Million Dollar Pen, Ink.
“
They were blind, bat blind, moving only by the echoed sounds of their own voices. And because they were blind they would destroy themselves and I'd help them. I laughed. Here I had thought they accepted me because they felt that color made no difference, when in reality it made no difference because they didn't see either color or men . . . For all they were concerned, we were so many names scribbled on fake ballots, to be used at their convenience and when not needed to be filed away. It was a joke, an absurd joke.
”
”
Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man)
“
POCKET-SIZED FEMINISM
The only other girl at the party
is ranting about feminism. The audience:
a sea of rape jokes and snapbacks
and styrofoam cups and me. They gawk
at her mouth like it is a drain
clogged with too many opinions.
I shoot her an empathetic glance
and say nothing. This house is for
wallpaper women. What good
is wallpaper that speaks?
I want to stand up, but if I do,
whose coffee table silence
will these boys rest their feet on?
I want to stand up, but if I do,
what if someone takes my spot?
I want to stand up, but if I do,
what if everyone notices I’ve been
sitting this whole time? I am guilty
of keeping my feminism in my pocket
until it is convenient not to, like at poetry
slams or my women’s studies class.
There are days I want people to like me
more than I want to change the world.
There are days I forget we had to invent
nail polish to change color in drugged
drinks and apps to virtually walk us home
at night and mace disguised as lipstick.
Once, I told a boy I was powerful
and he told me to mind my own business.
Once, a boy accused me of practicing
misandry. You think you can take
over the world? And I said No,
I just want to see it. I just need
to know it is there for someone.
Once, my dad informed me sexism
is dead and reminded me to always
carry pepper spray in the same breath.
We accept this state of constant fear
as just another part of being a girl.
We text each other when we get home
safe and it does not occur to us that our
guy friends do not have to do the same.
You could saw a woman in half
and it would be called a magic trick.
That’s why you invited us here,
isn’t it? Because there is no show
without a beautiful assistant?
We are surrounded by boys who hang up
our naked posters and fantasize
about choking us and watch movies
we get murdered in. We are the daughters
of men who warned us about the news
and the missing girls on the milk carton
and the sharp edge of the world.
They begged us to be careful. To be safe.
Then told our brothers to go out and play.
”
”
Blythe Baird
“
She left me the way people leave a hotel room. A hotel room is a place to be when you are doing something else. Of itself it is of no consequence to one's major scheme. A hotel room is convenient. But its convenience is limited to the time you need it while you are in that particular town on that particular business; you hope it is comfortable, but prefer, rather, that it be anonymous. It is not, after all, where you live.
When you no longer need it, you pay a little something for its use; say 'thank you sir,' and when your business in that town is over, you go away from that room. Does anybody regret leaving a hotel room? Does anybody who has a home, a real home somewhere , want to stay there? Does anybody look back with affection of even disgust, at a hotel room when they leave it? You can only love or despise whatever living was done in that room. But the room itself? But you take a souvenir. Not, oh, not to remember the room. To remember, rather, the time and place of your business, your adventure. What can anyone feel for a hotel room? One doesn't any more feel for a hotel room than one expects a hotel room to feel for its occupant.
”
”
Toni Morrison (The Bluest Eye)
“
Narcissists view people as conveniences, opportunities, and tools—and they treat them accordingly. When you are useful to a narcissist, he or she will leave you feeling as though the sun shines only on you. When they no longer need you, that sun will quickly move behind a cloud. It’s amazing how so many people are putty in the narcissist’s hands.
”
”
Ramani Durvasula ("Don't You Know Who I Am?": How to Stay Sane in an Era of Narcissism, Entitlement, and Incivility)
“
When you're a child, your best friend in the world is the kid who lives next door. It doesn't occur to you then that this is a matter of arbitrary circumstance. When you grow up you like to imagine that your friendships have a more substantial basis - common interests, like-mindedness, some genuine affinity. It's always a sad revelation that when a good friend acquires a girlfriend or a husband and disappears. You realize that,for them, your friendships was always only a matter of convenience, a fallback, and they simply don't need you anymore. There's nothing especially cynical about this; people are drawn to each other because they're giving each other something they both need, and they drift apart when they aren't getting it or don't need it anymore. Friendship have natural life spans, like love affairs or favorite songs.
”
”
Tim Kreider (We Learn Nothing)
“
The Vedic people stopped interbreeding with the earlier local population and began to talk of purity only when they no longer needed women from outside their community as wives, because they now had enough girl-children whose early mixed roots, they decided, did not matter. And the British came up with their racist notions of not mixing with Indians only after the Suez Canal opened and there were fast steamships bringing white British women to India in search of British husbands. Purity is a convenient political myth floated by the powerful to justify brutal apartheid.
”
”
Peggy Mohan (Wanderers, Kings, Merchants: The Story of India through Its Languages)
“
Justin: I am falling so in love with you.
Her body electrified. Celeste wiped her eyes and read his text again. The drone of the plane disappeared; the turbulence was no more. There was only Justin and his words.
Justin: I lose myself and find myself at the same time with you.
Justin: I need you, Celeste. I need you as part of my world, because for the first time, I am connected to someone in a way that has meaning. And truth. Maybe our distance has strengthened what I feel between us since we’re not grounded in habit or daily convenience. We have to fight for what we have.
Justin: I don’t know if I can equate what I feel for you with anything else. Except maybe one thing, if this makes any sense.
Justin: I go to this spot at Sunset Cliffs sometimes. It’s usually a place crowded with tourists, but certain times of year are quieter. I like it then. And there’s a high spot on the sandstone cliff, surrounded by this gorgeous ice plant, and it overlooks the most beautiful water view you’ve ever seen. I’m on top of the world there, it seems.
Justin: And everything fits, you know? Life feels right. As though I could take on anything, do anything. And sometimes, when I’m feeling overcome with gratitude for the view and for what I have, I jump so that I remember to continue to be courageous because not every piece of life will feel so in place.
Justin: It’s a twenty-foot drop, the water is only in the high fifties, and it’s a damn scary experience. But it’s a wonderful fear. One that I know I can get through and one that I want.
Justin: That’s what it’s like with you. I am scared because you are so beyond anything I could have imagined. I become so much more with you beside me. That’s terrifying, by the way. But I will be brave because my fear only comes from finally having something deeply powerful to lose. That’s my connection with you. It would be a massive loss.
Justin: And now I am in the car and about to see you, so don’t reply. I’m too flipping terrified to hear what you think of my rant. It’s hard not to pour my heart out once I start. If you think I’m out of mind, just wave your hands in horror when you spot the lovesick guy at the airport.
Ten minutes went by. He had said not to reply, so she hadn’t.
Justin: Let’s hope I don’t get pulled over for speeding… but I’m at a stoplight now.
Justin: God, I hope you aren’t… aren’t… something bad.
Celeste: Hey, Justin?
Justin: I TOLD YOU NOT TO REPLY!
Justin: I know, I know. But I’m happy you did because I lost it there for a minute.
Celeste: HEY, JUSTIN?
Justin: Sorry… Hey, Celeste?
Celeste: I am, unequivocally and wholly falling in love with you, too.
Justin: Now I’m definitely speeding. I will see you soon.
”
”
Jessica Park (Flat-Out Celeste (Flat-Out Love, #2))
“
I let go of him and remain standing. I promised myself I would do this, if I ever had the chance again.. I promised I would do this the first moment I could.
'I love you,' I say, the words coming out in an unintelligible rush.
Cardan looks taken aback. Or possibly I spoke so fast he's not even sure what I said. 'You need not say it out of pity,' he says finally, with great deliberateness. 'Or because I was under a curse. I have asked you to lie to me in the past, in this very room, but I would beg you not to lie now.'
My cheeks heat at the memory of those lies.
'I have not made myself easy to love,' he says, and I hear the echo of his mother's words in his.
When I imagined telling him, I thought I would say the words, and it would be like pulling off a bandage- painful and swift. But I didn't think he would doubt me. 'I first started liking you when we went to talk to the rulers of the low Courts,' I say. 'You were funny, which was weird. And when we went to Hollow Hall, you were clever. I kept remembering how you'd been the one to get us out of the brugh after Dain's coronation, right before I put the knife to your throat.'
He doesn't try to interrupt, so I have to choice but to barrel on.
'After I tricked you into being High King,' I say. 'I thought once you hated me, I could go back to hating you. But I didn't. And I felt so stupid. I thought I would get my heart broken. I thought it was a weakness that you would use against me. But then you saved me from the Undersea when it would have been much more convenient to just leave me to rot. After that, I started to hope my feelings were returned. But then there was the exile-' I take a ragged breath. 'I hid a lot, I guess. I thought if I didn't, if I let myself love you, I would burn up like a match. Like the whole matchbook.'
'But now you've explained it,' he says. 'And you do love me.'
'I love you,' I confirm.
'Because I am clever and funny,' he says, smiling. 'You didn't mention my handsomeness.'
'Or your deliciousness,' I say. 'Although those are both good qualities.'
He pulls me to him, so that we're both lying on the couch. I look down at the blackness of his eyes and the softness of his mouth. I wipe a fleck of dried blood from the top of one pointed ear. 'What was it like?' I ask. 'Being a serpent.'
He hesitates. 'It was like being trapped in the dark,' he says. 'I was alone, and my instinct was to lash out. I was perhaps not entirely an animal, but neither was I myself. I could not reason. There was only feelings- hatred and terror and the desire to destroy.'
I start to speak, but he stops me with a gesture. 'And you.' He looks at me, his lips curving in something that's not quite a smile; it's more and less than that. 'I knew little else, but I always knew you.'
And when he kisses me, I feel as though I can finally breathe again.
”
”
Holly Black (The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air, #3))
“
If you're only being kind when you find it convenient, that isn't consideration or compassion for others. There are people who need that compassion, even when you don't find it convenient.
”
”
Scylla Grand
“
The tacit assumption of the advanced welfare state is correct when human beings face starvation or death by exposure. Then, food and shelter are all that count. But in an advanced society, the needs for food and shelter can be met in a variety of ways, and at that point human needs can no longer be disaggregated. The ways in which food and shelter are obtained affects whether the other human needs are met. People need self-respect, but self-respect must be earned—it cannot be self-respect if it’s not earned—and the only way to earn anything is to achieve it in the face of the possibility of failing. People need intimate relationships with others, but intimate relationships that are rich and fulfilling need content, and that content is supplied only when humans are engaged in interactions that have consequences. People need self-actualization, but self-actualization is not a straight road, visible in advance, running from point A to point B. Self-actualization intrinsically requires an exploration of possibilities for life beyond the obvious and convenient. All of these good things in life—self-respect, intimate relationships, and self-actualization—require freedom in the only way that freedom is meaningful: freedom to act in all arenas of life coupled with responsibility for the consequences of those actions. The underlying meaning of that coupling—freedom and responsibility—is crucial. Responsibility for the consequences of actions is not the price of freedom, but one of its rewards. Knowing that we have responsibility for the consequences of our actions is a major part of what makes life worth living.
”
”
Charles Murray (Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960-2010)
“
George Orwell’s contribution to understanding autocrats everywhere is necessary here. The word is doublethink, the ability to hold two contradictory ideas in mind simultaneously while accepting both. It was, Orwell wrote in Nineteen Eighty-Four, the power “to tell deliberate lies while genuinely believing in them.” It was to use facts only when convenient, to disavow their existence when contradictory, and “to deny the existence of objective reality and all the while to take account of the reality which one denies.” How dare the cops murder? How dare they not kill? Thus, the Orwellian lie, stripped of its subtleties.
”
”
Patricia Evangelista (Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country)
“
Understanding is used too often as a convenient means to avoid and sidestep the process of acknowledging the hurts and wounds (which makes forgiving more effective). We cannot truly forgive until we admit that the offense is as wounding as it really is, and therefore really does need to be forgiven. When understanding becomes the substitute not only for forgiving but for sharing about feelings, healing does not occur.
”
”
Charles Finck (As We Forgive Those)
“
I’m not a human. I’m a piece of machinery. I don’t need to feel a thing. Just forge on ahead. That’s what I told myself. That’s about all I thought about, and that’s what got me through. If I were a living person of blood and flesh I would have collapsed from the pain. There definitely was a being called me right there. And accompanying that is a consciousness that is the self. But at that point, I had to force myself to think that those were convenient forms and nothing more. It’s a strange way of thinking and definitely a very strange feeling—consciousness trying to deny consciousness. You have to force yourself into an inorganic place. Instinctively I realized that this was the only way to survive.
”
”
Haruki Murakami (What I Talk About When I Talk About Running)
“
I have nothing to do with others, I am only concerned with myself. I take advantage of the fact that the majority of mankind are led by certain rewards to do things which directly or indirectly tend to my convenience.’
‘It seems to me an awfully selfish way of looking at things,’ said Philip.
‘But are you under the impression that men ever do anything except for selfish reasons?’
‘Yes.’
‘It is impossible that they should. You will find as you grow older that the first thing needful to make the world a tolerable place to live in is to recognise the inevitable selfishness of humanity. You demand unselfishness from others, which is a preposterous claim that they should sacrifice their desires to yours. Why should they? When you are reconciled to the fact that each is for himself in the world you will ask less from your fellows. They will not disappoint you, and you will look upon them more charitably. Men seek but one thing in life—their pleasure.
”
”
W. Somerset Maugham (Of Human Bondage)
“
It’s always a sad revelation when a good friend acquires a girlfriend or a husband and disappears. You realize that, for them, your friendship was always only a matter of convenience, a fallback, and they simply don’t need you anymore. There
”
”
Tim Kreider (We Learn Nothing: Essays and Cartoons (A Smart and Funny Essay Collection))
“
To pray in the midst of the mundane is simply and strongly to assert that this dull and tiring day is holy and its simple labors are the stuff of God's saving presence for me now. To pray simply because it is prayer time is no small act of immersion in the God who is willing to wait for us to be conscious, to be ready, to be willing to become new in life.
Prayer, Benedictine spirituality demonstrates, is not a matter of mood. To pray only when we feel like it is more to seek consolation than to risk conversion. To pray only when it suits us is to want God on our terms. To pray only when it is convenient is to make the God-life a very low priority in a list of better opportunities. To pray only when it feels good is to court total emptiness when we most need to be filled. The hard fact is that nobody finds time for prayer. The time must be taken. There will always be something more pressing to do, something more important to be about than the apparently fruitless, empty act of prayer. But when that attitude takes over, we have begun the last trip down a very short road because, without prayer, the energy for the rest of life runs down. The fuel runs out. We become our own worst enemies: we call ourselves too tired and too busy to pray when, in reality, we are too tired and too busy not to pray. Eventually, the burdens of the day wear us down and we no longer remember why we decided to do what we're doing: work for this project, marry this woman, have these children, minister in this place. And if I cannot remember why I decided to do this, I cannot figure out how I can go on with it. I am tired and the vision just gets dimmer and dimmer.
”
”
Joan D. Chittister
“
She was the first close friend who I felt like I’d really chosen. We weren’t in each other’s lives because of any obligation to the past or convenience of the present. We had no shared history and we had no reason to spend all our time to gether. But we did. Our friendship intensified as all our friends had children – she, like me, was unconvinced about having kids. And she, like me, found herself in a relationship in her early thirties where they weren’t specifically working towards starting a family.
By the time I was thirty-four, Sarah was my only good friend who hadn’t had a baby. Every time there was another pregnancy announcement from a friend, I’d just text the words ‘And another one!’ and she’d know what I meant.
She became the person I spent most of my free time with other than Andy, because she was the only friend who had any free time. She could meet me for a drink without planning it a month in advance. Our friendship made me feel liberated as well as safe. I looked at her life choices with no sympathy or concern for her. If I could admire her decision to remain child-free, I felt encouraged to admire my own. She made me feel normal. As long as I had our friendship, I wasn’t alone and I had reason to believe I was on the right track.
We arranged to meet for dinner in Soho after work on a Friday. The waiter took our drinks order and I asked for our usual – two Dirty Vodka Martinis.
‘Er, not for me,’ she said. ‘A sparkling water, thank you.’ I was ready to make a joke about her uncharacteristic abstinence, which she sensed, so as soon as the waiter left she said: ‘I’m pregnant.’
I didn’t know what to say. I can’t imagine the expression on my face was particularly enthusiastic, but I couldn’t help it – I was shocked and felt an unwarranted but intense sense of betrayal. In a delayed reaction, I stood up and went to her side of the table to hug her, unable to find words of congratulations. I asked what had made her change her mind and she spoke in vagaries about it ‘just being the right time’ and wouldn’t elaborate any further and give me an answer. And I needed an answer. I needed an answer more than anything that night. I needed to know whether she’d had a realization that I hadn’t and, if so, I wanted to know how to get it.
When I woke up the next day, I realized the feeling I was experiencing was not anger or jealousy or bitterness – it was grief. I had no one left. They’d all gone. Of course, they hadn’t really gone, they were still my friends and I still loved them. But huge parts of them had disappeared and there was nothing they could do to change that. Unless I joined them in their spaces, on their schedules, with their families, I would barely see them.
And I started dreaming of another life, one completely removed from all of it. No more children’s birthday parties, no more christenings, no more barbecues in the suburbs. A life I hadn’t ever seriously contemplated before. I started dreaming of what it would be like to start all over again. Because as long as I was here in the only London I knew – middle-class London, corporate London, mid-thirties London, married London – I was in their world. And I knew there was a whole other world out there.
”
”
Dolly Alderton (Good Material)
“
Sometimes it feels like a chance is the only chance you might ever get. But, chances are redundant. They keep coming back every now and then. You just need to keep an open mind to see it dancing like a wicked pony in a dreamlike surrounding. And grab it when you are not feeling most comfortable. The more convenient you may feel the chance of losing a chance gets that much greater. Chances are mysterious options; you shall never figure them out completely.
”
”
প্রান্ত ঘোষ দস্তিদার
“
You need to take time to get alone with God, to get in a secret place with God and cry out to him. Don’t pray convenient prayers. Prayers that don’t move you won’t move him. They’ve got to be sacrificial prayers. They’ve got to be prayers that cost. They’ve got to affect how you think and how you feel. You pray and you say, ‘God, I don’t want to live knowing that a lifestyle of miracles is possible, that I could actually live like your Son Jesus lived, and yet not experience that. I don’t want to live another kind of a life. It’s the only way I can possibly be satisfied.’ And we cry out to God. We may have friends that have this disease or that disease, so we stand before the Lord, we lift up our voice and we go into that secret place with the Lord and we cry out to him. We bring the names of diseases or afflictions or problems. We bring them up before the Lord. And then when we are in public we look for people with problems. The real key for this thing is that in private you cry out to God and in public you take risk. HEALINGS
”
”
Bill Johnson (Manifesto for a Normal Christian Life)
“
Before leaving the earth altogether, let us as: How does Music stand with respect to its instruments, their pitches, the scales, modes and rows, repeating themselves from octave to octave, the chords, harmonies, and tonalities, the beats, meters, and rhythms, the degrees of amplitude (pianissimo, piano, mezzo-piano, mezzo-forte, forte, fortissimo)? Though the majority go each day to the schools where these matters are taught, they read when time permits of Cape Canaveral, Ghana, and Seoul. And they’ve heard tell of the music synthesizer, magnetic tape. They take for granted the dials on radios and television sets. A tardy art, the art of Music. And why so slow? Is it because, once having learned a notation of pitches and durations, musicians will not give up their Greek? Children have been modern artists for years now. What is it about Music that sends not only the young but adults too as far into the past as they can conveniently go? The module? But our choices never reached around the globe, and in our laziness, when we changed over to the twelve-tone system, we just took the pitches of the previous music as though we were moving into a furnished apartment and had no time to even take the pictures off the walls. What excuse? That nowadays things are happening so quickly that we become thoughtless? Or were we clairvoyant and knew ahead of time that the need for furniture of any kind would disappear? (Whatever you place there in front of you sits established in the air.) The thing that was irrelevant to the structures we formerly made, and this was what kept us breathing, was what took place within them. Their emptiness we took for what it was – a place where anything could happen. That was one of the reasons we were able when circumstances became inviting (chances in consciousness, etc.) to go outside, where breathing is child’s play: no walls, not even the glass ones which, though we could see through them, killed the birds while they were flying.
”
”
John Cage (A Year from Monday: New Lectures and Writings)
“
At a chain coffee bar in San Francisco, I saw a sign near the cream counter that read NAPKINS COME FROM TREES — CONSERVE! In case you missed the first sign, there was a second one two feet away, reading YOU WASTE NAPKINS — YOU WASTE TREES!!! The cups, of course, are also made of paper, yet there’s no mention of the mighty redwood when you order your four-dollar coffee. The guilt applies only to those things that are being given away for free. Were they to charge you ten cents per napkin, they would undoubtedly make them much thinner so you’d need to waste even more in order to fight back the piping hot geyser forever spouting from the little hole conveniently located in the lid of your cup.
”
”
David Sedaris (Me Talk Pretty One Day)
“
FROM THE
WAVERLEY KITCHEN JOURNAL Angelica - Will shape its meaning to your need, but it is particularly good for calming hyper children at your table. Anise Hyssop - Eases frustration and confusion. Bachelor’s Button - Aids in finding things that were previously hidden. A clarifying flower. Chicory - Conceals bitterness. Gives the eater a sense that all is well. A cloaking flower. Chive Blossom - Ensures you will win an argument. Conveniently, also an antidote for hurt feelings. Dandelion - A stimulant encouraging faithfulness. Frequent side effects are blindness to flaws and spontaneous apologies. Honeysuckle - For seeing in the dark, but only if you use honeysuckle from a brush of vines at least two feet thick. A clarifying flower. Hyacinth Bulb - Causes melancholy and thoughts of past regrets. Use only dried bulbs. A time-travel flower. Lavender - Raises spirits. Prevents bad decisions resulting from fatigue or depression. Lemon Balm - Upon consumption, for a brief period of time the eater will think and feel as he did in his youth. Please note if you have any former hellions at your table before serving. A time-travel flower. Lemon Verbena - Produces a lull in conversation with a mysterious lack of awkwardness. Helpful when you have nervous, overly talkative guests. Lilac - When a certain amount of humility is in order. Gives confidence that humbling yourself to another will not be used against you. Marigold - Causes affection, but sometimes accompanied by jealousy. Nasturtium - Promotes appetite in men. Makes women secretive. Secret sexual liaisons sometimes occur in mixed company. Do not let your guests out of your sight. Pansy - Encourages the eater to give compliments and surprise gifts. Peppermint - A clever method of concealment. When used with other edible flowers, it confuses the eater, thus concealing the true nature of what you are doing. A cloaking flower. Rose Geranium - Produces memories of past good times. Opposite of Hyacinth Bulb. A time-travel flower. Rose Petal - Encourages love. Snapdragon - Wards off the undue influences of others, particularly those with magical sensibilities. Squash and Zucchini Blossoms - Serve when you need to be understood. Clarifying flowers. Tulip - Gives the eater a sense of sexual perfection. A possible side effect is being susceptible to the opinions of others. Violet - A wonderful finish to a meal. Induces calm, brings on happiness, and always assures a good night’s sleep.
”
”
Sarah Addison Allen (Garden Spells (Waverly Family #1))
“
She gives just enough hints about him to make you wonder why he became so villainous. And if he dies, I’ll never learnt the answer.”
Oliver eyes her closely. “Perhaps he was born villainous.”
“No one is born villainous.”
“Oh?” he said with raised eyebrow. “So we’re all born good?”
“Neither. We start as animals, with an animal’s needs and desires. It takes parents and teachers and other good examples to show us how to restrain those needs and desires, when necessary, for the greater good. But it’s still our choice whether to heed that education or to do as we please.”
“For a woman who loves murder and mayhem, you’re quite the philosopher.”
“I like to understand how things work. Why people behave as they do.”
He digested that for a moment. “I happen to think that some of us, like Rockton, are born with a wicked bent.”
She chose her words carefully. “That certainly provides Rockton with a convenient excuse for his behavior.”
His features turned stony. “What do you mean?”
“Being moral and disciplined is hard work. Being wicked requires no effort at all-one merely indulges every desire and impulse, no matter how hurtful or immoral. By claiming to be born wicked, Rockton ensures that he doesn’t have to struggle to be god. He can just protest that he can’t help himself.”
“Perhaps he can’t,” he clipped out.
“Or maybe he’s simply unwilling to fight his impulses. And I want to know the reason for that. That’s why I keep reading Minerva’s books.”
Did Oliver actually believe he’d been born irredeemably wicked? How tragic! It lent a hopelessness to his life that helped to explain his mindless pursuit of pleasure.
“I can tell you the reason for Rockton’s villainy.” Oliver rose to round the desk. Propping his hip on the edge near her, he reached out to tuck a tendril of hair behind her ear.
A sweet shudder swept over her. Why must he have this effect on her? It simply wasn’t fair. “Oh?” she managed.
“Rockton knows he can’t have everything he wants,” he said hoarsely, his hand drifting to her cheek. “He can’t have the heroine, for example. She would never tolerate his…wicked impulses. Yet he still wants her. And his wanting consumes him.”
Her breath lodged in her throat. It had been days since he’d touched her, and she hadn’t forgotten what it was like for one minute. To have him this near, saying such things…
She fought for control over her volatile emotions. “His wanting consumes him precisely because he can’t have her. If he thought he could, he wouldn’t want her after all.”
“Not true.” His voice deepening, he stroked the line of her jaw with a tenderness that roused an ache in her chest. “Even Rockton recognizes when a woman is unlike any other. Her very goodness in the face of his villainy bewitches him. He thinks if he can just possess that goodness, then the dark cloud lying on his soul will lift, and he’ll have something other than villainy to sustain him.”
“Then he’s mistaken.” Her pulse trebled as his finger swept the hollow of her throat. “The only person who can lift the dark cloud on his soul is himself.”
He paused in his caress. “So he’s doomed, then?”
“No!” Her gaze flew to his. “No one is doomed, and certainly not Rockton. There’s still hope for him. There is always hope.”
His eyes burned with a feverish light, and before she could look away, he bent to kiss her. It was soft, tender…delicious. Someone moaned, she wasn’t sure who. All she knew was that his mouth was on hers again, molding it, tasting it, making her hungry in the way that only he seemed able to do.
“Maria…” he breathed. Seizing her by the arms, he drew her up into his embrace. “My God, I’ve thought of nothing but you since that day in the carriage.
”
”
Sabrina Jeffries (The Truth About Lord Stoneville (Hellions of Halstead Hall, #1))
“
The method of critical doubt, though Descartes himself applied it only half-heartedly, was of great philosophic importance. It is clear, as a matter of logic, that it can only yield positive results if scepticism is to stop somewhere. If there is to be both logical and empirical knowledge, there must be two kinds of stopping points: indubitable facts, and indubitable principles of inference. Descartes's indubitable facts are his own thoughts—using 'thought' in the widest possible sense. 'I think' is his ultimate premiss. Here the word 'I' is really illegitimate; he ought to state his ultimate premiss in the form 'there are thoughts'. The word 'I' is grammatically convenient, but does not describe a datum. When he goes on to say 'I am a thing which thinks', he is already using uncritically the apparatus of categories handed down by scholasticism. He nowhere proves that thoughts need a thinker, nor is there reason to believe this except in a grammatical sense. The decision, however, to regard thoughts rather than external objects as the prime empirical certainties was very important, and had a profound effect on all subsequent philosophy.
”
”
Bertrand Russell (A History of Western Philosophy)
“
While it is a convenient construct to divide hope into a cognitive and an affective component, the two are tightly coupled. Feelings and emotions mold logical thinking and eliberate decision making...True hope, then, is not initiated and sustained by completely erasing the emotions, like fear and anxiety, that are often its greatest obstacles. An equilibrium needs to be established, integrating the genuine threats and dangers that exist into the proposed strategies to subsume them. So when a person tells me that he doesn't want to know about the problems and risks, that he believes ignorance is necessary for bliss, I acknowledge that yes, yunbridled fear can shatter a fragile sense of hope. But I assert that he still needs to know a minimum amount of information about his diagnosis and the course of his problem; otherwise his hope is false, and false hope is an insubstantial foundation upon which to stand and weather the vicissitudes of difficult circumstances. It is only true hope that carries its companions, courage and resilience, through. False hope causes them to ultimately fall by the wayside as reality intervenes and overpowers illusion.
”
”
Jerome Groopman (The Anatomy of Hope: How People Prevail in the Face of Illness)
“
Derrick flies through the portal first. “Look at you,” he says, stopping to study me. “Alive. Unscathed. Good. If you hadn’t been, I would have lopped his fingers off.”
Kiaran moves to stand beside me. “I would have pulled off your wings.”
“Ignore him, pixie.” Aithinne strides into the room, her long coat billowing behind her. “I should have figured he’d be sullen and moody.”
Kiaran’s emotionless gaze flickers to her. “Phiuthair.”
“Bhràthair.” She stops and studies him. “You look like hell. I suppose you haven’t fed in a few days, if the lack of gifts is any indication.”
“Don’t.” Kiaran’s voice dips in warning.
“I’m wonderful, by the way,” she continues, as if he hadn’t spoken. “Do you like my coat? Don’t I look lovely? Aren’t I the best sister for standing here, still willing to talk to you after you’ve ignored me for months, you stubborn bastard?”
“Well, this is fun,” Derrick says. “I’m really feeling the love in this room. It’s beautiful. Aileana, isn’t it beautiful?”
“You’re here because Kam wanted your help. Not because I did.”
“Damn it, MacKay—”
“You might not have wanted me,” Aithinne says, ignoring my attempts to stand between them, “but look how quickly I came. Because I still care about you. Though god only knows why, since you’re such an obstinate pain in my arse.”
“I love it when Aithinne curses at people.” Derrick says to me. “I say we let them fight it out. A round of fisticuffs. No killing. I’ll go and find refreshments.”
“Oh, for god’s sake,” Sorcha says from behind us. “If you’re all going to squabble, I’d prefer to be back in my prison. That wasn’t torture. This is torture.”
Derrick peeks through my hair. “What’s that murderous arsehole doing here?”
Sorcha blinks at him. “What did you just call me?”
“You heard me, pointy-toothed hag.”
“Sorcha can find the Book,” I interrupt. “And we need her blood to get there. It was her or Lonnrach.”
“So given a choice between murderous arseholes you chose the one who killed you.” Derrick’s laugh is dry. “That’s interesting.”
“I chose the one who was conveniently chained up, rather than the one in hiding.”
Derrick doesn’t look convinced. “And we’re just supposed to believe she’s helping out of the goodness of that black hunk of rock in her chest that she calls a heart?”
“I’m standing right here,” Sorcha says sharply.
“Wish you weren’t,” Derrick sings. Then, to me: “Let me give you some advice, friend. If you’re going to take her along, make her go first. That way you don’t have to worry about her shoving a blade into your back.”
“Sweet little pixie,” Sorcha says. “If there’s one thing you should have learned, it’s that I’m perfectly willing to stab her in the front.” She turns on her heel and heads toward the great hall, the fabric of her brocade dress sweeping across the ground like a cloak. “If you’re coming, the door is this way
”
”
Elizabeth May (The Fallen Kingdom (The Falconer, #3))
“
THE TIME TRAVELLER (for so it will be convenient to speak of him) was expounding a recondite matter to us. His grey eyes shone and twinkled, and his usually pale face was flushed and animated. The fire burned brightly, and the soft radiance of the incandescent lights in the lilies of silver caught the bubbles that flashed and passed in our glasses. Our chairs, being his patents, embraced and caressed us rather than submitted to be sat upon, and there was that luxurious after-dinner atmosphere when thought runs gracefully free of the trammels of precision. And he put it to us in this way—marking the points with a lean forefinger—as we sat and lazily admired his earnestness over this new paradox (as we thought it:) and his fecundity. “You must follow me carefully. I shall have to controvert one or two ideas that are almost universally accepted. The geometry, for instance, they taught you at school is founded on a misconception.” “Is not that rather a large thing to expect us to begin upon?” said Filby, an argumentative person with red hair. “I do not mean to ask you to accept anything without reasonable ground for it. You will soon admit as much as I need from you. You know of course that a mathematical line, a line of thickness nil, has no real existence. They taught you that? Neither has a mathematical plane. These things are mere abstractions.” “That is all right,” said the Psychologist. “Nor, having only length, breadth, and thickness, can a cube have a real existence.” “There I object,” said Filby.
”
”
H.G. Wells (The Time Machine)
“
But now, supposing that, instead of confessing the sins of the world which she has taken upon herself, the Church - or a group of Christians who arrogate to themselves the name of “Church” - becomes a social mechanism for self-justification? Supposing this “Church,” which is in reality no church at all, takes to herself the function of declaring that everyone else is guilty and rationalizing the sins of her members as acts of virtue? Suppose that she becomes a perfect and faultless machine for declaring herself not guilty? Suppose that she provides men with a convenient method of deciding when they do or do not need to accuse themselves of anything before God? Supposing that, instead of conscience, she provides men with the support of unanimous group approval or disapproval?
This is what explains the fact that some men can commit murder in the name of Christ and believe themselves guiltless, indeed congratulate themselves on having served Him well. For them, the function of “the Church” is to provide a milieu in which one can decide what is and is not guilty, what is or is not sinful. The “Church” becomes simply a place where men gather to decree that others are guilty and they themselves are innocent. The fact that others then accuse them of hypocrisy and of flagrant infidelity to truth only confirms them in their own self-assured righteousness. The “Church” in such an event becomes a machine for setting the unquiet conscience at rest. It is a perfectly efficient machine for the manufacture of self-complacency and inner peace!
”
”
Thomas Merton (Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander)
“
Situation awareness means possessing an explorer mentality A general never knows anything with certainty, never sees his enemy clearly, and never knows positively where he is. When armies are face to face, the least accident in the ground, the smallest wood, may conceal part of the enemy army. The most experienced eye cannot be sure whether it sees the whole of the enemy’s army or only three-fourths. It is by the mind’s eye, by the integration of all reasoning, by a kind of inspiration that the general sees, knows, and judges. ~Napoleon 5 In order to effectively gather the appropriate information as it’s unfolding we must possess the explorer mentality. We must be able to recognize patterns of behavior. Then we must recognize that which is outside that normal pattern. Then, you take the initiative so we maintain control. Every call, every incident we respond to possesses novelty. Car stops, domestic violence calls, robberies, suspicious persons etc. These individual types of incidents show similar patterns in many ways. For example, a car stopped normally pulls over to the side of the road when signaled to do so. The officer when ready, approaches the operator, a conversation ensues, paperwork exchanges, and the pulled over car drives away. A domestic violence call has its own normal patterns; police arrive, separate involved parties, take statements and arrest aggressor and advise the victim of abuse prevention rights. We could go on like this for all the types of calls we handle as each type of incident on its own merits, does possess very similar patterns. Yet they always, and I mean always possess something different be it the location, the time of day, the person you are dealing with. Even if it’s the same person, location, time and day, the person you’re dealing who may now be in a different emotional state and his/her motives and intent may be very different. This breaks that normal expected pattern. Hence, there is a need to always be open-minded, alert and aware, exploring for the signs and signals of positive or negative change in conditions. In his Small Wars journal article “Thinking and Acting like an Early Explorer” Brigadier General Huba Wass de Czege (US Army Ret.) describes the explorer mentality: While tactical and strategic thinking are fundamentally different, both kinds of thinking must take place in the explorer’s brain, but in separate compartments. To appreciate this, think of the metaphor of an early American explorer trying to cross a large expanse of unknown terrain long before the days of the modern conveniences. The explorer knows that somewhere to the west lies an ocean he wants to reach. He has only a sketch-map of a narrow corridor drawn by a previously unsuccessful explorer. He also knows that highly variable weather and frequent geologic activity can block mountain passes, flood rivers, and dry up desert water sources. He also knows that some native tribes are hostile to all strangers, some are friendly and others are fickle, but that warring and peace-making among them makes estimating their whereabouts and attitudes difficult.6
”
”
Fred Leland (Adaptive Leadership Handbook - Law Enforcement & Security)
“
Come with me. Don’t look at me like that. I know it’s ridiculous and that’s why. We’re dead here. If you still want us, we’ll have to go find it, but it isn’t here. I know two certainties. I love you and good things take work. Life is that thing we create when we already have what we need. I don’t need another yesterday. What’s the point? It’s no coincidence the things that I worked for were the only things that ever made me happy. In trying, I feel like a human again. In that space before the reward. Finally, I am. The men I met before you are as good as dust. I don’t even remember their names. All it took was looking at each other for us to meet. Nothing needed to be earned. It’s why most relationships are secretly unhappy. They were built on a neutral convenience. They don’t know each other. But the sex will be nice and the arms of holding someone in the holidays and hating being lonely will make us stay forever. Perfectly tame. Whatever happened to walking up to a stranger on the street and slaying the dragon of Fear? Marriages built on endeavor. Giving someone your whole day. Identity from hermitting. Life is achievement, honey. Death is saying okay. The best fruit is the one you have to climb for. You have to march through the fire. Make the jump. Drive across the country. Effort in love. Effort in fashion. Food. Work. Give thought to how we chew. How we move. Even speak. To make day and night things our own. It’s our only job. Indecision is criminal. When we try, we exist again. And I have to exist. I have to, I have to. So I’m leaving. And you can come if you want. I’m going either way, but you’d be my favorite. Flight’s at 5
”
”
Kristian Ventura (The Goodbye Song)
“
The Memory Business Steven Sasson is a tall man with a lantern jaw. In 1973, he was a freshly minted graduate of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His degree in electrical engineering led to a job with Kodak’s Apparatus Division research lab, where, a few months into his employment, Sasson’s supervisor, Gareth Lloyd, approached him with a “small” request. Fairchild Semiconductor had just invented the first “charge-coupled device” (or CCD)—an easy way to move an electronic charge around a transistor—and Kodak needed to know if these devices could be used for imaging.4 Could they ever. By 1975, working with a small team of talented technicians, Sasson used CCDs to create the world’s first digital still camera and digital recording device. Looking, as Fast Company once explained, “like a ’70s Polaroid crossed with a Speak-and-Spell,”5 the camera was the size of a toaster, weighed in at 8.5 pounds, had a resolution of 0.01 megapixel, and took up to thirty black-and-white digital images—a number chosen because it fell between twenty-four and thirty-six and was thus in alignment with the exposures available in Kodak’s roll film. It also stored shots on the only permanent storage device available back then—a cassette tape. Still, it was an astounding achievement and an incredible learning experience. Portrait of Steven Sasson with first digital camera, 2009 Source: Harvey Wang, From Darkroom to Daylight “When you demonstrate such a system,” Sasson later said, “that is, taking pictures without film and showing them on an electronic screen without printing them on paper, inside a company like Kodak in 1976, you have to get ready for a lot of questions. I thought people would ask me questions about the technology: How’d you do this? How’d you make that work? I didn’t get any of that. They asked me when it was going to be ready for prime time? When is it going to be realistic to use this? Why would anybody want to look at their pictures on an electronic screen?”6 In 1996, twenty years after this meeting took place, Kodak had 140,000 employees and a $28 billion market cap. They were effectively a category monopoly. In the United States, they controlled 90 percent of the film market and 85 percent of the camera market.7 But they had forgotten their business model. Kodak had started out in the chemistry and paper goods business, for sure, but they came to dominance by being in the convenience business. Even that doesn’t go far enough. There is still the question of what exactly Kodak was making more convenient. Was it just photography? Not even close. Photography was simply the medium of expression—but what was being expressed? The “Kodak Moment,” of course—our desire to document our lives, to capture the fleeting, to record the ephemeral. Kodak was in the business of recording memories. And what made recording memories more convenient than a digital camera? But that wasn’t how the Kodak Corporation of the late twentieth century saw it. They thought that the digital camera would undercut their chemical business and photographic paper business, essentially forcing the company into competing against itself. So they buried the technology. Nor did the executives understand how a low-resolution 0.01 megapixel image camera could hop on an exponential growth curve and eventually provide high-resolution images. So they ignored it. Instead of using their weighty position to corner the market, they were instead cornered by the market.
”
”
Peter H. Diamandis (Bold: How to Go Big, Create Wealth and Impact the World (Exponential Technology Series))
“
The teachings of impermanence and lack of independent existence are not difficult to understand intellectually; when you hear these teachings you may think that they are quite true. On a deeper level, however, you probably still identify yourself as “me” and identify others as “them” or “you.” On some level you likely say to yourself, “I will always be me; I have an identity that is important.” I, for example, say to myself, “I am a Buddhist priest; not a Christian or Islamic one. I am a Japanese person, not an American or a Chinese one.” If we did not assume that we have this something within us that does not change, it would be very difficult for us to live responsibly in society. This is why people who are unfamiliar with Buddhism often ask, “If there were no unchanging essential existence, doesn’t that mean I would not be responsible for my past actions, since I would be a different person than in the past?” But of course that is not what the Buddha meant when he said we have no unchanging atman or essential existence. To help us understand this point, we can consider how our life resembles a river. Each moment the water of a river is flowing and different, so it is constantly changing, but there is still a certain continuity of the river as a whole. The Mississippi River, for example, was the river we know a million years ago. And yet, the water flowing in the Mississippi is always different, always new, so there is actually no fixed thing that we can say is the one and only Mississippi River. We can see this clearly when we compare the source of the Mississippi in northern Minnesota, a small stream one can jump over, to the river’s New Orleans estuary, which seems as wide as an ocean. We cannot say which of these is the true Mississippi: it is just a matter of conditions that lets us call one or the other of these the Mississippi. In reality, a river is just a collection of masses of flowing water contained within certain shapes in the land. “Mississippi River” is simply a name given to various conditions and changing elements. Since our lives are also just a collection of conditions, we cannot say that we each have one true identity that does not change, just as we cannot say there is one true Mississippi River. What we call the “self ” is just a set of conditions existing within a collection of different elements. So I cannot say that there is an unchanging self that exists throughout my life as a baby, as a teenager, and as it is today. Things that I thought were important and interesting when I was an elementary or high school student, for example, are not at all interesting to me now; my feelings, emotions, and values are always changing. This is the meaning of the teaching that everything is impermanent and without independent existence. But we still must recognize that there is a certain continuity in our lives, that there is causality, and that we need to be responsible for what we did yesterday. In this way, self-identity is important. Even though in actuality there is no unchanging identity, I still must use expressions like “when I was a baby ..., when I was a boy ..., when I was a teenager. ...” To speak about changes in our lives and communicate in a meaningful way, we must speak as if we assumed that there is an unchanging “I” that has been experiencing the changes; otherwise, the word “change” has no meaning. But according to Buddhist philosophy, self-identity, the “I,” is a creation of the mind; we create self-identity because it’s convenient and useful in certain ways. We must use self-identity to live responsibly in society, but we should realize that it is merely a tool, a symbol, a sign, or a concept. Because it enables us to think and discriminate, self-identity allows us to live and function. Although it is not the only reality of our lives, self-identity is a reality for us, a tool we must use to live with others in society.
”
”
Shohaku Okumura (Realizing Genjokoan: The Key to Dogen's Shobogenzo)
“
Eleanor reached over and stroked his foreman.
"Was I fair?" Henry whispered.
She nodded. "Very. Besides, I think our Ranulf gave you the justification for some of the changes you have been considering.Perhaps a court of law is needed."
"He did.And besides it was all highly entertaining.I had to bite my tongue when Craven started all that nonsense about Ranulf trying to kill him with an arrow."
"So you knew from the beginning..." Eleanor murmured in partial disbelief and admiration.
"That Ranulf was up to something? The man would never let anyone-even me-insult his honor without response. It was hard to wait until the oaf finished everything Ranulf needed him to say...and come to think of it...it was very convenient for Lady Bronwyn to be in disguise. How is it that you did not inform me earlier of what was to happen?"
"I did not know," Eleanor rejoined quickly. "I met with his wife, who never owned to her true identity...but I liked her and suspected she would enjoy the night much better as one of my ladies-in-waiting.It is a great honor,you know."
"And the idea of coming in masquerade?"
"Well,it has been dull lately."
"And you never knew who she was.Never thought to tell me you suspected Lady Bronwyn was not whom she professed to be."
"I only knew for sure that I liked her and that she was Laon's daughter. And as for the masquerade, I did it for you, my king."
"Me?"
"Mmm-hmmm," Eleanor purred against his ear. "I know how very much you like to be entertained."
"And that it was.Quite diverting. Never thought to see the day where Ranulf would be at ease in a crowd-or so demonstrative," Henry said, pointing at the joined couple.
"He's in love,my king.Just like I am. Perhaps someday I'll do something about your men and their rough-mannered ways. Maybe I will convene my own court-the court of love."
"I think that babe in your womb has made you soft in the head," Henry teased.
"Maybe," Eleanor sighed as she sat back in her chair with a smile that spoke of a mind whirling with ideas.
”
”
Michele Sinclair (The Christmas Knight)
“
Following feeling, relying on liking or wanting, we are not free. The freedom to "do as we like" is not freedom of choice because we are ruled by the powerful property of feeling; we cannot choose apart from liking and disliking. Likes and dislikes may be articulated in the form of sophisticated-sounding opinions, but the decision is made for us by feeling.
The Western world places a high value on personal feelings and opinions: Each individual "has a right" to an opinion. But rarely do we question how we have arrived at our opinion. Upon examination, we may discover that opinions tend to stem from convenience, familiarity, and selfishness–what feels good or what is pleasing or comfortable to us. Upon this basis, we act, and receive the consequences of our action.
Even if we compile a large number of such opinions, there is no guarantee that we will develop a wise perspective as a ground for action. Often this process only creates a mass of confusion, for opinions of one individual tend to conflict with the opinions of another. If there appears to be agreement, we tend to assume this agreement will remain stable. But agreement only means that the needs of the individuals involved are temporarily similar, and when those needs shift, agreement will evaporate.
To make certain decisions, we rely on logic or scientific findings, which are supposedly free from personal opinion but are still weighted with the opinions of a particular culture. This style of knowing is founded on particular distinctions and ignores other possibilities. The evidence is clear that the scope of modern scientific knowledge is limited, for this knowledge is not yet able to predict and control the side-effects resulting from its own use. Its solutions in turn create more problems, reinforcing the circular patterns of samsara. Only understanding that penetrates to the root causes of problems can break this circularity. Until we explore the depths of consciousness, we cannot resolve the fundamental questions that face human beings.
”
”
Dharma Publishing (Ways of Enlightenment (Buddhism for the West))
“
One key characteristic of structure is its richness. To illustrate, recall the comparison that John Rawls drew between checkers and chess when he was describing the Aristotelian principle (see page 386). Both games are played on a board with 64 squares, but they have different structures. Checkers has one kind of piece, while chess has six different kinds of pieces. The movement of any checker piece is restricted to a single square per turn unless it is capturing, while movement in chess is different for each piece. In checkers, the goal is to capture all the opponents’ pieces. In chess, the goal is to trap one particular piece. The structure of chess is objectively richer than the structure of checkers. It is no coincidence that chess has thousands of books written about tactics and strategy for every aspect of the game while checkers has a fraction of that number. The nature of accomplishment in checkers and chess is also objectively different, as reflected in their relative places in Western culture.[1] I measure the richness of a structure by three aspects: principles, craft, and tools. The scientific method offers convenient examples. Conceptually, a scientific experiment proceeds according to principles such as replicability, falsifiability, and the role of the hypothesis that apply across different scientific disciplines. The actual conduct of a classic scientific experiment involves craft—the generation of a hypothesis to be tested or a topic to be explored, the creation of the methods for doing so, and meticulous observance of protocols and procedures during the actual work. The details of craft differ not only across disciplines but within disciplines. They also have a family resemblance, in the sense that a meticulous scientist behaves in ways that are recognizable to scientists in every field—“meticulous” being one of the defining characteristics of craft practiced at a high level. Tools play a double role. Sometimes they are created in direct response to needs generated by principles and craft—accurate thermometers are an example—but at least as often, a tool turns out to have unanticipated uses that alter both principles and craft, independently expanding the realm of things a discipline can achieve. An example is the invention of the diffraction grating to study spectra of light, which 40 years later turned out to enable astronomers to study the composition of the stars.
”
”
Charles Murray (Human Accomplishment: The Pursuit of Excellence in the Arts and Sciences, 800 B.C. to 1950)
“
Cam closed the door and leaned back against it, letting his caressing gaze fall on the small, tense form of his wife. He knew little of these matters. In both Romany and gadjo cultures, pregnancy and childbirth were a strictly female domain. But he did know that his wife was uneasy in situations she had no control over. He also knew that women in her condition needed reassurance and tenderness. And he had an inexhaustible supply of both for her. “Nervous?” Cam asked softly, approaching her. “Oh no, not in the slightest; it’s an ordinary circumstance, and only to be expected after—” Amelia broke off with a little gasp as he sat beside her and pulled her into his arms. “Yes, I’m a bit nervous. I wish … I wish I could talk to my mother. I’m not exactly certain how to do this.” Of course. Amelia liked to manage everything, to be authoritative and competent no matter what she did. But the entire process of childbearing would be one of increasing dependence and helplessness, until the final stage, when nature took over entirely. Cam pressed his lips into her gleaming dark hair, which smelled like sweetbriar. He began to rub her back in the way he knew she liked best. “We’ll find some experienced women for you to talk to. Lady Westcliff, perhaps. You like her, and God knows she would be forthright. And regarding what you’re going to do … you’ll let me take care of you, and spoil you, and give you anything you want.” He felt her relax a little. “Amelia, love,” he murmured, “I’ve wanted this for so long.” “Have you?” She smiled and snuggled tightly against him. “So have I. Although I had hoped it would happen at a more convenient time, when Ramsay House was finished, and Poppy was betrothed, and the family was settled—” “Trust me, with your family there will never be a convenient time.” Cam eased her back to lie on the bed with him. “What a pretty little mother you’ll be,” he whispered, cuddling her. “With your blue eyes, and your pink cheeks, and your belly all round with my child …” “When I grow large, I hope you won’t strut and swagger, and point to me as an example of your virility.” “I do that already, monisha.” Amelia looked up into his smiling eyes. “I can’t imagine how this happened.” “Didn’t I explain that on our wedding night?” She chuckled and put her arms around his neck. “I was referring to the fact that I’ve been taking preventative measures. All those cups of nasty-tasting tea. And I still ended up conceiving.” “Rom,” he said by way of explanation, and kissed her passionately.
”
”
Lisa Kleypas (Seduce Me at Sunrise (The Hathaways, #2))
“
Broaching is a precise machining process in metalworking domain which uses a toothed tool called broach to cut materials into a predetermined shape. Broaching works best for odd shapes where precision machining is needed and hence finds wide application in a number of industry in India and worldwide.
Broach resembles a saw to certain extent but unlike a saw, its teeth become larger in size across its length. A broach gives shapes by roughing or removing the material, semi finishing and then by imparting the ultimate finishing. Round or odd shapes, for both internal and external surfaces, can be conveniently formed by broaching. This multi edge tool can shape any metal or metallic alloy but works best on softer materials like plastic, wood, bronze, aluminum, etc.
Resharpening of the tool
The broach that imparts shape to many work pieces can work properly only when the size and shape of its teeth are perfect. With time and usage, the teeth tend to lose its sharpness and become blunt. Using a dull broach may lead to permanent damage of its teeth. To enhance the broach life and minimize the tooling expense, it needs to be re-sharpened on time.
When to opt for resharpening
When broaching produce roughly shaped work pieces, it is definitely time for re-sharpening. However, with a little bit of watchfulness, one can even get it sharpened before it delivers poor finish or tearing. Some of the other conditions when this toothed tool will require re-sharpening are:
• Excessive hydraulic press pressure required to run the broach
• Nicks and scratches on the teeth making it dull
• Broach starts drifting
• Cutting edges show signs of wear
• Chattering occurs while broaching
Re-sharpening requires high precision. Removing excessive material from the teeth will adversely affect its longevity. Only proper sharpening will ensure time efficiency and high quality output. Teeth welding, grinding of gullets and teeth crest, reshaping teeth to proper taper are some of the methods used in re-sharpening.
Broaching, once used for machining only internal keyways, is now used for machining a plethora of shapes and surfaces for high quantity of work pieces. Broaching requires less tools than most of the other machining process and saves considerable amount of output time and hence favoured for high volume production irrespective of its high cost. In India, broaching finds wide application in the automobile industry. Therefore, a large number of players are foraying into the broach manufacturing industry on a regular basis.
”
”
Ankur sood
“
When applied to the prefrontal lobes, TMS has been shown to enhance the speed and agility of cognitive processing. The TMS bursts are like a localized jolt of caffeine, but nobody knows for sure how the magnets actually do their work.” These experiments hint, but by no means prove, that silencing a part of the left frontotemporal region could initiate some enhanced skills. These skills are a far cry from savant abilities, and we should also be careful to point out that other groups have looked into these experiments, and the results have been inconclusive. More experimental work must be done, so it is still too early to render a final judgment one way or the other. TMS probes are the easiest and most convenient instrument to use for this purpose, since they can selectively silence various parts of the brain at will without relying on brain damage and traumatic accidents. But it should also be noted that TMS probes are still crude, silencing millions of neurons at a time. Magnetic fields, unlike electrical probes, are not precise but spread out over several centimeters. We know that the left anterior temporal and orbitofrontal cortices are damaged in savants and likely responsible, at least in some part, for their unique abilities, but perhaps the specific area that must be dampened is an even smaller subregion. So each jolt of TMS might inadvertently deactivate some of the areas that need to remain intact in order to produce savantlike skills. In the future, with TMS probes we might be able to narrow down the region of the brain involved with eliciting savant skills. Once this region is identified, the next step would be to use highly accurate electrical probes, like those used in deep brain stimulation, to dampen these areas even more precisely. Then, with the push of a button, it might be possible to use these probes to silence this tiny portion of the brain in order to bring out savantlike skills. FORGETTING TO FORGET AND PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY Although savant skills may be initiated by some sort of injury to the left brain (leading to right brain compensation), this still does not explain precisely how the right brain can perform these miraculous feats of memory. By what neural mechanism does photographic memory emerge? The answer to this question may determine whether we can become savants. Until recently, it was thought that photographic memory was due to the special ability of certain brains to remember. If so, then it might be difficult for the average person to learn these memory skills, since only exceptional brains are capable of them. But in 2012, a new study showed that precisely the opposite may be true. The key to photographic memory may not be the ability of remarkable brains to learn; on the contrary, it may be their inability to forget. If this is true, then perhaps photographic memory is not such a mysterious thing after all.
”
”
Michio Kaku (The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind)
“
Ordinary reason, with this compass in hand, is well able to distinguish, in every case that occurs, what is good or evil, in accord with duty or contrary to duty, if we do not in the least try to teach reason anything new but only make it attend, as Socrates did, to its own principle—and thereby do we show that neither science nor philosophy is needed in order to know what one must do to be honest and good, and wise and virtuous. Indeed we might even have conjectured beforehand that cognizance of what every man is obligated to do, and hence also to know, would be available to every man, even the most ordinary. Yet we cannot but observe with admiration how great an advantage the power of practical judgment has over the theoretical in ordinary human understanding. IN the theoretical, when ordinary reason ventures to depart from the laws of experience and the perceptions of sense, it falls into sheer inconceivabilities and self-contradictions, or at least into a chaos of uncertainty, obscurity, and instability. In the practical, however, the power of judgment first begins to show itself to advantage when ordinary understanding excludes all sensuous incentives from practical laws. Such understanding then becomes even subtle, whether in quibbling with its own conscience or with other claims regarding what is to be called right, or whether in wanting to determine correctly for its own instruction the worth of various actions. And the most extraordinary thing is that ordinary understanding in this practical case may have just as good a hope of hitting the mark as that which any philosopher may promise himself. Indeed it is almost more certain in this than even a philosopher is, because he can have no principle other than what ordinary understanding has, but he may easily confuse his judgment by a multitude of foreign and irrelevant considerations and thereby cause it to swerve from the right way. Would it not, therefore, be wiser in moral matters to abide by the ordinary rational judgment or at most to bring in philosophy merely for the purpose of rendering the system of morals more complete and intelligible and of presenting its rules in a way that is more convenient for use (especially in disputation), but not for the purpose of leading ordinary human understanding away from its happy simplicity in practical matters and of bringing it by means of philosophy into a new path of inquiry and instruction?
Innocence is indeed a glorious thing; but, unfortunately, it does not keep very well and is easily led astray. Consequently, even wisdom-which consists more in doing and not doing than in knowing-needs science, not in order to learn from it, but in order that wisdom's precepts may gain acceptance and permanence. Man feels within himself a powerful counterweight to all the commands of duty, which are presented to him by reason as being so pre-eminently worthy of respect; this counterweight consists of his needs and inclinations, whose total satisfaction is summed up under the name of happiness.
”
”
Immanuel Kant
“
We need to be humble enough to recognize that unforeseen things can and do happen that are nobody’s fault. A good example of this occurred during the making of Toy Story 2. Earlier, when I described the evolution of that movie, I explained that our decision to overhaul the film so late in the game led to a meltdown of our workforce. This meltdown was the big unexpected event, and our response to it became part of our mythology. But about ten months before the reboot was ordered, in the winter of 1998, we’d been hit with a series of three smaller, random events—the first of which would threaten the future of Pixar. To understand this first event, you need to know that we rely on Unix and Linux machines to store the thousands of computer files that comprise all the shots of any given film. And on those machines, there is a command—/bin/rm -r -f *—that removes everything on the file system as fast as it can. Hearing that, you can probably anticipate what’s coming: Somehow, by accident, someone used this command on the drives where the Toy Story 2 files were kept. Not just some of the files, either. All of the data that made up the pictures, from objects to backgrounds, from lighting to shading, was dumped out of the system. First, Woody’s hat disappeared. Then his boots. Then he disappeared entirely. One by one, the other characters began to vanish, too: Buzz, Mr. Potato Head, Hamm, Rex. Whole sequences—poof!—were deleted from the drive. Oren Jacobs, one of the lead technical directors on the movie, remembers watching this occur in real time. At first, he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Then, he was frantically dialing the phone to reach systems. “Pull out the plug on the Toy Story 2 master machine!” he screamed. When the guy on the other end asked, sensibly, why, Oren screamed louder: “Please, God, just pull it out as fast as you can!” The systems guy moved quickly, but still, two years of work—90 percent of the film—had been erased in a matter of seconds. An hour later, Oren and his boss, Galyn Susman, were in my office, trying to figure out what we would do next. “Don’t worry,” we all reassured each other. “We’ll restore the data from the backup system tonight. We’ll only lose half a day of work.” But then came random event number two: The backup system, we discovered, hadn’t been working correctly. The mechanism we had in place specifically to help us recover from data failures had itself failed. Toy Story 2 was gone and, at this point, the urge to panic was quite real. To reassemble the film would have taken thirty people a solid year. I remember the meeting when, as this devastating reality began to sink in, the company’s leaders gathered in a conference room to discuss our options—of which there seemed to be none. Then, about an hour into our discussion, Galyn Susman, the movie’s supervising technical director, remembered something: “Wait,” she said. “I might have a backup on my home computer.” About six months before, Galyn had had her second baby, which required that she spend more of her time working from home. To make that process more convenient, she’d set up a system that copied the entire film database to her home computer, automatically, once a week. This—our third random event—would be our salvation. Within a minute of her epiphany, Galyn and Oren were in her Volvo, speeding to her home in San Anselmo. They got her computer, wrapped it in blankets, and placed it carefully in the backseat. Then they drove in the slow lane all the way back to the office, where the machine was, as Oren describes it, “carried into Pixar like an Egyptian pharaoh.” Thanks to Galyn’s files, Woody was back—along with the rest of the movie.
”
”
Ed Catmull (Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration)
“
Lady Thornton, how very good of you to find the time to pay us a social call! Would it be too pushing of me to inquire as to your whereabouts during the last six weeks?”
At that moment Elizabeth’s only thought was that if Ian’s barrister felt this way about her, how much more hatred she would face when she confronted Ian himself. “I-I can imagine what you must be thinking,” she began in a conciliatory manner.
He interrupted sarcastically, “Oh, I don’t think you can, madam. If you could, you’d be quite horrified at this moment.”
“I can explain everything,” Elizabeth burst out.
“Really?” he drawled blightingly. “A pity you didn’t try to do that six weeks ago!”
“I’m here to do it now,” Elizabeth cried, clinging to a slender thread of control.
“Begin at your leisure,” he drawled sarcastically. “here are only three hundred people across the hall awaiting your convenience.”
Panic and frustration made Elizabeth’s voice shake and her temper explode. “Now see here, sir, I have not traveled day and night so that I can stand here while you waste time insulting me! I came here the instant I read a paper and realized my husband is in trouble. I’ve come to prove I’m alive and unharmed, and that my brother is also alive!”
Instead of looking pleased or relieved he looked more snide than before. “Do tell, madam. I am on tenterhooks to hear the whole of it.”
“Why are you doing this?” Elizabeth cried. “For the love of heaven, I’m on your side!”
“Thank God we don’t have more like you.”
Elizabeth steadfastly ignored that and launched into a swift but complete version of everything that had happened from the moment Robert came up behind her at Havenhurst. Finished, she stood up, ready to go in and tell everyone across the hall the same thing, but Delham continued to pillory her with his gaze, watching her in silence above his steepled fingertips. “Are we supposed to believe that Banbury tale?” he snapped at last. “Your brother is alive, but he isn’t here. Are we supposed to accept the word of a married woman who brazenly traveled as man and wife with another man-“
“With my brother,” Elizabeth retorted, bracing her palms on the desk, as if by sheer proximity she could make him understand.
“So you want us to believe. Why, Lady Thornton? Why this sudden interest in your husband’s well-being?”
“Delham!” the duchess barked. “Are you mad? Anyone can see she’s telling the truth-even I-and I wasn’t inclined to believe a word she said when she arrived at my house! You are tearing into her for no reason-“
Without moving his eyes from Elizabeth, Mr. Delham said shortly, “Your grace, what I’ve been doing is nothing to what the prosecution will try to do to her story. If she can’t hold up in here, she hasn’t a chance out there!”
“I don’t understand this at all!” Elizabeth cried with panic and fury. “By being here I can disprove that my husband has done away with me. And I have a letter from Mrs. Hogan describing my brother in detail and stating that we were together. She will come here herself if you need her, only she is with child and couldn’t travel as quickly as I had to do. This is a trial to prove whether or not my husband is guilty of those crimes. I know the truth, and I can prove he isn’t.”
“You’re mistaken, Lady Thornton,” Delham said in a bitter voice. “Because of its sensational nature and the wild conjecture in the press, this is no longer a quest for truth and justice in the House of Lords. This is now an amphitheater, and the prosecution is in the center of the stage, playing a starring role before an audience of thousands all over England who will read about it in the papers. They’re bent on giving a stellar performance, and they’ve been doing just that. Very well,” he said after a moment. “Let’s see how well you can deal with them.
”
”
Judith McNaught (Almost Heaven (Sequels, #3))
“
Speaking of shooting, my lady,” Mr. Pinter said as he came around the table, “I looked over your pistol as you requested. Everything seems to be in order.”
Removing it from his coat pocket, he handed it to her, a hint of humor in his gaze. As several pair of male eyes fixed on her, she colored. To hide her embarrassment, she made a great show of examining her gun. He’d cleaned it thoroughly, which she grudgingly admitted was rather nice of him.
“What a cunning little weapon,” the viscount said and reached for it. “May I?”
She handed him the pistol.
“How tiny it is,” he exclaimed.
“It’s a lady’s pocket pistol,” she told him as he examined it.
Oliver frowned at her. “When did you acquire a pocket pistol, Celia?”
“A little while ago,” she said blithely.
Gabe grinned. “You may not know this, Basto, but my sister is something of a sharpshooter. I daresay she has a bigger collection of guns than Oliver.”
“Not bigger,” she said. “Finer perhaps, but I’m choosy about my firearms.”
“She has beaten us all at some time or another at target shooting,” the duke said dryly. “The lady could probably hit a fly at fifty paces.”
“Don’t be silly,” she said with a grin. “A beetle perhaps, but not a fly.” The minute the words were out of her mouth, she could have kicked herself. Females did not boast of their shooting-not if they wanted to snag husbands.
“You should come shooting with us,” Oliver said. “Why not?”
The last thing she needed was to beat her suitors at shooting. The viscount in particular would take it very ill. She suspected that Portuguese men preferred their women to be wilting flowers.
“No thank you,” she said. “Target shooting is one thing, but I don’t like hunting birds.”
“Suit yourself,” Gabe said, clearly happy to make it a gentlemen-only outing, though he knew perfectly well that hunting birds didn’t bother her.
“Come now, Lady Celia,” Lord Devonmont said. “You were eating partridges at supper last night. How can you quibble about shooting birds?”
“If she doesn’t want to go, let her stay,” Gabe put in.
“It’s not shooting birds she has an objection to,” Mr. Pinter said in a taunting voice. “Her ladyship just can’t hit a moving target.”
She bit back a hot retort. Don’t scare off the suitors.
“That’s ridiculous, Pinter,” Gabe said. “I’ve seen Celia-ow! What the devil, Oliver? You stepped on my foot!”
“Sorry, old chap, you were in the way,” Oliver said as he went to the table. “I think Pinter’s right, though. Celia can’t hit a moving target.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” she protested, “I most certainly can hit a moving target! Just because I choose not to for the sake of the poor, helpless birds-“
“Convenient, isn’t it, her sudden dislike of shooting ‘poor, helpless birds’?” Mr. Pinter said with a smug glance at Lord Devonmont.
“Convenient, indeed,” Lord Devonmont agreed. “But not surprising. Women don’t have the same ability to follow a bird in flight that a man-“
“That’s nonsense, and you know it!” Celia jumped to her feet. “I can shoot a pigeon or a grouse on the wing as well as any man here.”
“Sounds like a challenge to me,” Oliver said. “What do you think, Pinter?”
“A definite challenge, sir.” Mr. Pinter was staring at her with what looked like satisfaction.
Blast it all, had that been his purpose-to goad her into it?
Oh, what did it matter? She couldn’t let a claim like this or Lord Devonmont’s stand. “Fine. I’ll join you gentlemen for the shooting.”
“Then I propose that whoever bags the most birds gets to kiss the lady,” Lord Devonmont said with a gleam in his eye.
“That’s not much of a prize for me,” Gabe grumbled.
She planted her hands on her hips. “And what if I bag the most birds?”
“Then you get to shoot whomever you wish,” Mr. Pinter drawled.
As the others laughed, Celia glared at him. He was certainly enjoying himself, the wretch. “I’d be careful if I were you, Mr. Pinter. That person would most likely be you.
”
”
Sabrina Jeffries (A Lady Never Surrenders (Hellions of Halstead Hall, #5))
“
Keep These Things in Mind While Enrolling For A Professional Online Course
While online courses are gaining in popularity due to the conveniences they offer, you must consider a few things before enrolling in one. Not all programs are suitable for everyone. Not everyone is good at learning online. There are a lot of conditions that must be satisfied to make such learning successful. It is better that you consider everything carefully before starting your e-learning course.
1. How Will The Course Help You?
There are many online professional programs available from various universities and educational platforms. You must see which one will be most useful for you. If you are working and you need to acquire a skill to get a promotion, then you must choose such a course. It is not just money that you are spending on these courses. You are also investing a lot of your time and effort to successfully complete your learning.
2. Do You Have The Motivation To Learn By Yourself?
Getting motivated to study when you are in a classroom full of students is easy. A professor is teaching and also watching you. But in online certification courses, you have the freedom of studying whenever and wherever you want. Many of the e-learning platforms allow you to complete the program at your pace. This can make you lethargic and distracted. You must ask yourself whether you can remain motivated to complete the course.
3. How Familiar Are You With The Technology?
You don’t need to be a computer genius to attend online professional programs. But you must be familiar with basic computer operations, playing videos on both desktops and mobile phones, and using a web browser. The other skill you will require in e-learning is the speed of typing on different devices. When there are live exchanges with the professors, you will need to type the queries very fast if you want to get your answers.
4. How Well Will You Participate In Online Classes?
It is very easy to remain silent in virtual classes. There is no one staring at you and pushing you to ask questions or give answers. But if you don’t interact, you will not be making full use of online certification courses. Participation is very important in such classrooms. You must also take part in the group discussions that will bring out new ideas and opinions. E-learning is not for those who need physical presence.
5. Who Are The Others On The Programme?
Knowing the other participants in online professional programs is very important, especially if you are already working and looking to acquire more skills. There must be people in the virtual classroom whose contributions will be useful for you. If the course has only freshers from college, then it may not give you any value addition. As a working person, you must look at networking opportunities that will help you with career opportunities.
To Sum Up…..
For working people, virtual classes are the best way to acquire more skills without taking a break from employment. These courses offer you the flexibility that you can never get in campus education. But you must make yourself suitable for e-learning to benefit from it.
”
”
Talentedge
“
You must seize opportunities when they present themselves, not when they are convenient or obvious. The only way to cultivate your own luck is to be more flexible (you’ll need to give up something for the right opportunity), humble (timing is out of your control), and gracious (when you see it, seize it!). Life’s greatest opportunities run on their own schedule, not yours.
”
”
Timothy Ferriss (Tribe Of Mentors: Transformative Wisdom From Icons and Innovators to Help You Navigate Life's Challenges)
“
Independently of their market price in dollars and cents, the trees have other values: they are connected in many ways with the civilization of a country; they have their importance in an intellectual and in a moral sense. After the first rude stage of progress is past in a new country—when shelter and food have been provided—people begin to collect the conveniences and pleasures of a permanent home about their dwellings, and then the farmer generally sets out a few trees before his door. This is very desirable, but it is only the first step in the track; something more is needed; the preservation of fine trees, already standing, marks a farther progress, and this point we have not yet reached. It frequently happens that the same man who yesterday planted some half dozen branchless saplings before his door, will to-day cut down a noble elm, or oak, only a few rods from his house, an object which was in itself a hundred-fold more beautiful than any other in his possession. In very truth, a fine tree near a house is a much greater embellishment than the thickest coat of paint that could be put on its walls, or a whole row of wooden columns to adorn its front; nay, a large shady tree in a door-yard is much more desirable than the most expensive mahogany and velvet sofa in the parlor.
”
”
Kathryn Aalto (Writing Wild: Women Poets, Ramblers, and Mavericks Who Shape How We See the Natural World)
“
Jenna, you are halfway to freedom from Wayne. A few more months and you can hand him back to us, and not have to deal with him anymore. If you launch this business with him, you are locked in, day in and day out, for a minimum of four or five years. And really, can you imagine him really helping at these events? I just see him knocking over ice sculptures, and tipping over cakes, and generally being a bull in the china shop everywhere he goes. A bull on steroids. With an inner ear imbalance. On roller skates."
"Enough, lawdouche, she gets it."
"I know. But again, Wayne is pretty clear that his area here would be identifying and helping land clients, and consulting on thematic details and event brainstorming, and keeping up with all industry aspects of the target market."
"You mean going to movies, reading comics, and playing video games."
"Yep, something like that."
"You can't really be thinking you are going to do this."
"I can be thinking that. And I'm pretty sure that the only opinion I asked you for on this was legal ramifications and financial obligations. I don't really care about your personal opinions."
"Well, that hurts my feelings, because I still care about you on a personal level, and I think this is a huge mistake for you personally."
I wait for my heart to race, for the sweats to start, for my colon to twist itself into a pretzel. And when none of that happens, I look at Brian.
"I think, that being the case, that perhaps you ought to speak to your partners about who might be the best attorney to work with me moving forward."
"You're firing me? Because I care about you?"
"I'm firing you because I need an attorney who is less personally interested in the decisions I make. I'm a big girl, and I have a dad. And clearly, this is no longer a good fit. I'll appreciate a call from the other partners by the end of the week with a plan that I can review."
"Seriously, I feel like you've completely lost your mind!"
"Careful, Brian. At the moment, I'm asking you be removed from my account. However uncomfortable that may be for you with your partners, I assume you would rather that, than having to explain why I'm leaving the firm entirely. And I will be advising Wayne to shift to the same person I am with, obviously, for convenience."
His chiseled jaw snaps shut, and while I can see a dozen retorts on the tip of his tongue, he doesn't speak.
"Thank you. I'll review this further, and will discuss my decision with my new attorney. You'll get formal word from Wayne on his choice soon, I'm sure.
”
”
Stacey Ballis (Out to Lunch)
“
Day after day, the curtain rises on a stage of epic proportions, one that has been running for centuries. The actors wear the costumes of their predecessors and inhabit the roles assigned to them. The people in these roles are not the characters they play, but they have played the roles long enough to incorporate the roles into their very being, to merge the assignment with their inner selves and how they are seen in the world. The costumes were handed out at birth and can never be removed. The costumes cue everyone in the cast to the roles each character is to play and to each character’s place on the stage. Over the run of the show, the cast has grown accustomed to who plays which part. For generations, everyone has known who is center stage in the lead. Everyone knows who the hero is, who the supporting characters are, who is the sidekick good for laughs, and who is in shadow, the undifferentiated chorus with no lines to speak, no voice to sing, but necessary for the production to work. The roles become sufficiently embedded into the identity of the players that the leading man or woman would not be expected so much as to know the names or take notice of the people in the back, and there would be no need for them to do so. Stay in the roles long enough, and everyone begins to believe that the roles are preordained, that each cast member is best suited by talent and temperament for their assigned role, and maybe for only that role, that they belong there and were meant to be cast as they are currently seen. The cast members become associated with their characters, typecast, locked into either inflated or disfavored assumptions. They become their characters. As an actor, you are to move the way you are directed to move, speak the way your character is expected to speak. You are not yourself. You are not to be yourself. Stick to the script and to the part you are cast to play, and you will be rewarded. Veer from the script, and you will face the consequences. Veer from the script, and other cast members will step in to remind you where you went off-script. Do it often enough or at a critical moment and you may be fired, demoted, cast out, your character conveniently killed off in the plot. The social pyramid known as a caste system is not identical to the cast in a play, though the similarity in the two words hints at a tantalizing intersection. When we are cast into roles, we are not ourselves. We are not supposed to be ourselves. We are performing based on our place in the production, not necessarily on who we are inside. We are all players on a stage that was built long before our ancestors arrived in this land. We are the latest cast in a long-running drama that premiered on this soil in the early seventeenth century.
”
”
Isabel Wilkerson (Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents)
“
In recent years, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices have emerged as a game-changer in diabetes management, offering patients a real-time view of their glucose levels and revolutionizing the way they monitor their condition. Among the pioneers in providing these life-changing devices, Med Supply US stands out as a reliable source, offering CGMs from various renowned brands like Abbott, Dexcom, and more. This article explores the significance of CGM devices and highlights the contribution of Med Supply US in making them accessible to those in need.
Understanding CGM Devices:
For individuals living with diabetes, maintaining optimal blood glucose levels is crucial to prevent serious health complications. Traditionally, this involved frequent finger-prick tests, which could be inconvenient and sometimes inaccurate. CGM devices, however, have transformed this process by providing continuous and real-time glucose level readings. These devices consist of a small sensor inserted under the skin that measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. The data collected is then transmitted to a receiver or a smartphone app, allowing users to track their glucose levels throughout the day and night.
Benefits of CGM Devices:
The introduction of CGM devices has brought about a paradigm shift in diabetes management due to their numerous benefits:
Real-time Monitoring: CGM devices offer a real-time insight into glucose trends, enabling users to make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and insulin dosages. This real-time feedback empowers individuals to take timely action to maintain their glucose levels within a healthy range.
Reduced Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia: By providing alerts for both low and high glucose levels, CGMs help users avoid dangerous hypoglycemic episodes and hyperglycemic spikes. This is particularly beneficial during sleep when such episodes might otherwise go unnoticed.
Data-Driven Insights: CGM devices generate a wealth of data, including glucose trends, patterns, and even predictive alerts for potential issues. This information can be shared with healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans for optimal diabetes management.
Enhanced Quality of Life: The convenience of CGM devices reduces the need for frequent finger pricks, leading to an improved quality of life for individuals managing diabetes. The constant insights also alleviate anxiety related to unpredictable glucose fluctuations.
Med Supply US: Bringing Hope to Diabetes Management:
Med Supply US has emerged as a prominent supplier of CGM devices, offering a range of options from reputable brands such as Abbott and Dexcom. The availability of CGMs through Med Supply US has made these cutting-edge devices accessible to a wider demographic, bridging the gap between technology and healthcare.
Med Supply US not only provides access to CGM devices but also plays a crucial role in educating individuals about their benefits. Through informative resources, they empower users to make informed choices based on their specific needs and preferences. Furthermore, their commitment to customer support ensures that users can seamlessly integrate CGM devices into their daily routines.
”
”
CGM devices
“
at your convenience.
you only love me
when it's convenient
for you
my name forgotten
when my presence
isn't needed
”
”
R.H. Sin (Planting Gardens in Graves II)
“
Thus, as I have said, in innumerable cases today’s family owes its existence merely to a force of inertia, conventions, practical convenience, and weakness of character in a regime of mediocrity and compromises. Nor can one expect external measures to bring about a change. I must repeat that familial unity could only remain firm when determined by a suprapersonal way of thinking, so as to leave mere individual matters on a secondary level. Then the marriage could even lack "happiness," the "needs of the soul" could be unsatisfied, and yet the unity would persist. In the individualistic climate of present society no higher reason demands that familial unity should persist even when the man or the woman "does not agree," and sentiment or sex leads them to new choices. Therefore, the increase of so-called failed marriages and related divorces and separations is natural in contemporary society. It is also absurd to think of any efficacy in restraining measures, since the basis of the whole is by now a change of an existential order.
After this evaluation, it would almost be superfluous to specify what can be the behavior of the differentiated man today. In principle, he cannot value marriage, family, or procreation as I have just described them. All that can only be alien to him; he can recognize nothing significant to merit his attention. (Later I will return to the problem of the sexes in itself, not from the social perspective.)
The contaminations in marriage between sacred and profane and its bourgeois conformism are evident to him, even in the case of religious, indissoluble, Catholic marriage. This indissolubility that is supposed to safeguard the family in the Catholic area is by now little more than a facade. In fact, the indissoluble unions are often profoundly corrupted and loosened, and in that area petty morality is not concerned in the least that the marriage is actually indissoluble; it is important only to act as if it were such. That men and women, once duly married, do more or less whatever they want, that they feign, betray, or simply put up with each other, that they remain together for simple convenience, reducing the family to what I have already described, is of little importance there. Morality is saved: One can believe that the family remains the fundamental unit of society so long as one condemns divorce and accepts that social sanction or authorization—as if it had any right—for any sexually based cohabitation that corresponds to marriage. What is more, even if we are not speaking of the "indissoluble" Catholic rite of marriage, but of a society that permits divorce, the hypocrisy persists: one worships at the altar of social conformism even when men and women separate and remarry repeatedly for the most frivolous and ridiculous motives, as typically happens in the United States, so that marriage ends up being little more than a puritanical veneer for a regime of high prostitution or legalized free love.
”
”
Julius Evola (Ride the Tiger: A Survival Manual for the Aristocrats of the Soul)
“
Joy is the fragrance of meditation. Meditation means becoming more silent. Joy is possible only if we become silent. All that is needed to become silent is awareness.
When we become aware and can watch, we find the music of silence.We can watch whatever is happening inside, and the moment it evaporates we are left with a deep silence. Then we have gone beyond, and we have reached beyond time. Then we realize our immortality.
Religions have not been able to create a synthesis between silence and joy. They have failed in creating the whole man, because a man can be silent but if he is not joyful his silence becomes cold.
Society prefers cold silence, because then you are not a trouble to anyone. Society does not want you to be alive. Society wants you to be an efficient machine. Society is more interested in mechanical efficiency than in human growth. Therefore society goes on preaching to people to be silent and obedient. Then people lose their freedom, intelligence, joy, truth, love and courage.He loses his whole being to become a convenient cog in the wheel of society. The more powerful the society, the establishment, the media, the vested interests and the rich becomes, the more they become a threat to humanity and the more people will become enslaved.
The seeker of truth has to create a synthesis, where inner silence and outer joy is developed. Then your being is rooted in wholeness. To know it is to know God. To know it is to know all.
”
”
Swami Dhyan Giten (Man is Part of the Whole: Silence, Love, Joy, Truth, Compassion, Freedom and Grace)
“
Cash For Cars Removal - How Can It Save You Money?
Cash for cars removed in Cash for Scrap Cars Removal is an excellent way to take the burden of disposal off your mind and have your car properly disposed of. Car removal companies remove cars that are not being resold or who don't meet environmental standards for disposal. They pay you the money for your car's value directly to the company, and then remove it at no cost to you. Cash for cars removal companies typically do not take responsibility for vehicle damage during the process of taking your car away. They also will not pay to get your car back if they discover that your vehicle does not meet their criteria for taking it away.
Cash for Car Removal offers two methods of payment. Methods of payment are chosen based on the needs of the individual company and what the business can afford. Methods of payment generally range from a lump sum payment to monthly payments. If you pay in monthly installments, from Cash for Cars Bundall your car will be removed several weeks before your next payment due date. When you pay in lump sum, your car removal company will pay all necessary charges to your bank. This means you won't have any hidden fees.
There are many advantages to hiring Cash for Cars Removal. Some of the advantages include the following: Cash for Car Removal companies offer environmentally friendly services for people who need to sell their used cars or vehicles, but do not have the money to purchase new ones. If your car or vehicle has certain cosmetic damage that prevents you from reselling it, you might qualify for a Cash for Cars Removal service. The removal companies also work in partnership with junk yards and dispose of old vehicles there, as well as storing vehicles temporarily while owners who qualify for bankruptcy are given another chance to start over. Cash for Car Removal also has an agreement with the city of New York to pick up and remove automobiles that have been ticketed or convicted of city driving laws. Not only are these individuals given another chance to start over with their lives, but the cars are also sent off to the junk yard or storage facility so they can be recycled and sold again.
Before you get started, ensure that you do not have any outstanding tickets, unpaid taxes, liens, or other legal problems that may prevent you from getting Cash for Cars Removal. Cash for Car Removal offers safe and secure pick up and drop off locations for individuals who have valid licenses and insurance to drive vehicles. They work in partnership with various banks to provide the safest and most reliable finance-oriented services around.
Cash for Car Removal is committed to helping individuals buy or sell used cars that meet their financial needs and do not pose any financial or environmental problem. Cash for Car Removal services are provided by many different nationwide junk car removal companies, as well as independent contractors. When you contact a Cash for Cars Removal company, make sure you're working with a reputable company that has years of experience dealing with every type of situation.
Cash for Car Removal has been at the forefront in providing the most eco-friendly and convenient ways to remove your unwanted vehicles from your home or business. Using a Cash for Cars Removal company allows you to spend your time elsewhere instead of being stuck in a high traffic area. Cash for Car Removal gives customers a choice between paid removal and free pick up. The cost of each service is based on the amount of vehicles to be removed, the distance the vehicle is removed, and how many will be dropped off at each point. When used correctly, a Cash for Cars Removal service can save you hundreds of dollars and hours of unnecessary driving.
”
”
Cash For Cars Removal - How Can It Save You Money?
“
In the early 1900s, Soviet agronomist Nikolai Ivanovich Vavilov discovered a strange phenomenon: weeds in crop fields sometimes begin to look like the crop themselves. Original rye plants, he realized, looked nothing like the plump grain that by then was a staple crop in Russia. It was a scraggly, inedible weed. Rye, he realized, had performed an incredible trick of mimicry. Early wheat farmers, weeding by hand, pulled out and discarded the rye-weed to keep their planted crops healthy. So, to survive, a few rye plants took on a form more similar to wheat. Farmers still extricated the pesky rye, when they could spot it. This selective pressure molded the rye to evolve to trick a farmer’s discerning eye. In this case, only the best impressionists survived. Eventually, the rye became so excellent a mimic that it became a crop itself. “Vavilovian mimicry” is now a basic fact of agriculture.* Oats are a product of the same process; they also got their start mimicking wheat. In rice paddies, the weed known as barnyard grass is indistinguishable from the rice at the seedling stage. Recent genetic analysis found that this weed began to change its architecture to match the rice about a thousand years ago, when rice cultivation in Asia was well underway. In lentil fields, common vetch is a ubiquitous weed that masterfully redesigned its previously spherical seeds to be the same flat, round disc shape as lentils themselves. In that case, the plant needed not to trick a farmer’s eye but rather make itself impossible to eliminate from the mechanical threshing process. Winnowing machines simply could not tell the difference between a vetch and a lentil. Weed genomicist Scott McElroy argues that modern herbicide-resistant plants are actually just engaging in Vavilovian mimicry at the biochemical level; they are mimicking the crop plants that have been conveniently engineered to tolerate the herbicide.
”
”
Zoë Schlanger (The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth)
“
By what standards do I determine what is necessary? 2. Do I collect unneeded things? Do I hoard possessions? 3. May I, on Gospel principles, buy clothes at the dictates of fashion designers in Paris and New York? Am I slave to fashion? Do I live in other peoples’ minds? Why really do I have all the clothes I have: shirts, blouses, suits, dresses, shoes, gloves? 4. Am I an inveterate nibbler? Do I eat because I am bored? Do the weight charts convict me of superfluity in eating and drinking? Do I take second helpings simply for the pleasure they afford? 5. Do I keep unneeded books and papers and periodicals and notes? 6. Do I retain two or three identical items (clocks, watches, scarves) of which I really need only one? 7. Do I spend money on trinkets and unnecessary conveniences? 8. In the winter, do we keep our thermostat at a setting higher than health experts advise: 68 degrees? 9. When I think of my needs, do I also think of the far more drastic needs of the teeming millions in the third world? 10. Do I need the traveling I do more than the poor need food and clothing and medical care? 11. Am I right in contributing to the billions of dollars spent each year on cosmetics? How much of this can be called necessary? 12. Is smoking necessary for me? 13. Is drinking necessary for me? 14. Do I need to examine exactly what I mean by saying to myself, “I need this”? 15. Can I honestly say that all I use or possess is used or possessed for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31)? Would he be given more glory by some other use? 16. Do I in the pauline sense “mind the things above, not those on earth” (Col 3:1-2)?
”
”
Thomas Dubay (Happy are You Poor: The Simple Life and Spiritual Freedom)
“
207, 2nd Floor, 3rd Main Rd, Chamrajpet, Bengaluru,
Karnataka 560018
Call – +91 7022122121
Kannada Books Purchase: Veeraloka Books: Discover the World of Literature At the heart of Karnataka's vibrant literary tradition are its rich cultural heritage and nothing better exemplifies that than Kannada books. Veeraloka Books is the ideal destination for all of your book needs if you're a fan of Kannada literature, from timeless classics to contemporary works. Veeraloka Books is now a trusted name for book lovers looking to add to their Kannada collection
Why shop for Kannada books from Veeraloka Books?
Veeraloka Books is more than just a bookstore; it is also a point of entry into the vast realm of Kannada literature. Veeraloka Books caters to every kind of reader, whether you're just starting out or have a long history of reading. Veeraloka Books ought to be your first choice for Kannada books for the following reasons:
Complete Collection: The selection of Kannada books offered by Veeraloka Books spans genres. The collection is intended to appeal to a wide range of readers' preferences and includes everything from children's books and biographies to short stories, essays, poetry, and historical narratives.
Famous Authors: Investigate the works of Kannada literary icons like Da and Kuvempu. Ra. Bendre, K. Shivaram Karanth, and U.R. Ananthamurthy, as well as contemporary authors who are influencing contemporary Kannada literature, are all examples. Veeraloka Books guarantees that you will have access to the best works by contemporary and established authors.
Special Editions: Rare and exclusive limited-edition prints of classic Kannada books are frequently available at Veeraloka Books. Veeraloka is a treasure trove for bibliophiles who value one-of-a-kind editions.
Cost-effective Pricing: Veeraloka Books makes sure that readers don't have to give up quality for price when purchasing Kannada books. You won't have to break the bank to build your own personal library thanks to low prices and frequent sales.
Simple Shopping Experience Online: Veeraloka Books has embraced technology to provide a seamless online shopping experience as digital platforms have grown in popularity. From the convenience of your own home, you can browse, select, and Kannada Books Purchase. It has never been easier to buy Kannada books thanks to a website that is easy to use and offers quick delivery options.
Top Novel and Fiction Genres to Explore: Immerse yourself in vivid characters and immersive narratives that highlight Kannada culture, history, and society.
Poetry: Through timeless poetry collections, discover the splendor of Kannada verse.
Motivation and self-help: Leading Kannada authors can serve as sources of guidance and inspiration for personal development and success.
Literature for Kids: Engaging tales and folklore from Kannada's long history will enchant your children.
Support the Local Literature and Language By selecting Veeraloka Books for your Kannada book purchases, you are not only supporting the Kannada language and its extensive literary heritage. Veeraloka Books is dedicated to distributing regional literature to readers all over the world.
In conclusion, Veeraloka Books provides an unparalleled buying experience for Kannada books. It is the ideal location for readers to immerse themselves in the world of Kannada literature due to its extensive collection, reasonable prices, and straightforward online shopping. Veeraloka Books has something for everyone, whether you're looking for contemporary writings or classic novels. Make your way over to Veeraloka Books right now to get lost in the splendor of Kannada literature!
”
”
Kannada Books Purchase
“
207, 2nd Floor, 3rd Main Rd, Chamrajpet,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560018
Call – +91 7022122121
Kannada Books Purchase: Where to Buy Kannada Books? Finding a good place to buy authentic, diverse, and high-quality Kannada books is essential for readers. Veeraloka Books is a beacon for readers who are enthusiastic about Karnataka's extensive literary heritage. Veeraloka Books is a reliable resource for all things Kannada literature, including contemporary fiction, poetry, and academic titles.
Why literature in Kannada?
One of India's oldest languages, Kannada has a rich and varied literary tradition. The world of Kannada literature is vast and rich, from epics like Pampa Bharata to contemporary works by Jnanpith award winners like Kuvempu and U.R. Ananthamurthy. Whether they are interested in folklore, spiritual texts, history, or contemporary novels, readers of all ages and interests can find books that pique their interest.
It is difficult to locate a dependable and dedicated platform for Kannada Books Purchase in the digital age of today. Veeraloka Books, with its extensive collection of Kannada literature for book lovers, emerges as an essential destination in this area.
Veeraloka Books – Your Reliable Source for Kannada Books Veeraloka Books is more than just a bookstore; it is also a gathering place for Kannada literature enthusiasts looking for a wide range of books in one location. The goal of the platform is to make high-quality Kannada books available to readers in Karnataka and elsewhere. Veeraloka Books has books for everyone, whether you're looking for new releases, classics, or rare books.
Characteristics of Veeraloka Books:
Complete Collection: Veeraloka Books takes great pride in its extensive collection of Kannada books. The platform ensures that readers have access to a diverse selection of options, ranging from literary works to academic publications, children's books to biographies, and everything in between.
Support for Authors in the Area: Veeraloka Books is focused on advancing neighborhood writers and distributers. Veeraloka Books not only helps readers discover new voices but also supports the development of Kannada literature by providing a platform for upcoming authors.
Titles that are hard to find: Veeraloka Books is a good option if you want to buy rare Kannada books or are a book collector. They make it easier for readers to complete their collections or discover long-lost literary treasures by curating rare and difficult-to-find books.
Easy-to-Use Online Purchase: Convenience is essential in the fast-paced world of today. Veeraloka Books makes it simple to buy books online. You can browse, select, and purchase your favorite Kannada books with just a few clicks, and they will be delivered to your door.
A focus on the customer: Customer satisfaction is a top priority at Veeraloka Books. They make sure that customers have a pleasant and easy shopping experience with their dedicated customer service. Their team is always ready to help, whether you need advice, have questions, or run into problems.
Why Shop at Veeraloka Books for Kannada Books?
Platforms like Veeraloka Books are crucial to the preservation and promotion of Kannada literature in a time when mainstream content frequently takes precedence over regional literature. You are not only adding to your personal library by purchasing Kannada books from Veeraloka, but you are also supporting the ongoing development of Kannada literary culture.
In addition, Veeraloka Books provides competitive pricing, making it possible for readers from all walks of life to purchase their preferred books without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, Veeraloka Books is your one-stop shop if you want to buy Kannada books. Veeraloka Books makes purchasing Kannada literature a pleasurable and enriching experience with a large collection, a strong emphasis on author promotion, and a simple platform.
”
”
Kannada Books Purchase
“
She's still quite fit at ninety, fit enough to chew her food with her own teeth. Apparently she grew up in a house without a bar of soap, let alone tooth powder. Her family didn't have electricity until she started elementary school, and she'd never seen a train until the tracks of the Koumi line were laid in Saku. It's exactly as if she were born in the Edo period. These days, you only have to drive for five minutes to find a sparkling clean convenience store, with bright lights above shelves stocked with everything you could possibly need. Land that used to be fields of mulberry bushes is now crisscrossed by smooth, wide roads lined with video rental stores and fast food restaurants.
I would say O-Hatsu has seen more changes in her lifetime than I have. After all, she lived for most of the century when this country was changing faster than it ever had before. Even so, I have a feeling that the inside of her head has remained much the same as when she was a girl. By "the inside of her head" I mean the way she sees the world around her—the language she uses to make sense of it. In my case, the very way I looked at the world and the words I used to understand it had altogether changed.
”
”
Minae Mizumura (A True Novel)
“
When you have to go an area where you could easily reach by your vehicle however the thing is you do not have your very own individual vehicle. During that time you should obtain the best transport solution where you could relocate anywhere as like you are going by your own automobile. You could work with vehicle or a car that is quickly readily available for you and also without any problem you acquire the trustworthy automobile solutions. Even, employing a vehicle from the hiring auto company supplies high-end and budget plan automobile whatever you want to take it.
Nevertheless, the monthly vehicle lease could be taken where you as soon as hire the automobile on rental fee and book previously by dealing with the date. At exact same time or same date the car will come to your door specifically. At any time whenever you call for car on lease that you can register via online however you should understand the trustworthy website where you can decide on the auto which you really want to hire after all.
But the best to go with the car hire Dubai whereas; in Dubai you will be offered different types of royal cars on hires. There are varieties of cars available for you where you once visit the site and find the vehicles at very reasonable charges. But you have to clear up all the things that you have to inform to the automobile business that till the number of days you require automobile to consider the excursions. Baseding on your needs the autos will be readily available which will satisfy your entire requirements.
Month-to-month car rent is readily available to you where you can register your luxury car as each as your needs just. In Dubai the autos are supplied at really cost-effective charges as well as the cars what you will enter totally excellent conditions whereas, you don't have to encounter any type of difficulty in the means of roads. The automobiles what you will certainly hire that will run smoothly when driving and conveniently the automobiles runs quick as well as will certainly reach easily as well as conveniently at your location only.
Thus, the cars are offered for rental fee on monthly, everyday and once a week basis as these depending on as you want the car rental services at your place. If you wish to hire the budget plan vehicle to reach your location or you require the autos on rent for some days then, you can acquire the auto at inexpensive fees and also the you need to pay charge for hiring car on daily basis.
”
”
amexuae Car Rental - Car Hire Service
“
Since the white cops ventured over only when they needed a Negro to conveniently arrest for some crime, the residents had no protection from pickpockets and thieves and burglars, scofflaws and roughnecks, moonshiners and drunks and rapists.
”
”
Thomas Mullen (Darktown (Darktown, #1))
“
Step 3: Adopt Anti-Procrastination Strategies Procrastination is a habit – a deeply ingrained pattern of behavior. That means that you won’t just break it overnight. Habits only stop being habits when you have persistently stopped practicing them, so use as many approaches as possible to maximize your chances of beating them. Some tips will work better for some people than for others, and for some tasks than others. And, sometimes, you may simply need to try a fresh approach to beat the “procrastination peril”! These general tips will help motivate you to get moving: Make up your own rewards. For example, promise yourself a piece of tasty flapjack at lunchtime if you've completed a certain task. And make sure you notice how good it feels to finish things! Ask someone else to check up on you. Peer pressure works! This is the principle behind slimming and other self-help groups, and it is widely recognized as a highly effective approach. Identify the unpleasant consequences of NOT doing the task. Work out the cost of your time to your employer. As your employers are paying you to do the things that they think are important, you're not delivering value for money if you're not doing those things. Shame yourself into getting going! Aim to “eat an elephant beetle” first thing, every day! If you're procrastinating because you're disorganized, here's how to get organized! Keep to do list so that you can’t “conveniently” forget about unpleasant or overwhelming tasks. Prioritize your To-Do List so that you cannot try to kid yourself that it would be acceptable to put off doing something on the grounds that it is unimportant, or that you have many urgent things which ought to be done first when, in reality, you're procrastinating. Become a master scheduling project planning, so that you know when to start those all-important projects. Set yourself time-bound goals : that way, you’ll have no time for procrastination! Focus on one task at a time
”
”
Tony Narams (I Moved Your Chesee: The Best Way to Dealing With a Disease Called Stagnation!)
“
But surely, if Fergus had actually spoken to Cooper, he wouldn’t have kept mum on that little detail. Who are you kidding? The man thrived on meddling, especially where his beloved McCrae girls were concerned. That would also explain why he’d so conveniently disappeared once Cooper had taken the floor. And why he hadn’t come back out carrying the shotgun they kept handy in the back. “Uncle Gus” was all she said.
He smiled briefly. “I thought that was a better bet than your chief-of-police brother. I’ve already guessed Fergus didn’t tell you about our little conversation.”
She shook her head. “How long ago?”
“A week. Not so long as all that.”
Long enough, she thought, already mentally rehearsing the conversation she’d be having with her uncle the minute she got back to the pub.
“We only had the one chat.”
“One was apparently all that was needed. What else did he share with you?” She immediately held up her hand. “On second thought, don’t tell me. I’ll have that little chat with him directly.”
“He wants you to be happy,” Cooper said.
“And he thought encouraging a man I haven’t seen in over a year, a man who was my former employer and nothing more, to hop on a plane and bop on up this side of the equator to see me was what would make me happy?”
Cooper’s smile deepened, and that twinkle sparked to life in his eyes again, making them so fiercely blue it caught at her breath. “He might have mentioned that you’d be less than welcoming of a surprise visit. He also said if I had a prayer of your still being here when I arrived, a surprise visit was pretty much my only shot. And how the frosty reception I was sure to receive was simply your automatic defense system, and how I should just ignore all that and ‘press my suit’ anyway, as I believed he called it.”
Kerry closed her eyes, willed her short fuse to wink out before it had the chance to get dangerously lit up. Yep, too late. She turned abruptly and moved to go around Cooper, aiming herself back toward the lot where the truck was parked. Cooper’s hand shot out and took hold of her arm, releasing it the moment she stopped and turned to look at him, her balance intact.
“His heart was in the right place, Starfish. He warned me. It was my choice to come here and risk it anyway. Don’t go unloading all the frustration you’re feeling about my unexpected arrival, not to mention the unfortunate public spectacle I made of this whole thing, on your poor uncle.
”
”
Donna Kauffman (Starfish Moon (Brides of Blueberry Cove, #3))
“
PayPal’s big challenge was to get new customers. They tried advertising. It was too expensive. They tried BD [business development] deals with big banks. Bureaucratic hilarity ensued. … the PayPal team reached an important conclusion: BD didn’t work. They needed organic, viral growth. They needed to give people money. So that’s what they did. New customers got $10 for signing up, and existing ones got $10 for referrals. Growth went exponential, and PayPal wound up paying $20 for each new customer. It felt like things were working and not working at the same time; 7 to 10 percent daily growth and 100 million users was good. No revenues and an exponentially growing cost structure were not. Things felt a little unstable. PayPal needed buzz so it could raise more capital and continue on. (Ultimately, this worked out. That does not mean it’s the best way to run a company. Indeed, it probably isn’t.)2 Thiel’s account captures both the desperation of those early days and the almost random experimentation the company resorted to in an effort to get PayPal off the ground. But in the end, the strategy worked. PayPal dramatically increased its base of consumers by incentivizing new sign-ups. Most important, the PayPal team realized that getting users to sign up wasn’t enough; they needed them to try the payment service, recognize its value to them, and become regular users. In other words, user commitment was more important than user acquisition. So PayPal designed the incentives to tip new customers into the ranks of active users. Not only did the incentive payments make joining PayPal feel riskless and attractive, they also virtually guaranteed that new users would start participating in transactions—if only to spend the $10 they’d been gifted in their accounts. PayPal’s explosive growth triggered a number of positive feedback loops. Once users experienced the convenience of PayPal, they often insisted on paying by this method when shopping online, thereby encouraging sellers to sign up. New users spread the word further, recommending PayPal to their friends. Sellers, in turn, began displaying PayPal logos on their product pages to inform buyers that they were prepared to honor this method of online payment. The sight of those logos informed more buyers of PayPal’s existence and encouraged them to sign up. PayPal also introduced a referral fee for sellers, incentivizing them to bring in still more sellers and buyers. Through these feedback loops, the PayPal network went to work on its own behalf—it served the needs of users (buyers and sellers) while spurring its own growth.
”
”
Geoffrey G. Parker (Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are Transforming the Economy and How to Make Them Work for You)
“
Ways to train puppies or pet dogs efficiently?
Individuals have to choose the qualified puppy shop in order to get large collection of puppy devices. Various categories of canines for sale in Miami and animal owners can make use of that chance to get high quality young puppies. Focus and concentration of the pet dogs can get enhanced when they train their puppies in a qualified training company.
Consumer young puppies will certainly well-adjust with other one only when they get training from certified canine fitness instructor. Responsible and social characters will certainly get established when these puppies attend training in their young duration. If they desire to know dogs for sale in Miami, they have to refer a number of online puppy shops offered on the web.
Though they get the puppies in miami from the best dogs for sale in Miami, they need to comprehend the feeding options. Medical therapy and feeding practices plays an essential role in growing puppies in a healthy manner. Getting puppies from online store is a better way for the user because they can avoid the confusing tasks. One can analyze the pros and cons of different kinds of puppies in a steady manner using the internet facility. People have to find the website that offer dogs and dog accessories at reasonable that will certainly convenience their consumer. Handling, socialization and training is essential for dogs in order to improve the capabilities of dogs. Puppies will get easily attached to the relative when it gets correct and efficient training.
Number of effective suggestions and suggestions are offered on the web to grow the puppies or dogs without getting impacted from illness. One should get at least small history of the puppies from the stores to know the breeding capability of canines. Husky and poodle young puppies have vast understanding, and it will quickly comprehend the things by offering appropriate training.
”
”
href http www.puppiessecret.com
“
The desperate need he aroused in her would not be tucked quietly into its corner, there only when it was convenient. It raged and stormed and demanded, as she had always believed love should do.
”
”
Lucy Varna (Tempered (Daughters of the People, #3.5))
“
Many of the models in the literature are not general equilibrium models in my sense. Of those that are, most are intermediate in scope: broader than examples, but much narrower than the full general equilibrium model. They are narrower, not for carefully spelled out economic reasons, but for reasons of convenience. I don't know what to do with models like that, especially when the designer says he imposed restrictions to simplify the model or to make it more likely that conventional data will lead us to reject it. The full general equilibrium model is about as simple as a model can be: we need only a few equations to describe it, and each is easy to understand. The restrictions usually strike me as extreme. When we reject a restricted version of the general equilibrium model, we are not rejecting the general equilibrium model itself. So why bother "testing" the restricted version? If we reject it, we will just create another version.
”
”
Fischer Black (Exploring General Equilibrium)
“
Rooms For Rent Atlanta That Cater To Your Personal Growth
Are you looking for just the right room to rent? Maybe you have the resources you need to find it yourself. After all, this is the age of the search engine, and plenty of information is available to anyone who seriously looks for it. There is a wide variety of choice, so you can concentrate only on those homes that might potentially be for you.
There are plenty of advantages to occupying rooms for rent atlanta. You save a lot of money paying only part of the expenses you would normally pay for when you have a house of your own. This is because you only have to pay your share of the rent, water, electricity and heat bills. But there are disadvantages to house share too. Conflicts can arise when you live in house that is not yours, especially if you rent a room in a house where the other residents are from a different background than yours.
Having a nice place to stay can even help your physical health, and it surely affects your mental health. You may find a place also that comes with furniture already in it. This would allow you to get by with spending less on not only the furniture but the transportation too.
Sometimes you can actually save money finding rooms for rent atlanta in the country. This depends on how often you plan to visit the city. If you have a job you can do from home, or if you are retired and collecting benefits, then there is no real reason for you to pay the extra money to live in the city. Of course there are many choices you need to make while you are searching for a room.
Some people just do not enjoy living alone. Renting an entire apartment to oneself can, indeed, be a lonely experience. For those who want an easy opportunity to socialize, then, renting a room is a great option. It is little wonder that so many houses on campuses around the country are full of young students renting rooms - its partly for convenience, and definitely partly for the chance to be among others their own age. Renting a room provides the chance to be among one’s peers.
There are many more benefits, but perhaps the biggest and best is the advantage of not being locked into something for life. Room rentals can be very appealing, and they can complement the kind of lifestyle you want and deserve.
If you want to find the spirit or soul of a city, move right in with its inhabitants. You may benefit socially by taking a couple of classes at the local college. You might try looking for rooms for rent atlanta where there are games, indoor or outdoor. This is a great way to meet people and get started in your new life. Depending on the weather, you might want a pool or access to a gym or tennis courts. Maybe you are attracted to the kind of community that has stunning architecture and green trees and plants. There may be a certain type of street design that appeals to you.
”
”
Ration
“
She left me the way people leave a hotel room. A hotel room is a place to be when you are doing something else. Of itself it is of no consequence to one’s major scheme. A hotel room is convenient. But its convenience is limited to the time you need it while you are in that particular town on that particular business; you hope it is comfortable, but prefer, rather, that it be anonymous. It is not, after all, where you live.
When you no longer need it, you pay a little something for its use; say, “Thank you, sir,” and when your business in that town is over, you go away from that room. Does anybody regret leaving a hotel room? Does anybody, who has a home, a real home somewhere, want to stay there? Does anybody look back with affection, or even disgust, at a hotel room when they leave it? You can only love or despise whatever living was done in that room. But the room itself? But you take a souvenir. Not, oh, not, to remember the room. To remember, rather, the time and the place of your business, your adventure. What can anyone feel for a hotel room? One doesn’t any more feel for a hotel room than one expects a hotel room to feel for its occupant.
That, heavenly, heavenly Father, was how she left me; or rather, she never left me, because she was never ever there.
”
”
Toni Morrison (The Bluest Eye)
“
For that particular session, everyone said they picked it because of the word entitled in the descriptor. They’d all encountered people who acted entitled at Pixar—people who insisted on having their own piece of equipment, even if it could be shared, or who groused that they couldn’t bring their dogs to work. “This is a job,” one animator said. “A great job. We are well paid. These people need to wake up.” What was most striking to those in attendance at the “Great Workplace” session was how much they had in common. The Systems guy told a story about answering a frantic call for tech support. He rushed over to assess the problem, only to be told by the aggrieved artist that the machine should be fixed during lunch—because that’s when it would be most convenient for her. “I need to eat lunch, too,” he told the group, as everyone nodded their heads. The chef told a similar story about a last-minute request to cater a working lunch that came without any acknowledgement of the hassle (and hustle) it would require of her staff.
”
”
Ed Catmull (Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration)
“
I never realized how convenient it would be for Fleetfoot,” she said of the secret, private garden. Reserved only for the royal family. Sometimes just for the king or queen themselves. “To not have to run down the tower stairs every time she needs to pee.” “I’m sure your ancestors had canine bathroom habits in mind when they built it.” “I would have,” Aelin grumbled. “Oh, I believe it,” Rowan said,
”
”
Sarah J. Maas (Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, #7))
“
Most people don't learn things along the way. Or if they do, they conveniently forget those things when it suits their need. Most people, given a second chance, fuck it up completely. It's one of those laws of the universe that you can't shake. People, I have noticed, only seem to learn once they get their third chance—after losing and wasting vast sums of time, money, youth, and energy—you name it. But still they learn, which is the better thing in the end.
”
”
Douglas Coupland (Girlfriend in a Coma)
“
You told me to call you when i need your help
but i deleted your number because
i didn't want to open my heart again.
You came in as a stranger and soon
you dressed up like a long lost friend
only to hurt me when it felt convenient
and walk out to find yourself.
”
”
Shillpi S Banerrji
“
but not in the way it is intended to be.3 For an example of a chain of unintended uses, let us start with Phase One, the computer. The mathematical discipline of combinatorics, here basic science, derived from propositional knowledge, led to the building of computers, or so the story goes. (And, of course, to remind the reader of cherry-picking, we need to take into account the body of theoretical knowledge that went nowhere.) But at first, nobody had an idea what to do with these enormous boxes full of circuits as they were cumbersome, expensive, and their applications were not too widespread, outside of database management, only good to process quantities of data. It is as if one needed to invent an application for the thrill of technology. Baby boomers will remember those mysterious punch cards. Then someone introduced the console to input with the aid of a screen monitor, using a keyboard. This led, of course, to word processing, and the computer took off because of its fitness to word processing, particularly with the microcomputer in the early 1980s. It was convenient, but not much more than that until some other unintended consequence came to be mixed into it. Now Phase Two, the Internet. It had been set up as a resilient military communication network device, developed by a research unit of the Department of Defense called DARPA and got a boost in the days when Ronald Reagan was obsessed with the Soviets. It was meant to allow the United States to survive a generalized military attack. Great idea, but add the personal computer plus Internet and we get social networks, broken marriages, a rise in nerdiness, the ability for a post-Soviet person with social difficulties to find a matching spouse. All that thanks to initial U.S. tax dollars (or rather budget deficit) during Reagan’s anti-Soviet crusade.
”
”
Nassim Nicholas Taleb (Antifragile: Things That Gain From Disorder (Incerto, #4))
“
How can I contact Southwest for cheap last-minute flight deals?
Call +1(888)742-1241 now to connect with Southwest’s USA hotline and snag cheap last-minute flight deals today. For personalized assistance and 24/7 support, reach our dedicated travel team at +1 (838)280 7430. Our seasoned reservation specialists specialize in discovering hidden-value fares that may not appear on third-party sites, ensuring you get the lowest possible price for travel within the continental USA and beyond.
When you dial +1(888)742-1241, you’ll be greeted by a friendly agent who immediately verifies your travel dates, preferred departure and arrival airports, and any special needs—whether you require wheelchair assistance, are traveling with pets, or need to add extra baggage. They then search Southwest’s expansive route network, which includes over 100 destinations, for last-minute availability. By leveraging Southwest’s flexible fare classes—Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select—agents can pinpoint the best combination of price and flexibility to suit your itinerary.
If you’re calling within 21 days of departure, our experts monitor the Southwest Low Fare Calendar to identify sudden price drops or promotional codes that may apply. They’ll alert you to Southwest’s “Deals & Offers” and “Last Minute Deals” landing pages, then quickly apply any relevant discounts. Should an unadvertised fare become available due to a last-minute seat release, your agent can secure it instantly, holding your reservation while they process payment.
In addition to fare savings, our reservation team helps you navigate Southwest’s generous free checked baggage policy—two free bags up to 50 lbs each—as well as the Carry-On Item and Personal Item allowances. They’ll walk you through EarlyBird Check-In to increase your boarding position, or Help You With Certification for boarding priority if you’re a family with small children, military personnel, or need extra prep time.
Need to change plans? Southwest’s “No Hidden Fees” policy means you can modify your flight without change fees, paying only the difference in fare if applicable. Agents walk you through revamped itineraries, advise on the best times to rebook, and process any required refunds back to your original form of payment or as a travel credit for future use.
For group travel of 10 or more passengers, our corporate services team can provide customized quotes and dedicated support, handling everything from group pick-up to seating assignments. And if you’re booking for corporate or government travel, agents ensure compliance with your organization’s travel policy and assist with obtaining travel management reports.
By calling +1(888)742-1241 and +1 (838)280 7430, you bypass website queues and avoid potential overbooking risks. Our agents guarantee personalized recommendations: whether you need nonstop flights, the fastest connections, or maximum budget savings, they tailor every element to your priorities. Experience the convenience of phone-based booking with insider access to Southwest’s best last-minute flight deals, all within a single call.
”
”
Stephenie Meyer (Special Chapter Preview - Twilight)
“
How to Select My Seat When Booking with American Airlines: A Complete Guide"
Introduction
When booking with American Airlines, selecting your seat early is crucial to ensure comfort and convenience during your flight. Whether you're looking for extra legroom or prefer a window seat, the earlier you make your selection, the better. You can select your seat via the website, mobile app, or at check-in. For detailed assistance with your booking and seat selection, feel free to call ☎️+1(888) 217-5921. ☎️+1(888) 217-5921 will help you with the process, ensuring you get the best seat available. If you need further support or have questions, ☎️+1(888) 217-5921 is available to guide you through the steps. Selecting a seat in advance not only helps you secure your preferred spot but also allows you to tailor your travel experience to meet your needs.
FAQs
Can I change my seat after booking with American Airlines?
Yes, you can change your seat after booking with American Airlines, subject to availability. If you'd like to select a new seat or switch to a different location on the plane, you can do so via the American Airlines website, mobile app, or at check-in. For assistance in making changes to your seat, ☎️+1(888) 217-5921 is available to guide you through the process. ☎️+1(888) 217-5921 will also inform you of any seat availability and any potential fees for seat changes.
What is the difference between standard and preferred seats on American Airlines?
Standard seats are the regular seats located throughout the cabin, whereas preferred seats are located in more desirable locations, such as closer to the front of the plane or in areas with extra legroom. Preferred seats are available for a fee or for passengers with elite status in American Airlines' frequent flyer program. For more detailed information on preferred seating, feel free to call ☎️+1(888) 217-5921. ☎️+1(888) 217-5921 can help you understand the differences and guide you in selecting the right seat for your needs.
How much does it cost to choose a seat on American Airlines?
The cost to select a seat varies depending on the fare class, the type of seat, and the route. For example, choosing a preferred seat or an extra legroom seat typically incurs an additional fee. Basic Economy tickets usually don’t include seat selection and will assign a seat at check-in. To get exact pricing or help with seat selection, ☎️+1(888) 217-5921 is here to assist. ☎️+1(888) 217-5921 will provide the current fees for your specific ticket and help you with the seat selection process.
Can I select my seat after booking if I choose Basic Economy?
Basic Economy passengers usually don’t have the ability to select a seat before check-in. Seats are assigned at random, but you can request a seat change at check-in based on availability. If you need help with this or want more information, please don’t hesitate to call ☎️+1(888) 217-5921. ☎️+1(888) 217-5921 can assist you in understanding seat availability and any other options for Basic Economy ticket holders.
Do AAdvantage members get free seat selection?
AAdvantage members do receive benefits when it comes to seat selection. Depending on the member's status level, they may be eligible for complimentary preferred seat selection. For details on your specific benefits or to get assistance with seat selection, reach out to ☎️+1(888) 217-5921. ☎️+1(888) 217-5921 will provide personalized assistance based on your AAdvantage membership level.
Is seat selection guaranteed if I choose to book with American Airlines?
Seat selection is not always guaranteed, especially for Basic Economy tickets, where seating is assigned automatically at check-in. However, for other fare classes, you can select your seat in advance, subject to availability. For more information on your seat selection options, feel free to call ☎️+1(888) 217-5921.
”
”
Poul Duedahl
“
If you’re facing any issues with your Phantom Wallet, you can easily reach out to their support team by calling the official support number 18447622982. Phantom Wallet is a widely used crypto wallet that simplifies managing digital assets, offering users secure and convenient access to their funds. However, even with its user-friendly interface, issues can sometimes arise, whether it's a technical glitch or a question about a feature. When this happens, having the right support is crucial for a smooth experience.
Common Issues & How to Resolve Them
Users may encounter a variety of challenges when using Phantom Wallet, such as connectivity issues, transaction delays, or questions about a feature. For instance, if your wallet fails to sync with the network or if you're unable to access your funds, it’s important to reach out to support right away. Here are some common issues that may require expert help:
• Difficulty logging in or accessing the wallet
• Problems sending or receiving tokens
• Concerns about wallet security
• Questions regarding wallet updates and new features
Luckily, Phantom Wallet offers a dedicated support number to assist with these issues. Instead of navigating through complex help articles, you can easily connect with an expert who can guide you through the troubleshooting process.
How to Contact Phantom Wallet Support: The Helpline
The quickest way to get in touch with Phantom Wallet's support team is by calling their official support number: 18447622982. This helpline is available for users to report problems, seek solutions, or clarify any doubts. Phantom Wallet’s support team is known for its efficiency and commitment to resolving user issues promptly.
• Dial 18447622982 for immediate assistance.
• Available 24/7 to cater to your needs.
• Speak directly with a trained expert who can resolve your issue.
If you're unable to call or prefer an alternative method, you can also reach out via Phantom Wallet’s online support portal. Their website features a live chat option, which connects you directly to an agent in real time. Moreover, Phantom Wallet’s FAQ section is extensive, covering a wide range of topics to help users troubleshoot on their own.
Why It’s Important to Contact the Official Support Number
When dealing with any technical issues, especially related to your digital assets, it’s crucial to only use the official support channels. Relying on third-party websites or unofficial phone numbers can lead to security risks, including scams or identity theft. By contacting 18447622982, you can ensure that your inquiry is handled by a certified team who follows the wallet's official protocols.
In conclusion, if you face any difficulties with Phantom Wallet, don’t hesitate to call 18447622982 for prompt and reliable assistance. Getting in touch with their support team will help resolve any issues quickly, allowing you to continue managing your digital assets securely and efficiently.
”
”
Ways to Reach Phantom Wallet Support for Assistance: Get the Help You Need!
“
You think you need the people who come to you only when they need something? What the fuck are you, a convenience store or something?
”
”
Nitya Prakash
“
As adults, we can turn our own deaf ears and think of infants as playthings. We can stuff pacifiers into mouths when they distract us. We can close doors on cries when they keep us awake. We can play with our children when it is convenient. We can push them in their strollers, carrying them only when they need to move from one contraption to another, and focus instead on how cute their clothes are. The infant will learn. She will learn that mouths can be used to satisfy emotional needs. She will learn that parents’ ears are sometimes unresponsive, even to the most anguished cries. She will learn that touch is for efficiency. She will learn that appearance outweighs experience. Or as adults, we can listen to our infants, pay attention to the things that grab their focus, let them turn their heads away in satisfaction before we move them along. We can listen to their cries as expressions of real need: of hunger, thirst, frustration, loneliness. We can carry them in our arms instead of pushing them in their vehicles. The infant will learn. She will learn that the world is worth slowing down to attend to. She will learn that parents respond, that even when they solve the problem, she does not have to suffer alone. She will learn that touching shows love. She will learn that the process is more important than the time frame.
”
”
Catherine McTamaney (The Tao of Montessori: Reflections on Compassionate Teaching)
“
Wavelength: What wavelengths does the device offer? Do these have health benefits? Are they in the proven ranges of 600-700nm and 780-1070nm, or better, the most researched ranges of 630-680nm and 800-880nm? Power Density: How much irradiance/power does the device deliver—what is the power density in mW/cm2? (To calculate this, you need to know the total wattage and the treatment area of the light.) Size of the light and treatment area: This is critically important—how big of an area will it treat? Is it a small light of less than 12” or a big light that can treat half of your body or your whole body all at once? Think about it: Do you want to hold one of these small devices by hand for 30-60 minutes to do a treatment? Probably not. You’ll get tired of using it pretty quickly. So it has to be convenient, and ideally, has to be something that is not only fast, but something that you do while doing other things (if you wish), so you’re not sitting there holding a device in different positions for 30-60 minutes. Warranty: How long does the warranty last? Will you have time to find out if it works? (Hint: look for at least one year or longer.) What do you want it for? Depending on your specific purpose, there are a few different devices you may want to consider. (If you have specialty needs like brain health, or skin health, it will affect the wavelengths you want, the power of the device, and even the type of device.) I cannot emphasize enough: When choosing a red light or near-infrared light device, you want to be extremely careful to choose wisely, based on the wavelength and power density levels of the device. Wavelength and intensity makes all the difference between incredible benefits and no benefits.
”
”
Ari Whitten (The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy: How to Use Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy for Anti-Aging, Fat Loss, Muscle Gain, Performance Enhancement, and Brain Optimization)
“
Why You Should Build a Personal Skin Health care Ritual
One of the main items that anyone should learn in personal life is how to properly manage their epidermis. Our epidermis can be the major organ and is normally linked to our important organs in our human body. For this cause only, we should twin the treatment it desires for an improved personal life. The ideal way of doing this is normally to build a very good personal pores and skin treatment routine - the one which you can absolutely use for your long-term skin area goals.
Why is this important?
For one, we all have distinct skin area types and we also live in several circumstances. What performs for one person might not do the job that very well to another. It can be as well not really about how precisely pricey your items will be. No matter how magnificent your epidermis care products happen to be, your epidermis is usually not really heading to glimpse the approach you prefer it to if you don’t commit to applying it constantly. Actually if you possess all the know-how about epidermis attention and products, it takes determination to basically execute what you find out.
Setting up the personal skin care and attention habit is certainly likewise crucial since in cases where you simply adhere to what you see in other folks, it is normally certainly not heading to get a personal experience and it will not indicate a issue anyhow. When you adhere to your very own skin area health care routine, it is usually hence many better to do it in the long-term. This is definitely because you in my opinion select to do it and it can be something you will be heading to conveniently familiarize yourself.
Zero one else can create a good great personal epidermis good care instruction for yourself other than you. You know your skin and you personally really know what it demands. You simply demand to religiously follow your pores and skin care and attention guidebook and carry out your skin care habit. In no period, you can achieve a particular skin area target that you possess usually needed.
”
”
myswisscosmetics.com
“
☎️+1(888)727-0199 Booking a flight doesn’t have to feel like decoding a puzzle—especially with help just one call away. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 Whether you're flying for business or a last-minute getaway, real help by phone makes booking smooth. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 Let’s break down why calling American Airlines for ticket booking is quicker, smarter, and way less stressful.
Why Phone Booking Still Matters in 2025
☎️+1(888)727-0199 With all the apps, tabs, and options, online booking can be more confusing than convenient. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 Sometimes the best seat, fare, or flight deal doesn’t even show up unless you speak to someone. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 That’s where calling in becomes your travel superpower—real-time info, no guesswork.
Personalized Support You Can’t Get from a Website
☎️+1(888)727-0199 When you call for ticket booking help, you get more than a seat—you get real support. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 Whether you need flexible dates, baggage info, or travel credits applied, one call does it all. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 Online tools can’t replace the value of talking to a knowledgeable rep.
Booking for a Group? One Call Solves It All
☎️+1(888)727-0199 Planning a trip with friends, family, or coworkers? Group bookings can be a real pain online. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 Coordinating fares, seats, and schedules is much easier when you speak with someone directly. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 The agent can bundle the bookings, offer group discounts, and manage preferences—all in minutes.
Need a Specific Seat or Upgrade?
☎️+1(888)727-0199 If you’re picky about window seats or want to bump up to Main Cabin Extra, call in. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 Phone agents can see detailed seating charts, aircraft types, and last-minute upgrade availability you can’t get online. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 You’ll lock in exactly what you want without refreshing a slow-loading webpage.
Use Your AAdvantage Miles the Right Way
☎️+1(888)727-0199 If you’re planning to book with points or a combination of cash and miles, call first. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 Representatives can guide you through the most value-packed redemption options and make sure nothing’s left unused. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 That call can mean the difference between a good deal and a great one.
Last-Minute Travel? A Phone Call Can Save You
☎️+1(888)727-0199 If you’ve got to fly ASAP, online tools don’t always reflect real-time seat availability. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 Booking by phone means you get the most up-to-date flight options, pricing, and seat upgrades. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 The agent can even flag your trip for expedited check-in or help with urgent changes.
Get Help with Travel Credits and Vouchers
☎️+1(888)727-0199 Got a flight credit or voucher from a previous trip? Applying it online isn’t always simple. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 Instead of risking an error or expiration, get on the phone and let a rep apply it correctly. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 They’ll make sure you get every penny’s worth—no frustration, no missed savings.
Traveling with Pets, Kids, or Special Needs?
☎️+1(888)727-0199 If your trip involves special arrangements, it’s always better to call in and confirm everything. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 Whether it’s assistance boarding, traveling with infants, or flying with emotional support animals, reps have your back. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 One conversation ensures your trip runs smoothly from check-in to landing.
Unlock Exclusive Offers and Fare Options
☎️+1(888)727-0199 Did you know that not all discounts show up online? Some deals are only bookable by phone. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 From seat bundles to promotional fares, phone agents often have access to offers the web misses. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 One qu
”
”
Need Help Booking an American Airlines Ticket? Here’s Why Calling Is the Smartest Move
“
☎️+1(888)727-0199 If you’re planning a trip with American Airlines and need special assistance, you’re not alone. Travelers often require extra support for various reasons, whether it’s mobility assistance, medical equipment needs, or help during boarding. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 The good news? American Airlines makes it easy to request and update special services for your journey. By calling their dedicated phone line ☎️+1(888)727-0199, you’ll have access to personalized help that ensures your travel experience is smooth and stress-free.
In 2025, air travel is busier than ever, so it’s smart to plan ahead. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 Whether you need wheelchair service at the airport, extra time during boarding, or space for a service animal, American Airlines is ready to accommodate. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 The fastest way to handle these requests is by contacting their special assistance booking update phone number ☎️+1(888)727-0199. It saves you the hassle of navigating online forms or last-minute arrangements at the airport.
One of the most convenient features of American Airlines’ special assistance service is its flexibility. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 You can request help when booking your ticket or add services later if plans change. From oxygen equipment needs to seating adjustments for medical reasons, ☎️+1(888)727-0199 their friendly support agents are trained to manage all sorts of requests. By calling ☎️+1(888)727-0199, you get direct access to someone who understands your needs and can get everything confirmed for you quickly.
If you’ve already booked your flight and need to update your assistance request, don’t worry. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 American Airlines allows you to modify special services right up until check-in. Simply contact their customer care team at ☎️+1(888)727-0199 and provide your booking reference. Whether you need to change an aisle seat for easier access or adjust medical service details, ☎️+1(888)727-0199 the team is there to help every step of the way.
The support line ☎️+1(888)727-0199 isn’t just for passengers with medical or mobility needs. If you’re traveling with children, seniors, or non-English-speaking family members who require extra assistance, this service is for you too. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 The agents can help arrange airport escorts, language support, or boarding help for anyone who needs it. Just call ☎️+1(888)727-0199 before your travel day, and they’ll tailor the experience to suit your group.
What makes this process even better is the real-time availability agents have when you call ☎️+1(888)727-0199. Unlike online tools that might show limited options, the phone team can view updates and cancellations as they happen. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 That means you’re more likely to get the assistance or seating options you need, even on short notice. By reaching out to ☎️+1(888)727-0199, you can adjust plans quickly without stress.
If you require medical equipment during your flight, notifying the airline in advance is essential. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 American Airlines asks passengers to submit forms and approval requests for devices like oxygen concentrators. Instead of managing this alone, call ☎️+1(888)727-0199 and a support agent will walk you through the steps. They’ll help with paperwork, seating arrangements, and ensuring your medical devices are cleared for travel. ☎️+1(888)727-0199
Family travel often comes with its own set of challenges, and American Airlines’ special assistance team is here to help. ☎️+1(888)727-0199 If you’re flying with elderl
”
”
How to Cancel an American Airlines Ticket Fast: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need
“
Yes, you can book a flight and pay later by calling +1 (844) 584-4737—a convenient option for travelers seeking flexibility. When you speak to a live agent at +1 (844) 584-4737, you can explore installment plans, hold options, or "book now, pay later" services. Calling +1 (844) 584-4737 is ideal if you're not ready to pay in full but want to lock in your seat. Some airlines and partners accessible through +1 (844) 584-4737 allow you to reserve your itinerary and settle the balance over time. Just dial +1 (844) 584-4737 and request available payment alternatives before confirming your reservation. Flexible booking starts with a simple call to +1 (844) 584-4737 today.
Airlines often work with third-party services like Uplift or Affirm, which you can ask about by calling +1 (844) 584-4737. Once you're connected to a representative at +1 (844) 584-4737, they’ll walk you through eligibility and terms. Many "pay later" options offered via +1 (844) 584-4737 include interest-free periods or low monthly payments depending on your credit score. If you’re unsure how it works, just call +1 (844) 584-4737 and ask for financing details and how to qualify. Agents at +1 (844) 584-4737 can also explain whether your chosen airline supports payment splitting. Booking by phone through +1 (844) 584-4737 ensures transparency and flexibility, perfect for budgeting your travel costs.
Not all airlines list "pay later" options online, so calling +1 (844) 584-4737 gives you access to more choices and insider offers. Representatives at +1 (844) 584-4737 can search for partner airlines or routes with delayed payment support. Whether you're flying domestic or international, +1 (844) 584-4737 helps identify flights that match your budget and timeline. By speaking with a specialist at +1 (844) 584-4737, you avoid hidden fees or confusion associated with online booking. If you need time to finalize your finances, +1 (844) 584-4737 may help secure a price lock with partial payment. It only takes a few minutes to get answers—just dial +1 (844) 584-4737 and book smarter today.
Holding a fare without paying in full is possible with some carriers—just call +1 (844) 584-4737 to see if your flight qualifies. At +1 (844) 584-4737, an agent will check whether your airline offers a 24–72 hour hold with no upfront charge. Some routes allow deposits instead of full payment, and +1 (844) 584-4737 can explain which ones do. You’ll also learn whether the fare can be guaranteed at today's rate through +1 (844) 584-4737. Many travelers prefer this when coordinating with others or waiting for final approval. Skip the stress of rushed decisions—just call +1 (844) 584-4737 to ask about pay-later booking terms.
”
”
!@!@# Can I Book a Flight and Pay Later by Phone?
“
Planning a family trip doesn’t have to be stressful—just call +1 (844) 584-4737 to speak directly to a live travel expert. The agent at +1 (844) 584-4737 will guide you through every step, from choosing destinations to finalizing your group's itinerary. By calling +1 (844) 584-4737, you avoid the confusion of online booking portals and get personalized advice based on your family's needs. Whether it’s a beach getaway or Disney adventure, +1 (844) 584-4737 is the quickest way to plan it smoothly. Your agent at +1 (844) 584-4737 can check for family-friendly resorts, special pricing, and multi-room accommodations. Travel smarter and happier—call +1 (844) 584-4737 today.
Need help finding flights that work with school schedules? Just call +1 (844) 584-4737 and let the agent match flights to your calendar. Agents at +1 (844) 584-4737 can find early morning or late-night departures to maximize your vacation time. By dialing +1 (844) 584-4737, you’ll access unpublished fares and flexible rebooking policies that aren’t always available online. If your family includes small children, +1 (844) 584-4737 can help secure seats together or bulkhead seating for extra space. Call +1 (844) 584-4737 to learn about check-in options, baggage allowances, or gate passes for non-flying guardians. One call to +1 (844) 584-4737 brings peace of mind to family travel.
Family vacations often involve different age groups—call +1 (844) 584-4737 and ask your agent to consider every generation's needs when booking. Whether you're traveling with toddlers or seniors, +1 (844) 584-4737 will match you with suitable lodging and convenient transport. You can also request room configurations and accessibility features by calling +1 (844) 584-4737 and speaking directly to a knowledgeable advisor. Want a resort with kids' clubs, pools, and adult-only lounges? +1 (844) 584-4737 has the details and can check availability instantly. Your family deserves comfort and flexibility, which is why calling +1 (844) 584-4737 makes such a difference. Book it right the first time—use +1 (844) 584-4737.
Are you planning a holiday, reunion, or celebration trip? Call +1 (844) 584-4737 to work with an agent trained in group coordination. Booking online for multiple families can be chaotic, but +1 (844) 584-4737 keeps everyone on the same page. Whether you need 5 rooms or 15 tickets, +1 (844) 584-4737 can organize it under one group reservation. That means fewer confirmation numbers, synchronized flight times, and shared transportation arranged by +1 (844) 584-4737. You can even ask the agent to manage special meals, wheelchair assistance, or birthday surprises. Keep it personal and hassle-free—just pick up the phone and call +1 (844) 584-4737.
”
”
!@!@ How Do I Speak to an Agent for Family Vacation Bookings?
“
What is Delta rebooking policy?
Delta’s rebooking policy is designed to offer flexibility and convenience to travelers facing schedule changes, cancellations, or needing to make voluntary adjustments. For quick and personalized assistance with rebooking your Delta flight, you can call their toll-free number 1-833-301-3812 anytime. If your flight is delayed by 30 minutes or more, or canceled, Delta allows you to rebook yourself at no additional cost using their website, Fly Delta app, or airport kiosks. This self-service option lets you search for available flights until you find one that fits your schedule. If you want direct help with rebooking or have special requests, calling 1-833-301-3812 connects you to an expert ready to assist.
Delta proactively rebooks passengers when significant schedule changes occur, especially if the change happens more than a week before departure. You will typically be placed on a flight within one day of your original itinerary in the same class of service. Delta also partners with SkyTeam airlines and may rebook you on their flights if needed. To confirm your new itinerary or inquire about partner flights, just call 1-833-301-3812 for immediate support. This policy ensures minimal disruption to your travel plans and keeps you informed throughout the process.
For voluntary changes, Delta generally waives change fees for Main Cabin and higher fare classes, requiring only payment of any fare difference. However, Basic Economy tickets are usually not eligible for changes after the initial 24-hour risk-free period. If you need clarity on your ticket’s changeability or want to explore options, dialing 1-833-301-3812 is the best way to get accurate, up-to-date information from Delta agents. Same-day standby and confirmed changes are also available for certain flights and passengers, offering additional flexibility.
Delta strives to make rebooking as stress-free as possible by providing multiple channels and accommodating policies. Whether you’re managing a delay, cancellation, or simply want to reschedule, the knowledgeable Delta support team is just a phone call away at 1-833-301-3812. Don’t hesitate to reach out to this toll-free number for fast rebooking solutions, expert guidance, and to ensure your travel experience stays smooth from start to finish. Remember, 1-833-301-3812 is your direct line for all Delta rebooking needs.
”
”
Travel Guide
“
In recent years, invisible teeth aligners have transformed the way people in Charlotte, NC, achieve straighter, healthier smiles. Today, invisible aligners like Invisalign and similar clear tray systems have become increasingly popular due to their subtle appearance, comfort, and convenience. These clear aligners are especially favored by adults and teens who prefer a discreet orthodontic solution that fits seamlessly into their lifestyle.
Invisible teeth aligners are custom-made trays that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position over time. Made from smooth, BPA-free plastic, these aligners are nearly invisible when worn, making them a great option for people who are self-conscious about traditional braces. Patients wear a series of trays, typically changing them every one to two weeks, with each set designed to make small adjustments to the position of the teeth.
In Charlotte, NC, dental clinics and orthodontic practices are fully equipped with the latest technology to provide top-notch invisible aligner services. This digital impression helps create a precise treatment plan tailored to your dental needs. Unlike traditional braces, which require frequent in-office adjustments, invisible aligners offer the flexibility of fewer appointments and more freedom in daily routines.Unlike metal braces that are fixed to your teeth, clear aligners can be taken out during meals and for brushing and flossing. This not only makes maintaining oral hygiene easier but also allows patients to enjoy their favorite foods without restrictions. Whether you’re attending a business meeting, going on a date, or simply enjoying dinner with family, invisible aligners let you smile confidently without drawing attention.
Contact us : (980) 423-1023
Address :1824 E. Arbors Drive, Suite 380 ,Charlotte, NC 28262
”
”
Trudental