Paying Last Respects Quotes

Then, in an unusual moment, she grew emotional, which left little doubt about the level of profound respect and admiration Merkel had for her American colleague: ‘So eight years are coming to a close.  This is the last visit of (President) Barack Obama to our country…I am very glad that he chose Germany as one of the stopovers on this trip…Thank you for the reliable friendship and partnership you demonstrated in very difficult hours of our relationship. So let me again pay tribute to what we’ve been able to achieve, to what we discussed, to what we were able to bring about in difficult hours.

Sometimes when we're not paying attention, relationships hap­pen. There is no rule that requires two people in love to be ex­actly alike. In fact, there is some scientific evidence to suggest that on a genetic level, the people who are the most opposite are the most likely to have a healthy and long-lasting pairing. But really, who can explain the mysteries of attraction? Blame it on Cupid. The moon. The shape of a smile. Both of you can thrive on your differences, as long as you respect them. You say tomato, he says tomahto . Let it happen, Dive in head first. We usually learn the most about ourselves from people who are different from us. —Miss Independent (ella varner)

I don't believe in Melitele, don't believe in the existence of other gods either, but I respect your choice, your sacrifice. Your belief. Because your faith and sacrifice, the price you're paying for your silence, will make you better, a greater being. Or, at least, it could. But my faithlessness can do nothing. It's powerless.

FORBIDDEN Pain without learning is forbidden, waking up one day not knowing what to do, being afraid of your memories. It is forbidden not to smile at problems, not to fight for what you want, to abandon all because of fears, not to realize your dreams. It is forbidden not to show your love, to be ashamed of your tears, to not laugh with children, to make someone else pay your debts, bad humor. It is forbidden to forget your friends, to not try to understand why they live far away, to treat people as disposable, to call them only when you need them. It is forbidden to not be yourself in front of others, pretending around people you don’t care about, trying to be funny just so you'll be remembered, to forget about all the people who love you. It is forbidden not to do things for yourself, to be afraid of life and its commitments, to not to live each day as if it were your last. It forbidden to take someone out without having fun, to forget their eyes, their laugh, to not respect love even if it is past, just because your paths have stopped crossing, to forget your past and only live in the moment. It is forbidden not to try to understand people, to think that other’s lives are worth more than yours, to not know that each one of us has our own way and our own happiness. It is forbidden not create your own story, to have no time for people who need you, to not understand what life gives to you, and that it can also be taken away. It is forbidden not find your happiness, to not live your life with a positive attitude, to not think we can do better and be better, to feel that without you, this world would still be the same...

As he soars, he thinks, suddenly, of Dr. Kashen. Or not of Dr. Kashen, necessarily, but the question he had asked him when he was applying to be his advisee: What's your favorite axiom? (The nerd pickup line, CM had once called it.) "The axiom of equality," he'd said, and Kashen had nodded, approvingly. "That's a good one," he'd said. The axiom of equality states that x always equals x: it assumes that if you have a conceptual thing named x, that it must always be equivalent to itself, that it has a uniqueness about it, that it is in possession of something so irreducible that we must assume it is absolutely, unchangeably equivalent to itself for all time, that its very elementalness can never be altered. But it is impossible to prove. Always, absolutes, nevers: these are the words, as much as numbers, that make up the world of mathematics. Not everyone liked the axiom of equality––Dr. Li had once called it coy and twee, a fan dance of an axiom––but he had always appreciated how elusive it was, how the beauty of the equation itself would always be frustrated by the attempts to prove it. I was the kind of axiom that could drive you mad, that could consume you, that could easily become an entire life. But now he knows for certain how true the axiom is, because he himself––his very life––has proven it. The person I was will always be the person I am, he realizes. The context may have changed: he may be in this apartment, and he may have a job that he enjoys and that pays him well, and he may have parents and friends he loves. He may be respected; in court, he may even be feared. But fundamentally, he is the same person, a person who inspires disgust, a person meant to be hated. And in that microsecond that he finds himself suspended in the air, between ecstasy of being aloft and the anticipation of his landing, which he knows will be terrible, he knows that x will always equal x, no matter what he does, or how many years he moves away from the monastery, from Brother Luke, no matter how much he earns or how hard he tries to forget. It is the last thing he thinks as his shoulder cracks down upon the concrete, and the world, for an instant, jerks blessedly away from beneath him: x = x, he thinks. x = x, x = x.

Had I catalogued the downsides of parenthood, "son might turn out to be a killer" would never have turned up on the list. Rather, it might have looked something like this: 1. Hassle. 2. Less time just the two of us. (Try no time just the two of us.) 3. Other people. (PTA meetings. Ballet teachers. The kid's insufferable friends and their insufferable parents.) 4. Turning into a cow. (I was slight, and preferred to stay that way. My sister-in-law had developed bulging varicose veins in her legs during pregnancy that never retreated, and the prospect of calves branched in blue tree roots mortified me more than I could say. So I didn't say. I am vain, or once was, and one of my vanities was to feign that I was not.) 5. Unnatural altruism: being forced to make decisions in accordance with what was best for someone else. (I'm a pig.) 6. Curtailment of my traveling. (Note curtailment. Not conclusion.) 7. Dementing boredom. (I found small children brutally dull. I did, even at the outset, admit this to myself.) 8. Worthless social life. (I had never had a decent conversation with a friend's five-year-old in the room.) 9. Social demotion. (I was a respected entrepreneur. Once I had a toddler in tow, every man I knew--every woman, too, which is depressing--would take me less seriously.) 10. Paying the piper. (Parenthood repays a debt. But who wants to pay a debt she can escape? Apparently, the childless get away with something sneaky. Besides, what good is repaying a debt to the wrong party? Only the most warped mother would feel rewarded for her trouble by the fact that at last her daughter's life is hideous, too.)

When several creatures, men or animals, have worked together to overcome something offering resistance and have at last succeeded, there follows often a pause, as though they felt the propriety of paying respect to the adversary who has put up so good a fight. The great tree falls, splitting, cracking, rushing down in leaves to the final, shuddering blow along the ground. Then the foresters are silent, and do not at once sit down. After hours, the deep snowdrift has been cleared and the lorry is ready to take the men home out of the cold. But they stand a while, leaning on their spades and only nodding unsmilingly as the car-drivers go through, waving their thanks.

I've always known what you were thinking. You're squeezing that marble in your pocket and you're thinking your cattle wouldn't be at risk if it weren't for Louise. And maybe you're right. But take a hard look, son. When you see that woman working up a sweat pitching hay like a hired hand … you're looking at character. "And if we ever have another family dinner that goes like the last one did, you pay attention. I have an idea that your Louise doesn't sit still for too many insults, and I imagine she could cut someone down to size in about three sentences if she wanted to. But she sat silent while Philadelphia ridiculed and belittled her. Louise did this out of respect for you and this family. That is also character. "Maybe you really believe Wally is living your life. If so, then you haven't been honest with yourself. And you haven't taken a good hard look at the life you have. Mark my words, Max. Someday you're going to hold that marble, and it won't be a symbol of all you lost. That marble will be the gold you went to Piney Creek to find. It will be the most precious thing you own. I say this because I didn't raise any stupid sons.

We’re paying our respects to the Soviet era. Cutting ties with our old life. I’m trying to honestly hear out all the participants of the socialist drama…

*Paying one’s last respects* is about the payer, not the paid. (Who attends the funeral — and who doesn’t — is the deceased’s last worry.)

When Victor Hugo was buried, you couldn’t find a whore in all of Paris. They were too busy paying their respects. That was a man – and he still has a show on in the West End.

The Dream by Mark Baker A man lay on his bed at the end of his life waiting to die. His dream came to pay his last respects and bid farewell to the man who had never used it. As it entered the room the man looked down in shame. "Why did you not realize me?" the dream asked. "Because I was afraid," the man said. "Afraid of what," said the dream. "I was afraid I would fail." "But haven't you failed by not attempting to use me?". "Yes I did, but I always thought there would be tomorrow." "You Fool!" said the dream" Did it never occur to you that there was only ever today? the moment that you are in right now? Do you think that now that death is here that you can put it off until tomorrow?". "No", said the man, a tear gently rolling down his cheek. The dream was softer now, because it knew that there were two types of pain, the pain of discipline and the pain of regret, and while discipline weighs ounces, regret weighs pounds. Then the dream leant forward to gently wipe away the tear and said, " You need only have taken the first step and I would have taken one to meet you, for the only thing that ever separated us was the belief in your mind that you couldn't have me". Then they said goodbye and they both died.

I must say a word about fear. It is life's only true opponent. Only fear can defeat life. It is a clever, treacherous adversary, how well I know. It has no decency, respects no law or convention, shows no mercy. It goes for your weakest spot, which it finds with unerring ease. It begins in your mind, always. One moment you are feeling calm, self-possessed, happy. Then fear, disguised in the garb of mild-mannered doubt, slips into your mind like a spy. Doubt meets disbelief and disbelief tries to push it out. But disbelief is a poorly armed foot soldier. Doubt does away with it with little trouble. You become anxious. Reason comes to do battle for you. You are reassured. Reason is fully equipped with the latest weapons technology. But, to your amazement, despite superior tactics and a number of undeniable victories, reason is laid low. You feel yourself weakening, wavering. Your anxiety becomes dread. Fear next turns fully to your body, which is already aware that something terribly wrong is going on. Already your lungs have flown away like a bird and your guts have slithered away like a snake. Now your tongue drops dead like an opossum, while your jaw begins to gallop on the spot. Your ears go deaf. Your muscles begin to shiver as if they had malaria and your knees to shake as though they were dancing. Your heart strains too hard, while your sphincter relaxes too much. And so with the rest of your body. Every part of you, in the manner most suited to it, falls apart. Only your eyes work well. They always pay proper attention to fear. Quickly you make rash decisions. You dismiss your last allies: hope and trust. There, you've defeated yourself. Fear, which is but an impression, has triumphed over you. The matter is difficult to put into words. For fear, real fear, such as shakes you to your foundation, such as you feel when you are brought face to face with your mortal end, nestles in your memory like a gangrene: it seeks to rot everything, even the words with which to speak of it. So you must fight hard to express it. You must fight hard to shine the light of words upon it. Because if you don't, if your fear becomes a wordless darkness that you avoid, perhaps even manage to forget, you open yourself to further attacks of fear because you never truly fought the opponent who defeated you.

These are lines from my asteroid-impact novel, Regolith: Just because there are no laws against stupidity doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be punished. I haven’t faced rejection this brutal since I was single. He smelled trouble like a fart in the shower. If this was a kiss of gratitude, then she must have been very grateful. Not since Bush and Cheney have so few spent so much so fast for so long for so little. As a nympho for mind-fucks, Lisa took to politics like a pig to mud. She began paying men compliments as if she expected a receipt. Like the Aerosmith song, his get-up-and-go just got-up-and-went. “You couldn’t beat the crap out of a dirty diaper!” He embraced his only daughter as if she was deploying to Iraq. She was hotter than a Class 4 solar flare! If sex was a weapon, then Monique possessed WMD I haven’t felt this alive since I lost my virginity. He once read that 95% of women fake organism, and the rest are gay. Beauty may be in the eyes of the beholder, but ugly is universal. Why do wives fart, but not girlfriends? Adultery is sex that is wrong, but not necessarily bad. The dinosaurs stayed drugged out, drooling like Jonas Brothers fans. Silence filled the room like tear gas. The told him a fraction of the truth and hoped it would take just a fraction of the time. Happiness is the best cosmetic, He was a whale of a catch, and there were a lot of fish in the sea eager to nibble on his bait. Cheap hookers are less buck for the bang, Men cannot fall in love with women they don’t find attractive, and women cannot fall in love with men they do not respect. During sex, men want feedback while women expect mind-reading. Cooper looked like a cow about to be tipped over. His father warned him to never do anything he couldn’t justify on Oprah. The poor are not free -- they’re just not enslaved. Only those with money are free. Sperm wasn’t something he would choose on a menu, but it still tasted better than asparagus. The crater looked alive, like Godzilla was about to leap out and mess up Tokyo. Bush follows the Bible until it gets to Jesus. When Bush talks to God, it’s prayer; when God talks to Bush, it’s policy. Cheney called the new Miss America a traitor – apparently she wished for world peace. Cheney was so unpopular that Bush almost replaced him when running for re-election, changing his campaign slogan to, ‘Ain’t Got Dick.’ Bush fought a war on poverty – and the poor lost. Bush thinks we should strengthen the dollar by making it two-ply. Hurricane Katrina got rid of so many Democratic voters that Republicans have started calling her Kathleen Harris. America and Iraq fought a war and Iran won. Bush hasn’t choked this much since his last pretzel. Some wars are unpopular; the rest are victorious. So many conservatives hate the GOP that they are thinking of changing their name to the Dixie Chicks. If Saddam had any WMD, he would have used them when we invaded. If Bush had any brains, he would have used them when we invaded. It’s hard for Bush to win hearts and minds since he has neither. In Iraq, you are a coward if you leave and a fool if you stay. Bush believes it’s not a sin to kill Muslims since they are going to Hell anyway. And, with Bush’s help, soon. In Iraq, those who make their constitution subservient to their religion are called Muslims. In America they’re called Republicans. With great power comes great responsibility – unless you’re Republican.

So as technology continues to speed ahead, I continue to read slowly, knowing that I am respecting the author's work and the story's lasting power. And I read slowly to drown out the noise and remember those who came before me, who were probably the first people who finally learned to control fire and circled their new power of flame and light and heat. And I read slowly to remember the Selfish Giant, how he finally tore that wall down and let the children run free through his garden. And I read slowly to pay homage to my ancestors, who were not allowed to read at all. They, too, must have circled fires, speaking softly of their dreams, their hopes, their futures. Each time we read, write or tell a story, we step inside their circle, and it remains unbroken. And the power of story lives on.

The most difficult stories about the Khmer Rouge are the ones over which hover almost and maybe. She almost made it, but dysentery took her at the end. He is maybe buried in the mass grave at Choeung Ek, so we will pay our respects there. He almost walked all the way to Thailand, but the cadres found him in the forest. She maybe saw her infant son one last time before she was taken. Anne Spencer almost made it off those wards. After I read the email, an ancient and exuberant terror blazed through me. It was partly the terror that had grown in me alongside my very bones, knowing as I did that I only existed because my mother had outrun almost; I don’t know at what point you stop feeling the need to run, generation by generation, when you’re born after that. But it was also a wonderful, simple, human terror. The one where death brushes too close to you and you abruptly remember what an insane gift it is to be alive, and how much you’d like to stay alive even when death is laughing at your window, laughing in your mirror.

The last person into their respective office the next day, as measured by their Bloomberg login status, has to pay for the liquid lunch that follows, where we spend three hours nursing our hangovers and reliving the events of the previous evening.

... they walked to the Mahamega grove in the centre of which was a sacred, thousand-five-hundred-year-old Bodhi tree. Bhikshus, devotees and many others were circumambulating the tree, offering flowers to it and paying it obeisance. The Prince paid his respects to it. He said to the other two, “Kings and kingdoms disappear but this tree is proof that righteousness is eternal.” Looking around, he saw three grooms holding horses that were ready to start out. He went up to them and the grooms greeted him joyfully. He asked them something then turned to Vandiyathevan. “The palace which was burnt down last night was Mahasena's. These people were afraid that we might have been burnt too. They are extremely happy to see us.” “It might be true that a thousand-five-hundred-year-old tree still stands. But righteousness has long been dead,” said Vandiyathevan.

Suppose you are particularly rich and well-to-do, and say on that last day, 'I am very rich; I am tolerably well known; I have lived all my life in the best society, and, thank Heaven, come of a most respectable family. I have served my King and country with honour. I was in Parliament for several years, where, I may say, my speeches were listened to, and pretty well received. I don't owe any man a shilling: on the contrary, I lent my old college friend, Jack Lazarus, fifty pounds, for which my executors will not press him. I leave my daughters with ten thousand pounds a piece--very good portions for girls: I bequeath my plate and furniture, my house in Baker Street, with a handsome jointure, to my widow for her life; and my landed property, besides money in the Funds, and my cellar of well-selected wine in Baker Street, to my son. I leave twenty pound a year to my valet; and I defy any man after I am gone to find anything against my character.' Or suppose, on the other hand, your swan sings quite a different sort of dirge, and you say, 'I am a poor, blighted, disappointed old fellow, and have made an utter failure through life. I was not endowed either with brains or with good fortune: and confess that I have committed a hundred mistakes and blunders. I own to having forgotten my duty many a time. I can't pay what I owe. On my last bed I lie utterly helpless and humble: and I pray forgiveness for my weakness, and throw myself with a contrite heart at the feet of the Divine Mercy.' Which of these two speeches, think you, would be the best oration for your own funeral? Old Sedley made the last; and in that humble frame of mind, and holding by the hand of his daughter, life and disappointment and vanity sank away from under him.

I wish I had asked myself when I was younger. My path was so tracked that in my 8th-grade yearbook, one of my friends predicted— accurately— that four years later I would enter Stanford as a sophomore. And after a conventionally successful undergraduate career, I enrolled at Stanford Law School, where I competed even harder for the standard badges of success. The highest prize in a law student’s world is unambiguous: out of tens of thousands of graduates each year, only a few dozen get a Supreme Court clerkship. After clerking on a federal appeals court for a year, I was invited to interview for clerkships with Justices Kennedy and Scalia. My meetings with the Justices went well. I was so close to winning this last competition. If only I got the clerkship, I thought, I would be set for life. But I didn’t. At the time, I was devastated. In 2004, after I had built and sold PayPal, I ran into an old friend from law school who had helped me prepare my failed clerkship applications. We hadn’t spoken in nearly a decade. His first question wasn’t “How are you doing?” or “Can you believe it’s been so long?” Instead, he grinned and asked: “So, Peter, aren’t you glad you didn’t get that clerkship?” With the benefit of hindsight, we both knew that winning that ultimate competition would have changed my life for the worse. Had I actually clerked on the Supreme Court, I probably would have spent my entire career taking depositions or drafting other people’s business deals instead of creating anything new. It’s hard to say how much would be different, but the opportunity costs were enormous. All Rhodes Scholars had a great future in their past. the best paths are new and untried. will this business still be around a decade from now? business is like chess. Grandmaster José Raúl Capablanca put it well: to succeed, “you must study the endgame before everything else. The few who knew what might be learned, Foolish enough to put their whole heart on show, And reveal their feelings to the crowd below, Mankind has always crucified and burned. Above all, don’t overestimate your own power as an individual. Founders are important not because they are the only ones whose work has value, but rather because a great founder can bring out the best work from everybody at his company. That we need individual founders in all their peculiarity does not mean that we are called to worship Ayn Randian “prime movers” who claim to be independent of everybody around them. In this respect, Rand was a merely half-great writer: her villains were real, but her heroes were fake. There is no Galt’s Gulch. There is no secession from society. To believe yourself invested with divine self-sufficiency is not the mark of a strong individual, but of a person who has mistaken the crowd’s worship—or jeering—for the truth. The single greatest danger for a founder is to become so certain of his own myth that he loses his mind. But an equally insidious danger for every business is to lose all sense of myth and mistake disenchantment for wisdom.

The impossible class. — Poor, happy and independent! — these things can go together; poor, happy and a slave! — these things can also go together — and I can think of no better news I could give to our factory slaves: provided, that is, they do not feel it to be in general a disgrace to be thus used, and used up, as a part of a machine and as it were a stopgap to fill a hole in human inventiveness! To the devil with the belief that higher payment could lift from them the essence of their miserable condition I mean their impersonal enslavement! To the devil with the idea of being persuaded that an enhancement of this impersonality within the mechanical operation of a new society could transform the disgrace of slavery into a virtue! To the devil with setting a price on oneself in exchange for which one ceases to be a person and becomes a part of a machine! Are you accomplices in the current folly of the nations the folly of wanting above all to produce as much as possible and to become as rich as possible? What you ought to do, rather, is to hold up to them the counter-reckoning: how great a sum of inner value is thrown away in pursuit of this external goal! But where is your inner value if you no longer know what it is to breathe freely? if you no longer possess the slightest power over yourselves? if you all too often grow weary of yourselves like a drink that has been left too long standing? if you pay heed to the newspapers and look askance at your wealthy neighbour, made covetous by the rapid rise and fall of power, money and opinions? if you no longer believe in philosophy that wears rags, in the free-heartedness of him without needs? if voluntary poverty and freedom from profession and marriage, such as would very well suit the more spiritual among you, have become to you things to laugh at? If, on the other hand, you have always in your ears the flutings of the Socialist pied-pipers whose design is to enflame you with wild hopes? which bid you to be prepared and nothing further, prepared day upon day, so that you wait and wait for something to happen from outside and in all other respects go on living as you have always lived until this waiting turns to hunger and thirst and fever and madness, and at last the day of the bestia triumphans dawns in all its glory? In contrast to all this, everyone ought to say to himself: ‘better to go abroad, to seek to become master in new and savage regions of the world and above all master over myself; to keep moving from place to place for just as long as any sign of slavery seems to threaten me; to shun neither adventure nor war and, if the worst should come to the worst, to be prepared for death: all this rather than further to endure this indecent servitude, rather than to go on becoming soured and malicious and conspiratorial!

The most significant transformational moment in my career was an act of elimination. It wasn’t my idea. I was in my late thirties and doing well flying around the country giving the same talk about organizational behavior to companies. I was on a lucrative treadmill of preserving, but I needed my mentor Paul Hersey to point out the downside. “You’re too good at what you’re doing,” Hersey told me. “You’re making too much money selling your day rate to companies.” When someone tells me I’m “too good” my brain shifts into neutral—and I bask in the praise. But Hersey wasn’t done with me. “You’re not investing in your future,” he said. “You’re not researching and writing and coming up with new things to say. You can continue doing what you’re doing for a long time. But you’ll never become the person you want to be.” For some reason, that last sentence triggered a profound emotion in me. I respected Paul tremendously. And I knew he was right. In Peter Drucker’s words, I was “sacrificing the future on the altar of today.” I could see my future and it had some dark empty holes in it. I was too busy maintaining a comfortable life. At some point, I’d grow bored or disaffected, but it might happen too late in the game for me to do something about it. Unless I eliminated some of the busywork, I would never create something new for myself. Despite the immediate cut in pay, that’s the moment I stopped chasing my tail for a day rate and decided to follow a different path. I have always been thankful for Paul’s advice.

He must pay his debts with all the promptness within his power, not purchasing that for which he is unable to pay. "He must take care of his family that they may think and speak well of him. "He must make a will of record that, in case the Gods call him, proper and honorable division of his property be accomplished. "He must have compassion upon those who are injured and smitten by misfortune and aid them within reasonable limits. He must do deeds of thoughtfulness to those dear to him. "Thus the seventh and last remedy for a lean purse is to cultivate thy own powers, to study and become wiser, to become more skillful, to so act as to respect thyself.

I’ve increased the fastest serve recorded in tennis. Tennis is a quicker game now, since I served at 132 miles per hour. Now almost every player on the WTA is serving faster than we all were even ten years ago. My forehand averages 81 miles per hour. You can’t come close to me on that either. So pay me a little respect, Soto. I’ve won the US Open more than any woman in tennis history, including you. My forehand and backhand groundstrokes have more spin than any other female player ever—last year I topped two thousand revolutions per minute. I am currently the highest-paid female athlete in the world. For someone like me, do you understand what that means? And I’ve spent the most weeks at number one—which is currently three hundred and seventeen. You only have three hundred and—” “Nine,” I say. “Right.” “So you just go around memorizing your stats?” I say, even though I know I’m being a hypocrite.

The gods of the right-hand path have bickered and quarreled for an entire age of earth. Each other these deities and their respective priests and ministers have attempted to find wisdom in their own lies. The ice age of religious though can last but a limited time in this great scheme of human existence. The gods of wisdom-defiled have had their saga, and their millennium hath become as reality. Each, with his own 'divine' path to paradise, hath accused the other of heresies and spiritual indiscretions. The Ring of the Nibelungen doth carry an everlasting curse, but only because those who seek it think in terms of 'Good' and 'Evil' - themselves at all time 'Good'. The gods of the past have becomes as their own devils in order to live. Feebly, their ministers play the devil's game to fill their tabernacles and pay the mortgages on their temples. Alas, too long have their studies 'righteousness', and poor and incompetent devils they make. So they all join hands in 'brotherly' unity, and in their desperation to go to Valhalla for their last great ecumenical council.

You are too hasty, sir," she cried. "You forget that I have made no answer. Let me do it without further loss of time. Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me. I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than to decline them." "I am not now to learn," replied Mr. Collins, with a formal wave of the hand, "that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second, or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long." "Upon my word, sir," cried Elizabeth, "your hope is a rather extraordinary one after my declaration. I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies (if such young ladies there are) who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time. I am perfectly serious in my refusal. You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who could make you so. Nay, were your friend Lady Catherine to know me, I am persuaded she would find me in every respect ill qualified for the situation.

So? When do you want to be turned?” “I didn’t agree to turn,” Valerie squawked with amazement. “You haven’t, but you will,” he said with a shrug. “What makes you think that?” she asked warily. “Because if you don’t, I’m going to have to wipe your memories and have you returned to your life and neither of us wants that,” he said simply. “Anders said I could have time to decide,” Valerie protested, and then frowned and added, “And what do you mean, neither of us wants that? Why would you care?” “You saved my wife and children, Valerie. And Leigh adores you. You’re family now.” “Oh.” She stared at him nonplussed, wondering if he meant that. “I mean it,” he said firmly. “Leigh has decided it’s so, so it’s so. She’d be disappointed if you didn’t become one of us and I won’t have her disappointed.” Valerie scowled slightly. The last part sounded like a threat. “As for Anders saying you could have time to decide,” Lucian continued. “What do you need time for? The nanos have paired you, you’re meant to be together.” “You make it sound so simple,” she said wearily. “It is simple. Don’t make it hard.” “Great, the nanos paired us. But what about love?” she asked. Lucian shifted impatiently. “Do you like him?” “Yes,” she admitted. “Respect him?” She nodded. “Trust him?” “Of course,” she said without hesitation. Lucian nodded and said dryly, “I don’t need to ask if you want him sexually.” Valerie flushed and raised her chin. “All those things combined make up love,” Lucian assured her. “Whether you realize it or not, you already do love him.” Valerie swallowed, knowing in her heart he was right. She bit her lip, and then blurted, “But does he love me?” “Ah.” Lucian nodded. “So that’s the holdup, is it? He hasn’t said it yet.” Valerie sighed and looked away, muttering, “When he asked me to be his life mate he went on about finding peace and being able to relax and be at peace. It was all peace, peace, peace,” she added with frustration and glanced to Lucian, eyes narrowing when she caught his lips twitching. If he laughed at her, she would— “Don’t you feel at peace with him?” he asked, and then added, “When you’re not hot and bothered, I mean.” “Well, yeah, but—” “But you want to hear that he loves you,” Lucian said and shrugged. “I guess you’ll have to ask him then.” “Ask him if he loves me?” she asked with dismay. Lucian sighed with exasperation. “You took on Igor and staked him, saving yourself and six other women in the process—” “Four,” she corrected unhappily. “Two died, remember.” “And then,” he continued heavily, ignoring her interruption. “You took on Ambrose and saved my wife and unborn twins by crashing the van you were all in and repeatedly bashing the man over the head until help got there. You are not a coward, Valerie, so stop acting like one. Ask him. And when he says yes he loves you, I will personally oversee the turning and pay for the wedding.

1. Hassle. 2. Less time just the two of us. (Try no time just the two of us.) 3. Other people. (PTA meetings. Ballet teachers. The kid’s insufferable friends and their insufferable parents.) 4. Turning into a cow. (I was slight, and preferred to stay that way. My sister-in-law had developed bulging varicose veins in her legs during pregnancy that never retreated, and the prospect of calves branched in blue tree roots mortified me more than I could say. So I didn’t say. I am vain, or once was, and one of my vanities was to feign that I was not.) 5. Unnatural altruism: being forced to make decisions in accordance with what was best for someone else. (I’m a pig.) 6. Curtailment of my traveling. (Note curtailment. Not conclusion.) 7. Dementing boredom. (I found small children brutally dull. I did, even at the outset, admit this to myself.) 8. Worthless social life. (I had never had a decent conversation with a friend’s five-year-old in the room.) 9. Social demotion. (I was a respected entrepreneur. Once I had a toddler in tow, every man I knew—every woman, too, which is depressing—would take me less seriously.) 10. Paying the piper. (Parenthood repays a debt. But who wants to pay a debt she can escape? Apparently, the childless get away with something sneaky. Besides, what good is repaying a debt to the wrong party? Only the most warped mother could feel rewarded for her trouble by the fact that at last her daughter’s life is hideous, too.)

Jesus himself remains an enigma. There have been interesting attempts to uncover the figure of the ‘historical’ Jesus, a project that has become something of a scholarly industry. But the fact remains that the only Jesus we really know is the Jesus described in the New Testament, which was not interested in scientifically objective history. There are no other contemporary accounts of his mission and death. We cannot even be certain why he was crucified. The gospel accounts indicate that he was thought to be the king of the Jews. He was said to have predicted the imminent arrival of the kingdom of heaven, but also made it clear that it was not of this world. In the literature of the Late Second Temple period, there had been hints that a few people were expecting a righteous king of the House of David to establish an eternal kingdom, and this idea seems to have become more popular during the tense years leading up to the war. Josephus, Tacitus and Suetonius all note the importance of revolutionary religiosity, both before and after the rebellion.2 There was now keen expectation in some circles of a meshiah (in Greek, christos), an ‘anointed’ king of the House of David, who would redeem Israel. We do not know whether Jesus claimed to be this messiah – the gospels are ambiguous on this point.3 Other people rather than Jesus himself may have made this claim on his behalf.4 But after his death some of his followers had seen him in visions that convinced them that he had been raised from the tomb – an event that heralded the general resurrection of all the righteous when God would inaugurate his rule on earth.5 Jesus and his disciples came from Galilee in northern Palestine. After his death they moved to Jerusalem, probably to be on hand when the kingdom arrived, since all the prophecies declared that the temple would be the pivot of the new world order.6 The leaders of their movement were known as ‘the Twelve’: in the kingdom, they would rule the twelve tribes of the reconstituted Israel.7 The members of the Jesus movement worshipped together every day in the temple,8 but they also met for communal meals, in which they affirmed their faith in the kingdom’s imminent arrival.9 They continued to live as devout, orthodox Jews. Like the Essenes, they had no private property, shared their goods equally, and dedicated their lives to the last days.10 It seems that Jesus had recommended voluntary poverty and special care for the poor; that loyalty to the group was to be valued more than family ties; and that evil should be met with non-violence and love.11 Christians should pay their taxes, respect the Roman authorities, and must not even contemplate armed struggle.12 Jesus’s followers continued to revere the Torah,13 keep the Sabbath,14 and the observance of the dietary laws was a matter of extreme importance to them.15 Like the great Pharisee Hillel, Jesus’s older contemporary, they taught a version of the Golden Rule, which they believed to be the bedrock of the Jewish faith: ‘So always treat others as you would like them to treat you; that is the message of the Law and the Prophets.

she feels lucky to have a job, but she is pretty blunt about what it is like to work at Walmart: she hates it. She’s worked at the local Walmart for nine years now, spending long hours on her feet waiting on customers and wrestling heavy merchandise around the store. But that’s not the part that galls her. Last year, management told the employees that they would get a significant raise. While driving to work or sorting laundry, Gina thought about how she could spend that extra money. Do some repairs around the house. Or set aside a few dollars in case of an emergency. Or help her sons, because “that’s what moms do.” And just before drifting off to sleep, she’d think about how she hadn’t had any new clothes in years. Maybe, just maybe. For weeks, she smiled at the notion. She thought about how Walmart was finally going to show some sign of respect for the work she and her coworkers did. She rolled the phrase over in her mind: “significant raise.” She imagined what that might mean. Maybe $2.00 more an hour? Or $2.50? That could add up to $80 a week, even $100. The thought was delicious. Then the day arrived when she received the letter informing her of the raise: 21 cents an hour. A whopping 21 cents. For a grand total of $1.68 a day, $8.40 a week. Gina described holding the letter and looking at it and feeling like it was “a spit in the face.” As she talked about the minuscule raise, her voice filled with anger. Anger, tinged with fear. Walmart could dump all over her, but she knew she would take it. She still needed this job. They could treat her like dirt, and she would still have to show up. And that’s exactly what they did. In 2015, Walmart made $14.69 billion in profits, and Walmart’s investors pocketed $10.4 billion from dividends and share repurchases—and Gina got 21 cents an hour more. This isn’t a story of shared sacrifice. It’s not a story about a company that is struggling to keep its doors open in tough times. This isn’t a small business that can’t afford generous raises. Just the opposite: this is a fabulously wealthy company making big bucks off the Ginas of the world. There are seven members of the Walton family, Walmart’s major shareholders, on the Forbes list of the country’s four hundred richest people, and together these seven Waltons have as much wealth as about 130 million other Americans. Seven people—not enough to fill the lineup of a softball team—and they have more money than 40 percent of our nation’s population put together. Walmart routinely squeezes its workers, not because it has to, but because it can. The idea that when the company does well, the employees do well, too, clearly doesn’t apply to giants like this one. Walmart is the largest employer in the country. More than a million and a half Americans are working to make this corporation among the most profitable in the world. Meanwhile, Gina points out that at her store, “almost all the young people are on food stamps.” And it’s not just her store. Across the country, Walmart pays such low wages that many of its employees rely on food stamps, rent assistance, Medicaid, and a mix of other government benefits, just to stay out of poverty. The

Nicki laughs. “This matters to me, Carrie. Putting my whole soul into this game matters to me. These tournaments matter. I’ve dedicated my life to this.” “Well, so have I,” I say. “And you had your chance to shine––you were given that opportunity.” “I took it,” I say. “It wasn’t given to me. Nobody wanted me to be the face of women’s tennis. They still don’t. I had to demand it. Just like I am doing now. So if you want it, you’re going to have to take it from me.” “No,” Nicki says. “That’s what you don’t seem to get. I have taken it from you. I have the record. And if you want it, you’re going to have to take it from me.” I stare at her, and she continues. “I am the best player women’s tennis has seen,” she says. “And I deserve to be recognized for it.” “You are recognized for it,” I say. “Constantly.” Nicki shakes her head. “No, by you. By the person I’ve respected my entire life. The woman I’ve looked up to.” There is no smile on her face anymore. Not even the hint of one. I look over at the TV. It’s playing sports commentary with the sound off. The closed captioning says they are talking about Nicki and me right now. “I see it,” I say, finally looking at her. “Me hating it is me seeing it.” Nicki sighs. “Okay, Soto. I guess I can’t squeeze blood from a stone.” “Look, what do you want from me?” Nicki looks me in the eye. “Don’t worry about what I say,” I tell her. “Pay attention to what I do. I’m back, aren’t I? I’m playing here today. That’s how good you are.” The trainer is done. I stand up. I walk past Nicki and put my hand on her shoulder. “Good luck,” I say. “I’m rooting for you up until the last second when I play you.” Nicki smiles. “You should be so lucky.” I put my hand out for her to shake. And she takes it.

ever and again we find some leader or some tribe amidst the disorder of free and independent nomads, powerful enough to force a sort of unity upon its kindred tribes, and then woe betide the nearest civilization. Down pour the united nomads on the unwarlike, unarmed plains, and there ensues a war of conquest. Instead of carrying off the booty, the conquerors settle down on the conquered land, which becomes all booty for them; the villagers and townsmen are reduced to servitude and tribute paying, they become hewers of wood and drawers of water, and the leaders of the nomads become kings and princes, masters and aristocrats. They, too, settle down, they learn many of the arts and refinements of the conquered, they cease to be lean and hungry, but for many generations they retain traces of their old nomadic habits, they hunt and indulge in open-air sports, they drive and race chariots, they regard work, especially agricultural work, as the lot of an inferior race and class. This in a thousand variations has been one of the main stories in history for the last seventy centuries or more. In the first history that we can clearly decipher we find already in all the civilized regions a distinction between a non-working ruler class and the working mass of the population. And we find, too, that after some generations, the aristocrat, having settled down, begins to respect the arts and refinements and law-abidingness, of settlement, and to lose something of his original hardihood. He intermarries, he patches up a sort of toleration between conqueror and conquered; he exchanges religious ideas and learns the lessons upon which soil and climate insist. He becomes a part of the civilization he has captured; and as he does so, events gather towards a, fresh invasion by the free adventurers of the outer world. Early

I must say a word about fear. It is life’s only true opponent. Only fear can defeat life. It is a clever, treacherous adversary, how well I know. It has no decency, respects no law or convention, shows no mercy. It goes for your weakest spot, which it finds with unerring ease. It begins in your mind, always. One moment you are feeling calm, self-possessed, happy. Then fear, disguised in the garb of mild-mannered doubt, slips into your mind like a spy. Doubt meets disbelief and disbelief tries to push it out. But disbelief is a poorly armed foot soldier. Doubt does away with it with little trouble. You become anxious. Reason comes to do battle for you. You are reassured. Reason is fully equipped with the latest weapons technology. But, to your amazement, despite superior tactics and a number of undeniable victories, reason is laid low. You feel yourself weakening, wavering. Your anxiety becomes dread. Fear next turns fully to your body, which is already aware that something terribly wrong is going on. Already your lungs have flown away like a bird and your guts have slithered away like a snake. Now your tongue drops dead like an opossum, while your jaw begins to gallop on the spot. Your ears go deaf. Your muscles begin to shiver as if they had malaria and your knees to shake as though they were dancing. Your heart strains too hard, while your sphincter relaxes too much. And so with the rest of your body. Every part of you, in the manner most suited to it, falls apart. Only your eyes work well. They always pay proper attention to fear. Quickly you make rash decisions. You dismiss your last allies: hope and trust. There, you’ve defeated yourself. Fear, which is but an impression, has triumphed over you. The matter is difficult to put into words. For fear, real fear, such as shakes you to your foundation, such as you feel when you are brought face to face with your mortal end, nestles in your memory like a gangrene: it seeks to rot everything, even the words with which to speak of it. So you must fight hard to express it. You must fight hard to shine the light of words upon it. Because if you don’t, if your fear becomes a wordless darkness that you avoid, perhaps even manage to forget, you open yourself to further attacks of fear because you never truly fought the opponent who defeated you.

The impossible class. Poor, happy and independent! — these things can go together; poor, happy and a slave! — these things can also go together — and I can think of no better news I could give to our factory slaves: provided, that is, they do not feel it to be in general a disgrace to be thus used, and used up, as a part of a machine and as it were a stopgap to fill a hole in human inventiveness! To the devil with the belief that higher payment could lift from them the essence of their miserable condition I mean their impersonal enslavement! To the devil with the idea of being persuaded that an enhancement of this impersonality within the mechanical operation of a new society could transform the disgrace of slavery into a virtue! To the devil with setting a price on oneself in exchange for which one ceases to be a person and becomes a part of a machine! Are you accomplices in the current folly of the nations the folly of wanting above all to produce as much as possible and to become as rich as possible? What you ought to do, rather, is to hold up to them the counter-reckoning: how great a sum of inner value is thrown away in pursuit of this external goal! But where is your inner value if you no longer know what it is to breathe freely? if you no longer possess the slightest power over yourselves? if you all too often grow weary of yourselves like a drink that has been left too long standing? if you pay heed to the newspapers and look askance at your wealthy neighbour, made covetous by the rapid rise and fall of power, money and opinions? if you no longer believe in philosophy that wears rags, in the free-heartedness of him without needs? if voluntary poverty and freedom from profession and marriage, such as would very well suit the more spiritual among you, have become to you things to laugh at? If, on the other hand, you have always in your ears the flutings of the Socialist pied-pipers whose design is to enflame you with wild hopes? which bid you to be prepared and nothing further, prepared day upon day, so that you wait and wait for something to happen from outside and in all other respects go on living as you have always lived until this waiting turns to hunger and thirst and fever and madness, and at last the day of the bestia triumphans dawns in all its glory? In contrast to all this, everyone ought to say to himself: ‘better to go abroad, to seek to become master in new and savage regions of the world and above all master over myself; to keep moving from place to place for just as long as any sign of slavery seems to threaten me; to shun neither adventure nor war and, if the worst should come to the worst, to be prepared for death: all this rather than further to endure this indecent servitude, rather than to go on becoming soured and malicious and conspiratorial!

She had not known then - it had simply never occurred to her - that not everyone had servants or an estate. The rude awakening came when she was a little older and was taken by her father to pay their respects to the families who had lost members in a refinery fire - there were always fires. She remembered the scratch of her Sunday clothes against her skin at the church service that seemed to last for hours, and then the walk along narrow dark streets, delivering toys to bereaved children, followed by the slow realization that whole families lived in houses smaller than a single stable and that some of the children were not wearing shoes even though it was cold enough for boots. It was then that she saw that her papa had two faces, one for family and one for the rest of the world. Over the next few years it came in small parcels of insight, each one more dreadful than the last:

Where there's a Will you will miraculously discover many long lost relatives from previously unknown branches of your family tree who will flock to pay their last respects.

The triangle of fraud . . .” “What’s that?” He started, as if I’d woken him. “Oh—incentive, opportunity, and rationalization.” He stuck out three fingers and began counting them off. “The first leg, incentive, is pressure to commit the crime. A person is looking for a way to solve their financial issues due to an inability to pay their bills, drug and/or alcohol addiction, or simply status, wanting to have a bigger house or drive a fancier car.” He counted off another finger. “The second leg is perceived opportunity, where the individual identifies ways to commit fraud with the lowest amount of risk, like lying about the number of hours worked, inflated sales or productivity to garner higher pay, creating false invoices for products never purchased and pocketing the money, or selling proprietary company information to competitors.” He counted off the last finger. “The third leg of the triangle, and this is an important one, is where individuals persuade themselves into believing that they’re doing the right thing. They convince themselves that they’re just borrowing the money or feel entitled to it through perceived low pay, uncompensated hours, lack of respect, or trying to provide for their family.” “Okay, but what pushes two men whom we assume are relatively upright individuals into going so far as to kill someone?” “A lot of money.” I laughed.

BOWING “Bowing is a very serious practice. You should be prepared to bow, even in your last moment. Even though it is impossible to get rid of our self-centered desires, we have to do it. Our true nature wants us to.” After zazen we bow to the floor nine times. By bowing we are giving up ourselves. To give up ourselves means to give up our dualistic ideas. So there is no difference between zazen practice and bowing. Usually to bow means to pay our respects to something which is more worthy of respect than ourselves. But when you bow to Buddha you should have no idea of Buddha, you just become

Rosenberg and his people - and I will certainly pay them that respect - they were very sympathetic to Norway and the Nordic countries in every respect. There were very sharp differences between Terboven and Rosenberg from some previous dispute. It has never been in my power to investigate, but when I spoke to Terboven last time, he called Rosenberg "ein Schwein," and that is a very strong expression in German for a man who is beginning to approach the end, and it is significant for the power struggle that has taken place in Norway - about Norway - between the German powerful personalities. From the Norwegian side, Rosenberg can't be blamed for anything. The Norwegian people have nothing to blame Rosenberg and his people. They have in every way supported Norway's freedom and independence and done what they could to ensure that Norway received the most liberal treatment. I can personally attest to that in every respect. What Scheidt has done, who was a subordinate official, I cannot say with certainty, but what Schickedanz and Rosenberg did for Norway I can say with certainty, and it has been in the best possible way to look after the interests of the Norwegian people. Absolutely - that's my definite impression.

In life you will face a lot of Circuses. You will pay for your failures. But, if you persevere, if you let those failures teach you and strengthen you, then you will be prepared to handle life’s toughest moments. July 1983 was one of those tough moments. As I stood before the commanding officer, I thought my career as a Navy SEAL was over. I had just been relieved of my SEAL squadron, fired for trying to change the way my squadron was organized, trained, and conducted missions. There were some magnificent officers and enlisted men in the organization, some of the most professional warriors I had ever been around. However, much of the culture was still rooted in the Vietnam era, and I thought it was time for a change. As I was to find out, change is never easy, particularly for the person in charge. Fortunately, even though I was fired, my commanding officer allowed me to transfer to another SEAL Team, but my reputation as a SEAL officer was severely damaged. Everywhere I went, other officers and enlisted men knew I had failed, and every day there were whispers and subtle reminders that maybe I wasn’t up to the task of being a SEAL. At that point in my career I had two options: quit and move on to civilian life, which seemed like the logical choice in light of my recent Officer Fitness Report, or weather the storm and prove to others and myself that I was a good SEAL officer. I chose the latter. Soon after being fired, I was given a second chance, an opportunity to deploy overseas as the Officer in Charge of a SEAL platoon. Most of the time on that overseas deployment we were in remote locations, isolated and on our own. I took advantage of the opportunity to show that I could still lead. When you live in close quarters with twelve SEALs there isn’t anywhere to hide. They know if you are giving 100 percent on the morning workout. They see when you are first in line to jump out of the airplane and last in line to get the chow. They watch you clean your weapon, check your radio, read the intelligence, and prepare your mission briefs. They know when you have worked all night preparing for tomorrow’s training. As month after month of the overseas deployment wore on, I used my previous failure as motivation to outwork, outhustle, and outperform everyone in the platoon. I sometimes fell short of being the best, but I never fell short of giving it my best. In time, I regained the respect of my men. Several years later I was selected to command a SEAL Team of my own. Eventually I would go on to command all the SEALs on the West Coast.

Well to hell with them. He’d done his duty, he’d paid his respects. He wouldn’t bother them any more. Let them live in their cramped flat, visited by this … gentleman, this mock adult. Rebus had more important things to do. Books to read. Notes to make. And another busy day ahead. It was ten o’clock. He could be back at his hotel by eleven. An early night, that’s what was needed. Eight hours’ sleep in the last two days. No wonder he was ratty, looking for a fight. He began to feel a little bit ashamed. Kenny was too easy a target. He’d crushed a tiny fly beneath a tower-block of resentment. Resentment, John, or plain jealousy? That was not a question for a tired man. Not a question for a man like John Rebus. Tomorrow. Tomorrow, he might start getting some answers. He was determined to pay for his keep now that he had been brought to London. Tomorrow, the task began in earnest. He shook Kenny’s hand again and gave him a man-to-man half-wink before leaving the flat. Rhona offered to see him to the door. They went into the hall, leaving

Material adverse effect" is a standard that is often employed in the softening of contract provisions. It is often used in more than one provision in a contract, and as a result may be separately defined: "Material adverse effect" means any material adverse effect on the Borrower’s business, assets, liabilities, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise). In order to fall within the ambit of this definition, the matter in question must be both material and adverse to the party. Materiality is a subjective concept; a change that would be reasonably likely to affect the other party’s evaluation of the transaction will generally be viewed as material. The change must also be adverse. Obviously, if it’s a change for the better, it isn’t covered. The definition refers to the areas where the material adverse effect has occurred: the party’s business, assets, liabilities, financial condition and prospects. Let’s look at examples of each of these. The loss of a customer that represented 40% of the borrower’s earnings would have a material adverse effect on its business. An uninsured casualty loss in respect of the borrower’s primary manufacturing plant would have a material adverse effect on its assets. The entering of a judgment against the borrower for damages in an amount equal to its total annual sales would have a material adverse effect on its liabilities. A loss of sales resulting in a diminution in cash flow that impairs the borrower’s ability to pay its operating expenses would have a material adverse effect on its financial condition. Lastly, the development of proprietary technology by a competitor that allows it to produce goods at a more favorable price may have a material adverse effect on the borrower’s prospects, because it may be forced to reduce its profit margins. Inclusion of the word "prospects" as a component of the definition of material adverse effect is almost always a point of contention. The party to whom the material adverse effect standard is applicable will argue that the use of prospects gives the other party too much room to speculate about the future impact of an event. The other party will argue that its counterparty’s future condition and performance is important to it, and the party should not be required to wait until a reasonably foreseeable bad result has occurred before having any remedies. Closely related to material adverse effect is material adverse change, referred to colloquially as "MAC.

After World War II the Allies refused to recognize Karl Dönitz as the president or führer, Reichspräsident, of Germany. Instead they declared the complete legal extinction of the Third Reich, following the death of Adolf Hitler on April 30, 1945. At the Nuremberg Trials following the war, Dönitz was tried on three criminal counts: (1) conspiracy to commit crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity; (2) planning, initiating and waging wars of aggression; and (3) crimes against the laws of war. Dönitz was found not guilty on the first count of the indictment, but guilty on the rest. Many high ranking Allied officers backed him and recommended leniency. After the trial, Admiral Dönitz was imprisoned for 10 years in Spandau Prison. He was released on October 1, 1956, and retired to the small village of Aumühle. He died there of a heart attack on December 24, 1980. As the last German naval officer to hold the highest rank of Grand Admiral, he was praised and honored by many former German officers and servicemen, as well as British and other foreign naval officers, who came to his funeral in full dress uniform, to pay their final respects.

and for the first time since learning of Krissa's marriage, he began working on a lyric. It was about loss, but not private loss, not loss of a romantic love. This was public loss, the lost innocence of a country at war few believed in, the loss of Roosevelt, Churchill, and Kennedy—of a king young men could believe in. It was about hungering to live with a tradition one could value, about longing to pay heed to customs that one could respect. It was called "My Grandfather's Chocolates." In the last stanza the grandson's regret and bitterness blazed into anger, fury at the generation who squandered their traditions. And as Quinn worked and reworked those lines, he knew that he was coming as close as he could to writing about Krissa.

I am very pleased to meet you, Mister True,” said the man as he reached out to shake True’s hand. He was careful to look the angel in the eye, as he hooked his cane handle into his trousers pocket so as to free up his left hand, which he also used to shake True’s hand. “Thank you for coming over to me, sir. As you can see, I am far from agile these days.” His speech was slow, but quite deliberate and poised. “My name is Ernest Mansfield, and I came out here to tell you that I realized tonight, during your speech, that I have been a fool all of my life. I thank you for the many rebukes in your speech. You pegged me well for the fool that I am. I got caught up early in the idea that my party is better than the other, and I never stopped to realize—like you said tonight—that the party I chose is itself corrupt enough to ruin this nation on its own.” True continued to listen patiently as the man spoke, still holding True’s hand in both of his own. “I am ninety-eight years old, and I have been a sucker for this partisan trap all my life.” Those last three words got to the old man as he spoke them. He began to sob, dropping his head forward. Benjamin True put his left hand on the man’s shoulder and remained quiet, trusting that the man needed no help to express himself. “I don’t know how long I have left on this planet, but obviously, my days are short,” Ernest Mansfield continued, gaining more control over his emotions. On my way over here, I laughed at myself that it should take me ninety-eight years to learn such a simple lesson. But at least I’ve learned it now, and I can correct myself from here forward.” The angel smiled at him and said, “Yes, you can!” “Well,” continued the man, “I won’t keep you any longer, as I’m sure you have many more people to see. I came out here to pay my respects to a man who dared to tell me the truth, and I’ve done it. And so I bid you good night, sir.” “I am very glad to have met you, and I thank you for coming to find me. May your time from now on be more fruitful than you would imagine! Good night to you, as well, Ernest Mansfield.

I couldn’t miss the irony, not as a forty-two-year-old native of the segregated South, still fighting to earn respect in the color-conscious world of American business. How often had my parents and grandparents, other family members and friends, and I myself been directed to the back door of a bus, a restaurant, or a theater because we were considered second class, even after paying a first-class price for service! But that night we were treated to courtesies that even President Nixon could not enjoy: entering through the lobby, approaching the front desk, quietly registering, and being assisted to our room by the highly trained wait staff. A familiar portion of a Bible verse came to mind. The last shall be first and the first last (Matt. 20:16).

I still sometimes get comments from partners like: “Say, Berkshire is up four points—that’s great!” or “What’s happening to us, Berkshire was down three last week?” Market price is irrelevant to us in the valuation of our controlling interests. We valued B-H at 25 at yearend 1967 when the market was about 20 and 31 at yearend 1968 when the market was about 37. We would have done the same thing if the markets had been 15 and 50 respectively. (“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get).” We will prosper or suffer in controlled investments in relation to the operating performances of our businesses—we will not attempt to profit by playing various games in the securities markets. Whether

Indeed, everyone is seemingly smiling and laughing, except for the large group of gypsy boys, and other followers of Tim's, whom have been sectioned off from the others. Knowing full well the risk of publicly supporting Timothy's ministry, they have nonetheless very bravely come to offer moral support, and to pay their last respects. My eyes fill with tears at their dedication and loyalty; as humble as they are, every one of them is grander than any earthly king to me...

Alaska Airlines Reservations Phone Number+1-855-653-5007 Alaska Airlines Reservations will help you to reach your dream destination without having a huge expense. Are you looking for the best methods to guide you to make Alaska Airlines booking? If yes, then here are the easy processes that you should follow: Online Booking Method If you are the person who wants to use the online booking method of Alaska Airlines for the reservation, then here are the steps that you must follow carefully. First, you need on your device to start the process. Press the “Enter” or “Search” button. Next, you have to type your sign-in details to log in to your account successfully. After that, you need to select the “search” space and fill in your dream destination’s name. Now, a list of available Alaska Airlines flights will appear on your respective device screen. Open the list and then navigate the best Alaska Airlines flight for your destination as per your budget and need. Here, you need to start customizing your ticket like you have to enter the passenger’s name, address, contact details, etc. You can also include other additional services or facilities on your ticket, along with your seat preference. Lastly, to complete your booking procedure, you must select the payment mode and then pay for your ticket. With the help of these steps, as mentioned above, you can easily make the booking through the Alaska Airlines website.

She had to do that--she had to become a widow, for life, before she was even married. That's why I never got married. I'm thirty-eight years old. I can read and write very well--my mother made sure I was educated--and I do the bookwork for all the shops and businesses in the slum. I do the taxes for every man who pays them. I make a good living here, and I have respect. I shouldn't been married fifteen or even twenty years ago. But she was a widow, all her life, for me. And I couldn't do it. I just couldn't allow myself to get married. I kept hoping I would see him, the sailor with the best moustache. My mother had one very old, faded photograph of the two of them, looking very serious and stern. That's why I lived in this area. I always hoped I would see him. And I never married. And she died last week, Lin. My mother died last week.

Mate, I’ve only been here for a few weeks, but I don’t think anyone even knows my name. I’ve already slipped three spots down the batting order. I’ve got no idea what the lyrics to the club song are. And every time I get a hit at training, I hear the faint sound of blokes whispering that one word under their breath: “Yuck.” What am I doing wrong?’ I began, nervously. Nuggsy paused, took a long swig of his Reschs schooner, and reclined languidly into his seat. He scratched his bald head for a moment, seemingly in deep thought, before embarking on the long-winded response that would indeed shape my cricketing future. ‘Listen, bud. You’re a grade cricketer now. And it’s time you learned a little bit about what that means. This isn’t club cricket, “Shires” cricket, or that stupid school shit that you wasted your time on for all those years. This is grade cricket: the highest level of amateur cricket in the world,’ he said with pride. Just for those who don’t already know, I should quickly provide a bit of background on the grade cricket competition. Grade cricket (or ‘Premier cricket’, as it is known in some states/territories) is the level directly below the state competition.  Despite this close proximity to the professional arena, it is nonetheless an amateur competition. Sure, one or two first graders might get paid a little bit under the table, but everyone else must pay a registration fee in order to play. Normally, each club has four to five grades — first grade being the strongest; fifth grade the weakest. Those in first grade enjoy a status that the fifth graders can only dream about. Being a first grader is like being a celebrity to 50 blokes whose names you’ll never know — or never even need to know — unless you end up playing with them after a severe run of poor form (or a serious disciplinary breach). The rest of the club — seconds, thirds, and fourth grade — is basically an assortment of talented youngsters and ageing desperates. The common denominator between the young and old brigade is that they were all once told they were ‘good enough to play for Australia’. In many cases, it was the first and last compliment they ever received — and the reason why they’re still playing. In all cases, it was the worst thing that could have ever happened to them. The ultimate grade cricketer, therefore, will possess the perfect balance of good and not good enough that will haunt them for all of their playing days. All this of course, is something that can only be learned with experience. At this early stage in my grade cricket career, I considered these young players to be ‘cool’ and the older players worthy of my respect. Nuggsy tilted his head to one side as he lit up a cigarette. He took a deep drag, holding it in for what seemed like hours, before launching his head back to expel a thick plume of smoke towards the ceiling. ‘Listen, great man,’ he began. ‘Success in grade cricket has nothing to do with skill, ability, or even results. It’s all about the social ladder, bud. You’ve got the big dogs up top, the peasants down the bottom, and everyone in between is just trying to stay relevant,’ he offered. In many ways, grade cricket social hierarchy bears great similarity to the feudal systems that first appeared in the Middle Ages in Europe — something I’d learned a bit about at high school. As I remembered, kings and monarchs sat at the top, enjoying their pick of the land, women and food. They were the ones who established the rules that everyone had to live under. The barons leased their land from the king; the knights leased their land from the barons; and the knights granted the lowly peasants their land.  The peasants were not allowed to marry, nor could they even leave the manor without permission. Basically, they were the fifth graders of the 8-12th Century.

Dad, I’m sorry about the report card and all that, but I didn’t do anything bad to Mrs. Lima. She told Jackson and me to do the walk and the driveway, but then she wouldn’t pay us for the walk, even though we did a good job. So we just put the snow back. That’s all.” “According to Mrs. Lima,” Dad said, “she never told you to do the walk because she doesn’t use it. She goes through her garage. And you wouldn’t take her word for it. That’s what upset her the most, that you acted as if she meant to cheat you.” “But she did, Dad.” “Willie--” Dad hesitated. Then he shook his head and said, “I don’t know who to believe.” “Me. I’m your son, and I don’t lie. Much,” Willie amended carefully to cover any white lies he might have told. “That’s true,” Mom said. “You know that’s true, Harold.” Dad lifted his bony shoulders and let them drop. “All right. It’s possible Mrs. Lima’s getting forgetful and thinks she told you just the driveway. In any case, I want to satisfy her, especially after we kept her up last night with the dog barking. So you just return the money for the walk and say you’re sorry. Say you must have misunderstood her.” “That’s not fair,” Willie said. “Fair or not, it’s foolish to make bad feelings with a neighbor over three dollars.” “But Dad--” Willie couldn’t find the words for it, but he knew there was a flaw in his father’s reasoning. Wasn’t Dad holding out for an admission from his boss that he’d been wrong? “Here.” Dad took three dollars out of his own wallet and handed it to Willie. “Go. Just give her this money and say you didn’t mean to upset her…Put on your shoes and your jacket first.” Willie looked at Mom, who shrugged her shoulders. It wasn’t fair, Willie thought resentfully as he marched down his driveway and up Mrs. Lima’s with Dad’s three dollars pinched between his thumb and index finger. Mrs. Lima answered her door, dressed in a wool suit with a lot of gold chains. “Here’s your three dollars back,” Willie said. And he added, “I’m sorry my dog kept you awake last night.” “You can keep the three dollars,” she said stiffly. “I just wanted to teach you a little respect for your elders, Willie.” He nodded. “Okay.” He turned to leave. “Willie,” she called. “You can do my driveway and walk again next time it snows.” “No, thank you, Mrs. Lima,” he called back politely. Her eyes went wide with surprise. Then she shut her door fast. She might have won, but that didn’t mean he was ever going to let her trick him again, Willie told himself. He went back home and returned Dad’s three dollars to him. “So, you and Mrs. Lima made friends?” “No,” Willie said. “But I did what you told me.

Come to London with me,” she heard Devon say. “What?” she asked, bewildered. “Come to London with me,” he repeated. “I have to leave within a fortnight. Bring the girls and your maid. It will be good for everyone, including you. At this time of year there’s nothing to do in Hampshire, and London offers no end of amusements.” Kathleen looked at him with a frown. “You know that’s impossible.” “You mean because of mourning.” “Of course that’s what I mean.” She didn’t like the sparks of mischief that had appeared in his eyes. “I’ve already considered that,” he told her. “Not being as familiar with the rules of propriety as yourself, I undertook to consult a paragon of society about what activities might be permissible for young women in your situation.” “What paragon? What are you talking about?” Shifting her weight more comfortably in his lap, Devon reached across the table to retrieve a letter by his plate. “You’re not the only one who received correspondence today.” He extracted the letter from its envelope with a flourish. “According to a renowned expert on mourning etiquette, even though attending a play or a dance is out of the question, it’s permissible to go to a concert, museum exhibition, or private art gallery.” Devon proceeded to read aloud from the letter. “This learned lady writes, One fears that the prolonged seclusion of young persons may encourage a lasting melancholy in such malleable natures. While the girls must pay appropriate respect to the memory of the late earl, it would be both wise and kind to allow them a few innocent recreations. I would recommend the same for Lady Trenear, whose lively disposition, in my opinion, will not long tolerate a steady diet of monotony and solitude. Therefore you have my encouragement to--” “Who wrote that?” Kathleen demanded, snatching the letter from his hand. “Who could possibly presume to--” She gasped, her eyes widening as she saw the signature at the conclusion of the letter. “Dear God. You consulted Lady Berwick?

According to a renowned expert on mourning etiquette, even though attending a play or a dance is out of the question, it’s permissible to go to a concert, museum exhibition, or private art gallery.” Devon proceeded to read aloud from the letter. “This learned lady writes, One fears that the prolonged seclusion of young persons may encourage a lasting melancholy in such malleable natures. While the girls must pay appropriate respect to the memory of the late earl, it would be both wise and kind to allow them a few innocent recreations. I would recommend the same for Lady Trenear, whose lively disposition, in my opinion, will not long tolerate a steady diet of monotony and solitude. Therefore you have my encouragement to--” “Who wrote that?” Kathleen demanded, snatching the letter from his hand. “Who could possibly presume to--” She gasped, her eyes widening as she saw the signature at the conclusion of the letter. “Dear God. You consulted Lady Berwick?” Devon grinned. “I knew you would accept no one’s judgment but hers.” He bounced Kathleen a little on his knee. The slim, supple weight of her was anchored amid the rustling layers of skirts and underskirts, the pretty curves of her body corseted into a narrow column. With every movement she made, little whiffs of soap and roses floated around them. She reminded him of one of those miniature sweet-smelling bundles that women tucked into dressers and wardrobes. “Come,” he said, “London isn’t such an appalling idea, is it? You’ve never stayed at Ravenel House--and it’s in far better condition than this heap of ruins.

Many things come to make a man’s life rich with gainful experiences. Such things as the following, a man must do if he respect himself: “He must pay his debts with all the promptness within his power, not purchasing that for which he is unable to pay. “He must take care of his family that they may think and speak well of him. “He must make a will of record that, in case the gods call him, proper and honorable division of his property be accomplished. “He must have compassion upon those who are injured and smitten by misfortune and aid them within reasonable limits. He must do deeds of thoughtfulness to those dear to him. “Thus the seventh and last remedy for a lean purse is to cultivate thy own powers, to study and become wiser, to become more skillful, to so act as to respect thyself. Thereby shalt thou acquire confidence in thy self to achieve thy carefully considered desires.

Professor Slughorn met me coming down here, Hagrid.” “Not in trouble, are yeh?” said Hagrid, looking up, alarmed. “Yeh shouldn’ be outta the castle in the evenin’, I know it, it’s my fault —” “No, no, when he heard what I was doing he said he’d like to come and pay his last respects to Aragog too,” said Harry. “He’s gone to change into something more suitable, I think . . . and he said he’d bring some bottles so we can drink to Aragog’s memory. . . .” “Did he?” said Hagrid, looking both astonished and touched. “Tha’s — tha’s righ’ nice of him, that is, an

At the start of this book, we asked what the world would be like if, instead of suckling Romulus and Remus, the wolf had eaten them. What if there had been no Rome? What if there had been only Barbarians? After the disappearance of the last Roman emperor from the West, a Barbarian empire came into being that seems to answer that question. The Eastern Goths, the Ostrogoths, whose parents and grandparents had raided with Attila and his Huns, moved back to Italy in 489, and this time they stayed there. They were no longer pagans, but as self-aware Goths they avoided the Roman Catholic Church. Like the Vandals and the Visigoths, they were Arians, and under their king Theodoric they set about building a new kind of Rome. In place of the old violent, intolerant and ruthless Roman Catholic empire, there was a gentler and more inclusive Barbarian vision. Whereas Rome tried to make all its citizens ‘Romans’, and tried not to recognize nations within the Empire, Theodoric believed that it was possible to build an empire of different nationalities. He set out to establish harmony between the different kingdoms and peoples of the West, intermarrying his relatives to different royal families and guaranteeing them their own law codes. He ruled both as a Gothic king and as a patrician, paying respectful homage to Constantinople, but never calling himself emperor.

Create Lasting Impressions with Corpift Unique Gifts Ideas When it comes to corporate gifting, making the right impression is everything. Carpifts with unique gift ideas, you can only distribute more than one current—you convey the message of praise, value, and professionalism. Whether it is for your dedicated employees or respected customers, unique corporate gifts for employees and customers are prepared to influence ideas. Our series of specific company gifts is in step with each event - Festival, Milestone, Client Onboarding, or Team Identification. From costly hampers and character items to permanent products and techniques, each gift offers an ideal blend of software and beauty. Does the corpift create unique corporate gift ideas? It pays attention to expansion, quality, and adaptation. Each product is handed over to align with your brand image and values. This ensures that your recipients remember not only the gift but also the idea behind it. With corporate gifts, you are not just sending a package—you are building relationships. These gifts speak about the culture of your brand and commitment to those who matter the most for your business. Choose the unique corporate gift idea to elevate your corporate gifting strategy. It is time to convert simple gestures into unforgettable experiences and develop your business with gratitude.

A funeral is the final settlement of all your accounts, where people come to pay their last respects symbolically settling every deed of the departed. The size of the crowd at your funeral reflects the world's indebtedness to your deeds.

How to Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile That Stands Out If you want to more information just knock us – Contact US ➥24 Hours Reply/Contact ✅Telegram:@SMMTOPSHOPIT ✅WhatsApp:+1(575)248-0302 ✅Email:SMMTOPSHOPIT@Gmail.Com Maintaining Authenticity And Trust Genuine connections build long-term business success. Using purchased accounts can damage trust with clients. Authentic engagement beats shortcuts for lasting relationships. Transparency in networking shows professionalism and respect. Legal Risks And Compliance Account purchases may break laws on data use. Legal issues can harm business reputation and finances. Staying compliant with laws avoids fines and lawsuits. Consult legal advice before making decisions. Avoiding Scams And Fraudulent Sellers Buying verified LinkedIn accounts can boost your business growth fast. But scams and fraud are common in this market. Many sellers offer fake or stolen accounts. These can harm your reputation and cause legal trouble. It is important to avoid risky deals. Protect your investment by following safety tips. Stay alert and choose reliable sources only. Check Seller Reputation And Reviews Trust sellers with good feedback and clear reviews. Look for detailed comments from past buyers. Avoid sellers with many negative or no reviews. A strong reputation shows reliable service and quality accounts. Verify Account Authenticity Before Purchase Ask for proof that accounts are real and verified. Genuine sellers can show screenshots or verification badges. Confirm that accounts have active connections and complete profiles. Fake accounts often lack real activity or contacts. If you want to more information just knock us – Contact US ➥24 Hours Reply/Contact ✅Telegram:@SMMTOPSHOPIT ✅WhatsApp:+1(575)248-0302 ✅Email:SMMTOPSHOPIT@Gmail.Com Use Secure Payment Methods Pay using methods that offer buyer protection. Credit cards or trusted platforms reduce fraud risk. Avoid wire transfers or cash payments. These methods make it hard to get a refund if needed. Be Wary Of Unrealistic Offers Deals that seem too good to be true usually are. Very low prices or large account bundles raise red flags. Quality verified accounts cost money and effort. Choose offers that match market rates and quality. Communicate Clearly And Ask Questions Good sellers answer questions quickly and clearly. They provide all necessary information without delay. Avoid sellers who avoid contact or give vague answers. Clear communication builds trust and reduces risks. Legal Aspects Of Buying Linkedin Accounts Buying verified LinkedIn accounts involves legal risks. Understanding these risks is crucial for business growth. LinkedIn has strict rules about account ownership and usage. Violating these rules can lead to account suspension or legal action. Businesses must know what is allowed and what is not. Many websites sell LinkedIn accounts, but not all are legal or safe. Some accounts may be fake or stolen. Using such accounts can damage your reputation and business. It is important to check the legality before buying any LinkedIn account. Understanding Linkedin’s Terms Of Service LinkedIn’s Terms of Service prohibit buying or selling accounts. Accounts must represent real individuals. Sharing or transferring accounts breaks these rules. LinkedIn can close accounts that violate these terms. Breaking these rules can harm your business’s online presence. Risks Of Using Purchased Accounts Purchased accounts may not be secure or reliable. These accounts can be banned or removed anytime. Using banned accounts wastes time and money. Legal problems may arise if accounts are stolen or fake. Always consider these risks before buying an account. If you want to more information just knock us – Contact US ➥24 Hours Reply/Contact ✅Telegram:@SMMTOPSHOPIT ✅WhatsApp:+1(575)248-0302 ✅Email:SMMTOPSHOPIT@Gmail.Com

1 (888) 283-1335 Family trips are filled with excitement, but ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 sometimes schedules change. Work, school, or unexpected ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 commitments can force adjustments to both outbound and return dates, making flexibility a must-have for smoother travel. ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 The good news? Swapping both outbound and ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 return dates is possible and simpler than ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 most people expect. Instead of stressing, families can realign travel plans to match evolving calendars without chaos. ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 Picture this: your outbound trip collides with ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 a school performance, while the return overlaps ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 with work deadlines. Adjusting both dates ensures everyone travels stress-free while keeping commitments fully respected. ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 Families love the convenience of making one ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 coordinated update instead of juggling multiple rebookings. ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 This keeps everyone’s itinerary aligned, avoiding split departures or mismatched returns that create unnecessary confusion and stress. ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 Changing both dates is about control. Instead ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 of letting rigid schedules dictate your adventure, ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 you decide the timing. That flexibility makes family trips more enjoyable and removes the pressure of rushing. ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 Parents especially appreciate how seamless these changes ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 can be. Kids stay relaxed, routines remain ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 intact, and the group enjoys travel as an exciting break instead of another stressful responsibility. ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 Grandparents or extended family also benefit from ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 aligned adjustments. Instead of worrying about separate ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 itineraries, one update guarantees everyone departs and returns together, maximizing bonding time across generations during the journey. ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 Timing plays a huge role. The earlier ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 you request changes, the wider your ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 options for flights, seating, and pricing. Early planning ensures the family gets the best possible outcomes. ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 Another major perk? Financial efficiency. Instead of ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 paying last-minute fees, adjusting outbound and ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 return dates in advance can secure savings, while keeping the family budget balanced and stress-free throughout planning. ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 Think about the experiences you could add. ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 Maybe delaying the return means attending a ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 local festival, or swapping outbound dates gives the chance to explore new attractions stress-free together. ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 The process is simpler than most travelers ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 imagine. One coordinated adjustment takes care ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 of every ticket, avoiding individual confusion while keeping the entire family organized on the same timeline. ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 Families also love the reassurance of traveling ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 together. When both outbound and return ☎️+1 (888) 283-1335 dates match, there’s no stress about missed connections or separate arrivals—it’s one cohesive trip from start.

How to Cancel a Trip on Expedia! Trip Cancellations Expedia Trip Cancellations 1 of the most important things travelers should know is that trip cancellations on Expedia require careful attention. Whether you booked a flight, hotel, or a full vacation package, the cancellation process can differ. When exploring the cancellation rules, you must review the itinerary details provided at booking. If you find yourself unsure, it’s best to clarify policies directly. For assistance, calling [☎️+1 (866) 455-5665] helps ensure that your plans are handled properly. Not every booking follows the same rules, so travelers must always prepare ahead. Expedia provides flexible solutions but they vary by product. Each booking has unique cancellation terms that must be respected. It is vital to double-check dates, deadlines, and any fees that may apply. When timing is critical, use [☎️+1 (866) 455-5665] to confirm details. Canceling too late can result in penalties, while canceling early may allow free changes. Some providers work with Expedia directly, so requests may go through seamlessly. Other providers might have strict rules that require additional steps. This is why [☎️+1 (866) 455-5665] is valuable for clarity. Knowing your deadlines prevents unnecessary stress during travel adjustments. Before finalizing, always review your trip details and check if refundable or nonrefundable conditions apply. Being informed helps avoid last-minute surprises. For urgent matters, always keep [☎️+1 (866) 455-5665] available, since live guidance ensures smoother handling. Remember, every type of booking—flight, lodging, or bundled package—has its own process. Taking early action helps reduce risks when canceling travel plans. Steps to Cancel a Flight on Expedia 2 main methods exist when you want to cancel a flight booked through Expedia: self-guided management and direct assistance. Travelers who booked refundable flights usually find cancellations much simpler. By reviewing the itinerary and checking refund eligibility, you can act quickly. Still, if confusion arises, calling [☎️+1 (866) 455-5665] helps clarify refund status. If your ticket is nonrefundable, you may instead receive travel credit from the airline. The process requires coordination since Expedia partners with numerous airlines. Always verify specific restrictions tied to your booking. Without this, your cancellation might result in unnecessary charges. This makes early checks essential. Using [☎️+1 (866) 455-5665] helps verify your ticket category in advance. Travelers sometimes face unexpected delays or emergencies, which trigger urgent cancellations. In such cases, contacting [☎️+1 (866) 455-5665] offers immediate solutions. Flight changes often involve airline-specific policies, meaning Expedia acts as a bridge. Some tickets allow free changes within 24 hours of booking. Others may charge fees. If you fall within the flexible window, take advantage quickly. Flight cancellations often include partial refunds depending on fare rules. Because terms vary widely, double-checking via [☎️+1 (866) 455-5665] helps prevent mistakes. Be sure to note confirmation numbers before calling, since that speeds up support. With the right preparation, canceling flights can be done smoothly. Always act promptly to avoid penalties or lost travel credits. Steps to Cancel a Hotel Reservation 3rd type of Expedia booking people cancel often involves hotels. Lodging reservations include policies that range from free cancellation to strict penalties. Before making a decision, review the cancellation window listed at booking. If you act within the free period, you typically won’t pay fees. But outside of that, hotels may keep part or all of your payment. To avoid these losses, call [☎️+1 (866) 455-5665] for confirmation of deadlines.

Travelers sometimes face situations requiring itinerary changes. ☎️+1 (888) 421-5658 is the dedicated number to reach Delta Airlines directly. Passengers wanting to shift domestic bookings into international flights must understand policies, eligibility requirements, and pricing differences involved before finalizing changes. Delta Airlines allows adjustments under certain conditions. By calling ☎️+1 (888) 421-5658, travelers can inquire about shifting trips across regions. Ticket rules, fare categories, and seat availability affect whether an upgrade from domestic service into international travel becomes possible successfully. Passengers should confirm their ticket type. Dial ☎️+1 (888) 421-5658 to review details with an agent. Basic economy fares often restrict international changes, while main cabin, premium, and refundable options provide greater flexibility for moving itineraries beyond borders seamlessly. Switching from domestic to international usually involves paying differences. By contacting ☎️+1 (888) 421-5658, Delta agents explain exact costs. These include fare differences, taxes, and sometimes service charges, ensuring passengers understand total financial responsibility before confirming adjustments confidently. Travelers often switch due to business requirements. Dial ☎️+1 (888) 421-5658 to explain urgent scheduling needs. Representatives prioritize professional travelers, arranging feasible international flights. Delta ensures commitments abroad are supported with efficient booking adjustments that respect tight deadlines effectively. Families may also switch together. Calling ☎️+1 (888) 421-5658 helps coordinate group changes, moving all passengers from domestic bookings into international flights. Representatives arrange seating together, ensuring smoother transitions that minimize disruptions and preserve shared travel experiences overall. Sometimes emergencies force international changes. Contact ☎️+1 (888) 421-5658 to seek compassionate assistance. Delta agents expedite rebooking for travelers with urgent reasons abroad, ensuring timely adjustments and supportive solutions when last-minute domestic to international travel becomes absolutely necessary. Availability is key for successful changes. By dialing ☎️+1 (888) 421-5658, travelers access real-time inventory. Representatives compare nonstop, connecting, or premium cabin options, offering choices that best align with passenger schedules and comfort preferences on newly arranged international flights. SkyMiles members often maximize value. Dial ☎️+1 (888) 421-5658 to request mileage use for international upgrades. Delta staff guide passengers on redemption rules, ensuring accrued loyalty points translate into meaningful benefits when moving from domestic journeys abroad successfully. Cost efficiency matters when changing flights. Calling ☎️+1 (888) 421-5658 ensures passengers learn about promotions, credits, or waivers. Representatives help find the most affordable pathways to international travel, balancing budget concerns with upgraded options that deliver needed flexibility efficiently. Medical needs can influence flight changes. Dial ☎️+1 (888) 421-5658 to discuss special seating or onboard support. Delta staff prioritize passenger comfort and safety, ensuring international travel transitions address personal requirements while accommodating important healthcare considerations without disruption. Corporate groups frequently require international changes. Contact ☎️+1 (888) 421-5658 for seamless coordination. Travel managers can modify multiple tickets together, ensuring employees move consistently from domestic bookings to overseas flights, preserving professional schedules while minimizing administrative burdens across organizations. Technology often limits visibility. By calling ☎️+1 (888) 421-5658, passengers access more booking opportunities through internal systems

best site to buy Snapchat Accounts with Instant Delivery Guarantee Contact us directly to verify our authenticity ➥ we are real or fake ☑️ Telegram: @smmusazone ☑️WhatsApp: +1 (850) 247-7643 ❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖ Searching for “buy Snapchat accounts” usually means you want fast influence—followers, reach, credibility—without the months of work. But here’s the reality: buying accounts is risky, violates policies, and can backfire on your brand. This guide shows you exactly how to get the same results safely: build, grow, and monetize your own Snapchat presence with strategies that last. What Is a Snapchat Account? A Snapchat account unlocks: Stories that disappear, keeping content fresh. Contact us directly to verify our authenticity ➥ we are real or fake ☑️ Telegram: @smmusazone ☑️WhatsApp: +1 (850) 247-7643 ❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖ Spotlight, Snapchat’s discovery feed for viral short videos. Lenses/AR tools for playful, high-retention content. Public Profiles with analytics for creators and businesses. On-platform reputation (engagement quality, real connections, consistency) influences how often your content gets surfaced. That reputation is earned—not transferable—which is why buying an account rarely works long-term. Why People Try to Buy Snapchat Accounts Instant audience: Skip the slow ramp-up. Perceived trust: An older account “looks” credible. Pre-built network: Access to existing friends/followers. Tempting? Sure. But the downsides (policy, security, and credibility risks) usually outweigh the shortcut. The Big Problem: Buying Accounts Violates Policies Transferring, buying, or selling accounts typically breaks platform rules. Consequences can include: Permanent suspensions or lockouts Loss of content, followers, and ad access Shadow distribution (your reach sinks quietly) And because the original owner controls historic recovery methods (old emails/phone numbers), you may never truly “own” what you paid for. Security Risks You Can’t Ignore Stolen or botted accounts: Engagement is fake; reach collapses once detected. Hidden ownership hooks: Recovery email/phone can yank the account later. Malware & phishing: “Transfer packs” with files or shady links can compromise your devices. Payment fraud: Chargebacks leave you without the account or your money. Blacklist risk: Your domain/brand can get flagged across platforms. Business Risks Reputation damage: If followers learn you bought an identity, trust plummets. Lost data continuity: Inconsistent history makes analytics misleading. Contract and compliance issues: Agencies and partners often require policy-safe practices. Buying accounts is a short-term play with long-term brand cost. Ethical & Compliance Considerations Consent & privacy: Did followers consent to being “sold” to a new owner? Impersonation: Using someone else’s name or likeness is a fast path to takedowns. Creator rights: Past collaborators didn’t agree to promote a future buyer’s brand. Sustainable growth respects users and the rules. Safer Alternatives to Buying Snapchat Accounts Create and verify your own account Use your real brand details, logo, and a clean handle. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) from day one. Build from zero with a repeatable system Start with 3–5 content pillars (education, behind-the-scenes, product drops, community). Post daily Stories + 2–4 Spotlights/week. Collaborations & shoutouts (the right way) Partner with creators in your niche for takeovers and co-created Lenses. Pay creators for content—not for accounts. How to Create a Strong Snapchat Presence from Scratch Profile Setup Clean handle: Easy to spell, on-brand.

buy Snapchat Accounts: Why Buying Is Risky + Safe, Legal Alternatives (2025 Guide) ✔️24/7 Customer Support ✔️Telegram: @smmusazone ✔️WhatsApp: +1 (850) 247-7643 Searching for “buy Snapchat accounts” usually means you want fast influence—followers, reach, credibility—without the months of work. But here’s the reality: buying accounts is risky, violates policies, and can backfire on your brand. This guide shows you exactly how to get the same results safely: build, grow, and monetize your own Snapchat presence with strategies that last. ✔️24/7 Customer Support ✔️Telegram: @smmusazone ✔️WhatsApp: +1 (850) 247-7643 What Is a Snapchat Account? A Snapchat account unlocks: Stories that disappear, keeping content fresh. ✔️24/7 Customer Support ✔️Telegram: @smmusazone ✔️WhatsApp: +1 (850) 247-7643 Spotlight, Snapchat’s discovery feed for viral short videos. Lenses/AR tools for playful, high-retention content. Public Profiles with analytics for creators and businesses. On-platform reputation (engagement quality, real connections, consistency) influences how often your content gets surfaced. That reputation is earned—not transferable—which is why buying an account rarely works long-term. Why People Try to Buy Snapchat Accounts Instant audience: Skip the slow ramp-up. Perceived trust: An older account “looks” credible. Pre-built network: Access to existing friends/followers. Tempting? Sure. But the downsides (policy, security, and credibility risks) usually outweigh the shortcut. The Big Problem: Buying Accounts Violates Policies Transferring, buying, or selling accounts typically breaks platform rules. Consequences can include: Permanent suspensions or lockouts Loss of content, followers, and ad access Shadow distribution (your reach sinks quietly) And because the original owner controls historic recovery methods (old emails/phone numbers), you may never truly “own” what you paid for. Security Risks You Can’t Ignore Stolen or botted accounts: Engagement is fake; reach collapses once detected. Hidden ownership hooks: Recovery email/phone can yank the account later. Malware & phishing: “Transfer packs” with files or shady links can compromise your devices. Payment fraud: Chargebacks leave you without the account or your money. Blacklist risk: Your domain/brand can get flagged across platforms. Business Risks Reputation damage: If followers learn you bought an identity, trust plummets. Lost data continuity: Inconsistent history makes analytics misleading. Contract and compliance issues: Agencies and partners often require policy-safe practices. Buying accounts is a short-term play with long-term brand cost. Ethical & Compliance Considerations Consent & privacy: Did followers consent to being “sold” to a new owner? Impersonation: Using someone else’s name or likeness is a fast path to takedowns. Creator rights: Past collaborators didn’t agree to promote a future buyer’s brand. Sustainable growth respects users and the rules. Safer Alternatives to Buying Snapchat Accounts Create and verify your own account Use your real brand details, logo, and a clean handle. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) from day one. Build from zero with a repeatable system Start with 3–5 content pillars (education, behind-the-scenes, product drops, community). Post daily Stories + 2–4 Spotlights/week. Collaborations & shoutouts (the right way) Partner with creators in your niche for takeovers and co-created Lenses. Pay creators for content—not for accounts. How to Create a Strong Snapchat Presence from Scratch Profile Setup Clean handle: Easy to spell, on-brand. Profile image: High-contrast logo or face shot. Bio: One-liner value prop + CTA (e.g., “Daily skincare tips. Save 20% at …”). Public Profile for Creators/Businesses Unlocks highlights, insights, and contact buttons.

Top 8 Reasons buy Verified Snapchat is Key for Digital Marketing ☑️24/7 Customer Support ☑️ ✮✮✮✮✮☑️Telegram: @smmusazone ☑️✮✮✮✮✮☑️WhatsApp: +1 (850) 247-7643 Searching for “buy Snapchat accounts” usually means you want fast influence—followers, reach, credibility—without the months of work. But here’s the reality: buying accounts is risky, violates policies, and can backfire on your brand. This guide shows you exactly how to get the same results safely: build, grow, and monetize your own Snapchat presence with strategies that last. ☑️24/7 Customer Support ☑️ ✮✮✮✮✮☑️Telegram: @smmusazone ☑️✮✮✮✮✮☑️WhatsApp: +1 (850) 247-7643 What Is a Snapchat Account? A Snapchat account unlocks: Stories that disappear, keeping content fresh. Spotlight, Snapchat’s discovery feed for viral short videos. Lenses/AR tools for playful, high-retention content. Public Profiles with analytics for creators and businesses. On-platform reputation (engagement quality, real connections, consistency) influences how often your content gets surfaced. That reputation is earned—not transferable—which is why buying an account rarely works long-term. Why People Try to Buy Snapchat Accounts Instant audience: Skip the slow ramp-up. Perceived trust: An older account “looks” credible. Pre-built network: Access to existing friends/followers. Tempting? Sure. But the downsides (policy, security, and credibility risks) usually outweigh the shortcut. The Big Problem: Buying Accounts Violates Policies Transferring, buying, or selling accounts typically breaks platform rules. Consequences can include: Permanent suspensions or lockouts Loss of content, followers, and ad access Shadow distribution (your reach sinks quietly) And because the original owner controls historic recovery methods (old emails/phone numbers), you may never truly “own” what you paid for. Security Risks You Can’t Ignore Stolen or botted accounts: Engagement is fake; reach collapses once detected. Hidden ownership hooks: Recovery email/phone can yank the account later. Malware & phishing: “Transfer packs” with files or shady links can compromise your devices. Payment fraud: Chargebacks leave you without the account or your money. Blacklist risk: Your domain/brand can get flagged across platforms. Business Risks Reputation damage: If followers learn you bought an identity, trust plummets. Lost data continuity: Inconsistent history makes analytics misleading. Contract and compliance issues: Agencies and partners often require policy-safe practices. Buying accounts is a short-term play with long-term brand cost. Ethical & Compliance Considerations Consent & privacy: Did followers consent to being “sold” to a new owner? Impersonation: Using someone else’s name or likeness is a fast path to takedowns. Creator rights: Past collaborators didn’t agree to promote a future buyer’s brand. Sustainable growth respects users and the rules. Safer Alternatives to Buying Snapchat Accounts Create and verify your own account Use your real brand details, logo, and a clean handle. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) from day one. Build from zero with a repeatable system Start with 3–5 content pillars (education, behind-the-scenes, product drops, community). Post daily Stories + 2–4 Spotlights/week. Collaborations & shoutouts (the right way) Partner with creators in your niche for takeovers and co-created Lenses. Pay creators for content—not for accounts. How to Create a Strong Snapchat Presence from Scratch Profile Setup Clean handle: Easy to spell, on-brand.

– Call Now! Need to cancel your British Airways trip? You’re in the right spot. Just grab your phone and dial ☎️+1(888) 429 1540 right now — it’s fast, simple, and works 24/7. ☎️+1(888) 429 1540 connects you straight to a real person who can help you cancel without waiting days. ☎️+1(888) 429 1540 is the only number you need when you’re ready to change plans. No bots, no loops, no stress. Whether you missed your flight, got a better deal, or just changed your mind, this line gets it done. Quick calls, clear answers, zero hassle. You’ve got options — and this number unlocks them all. Can I cancel my British Airways ticket over the phone easily? Absolutely yes — calling ☎️+1(888) 429 1540 is the fastest way to cancel your ticket. When you dial, you’ll be connected to someone who knows exactly what to do. They’ll ask for your booking reference, name, and maybe your email. That’s it. No forms, no logging into apps, no confusing menus. They’ll walk you through your cancellation step by step, tell you if you’re eligible for a refund, and confirm everything in writing. If you booked through a third party, they’ll still help you figure out next steps. Most cancellations are processed within minutes, and you’ll get an email confirmation right away. Even if it’s late at night or early morning, ☎️+1(888) 429 1540 is always open. You don’t need to wait until Monday. No stress, no guessing. Just call, talk, and get it done. Your time matters, and this line respects that. You’re not stuck in a system — you’re talking to a human who wants to help. And if you’re unsure about fees or travel credits, they’ll explain it all clearly, no jargon, no tricks. Just honest info so you know exactly where you stand. What happens after I cancel my British Airways flight? After you hang up from ☎️+1(888) 429 1540, you’ll get an email with your cancellation details — usually within 15 minutes. It’ll show your original booking, the date you canceled, and what refund or credit you’re getting. If you’re due money back, it’ll take 5–10 business days to hit your account, depending on how you paid. If you got a travel voucher instead, that’ll show up in your British Airways account online. Either way, you’ll get a reminder email so nothing slips through the cracks. You won’t get charged again for that flight, and your seat will be released so someone else can book it. No hidden fees, no surprise charges. You can even check your refund status by calling ☎️+1(888) 429 1540 again — they’ll look it up in seconds. Some people worry their voucher might expire, but they’ll tell you exactly how long you have. And if you change your mind later, they’ll help you rebook using that credit. Everything stays organized, clear, and easy to follow. You’re not left hanging — you’re kept in the loop. Can I cancel a non-refundable British Airways ticket? Yes, you can cancel even if your ticket says “non-refundable.” Calling ☎️+1(888) 429 1540 opens the door to options you didn’t know existed. While you won’t get cash back, you’ll almost always get a travel credit you can use later — sometimes for flights, upgrades, baggage, or even hotel deals. The agent will explain how much value remains, how long it lasts, and how to use it. Many people think “non-refundable” means “no way,” but that’s not true. With a quick call to ☎️+1(888) 429 1540, you turn a lost ticket into future travel magic. You might even get bonus points or perks added to your credit as a goodwill gesture. The key is acting fast — the sooner you call, the more value you keep. Don’t assume you’re stuck. Talk to someone real, and they’ll find a way to make things work for you. Do I pay a fee to cancel British Airways flights? Sometimes there’s a small fee, but not always. When you call ☎️+1(888) 429 1540, they’ll break down exactly what’s being charged — and why. If you canceled within 24 hours of booking, you’re likely free and clear. If it’s closer to dep

Sexy Call Girls in Islamabad | 03072499909 | call girls Islamabad For booking and appointment with call girls in Islamabad contact on our numbers: Contact us >> 03072499909 Contact us >> 03271642898 Contact us >> 03007111525 To find the appropriate partner, you need to pay attention to privacy, trust, and honesty. Here are some common ways to get in touch with independent call girls: 1. Networks on WhatsApp or Telegram Most Rods and independent call girls choose private messaging apps where they can safely communicate images, their availability, and service data. 2. Websites or portfolios that are only for you Many have private websites or online postings that include real images, service alternatives, prices, and how to get in touch with them. These profiles let clients learn about personalities and likes and dislikes before getting in touch. 3. Private Social Media Circles Some independent call girls have low-key Instagram, Snapchat, or Twitter accounts where they talk to trusted fans or referrals in private. Always check to be certain it's real before moving. Certain ones are independent contractors; certain ones embrace openness and will talk to you clearly without any pressure or unethical behavior. Meeting Places Independent females in Islamabad often meet clients at safe, high-end places like Serena, Marriott, Centaurus, and Ramada are all 5-star hotels. F-6, F-7, E-11, and Bahria Enclave are private luxury residences. Beyondddd the city are only available for reliable clients who The client's home will be used only if both parties agree that it is safe. Trips beyond the city are only available for reliable clients who provide us with advance notice. Is an Ideal Client? Independent call girls in Islamabad are professionals; thus, they expect their clients to act like professionals as well. Some basic rules of manners are Be honest and polite when you talk to people. Don't ever push, pressure, or talk down to someone. Be on time and keep up your hygiene. Don't take pictures or or videos; respect privacy. Pay the agreed-upon costs on time without haggling. Trust comes with respeMany independent girls have long-lasting connections with clients who act like adults and are classy. The Human with: Their Story Is Important Too. low price call girls in Islamabad || #Islamabad call girls || #Islamabad call girls contact no || #call girls in Islamabad || #call girls Islamabad || #Islamabad call girls call girls || #call girls Islamabad number || #Islamabad call girls service || #Islamabad call girls numbers || #cheap Islamabad call girls || #Islamabad call girls number || #Islamabad call girls number || #Islamabad cheap call girls service || #call girls numbers || #Islamabad call girls mobile number || #Islamabad call girls contact number || #call girls service in Islamabad || #Islamabad call girls no || #call girls number Islamabad || #call girls girls in Islamabad || #Islamabad cheap call girls || #cheap call girls service in Islamabad || #call girls service in Islamabad || #call girls service Islamabad || #Call girls Number || #Sex girls Number || #call girls Islamabad || #Islamabad call girls service || #Call girls Contact Number |||| #cheap call girls in Islamabad || #Call girls || #call girls Islamabad || #Sex girls Phone Number || #call girls at Islamabad || #Sex girls Contact Number || #Sex girls No || #Call girls || #Sex girls Mobile Number || call girls number || Call girls WhatsApp Number || #girls Number for Friendship || #cheap call girls Islamabad || #Call girls Number || #Independent Call girls Number || #Hot Call girls || #Islamabad Call girls Phone Number || #Sex girls Call || #Call girls Service Islamabad || #Islamabad Call girls Agency || #Islamabad Call girls Phone Number || #Cheap Islamabad Call girls || #Call girls Near Me || #Call girls Near Me call girls in Islamabad

Vip Call Girls in Islamabad | 03072499909 | call girls Islamabad For booking and appointment with call girls in Islamabad contact on our numbers: Contact us >> 03072499909 Contact us >> 03271642898 Contact us >> 03007111525 The Marriott, Serena, and Ramada were all hotels in the Blue Area. You can choose between Residencia Centaurus and high-end serviced apartments. These sites offer safety and privacy,wellsy access to high-end and security services. How to Book: A Guide to Hiring Call Girls in Islamabad If you use trusted platforms or providers that have been checked out, booking a call girl in Islamabad is easy, safe, and quick. e usual way to make a reservation is as follows: You can look at profiles online by going to websites, social media pages, or escort directories that have verified profiles with pictures, a biography, and a list of the services they offer. Most independent call girls and agencies choose to talk on safe platforms like WhatsApp or secure messaging apps to keep their identities and conversations private. Set the Terms and Confirm the Reservations: Agree on the event's location, price, and length. me service providers may ask for a token or confirmation of identity when you book for the first time. Have a Confident Meeting: Enjoy the meeting while being completely professional, respectful, and private. What are the unspoken rules about safety, consent, and manners? Respect, maturity, and communication are all important parts of making sure that all sides have a good time. re are some crucial tips: Don't be rude or confrontational when you are bargaining. Respect other people's time and space. Always remember to keep up your hygiene. Observe the guidelines discussed beforehand. Don't get drunk or do anything illegal while you're at the conference. By following these rules, clients can build long-lasting, trustworthy relationships with high-quality call girlss. A Look at the Kind Side of Call Girls in Islamabad There are real women with real stories behind the services and the glitz that are being offered. me people work to support their families, some are students who are paying for their education, and many people labor to gain independence and authority at the same time. ese women value honesty, trustworthiness, and professionalism above all else. Not only can they make you happy, but they can also give you emotional support, connect with other people, and be a loyal friend who often goes above and beyondd when they are treated with respect and dignity. There are some wrong ideas regarding call girls in Islamabad. There are a lot of wrong ideas about call girls that need to be cleared up, such as the following: Myth: They can't read or write, or they're in a poor place. In actuality, a lot of them are emotionally mature, speak more than one language, and are well-educated. It's not all about having sex. The truth is that many customers want more than simply physical closeness; they want to connect with others emotionally, talk, and be around other people. Myth: It is illegal and dangerous at the same time. The truth is that grownups can safely and privately be friends with each other without anyone knowing. This is something that happens a lot in elite circles. Finally, I want to explain that call girls in Islamabad live in a private world full of beauty and connection. low price call girls in Islamabad || #Islamabad call girls || #Islamabad call girls contact no || #call girls in Islamabad || #call girls Islamabad || #Islamabad call girls call girls || #call girls Islamabad number || #Islamabad call girls service || #Islamabad call girls numbers || #cheap Islamabad call girls || #Islamabad call girls number || #Islamabad call girls number || #Islamabad cheap call girls service || #call girls numbers || #Islamabad call girls mobile number