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yeaahishowedupatyourparty · 4 years ago

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Zara’s Truth Booth.♥️ You can read this as OOC or an IC interview, I really don’t mind!

GENERAL QUESTIONS 1. Please state your full name: “Zara Belle Calloway.” 2. Does your name(s) have any kind of meaning? If so, what is it?: “I’ve literally never asked and I doubt there’s much thought behind it. By the fourth child, you probably just pick a page in the baby name book and go with it.”  3. Do you have any nicknames?: “No - I refuse to accept Zar or Z.”  4. Where were you born? And in which country?: “I was born in South Kensington, London…England.” 5. What is your date of birth?: “13th of December 2001.”  6. Of course, the following question; what is your Zodiac sign? “Sagittarius.”  7. Do you believe in Zodiac signs? “I think so? I relate more to my moon sigh, though - a Cancer.” 8. Where do you live? “Lilac Heights…Violet Springs. In the most beautiful house. I love it.” 9. What is your home situation like? (ex. do you live with your family? Your partner etc.?) “I live in my own house, most of the time. Sometimes with Danny, sometimes without - hopefully more with in the future. I do go back to the hotel sometimes too, in London. Not as much.”  10. Do you have any siblings? “Three older sisters…Yeah.”  11. Do you have any kind of allergies? “Fish, which is just as well. I don’t like it.”  12. Do you own any pets? If so, what kind of pets are they? “I have two dogs; Pumpkin and Tank.” 13. Why did you apply to St Jude’s? “To build up my career, I guess.” 14. Did you had to go through a lot audition rounds? “Not really. I already had three sisters here and also a lot of work I’d done myself by the time I got to eighteen. I did one round of auditions which I’m proud of.”  15. What is the current course you’re following? “Acting and Directing.”  16. If you can switch courses, which one would you switch to and why? “I wouldn’t, I’m fully dedicated to this career I have now.”  17. What is your proudest project you’ve done? “Euphoria, easily. I wrote it, I directed every episode, I casted it, I bought it all to life and helped develop the characters. It will always be my baby and I’m so happy with how it was received.”  18. What is the proudest project that someone’s else has done? “Singular Act I. That’s my baby…Or Little Women, that’s my other baby.” 19. Do you like FanCons? “I love FanCons.” 20. What do you like about FanCons? “Meeting the fans! It never gets old and they’re always so enthusiastic and kind. It reminds me how lucky I am, for sure. There’re some I know by name now and I’m more excited to see them than them me.”  21. What don’t you like about FanCons? “The competition? Does that make sense. It shouldn’t matter who loves who more…I feel like on the fans part it can get quite aggressive when really they’re all there for the same reason.”  22. A fan memory that always stuck with you? Can be positive or negative. “I feel like I’ve been put on the spot! I don’t know…”  23. Your favorite event so far? “I loved the Summer FanCon Tour. That was so amazing.”  24. What kind of event would you like to see in the future? “More events where we get to be silly - fundraisers and challenges. Sometimes it gets too competitive or serious with the award based ones, or talent based ones.”  25. Would you recommend St Jude’s to friends, family. etc? “For sure.” PERSONALITY QUESTIONS 26. What are your positive traits? “I hate this question, don’t make me answer that.” 27. What are you negative traits? “I’m probably a little too hot-headed and emotional.” 28. What would other people describe you as? “…I don’t know.” 29. What are your pet peeves? “Being spoken to like an idiot, or like I don’t understand things. I’m not silly or incapable at all.”  30. What makes you happy? “My friends.” 31. What makes you upset? “Oh, anything! But mainly seeing people down on themselves.” 32. What is something you love? “When somebody is so comfortable with you, that they open up and talk about all of their passions. I love when people are talking about what they love in general.” 33. What is something you dislike? “People who behave like they’ve never made a mistake and don’t let others move on from theirs.” 34. What are you strengths? “Again, I hate answering questions like this…Maybe that I’m good at - eventually - admitting when I’m wrong? Or, a good listener?”  35. What are you weaknesses? “Anything with chocolate on or in it. I’m a simple person.” 36. A misconception people often think of you? “I know a lot of people think that I’m maybe like, how do I put it nicely? A home-wrecker…or, promiscuous, I guess? I’m not. I’ve had maybe 3 boyfriends in my whole life and I’m 20.”  37. Do you have any fears? “I’m really scared of being alone - like literally and on a deeper level.” 38. What scares you the most? “Deep open water. Yikes.”  39. What do you do to entertain yourself? “I don’t - I seek out the closest person to annoy until they entertain me.” 40. What is your MBTI? “I’m an INFJ. Most people are shocked at the I part.”  41. How do you deal with stress? “Cry. Or eat. Or both.”  42. Are you a determined person? Are you a stubborn person? “To an extent, I’d say so.” 43. Do you consider yourself selfish? “No…” 44. Would you like to be different? “I guess so…Sometimes I wish I was more likeable because I get the sense people aren’t that fond of me.”  45. Are you more introverted (focused on your inner world) or more extraverted (focused on other people and the outer world)? “Introverted.” ROMANCE QUESTIONS 46. What is your sexual orientation? “I’m bisexual.” 47. Current relationship status? “Taken…Happily.” 48. When was your first kiss? “It was for a random television series and I was like 14. My first real kiss though was only a year and a bit ago.” 49. Do you remember your first date? If so, with who was it? What did you do? “I don’t remember it. Oops.”  50. Have you ever experienced heart-break? “Yes. Not necessarily through a break-up.”  51. Have you ever been in love? (If yes, skip to question 53) “Yes.”  52. If no, how so?  53. How do you know when you’re in love? “For me, everything becomes about that person. Even songs that I listened to long before I knew someone, or films I watched way before I knew they existed, I manage to tie everything back to one specific person. And, I’m definitely not a subtle person either - I think if I’m in love with someone, they’ll know before I do if they’re observant.” 54. What would be your ideal date? “I always feel like it’s more a question of who; I’d rather do something really simple like staying at home, cooking and watching a movie with someone I’m really comfortable with and like…Instead of going somewhere really extravagant with somebody I know who’ll make me uncomfortable.”  55. What is your perspective on marriage? “It’s not the ultimate declaration of love. There are plenty of married people who aren’t in love anymore…And if you look into the roots of it, it’s kind of…messed up? I don’t know. It’s nice but not necessary.”  56. (only for non-virgins) Are you a sub, dom or switch? “…I feel like I can switch it up. It depends on whatever the person I’m with prefers?” 57. What do you think of relationships? “I’m conflicted because there is so much more to life, but I’m not anti-relationship, obviously. I feel like they’d be better and more enjoyable if there wasn’t such a pressure on people to have been in a relationship before a certain age. If you’ve not found the one at 55, why is that so bad?”  58. What do you think of one-night stands? “I’ve had them. They’re not for everyone, though.” 59. Are you still a virgin? “No.”  60. Most attractive trait in a different person? “Patience. Especially if I’m talking about specifically attractive to me - I tend to jump to conclusions and get sad or mad or annoyed really quickly. So, people who bear with me, that’s attractive.” 61. What matters most to you when it comes to a relationship? “Genuine chemistry. As soon as that goes, nothing else really matters. Like, if there’s no chemistry for one person but loyalty is there - it almost feels like a job.”  62. Are you comfortable with PDA? Or would you be comfortable with PDA? “Yeah.”  63. Are you more of a type to be asked out or the type to ask the other out? “A bit of both. I think I’m probably bold enough to ask people out but it is nice to be asked.” 64. How do you express love to the other? “Pay attention to what they say, make sure they’re happy, tell them everything…Kiss them, cling on to them…Become painfully annoying until they can’t stand it. It’s a cycle.”  65. Who is your celebrity crush? “Danny. My boyfriend. I don’t even care that it’s the cliche answer, haha.” GETTING DEEP QUESTIONS 66. Do you regret anything? “…Yes.” 67. Is there something you woule like to re-do? So, start all over again? “Yes.” 68. What is something you would never share with anyone? “For sure…I’m uncomfortable!”  69. When was the last time you cried? Why did you cry? “…I’m trying to think, maybe a week ago or so? I just felt down and missed somebody.” 70. Most memorable event that happened in your time in St Judes? This could be anything: “That’s really tricky! I’m not sure, to be honest. I wasn’t here when all of the crazy stuff went down, like the cruise ship? I’m really unsure.” 71. One thing you wish you could do all over? “My childhood…but with my 20 year old mind.” 72. Someone you miss? “I’d rather not.”  73. Something you wish you could forget? “I don’t like these questions.”  74. Who has the biggest impact on you? “Probably my family - not necessarily in a good way.” 75. What is your perspective on love? Is it beautiful? Does it scare you? “It’s beautiful and being loved is the best feeling in the world, I’d be lying if I said I don’t crave it.”  76. What has hurt you in the past that you don’t want others to go through? “Losing somebody that is like, your other half. Or actually, losing somebody you really love without much explanation at all. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.” 77. What is something you have gained, something you have lost and something you let go of during the past year? “I’ve gained…more self-esteem, I’ve lost a lot of time I’m not going to get back - I think and I’ve let go of some trust issues, I think.” 78. Have you ever lost a friend? do you wish you would still be friends? “I have. I lost a friend because she dated my ex after claiming they were just friends - I don’t because it hurt and all she had to do was be honest.” 79. Do you have any triggers? What is the history behind these triggers and are they related to any disorders or mental illnesses? “I don’t think that’s appropriate.”  80. If you could meet your 16 year old self, what would tell them? “That things do pass..They don’t necessarily get better or easier, but they pass and you learn to deal with things in a more productive way. I’d also hug her - tight.” RANDOM QUESTION ROUND 81. Summer or Winter? “Summer’s weather but winter’s overall vibe and celebrations.” 82. Cats or dogs? “Dogs, sorry.”  83. Beach or mountains? “The beach.”  84. Phone calls or texting? “Facetime. I’m that friend.”  85. Have you ever skipped class? “Yes.”

#stjudestruthbooth #itszara

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epochxp · 4 years ago

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Whatever Happened to 20mm World War II Miniatures?

Yeah, I can’t say it’s been a question on everyone’s mind, but it has been on my mind and the minds of many like-minded aficionados. Many have proclaimed that 20mm is a dead scale for World War II. I can honestly say it’s the furthest thing from the truth. There are quite a few established manufacturers, as well as some new quality manufacturers out there. I would even argue that the scale is on a cusp of a renaissance., both in plastic and metal. This is going to be the first article in a series about 20mm and World War II, starting with a look at what I consider some of the best lead 20mm World War II manufacturers out there and where I’d go to get started in the scale.

Part 2 will be about the plastic side of the hobby, and Part 3 will be a discussion of various rules sets.

Why 20mm?

20mm has had many advantages traditionally for miniatures gaming. The availability of soft and hard plastic figures has always been good, and for a box of $10, you can put together the beginnings of an army in many rules sets. When I was a kid, I used to call it “platoon in a box.” Most lead manufacturers back in the 70s and 80s used to have their 20mm lines supplement these plastic figure lines. But that’s not the case anymore. Now, there are many fine lead 20mm lines that stand on their own that we’ll be discussing here today. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s meant to show that 20mm as a scale for World War II is far from dead.

So, what is 20mm?

20mm, as wargamers call it, is a nebulous scale. We’re using it to refer to the height of a miniature, from the sole of a figure’s foot to the level of his eyes. To be honest, most “20mm” figures range on a scale between 18mm and 23mm. Let’s be honest, most scales have that sort of range, and sometimes, some manufacturers don’t play well with other manufacturers. It’s just a question of getting to know what you’re looking for.

As for vehicles, the scale corresponds with 1/72 to 1/76 scale, with many gamers preferring 1/76, but I personally like 1/72. I just like the larger vehicles, and it’s easier to find vehicle kits in 1/72 these days. That not to say you can’t mix the scales on the table-top, but I wouldn’t do it too often. The differences in scales can be a bit jarring, to say the least.

Here’s a comparison side-by-side of some of the more popular figure lines out there:

A Whistle-Stop Tour Through the Land of 20mm!

A.B. Miniatures – Their offerings in 20mm are basically the gold standard of 20mm World War II right now. The sculpts are excellent! (I can personally attest to their British as those figures are excellent in their quality and proportions). The packs are well-designed, and one pack usually gets you what you need for a given squad or heavy weapons crew. The packs are designed to mostly cover the mid-to-late war period, with Americans, Brits, Germans, Soviets, with some extra tank crews for the Italians and the French and some Polish paras for Arnhem. I will say the German Fallschirmjager works well for the Low Countries, Norway, and Crete, so long as you remember which kit you’re buying (no Stg-44s or Pak-40s). Their website is easy to navigate, and for American customers, you can purchase them through Eureka USA. One plea from this American customer, can you please do late war Americans in M43 uniforms?

Wargames Foundry – This is a reissue of a miniatures line from the 1980s. There are things to like about the line, and there are things I don’t like about the line. I have some of the figures from some secondhand purchases at conventions, but not a full set of anything. The sculpting quality, like all Foundry products, is excellent but not quite as good as AB in 20mm. I don’t like that in many sets, you mostly get the same poses. I wish there were more dynamism in the sets. That said, you have German DAK, Fallschirmjager, Panzergrenadiers, winter dress, late war Germans with the anklet boots, tank crews, as well as early war Germans. You also have Italians in European and African uniforms and Askari colonial troops. You also have Nationalist Chinese (one of the few 20mm manufacturers to have them), as well as 1939 Poles, 1940 French, including Colonial infantry, and Foreign Legionnaires for Bir Hakim and Resistance types to fight the Boche at home! There are also Australians, Finns, Indians in turbans (all suitable for North Africa) as well as the SAS and Americans in summer and winter dress. It’s a fairly complete range, but the poses are an issue for me. Prices are a bit high with shipping on this side of the pond, and I am not familiar with any American distributor of the line currently.

Britannia Miniatures – Currently being sold by Grubby Tanks, I own a lot of these. The depth and breadth of the line is extensive! Want SS Cavalry on Horseback? They have them. Want late war Japanese? They have them. There’s very little they don’t have. Much of my Soviet army are Britannia and I rather like them and their manner of sculpting makes them easy to paint. Some aren’t nuts about it, as the figures tend to be on the larger side than other 20mm, but I find they mix well with most lines if you’re careful. Again, I am not aware of any current U.S. distributors for the range, but the prices are reasonable, but postage these days is going to take a bite.

Simon’s Soldiers – Simon Ford has been in the miniatures industry for a long time. He has retained the services of Andrew Stevens who has sculpted for Drews Militia, Battlefield, Wartime, and now Simon’s Soldiers. I’ve always liked Andrew’s sculpting style, especially for the Germans (of which I have legions of). All of the figures are full of character and give you that “I’m a tired guy on the frontline” look and I can recommend his Volkssturm line and the Panzer Lehr. The late war Americans are also particularly good figures. There’s really nothing bad I can say about them. My only regret is there’s no U.S. distributor, as while the Australian Dollar is lower than the U.S. Dollar, you’re gonna get nuked on postage these days. But, if you make a big order, you can probably order enough to make the postage not hurt as much! And you have to love Simon’s customer service. Who can’t like a guy who reminds you on Facebook you haven’t purchased any figures lately? Pay Simon a visit, and tell them Jason sent you. Simon and I are friends, and I can honestly recommend his product. Andrew also works for Playa Manor, a new Spanish company focusing on Battle of the Bulge, and the figures are gorgeous!

Ehliem Miniatures - I really like their sculpts, and Matt Hingley (See our previous interview here) does a fine job of customer service and providing miniatures nobody else does in 20mm for World War II. I mean, he has early, mid, and late-war Waffen-SS (FAA does Early War S.S., but their sculpts are a bit…eh compared to Ehliem). One of my favorites—and I might be a bit biased as I commissioned them—were the Soviet Navy sailors he produced. They’re the only ones with helmets in 20mm. Everyone else does them in the full uniforms, rather than the mixed uniforms of Army and Navy gear they wore as the war ground on. Again, postage is a bear from the U.K., but Matt will work with you! Again, tell him Jason sent you.

This article barely scratches the surface of what’s out there, as you have Xan and Adler, whom I haven’t tried, but hear good things about, and the multitude of fast build plastic kits out there, which we’ll discuss in a subsequent article. But 20mm World War II is a plethora of options. If you want to wargame World War II in 20mm, a grand adventure awaits. One more piece of advice. I’d pay the Frontline Wargaming – WW2 Facebook group a visit. The group is a great place for the novice 20mm gamer to visit, and you’ll get tons of help and advice there.

At Epoch Xperience, we specialize in creating compelling narratives and provide research to give your game the kind of details that engage your players and create a resonant world they want to spend time in. If you are interested in learning more about our gaming research services, you can browse Epoch Xperience’s service on our parent site, SJR Research.

-- (This article is credited to Jason Weiser. Jason is a long-time wargamer with published works in the Journal of the Society of Twentieth Century Wargamers; Miniature Wargames Magazine; and Wargames, Strategy, and Soldier.)

#Wargame Miscellaneous #wargaming #history

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heliantyr · 6 years ago

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ALRIGHT!

Time for questions! I’m going to put 1-9 here plain and simple, and then the rest will be under the break just so that you don’t have to scroll to oblivion if you don’t want to see this! Let’s go!

1: Name

My name is Jude, or Coreta if you wanna use my pen name! A few of you might also know me as Virchude since that’s my main blog!

2: Age

I won’t tell you plainly, but I am still in high school.

3: City that you live in

I’m just gonna tell you which state! I live in the lower peninsula of Michigan!

4: What do most people not know about you?

I’m almost certain that none of you know this, but I am the youngest of my dad’s (kinda) six kids.

5: What do most people know you for?

If we’re talking just here, I hope to all get out it’s my headcanons, but in real life it’s the fact that I get offended rather easily...

6: Hobbies!

I do a lot of pointless writing (meaning I never finish anything)... I also draw a lot of random junk, I rad a shit ton of fanfiction, I sing/write songs a lot... uuhh and do nothing.

7: What are your passions?

I have a very large passion for helping those around me who have suffered like I have mentally and emotionally. I also really like debating (more like arguing) with people about politics!

8: When was the last time you had a significant conversation with someone you love?

Just yesterday my mom, older sister, and I ended up accidentally sitting down in the living room and ranting about how shitty out lives are... so.......... yeah

9: have you collected anything? What is it?

I have a small hat collection (that I hardly ever wear), and I’m beginning a plant collection! There is also a ever fluctuating collection of cups and bottles in my room T-T

10: List ten things off your bucket list (I may not remember half of these TvT)

*Take a trip back to Colorado with my friends

*Start a business

*Travel to at least 8 countries

*Go to Andorra

*Be known for some great feat

*Have one of my works (whether art or writing, etc) become famous or greatly known

*Meet one of my favorite actors/band members (doesn’t matter who)

*Learn to swim...............

*Make drastic strides towards saving the planet

*Meet more people from my dad’s side of the family

11: What was the last thing you learned?

Seeing as I got out of world history an hour and a half ago, we learned about the Cold War and how the USSR fell apart because of silly putty

12: How many relationships have you been in?

Counting the ones that didn’t mean shit, 4. Only counting the ones that actually meant something, 2.

13 + 14 I am not answering.

15: Favorite food

Menudo. Fuckin love it

16: Favorite drink

hm... either tea or ginger ale, but out of a shot glass TvT A TWO LETER OUT OF A SHOT GLASS

17: What is the best birthday gift you have ever received?

I went to NYC over my birthday weekend this year with my school’s choir, and our tour leader on my bus got me a pastry in Little Italy! It meant so much because I didn’t even know her!

18: Are you optimistic or pessimistic?

I’m usually pessimistic unless my friends are also being pessimistic, cuz then I’m frigin sunshine and rainbows!

19: Do you sleep during class?

Not very often, and only if what I’m doing isn’t actually important.

20: What is the most expensive thing you own?

If not my actual bed, my laptop, which is $200.

21: What is the cheapest yet most useful thing you own?

..... I... Don’t know... uh I got a huge fukin thing of cocoa butter lotion at the dollar tree... and it’s kind of multi use?!?

22: How many time a day on average to you check your phone?

.........don’t look at me like that.

23: Text or call?

Text. I wanna call people, but what if they don’t pick up? Or it’s really awkward? or I can’t hear them? or vise versa? or-

24: Opinion on long distance?

Sounds like torture. I honestly couldn’t do it.

25: What is your definition of success?

Feeling satisfied or content with what you’ve done.

26: Favorite song?

um. At the moment, Killer Queen by Queen.

27: Favorite artist?

Music wise, Patrick Stump. Art wise, Van Gogh.

28: Celebrity crush/crushes?

That’s a long list. But my main two recently have been Sebastian Stan and Tom Holland...

29: When was the last time you read for fun?

Aside from fanfiction? Last Wednesday night I stayed up reading Shakespeare’s sonnets to myself...

30: Favorite flower?

chrysanthemums!

31: What is the best gift you could receive right now?

A confidence boost that lasted at least the rest of high school...

32: Any guilty pleasures?

Day dreaming about random shit.... random weird shit about people I know...

33: What is one thing you’d like to change about yourself?

Hm... I think I’d change my mental health. I just wanna be perfectly okay for once.

34: What do you search for in a friend?

being able to understand me, relate to me, and be weird with me. Also mutual interests. And reasonable barriers.

35: How many times have I said “I love you” in the past month?

You expect me you count???? A shit ton! Do you know how many times a day I have a family member leave the goddamn house????

36: Where dd you last go other than your room/home?

School.

37: Why do good things happen to good people?

Because that’s not how life works. Our society constantly has people suffering, no matter who they are or what they’ve done.

38: In your opinion, what hurts more? Being left out, or being stabbed in the eye?

Seeing as I’m just about used to the pain of being left out, I’d say being stabbed in the eye. I am such a wuss T-T

39: How many green shirts do you own?

1. It’s a St. Patty’s day shirt.

40: Do you like anime?

noooooooooooo.......... not at allllll.... TvT I’m tired!

41: What do you invest the most time in?

Either videogames or fanfiction.

42: What is the name of the last book you read?

The Hobbit (even though I haven’t finished yet)

43: What’s the difference between loving and liking someone?

No clue... Still trying to figure that out.

44: Where are you most productive?

My art classroom

45: List three things you enjoy doing with friends:

*Complaining about life

*being gay

*Pretend to kidnap one of them my dragging them around the floor during lunch

46: List three things you like to do alone:

*Listen to music

*Think

*Read

47: Do you think that world peace will ever exist?

As long as there are living things on it? Never.

48: Do you have any allergies?

Absolutely none! I knew this kid in the third grade who was allergic to nuts, milk, AND gluten!

49: When was the last time you cussed at someone?

My friend and I got into an argument about who the best actors are during english....

50: What was the last promise you made?

.......Is it bad that I don’t remember?

51: What was your last dream about?

I had a hedgehog (which I really frikin want), and I was taking care of them, and hen this asshole in my grade was in my living room and I had to be nice to him.

52: If you won a trip to Hawaii and could take 5 people with you, who would they be?

*My best friend Kiara

*My friend Raph

*My other friend Molly

*My other other friend Faith

*My dog

53: How many countries have you visited?

1, if you count the fact that I live in one!

54: What is your favorite medium of art?

Music. It moves me so easily.

55: When was the last time someone complimented you?

My friend Laura jokingly complimented my hair during english (we were looking at old english compliments) and she winked at me TyT

56: If you switched bodies with someone, how would you recognize yourself?

uh... hol up, wha?

57: Do you consider yourself mature?

At times, yes.

58: How many days in your life do you think you’ve wasted on tumblr?

so frigin many, but there’s more to come!!!!

59: What is your favorite quote?

“I was so good at sports when I was in high school, that I started a band.”

-Patrick Stump

60: If you started a new religion and you had to create 3 rules or commandments for your new followers to live by, what would those 3 rules be?

*Be kind to all (see how that’s turned out???)

*Spend life learning. Try to find the lesson in your experiences.

*Mental growth is more important than anything

61: What is your greatest accomplishment?

Being alive today.

62: Do you believe in the death penalty?

No, not really.

63: What are your goals in life?

To be a better person than my mother is, and to help others on a mental level.

64: What do you think your soulmate is doing right now?

I honestly have no clue... maybe something weird?

65: If you could live anywhere, where would you live? The place can be in an imaginary, fantasy, or the real world.

I would have to go with.......... oo that’s hard................... the bnha universe T-T I want powers!

66: What were you like in 2013?

I was an awkward, abusive, shitty little child.

67: Do you have a job?

Nope! I’m planning on possibly finding a part-time one soon, though!

68: Tell us a story about your childhood best friend.

His name was Parker, and he was a year older than me. He was my first friend other than my older sister, and I loved him so much. I don’t remember much, seeing as the last time I saw him I was five... It was early fall, just when the leaves start to fall. We had one of those trees in my front year that dropped the seed thingies that twirled around. Parker and I would always toss so many of those in the air until out hands got cold... I really miss him.

69: If you could change one thing in society, what would it be?

I would get rid of corrupt governments and people in positions of power.

70: How many all-nighters have you pulled before?

Never have I pulled one for school, but I find myself staying up til the crack of dawn the day before school starts, usually. Or on nights when I can’t but help contemplate everything to the point of not being able to sleep at all.

71: Is tumblr your favorite website? If not, then what is it?

Tumblr is one of my favorites, but Ao3 has my ass.

72: What is the craziest thing you would do for a million dollars?

Nothing. I tend to be very hard to bribe. But if I reaaallly needed the money, I wouldn’t be able to kill someone, I’ll tell you that.

73: Does money equal happiness?

It can for some people, but not for all.

74: How many times have you experienced true happiness in your lifetime?

I don’t know, a few? I’m never truly happy until my thoughts leave me alone.

75: How many times have you experienced true sadness in your lifetime?

More than happy, I can tell you that.

76: What’s the funniest joke you have ever been told?

My generation is going to save the planet.

77: When was the last time you looked at the news?

We actually watched a news clip during history today!

78: If you could say one thing to the world, what would you say?

Stop being a dick!

79: What is your favorite animal?

A hedgehog!!

80: If you could earn a million dollars for pretending to be dead for three years, would you do it?

NO! I have people who would miss my sorry ass, then murder me for coming back!

81: What is one thing everyone is bad at?

Having a lot of friends. A lot of the time (in my personal experience), the more friends you have, the less time you can spend with them, and the less close you are, until eventually you can’t keep dividing your time!

82: What time do you normally sleep? How many hours do you usually get?

uuuhh... yes, and not enough!

83: Does age necessarily equal maturity?

No, but that does not excuse digusting things like p*****ilia.

84: What is your favorite clothing store?

....The Hot Topical.

85: In the winter- beanies or gloves?

why not both?!?!?!?

86: Would you rather have wings or a fish tail?

Wings. I can’t swim, and I panic underwater.

87: If you had the power to erase someone from the world so that nobody remembered them but you, would you do it?

That depends, does it fuck up history? Cuz in that case, no!

88: What do you fear the most?

Being abandoned by everyone.

89: How many digits of pi can you recite?

3...

90: If you could travel back to one year and relive it again, what year would it be?

2015, so I could leave a better version of my for my friends that I leave at the end of the year,

91: Describe yourself in one word.

Invasive

92: Describe your last victory.

I had a conversation with that asshole from my dream without arguing with him.

93: What is the weirdest thing you have ever seen?

SO! This one time towards the end of the school day in the seventh grade. This one kid (let’s call him V) was sitting next to his friend (C). I look over as I go to shoulder my bag, and V is running his hand down C’s thigh. V catches me looking, and goes “WHAT?! he did it first!” like that made it better! (and it kinda did because that’s still one of my best stories!)

94: What is something you will never forget?

Something traumatic

95: Would you rather forget all of the past, or remember everything in vivid detail?

Vivid detail. Then maybe I could win arguments with my sister!

96: Have you ever broken a bone before?

yeah... I fractured the growth plate in my foot in the sixth grade... by walking.....

97: Is it harder love someone, or hate someone?

love is so hard....

98: Coffee or tea?

I drink both, but tea ftw!

99: What are some little things you do that have changed your life in a positive way?

I have become more friendly with my dog, and he actually likes me now!

100: How many hours do spend on tumblr a day?

quite a fukin few....

#asks #long post #bnhahc #get to know me #get to know jude #not headcanons

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shopgirlanonymous · 8 years ago

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It was announced yesterday that the Ringling Brothers Circus is to close that final curtain before the start of summer. The cause they say are many things; show attendance and the trouble caused by PETA to name two.

Thank You PETA: slowly destroying my childhood one magical memory at a time.

When we moved to Alabama, I did notice an incredibly low show attendance, and I always worried about how our low attendance could discourage the circus from visiting our town, I didn’t even fathom we were facing the end for the circus altogether.

Is it Lack of Interest or Lack of Funds?

Less than a decade ago chairman & CEO Kenneth Feld handed the circus off to his daughters, just as ticket sales were beginning to plunge. They blame the plunge in sales with kids’ general lack of interest due to the high excitement of video games and the movies. Though, as we’ve discussed on Shopgirl before, declining ticket sales coincide with the the many reasons retailers are now finding themselves shuttering across the nation, tighter pockets. The circus for a family is expensive at forty dollars a seat, twelve dollars for popcorn, and twelve dollars for one cup of lemonade. This makes for a several hundred dollar afternoon when potential audience members of America were still questioning how they were going to put food on the table next week.

Absence of Elephants or Absence of Variation?

I also have to call out a lack in show quality and variation. The last Ringling Bros. I attended that wowed me had to be around 2011 when they were touring their steampunk like Side Show themed series, this of course was before I even had kids, just a single adult who found myself to be quite the circus enthusiast!

Attendance has been dropping for 10 years, said Juliette Feld, but when the elephants left, there was a “dramatic drop” in ticket sales.

This I find to be a bold claim since the elephants were just officially dropped this past year, exactly as my hometown received a rerun performance at equal cost. How many families are going to pay to see the same show twice? How can you place blame on the elephants, when you haven’t even given a new fresh circus a try? I must agree I was concerned by the absence of elephants this past trip to the circus, but the tigers, pups, and horses kept my kids beyond enthralled. I actually found myself leaving the circus, knowing that without the crutch of an elephant this would force Ringling Bros. to research new exotic ways to catch our attention.

The Heart of Ringling Bros.

I have been a regular Ringling Bros. attendee since before I can remember. It was something my father did with me that I treasured as a young girl, and it was a memory I wanted my children to have and cherish as well. Growing up, my parents were not individuals of means and of the two jobs my father worked one was as an usher at The Summit where the circus came at the time in Houston, now it stands as the encompassment of Joel Osteen’s following. This employment was his favorite as it gave him free access to Rockets games and to me it worked out because he was able to purchase the tickets on the front row at a discounted rate. He would patrol the aisles and I would sit and watch in wonder but not before having the one-of-a-kind opportunity to sneak behind the scenes and encounter the animals and clowns first hand.

These nostalgic memories of whimsy makes their mission statement ring true:

“make parents heroes for their kids.”

Each and every year this is exactly what the circus does for our family. It brings us together, it rewards our children, it fosters their wonder and excitement to explore and learn. They look up to us, and thank us for gifting them with this experience, no matter the costs. To see their smile and their delight makes them my hero in return, they remind me what raw wonder is. My childrens’ smiles pull me from chores, bills, and the fleeting life that surrounds me, and they resuscitate me into a dreamlike wonder I had long forgotten.

But Aren’t the Millennials Seeking Experiences Over Things?

It’s not just for children. In my adult years I have introduced many to the wonder and merriment that is Ringling Bros. At the conclusion of the show, just as the lights come on to lose that enchantment and return you back to the empty arena my accompaniment is left in aw and thanked me for convincing them to take in this experience. Millennials is the largest generation, and as we age with our own families we crave experiences. We spend so many hours in front of a computer that we want our investments to be tactile, in person, and immersive.

Not shockingly, more than 8 in 10 millennials (82%) attended or participated in a variety of live experiences in the past year, ranging from parties, concerts, festivals, performing arts and races and themed sports—and more so than other older generations (70%). But millennials can’t get enough. 72% say they would like to increase their spending on experiences rather than physical things in the next year, pointing to a move away from materialism and a growing demand for real-life experiences. -Eventbrite Research

So please, tell me again, why the Greatest Show on Earth couldn’t manage to attract the very demographic that is eager to drop some serious coin on them? Video games you said?

The Final Bow

Despite the fact that this year we needed their magic more than ever, I was not going to go; mostly because it was the Xtreme tour, one my husband and I had just seen here in Huntsville less than two years before and did not find to be anything special. It was strange to me that they had yet to change the roster, but I assumed for us it was for the best since money was tight this year. As I drove around town for an errand, I somehow made the fateful error of a wrong turn, driving directly the circus train, “I want to go to the circus mommy!”

Birthday girl got front and center for the Pre-Show at Ringling Bros.

I sighed, it was Lil A’s birthday week and I had not planned a party considering our move and a rough year in health had made finances tight and life too complicated. We went online and found a special of four tickets for half off and we indulged. I contemplated driving Lil A and Baby K to the circus train itself and taking a picture with them in front of it, and then I shrugged it off as I have the past four years and said, “Next year *Insert youngest at the time child’s name here* will be older by then”. Of course.

We took in all the stops, purchasing each girl a special souvenir, and allowing Lil A to get her face painted. I looked at Baby K, who watched her sister with envy and smiled as I thought,

‘I can’t wait until she is old enough.‘

Is There Hope For A New Generation?

My favorite part of the show has always been the pre-show; if the entire circus was the cabaret style dance of whimsy I would not be one to complain. Perhaps there will be a new line of circuses to emerge with the largest player of the game out of the limelight. Perhaps they could make it intimate and personal?

Whatever the case, at present, I’m in utter mourning, and I’m so incredibly thankful I received the opportunity to share it with my family one last time.

Up Close and Personal with the contortionists at the Pre-show!

Up close and Personal at the Pre-Show

Ringling Brothers face painting

Me and Baby K awaiting the Big Event to Begin

Birthday girl got front and center for the Pre-Show at Ringling Bros.

We thought we are counting down the days until we would no longer lay eyes on the Astrodome, we didn’t realize it was Ringling Bros. we should have held so closely

The Elephants Marching into town for the Ringling Bros Circus

Baby K’s First Circus With Mom an Gigi

Please share your favorite Circus memories!

To Save This Article, Please Pin This Image.

References:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/for-kenneth-feld-the-141st-edition-of-ringling-bros-and-barnum-amp-bailey/1142162

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/01/15/ringling-bros-circus-plans-to-shut-down-greatest-show-on-earth-after-146-years.html

http://eventbrite-s3.s3.amazonaws.com/marketing/Millennials_Research/Gen_PR_Final.pdf

#RinglingBros why is this the #finalcurtain #family #elephants and #millennials It was announced yesterday that the Ringling Brothers Circus is to close that final curtain before the start of summer.

#Barnum & Bailey #circus #elephants #family #millennials #mission statement #parenting #Ringling Bros.

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charllieeldridge · 4 years ago

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Guide To Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

You might be familiar with Puerto Vallarta as a vacation destination, but did you know it’s also a great place for a bit of scuba diving in Mexico?

This famous beach town is the perfect base for exploring some amazing dive sites in the area. We’ll take a closer look at scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta in this detailed guide.

For more on travelling to PV, make sure to have a look at our complete guide to visiting Puerto Vallarta, where to stay in Puerto Vallarta, the best beaches, where to eat, the nightlife, and the top tours!

Here we go, our Scuba Diving Guide to Puerto Vallarta

Introduction to Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta

It’s a short and scenic boat ride from town to many sites in Banderas Bay, most of which are fine for beginners and advanced divers alike. Around PV, you can dive shipwrecks, caves, underwater mountain ranges, and much more.

There’s lots of amazing marine life to see when diving around Puerto Vallarta. You can spot all kinds of rays and turtles as well as moray eels, dolphins, and even humpback whales.

Scuba diving really is an incredible experience and is one of the best activities in Puerto Vallarta.

While destinations like Cozumel and Playa del Carmen on the east coast may be more well-known, Puerto Vallarta is a great diving destination in its own right.

In my humble opinion, it’s also just a nicer place to visit. I may be a bit biased, having spent the better part of the last three years living there, but there’s a reason I chose this beach town on the west coast of Mexico!

Although it takes a little while from town to reach the best dive sites, that’s half the fun. On these boat trips around Banderas Bay, you’ll be able to enjoy some postcard-worthy scenery en route to your dive site. It truly is a stunning place to visit.

Best of all, there’s so much to see and do in Puerto Vallarta when you’re not in the water.

This is the perfect destination if you’re hoping to do a bit of diving in addition to other adventure and cultural activities. Of course, you can always just kick back and relax on the beach with a margarita in hand as well!

If you’re planning a trip to do some scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta, read on for a closer look at the best time to visit, the top dive sites, and some highly-rated dive shops to go with.

When To Go Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta

The best time to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta depends on what you’re hoping to do. Some would say the best time is between November and May when the seas are calmest.

It’s typically sunny, warm, and dry during these months, so you can enjoy your time on land as well. That being said, the winter months also see limited visibility and the water can get quite chilly.

In February the water can get down to 72°F (26°C). Plankton blooms at this time affect the visibility, but that also attracts manta rays and sharks that you’ll hopefully be able to spot.

On the website of one popular dive shop, they mention how the winter months bring very unpredictable conditions at many of the best dive sites.

Strong currents and winds at this time of year can limit or totally block off access to some of them, so it’s best to plan at least a week in advance.

Peak travel season to Puerto Vallarta is between December and March, with things getting especially crazy around Christmas and New Year’s. Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance if traveling at this very busy time!

There’s another mini-peak season when Semana Santa (Holy Week) rolls around. This is one of the best times to travel Mexico if you’re into culture, but not if you aren’t a fan of crowds.

Summer means the rainy season in Puerto Vallarta, which has its pros and cons.

On the one hand, it’s very hot and humid with frequent downpours. Dealing with inclement weather means smaller crowds and lower prices, though.

The exception to this is weekends in the summer when Mexican families turn up in droves to enjoy la playa.

The water is also warmest at this time (around 85°F/30°C in August-September) and visibility is at its best, so it’s not a bad time to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta.

Best Dive Sites in Puerto Vallarta

While there aren’t many dive sites offshore or right around town, the boat ride to reach them is half the fun. Cruising around Banderas Bay on a beautiful day on your way out to a 2-tank dive isn’t such a bad commute.

Here are some of the best sites to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta:

Los Arcos

Water Temp: 65-89°F (18-31°C) Average Visibility: 20-50 ft (6-15 m) Depth: 29.5-130 ft (9-40 m)

Perhaps the most popular spot to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta is Los Arcos.

This epic marine park features arches (hence the name) as well as caves, tunnels, and a reef full of marine life like lobsters, octopuses, moray eels, rays, and all kinds of colorful fish.

There are a few different trails that divers can follow at Los Arcos. These are suitable for divers of all levels as they range greatly in depth.

Beginners can enjoy “El Acuario” (The Aquarium) while more advanced divers can check out “La Quijada del Diablo” (The Devil’s Jaw).

Chimo

Water Temp: 65-86°F (18-30°C) Visibility: 20 – 60 ft/ (7-18 m) Depth: 40-80 ft (12-25 mt)

This secluded fishing village in the bay is a great dive site for more advanced divers.

On a 2-tank trip here, you can enjoy spotting tropical fish and large pelagic species. This includes manta rays, sea turtles, and even humpback whales between December and April.

In addition, you can admire “Las Iglesias”, rock formations that resemble the pillars of a cathedral and “Las Torrecillas”, which is an impressive series of pinnacles rising up from the ocean floor.

Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands are a national park located about an hour-long boat ride from Puerto Vallarta. This is considered the top place to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta.

Since it’s protected from hunting and fishing, there’s an abundance of marine life here. On a diving trip, you might see giant manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, eels, and possibly whales in the winter months.

It takes about an hour to reach the Marietas Islands by boat.

As you get closer to the islands, you can also spot several different species of birds, including the blue-footed booby. Best of all, divers of all levels can enjoy a trip to the Marietas Islands.

Water Temp: 62-86°F (17-30°C) Average Visibility: 40 ft (12 m) Depth: 25-60 ft (7.5-18 m)

The stunning Hidden Beach on Marieta Islands is amazing!

Cost of Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta

The cost of scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta varies depending on which sites you visit. As I mentioned, many of them are quite a long distance away from the center of town.

For example, diving at Los Arcos costs between $90-110. Meanwhile, trips out to the Marietas Islands cost a bit more ($120-150). It’s a longer distance to travel plus most operators include lunch and drinks as well.

Two-tank tours to El Chimo average around $150.

Never been diving before? Puerto Vallarta is a great place to learn and start exploring the other 70% of the planet.

To give it a shot, you can sign up for a Discover Scuba Diving course for just $50. This gives you the chance to see if scuba diving is right for you.

Those who want to go all-in can sign up for a PADI Open Water course instead.

These typically take 2-3 days to complete. You can sign up for Open Water courses at Puerto Vallarta dive shops for around $450 total after the cost of learning materials. Once you’re finished, you’ll be certified and ready to rock!

Another option is to do a referral course for as little as $240.

This is when you complete the bookwork portion at a local dive shop back home before traveling to Mexico. Doing that allows you to take care of the studying part at home and spend more time in the water in Puerto Vallarta.

If you’re looking to take your scuba diving to the next level, you can also sign up for Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Deep Diver, and several other courses. Prices for these typically range from $350-500 and take a few days to complete.

Dive Shops in Puerto Vallarta

Quality of dive shops can change as the years pass by. Always make sure that the company you’re going with is PADI recognized, professional and follows proper safety guidelines. Also, always make sure to check recent reviews online, and your diving equipment before heading out.

Banderas Scuba Republic

Address: Lázaro Cárdenas 230, Zona Romántica

Reviews: 4.8 (51 reviews)

Web: Visit Site

BSR has been in the scuba diving business for many years and has earned rave reviews from divers the entire time. This is a professional operation through and through, from the equipment to the dive instructors.

Vallarta Adventures

Address: C, Mástil 13, Marina Vallarta

Reviews: 4.4 (587 reviews)

Web: Visit Site

The biggest and best tour operator in Puerto Vallarta also does scuba diving courses and trips. You always know that the quality will be top-notch when booking with these guys.

PV Ocean Tours

Address: Calle Pez Espada 197, Las Gaviotas

Reviews: 5.0 (25 reviews)

Web: Visit Site

Run by a father and son team from the UK, PV Ocean Tours started just a few years ago and is already one of the top dive shops in Banderas Bay. They are known for being very professional and personable.

Hyperbaric Chambers in Puerto Vallarta

While scuba diving is generally a safe activity, accidents do happen. That’s why you always want to know where the nearest hyperbaric chamber is.

Unfortunately, there is no SSS Network hyper chamber in Puerto Vallarta. The nearest one is over in Cabo San Lucas in Baja California Sur. You can click here to check out their site and get more information.

Los Arcos Marine Park

Before you go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta (or anywhere, for that matter), make sure you have solid travel insurance. The DAN (Divers Alert Network) comes highly recommended for divers. Click here to learn more about their policies.

How to Get to Puerto Vallarta

Most visitors will arrive at the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). It’s always possible to find direct flights to PV from the US and Canada, with the most options during the high season (December-March).

There aren’t a lot of other international options for arriving in Puerto Vallarta. You can get direct flights to and from Panama City as well as both London and Manchester, but that’s about it.

If you can’t find a good deal on a flight to PV, I recommend checking out options into either Mexico City or Guadalajara. Both cities are lots of fun to visit and you’ll then be a very short and cheap domestic flight away from the beach!

Puerto Vallarta is also a major cruise ship destination. Those arriving for a quick excursion from a ship can still squeeze in a scuba dive (or two) in Puerto Vallarta.

The thing about traveling to Puerto Vallarta is that you have many options other than staying in town. By flying into PVR, you can also easily base yourself in places like Sayulita, Bucerias, Punta de Mita, Mismaloya, or Yelapa.

All of these places are easily reached by local bus or water taxis and will put you closer to some of the best dive sites in the bay.

Ready to Go Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta?

While it may not make many lists of the best places to go scuba diving in the world (or in Mexico), Puerto Vallarta is still a fantastic choice if you want to include a bit of diving during your beach holiday.

Even if you only visit one of the epic sites like the Marietas Islands or Los Arcos, it’s well worth it to try out scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta.

More advanced divers will definitely want to tack on a few extra days to visit some of the more difficult sites in the area such as El Chimo — where you’ll hopefully spot humpback whales from the boat!

When you’re back on land from a big day of diving, you can enjoy all the amenities of this beautiful town. Puerto Vallarta has some incredible restaurants and bars to choose from, making for the perfect way to unwind after a big day out in the water.

Images in this post were sourced on Shutterstock.

The post Guide To Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico appeared first on Goats On The Road.

Guide To Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico published first on https://travelaspire.weebly.com/

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cathrynstreich · 6 years ago

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What Does A Realtor Do? | 290 Real Estate Agent Duties

CLICK HERE to view in Plain Text nbsp;REALTORSreg; are known for helping people buy and sell real estate, but much of what a real estate agent actually does happens behind the scenes. A goodnbsp;REALTORreg; will make your transaction flow smoothly through each step of the process, leaving the impression that their job is fairly simple. The fact is - that couldnt be further from the truth. This article is designed to put the real estate agent role into perspective. Its a brutal job that doesnt get the recognition that it deserves because most people dont understand how complicated and expensive it is. Being a Real Estate Agent is Exhausting As you read through some of the tasks on the 290 duties listed in the infographic above, it may seem overwhelming. Thats because it is. Full-timenbsp;REALTORSreg; who excel in their careers are high-energy, time-efficient professionals who know how to handle stress and responsibility well. There are definitelynbsp;REALTORSreg; out there who cut corners and do not take care of their responsibilities as well, but they shouldnbsp;not define our industry. The real estate industry is loaded with very impressive professionals with whom I am proud to work with. Its exhausting because real estate agents are constantly absorbing the stress and chaos of the real estate transaction, so that our clients dont feel the pressure. Its one of the main reasons why 87 of REALTORSreg; do not make it past their first year in the business. The work load is much more intense that most people are capable of handling. Being anbsp;REALTORreg; is Expensive On top of the large listnbsp;of responsibilities thatnbsp;REALTORSreg; carry, they also have many expenses to account for. When people see anbsp;REALTORSreg; commission check, they may feel like we are getting rich quick. In reality, the average REALTORreg; earns around $46,000, after all expenses and taxes. This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the real estate agent role. The typical real estate agent stereotype is usually of someone driving a high-end luxury car, playing on their yacht on the weekends, and occasionally showing up to work to close a big deal and collect a giant paycheck. After being licensed for 9 years, Ive still yet to meet this illusive agent. I think theyre a myth. Much of the money from a real estate agents commission check goes directly into their business and maintaining their licensing. Less than half of it usually goes into their bank account. Here is a list of some common REALTORreg; fees:nbsp; Some Common REALTORreg; Expenses: Broker Fees MLS Fees NAR Fees Eamp;O Business Insurance Extended Auto Insurance Self-Empoyment Tax State Licensing Fees Advertising Fees Showing Service Fees Website Feesnbsp; Assistants Salaries Yard Signs Photographers Videographers Office Supplies Business Cards Property Flyers Electronic Lockboxes Continued RE Education Being anbsp;REALTORreg; Can Drive You Crazy Many people try to start a career in real estate under the assumption that there is easy money to be made here. In reality, it is a brutal business with loads of competition. The paychecks are not large enough to keep people in the business, a fact that is reflected in the 20 success rate for new REALTORSreg;nbsp;. Those who do survive usually do so because they have a passion for the business, and helping people make their real estate dreams a reality. Its a great business to be in, but its NOT EASY So, the next time you worknbsp;with anbsp;REALTORreg;, remember that they are human just like you, and they carry a lot of burden and responsibilitynbsp;in their job. We work long hours for months on end fornbsp;clients with no guarantee of a paycheck. When you understand these things aboutnbsp;REALTORSreg; and let them know that you get it, you can be sure it will put a smile on their face. :) Why Do People Think REALTORSreg; Have An Easy Job? If youve never spent much one-on-one time with a real estate agent, you may not understand how different their job is from the average everydaynbsp;job. Anyone who has ever lived with anbsp;REALTORreg; knows this to be true. They work crazy hours, deal with high-stress situations, and have to survive in an over-saturated industry. In Colorado Springs today, we currently have 4,799 real estate agents registered in our local MLS. Last month, we only sold 1,320 homes for the whole area. There are 2 sides for each transactions, so that means there were potentially 2,640 total sides closed last month. If every agent was given one transaction last month, there would still be 2,159 agents who did not have a transaction for the month. In 2014, the National Association of REALTORSreg; stated that 87 of new agents do not make it past their first year. This is a staggering statistic, but when you consider the cost of being a real estate agent mixed with the competitive environment and the amount of stress that comes from the job, its really not that surprising. Its a fun job with many moving parts, but its very competitive and challenging. Its not for everyone, but for those who are successful at being anbsp;REALTORreg;, our hats off to you. Youre an impressive group of people 145 Common Listing Agent Responsibilities: 1. Prepare Listing Presentation for Sellers 2. Research Sellers Property Tax Info 3. Research Properties Zoning Restrictions 4. Research Neighborhood HOA 5. Research Comparable Sold Properties for Sellers 6. Determine Average Days on Market 7. Schedule First Meeting 8. Tour the Property 9. Gather Info From Sellers About Their Home 10. Discuss Sellers Goals 11. Present Listing Presentation 12. Provide Home Seller Prep Checklist 13. Advise on Repairs and/or Upgrades 14. Advise About Landscaping Options 15. Provide Overview of Current Market Conditions 16. Explain Your Personal Value to Sellers 17. Explain Your Companys Value to Sellers 18. Explain the Value of The Neighborhood 19. Create Listing Agreement for Transaction 20. Create Internal File for Transaction 21. Investigate Any Unrecorded Property Easements 22. Discuss Property Inclusions amp; Exclusions 23. Obtain Current Mortgage Loan Info 24. Explain the Value of Schools on Market 25. Explain Marketing Options 26. Research Property Ownership amp; Deed 27. Explain Video Marketing Strategies 28. Explain 3D Tour Marketing 29. Confirm Lot Size on Survey 30. Describe the Buyer Pre-Screening Process 31. Explain Buyer amp; Seller Agency Relationships 32. Order Plat Map from Title Company 33. Discuss Different Types of Buyer Financing 34. Discuss Appraisal Process 35. Verify Home Owners Association Fees 36. Confirm Water Source and Status 37. Verify Natural Gas Availability 38. Calculate Average Utility Usage 39. Gather Transferable Warranties 40. Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure 41. Verify Security System Ownership 42. Agree on Repairs to be Made Before Listing 43. Guide Sellers in De-Cluttering 44. Verify Interior Room Sizes 45. Establish Showing Instructions for Buyers 46. Agree on Showing Times with Sellers 47. Attend Continuing Education Classes 48. Obtain Copy of HOA Bylaws 49. Explain In-Door Cameras amp; Showings 50. Explain Home Warranty Options 51. Obtain Extra Keys for Lockbox 52. Verify any Existing Lease Agreements 53. Work with Tenants for Showings 54. Provide Sellers Disclosure Form to Sellers 55. Refer Landscaper to Clean Up Property 56. Set-Up Staging Consultation 57. Determine Best Staging Strategy 58. Set-Up Showing Services 59. Set-Up House Cleaners 60. Set-Up Photo/Video Shoot 61. Meet Photographer at Property 62. Turn On All Lights for Photographer 63. Open All Window Treatments for Photographer 64. Advise Photographer Of Any Neighborhood Shots 65. Schedule Drone Shoot 66. Schedule 3D Tour Shoot 67. Gather All Finished Marketing Material 68. Write Detailed Property Description 69. Enter Property Info in MLS 70. Create Virtual Tour Page 71. Organize Photos in Best Order 72. Have Listing Proofread 73. Create Property Flyer 74. Create Custom Sign Rider 75. Intall Electronic Lockbox 76. Install For Sale Sign 77. Create YouTube Video Link 78. Create Facebook Ad with Video 79. Create Instagram Post with Video 80. Create Unique URL for Property Page 81. Verify Listing Data on Other Websites 82. Help Owners Coordinate Showings 83. Return ALL Calls ASAP - Weekends Included 84. Create Listing Postcards for Neighborhood 85. Send Out ldquo;Just Listedrdquo; Email to Database 86. Gather Feedback After Each Showing 87. Keep track of Showing Activity 88. Advertise All Price Changes 89. Update MLS Listing as Needed 90. Review Market Data Weekly 91. Schedule Weekly Update Calls with Seller 92. Review All Offers with Sellers 93. Prepare ldquo;Net Sheetrdquo; For All Offers 94. Counsel Seller on Offers 95. Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Buyerrsquo;s Agent 96. Examine amp; Verify Buyerrsquo;s Qualifications 97. Examine amp; Verify Buyerrsquo;s Lender 98. Negotiate All Offers on Sellerrsquo;s Behalf 99. Determine Loan Objection Deadline 100. Determine Closing Date 101. Determine Inspection Objection Deadline 102. Determine Appraisal Deadline 103. Determine Earnest Money Terms 104. Send Contract to Title Company 105. Verify Buyerrsquo;s Agent Has Received Copies 106. Verify Earnest Money Deposited in Escrow Account 107. Change Property Status in MLS 108. Deliver Copies of Contact/Addendum to Seller 109. Keep Track of Copies for Office File 110. Coordinate Inspections with Sellers 111. Review Home Inspection 112. Interpret Inspection Objections to Sellers 113. Discuss Sellerrsquo;s Inspection Resolution 114. Get All Repair Items in Writing 115. Refer Trustworthy Contractors 116. Keep Track of Repair Schedules 117. Schedule Appraisal 118. Meet Appraiser at the Property 119. Provide Sales Data to Appraiser 120. Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals 121. Coordinate Closing Times amp; Location 122. Make Sure All Documents Are Fully Signed 123. Verify That Title Company Has Everything Needed 124. Remind Sellers to Turn Off Utilities 125. Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time 126. Make Sure Any P.O.A.rsquo;s Are Submitted 127. Solve Any Title Problems Before Closing 128. Receive and Carefully Review Closing Figures 129. Review Closing Figures With Sellers 130. Verify All Agreed Upon Repairs Have Been Made 131. Verify Clear-To-Close 132. Get House Ready for Final Walk-Through of Buyers 133. Resolve Any Last Minute Problems 134. Make Sure Title Commitment Was Received 135. Review Closing Documents 136. Provide Home Warranty Paperwork 137. Provide Buyer With Transferable Warranties 138. Provide All Keys to Buyer 139. Provide Any Garage Door Openers 140. Make Sure Seller Proceeds Are Correct 141. Change Status in MLS to ldquo;Soldrdquo; 142. Upload All Signed Documents to System 143. Close Out Sellerrsquo;s File 144. Check In With Sellers After Closing 145. Request Feedback from Sellers 145 Common Buyer Agent Responsibilities: 1. Prepare Buyers Presentation 2. Present Presentation at Buyer Consult 3. Discuss Buyerrsquo;s Goals 4. Provide Home Buyer Checklist 5. Discuss Different Types of Buyer Financing 6. Explain Closing Costs to Buyers 7. Explain Earnest Money to Buyers 8. Refer Qualified Lender Contacts 9. Explain the Loan Process 10. Obtain Mortgage Loan Pre-Approval 11. Confirm Current Lender 12. Create Internal File for Buyers 13. Create Buyer Agency Agreement 14. Explain Buyer amp; Seller Agency Relationships 15. Provide Overview of Current Market Conditions 16. Explain Your Personal Value to Buyers 17. Explain Your Companys Value to Buyers 18. Provide Local Info On Areas 19. Explain the Value of The Neighborhoods 20. Provide Local Info On Schools 21. Explain the Value of Schools on Market 22. Explain Consumer Logic Versus Emotions 23. Provide List of Homes for Sale 24. Pre-Screen Homes for Buyers 25. Tour Properties With Buyers 26. Explain In-Door Cameras amp; Showings 27. Verify Keys Went Back in the Lockbox 28. Gather Comps on Interested Homes 29. Explain Sellerrsquo;s Staging Strategy 30. Explain Marketing Versus Reality 31. Communicate with Showing Services 32. Walk through Home After Showing 33. Turn Off All Lights After Showing 34. Work with Tenants for Showings 35. Keep Track of All Showings 36. Research Property Tax Info 37. Research Property Ownership amp; Deed 38. Research Propertyrsquo;s Zoning Restrictions 39. Research Neighborhood HOA 40. Research MLS Data 41. Explain Average Days on Market 42. Advise on Property Condition 43. Advise About Property Location 44. Explain Seller Marketing Tactics 45. Explain 3D Tour Marketing 46. Describe the Buyer Pre-Screening Process 47. Video Potential Homes for Buyers 48. Establish Showing Instructions for Buyers 49. Map Out Homes for Showings 50. Explain Problems with Zillow/Trulia 51. Explain How the MLS Works 52. Help Buyers Find Homes 53. Schedule Showings with Sellers 54. Create MLS Sheets for Showings 55. Explain Landscaping Options 56. Maintain Electronic Lockbox App 57. Keep Car Clean for Buyers 58. Bring Water for Buyers 59. Work Around Buyerrsquo;s Schedule 60. Provide Feedback After Each Showing 61. Keep track of Showing Schedules 62. Provide Marketing Data to Buyers 63. Update Buyerrsquo;s of Any Price Changes 64. Setup Automatic Property Updates 65. Review Market Data Weekly 66. Counsel Buyers on Offer Strategies 67. Counsel Buyers on Pricing 68. Examine ldquo;Buying Power 69. Negotiate Seller Concessions 70. Create Offer Contracts 71. Provide Pre-Approval to Listing Agent 72. Negotiate Contracts 73. Explain All Disclosure Forms 74. Negotiate All Terms on Buyersrsquo;s Behalf 75. Determine Earnest Money Terms 76. Deliver Earnest Money On Time 77. Verify All Signatures Completed 78. Schedule Home Inspection with Sellers 79. Attend Home Inspection 80. Verify MLS Data with Listing Agent 81. Identify Any Red Flags 82. Negotiate Closing Date 83. Communicate with Listing Agent 84. Negotiate Inspection Objection Deadline 85. Communicate with Buyerrsquo;s Lender 86. Continually Verify Buyerrsquo;s Funding 87. Explain Earnest Money Process 88. Negotiate Loan Objection Deadline 89. Communicate With Title Company 90. Keep Everyone On Schedule 91. Return ALL Calls ASAP - Weekends Included 92. Verify Interior Room Sizes 93. Examine Lot Size on Survey 94. Investigate Any Unrecorded Easements 95. Review Plat Map from Title Company 96. Discuss Appraisal Process 97. Negotiate Appraisal Deadlines 98. Verify Title Company Received Contract 99. Verify Listing Agent Has Received Copies 100. Deposit Earnest Money in Escrow Account 101. Deliver Copies of Contract/Addendum to Buyers 102. Keep Track of Copies for Office File 103. Make Sure Title Commitment Was Received 104. Verify Home Owners Association Fees 105. Obtain Copy of HOA Bylaws 106. Confirm Water Source and Status 107. Verify Natural Gas Availability 108. Ask For Average Utility Usage 109. Ask For Transferable Warranties 110. Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure 111. Verify Security System Ownership 112. Determine Property Inclusions amp; Exclusions 113. Explain Home Warranty Options 114. Verify any Existing Lease Agreements 115. Obtain Sellers Disclosures 116. Schedule Weekly Update Calls with Buyers 117. Update Buyerrsquo;s Lender Weekly 118. Keep Track of Repair Schedules 119. Follow-Up on Appraisal Scheduling 120. Verify Any Appraisal Conditions 121. Verify Buyerrsquo;s Home Owners Insurance 122. Schedule Final Walk Through 123. Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals 124. Refer Trustworthy Contractors to Buyers 125. Coordinate Closing Times amp; Location 126. Make Sure All Repairs Have Been Made 127. Verify Title Company Has Everything Needed 128. Solve Any Title Problems Before Closing 129. Verify Power Of Attorney Are Submitted 130. Verify All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time 131. Receive and Carefully Review Closing Figures 132. Review Closing Figures With Buyer 133. Remind Buyers to Schedule Utilities 134. Perform Final Walk-Through With Buyers 135. Resolve Any Last Minute Problems 136. Review Closing Documents 137. Receive Any Home Warranty Paperwork 138. Receive Any Transferable Warranties 139. Verify Buyers Cash due at Closing is Correct 140. Get the Keys to the Buyers 141. Upload All Signed Documents to System 142. Close Out Buyers File 143. Verify Status Was Changed to ldquo;Soldrdquo; 144. Check In With Buyerrsquo;s After Closing 145. Send Feedback Request What Does A Realtor Do? | 290 Real Estate Agent Duties published first on https://thegardenresidences.tumblr.com/

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zeroviraluniverse-blog · 7 years ago

Text

Big win for Jason Day and Tiger Woods shows he can play Weekly 18 ESPN Golf

Visit Now - http://zeroviral.com/big-win-for-jason-day-and-tiger-woods-shows-he-can-play-weekly-18-espn-golf/

Big win for Jason Day and Tiger Woods shows he can play Weekly 18 ESPN Golf

Jason Day needed an extra day to finally win again; Rory McIlroy could have used a few more holes; and the slow play issue reared its ugly head during a major moment.

I’ll get to all of that in this edition of the Weekly 18, but Tigermania is running wild once again, as Tiger Woods did just enough to keep us intrigued and excited about what the future holds.

The W18 begins with what we learned about Tiger, what we didn’t learn and what we still don’t know.

Tiger Woods grabbed headlines at Torrey Pines, but Jason Day was left holding the trophy Monday. Donald Miralle/Getty Images

1. First things first: It doesn’t take an expert to understand that the most important part about Woods’ successful return to a full-field event is what it portends for the future. His performance at Torrey Pines wasn’t about this week itself. It’s like golf is planning a party and just set the date and sent out the invitations. There will be plenty of hot takes in the wake of his first full-field tournament in a year, but it’s impossible to argue that a healthy, motivated Tiger isn’t good for the game. I’ve been crowing about this for a while now: If he’s capable of contending for tournaments again (and upon first glimpse, that answer is fairly obvious) and so many of the game’s terrific young players continue playing the way they have, golf could be hurtling toward a cross-generational golden age. I’m sure contrarians can find a problem with this, but it seems like the best of both worlds.

2. Here’s another one that’s tough to argue against: With his T-23 result, Woods defied expectations this week. I predicted in last week’s W18 that he’d finish T-14, but that hardly means I “expected” it. Even the most rabid Tiger fans should understand this was an unmitigated victory for a player who hadn’t made a cut in 888 days and has only one other tourney with four rounds of par-or-better in the past five years. This should be classified as somewhere between one giant leap and baby steps, but it certainly puts him on the right path for a long journey.

3. Now we can get to the debate — or at least one of ’em. Whenever there’s discourse as to whether Woods is “back,” I remember asking him what he considered “back” during one of his previous comebacks a few years ago. Tiger just sort of smiled and shrugged, as if to say he’d rather just play and let everyone else argue about it. The truth is, there’s no correct answer because it’s all in the interpretation. I certainly don’t have an answer, either, but I do think he dropped a clue this week toward moving in that direction. Before the opening round, Tiger stopped short of his usual pre-tournament statement: “I’m here to win.” Which was perfectly sensible, considering his layoff. By Sunday afternoon, when interviewed on the broadcast, he was already in old Tiger mode: “I really wanted to shoot something around 65. I thought that might be a playoff number.” I’m not saying that means he’s “back.” Just that his comments from Wednesday to Sunday suggest a change in mindset.

4. Oh, and that quote? Tiger said it nearly three hours before the final group finished. As it turns out, 65 would have gotten him into the playoff. His prediction game is in midseason form.

5. The biggest question with Woods’ game moving forward is, without a doubt, the driver. He found just 17 fairways this week — three fewer than he’d hit during any other 72-hole PGA Tour event in his career. On a 1-10 scale of worry, though, I’d rate this about a 3.2. It would be a lot more troubling if he couldn’t dial in his distance control (which was decent but not great) or started yipping chips again (which he didn’t). Here’s assuming that over the next few weeks, Woods will tinker with both his swing off the tee and the driver itself, finding a more comfortable combination that limits those errors.

6. We learned plenty about Tiger this week. Here’s what we didn’t learn: We don’t know whether he’s “ready” to win again; we have no idea if he’ll bring his A-game to the majors; we have only vague clues about his impending schedule; and we’re not even sure if his surgically repaired back can withstand an entire season of practicing and playing. All of those will be answered in due time. Point is, anyone ready to make huge proclamations about his impending results is just guessing.

7. Here’s something we did learn: Despite having no wins in five years and no majors in a decade, Woods is still golf’s greatest needle-mover and its most relevant asset. Love him or love to hate him, fans flock to the gallery ropes and TV screens when he’s in competition. They used to do that to see the game’s most dominant force in his prime. Now they do it because he’s the great unknown — and we’ll never know when or if he’s ready to again unlock some of that magic.

8. Woods was standing over a 9-foot birdie putt on the 13th hole Sunday, when just as he began his putting stroke, a fan yelled, “Get in the hole!” Why? Well, for the same reason anyone ever yells anything — to be heard. I did a deep dive into the psyches of these “fans” a few years ago, interviewing nearly two dozen people who had screamed inane things at professional golfers during tournaments. I found out a few things, none of which should come as a surprise. First, they’re almost exclusively men ages 18 to 30. Second, they were nearly unanimous in having a little liquid courage. Third, they yelled after texting friends watching on TV at home to listen for their voice. You probably could have guessed all of that. What you might not realize — and what the guy who screamed at Tiger is only starting to grasp — is that most of them regretted causing a scene and said they wouldn’t do it again.

9. Last thing on Tiger: I absolutely loved this quote from him after a third-round 70 during which he hit the ball all over the place and saved himself with a brilliant short-game performance. “The only thing I had was my short game and my heart,” he said afterward, “and that got me through it today.”

Tiger Woods put himself in some tough spots but recovered well at the Farmers Insurance Open. AP Photo/Gregory Bull

10. Three years ago, Day opened with a disappointing 1-over 73 at Torrey, then went on to win the golf tournament. Must be a smart strategy. This week, he again opened with a 73 and again won in a playoff. It’s the first victory for Day in 20 months, as he’s dealt with some personal situations that presumably affected his on-course performance. He should be commended for hanging in during an extra long Sunday afternoon, then bouncing back Monday morning in the continuation of a playoff with Alex Noren, stiffing a third-shot wedge on the sixth hole to all but clinch the title.

11. Feel-good story of the week (non-Tiger division) goes to Ryan Palmer. Three years ago, I sat with him days after his father had died in a car accident, and he explained why he needed to keep playing for has dad. Last year, his wife, Jennifer, underwent treatment for stage 2 breast cancer. As a result, he made only 20 starts and entered this season needing to keep his PGA Tour playing privileges in his first six events. Things are looking up. Jennifer is healthy, and he needed only two of those six starts to keep his card. Palmer was eliminated on the first playoff hole Sunday, but the smile on his face afterward told the story of a guy who can still be happy without getting the win.

12. I get it. The tournament was on the line for J.B. Holmes as he stood over his second shot on the final hole, and the wind was gusting, and he was trying to make a decision. Quite simply, though, the decision took way too long. It took Holmes more than four minutes to hit his layup, which is egregious on a Thursday morning but downright detrimental to the game on a Sunday afternoon in the final group, when it shines a spotlight on just how plodding professional golf can be in its biggest moments.

13. The worst part? Holmes essentially iced one of his playing partners. After waiting and watching, Noren finally stood over his ball, swung and flew the green. That’s not fair.

14. All of that said, I’m not an advocate of shot clocks or more fervently enforced slow-play penalties, especially during the final holes of a tournament. For a game infused with purity, it just feels too artificial. Think about it: Your favorite player is tied for the lead on the final hole. He stands over his ball. A big wind gust comes through. He steps away. Then, suddenly, a horn sounds, noting that he took too long, will be penalized and has lost the tournament. Sounds brutal, right? Besides, if you’re going to police the last few groups on Sunday, you’ve got to police all of them for all four rounds. There needs to be a more organic cure for slow play than some of the ideas that are out there.

15. Haotong Li is a stud. The 22-year-old didn’t just stiff-arm McIlroy down the stretch on Sunday in Dubai, but he also moved into the world’s top 50 and earned his second European Tour title. He’s also really fun to watch. Li plays with some fire and passion, which could translate into his becoming a global star once his game reaches full potential. If this week was any indication, he might not be too far off.

16. Of course, McIlroy owns more than a few stud qualities himself. For those scoring at home, he’s now returned from that 3½-month layoff to finish third and second in his first two starts. You can almost see him building more confidence each round. If he continues at this pace, those thirds and seconds soon will translate into wins.

17. Imagine this: You’re a young person, tops in the world in your field and ready to start a job that could soon prove to be extremely lucrative — except then you’re offered an amazing-yet-unpaid opportunity that’s too good to turn down. OK, so maybe it’s not a perfect analogy to other situations, but this was the one facing Joaquin Niemann before he won this week’s Latin America Amateur Championship. With it, of course, comes an exemption into this year’s Masters, and so the 19-year-old No. 1-ranked amateur from Chile will delay turning pro for three more months, until he gains that invaluable experience at the year’s first major.

18. Nothing against Phoenix, nothing against Pebble — two really fun weeks coming up on the PGA Tour. But it’s going to be lit, as the kids say, at Riviera in a few weeks. Defending champion Dustin Johnson is in the field, as are McIlroy, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. Oh, and that other guy. The tournament host. Some dude named Tiger.

#Golf

0 notes