#and compassion from the people who are hired to “Represent the people”

[jynxlovesluck]

Real character growth is thinking weed is the Worst Drug On the Planet as a kid and growing up going "Actually, while weed itself has both negative and positive effects for different people for different reasons, we should talk about how the substance itself is used to demonize and imprison poor people, and you KNOW it's aimed even moreso at people of color, of Black and Latino people ESPECIALLY, all for your local Senator to get the shit shipped to their house and accept the taxes it brings in by the-"

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk, Mr. Fucking Anslinger.

[devanaggarwal]

How You Can Help the Homeless

Helping the homeless can make a real and often immediate difference in the lives of those affected by poverty. It is vital to help people get out of poverty by establishing more permanent solutions like education, training opportunities, and job placement programs.

One thing people can do to help homeless people is to treat them with kindness and respect. Despite their plight, homeless individuals deserve dignity and compassion.

Whether donating money or goods to local charities or organizations, your donations can make a big difference in the lives of those who need it most. Look for groups in your area that help homeless people, like food banks, homeless shelters, and housing programs. These organizations often rely on donations to assist their clients.

Consider creating gift packages with items from your local market, like toothbrushes, bottled water, nonperishable food like canned soup or tuna packets, and clothes. This is an easy way to ensure the homeless have what they need when they cannot receive support. If this isn't possible due to time limitations or other factors, consider exchanging goods with friends or family members instead. Ask them if they have any extra supplies that could go into care packages for the less fortunate folks in our communities.

Many organizations need volunteers to assist with various tasks, such as preparing meals for homeless individuals and families, organizing fundraisers, and providing transportation services for those who need them. Volunteering your time is a great way to gain insight into how these organizations operate and how they help those in need.

Fundraising campaigns are one of the most effective ways to support the homeless. Whether you start one yourself or assemble a small team of volunteers, any money you raise can make a difference in someone's life. Consider organizing bake sales or other events such as car washes or craft days at schools, churches, or local businesses.

You can create an online donation page and spread awareness through social media campaigns. You can also spread awareness about homelessness by organizing events where you share information about organizations working with the homeless and strategies they employ to tackle root causes leading up to homelessness, such as poverty and mental health issues.

Reach out to your local representatives and let them know what changes you would like to see implemented at the state or federal level that could benefit those experiencing homelessness in your community. By advocating for change at the legislative level, you can ensure that more resources are available for those who need them most.

Finally, consider hiring those who are homeless when possible. This could be anything from providing employment opportunities at your business to something as simple as hiring someone for freelance work or offering odd jobs here and there for some extra money. Providing meaningful employment will not only give them more stability but offer dignity and respect that goes beyond just providing resources like shelter and food.

Any contributions, no matter how big or small, are important in the fight against homelessness. Donating money or commodities to charity, working at local shelters, or pushing for legislative reform will help homeless people. Everyone has the power to make their community a better place, so go out and start making a difference today.

[indiantravelpackage]

The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, located in Amritsar is a symbol of spiritual solace and humanitarian service. With architectural beauty, it is also popular for the practice of Langar, or the community kitchen. Every day, the “world’s largest kitchen” serves thousands of people with free hot meals without any caste, religion, and social barriers.

What’s so Special About Langar at the Golden Temple?

While most religions have rituals involving free food, what separates the Langar of the Golden Temple is the scale and organization. Shri Harmandir Sahib serves out approximately 50,000 to 100,000 meals every day, that even doubles during festivals or any religious events.

This huge operation is an evident that Sikhs believe in equality and community service. People from all backgrounds come together to sit and have a meal at single place. It is a statement of the power of compassion and community.

The Origins of Langar: A 15th-Century Vision of Equality

The tradition of langar began in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, as he established Sikhism. He introduced it in a way to promote equality and selflessness, where no one was left without food. Later, the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das Ji, organized this practice, to ensure food security for all, especially the underprivileged.

The Langar at the Golden Temple embodies these values, offering nourishment both physically and spiritually. The Langar, feeding everyone who comes there, represents the Sikhs two fundamental principles, which they call it as “seva” (selfless service) and “equality”.

Book a Coach for Your Next Trip to Amritsar with Family

How Does the Golden Temple Langar Operate?

The Langar in Golden Temple runs 24 hours a day without breaks. This is reflected by the hard core efforts of the sevadars who volunteer their time and energy toward cooking, cleaning, and serving people. No other food service is there like this one that hires contracted caterers. It is entirely conducted by volunteers, giving a sense of community and selflessness.

On an average day, the Langar uses:

100 quintals of wheat flour

25 quintals of lentils

10 quintals of rice

5 quintals of pure ghee

5,000 liters of milk

In addition, a chapati-making machine, gifted by a generous devotee from Lebanon, produces 25,000 rotis in an hour. Volunteers prepare the meal and clean up the dining area. It is through this service that the community’s commitment towards this incredible cause.

What does “Guru ka Langar” symbolize?

Langar is not just a meal; it represents unity, humility, and connection to the divine. People here sit side by side, regardless of social status, and share the same food demolishes the barriers of class and caste. The Langar embodies the Sikh ethos of equality and compassion, creating a space where everyone is seen as an equal.

It is widely believed that Langar preparation and serving is worship. Sikhism teaches that feeding others cleans one’s soul. One feels a connection to the divine when extending his/her hands in seva.

A Modern-Day Miracle of Compassion

Nowadays, nearly every Gurdwara in the world runs a Langar. The Langar itself is simply a reflection of values and spirit of the Golden Temple’s kitchen. The tradition of Daswandh, giving 10% of what you earn, to community welfare is also followed by Sikhs. Langar is thus one of the most sacred and precious acts of worship practiced in Sikhism.

Ready to go about experiencing Langar?

The Langar in the Golden Temple is an experience not so common in the worldly cultures, and every traveler should witness it at least once. Indian Travel Package offers custom-made itineraries for international visits if you wish to visit the Golden Temple and experience the Langar firsthand. Indian Travel Package serves various clients worldwide such as clients from countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Singapore, Australia, and India with multilingual support and special tours.

Experience the world’s largest community kitchen and the warmth of Sikh hospitality with Indian Travel Package — a journey that nourishes not only the body but also the soul.

[unfoldingmoments]

Is God Fair?

The phrase "God is not fair but just" is often used in theological discussions to distinguish between human ideas of fairness and the divine concept of justice. Here’s what it means:

Fairness vs. Justice:

Fairness is often understood as treating everyone equally, without bias or preference. It’s based on the idea that everyone should receive the same treatment or outcome, regardless of circumstances. Fairness emphasizes equality in distribution, whether of rewards or punishments.

Justice, on the other hand, is about doing what is right according to a higher moral standard. It considers not just equal treatment, but also what is deserved based on the context, actions, and circumstances of individuals. Justice focuses on righteousness, ensuring that people are held accountable or rewarded appropriately, sometimes leading to unequal outcomes.

"God is Not Fair but Just" Meaning:

In this context, the phrase means that God does not operate according to human ideas of fairness, where everyone gets the same treatment, but instead operates based on divine justice, which considers what is right and deserved in a broader, often deeper sense.

Here’s how the distinction plays out:

God’s Perspective is Different: From a theological standpoint, God sees the whole picture—human hearts, motivations, and circumstances that we might not fully understand. What may seem “unfair” from a limited, human perspective might actually be perfectly just from God’s perspective.

Justice Takes Circumstances into Account: God’s justice is often understood to mean that individuals are judged not by a flat standard of fairness but by their unique situations, experiences, and choices. What one person deserves might be different from what another deserves, even if outwardly their situations look the same.

Example: Think of the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16). In this story, workers are hired at different times during the day but all receive the same wage. From a human perspective, this might seem unfair, since some worked longer than others. However, the vineyard owner (representing God) says he gave everyone what was promised, and he has the right to be generous to whom he wishes. The lesson illustrates God’s justice—He can be both generous and just, even if the result appears unequal.

Mercy Over Strict Fairness: God’s justice sometimes involves mercy and grace, which go beyond strict fairness. For example, the concept of grace (God giving undeserved blessings) and mercy (God withholding deserved punishment) may seem unfair to those who think everyone should get exactly what they deserve. But God’s justice is often intertwined with mercy, balancing righteousness and compassion.

Consequences for Actions: Justice may also mean that people face consequences for their actions in a way that seems harsh or "unfair" from a human perspective, but which aligns with divine justice. God's judgment is based on righteousness, and people may receive consequences that are perfectly just, even if they feel unfair from a limited human viewpoint.

In Summary:

When people say, “God is not fair but just,” they mean that God does not simply treat everyone the same, because fairness, in the human sense, can be too simplistic. Instead, God is just, meaning that He treats people according to what is right and deserved, taking into account His wisdom, mercy, and the full scope of each person’s life and choices. This kind of justice may not always align with our idea of fairness, but it is rooted in righteousness.

Examples:

The examples of people in the Bible who were healed, like the blind man, and those who faced great suffering, like Job, help illustrate the difference between fairness and justice from a biblical perspective.

1. The Healing of the Blind Man (John 9)

In the New Testament, Jesus encounters a man who was blind from birth. His disciples ask if the man’s blindness was due to his sin or his parents’ sin. Jesus responds, saying it was neither, but that the works of God might be displayed in him (John 9:3). Jesus then heals the man, restoring his sight.

• Fairness: It may not seem “fair” that this man was born blind while others were not, and that he lived his entire life in darkness until meeting Jesus.

• Justice: The healing shows that there was a divine purpose in his suffering, and the man became an instrument to reveal God’s glory. In the broader perspective, God’s justice is not about equal outcomes for everyone but fulfilling a greater purpose.

2. The Story of Job (Book of Job)

Job was a righteous man who experienced immense suffering: loss of wealth, family, and health. Despite his suffering, Job remained faithful to God, though he questioned why he had to endure so much when he had lived righteously. At the end of his trials, God restored Job’s fortunes, even giving him more than what he had lost.

• Fairness: Job’s suffering does not seem “fair.” He lived an upright life, yet he lost everything, while others who were less righteous might not have faced such adversity.

• Justice: Job’s story emphasizes that God’s ways are beyond human understanding. God allowed Job to suffer, not as a punishment but as part of a greater plan to test and refine his faith. Ultimately, God’s justice prevailed, as Job’s faith was rewarded.

3. The Example of Those Not Healed

Not everyone in the Bible was healed or saw immediate relief from suffering. Paul, for example, mentions his “thorn in the flesh,” a persistent affliction (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Despite praying for it to be removed, God told Paul that “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

• Fairness: It might not seem fair that Paul, a faithful servant of God, had to endure this ongoing affliction.

• Justice: God’s response to Paul shows that justice is not always about removing suffering but about giving grace and strength to endure it. God’s justice in this case was about using Paul’s weakness to demonstrate divine power and reliance on God.

These stories reflect the theme that life may not seem fair on the surface because suffering and blessings are not distributed equally. However, from a biblical viewpoint, God’s justice is ultimately about fulfilling a greater purpose, even when we don’t understand it in the moment.

[forthegoodofamerica]

The Importance of Diverse Voices in Media Today

In our fast-paced world, the media plays a critical role in shaping public perception and culture. However, the voices represented in the media are not always diverse and inclusive. The representation of various perspectives is essential for fostering understanding and empathy among people. Diverse voices in the media help illuminate issues that may otherwise be overlooked and provide a platform for marginalized groups. This blog will explore the importance of diverse voices in media and how they contribute to a more equitable society.

Broadening Perspectives

One of the most significant benefits of diverse voices in media is the ability to broaden perspectives. Each individual carries unique life experiences that inform their views. When these voices are included in the media, it enables a richer dialogue about social issues, culture, and politics. People are more likely to engage with stories that reflect a variety of experiences and viewpoints, leading to a deeper understanding of complex issues.

For instance, issues affecting specific communities, such as racial inequality or gender discrimination, are often better articulated by those who have experienced them firsthand. The insights shared by individuals from various backgrounds can pave the way for meaningful discussions and encourage collective action toward positive change.

Enhancing Representation

Diverse voices help enhance representation in media. Representation matters not just for the communities involved but for society as a whole. When children and adults see people who look like them in the media, it has a profound effect on their self-image and aspirations. Diverse media representation contributes to a sense of belonging, showing that anyone can play a role in society, regardless of race, gender, or background.

Unfortunately, many media outlets still lack adequate representation of minorities. By prioritizing diverse hiring practices and sourcing stories from various voices, media organizations can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to share their experience. This not only creates a more accurate portrayal of society but also fosters an environment where everyone feels heard and valued.

Challenging Stereotypes

Diverse voices in the media also challenge stereotypes that have existed for many years. Often, media portrayals do not capture the complexity of individuals, leading to harmful generalizations. By sharing authentic stories and experiences, the media can break down these stereotypes and promote understanding.

For example, by featuring narratives of successful individuals from marginalized communities, the media can challenge the stereotype that only certain groups can achieve success. This not only empowers those communities but also shifts public perception toward a more nuanced understanding of talent and hard work.

Fostering Empathy

Empathy is a fundamental quality that helps bridge societal divides. When people are exposed to stories from different backgrounds, it has the power to evoke compassion and understanding. Diverse voices allow audiences to step into someone else’s shoes, cultivating a sense of shared humanity.

Documentaries and feature stories focusing on real-life experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds help paint a more complete picture of human experiences. When audiences connect emotionally with these stories, they may become more inclined to advocate for change and support policies that promote equality.

The Role of Media in Social Change

Media has an extraordinary ability to create awareness and spark social change. By highlighting diverse voices, the media can effectively bring crucial issues to the forefront. For example, organizations and movements advocating for social justice use the media to amplify their message and mobilize supporters.

As audiences consume content from diverse voices, they become more informed and engaged citizens. This encourages them to participate in discussions around pressing social issues, driving the momentum for change. It’s a powerful cycle: as diverse voices are heard, more stories are shared, and societies evolve.

Get Your Free Copy of George Magazine

To stay informed about the importance of diverse voices and other critical social issues, sign up for a free copy of George Magazine. This magazine offers insights and in-depth articles that explore various perspectives and current events. Join our community today by visiting George Magazine.

Why George Magazine?

George Magazine is committed to providing diverse content that reflects the multiplicity of human experiences. By signing up, you will have access to articles that discuss social change, cultural trends, and pivotal moments in history. Engage with stories that matter and broaden your understanding of the world around you. Plus, this is not a subscription offer; it’s simply a way for you to receive valuable information directly to your inbox.

Don’t miss out! Check out the collector’s edition at Issue 22 to see what insightful topics await you.

Embracing Diverse Voices

As we move forward in an increasingly connected world, the importance of diverse voices in media cannot be overstated. From broadening perspectives to fostering empathy, diverse voices are vital in shaping a just society. They challenge stereotypes, enhance representation, and catalyze social change.

By supporting media that prioritize diverse voices, we can all play a part in creating a world that values every individual’s story. Be a part of this movement by signing up for your free copy of George Magazine today at George Magazine.

[sowmya]

How To Build & Manage A High-Performance Inside Sales Team?

Creating an inside sales team will probably be easy for you. But will it be a high-performing team or just an ordinary one? It’s time to think deeper!

As per LinkedIn’s sales report states that the sales representatives already spend almost 25% of their time utilizing inside sales strategies.

You can not form a high-performing sales team overnight or by accident. Excellent sales managers are responsible for building and managing a good sales team. Concentrating on time management, goal-setting, accountability strategies, and, more importantly, sales performance skills are essential. The sales funnel does not work when you don’t improve your sales staff. 

Steps to Manage Inside Sales Team for Lead Generation Businesses to Improve Sales

So, to avoid such unwanted and major hindrances, it’s better to build and manage a high-performing inside sales team process for lead generation companies. So, let’s discover how to do that:

1. Present yourself as a capable sales coach

You are the source of direction, mentoring, and guidance for your sales team. Every company has a specific vision. Inform your reps about that and encourage them to participate in claiming the organizational vision. Coaching your sales team also includes assisting them in coming up with answers to problems.

If you are the decision maker of your organization, you should step forward and lead the sales team. Although, most of the lead businesses have a competent sales manager to handle the reps. 

2. Recruit reps carefully

The effectiveness of a good sales coach shows the desired results when it teams up with coachable sales staff. When hiring new employees, you should clearly explain their responsibilities and how things work in your company because they’ll probably use previous tactics that won’t be effective for your company.

Recruit salespeople who are curious, modest, and open to acquiring knowledge from others. Hiring reps with emotional intelligence (EQ) is another recommended practice for creating a high-performing sales team. Psychologically, EQ is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions and pinpoint and influence the emotions of people around you. 

3. Strong skills every sales rep should have/achieve

A practical inside sales management team should include sales reps with strong skills like presence and relating. In addition, your salespeople should acquire knowledge and skills beyond just throwing sales pitches to the prospects. The primary components are flaunting confidence, conviction, and curiosity through voice and body language (when on a video call). 

Also, inside sales representatives must build customer relationships and relate to the prospects through appreciation, connection, and compassion. They must listen actively and pay great attention to indications that predict how quickly the client wants to move forward.  

People are usually less tolerant when communicating virtually, so your sales team should be precise, direct, and purposeful in their language – far more so than when interacting in person.

Also Read: Tips & Strategies For Successful Inside Sales

4. Encourage your sales accountability

Accountability holds a high place in building and managing a high-performing inside sales team since it can support its continued success. It encourages sales personnel to reach their targets and deliver excellent outcomes. 

Because reps won’t view or grasp findings like a sales manager, poor accountability can seriously interfere with outstanding performance. As a sales manager, you must form a clear accountability structure for your team to understand it well. It also motivates reps to do high-quality work and carry out their duties morally.

5. Managing your sales team and not just babysitting

How do you manage your sales team? Giving them a well-built sales tech stack sounds good. But, no! It’s not that simple. It’s only one strategy out of several other inside sales management strategies. Sales managers can motivate the staff and assist them in achieving their objectives. Following are the few ways you can manage your well-built sales team:

Set high but achievable sales goals,

Be transparent when presenting your sales model,

Incentivize your sales team,

Person-to-person occasional coaching,

Drive competition among the reps,

Closely monitor every staff’s performance,

Celebrate every win to motivate them further.

As we wrap things up, you can see how inside sales management strategies are helpful to having a highly efficient sales team. It’s not an easy task, but not impossible. The actual focus on training and development can result in more meaningful customer conversations, higher engagement, cross-selling opportunities, and more successful sales, both with new hires and current sales reps. It’s not a one-time event but a continuous work to maintain.

[is-cedar-business-legitimate]

Is Cedar Business Services Legitimate?

Cedars Business Services is a renowned name in the debt collection industry, where they are redefining debt collection with compassion and integrity to stand apart as more than just collectors of debt. There are many narratives around the internet rising from a single concern many people have, is Cedars Business Services legitimate? To answer this question, let’s understand how Cedars Business Services works and what people say about their experiences.

Cedars Business Services is transcending the traditional notions of debt recovery, prioritising empathy, understanding, and personalised solutions that put people first. With its commitment to ethical practices and a deep-seated belief in the power of empathy, its team guides and supports its consumers at every step of the way.

Do Cedars Business Services Scam?

Cedars Business Services has been a point of discussion for quite some time now and there are mixed reviews on the internet, but the most frequently asked question is, does Cedars Business Services scam people? Having worked in the collection industry for 33 years and operating at a considerable scale somewhat demystifies your opportunity to hide your true motives if you are not legit. There are some clear laws and regulations that hold debt collection agencies accountable and define how a debt collection agency should work. This awareness stems from the fact that businesses operating on a diverse scale are typically public entities, shedding light on their legitimacy.

So, the most important thing to confirm is whether Cedars Business Services is certified or not or if it abides by all laws and regulations. After doing thorough research to discover if Cedars Business Services scam people, it is evident that Cedars Business Services is a certified collection agency providing debt collection services since 1991, compliant with all applicable federal and state corporate and consumer protection laws and is SOC 2 Type II certified. It is also a Better Business Bureau-accredited business and a longtime member of ACA International. These certifications and compliance protocols are self-explanatory and confirm that Cedars Business Services is legit.

Cedars Business Services is not a debt buyer, it is a third-party debt collection agency that is hired by businesses to collect their debt from the people who are their debtors. People who are contacted by Cedars Business Services representatives often get confused because they are not familiar with how it works and think Cedars Business Services scam people. But they reach out on behalf of their clients who hire them to collect their debt. For many consumers, long-forgotten debts can cause confusion and anxiety as they may forget their past interaction with a creditor, or the creditor might have changed their name or merged into another entity. This unclear situation can add another layer of complexity and leave consumers wondering about the validity of the debt and unsure of how to proceed.

Cedars Business Services Reviews

Cedars Business Services stands for transparency for both debtors and clients and its local agents are available 24/7 to answer any questions that its consumers might have about their accounts and debt information. This notion is further proved through Cedars Business Services reviews. People might think Cedars Business Services scam people based on different discussions and opinions that they see online. But to understand if Cedars Business Services scam people, it is important to consider the reviews people share about their experience with Cedars Business Services.

There are many online portals where people share their experiences, but the most credible source is Cedars Business Services reviews on Google. People share their experiences with Cedars Business Services’ debt collectors who reach out to them. There are almost 300+ 5-star reviews where people share their experiences with Cedars Business Services as compassionate, empathetic, and helpful.

Is Cedars Business Services legit?

While online opinions on, “Is Cedars Business Services legitimate?” vary, the evidence suggests that it is a legitimate debt collection agency. Founded in 1997, they hold certifications and comply with relevant laws, further backed by BBB accreditation and ACA International membership. They emphasise transparency and boast positive reviews citing their compassionate and helpful approach. However, due to the inherent nature of debt collection, individual experiences may differ. If you're unsure about a debt or facing collection, it's crucial to verify the debt, understand your rights under the FDCPA, and potentially seek legal advice for informed decision-making.

Remember, individual experiences may vary, and understanding your rights remains crucial. However, based on the available evidence, Cedars Business Services emerges as a legitimate and potentially ideal source for debt collection, prioritising transparency and ethical practices.

[sadanseo]

How To Choose Best Free Consultation Tax Lawyer

It is essential to obtain the advice of an experienced tax attorney while dealing with the maze of tax regulations. The first thing that usually happens is a free consultation. That way, you can see if the lawyer is good for your needs and gauge their level of knowledge. If you need help with any tax-related matters, this detailed guide will walk you through the steps to take to choose the right free consultation tax lawyer for your free consultation.

Assessing Your Requirements:

Make sure you know exactly what you need before you start looking for a free consultation tax lawyer. Tax problems can range from simple individual income taxes to intricate business tax difficulties.

Investigating Possible Applicants:

Researching possible tax attorneys who provide free consultations is the next step after defining your demands. Build your shortlist of potential applicants using internet resources, legal directories, and word-of-mouth referrals.

Verifying Experience and Education:

Before hiring any of the tax attorneys on your list, be sure to research their backgrounds and experience. Find people who have legal licenses in your state or province and whose profession is tax law. Indicators of a lawyer's dedication to remaining current with advances in the industry might include membership in professional organizations or qualifications in tax law.

Evaluating Knowledge and Skill:

When it comes to tax law, only some lawyers are an expert. Think about the lawyer's performance in cases that are comparable to yours. Given the complexity of your case, it is probable that you would be better served by hiring an attorney who has a track record of effectively handling cases like yours.

Analysing Testimonials from Satisfied Customers:

You may learn a lot about a free consultation tax lawyer's credibility and service quality from reviews and testimonials written by their clients. Investigate comments for trends about timeliness, clarity, and happiness. You may get a feel for the legal procedure from this material.

Assessing Mode of Expression:

Any legal representative needs to have effective communication skills. While you're there for free, pay attention to how the lawyer answers your questions. A competent tax attorney should be able to break down even the most convoluted tax ideas for their clients.

The Costs and Billing Procedures:

Please find out how the lawyer charges for their services and how they handle invoicing during the free consultation. In order to plan and prevent unpleasant financial shocks, it is crucial to know if the lawyer charges by the hour or has a flat rate.

Investigating Non-Confrontational Methods of Amending Conflicts:

Mediation or arbitration, two forms of alternative dispute resolution, could be better than litigation in some tax disputes. Find out how receptive the free consultation tax lawyer is to other perspectives by discussing these possibilities during the complimentary consultation.

Taking Availability and Accessibility into Account:

Think about how easy it is to get in touch with and how available the tax attorney is. Communication and responses to urgent tax problems are crucial. Check if the attorney can devote enough time to your case.

Making a Personal Connection:

Your relationship with your tax attorney is as important as your skills. An honest, open, and respectful relationship with your lawyer can help you address your tax issues.

Conclusion:

When choosing a tax lawyer, consider experience, communication style, customer feedback, and qualifications during a free consultation. Please consult this guideline to make an educated, tax-compliant decision. Choose a free consultation tax lawyer who knows your position and has the compassion and drive to fight for you.

[rauthschild]

The U.S. Army has been in control of this country since 1863, and has imposed gag orders on the newspapers and radio since 1917. They simply expanded their gag orders to television as it began to be popular, and now, they've gagged the internet.

This has resulted in many decades during which America has been deliberately dumbed down and left isolated, unable to rightly assess what is going on in the rest of the world. This has been done deliberately to manipulate and control public opinion in this country.

Americans who knew the truth about Quadaffi's effort to form an African Union and enable the countries of Africa to have a common gold-backed currency-- that is, to do what we did ourselves back in 1776-- would never support the unprovoked attack on Libya and the murder of their leader.

We wouldn't send our sons and daughters to do such a thing. We wouldn't condone the use of our credit for such purposes. We'd shut the crooked bankers and war contractors and corrupt generals down.

If we knew.

So it has become their business to keep us ignorant and manipulate us into believing or assuming things that simply aren't true, and also to keep us from knowing anything about what goes on in the larger world.

Right now, there are 22 hot wars engaged worldwide, most of them in Africa, which is being systematically raped by mercenaries hired by the old colonial and corporate powers. Reports put the death toll in Ethiopia alone at 800,000 people -- that's twelve Vietnams in less than a year, but we haven't heard a word about this mammoth continent-wide carnage from any major news source. Not a word.

Since Dubbyah got away with his ridiculous and clearly disproven claim of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq, public employees have been lying non-stop about nearly everything. Michael Hayden, former CIA Chief, came out and bragged about it on PBS.

What more do you need to know?

These men who claim to represent you, are worthless Sons of Satan, lying their rumps off for fun and profit. And proud of it, too. They have no moral compass, no common sense, and day by day and year by year, they have disgraced themselves and this country with ever-increasing audacity and contempt for the American people.

The Apologists for all this criminality, the lies, and the senseless wars for profit, will tell you not to worry your pretty little head. It's all for your own good. You don't know how the world works.

This is coming from the same brigands who have usurped against your lawful Autochthonous government and made it their business (literally) to keep you dumbed down and clueless.

It will come as a surprise to many people to learn that the same Directed Energy Weapons that were "tested" on Paradise, California and on Maui, Hawaii, have also been unleashed to destroy Acapulco:

https://beforeitsnews.com/politics/2023/10/breaking-full-media-blackout-acapulco-completely-destroyed-by-another-dew-attack-just-like-maui-this-was-not-a-natural-event-must-video-3301746.html

And we haven't heard a word about it. No rescue efforts have been mounted. No humanitarian assistance is on its way.

When first asked why this is, I replied that the Media is gagged --- and they are, but, people need to understand the greater scheme of this.

All the corporations are owned, ultimately, by the Pope. Anyone who works for a media corporation is gagged by the Pope's hired mercenaries as a condition of employment.

They've bought all these corporations in your names and managed them "for" you. You've paid the taxes for them. And been abused by them.

It's the Pope's duty under Ecclesiastical Law to liquidate all corporations that are operating unlawfully, and we have brought the claim to the Vatican Chancery Court to enforce against the offenders, but meanwhile, new offenders appear like dandelions in May.

Francis, if he is still alive, knows that the clock is ticking. The cards have been called.

The point is that this same control structure operated by False Trustees impacts corporations of every kind. They are all publicly owned (in your names, no less) but privately managed, and therein lies the rub.

People incorporated their businesses willy-nilly, without being fully or honestly informed about the pros and cons. So they gave away their control and ownership interest in their own businesses and their private assets to the attorneys who were the ones advising them to incorporate in the first place.

This gross unjust enrichment and usurpation of authority has taken place right under our noses and has impacted every corporation and every industry and every resource since it got started under FDR in the 1930's.

It's not "just" the monster media corporations that are under gag orders. Every corporation you can name or think of, has come under the same gun. And right about now, the members of the World Economic Forum are getting the same bad news.

[meeksimpactlaw]

Georgia Car Accident Lawyer

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[shaftking]

As a former art student, I was informed about this organization meant to help women who want to join the animation industry. Technically I’m female (not bc I “identify” as it, but bc that’s what just I am since gender isn’t a choice, tucutes 🙄), but my gender literally doesn’t matter to me and I certainly don’t want it to be the reason I get hired to do a job, so as a result I wasn’t interested. However, I decided to check out the website anyway out of morbid curiosity and I’m glad I didn’t bother with it. They have a whole mission statement about standing for “gender justice.”

One of the quotes from the statement is: “We recognize gender is non-binary and intersects with every other aspect of identity. We advocate for gender justice because it will benefit all of us. We are inextricably linked and we all deserve to be treated fairly.” First of all, as it’s been stated before, gender has not been proven to be non-binary and therefore this should not be stated like it’s a fact. Second of all, I don’t see how gender “intersects with every other aspect of identity.” Unless you’re trans dealing with dysphoria or live in a society that enforces strict gender roles, who literally gives a shit? I think most people are like me and gender doesn’t matter to them (with the exception of a few weirdos who make it their entire personality). Then, I understand wanting everyone to be treated fairly, but pushing regressive bs isn’t fair to the majority of the population, both trans and cis folks alike. THAT will certainly NOT benefit all of us.

Then the statement goes into how the members of the organization strive to the right thing even when it’s hard and value traits such as empathy, compassion, and self-awareness. I’m deeply unsettled by this savior complex these people clearly have and how they see themselves as morally superior, even though what they’re pushing is not. It goes on to describe how these people consider themselves brave for breaking barriers, taking risks, and doing things that haven’t been done before “in the name of progress.” Again, if they’re talking about including nb stuff in cartoons, there’s nothing progressive about that all.

Finally, this is the last part of the statement: “As animation continues to reach audiences of diverse age, gender, ethnicity, abilities and culture, so does the need to ensure that animation content represents the world as it should be — a world where people of diverse genders are equally represented, both behind the scenes and on the screen, to move culture forward.” The final aspect of this really pisses me off. How exactly does promoting nb and MOGAI genders move culture forward?? If anything, it’s doing the exact opposite since the whole concept of more than two genders stems from historical examples of homophobia and transphobia in non Western cultures. We don’t need that shit here.

Anyway, I just felt the need to rant about this bc as someone who studied animation, I’m really unsatisfied with where the industry has been headed lately. I’m very weary of it and how it’s being overtaken by SJWs who view animation as a way to push their harmful agendas rather than an art form meant to entertain people. It’s a shame since there are people out there who are against ACTUAL progress, which is an issue in itself, but then these extremists come in with their faux progress and make things 100 times worse smh.

(Also I wanted to point out that to apply to this organization’s scholarship program, you have to, in their words, identify yourself as “female, trans or non-binary.” I mean at least nb is separate from trans but then why is trans separate from female? To include trans men? Then how is this an organization meant to help women? Makes no sense… So wording this requirement like gender is a choice and then including trans as a separate label… totally not transphobic at all! 😒).

This ask was a lot to chew on but all in all I feel you man. I’m also working on an arts degree (nearly finished!) and the arts have always been more left leaning in general but compared to the past it’s gotten worse, especially with the gender stuff and woke stuff. I’ve spoken about it before, but while taking theatre classes I encountered a ton of enbies who were invariably slightly GNC women with views on gender that made me (token closeted trans man) very personally uncomfortable.

It’s all just very ignorant and regressive especially the making trans this third special thing separate of men and women, which they probably view as a good thing with how they prop up nonbinary.

It sucks that an industry you care about and have worked towards is so inundated with this nonsense but it seems like there’s really nothing that hasn’t been overrun with it. Like it’s legitimately fucking everywhere like some kind of psychological social virus.

[margridarnauds]

I noticed my beloved Marie Antoinette is falling behind and, let's be honest, I can't stand for that. So, let's talk about one of the best musicals of all time and the reason for my url.

-- Marie Antoinette is popularly thought to be an adaptation of the famous Austrian born French queen's life -- in reality, it isn't. It's an adaptation of the historical fiction novel by Shusaku Endo. Therefore, while it, like a number of the currently winning entries, is set in Europe, it is based on a Japanese novel by a Japanese author, it premiered in Japan, it was rewritten in Korea. While most people know it from either the failed German production or the Hungarian production and it does have Kunze and Levay attached to it (though more Levay than Kunze these days ngl), it represents a collaborative effort on behalf of two Asian musical industries.

-- The music. Again, when you hire Kunze and Levay, you know you're going to get something good at least from Levay, and they really outdid themselves here. From the haunting Blinded By The Lights of A Thousand Candles to the defiant Enough Is Enough to the ambitious villain song I Am The Best to the melancholy romance and regret of The Only Thing I Ever Did Right.

-- The historical accuracy. Look, this is a musical. Musicals have to change things in order to condense history in two hours. But I've had plenty of people who are far more into the Frev than I am say that this is one of the single best, most nuanced portrayals of Marie Antoinette's life they've ever seen, even if it does repeat some common myths like the Duc d'Orléans starting the Revolution or Marie Antoinette and Fersen having an affair. It includes the Affair of the Diamond Necklace, it includes the September Massacres, it includes projections from *actual pamphlets used to discredit Marie*, it includes *a legit replica of Marie Antoinette's actual bed in the Toho production*

Compared to the real bed at Versailles

-- The costumes are gorgeous. Both the Toho and the Korean productions went out of their way to create absolutely gorgeous costumes. Just searching for "Marie Antoinette das Musical" on my blog will turn up a few of the gifsets I've made of the costumes, but just for one of my favorite examples:

The stage design is gorgeous:

Like, seriously. Look at this. Or the projections they used to tell the story of the Varennes Flight.

-- The characterization, especially of the two female leads. There are quite a few musicals that have two female leads these days (Wicked, War Paint, Chicago, to name a few examples off the top of my head), but I think that Marie Antoinette really does a great job balancing them out, especially given tbh a lot of the musicals that are making it thus far are kind of sausage fests that either have one token female character or no female characters on the stage at all. Both Marie Antoinette and Margrid Arnaud are given sympathy and respect even as they're both allowed to be wrong. Margrid in particular is one of my favorite characters of all time -- everything that people say they want with a messy female character is there with her -- she's a gremlin, she's either directly or indirectly responsible for multiple catastrophic events in the French Revolution, she has daddy issues, she might or might not be fucking the king's cousin who is helping the Revolution out for his own ends only for the two of them to have a breakup in the middle of the trial of the century, she cries on stage, she has religious trauma. Literally everything you could possibly want in a female character. And she is also a rare example of a lower class woman in 18th century France given any amount of nuance or compassion, and she's double-billed alongside the most famous woman of the time and shares equal screen time with her! Literally no one is doing it like her.

・*.+.*・・*.+.*・・*.+.*・・*.+.*・・*.+.*・

Championship Bracket

Cyrano ∼𝓋𝓈∼ Marie Antoinette

・*.+.*・・*.+.*・・*.+.*・・*.+.*・・*.+.*・

[the-nysh]

Garou seems to be someone that if his life was normal he would be an introvert and an honor student. Because of his goal he adopted the persona of some troublemaker but I feel like that’s not who he really is? Fangirls would hype themselves over the thought of him being a bad boy but I think he is awkward as a nerd can get. Proof is when he finally got over his performative evil persona and started living the real life he was very respectful and hardworking, isn’t he? His boss even said he’s a good kid and he wanted to hire him full time or something I don’t really remember the details. I met some girl today who said he’s the type to vandalize walls and tables during his student days and I’m really wondering if they even know Garou at all. Am I overreacting or am I not understanding Garou as well as I think I am?

Ah - this is true. :') You'll see that when he has no need to perform or put on a false 'tough/bad boy' act, his more genuine self is that of a textbook introvert, who prefers to keep to himself, with a solemn air of solitude, with very much a dorky/nerdy side too, and generally does not purposely go around intending to cause mayhem, needless destruction, or trouble for the lulz. However, if the trouble comes to him, he'll make his displeasure known and absolutely won't stand by or be a pushover about it. For his opinions, sense of injustice, and righteous anger (both his temper and emotional sensitivity/compassion for things) are very much some of his strongest suits. He may be an introverted lone wolf, who's a bit socially awkward and bad at navigating the full spectrum of his feelings (because he has a lot), but he's definitely not shy about speaking out or standing up to something (taking action on gut feeling, often without thinking things thru) when he knows there's a problem.

You see this side of him when he was a good-natured child - where his preferred activity was reading insect field guides or watching the hero/monster cartoons (very much nerdy behavior, with quite the specialized interest in fictional stories and the types of critters/creatures he liked) and yet, even when he generally kept to himself, he'd still voluntarily speak up to express his opinion when he'd notice things felt morally wrong or unfair. Whether that was towards the shows he watched or witnessing his other classmates getting hurt - you can see how it's always been in his nature to defend others, and feel sympathy for their injustices suffered, ever since he was a kid. (Which also unfortunately made him stand out as the oddball target of the class...)

You see this side of him again when he's out and about, brooding and behaving alone during the dine & dash section of the story. Where he primarily keeps to himself again (and behaves like a dork making nerdy puns to himself - hey he's being dumb, broke & hungry~), and generally isn't trying to make a scene, yet when he comes across trouble, like the citizens fighting or noticing Tareo getting bullied, he breaks things up and voluntarily intervenes. I really like this part of the story in particular for showing this side of Garou, more nuanced beyond all his early (very obvious) grandstanding acts of performative evil.

And you see this side to him again post-arc in the wc when he isolates in the mountains to meditate, then quietly keeps to himself while dutifully performing the part-time job. (But once again, trouble comes to him and he's forced to stand his ground - he defends the truck and calls Suiryu an asshole for causing needless collateral damage to civilian property.) But fortunately at this stage, he's matured enough to walk away from the incident without escalating it or his temper snapping after experiencing the cycle of injustice.... (I've seen people say he's unusually subdued or that he's 'lost his fire' here, but while he may be serious in thought contemplating his future, his actual behavior here is still very much consistently in line and representative of his real self.)

And actually...that part about him being dutiful and hard-working...you see this side of him when he puts all pretenses away and prioritizes saving the helicopter vs the centipede. :O (Enough that he scolds Mb for losing focus on The Task.) Cause aside from Garou being a fighting prodigy (who's analytical, observant, and resourceful in his own way), you see that he's also quite competent and efficient when he puts his mind/focus on his priorities! Driven to complete his duty all the way, especially when it's Important to him. So yes, just like when he was a nerdy kid, the idea/possibility that he'd become an honor student (not unlike Genos actually) if he had properly continued his schooling under better circumstances (like his alternate school uniform from the game) is actually very high. :O

But yes, from his looks to his literal performance, it's very easy to typecast and exaggerate his character into someone he's not. (It feels like the curse of trouble always coming to him - cause he's experienced that same typecasting & judgement from others even when he's not acting, which was unfair to him as a kid who stood out from the rest, so if he'll always be perceived as the 'bad guy' even to himself, he'll take power from that role and roll with it.) ...Which also means many fans interpreted that early behavior from his acting literally and have since rolled with it to the extremes in their portrayals/perceptions of him too. Treating that outward 'bad boy' persona as if it's his actual, genuine self and personality. :'D When the real him, underneath that literal (and symbolic) 'monster' shell, is anything but.

[mokkemusic]

AidaIro’s au’s are really Nene’s stories

I want to share something I always thought about regarding AidaIro’s Hanako au’s (ghost hotel, hoto, playing cards etc) I was talking out my ideas with Cat and Hope and by doing so I have something cohesive to share.  

In my head I can actually imagine Nene being the one to come up with all these au’s cause she’s so creative and in her own fantasy world sometimes. She loves romantic things but also loves odd and dark things so I could see the au’s fitting that.

(That’s @thehopeelias​ art btw that she did for a Tiny Light cover/animatic we collabed together on here)

Monster Nursery

I think the other au’s are easier to see her come up with but I still think Nene would come up with the nursery one as well. Because it would be her desire to see Hanako as a teacher/researcher all grown up. And then she would just make it in the “unique way” Nene always does.

In some way she would want to see what the Yugi twins were like together grown up. And she added Kou to the story as well cause he’s their friend too. She wants to see them older and doing good things. But mostly she wants to make him into something he would be proud of and also see what the brothers would have been like together sharing that success, passion, and happiness.

Nene for this specific AU of Amane being a grown up researcher/teacher, she would be the child in this situation. Mitsuba is always a child, let’s be real. And the mokke... well the mokke are kinda like pet hamsters lol.

And because she loves monsters (like her veggie monsters) she’d want to make herself the coolest fire breathing monster of all of them.

She’d want to know Tsukasa more and how he would act as this adult who got to live out his dreams with his brother. Therefore she would attach herself to him just to bond with him more and see how he can be. How she can imagine him being.

In regards to Mitsuba, I think the only reason she put him in it is cause she’s never seen Mitsuba and Hanako interact and she would just be curious how Hanako would respond and be a father figure like Sensei/researcher to him. So that’s the reason for that.

The mokke were all that was left, she wants to see what Kou would be like caring for something. There’s no better reason for that one being just a mokke. Also Nene knows that he has a little sister he cares for, so taking care of the mokke is easy for him.

Ghost Hotel

The dark magical fantasies like Ghost hotel represents the desire she should be afraid of but secretly craves. Along with the obvious enticing mystery.

Royal (Playing Cards)

The Royal one is what she dreams of like having a prince riding a white horse. But does she really want that? Maybe she wants it a bit darker. A ruthless ruler that her country is at odds with or that is against the way she thinks a prince should be because she says she wants one thing but what she truly wants is a bit of a dark prince. A prince that can sweep her off her feet and rule the kingdom, protect her, and give her luxury in this all powerful fantasy.

Hanako of the Opera

The opera one represents mystery, wanting to know the man (the ghost) that she spends time with that no one knows about. At the same time still not knowing anything about him. At the same time he starts revealing little by little his past tragedy and judgment.

I think of this one line from phantom all of the time. I don’t know if I know if I got the wording exactly but he says something like:

“Why should I show compassion? The world has never shown compassion to me!”

It is very representative of Hanako’s true self. Showing more pain and passion and sorrow and darkness that she puts into this fantasy. Nene created this one to be more raw than the other ones.

Phantom Thief

Phantom thief... I only just recently kinda opened my eyes to phantom thief so.... To start with there are 2 versions. Technically.

One can just be her revised draft of a fantasy story. I’ll just say that. Similar to how a writer often goes back and changes things in their writing. It’s exactly like that. Even changing character roles. For example Nene as a waitress then Nene as detective.

But as far as the reasoning for the phantom thief fantasy is concerned...

Mystery and puzzle solving go together, yes, but...

Hanako’s ultimate goal is to steal the moon.

I’m still working this out but maybe in some underlying way it also represents unachievable dreams.

Additionally it represents Hanako as an outcast (like how phantom is) being “WANTED” by the Minamotos, who are the police. And then Nene working under Tsuchigomori. They aren’t trying to catch the phantom necessarily but mainly trying to uncover more information as detectives do. It is also like how Nene goes to Tsuchigomori for answers about Hanako which he doesn’t give her but at the same time Tsuchigomori sees that she has uncovered more about how Amane can be.

“In all the years I’ve known him I’ve never seen number 7 act like that.”

Tsukasa would be the one Hanako robbed from. Just like he robbed Tsukasa of his life when he killed him. In a deeper sense maybe taking away Tsukasa’s greatest treasure in his eyes, Amane himself. Nene would be the one that Tsukasa hires to do the investigating in this fantasy. Tsukasa liking to mess with things, Nene liking to uncover things (that part is still a theory but it makes sense for her character).

It represents everything Nene is trying to figure out and solve about Hanako. It has the people that he has history with when he was alive, helping her to understand this fantasy and get answers into the mystery that is Hanako. Hanako being the acclaimed villain in a way.

I think that sums up my analysis of all the au’s represented as Nene’s fantasy worlds and why they are set up like that. I may add more to this post as time goes on because I feel like there’s a lot more that can be fleshed out. But because these are AidaIro’s au’s you never know how much truth is behind them. They do seem to have a lot of hidden truths. So regardless I really love thinking like this, Nene is the one that created these stories.

[dotthings]

Kung Fu went for my throat this ep.

I've only recently started posting commentary on the series--until recently I tweeted about it. So I want to say here that every ep of Kung Fu successfully balances a large cast of characters, multiple arcs (some that intersect, and some don't), and has a lot of rich fodder for discussion.

A couple of thoughts about 3.06:

Mei-Li refusing to give up Sebastian and willing to risk Harmony Dumplings for Sebastian, and Sebastian refusing to let Mei-Li put Harmony Dumplings on the line for his sake so he QUITS. Not only is Sebastian the love of Ryan's life, so he's kinda like Mei-Li's son-in-law, he's become family because Mei-Li and Sebastian's friendship and partnership and the deep respect they have for each other and both of them willing to sacrifice for the sake of the other. And then Mei-Li finding Sebastian's chef whites on her desk and SEBASTIAN SOBBING IN RYAN'S ARMS.

Having thoughts on what Harmony Dumplings represents. It's not just a restaurant. It's Mei-Li and Jin's heart, it's provided for their family, the family gathers there often for dinners, and after Jin stepped back from the restaurant, it's Mei-Li's and she is sharing it with Sebastian. Ryan pulled Sebastian into the Shen family circle initially, but the reason Ryan met Sebastian was Mei-Li placed Sebastian into its tangible, physical heartspace, Harmony Dumpings, when she first hired him as chef.

Jin running for office!!!! Heheheh. I suspect that's where this arc was going for him. GO JIN!! VOTE JIN!!!

Henry scared to lose Nicky if he's not strong enough as the compass to pull her back from the afterlife place, Nicky telling Henry the trust between them is still strong and she trusts him with her life. Then Henry trying to be intellectual about it all and Pei-Ling having to tell him he's not going to be able to pull Nicky back from the that afterlife space unless he leads with his heart and his feelings still being in love with her and it works. Just something about couples who are broken up but still have such a strong bond and after breaking up, trusting each other heading into messing with dangerous magic and crossing into other dimensions and one of them scared to lose the other one in Purg-- I mean some kind of afterlife space. *coughing fit*

Zhilan and Nicky reunited and being co-warriors in the afterlife!! Just something about duos who fight monsters together in Purg-- I mean some kind of afterlife space. *coughing fit* *gasp* *reaches for water*

Zhilan and Pei-Ling reunited!!!!!!! This ep is giving me eleven nervous breakdowns. Hey I'm sure they can work things out despite Zhilan having murdered Pei-Ling.

Okay so when I said "there's nothing wrong with Bo except he's not Henry" WHOOPS. But I think Bo does really care about Nicky and he's not evil but he made some bad decisions or whatever got him into that situation and he's lying and that's not good. He's into something not good. But...it's going to be complicated.

And thing is this series works so much with gray area villains, and with good guys who make bad choices and lie. Right in the episode, we find out Dennis has been lying to Althea about the sitch with his family. Mei-Ling lied to a corporation about Sebastian's record. Zhilan killed two people she loved, and look at the development she's gone through since.

There are some outright villains who won't budge on the series, then there's a scale for everyone else. One of Kung Fu's themes is you don't stop trying to do better, to become a better version of yourself.

[songtoyou]

Tempting Fate - Part One

Paring: Tommy Shelby x Reader

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1,272

Summary: Tommy is not a believer in fate or destiny. However, a new resident in Small Heath will question his beliefs and push his boundaries outside his comfort zone.

A/N: What can I say? Tommy Shelby is continuing to demand all of my attention. The man is needy. Here is my first Tommy x Reader fic. There is no Grace or Greta in this fic. They do not exist in the realm of this alternate universe. Please do not post any of my fics to other sites without my permission. 

Italics represent flashbacks.

Uncle Charlie used to say, “Fate brings natural order within the Universe. It cannot be changed, despite how hard we may try. We cannot ignore our life calling, Tommy.”

With Aunty Polly, she would tell her nephew, Thomas, “A person’s destiny can change through courage, compassion, and sheer willpower. You must have patience if you want to change your destiny. When one takes responsibility for their own life, they are choosing to shape their destiny actively. Never leave anything up to Fate, which provides no mental or emotional growth.”

Thomas Shelby, leader of the Peaky Blinders, CEO of Shelby Company Limited, could not fathom how you quickly infiltrated his life. You showed up one day out of the blue at The Garrison, asking Arthur for a job as a barmaid. Without so much as sitting you down for an interview, Arthur immediately gave you the job, much to Tommy’s dismay. He took one look at you and knew you were trouble.

“Arthur, it is important to conduct standard business practices, such as taking the time to interview potential new employees. What do you know about this new barmaid that you so happily hired?” Tommy grilled his older brother.

“Tommy, she is harmless, trust me. Plus, I did interview her before hiring.”

“Really, what did you ask her?” Tommy questioned, lighting a new cigarette.

“Which is better: Irish whiskey or Scotch whiskey? She answered correctly with Irish whiskey,” Arthur replied with a sheepish grin on his face. He felt that Tommy was being ridiculous and asked Tommy to give you a chance.

Standing up from the table, Tommy gulped down the last of his whiskey, and said pointing to John and Arthur, “Keep a close eye on her, the both of you.”

When Tommy left, John turned to Arthur and asked, “Why is he so spooked over a new barmaid?”

“Beats me.”

Later that night, Tommy returned to The Garrison; the usual rowdy patrons were all inside. He took his spot at his standard table in the back. Tommy lit up a cigarette and leaned his head back on the wall, eyes closed. A business deal he conducted earlier did not go as planned, which left him feeling more on edge.

“Can I get you anything to drink, Mr. Shelby?” a feminine voice spoke up.

Tommy did not need to open his eyes to know it was you, the new barmaid.

“Irish whiskey,” he ordered without so much as looking at you.

“Right away, sir.”

Tommy noticed you had a slight sing-song effect to your voice; it was not too unpleasant to his ears.

When you returned with his drink, Tommy opened his eyes to get a good look at you. There was nothing too extraordinary about you. Average height, average built. However, it was your eyes that were wild. You were not a person to be tamed, Tommy noted. The other aspect that stood out to him about you was your hair and how unruly it appeared. A set of braids ran along the right side of your head. Individual strands of hair were intricately braided with ribbons.

“You’re a gypsy,” Tommy remarked. “What’s your name?”

When you told him your first name, Tommy shook his head, “No, your last name. What clan are you from?”

There was no point in lying or running away now. “Young. From Cambridgeshire, sir. I should be getting back to the other patrons.”

“Take a seat,” instructed Tommy pulling out a seat with his boot. “And what are you doing up here in Small Heath?”

You took in a deep breath and answered, “I didn’t want to be where I was.” You motioned towards his pack of cigarettes and offered one to you. The first drag seemed to help calm your nerves, so you went on, “I wasn’t born a gypsy, you know. My parents found me when I was a baby, alone and abandoned along the river. They took me in and raised me as their own, along with my brothers and sisters. Never treated any different. It didn’t matter to them that I didn’t have the blood of a Young running through my veins; I was one of them. But I wanted to be on my own for a while. I need to figure some things out before I head back. Does any of this help put you at ease about me, Mr. Shelby?”

Tommy smirked, “I’m never at ease, darling. You better get back to work, it’s Friday, and the patrons can get a tad rowdy if they don’t get their pints promptly.”

With one last drag, you stubbed out your cigarette and left the table without much as a goodbye. Retreating behind the bar, you took over the drink pouring from Harry. You looked over at the man in the faraway booth from time-to-time. You saw how he made little to no effort to socialize with the other folks in the pub. The only time he did talk was when either Arthur or John stopped by his table to bring him a drink or partake in small chitchat.

While Tommy continued to chain smoke and drown his sorrows in whiskey, he sat back and watched you. He saw that you developed a friendly camaraderie with the customers and could keep them in line when things turned heated. You had no qualms with giving Arthur and John a hard time; both men appeared to relish in your attention. The more time Tommy watched you, the more he was able to see your attractiveness.

Nevertheless, he still pegged you as trouble. No one in their right mind would ever choose to come to Small Heath willingly. You were up to something, and Tommy was determined to find out why you were here.

Tommy would not comprehend when he’d eventually find out why you were in Small Heath because destiny brought you.

You were here to find your soulmate. One of the Elders in your clan told you that your destiny, the man you were to be with, was up north. The Elder, named Diana, described Small Heath, Birmingham, in her dream about you and the still unknown man.

“I don’t believe in destiny,” you told Diana.

“You should, child. It is what brought you to us. You are meant to be a Young. Everyone has a soulmate, a person they are destined to be with. Do you really want to miss out on finding him? He could be out there waiting for you?”

You merely scoffed, “Why do I have to find him? Why can’t he come and find me? Why do I have to put in all the work?”

Diana looked down at her tarot cards to reassess. “It is complicated, dear. Love is not as easy as one might hope. There is darkness one has to overcome to see the light.”

“None of that helps me. Can you give me anything on what this man looks like?”

With a smile, Diana let out a chuckle, “Child, you will know when you know. Just listen to your heart.”

You never believed in soulmates. You felt it was a term that was overused. A person can have a connection with different people that all have a purpose in their life. For you, it was how this person coming into your life would make it different? A soulmate is not someone who is a perfect fit. A soulmate is someone who can show the things that are holding you back from the goals you want to achieve. It is someone who can change your life, for better or worse. A soulmate is someone you cannot fool.