#as long as those ships are unethical/illegal/etc

[thegoldencontracts]

100 Followers!

Hi! I've reached a hundred followers recently, and I know that it may seem minor to some people, but I'm very happy to see I've gotten this far, and thank you to anyone who followed me. I appreciate it, truly.

So, to celebrate, I'd like to try out a new way of writing fics!

You can interact with the characters. But, because I'm a fic-lover, this operates a bit different (not better, just in my own style of course!) in the way the RP works.

Before I continue any further, I know some of you may not be interested, and I don't want to end up annoying you due to dash clog! So, here's the tag to block if you don't want to see any of this - #100 follower special <3

If you are - or think you might be - interested, here's how it works.

You send in an ask addressing a character of your choosing. You can put in as much or as little content as you'd like! If you'd like to RP as an OC of yours, you can send any necessary context in the ask or just DM me. Same goes if you'd like me to make a small interaction involving an AU you have.

You can even RP as a canon character for either romantic or platonic ficlets with other characters! So, if you have a rare pair (hello fellow azurido lovers please hear me out), consider coming to me and giving me a chance for a little bit of extra content with them <3.

Of course, this isn't just for rare pairs - any ship can be done, provided it isn't unethical or illegal (no staff x student, no grim x anyone, etc).

After receiving your ask, I'll make a small ficlet where the character you're sending an ask to responds in whatever fashion you'd like! If you'd like to extend

Example (if my wording is awkward or hard:

If I want to send an ask involving my OC Cecaelia in my Part Of Your World AU, I can do something like this:

(OOC: This is my not-so-OC Cecaelia. She's actually Azul from the future who time travelled to stop the apocalypse. I'd like her to have a friendly, comedic interaction with Deuce. This takes place shortly after Deuce finds out chicken eggs in stores can't hatch eggs, from her POV.)

"Ah, Deuce. You still seem rather forlorn. Is this truly about those chicken eggs?"

And I'll Answer:

Deuce simply remained silent, a blank look on his face.

"The chickens..."

"They couldn't have been born," Azul said. As his hand hit his chest, eliciting a high level of pain, he couldn't help but rue his feminine form.

"I can't believe it," Deuce said, head in his hands. Azul quickly realized his current strategy wasn't going to work.

"I know," Azul said, before hastily pulling out a slice of tart Grim had foisted upon him. He still didn't understand why, considering the little monster's love for food. "Why don't you have a tart to drown your sorrows?"

Deuce looked at him wide-eyed.

"Really?"

Azul nodded.

"Thanks!"

And as Deuce munched on the tart, sorrows forgotten, Azul had to celebrate a job well done.

Of course, you definitely don't have to elaborate that much. This is just for if you want something really specific, because I can fulfill your requests better if I know what you want! Interactions will be available for any characters, and like I've said, have little to no limitations so long as you're not doing NSFW, Yandere, or a ship that's staff x student, anyone x grim, or the like. OCs, pairings you have, AUs,talk to Baby!Azul, the sky's the limit!

Also the fake interaction ask I made was a bit rushed, so I can assure you, the actual interactions will probably be better.

Last note: If you're feeling shy or confused on how to start, just rb this post asking for more context or clarification and I'll DM you to work out the details! Honestly, I'm just thankful if anyone decides to give this little event a chance, so I want to make it as easy and rewarding as possible!

[spanishrose2002]

❌ What's a trope you will never write?

I don’t like things that involve children/underage people engaging in inappropriate behavior. I also don’t like non-consensual stuff, and if I do it because of a certain reason in a fic, I warn heavily for it.  I just prefer not to have those kinds of things in my stories, so I certainly wouldn’t write them as tropes or anything like that.   💲 Would you ever open commissions? I certainly would if someone wanted something original.  However, I mostly write fanfiction, so that means that I cannot do that.  It’s illegal and unethical.  I know some fanfic writers do it and have done it, in the past, but it really threatens the whole community, and I wouldn’t do that.   🧐 Do you spend much time researching for your stories? I spend way too much time researching for some fics.  I know more about some topics, now, than I ever really need to know--like the mating of cows. 🏆 What's your most popular fic? I could be wrong, but I would say it’s probably Broken Mirrors.  I think that’s my only really popular fic and, to be honest, it has long since kind of lost it’s charm for the community.  It’s just old hat, at this point.  It had its day, though. 🎃 Do you write fics for certain holidays? Which is your favorite holiday inspired fic? I adore holiday fics.  I write them year ‘round and for every ship that I write.  I would love to write more of them.  I am a fall and winter holiday fic person. Which one is my favorite?  That’s probably impossible to say.  I’ve written quite a few that I love for different reasons.  I’d say that they all have their charm, at least for me. 🎯 Have any of your readers accurately guessed major plot points? Care to share which? I mean, at this point, the running joke for anyone who reads several of my fics is when is the baby coming in.  That one is funny, too, because I have been harassed so much, in the past, for writing pregnancy/baby/kid fics that it almost became an act of rebellion to accept that I like what I like, and I’m going to do what I want.   My fics are like King cakes.  Where’s the baby?  You know it’s in there. 🎨 How do you feel about fan art of your stories? I would adore any art that my fics inspired someone to create!   📈 How many fics do you have? Currently, I have 421.  There are a few one shots that I hope to write, maybe even today.  Several of my fics are 400,000 to 500,000 words, and a great deal of them are at least 100,000 to 200,000 words. 🦅 Do you outline fics or fly by the seat of your pants? I do a little of both. 👀 Tell me about an up and coming wip please! Does that mean not yet started?  I don’t have any in the can right now that aren’t in progress.  I can tell you about Rupture, which is the latest one.  It’s going to be a lovely little fantasy-esque adventure full of warmth, found family, friends, and humor.   🤲 Would you please share a snippet of a wip? “Fine,” he said.  “But—You hold my hand.  If we get snatched into some other world, or universe, or whatever, I’ma end up in the same damn place as you.” 

😬 Which of your fics would you be most horrified for friends, family, or coworkers to stumble upon? I’d rather nobody I know irl see any of my fics unless I invite them to do so.   ✅ What's something that appears in your fics over and over and over again, even if you don't mean to? Family themes, friend themes, babies and children, redemption, overcoming trauma, acceptance and love...etc.   📚 Would you ever want to turn writing into a career? I wish I could!  (Fiction writing, that is.  I chose to step away from the non-fiction writing that could have been part of my career.) ⌛ How long does it take you to write a fic, or a chapter? If I’m inspired (and especially if someone is hyping me up), I can realistically do about 8,000 to 10,000 words of fic on a weekend day.   🤯 What's a genre you struggle with as a writer (ex. romance, action, etc.)? I struggle with A LOT!  I really struggle with smut and action, but there’s a lot that I’m just not very good at writing.  LOL  I still do it, though, because it amuses me.   💔 Is there a fic of yours that broke your heart? The Roses Still Grow in Georgia and Winter, even though they have their heartwarming moments, too.   

[goatlingsvent]

TW for ACTUAL Mentions of animal abuse and the dark reality of pet stores

TW LONG I'm sorry but this is a rant :(

To the people recommend in the discord that chesireJestsire releases the frog and buys a frog from the store:

Petsites by default. Are shit. Most source their animals unethically, either buying wild caught anyways anyways, or buying from and supporting mills. Even the better ones are guilty of this. Adopt not shop people! Both Petco and PetSmart are also known for literally throwing out animals to literally die. Releasing a Toad just to buy one at a company chain store that on record supports abuse and partakes in abuse is kinda a worse decesion.

Not to mention, they literally will encourage their employees to give out blantently false info on animal care, and sell unethical pet cages, "tanks" etc. ESPECIALLY in the small animals (Birds, Fish, Reptiles, Rodents, etc.) department. It Isn't doesn't help that most of the people are shop there either don't care enough to actually fact check their claims, or if they are in the know about how shitty pet stores are in general (yes even the better ones) they always have an UwU savoir complex thinking by buying an animal from them their somehow saving it as if store doestn actually care about them or the animal and just wants the money.

At the end of the day, pet stores are literally companies that sell animal products and see animals as products and not living creatures. They literally even partake in rainbow marketing "pride".

And on top of that it's generally unwise to ship small animals in the mail, their highly at risk and easily prone to getting hurt, as the mail carriers will not give two shits if the mail that's alive dies by the time it gets to the new owner, and that's informing the potential of the animal getting lost in the mail, stolen, etc. It's not a plushie you can just buy, and if it doesn't arrive you can just replace it with another.

Not to mention the reptile scene itself is also generally rife with people who like to unethically breed reptiles just because it gets them money and popularity on TikTok or whatever. Their are TONS of even controversy amongst the reptile and amphibian community because of this, whether over breeding or even owning certain morphs, species, etc. Their is plenty of people who will ignore ethics just to have an rare endangered animal for clicks and views, or will abuse animals for clicks and views.

What did CJ do again? Capture an common, nonendagered local species and ... (checking the discord) Give it a proper size tank, water, actual dirt, moss, and even actual foliage etc. with the only obviously store bought things being that hiding log, water bowl, tank, and maybe that larger stick but most def the moss wrapped around it. Tbh that looks like a really decent set up, looks like they know what their doing- which is also what they literally said, that this isn't their first frog and they've kept Lemon Toads/Common American toads before.

So to those saying you HAVE to be an professional in the discord to capture wild animals to keep as pets... they seem to be one, and if not, they seem to be well versed than most on what their doing. Additional, in several states it's actually legal to keep wild caught frogs, turtles and similar animals as pets, so legally you do NOT have to be a professional, but it's better you actually know what your doing.

So please if any one is gonna keep any animal wild or not. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do you research from as many sources as you can, as some myths as frogs give people warts is still being passed off as true on some sites. If you get from a breeder make sure their not a mill, and if possible try to meet the breeder in person to receive the animal and don't risk the mail services! Also, keep an eye out for the local law on animal species, as some species are infact illegal to keep as pets even if they don't seem like they are or should be. If permits are needed, get them, as well as proper medical documents and approvals.

Though credit is where credit is due: at least you care about an actual potential issue than the people complain about goats with eyelashes. Those guys need to go touch seem grass. Maybe take a hike and nature watch or if they don't have a park nearby watch a nature documentary, YouTube has some good ones for free, just saying. I recommend Ant Canada unless you don't like bugs or specifically ants and cock roaches.

🦜

[griffinpxut452-blog]

10 Secrets About cmcpoker You Can Learn From TV

Which is not a shabby advertising and marketing tactic for Realtors either. Nevertheless, I am referring to getting a continuing stream of customer referrals from industry experts like CPA's, mortgage brokers, economical planners, attorneys and contractors. The best part is that it'll only require a individualized letter scripted by you, the coolest Realtor in the neighbourhood.

In brief, this referral letter advertising and marketing technique comes down this: Get your self a powerful listing of nicely-assumed-of professionals which have been most certainly to provide the exact variety of clientele that you'll sustain. Then you just jot down a private letter that in truth shows off who you happen to be and ship it to this checklist within the frequent mail (no electronic mail).

Make an effort to be creative with regards to the mailing bundle or envelope you make the most of as well as which includes a novel internet marketing piece with your letter. Adhere to up with Each individual Experienced by telephone, if possible, and move forward to mail/Make contact with them the moment a month.

You'd be amazed the number of thriving Realtors use this marketing plan for their total careers, essentially eliminating advertising expenses to acquire clientele.

Let us start off by using a sample listing of these industry experts that have the shoppers you're looking for...

- CPA's

- Residence Loan Consultants (I am selected you acknowledge this a person)

- Financial Planners and Advisors

- Real Estate Lawyers

- Transforming Contractors/Handymen

- Real-estate Appraisers

- Escrow Officers

- Household Electricians

- Plumbers (residential)

- Landscapers

- Tree Service Organizations

- Handymen

- Receive the notion?...

Naturally, there are numerous much more gurus so as to add towards the listing but that'll Have you ever heading for today.

Are you presently wanting to know how to get the information for these experts so you might mail them your letter? Fantastic concern, happy you asked. You have a pair of options Nevertheless they count on your advertising and marketing funds.

A person alternative would be to take a look at the yellow pages on-line. It's essential to have already got a geographical region you persist with so you will need to remain inside of that location, In most cases. If you don't intellect the handbook labor, this can be a nifty choice for you.

You will sift by means of to get the comprehensive name, cell phone number and mailing deal with of every Experienced. Like I mentioned, this may get a bit of time nevertheless it's cost-free.

Only purchasing a summary of these professionals might be your other alternate. From the indentical way you happen to be almost certainly on one or more Realtor or agent lists being sold available, nearly each occupation has their own personal listing on the market also.

Unwind, most of these lists are not illegal or unethical. These kind of Qualified lists are on the market for the reason that gurus (like us Realtors or agents) deliberately sign up for lots of publications, companies, occasions, etc.

It truly is a watch opener, is not ir?

You've got a lot more than respectable possibilities In relation to buying a listing organization to purchase your listing from. Make an work to pick an inventory organization that has each of the professions you're looking for, as an alternative to likely to different list firms for every job. I tell you, It's going to cost you a handful of pounds for this list but it is going to salvage you several hours of valued time!

Even so you select to acquire your listing of industry experts, upon getting it, it is time to kickoff creating your "individualized" letter. I can't depth how to write down income copy listed here, regrettably. That is a topic all by alone.

All you have to comprehend at this time is this letter can't be "salesy" similar to a letter you would mail on your farm listing of homeowners.

When among the list of pros on your own list will get your letter, you desire them to truly feel as when they're the only one who gained it, even if you may possibly replicate it and mail it to the remainder of your record.

Ponder regarding how you'd chat to these pros confront-to-experience and pen your letter in this way, that is the grand strategy listed here. Usually do not be like your neighborhood bank and jot down some sort of "this is so boring I could vomit" referral marketing letter. Speak to them just like a sincere specific and capture their desire.

By the way, this "personalization" goes for nearly all your advertising parts: postcards, flyers, ads, emails, etc.

The crux of one's letter absolutely need to set in plain phrases that you simply'd wish to begin a mutually useful, Experienced relationship with them (but Categorical it in a personal way, certainly). The large plan is for you to turn into these professionals "Realtor on-need", so to talk, and get all their shopper referrals For the remainder of your profession. You may need to emphasize how they will gain from this romantic relationship devoid of undertaking any selling, acquired it?

If you already know anything own regarding their enterprise or the region they perform in, toss it from the letter. Perhaps you Individually know of the customer who's utilised that cmcpoker.win Expert, toss that while in the letter also. It truly is hard to get "extremely" own in these letters Except if you decide to blab with regards to their momma, which I wouldn't recommend.

I would strongly recommend that you choose to pen your referral letter by yourself, instead of retain the services of anybody else to make it happen. But, should you absolutely detest penning this kind of marketing letter, your other alternate is to get maintain of a good independent author to get it done.

Do a Google seek for "self-employed writers" And you will find a variety of companies to pick from. With several with the web pages you'll find, you can pick self-used writers from all around the world, which can be pretty useful. You can see evaluations on them, come across whatever they're charging for prices, access them to talk to issues, and so forth. On quite a few sites, you are able to article an opening for that undertaking you require published and possess self-employed writers utilize to you. It is very fantastic.

Okay, so now that you've your advertising listing and referral letter prepared, it's time to send out it out. But make sure you Will not just mail it inside of a plain white envelope comparable to everyone else... make sure you!

In its place, seize a unique on the lookout envelope which has some exceptional dimensions or colour to it. The theory is you want your mailing piece to get noticed among the just about every other letter that Skilled is receiving that working day. Remember, hand-penning the return address and mailing address can help to Get the envelope or box opened and never thrown from the trash.

Simply Imagine how you opened your mail right now. The letters that appear to be hand-created get opened very first, proper?

A reward you'll be wanting to incorporate, in the package deal, is some type of marketing piece In combination with your referral letter. One advertising and marketing thought can be to put with each other a movie with Animoto, burn off it on the DVD and mail it with your letter.

Amongst my mates, a everyday living insurance plan salesman, despatched out an analogous mailing and incorporated poker chips with his contact info on them. This buddy of mine printed "Do not gamble together with your lifetime" on all of the poker chips.

Genius! That's the type of Artistic believed you need to be able to adhere out from your Level of competition, or at the very least you need to know wherever to get the Strategies!

By the way, With this referral letter, I would information them towards your internet site and phone number. Be certain you present them both equally decisions. Selected Men and women would rather get in touch with you and others prefer to glance around your internet site initial.

This last phase might be the most important. The number 1 rule in advertising is "repetition". Studies in the advertising and marketing earth have tested that to ensure that the general public to receive acquainted plenty of and response to an ad or internet marketing piece, they need to see or listen to it 7 times or more.

Adhering to up using this advertising and marketing listing of industry experts is important to getting the best response fee that you can. Subsequent up Using these gurus with another letter or even a telephone get in touch with each 4 months or so would be my recommendation. For those who have it, using an expert's e-mail address can be an honest observe up too.

You merely must be extra careful not to smother them with comply with-ups. It's a good line but you might want to notify them why you should be their "go-to" Realtor without discovering in a rude or bothersome style.

Rapid idea For those who have the advertising revenue: employ a school child to procedure each one of these mailers and preserve by yourself enough time. You could publish the referral letters yourself but have your hired-hand tackle the envelope, things it Along with the letter and internet marketing piece and possess them mail it out.

It's low-cost labor, similar to US providers do every time they seek the services of abroad personnel for their customer support get in touch with centers (did I just drop in a cheap shot?).

Base line, I basically Assume this is without doubt one of the far better marketing and advertising ideas for Realtors or brokers on the market. Finally, this marketing system can give you a cost-free circulation of prospects and prospective buyers that can Create you right into a best manufacturing Realtor or agent, so long as you stay with it and variety these referral associations proper.

Okay, many of us have noticed videos or Television shows in which counterfeiters throw revenue into significant dryers with poker chips or dice or Various other things for making the payments surface to are out in circulation when in truth they've just been printed. Very well, this has nothing to perform with revenue laundering Hence the three levels of money laundering are certainly not:

one) Gentle cycle – No bleach

2) Tumble Dry on Minimal Heat

three) No Starch

And don't confuse phases with actions or transactions. Productive income laundering, especially in large dollar amounts, is far much more than one-2-3 finished. Although some transactions can be quite uncomplicated, Other people are complicated and just take A great deal time and effort in an effort to stay clear of detection – and that's the last word objective – to stop detection. It would not do the felony any excellent to move and alter money if it can be quickly traced (and after that seized). And it is a activity where the applications and techniques are consistently transforming and evolving.

The Fiscal Motion Undertaking Drive, FATF for short, would be the multinational entire body that sets the global tone for AML efforts. Formed in 1989, it can be situated in Paris.The Money Action Process Drive (FATF) has A 3-element Operating definition. Just about every element in essence outlined one of the levels:

PLACEMENT – introducing the illicit funds in to the fiscal cycle. Even though the cash previously have been inside of a lender or brokerage account (as in circumstances of embezzlement or frauds), it is the fact that initial step as illicit cash that we are going to check out as placement. However, the most common illustration of placement may be the drug vendor who needs to get significant portions of more compact currency expenditures to the banking procedure.

LAYERING – the going and transferring from the resources in order to disguise the origins and genuine possession of The cash. This stage is usually The key and one of the most hard – it really separates the pros within the amateurs. Here the money can alter accounts, form, possession, state, and many others. It could go into and outside of trusts and shell companies, it should buy or offer real estate or tough goods, it could go through diverse jurisdictions – anything to confuse or remove a paper trail. And finally, You can find

INTEGRATION – This is certainly if the criminal requires economic advantage of the illicit resources and they appear to have come from legit sources. It's possible the drug supplier purchases a mansion, or a high end car, or a yacht, or even planes to maneuver drugs together with other dollars (in the situation on the planes, they will very likely be purchased through a front or shell leasing firm, who will lease it into a front or shell freight corporation, in order that any time a airplane is in the end impounded by legislation enforcement someplace, it cannot be traced again into the vendor).

So there These are, the 3 phases of cash laundering: Placement, Layering, Integration.

[kingsterracerp-blog]

Thank you for applying, JOE. You have been accepted as VALENTINA LOPEZ. Just don’t forget to check out our CHECKLIST and send in your account within 24 HOURS. If you have any questions then let us know!

OUT OF CHARACTER.

NAME: Hey, I’m Joe. AGE: 21. TIMEZONE: GMT. ACTIVITY LEVEL: 7 - I just finished my degree and have the summer off, so I would expect to be free quite a lot of the time. I haven’t RPed in over 6 months though so it might take me a bit to get back into the swing of things but I’m super excited to get making stories again. PRONOUNS: he / him. SHIPS: Valentina / Chemistry ANTI-SHIPS: Valentina / No Chemistry TRIGGERS: Removed. PASSWORD: Removed. ANYTHING ELSE: Removed.

IN CHARACTER.

DESIRED CHARACTER: Valentina Camila Lopez NICKNAMES: Val / V AGE/BIRTH ORDER: 21, youngest twin. FACECLAIM: Naya Rivera GENDER IDENTITY/PRONOUNS: She / Her. SEXUAL/ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: Valentina isn’t a fan of labels but for the sake of simplicity she would refer to herself as bisexual / fluid. HOMETOWN: Corpus Christi, Texas. OCCUPATION/EDUCATION: Majoring in Journalism at Suffolk University; blogger and; part-time babysitter.

(MORE) IN CHARACTER.

POSITIVES: determined, loyal and charismatic. NEGATIVES: feisty, opinionated, and “unethical”.

@ValentinaLopez: one of my life goals is to be as bad-ass and empowered as Olivia Pope. @ValentinaLopez: sometimes I wish I wore a fake wedding ring to repel creeps in the club #boybye @ValentinaLopez: Little Mix are legit our generation’s Spice Girls #igotthepower

BIOGRAPHY.

Valentina grew up in the South Texas region of The Lone Star State, and she would describe her childhood as relatively happy and undramatic. Though raised as a Roman Catholic, Valentina struggled with her faith throughout her youth. The young girl found much of what she was taught to be outdated, overly conservative and unfairly restrictive. Even now in her twenties, Valentina still has very little grasp on her religious beliefs; whilst she does not identify as Roman Catholic, she often hears the condemnation of her family and neighbours, bringing back the fear of God which had once been a spectre over her childhood. She believes she has Faith, but what in is up for debate.

Growing up, Valentina felt extremely underestimated. Her peers saw her some “dumb, hot, cheerleader type”, a rival to the girls and a conquest for the guys, whilst even her teachers argued she was, in the words of one, “nothing but a pretty face”. The Lopez family themselves expected, and hoped that, Valentina would fall into a submissive career, marry a wealthy husband and then become the perfect housewife / mother. Far more ambitious than anyone ever gave her credit for, Valentina was determined to be more than the “hot classmate” or “trophy wife”. Somewhat under the radar, academically, until High School, it was only here that the young girl seized the opportunity to defy her critics and family. Continually tutoring herself outside of school, attending extra classes when possible, and devoting much of her social life to study, Valentina soon shone as one of the brightest in her cohort. Those around her still failed to take her seriously, continuing to focus on her looks, and so she felt as powerless as ever. She was underestimated, constantly judged and the topic of rumours.

At just the right moment however, Valentina’s luck changed. It was here, in her early teens, that she stumbled upon a highly publicised newspaper article by a journalist - a reporter who was, like herself, female and of colour. Valentina began to wonder about the possibility of writing as an outlet. Feeling her words was surely stronger than the grade on her latest paper? Reading her thoughts would surely assert some authority amongst her peers?Soon, putting pen to paper gave Valentina a sense of power in herself, and it gave her a voice. Whether it be song-writing about being broken-hearted, or penning articles about inequality in her school, a young Valentina learnt the power of words. Even unpublished work gave her power and confidence, and for once, Valentina felt like she was shining. Before too long, Valentina was Editor of the student newspaper and had exposed numerous scandals and information - much to the excitement of her peers. Valentina had perhaps found too much of a voice though, something classmate Vera Williams experienced first hand. Vera had long branded the former as a “whore”, theorising that Valentina’s good grades were merely due to “inappropriate extracurricular activities” with her professors. Valentina however had the last laugh, publishing a damning article of eighteen year old Vera’s own make-out sessions with the married sports coach. The school board, and of course the Williams family, requested Valentina scrap the article, though an empowered and no longer willing to be controlled Valentina independently exposed the story anyway. Nobody and nothing was off limits, for better or for worse.

As she neared towards her High School graduation, Valentina began the inevitable search for a suitable University. Through her research, the young woman discovered a familiar face within the faculty at Suffolk University, Boston; the journalist who inspired her interest in writing had since become a professor. It that wasn’t fate, or a sign, then Valentina didn’t know what was. Excelling in her application, the young woman immediately became a protege of the professor right from the start, and is no longer willing to just survive amongst her peers - she wants to thrive, to shine and to be the best that she possibility can.

IN CHARACTER QUESTIONNAIRE.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH? HOW DOES IT COME IN HANDY?

I don’t take any shit. I used to be such a push-over and let myself be a victim, but now I demand what I want. I know what I want, need or expect from a situation and if that’s not on the cards, then I’m out. Determined yeah, let’s call it determination. It comes in handy because I’m not the type of girl to be taken advantage of, professionally or socially, and so that saves a lot of heartache I suppose.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS? HOW DOES IT AFFECT YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE?

I guess that I’m opinionated and don’t give a shit. People then take me as a bitch etc, unfairly or fairly who knows? It pushes people away from me, I suppose. Yeah, people are wary of me, and perhaps see me as some ruthless, self-centred woman - which is not necessarily true. Yes, I am ambitious, but I’m not heartless, and if anything, I want to help people. I want to give people a voice, people who perhaps feel voiceless or are denied a voice by society. Does that make me selfish or ruthless or heartless? If so, then I’m okay with that.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN TEN YEARS?

Successful. Empowered. In Love. I expect a lot of the next ten years. It’s easy to get distracted in a Disney-like dream, and hope for a fairy-tale marriage and 2.4 children or whatever the stupid average is - but life isn’t so simple. I would like to hope I’m happy, nobody whether I’m living in a beautiful home with a handsome husband, or whether I live in an apartment with a cat. Spoiler alert, but as long as I don’t end up like Zoe in House of Cards then I won’t complain.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO KING’S TERRACE?

I’m a student here in the city, and unfortunately I had to leave my old apartment after disputes with my landlord. The place was totally illegal, and I guess we were both stubborn - so I decided to cut and run. He’s lucky I didn’t publish something about it. Moving on though; I heard about this place from a friend. There’s actual fire safety so it’s already one up on the old place.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I would tell her that nobody is born without a voice. Some people just speak louder, but eventually, even the quiet kids get to scream - and when they do, it’s even more powerful. Once you find your voice, V, they’ll never be able to shut you up ha!

[iol247]

Solly Moeng: Give business owners a reason to stay in SA

It is increasingly hard to imagine anyone in mainstream South African business who doesn’t know a businessperson – either directly or through friends and family – who has left or is planning to leave South Africa.

I had coffee with yet another friend - we’ll call her Minnie - the other day, whose family has been mulling the idea of shutting down shop (their family business directly employs 35 people and, indirectly through their value chain, several dozen others) in the luxury goods sector.

Now they’ve begun the slow process of leaving.

Minnie, too, once had 'Ramaphoria'. Listening to her at one point before the 2019 elections, one could have sworn she was being paid to campaign for President Cyril Ramaphosa.

That has since changed. Their final departure, once they have shut down and wrapped-up their business and personal lives, finalised schooling and university arrangements for their children, is scheduled for April 2020.

The growing burden of 'black tax'

Now, the story of Minnie’s family is not unique, but we should wish that it were. Those of us who look at these things unemotionally, devoid of misplaced pride, should keep connecting the dots, understanding that each departure, especially a departure by skilled and enterprising South Africans, leaves us poorer as a country.

We can deny it all we want, but each small and medium enterprise that shuts its doors results, amongst others, in a heavier ‘Black Tax’ burden on many poor and ‘missing-middle’ class South Africans.

The burden grows to feed more mouths, educate more children of relatives, provide various forms of other support for increasing numbers of unemployed siblings, young graduates, etc. And its ripple effects do not end there, as disposable income levels shrink and disappear, and debt levels rise.

The only winners in all of this is the growing community of opportunistic reckless lenders, some of whom use unethical, even illegal, methods to ensure that their debtors remain indebted to them for long periods at unaffordable interest rates. The vicious cycle is dizzying.

Hope flows from the top

It was refreshing to hear President Ramaphosa reference the toxic impact of political meddling in the operations of state-owned entities, earlier this week.

Some might say, with reason, that his call comes too late, but it is important that he said it. We know that he cannot – and he must not – instruct the justice system whom to investigate, arrest, prosecute, and convict, but it would be good if he were to also publicly express a wish to see signs of life in that area, and make a public undertaking that there would be no political interference if people implicated in crimes against the interests of our country – notably in state capture and other forms of corruption – were accordingly pursued, irrespective of their identity.

The ANC’s so called "integrity commission" is no replacement for our criminal justice system.

There are a whole lot of other things that the president should say in his capacity as State President of the Republic of South Africa. He should say these things to set the tone from the top and, where the vast powers allocated to his office allow, follow up with action.

As things stand, many know him as a president who is personally likeable, warm, speaks well, is easy on the eye, and makes a lot of promises. But his utterances do not seem to be taken seriously, especially by those who should; often individuals in his party or deployed by it into state organs; people who are used to a world where there are no consequences for the madness of their ways.

The absence of decisive leadership, clarity on tone, and action against wrongdoing makes our ship seem painfully rudderless.  South Africans are tired of political poetry. They want to hear a firm voice from the top condemning wrong, accompanied by a firm hand against anyone who goes on as if they have license to go about abusing public resources, making threats, and sowing disunity in our fragile country.

No confidence

Confidence at home cannot be nurtured and guaranteed in the absence of clear, firm, leadership informed only by the values of our constitution and the rule of law.

In the continued absence of confidence in the short-to-medium-term future of our country, where people lack needed levels of clarity to see where South Africa is going, in terms of economic and political policies, we can be sure to expect more skilled and enterprising South Africans to pack up and seek safer shores, around the world, to invest in.

The silent impact of all this is on our shrinking tax base; the only thing we can now be sure of. As things stand, no one can say with a straight face, not even Ramaphosa and, certainly, not Mboweni, that tax collection targets will be met.

And we know what that means for government’s ability to fund its programs for the people of South Africa, especially the poorest of the poor.

If we fail to build confidence here at home, it is hard to see how the people sent around the world to attract investors, leisure and business tourists, as well as a whole plethora of other foreign currency earning opportunities, can succeed in their exorbitantly funded missions.

* Solly Moeng is brand reputation management adviser and CEO of strategic corporate communications consultancy DonValley Reputation Managers. Views expressed are his own.

https://www.fin24.com/Opinion/solly-moeng-give-business-owners-a-reason-to-stay-in-sa-20200122-2

[firedupreadytogousa-blog]

DAY 21 (2/9): HOME OF THE BRAVE: UNDERSTANDING HOW ABANDONING OUR VALUES OUT OF FEAR IS BEING MISTAKEN FOR STRENGTH AND PATRIOTISM.

This one is personal and dedicated to the people I love.

We write this out of a need to understand why everyday this country feels like it’s on the brink of a civil war. And why the America we grew up loving so fiercely is deteriorating before our very eyes. Because, make no mistake, that in its current state, America does not feel any greater than it was before The GOP/ Trump Administration takeover. And I will call out the GOP because it is so important that the GOP’s complacency with the erosion of American values and principles is kept center stage as it is the key reason why all of this is allowed to persist. Granted, there have been a few members of the GOP who have come out to try to check 45, but by and large, the GOP continues to throw Lady Liberty under the bus in order to advance the interests of their donors, big oil, and corporate lobbyists, which makes them equally responsible for the current climate.

I, perhaps like many of you, have been gravely disheartened, not just by The GOP, but by millions of my fellow Americans in this country, who, justified by either extreme hatred, fear, and/or ignorance are slandering, insulting, and berating their fellow Americans on a daily basis in some of the most vicious bullying en masse that I've witnessed since re-watching the white mobs harass and attack black citizens during the civil rights movement. I less than 3 weeks, we've seen our global allies shun and mock us as they prepare to take over the role of being the leaders of the free world, a title the world does not believe we deserve to hold any longer. Proving once again, that fear does not equate to respect.

Personally, I have been a victim of this right winged bullying by some members of my own family who have relentlessly ridiculed me for being an immoral liberal who just wants all the terrorists to come in unchecked and are part of the problem allowing immigrants to "pour" into our country and take all our jobs. Despite pointing out our robust vetting system that is already in place and all the evidence/facts debunking their claims, it does not matter to them. Trump and Fox News has ingrained into their psyche that Muslim=Terrorist and immigrant=parasite. These same family members have questioned my faith and told me I needed to switch churches since my church did not outwardly support Trump (for context members of their church were fasting and praying for a Trump victory, while mine supported no candidate but preached a message of inclusion). My mother even told me during the election that she wants her future grandchildren to grow up in an "America that belongs to Americans," which was the theme of the Trump rally she attended. I must say that I am so disappointed, disheartened and ashamed that the people who I love and respect the most have abandoned not just the basic principles and teachings of Jesus but basic American principles that are the foundation upon which this country stands.

I've been trying to work through and rationalize why all this nationalism is so prevalent right now with members of my own family and throughout America. White nationalism is certainly one reason, but I am a logical person and I know most are not flat out racist or horrible people, and I don't think every single member of the GOP is racist either (except for Jeff sessions, totally racist!). What I see going on in Washington and with many Trump supporters touting their "patriotic nationalism," and some boasting of being able to openly call people "faggots, cucks, etc,” is a complete and utter abandonment of American Values. And if any Pro-Trump nationalist or GOP member ever wants to call into question what those values are, they can simply refer to the plaque at the base of the Statue of Liberty, which reads: "… Mother of Exiles. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teaming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost... to me." Or refer them to the Bill of Rights you know, the parts that talk about freedom of speech, of religion, that whole thing. This is what America stands for, these are our values, this is what we should be fighting to defend and working together to uphold anyway we can.

One of the things I'm proud of the most about America is when someone ask you to picture a typical American, it is truly an impossible task because there is no such thing. We are a melting pot or, if you prefer, the most delicious 20 layer bean dip you can find in the world. Our culture and our collective spirit is and always will be awe inspiring and impossible to duplicate because of the incredible eclectic mix of contributions in art, tech, cuisine, music, dance, film, architecture, literature, and because of the exchange of ideas and talents immigrants have brought with them from their respective countries of origin. Our strength is our diversity and is what makes America so great!

America may be the home of the brave, but at this pivotal moment in our young nation's history, we do not see the actions of the GOP, Trump supporters and enthusiasts as those of brave people. In fact, we believe they are quite the opposite. We see scared and frightened people who choose to cower behind their factless, tactless, baseless insults directed towards those who are standing up for American values no matter the cost. No matter what the issue is, healthcare, immigration, legislation, job creation, you name it, they are looking to take the easy way out rather than do what is difficult, acknowledging shortfalls and working on a compromise to address the issue resulting in long-term sustainability and success.

To be blunt, the fact that people would rather turn their back on their virtues and values instead of fighting to uphold them because it is the easy thing to do is the exact opposite of bravery. It is the opposite of bravery when a person gains strength and purpose from turning against and belittling their fellow citizens striving to uphold America's values. It is the opposite of bravery to "abandon ship" and dessert everything this country stands for in exchange for... what? The artificial sense of protection and safety that a physical wall provides? The false feeling of hope and job security one gets by restricting legal immigration, while leaving the fact that natural gas is collapsing the coal Industry, automation is reducing manufacturing jobs, and climate change is negatively affecting the agricultural sector unaddressed? The naivety of clinging to the promises of prosperity coming from the GOP pipe dream that big corporations getting massive tax breaks and loosening environmental regulations will trickle down as increased wages to the middle and low income classes ultimately solve the wealth disparity?

Actually, when you think about it, it's not hard to see why this is the attractive path many Americans have decided to go down, especially the GOP. It's easy to do when you are angry. It is much easier to prey upon and give into fear, than to offer or have the audacity of hope. It is much easier to place blame on one group of people for all the economic and wage disparity problems instead of admitting our failure to equip or train people for the changing jobs landscape/ demands. It is much easier to sit in and adopt a lie as truth than to stand up to the powerful liar in the name of truth. It is much easier to act in the interest of big corporations and lobbyists and take money from them than to take a stand in support of your constituents. And it is much easier to disregard and brush off the thousands of calls, emails, and protests from those constituents dismissing their concern as just agitators or professional protestors than to have to answers to ones actions (or lack of action) and change. For Christians it is much easier to hide behind the issue of abortion than to confront and speak out about the mounting ethical dilemmas and mistreatment of your neighbors whom you are instructed to love as yourself. It is much easier to try to rationalize misdeeds and unethical behaviors of those you've vehemently supported than to come out and condemn them or admit maybe you got this one wrong. And in times of hardship or uncertainty, it is much easier to abandon our country's values when you are afraid than to stand up and fight for total strangers and the injustices being enacted upon them.

In the wake of recent events, what I really want to say to people right now is along the lines of one of Sean Spicer’s finest moments when he said that if people don't want to get with Trump's program they should ship out. In reality if people don't want to get with America and Lady Liberty's program, maybe they should consider becoming a resident of a country that more aligns with their values... like Russia? (we hear it's lovely this time of year). But it’s much easier for us to go low with them, than to “go high.” And we are committing ourselves to not bash our misguided neighbors, but continue to fight for them, even though they will likely never appreciate it.

One closing thought we’ll leave you with. we’ll never forget when we were in Junior High School on 9/11 listening to President GWB (who, in 2 weeks, Trump has magically transformed into one of the greatest Presidents of all time) wisely warning us that we must not veer off our course as Americans and cast away everything we stand for today as a nation of immigrants because if we do, the terrorists win as they will have successfully destroyed America. So let me ask you... who in your mind is winning right now? For me it certainly is not America.

 - STAND UP FOR AMERICA TODAY –

Action of the Day

It was unethical and illegal for Kelley Anne Conway, a federal employee, to officially endorse the Ivanka Trump product line. Call the Office of Government Ethics at (202) 482-9300 extension #5 to leave a complaint and ask for an investigation. When mailbox gets full email contactOGE@oge.gov

 Some Sage Advice Circulating Around On How to Properly address recent issues. (Blame the GOP!)

1. Use his name sparingly so as not to detract from the issues. I believe that everyone, regardless of their beliefs, deserves the dignity of being called by their name. However, this is a strategic tactic. While we are so focused on him we are prone to neglect the questionable policies that threaten freedom, justice and fairness advanced by the administration.

2. Remember this is a regime and he's not acting alone;

3. Do not argue with those who support him and his policies--it doesn't work;

4. Focus on his policies, not his appearance and mental state;

5. Keep your message positive; those who oppose peace and justice want the country to be angry and fearful because this is the soil from which their darkest policies will grow;

6. No more helpless/hopeless talk;

7. Support artists and the arts;

8. Be careful not to spread fake news. Check it;

9. Take care of yourselves; and

10. Resist!

Keep demonstrations peaceful. In the words of John Lennon, "When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system’s game. The establishment will irritate you - pull your beard, flick your face - to make you fight! Because once they’ve got you violent, then they know how to handle you. The only thing they don’t know how to handle is non-violence and humor."

When you post or talk about him, don't assign his actions to him, assign them to "The Republican Administration," or "The Republicans." This will have several effects: the Republican legislators will either have to take responsibility for their association with him or stand up for what some of them don't like; he will not get the focus of attention he craves; Republican representatives will become very concerned about their re-elections.