#not an immigrant myself but I can kinda relate to the feeling of America being a land of hope and freedom and then finding out it sucks

[ruthytwoshakes]

EYEBALL WOOOOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love when characters have a weird relationship with their identity as an immigrant (psychoanalysing silly tf2 men) (demo n heavy)

[creehd]

IM SCREECHING OVER THIS ROARING 20s AU,

but very politely holding your shoulders and giving you a little shake.

I haven't watched much teenage mutant ninja turtles unfortunately, but from what i do know, you putting them in the 1920s is absolutely FASCINATING. The difference in politics and the World in general from the modern version to your AU is just,,, HNGNGNGG im chewing on the leg of your desk

Do they act differently?? Or are they relatively similar to their modern counterparts? How are they forced to adapt to this universe? Are they still ninja trained? How did they get turned into mutant turtles, and what's Shredder's (who you MUST draw, im begging you), motive during this time period? 👀 DO THEY STILL LIKE PIZZA?????

And most importantly, may i give Splinter a kiss on the head? 👉👈

Amazing art as always <3

I owe you my life for this ask. I can feel myself being pulled back into both my obsessions with TMNT and the early 1900s.

SO I'M STILL BUFFERING EDGES AND WORKING OUT WHAT EXACTLY I WANNA DO WITH CERTAIN CHARACTERS BUT HERES THE MAIN SYNOPSIS;

In 1923 New York, post ww1, splinter is the last of his lineage of samurai in the Edo period in Japan, escaping to New York and attempting to build a new life when he came into contact with the Foot, a long-established gang with ties to shredder a yakuza boss who also immigrated from japan at the end of the 1800s once he lost his title as shōgun. He is controlling many facets of New York through experimental science and crime.

Mainly being; bootlegging, gambling, auto theft, narcotics, robbery, And any other gang-sanctioned activity.

In an attempt to stop him, splinter soon finds himself mortally wounded and in desperation to save his life, he is mutated into a rat, alongwith 4 baby turtles and an entire lab of wildlife. (Animal testing has been around for awhile) Hiding away with his newly found family and recovering from injuries that made him slowly lose his eyesight, the boys began to grow in the shadows of a newly technological America.

And that's kinda what I got as an explanation for how exactly splinter got here and what happened before the turtles grew up.. AS FOR THEIR PERSONALITIES. I try to keep them similar, I take inspiration from each different continuity of tmnt for what I think the perfect imalgamation would look like for a basis for who they are, and then I made it time period accurate!

So in order-

Leonardo: Leo is a big boy scout, he respects splinters wisdom and teachings, and when I think of him I picture Steve Roger's before the Super Soldier serum, Leo believes in New York, and he believes he and his brothers can help fight the rampant and rising gang-related crime in the city. He also enjoys tennis, chess,and card playing, alongside supporting the local flapper scene in the city. He also heavily supports freedom of the press AND believes in the abolishment of prohibition! (Not bc he likes to drink but because he WANTS freedom and justice for all) loves to listen to radio shows with Donnie and read newspapers and magazines to keep up with current trends and events.

Donatello: Donnie is hugely interested in the rise of technology across America, hugely interested in the works of Albert Einstein and the amazing minds behind the Tuberculosis vaccine (baxter stockman in this au is a scientist who basically helped discover penicillin before the incident™️) , he's fascinated with radios and tvs however they aren't as sophisticated as he might like yet, he believes he can help the field of science alongside his brothers as a crime fighter, although it isn't his passion to fight, he sees fighting as a science of its own. His hobbies include radio shows and reading! (His favorite book is at the earth's core by Edgar rice Burroughs) and he also really really enjoys April's company, and dressing up with her.

Raphael: Raphael is a vigilante at heart, but also a bit too hotheaded and selfish to see when he is in too deep, he heavily engages in the night life and the scummier parts of New York, bar fights, alley brawls, deals gone wrong, you name it, raphs got a fire for fighting for what's right. He rubs elbows with many of the lower-class gangs, who are just trying to get by, and after learning about the struggles of suffragettes, he lends a hand when he can with their growing cause, he's also a huge jazz fan, attending many flapper shows and frequenting speakeasies. Before he met Casey in late 1919, he dreamed of nothing more than to fight in the Great War, however, when he met Casey Jones, he was quickly attuned to the horrors the war brought to its soldiers, and how horrendously they were discarded after, and prompting vowing to help veterans in need. He and Casey are close and frequently engage in going to silent films, recreational drinking, and smoking together.

Michelangelo: Mikey is an artist, he loves his city and its people, and alongside being an incredibly talented martial artist crimefighter alongside his brothers, he believes in peace and love above everything. (Although he'll finish a fight if he has to) him and raph clash heavily on how to handle issues in new york, and while they can't see perfectly eye to eye, they overlap on alot of ideals and pastimes. Mikey is a prolific painter like his namesake, as well as a silent film connoisseur, a birdwatching fan, a huge fan of jazz, and a frequent at lgbt nightclubs in Harlem.

NOW FOR THE NON TURTLE CHARACTERS!

Splinter: Splinter was born in Japan in the mid 1855, he is now in his late 60s, trying to pass on his knowledge of the time to his sons, while training them the way of the samurai and ninja from when he was a boy. Splinters mutation heavily affected his eyesight, and training and keeping in touch with his culture and fighting traditions helped him overcome the difficulty of navigation, along with his mutated hearing and smell. He's a strict older Japanese dad, he loves his boys but is hesitant about the new boom of technology and heavily encourages the boys to stick to their traditional ways while fighting for what's right.

April: April moved to the city from smalltown in 1915, daughter of a farmer, she came in hopes of starting a career for herself and eventually settle down, but as things began to go down hill for the aspiring woman, she began to work a day job as a secretary at the New York World Newspaper company and at night as a flapper, she ends up getting caught up In ganglife around new york before meeting the turtles during a chance encounter with the foot gang.

Casey Jones: Casey Jones is a poor young man from New Jersey, high aspirations and low funds led him to leave his abusive household and seek out adventure during the draft in 1917, Casey fought In the Great War in Europe, and came back a changed man. Shortly after his return to the States, he moved to New York City to try to rebuild a life he once yearned for, when he meets Raphael. Both boys begin to start a bond, sharing the same pastimes and enjoying the same sights the city has to offer, but it's hard to navigate a life that feels so foreign after his enlistment, what's even harder is understanding why he'd rather enjoy the company of Raphael rather than the girls they watch on stage. He still engages in recreational hockey and the occasional book club since Leo and Donnie insist on helping him with his dyslexia.

As for their motives.. they're just trying to help clean up the streets and not get traumatized along the way! But that's never how it works out is it..

And for the villians.. this posts getting a bit long so I'll make a seperate post about shredder and his whole deal, along with the krang :]

And of COURSE they still love pizza! They're the ninja turtles, it came free with the Xbox,

But if u want an actual answer yes they still love pizza, alot of Italian immigrants came to New york in 1880ish through 1930, and pizza was starting to super get popular.

(And splinter always gets alittle kiss)

BUT YES that's what we're cooking with so far!! And I have many idea for them, and would love to hear more thoughts and opinions !!! Please. This is my brainchild I'm foaming at the mouth to share it.

ask box is always open!!

[rebelcap]

We are not just friends —Part 12

Chris Evans x bi!latina!character (Sofia is a people of color, she's brown.)

Chris and Sofia meet when their best friends started dating, it all started at friends with loads of bumps on the road.  

Warnings: drinking, smoking, drug use (weed), assault, Chris being Steve Rogers, commitment issues, my girl Sofia kinda messy, lots of fucking (eventually) 

This is slow burn at its best, at least emotionally. 

Series masterlist

"You know friends with benefits never work, don't you?" Amanda told Sofia as she rolled her eyes and sigh.

"I don't wanna be his girlfriend," Sofia shrugged, setting her phone in silence as the Twitter and Instagram notifications kept coming. Apparently, people found out who she was and they were blowing up her phone. Obviously, she didn't acknowledge it.

"Says no woman ever,"

"I know, but—look," Sofia sighed again and sat straighter on the couch facing her friend, she looked around because they were in Amanda's parent's house about to lunch. "He's the first queer, nonwhite, Latina, immigrant woman he ever wanted to date, I mean look at all of his exes."

"Okay, he's definitely into brunettes and white,"

"Yes, there's a part of me that's thinking that maybe he's…" Sofia tried to think of a subtle way to say it. "experimenting, and there's going to be nowhere and that left me high and dry when he realized that he's not that into me that much."

"Have you asked him?"

"No," She answered and Mandy just looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "He's going to say that's not true."

"Because it's not. Why does it seems like I know him more than you do, he never said anything remotely like that." She now rolled her eyes at her. "This is you sabotaging yourself, as usual."

"No, it's me trying to protect myself. I don't wanna fall in love with him and shit,"

"Again, talk with him. I'm sure he'll compromise with you at some level,"

"He's away all the time and I hate flying, I hate LA,"

"Oh my God,"

"I'm going to get all weird seeing him kissing other people," Sofia explained. "and he's going to think I'm an insecure, immature little girl that can't handle that." Sofia pouts and crosses her arms.

"Sofia," Her friend scoot closer on the couch and looked at her. "I heard you, about everything and I'm not trying to invalidate how you feel about it, but you need to communicate if you what this to work out for you."

"I'm scared Mandy, because I really like him," Her eyes got all glossy. "I know he's a good man but I'm scared shitless. I can't physically take another loss. You know how hard it was for me to leave my ex, just because of that and it got so fucking ugly on the end."

"I know, I was there," She said and her bottom lip tremble. " crying with you non stop for two years, I know but you know she's a piece of shit and took advantage of you because you were in a very vulnerable position."

"Yeah, I know," Sofia wipe her tears with the back of her hand and sighed, "Stop crying, you're making me cry,"

"I just want you to be happy, you're my best friend I love you so much," Amanda was full-blown sobbing hysterically as Sofia was holding her and chucking. "Capitan America wants to be your boyfriend stupid bitch," She kept sobbing and Sofia laughed.

"I know, I'm just emotional and I'm about to get my period, hormones."

"Your period?" Amanda asked separating and looked at her, pensively. "wait, what date is today?"

"It's the fourteen,"

"Oh,"

Sofia sat down straighter and give her a look. "Are you late?"

"Yeah," Amanda said looking down at her stomach. "Like, three weeks late."

Sofia looked at her belly and mutter. "Jesus, Maria y Jose."

"Holy shit." Amanda blinked a few times and they stare at each other for a full minute.

"Your dad it's going to fucking kill Luke."

~~~~

It's been around a week and a handful of days since the last time Sofia saw Chris, he was already in town since last night but he slept on his mom's house.

Also, Amanda was fucking pregnant.

You up?

She texted Chris at two am. Of course, he wasn't because he was an old man.

I gotta tell u something.

It's important and I need to tell someone I'm really bad at secrets, I just can't.

But you can't tell

I'll literally kill u,

And I'm getting away with it because I know too much about murder men, it's insane.

I'm up, I'm up. I'm watching a movie with Scott, he says hi and also wants to meet u and plot murder.

Also, what's the juicy secret?

Amanda is pregnant and your brother is way handsome than you.

Chris was calling almost immediately.

"Excuse me?"

"Amanda is having a baby,"

"No, about Scott being handsome than me," He asked and Sofia let out the loudest laugh, God she needed that.

"Oh my God, you're an idiot," She laughed. "I miss your face."

" I miss you, too." He laughed.

"Is Scott there?, we follow each other on Twitter and made fun of you."

"You two what," He asked and she could hear Scott laughing on the background. "You made fun of me with my girl?"

"Yeah, I slide in her DMS." Scott laughed and Chris was red as a tomato.

"Dude," He said and Sofia heard a lot of ow's and she laughed. "And about the other things, what the fuck?"

"Yes, I'm freaking out. Mandy's at Luke's house now but I don't know, she didn't text me. I can't sleep," She groaned and Chris stood quiet for a moment.

"Want me to come over?"

"Please?"

~~~

"Oh, hi," Sofia exclaimed as soon she opened the door, Chris grabbed her face and plant a quick kiss.

"Hi," He smiles, still cupping her face. "Hello," Chris kissed her again making her laugh.

"You dork," She said as she took his hand and took it to the kitchen, "Want something? I'm about to stress bake."

Chris laughed while he sat on the high chairs. "Mandy didn't text u?"

"No, dude. I'm freaking out, I know Luke it's the sweetest," She said giving her back to Chris as she measures some flour.

"He's going to be over the moon, I'm not supposed to tell you this but he's been thinking about proposing,".

Sofía was taken aback for a moment there but a huge smile, she turned around and look at him.

"Are our best friends getting married and having a kid?"

Chris laughed and nod, "Yeah, guess so?"

"Yeah," She smiles. "So weird," She turned around and Chris walked up to her, leaning on the counter beside her.

"Why?"

"Don't know, I'm happy don't get me wrong, I just. It's weird for me because it's," She stumbles over her words a little. "it's the first time I'm seeing this going right for someone I deeply care about."

Chris made a face and she laughed.

"I have really shitty examples on my life," She went again to her baking. "My mom and dad fought a lot, they had to get married because they were having my brother—

"Wait, you have a brother?," He asked, surprised. "You never mentioned him."

"We don't really speak, well I don't speak to him,"

"Why?"

Sofía pursed her lips together and give Chris a look, she didn't want him to think less of him or him judging her about what went down.

"Can we skip that part?"

Chris quickly nod, "Yeah, of course," He said putting a hand on her shoulder. "whenever you're ready,"

"Okay," She nod too and remained silent. "it's just, I'm sorry." Sofia took a deep breath and wipe a tear. "I've never had a normal family dynamics until I've meet Mandy's family and a still feel so out of place sometimes, it's weird—" She chuckles. "I'm weird."

"It's not weird, you're not weird. I've gathered that you went through some shit that no kid should go through," Chris said and Sofia stopped moving and looked at the bowl in front of her. "things that obviously hurt you still."

"Stop." She told him trying not to cry and took another deep breath trying to pass the lump on her throat but her lower lip was trembling.

"Hey, hey," Chris grabbed her and hugged her, but she pushed him away and went back to the counter.

"You like muffins?" She asked in a small voice and Chris just stare at her, he just shut him out on whatever it's going up with her. "Do you?"

"Yeah, yes. Are you okay?"

"Yeah," She nod.

Sofía was feeling like an idiot, she didn't want to be crying on his arm about her shitty life, to someone that obviously couldn't relate because he also had the perfect family, the perfect brothers. His fucking life was perfect. She didn't want him to see her like a wounded little girl.

"Sofia?"

"Just drop it, forget about it." She said going to the fridge and grabbed some milk.

"What? come on baby, you know you can talk about me about anything," Chris told her and she just chuckles. "Is this funny to you?"

"I can't talk to you about everything, there's a lot of things we can't relate to Chris." She quickly answered him.

"I know that, but I can listen. You can open up with me for fuck's sake," Chris said frustrated and Sofia sigh. "You're always shutting me out when we even slightly touch a subject you don't like, I've known you for like almost two years and I right now found out you have a brother. You know everything about me, you know my fucking whole family,"

"Yeah, and now you're now throwing it back at my face."

"I'm not throwing it back at your face, you can tell me anything, Sofia." He said and she shook her head.

"Why do you wanna know so bad? I'm just some girl you're fucking." She asked him and Chris was taken aback.

"You're not—is that what you think of me?, that I'm so guy you're fucking?"

"Are you not?" She asked nonchalantly and Chris lost his shit.

"Woow, that's how it is?, like I'm nothing to you." He said taking a step back.

"Why the fuck are you pushing this so much? what are you gonna do? I don't want your fucking pity and I don't fucking need you either." She was spitting venom at him, feeling attacked at everything he was doing.

"You're being a fucking asshole right now," He told her and Sofia rolled her eyes. "I just wanna know my fucking girlfriend."

"I'm most definitely not your girlfriend, I won't ever be your girlfriend" She answered and Chris just stared at her, feeling hurt.

"You know what, fuck you," he muttered angrily and turned around, nervous.

"There we go, pretty Chris don't get what he wants and he lashes out," She mumbled and pointed at him. "And now you leave,"

Chris rubbed his beard and grabbed his phone. "When you want talk this shit out, let me know. I'll be staying two more days and then I'm back in LA, you know I'm leaving for three months. Because I tell you all the shit I do," He pointed out again and Sofia just shrugged.

"Whatever, you know where the door is." She didn't even look at him, Chris was fuming. Sofía flinch when she heard the door shut.

~~~

Well, shit.

Tag list:

@smediumsmeatbae

@lunaticbarnes

@firstangeldragonranch

@lovepeacefood

@thegirlwithpaperheart

[xthexrawringx20sx]

who are your comfort characters? wanna talk about them for a bit? :)

oh my god thank you so much!!!!! i actually went to my computer so i can type better/faster with shaky hands lol

added a read more because it’s long

tw for: hallucinations/delusions, idk what else let me know if i need to tag it!

okay so...some of these are because i’m a dumb kinnie but yeah lmao

uh. basically the entire avengers group, but specifically the first movie time period. yknow the fanfictions about them all living in the same place and clint climbing around the vents and thor eating poptarts? yeah, that kind. kinda cringy but i used to vividly daydream living there and them all being my friends.

in a similar note, the most popular creepypastas that were involved in the “slender mansion” type of fanfic/headcanons are also super comforting! i used to imagine that ticci toby, ben drowned, and jeff the killer were all like. my best friends and we’d have huge cuddle piles or whatever lmao

the grunkles from gravity falls! i’m a dipper kin so i guess that makes sense, but even before i knew that they were super comforting. stan because he’s grumpy but still cares about his family, and also just...how easily he accepted people into his family (like when it shows how/why he offered wendy a job, soos, etc). ford because he’s weird!! and everyone’s pretty cool with that! honestly everyone in that show is comforting because they’re weird and it’s okay! seeing how he’d be so involved with whatever dipper was obsessed with made me so happy.

also winnie the pooh! it reminds me of when i was a kid and had sleepovers with my nanny (grandma) because i moved schools a lot and was bullied constantly so i never really had any friends. we’d watch winnie the pooh, chitty chitty bang bang, milo and otis, and sometimes random movies with jackie chan/abbott and costello/elvis because they were her favorite. also mary poppins! i remember she’d let me stay up late and watch whatever i wanted as long as i didn’t tell my parents about some of the games she played on her computer. that was my favorite, because i could watch adult swim and teen titans and goosebumps without getting in trouble

anya from anya’s ghost! i’ve mentioned this before, but she is such a big comfort to me. her negative body image, developing bad habits just to fit in, and forcing herself to change to just...disappear/be “normal” is so relatable. especially when she talks about how her mom is an immigrant from russia and she’s trying to leave all that behind. i really relate to that because that’s something i���ve experienced a lot and felt so alone with it (my mom + grandma are from germany). that distance from who you are, knowing almost nothing about your family, is hard. i’d hear classmates list off family members who were some of the first europeans in america, then i’d be able to back 1-2 generations to say something about germany, and on my dad’s side irish and native american. but that was it! and everyone on both sides of my family know almost nothing about our family past that because here it was a reason to be bullied or hurt. kids would joke that i was from space, or that i was a robot or a bad person and i was “hiding” stuff about my family. i dealt with horrible jokes about world war two. and once i read that book, i cried knowing that someone else understood. someone else felt alone, like that part of them that was supposed to be so important was just...gone. that someone else knew their parents + their siblings, their grandparents, and nothing else.

all of welcome to nightvale. all kin stuff aside, this is about the weirdness and how normal it is. but also, how janice is treated specifically. in old oak doors, when kevin is telling her dad about how they’ll basically “fix her” so she can walk, he tells him that she doesn’t need to be fixed. all my life, any sort of disability has been viewed as either my fault or something that needs to be fixed. my parents tried everything to cure my diabetes, and it eventually led to them blaming me for it at parts of my life where i was still coming to terms with it. i wasn’t diagnosed with anything for most of my life, my mom genuinely thought my scoliosis just “went away” along with asthma. disability was a bad word in my family, and still is. if i can’t fix the issue, i’m supposed to hide it/act like everyone else. they shame me when i can’t do a bunch of things because of my legs or back. they tell me every way i can fix it, even if those things will cause me more pain and suffering. it’s nice to see someone’s disability treated like a part of them, and not something that needs curing.

dan torrance from the shining/doctor sleep. especially doctor sleep. i know they’re not hallucinations, but when i saw it i just...felt so much for him. i’ve tried a lot of things to get rid of hallucinations. some of which i still struggle with. i kind of sometimes imagine him telling me that it’s okay, that they might seem real but that i’m in control even when it doesn’t feel like it. the part of the movies where he locks them in boxes? that’s one of my coping skills. it doesn’t always work but it makes me feel better when it does. i can’t always convince myself they’re not real. that’s the hardest part, so many of the advice i see involving hallucinations/delusions is making yourself believe they’re fake. but i can’t always do that! like right now, i know logically what is outside shouldn’t be there. but they’re there, they’re big and scary and very real. it helps to feel like someone’s there telling me “it’s okay, we’ve seen scarier and can make it through this”. not anything like “it’s in your head”, “they’re not real”, etc because they are and it makes me feel like i can’t trust people when they do that randomly.

that’s all i can think of right now, thank you so much it helps me a ton to just ramble like this! sorry it’s so long and probably a little embarrassing...have a wonderful day/night!!

[omoi-no-hoka]

Would you say studying Japanese as a major at University is mandatory to find a good job in Japan? I am currently studying International Economic Communication (M.A.) and studying Japanese by myself. Already been in Japan but just for volunteer work and some internships. Do you have any experience with job seekers in Japan who didn't study Japanese but something else and who were successful?

Thank you for your ask! This is a great question. 

The answer depends entirely on what sort of job you want to have in Japan. 

Short Answer: 

If you intend to work in a Japanese-heavy setting or in a job that requires specific language skills such as translation, YES, you must study Japanese beforehand.

If you intend to work in an English-heavy setting, probably not.

Long Answer:

For those who want to teach English in Japan

Speaking from my own experience, I double-majored in Japanese and English. My Japanese levels still weren’t proficient enough for me to work in a predominantly Japanese setting when I moved here though, so I worked at an Eikaiwa (English conversation school) for 3 years while studying Japanese at night. I passed the N1 after two years of studying, and then did additional studying every day for the next year after that. And now I’m a Japanese-English translator. 

The vast majority of foreigners living in Japan do not study Japanese before coming here. They get jobs at Eikaiwas, where the classrooms are often English-only and their coworkers speak English, so Japanese isn’t a necessity. Most of these workplaces understand that your life outside of work will be impacted by your lack of Japanese (unable to read bills and notices, not sure how to do things at the city hall, going to the doctor, etc.), and you will likely have at least one person at work that will assist you. If you’re really lucky, you’ll nab a kind Japanese boyfriend/girlfriend that will help you too lol. 

The other good thing about most Eikaiwa is that they tend not to have overtime and the teaching itself isn’t very mentally draining. Most of the time they’ll have a curriculum already drawn up for you and you just kinda follow the blueprint. So this means that you should have time and energy to study Japanese on your own. 

So if your dream is to teach English in an Eikaiwa, no, you don’t need to study Japanese. Quite a few of my coworkers showed up with absolutely zero knowledge of Japanese other than “domo arigato mister roboto” lol. 

Now, if it is your intention to become an English teacher in a private high school, junior high, or elementary school, YES, you MUST be fluent in Japanese. Though I will be very frank with you, these jobs are exceptionally rare and due to visa sponsorship issues, private schools will be much more likely to hire a Japanese person over you if you do not have Japanese citizenship or a spousal visa. Also, Japanese teachers arguably have it rougher than their American counterparts in terms of overtime and workload. Again, arguably. 

I can dive deeper into the topic of teaching in Japan and the Japanese education system if people are interested, but for now I’ll leave it at that. 

For those who want to do something other than teaching

Having been born in America, I have grown up communicating with people whose native language wasn’t the same as mine, who were still learning English, or who didn’t know it at all. It is easy for me to sympathize and empathize with foreigners who have moved to a new country, because I have interacted with them for forever, and I became one lol.

But Japan is an extremely homogeneous country. As of the end of 2018, foreign residents in Japan accounted for a measly 2.0% of the population. TWO. TWO PERCENT. That’s an INCREASE from the year before. And I’m guessing that most of them are where the action is, around Tokyo and Osaka. 

This means that the average Japanese person (and by extension, the average Japanese workplace, city/government establishments, post office, etc.) doesn’t understand what it’s like to live in a country without speaking the language, and they do not cater to you as Americans do. This isn’t to say that the average Japanese person is callous; they simply haven’t had to consider these things.

Just a couple examples of things I experienced that I found unbelievable as an American:

The Hokkaido Immigration Bureau staff speak only Japanese. Forms are only in Japanese, with English in tiny print beside it. You better hope you can speak Japanese or you can bring someone who can speak it when you go there. FOR IMMIGRATION. FOR THINGS SPECIFICALLY FOREIGNER-RELATED. Hokkaido is rural, so I hope Tokyo is different?

Don’t even get me started on the hoops I had to jump through when I moved here. Couldn’t rent an apartment until I had a bank account. Couldn’t open a bank account until I had a phone. Couldn’t get a phone until I had a bank account. And around and around we go. The system wasn’t designed with people starting fresh in this country in mind, and it really, REALLY shows.

So, if you intend to work in a workplace full of Japanese people, where you are a decided minority, you need to have a good handle on the language not only for your 9-5, but also to navigate your life outside of work. I’m lucky that all of my coworkers are nice and they’ll give me a hand if I ask for it, but a lot of times they can’t anticipate what I will need assistance with and what I can handle on my own. 

“Good lord, I get it. I need to learn Nihongo. But do I need to major in Japanese in order to succeed in my work life and private life?”

Not generally, no.

Again, this really depends on the field you want to go into and the level of linguistic accuracy your job requires. I work for a software company. My translations do not affect the safety/well-being of anyone like they would if I were translating something in, say, the fields of medicine or law. My company was just psyched that I was reasonably fluent in Japanese, and a Japanese major/JLPT N1 was not required. 

If your desired field is highly technical, you will likely be asked to prove your Japanese proficiency with an N2 or N1, as well as a practical test during your interview, both verbal and written. Again, having majored in Japanese will please your potential employers, but isn’t strictly necessary. The emphasis isn’t on your diploma, but on what you can actually do. 

An employer will be much more likely to ask for a JLPT N2 or N1 certificate instead of a degree in Japanese. So even if you don’t major in Japanese, I do recommend that you strive to attain at least N2. 

“Okay, so if I don’t study Japanese in uni, how can I get proficient enough in Japanese?”

I have two ideas for you.

Get an easy job like teaching at an Eikaiwa and teach yourself/pay for private night lessons.

Graduate from uni, come to Japan, and attend a Japanese language school for 6 months to a year before seeking employment.

Option 1, as I detailed above, is not impossible. But self-study requires a lot of discipline and progress is slower than classes. And private lessons can get very expensive very quickly. 

My good friend whom I got hired on as a translator for another project within my company is from the UK and studied a science field completely different from what his current job entails. He took path number 2. He studied at a language school for 6 months or a year, worked at an Eikaiwa for 5 years, and his Japanese proficiency is comparable to mine. 

The Japanese language school can be a bit expensive, but there is nothing better than learning the language in the country and you will be amazed by the speed with which you gain proficiency. 

If you choose not to major in Japanese and if you have the funds, I recommend enrolling in a Japanese language school. If you don’t have the funds, at least minor in Japanese and then bust your butt.

Summary

I feel like I really rambled a lot here, but there is no clear-cut answer. The low down is: 

Unless you are going for a very specific language-related job, most employers don’t care if you’ve majored in Japanese. They’re just happy if you can speak and read it well.

If Japanese is important to your job, you may be asked to provide a JLPT N2 or N1 certificate so I do recommend you obtain one.

Spending 6 months to a year in a language school in Japan is a great way to become fluent in a short amount of time without majoring in the language. 

[imadeletingmysocials]

Thinking about leftist in-fighting again and how pointless of a charade it is, but ironically at the same time taking a moment to comment on the fascinating subject of Tankies! ALTERNATIVE TITLE: CENTER-ACTUAL-LEFTIST

Can we talk about how fascinating tankies are like? These are often people who were starving to death due to capitalism (which enforces their belief towards COMPLETE and total devotion to anything against capitalism) but then later I guess got some sort of job and is buying North Korea memorabilia, like at least 200 dollars in memorabilia after buying a gun (because if you’re a maoist/whatever without a gun, all I gotta say is: what the fuck?) For the most part I worry for them if they were die a warrior’s death or be imprisoned before they had the chance to do so. But for the most part: they aren’t hurting no one outside of sometimes being annoying online. For all we know all they do is spend their time doing that, they argue online the whole day but they’re very shy in person because they might be confronted with the idea that maybe LGBT people are treated badly in totalitarian states (we don’t know that for sure I guess, also what fucking reason would exist for such policy outside of pure biased malicious intent, if I were a dictator i’d let gay people be cool LMAO I hear cuba gives free transgender transitions, can’t speak for NK though).

Tankies might even have the same fanaticism like neo-nazis have through some really far-fetched absurd relation but unlike neo-nazis for the most part they aren’t harming anybody we care for, and they fight the same stuff we do in the end. Outside of their actions for the most part the whole tankie stuff just seems like a weird nerdy hobby. It doesn’t help that a lot of it is centered around historic iconism (a lot of which doesn’t feel that relevant nowadays, I get liking certain icons due to what they represent for the people but outside of an image of nostalgia and example they aren’t THAT relevant) which in the end bares resemblance to nerdy historic collectors who love to collect memorabilia, something that due to my personality type cannot take seriously. Like I can easily imagine the same happening with comic book people and how they use pictures of Stan Lee with quotes that would motivate you to be a hero! 

I LIKE TO consider myself a CENTRIST, a leftist centrist, in other words, if you see you fuckers fighting too much and end up doing what the right-wing want I’m gonna think you’re right-wing, I hate anarchists who uncritically dislike Cuba and I hate tankies who uncritically dislike Rojava. You can go about socialism in multiple ways, state-wise, people-accepting, fuck you could even accept money and collaborate with America a little if you still keep your leftists principles, and if you are 100% against these socialist movements then you just seem like a right-winger at that point. 

Here’s a thing ok: functionally, at the moment, all leftists kinda operate the same, leftists in America or capitalist countries in general, outside of title their actions are usually union-stuff, gun ownership yadda yadda. Especially if they have other leftists to do things with, personally I don’t get leftists who are like “quit doing nothing”! Like if you don’t have a organisation or group, at the most you’re like everyone else and you just bought a gun, have a lot of resources (theory) and are waiting and bidding your time, doing what you can, if you see something do something but as individuals we are mostly powerless outside of wishing to be the next Chris Dorner out of a cool suicide and going out in a cool way, so we just wait until we can build or hope to find a coalition.

I’m fine with tankies that by the end of the day aren’t hurting nobody, are mostly doing the same good activism most leftists do and just really like history memorabilia. Most anarcho-communist friends I know accept and understand certain socialist states as to why and how they operated, I cannot say the same about the many tankies who are the straight-up-Rojava-hating kind though!

So basically here’s the full answer to that question: Can tankies like legit be an issue? Of course, I think the biggest red flag is being against rojava honestly like at that point you're too far gone. You could even be ok with states that are secluded out of self-defense due to imperialism (and due to them being shrouded in mystery the fact are mostly that we don’t know for sure anything at all about them, however not letting many people just... Leave or allow transparency is kinda of foreboden, you need to understand that, and if you don’t see that as being fucked up suspicious activity AT ALL without a single ounce of nuance well you are literally brainwashed and just as bad as the Americans who use excuses as to why America operates in such a shady way, but hey! Fear of Spies! I just hope they allow their citizens to turn and eye on pirate stuff like Cuba since it’s a victimless crime, also Karl Marx and Mao said everyone should have guns so if your country doesn’t allow it’s workers to have guns well that’s a bit of a problem isn’t it, seems like a hierarchy against the people where not everyone can have the same amount of power to me) but the moment you're against a group of people for the people without being a state you've showcased yourself as just being a 100% state worshiper first and interested in the struggle of the people second, like treating the idea of a recognized state as the be-all goal. 

At that point you’re just some weird religious-like nerd who thinks life should be a game of those Sim games were you can be a dictator (and even in Tropico you can be a nice person that allows immigrants and people leaving the state holy shit) and as far as things go you’re only useful for joining protests people universally like ironically against American’s anti-immigration and racism. North Korea being this weird rape victim of the world isn’t gonna change much in what you do outside of it, it’s pure religious follower ship built on faith and I guess we should respect your religion but if you actually cause more problems than not then that just makes you seem like you’re on another side, because as far as we know it’s funny that most of us don’t 100% know what’s going on at all in North Korea cuz we don’t live there, all we know is that they’re just playing defense.

If you’re the type to start some kind of topic with me and be like “rojava is a pettit bourgeois state” kind in mind, we aren’t in the cold war anymore, we don’t have a soviet superpower out there installing bases in our places for aid, the soviet union no longer exists and you need a super power backing up your kickstarted state for the sake of survival. You cannot aid yourself with THE OTHER super power, there are no sides to pick here, it’s not a yes or no question, Venezuela isn’t going out there to aid, North Korea, or Cuba isn’t either, ok cuba sends doctors but for the most part if you receive aid in wartime, it is not an option, you need to take it. As for anarchists being nothing but “petit bourgeois with no principles”: chances are you are on the internet, chances are you are nothing but a petit bourgeious as well considering we all live in a world corrupted by capital and everything we do, whenever it be for good intentions or not is within the framework of profit and capital, i could buy a commune to aid my comrades and live off the grid but I am still part of that state, i am nevertheless buying a house, everyone is a part of that state, America’s imperialism owns the fucking world. Don’t act like you better for that, it shows your lack of understanding and feeling better for it. You’re being petty because in a world with few choices, a group of people had to receive aid from America.

[iamtiredofthisplanet]

Innocently asking, why are Germanics so plagued with furries? In America, the most furries are found in like the Midwest which is filled with Germanic immigrants. You don't really see many Italian or Slavic furries for instance. Meanwhile in Europe you see curries the most densely in like Germany and Sweden. Is this related to autism? I am not trying to be offensive I promise, I'm just baffled what causes this. Surely there's a genetic factor? Did Neanderthals like wolves too much? :s

Hehe, auto-correct made you say curries… Anyway!

        I’d say it wouldn’t be necessarily tied to genetics, or autism in itself, art movements are interesting wiggly bits of trends throughout time itself. 

      There are some ties to studies done between so and so mental disorder, but I wouldn’t call autism itself a “mental disorder”. I vaguely remember reading somewhere that the possible tie between some level of ties between attraction to furries leading back to nostalgia and that awkward in-between set of years we call the teenage phase. I do vaguely remember autism being brought up in the study since in some cases “the line could be blurred more”, but it felt a bit wrong to just assume “someone with autism = can’t tell difference between fiction and reality” because that may not always be the case. 

       The furry community is an interesting trend in the art world because its origins have been tied to many things. Mainly people point out possibilities to shows, for example: Disney movies (Robin Hood is mentioned a lot), cartoons (Swat Cats, TMNT(?) mentioned quite often), and so on. But there’s been ancient civilizations who created what we would call “furry characters” today. 

This is a piece I learned about in Art History: “The Lyre of Ur”

Humanoid animals on an ancient artifact! Maybe some people did find animals attractive, or the mystery and intrigue of animals themselves attractive somewhere in history. We’re pretty much a one of a kind creature, with some vaguely similar animals on the planet that might be a bit similar to us. It may be that urge to find something else besides us that understands, can communicate, kinda like how so many people follow the concept of life out there in space. 

It can maybe just boil down to wanting something different, something along “seeing another human and so many humans can get boring.” We don’t have a space faring Mass Relay to find some interesting new foreign sentient beings to speak to. What’s the closest we got? Our imagination! “What’s one of the most different things around me? Hey this animal looks cool, what if it could speak and do as I do…?” 

Who knows where it really started, and who knows why. Maybe they have more shows prevalent with anthromorphic characters? Maybe they’re much more open about it than others could be in other regions, speaking about it with others? I’ve met several people who turned out to be furries throughout my life so far. They weren’t open about it, but they’d discreetly show me some of their art, or mention they had a gallery. Some of them were chill people, others I’ve had to distance myself from for my sanity or due to drama. It might be that in general in those regions it may be a bit more part of the culture, normal, than in other places. America is much more reserved when it comes to possible fetishes/sex/sexuality, so it may be a factor in all of it as well.

     Maybe someone felt that deep down they were meant to be something else, or felt a close bond to a certain animal and its traits, and just wanted to be tied closer to it, or wish they could be it and not a simple looking human… and suddenly you have a furry character! 

In the end, there’s no real way to really be able to tell. The human mind is very different from person to person, and we become what our experiences make us. What it may all tie down to is “Hey I really like this show/character and I feel attracted to the design/character’s personality. I want to make a character too.”

Sorry this got so long, studying Art History, art, and art in different cultures and communities in general has made me think about all that stuff. 

[queermtl]

An interview with Montréal’s Cuarta Baby

Queer life in Montréal stretches far outside the mapped limits of the Gay Village, and a group of LGBTQ+ creatives are shining a light on queer expression that crosses boundaries, scenes and cultures. Rafaella Alegre (Cuarta Baby) is a nightlife organizer, ballroom house mother, outspoken activist and community builder (including co-founding the Montréal Kiki Ballroom Alliance), whose welcoming events have brought a uniquely Latinx flavour to Montréal. During a busy Pride season, we spoke with her about life in the city, the growing ballroom community and her upcoming Gasolina! An Urban Kiki Ball at La Sala Rossa on August 31, 2019.

1. Can you tell me a little bit about your personal history in Montreal? When did you arrive and what first caught your eye about the city to prompt you to move here from Peru?

I first arrived the day after Christmas in 2013. I had visited Montreal for some weeks in 2011 after being denied a tourist visa to go to NYC, and when I realized people could be openly queer or a woman without getting harassed on the street – or at least, way less than in Lima – I was like, ‘I need to get out of my city.’ Lima is a very hostile environment and even though I love my city and country, I needed to leave for my mental health and general well-being. It was the only city I had ever visited outside Peru at the time.

2. What prompted the creation of your party CRZN? Did you notice a gap in the LGBTQ+ community that needed to be filled in regards to Latinx people in Montreal? What does the name CRZN represent?

Exactly that. I missed the queer parties back home. The intersection of latinidad and queerness is very important to me, which I didn’t realize until I felt the void when I moved out. I found that other Latinx immigrant friends felt the same way, and they wanted a place to be able to perrear (grind) where the gender combination or femininity/masculinity of the participants would not be policed. I found that I hated the music in all the queer parties that I had been in Montréal and since I had nightlife experience from being a DJ for years in Lima, I figured I should do something about that gap. 

I really didn’t feel the urgency to solidify those plans until the tragedy that happened at Pulse. There was a need of a space to heal through Latin rhythms and that’s when I felt I had to rise to the occasion and this is when CRZN was born. Corazón means “heart” in Spanish, and I named it that way out of being passionate Latin queers and how we feel happiness or sadness intensely, especially these particular feelings of mourning. In Latin America, we have a history of using dancing and music to cope and heal and that’s something that it has in common with the queer community. I was told by someone one time that they thought the name meant “cruising” which I love as well – it’s a queer space after all, and I like to think it is also the bisexual party of Montréal. There’s something about reggaeton that is so sexual and makes you wanna hook up, so cruising also goes well with the brand and mood of this event.

3. Cuarta Baby is also a cornerstone of the Montreal ballroom community. When did you discover ballroom? What pulls you towards it? What are you hoping to do with your involvement as voguer, walker and commentator?

Thanks for calling me a cornerstone, that’s huge. I still see myself, as my name says, as a “baby” in the ballroom scene, because I am. My involvement started officially at the same time voguing classes started in Montréal, so more or less two and a half years ago. But, even in Peru I dreamt about being a part of it. I watched videos of Leiomy and tried to imitate the movements, but at that time, ballroom was not experiencing this boom of popularity so there was not even a single video on how to do a dip and the information to learn about the culture was very limited. It was only later that I was able to really delve into it completely. I really see Twysted Miyake-Mugler as one of my main mentors in this learning process – which never ends! 

I felt very alone with my feelings surrounding femininity in Latin America, where there’s a very specific way of being a woman – feminine, heterosexual, catholic – that probably only other latinas who were raised and lived there can understand. I didn’t fit that archetype in several ways and femininity felt more like a prison. It was only through voguing that I discovered a way of being femme that was liberating and subversive. Voguing really helped me find myself and being comfortable in my own skin and for that I will be forever grateful. That’s why the involvement of Afrolatinx and Latinxs in the beginnings of ballroom culture in NYC makes so much sense to me – it seems like in a way it’s a direct response to how our culture sees gender roles and expression. As a walker and a mother – though I prefer mami because it makes me feel less old! – what I want to do with my own participation is honour that legacy and that’s the main value of my kiki house Benetton. 

As a commentator, I want to blend Latin rhythms with original and authentic vogue beats while chanting in Spanish or Spanglish, to breach the gap between the main anglo-scene and the different newish scenes in Latin America such as Costa Rica, Mexico, Chile and hopefully, some day Peru! – something me and my collaborator DJ Minas have baptized as vogueton. It’s kinda like the lovechild between the two most influential songs in music history (in my biased opinion): Gasolina and The Ha! Dance. As a voguer... well, it’s no secret that I’m not a performance girl and Face is my category, so even though I do not compete, I do vogue for fun. It is an almost sacred ritual to me where I explore and relate to my femininity, and it’s the only time where I feel like I understand myself and can show myself through movement. It's so hard to explain our complex reality with words, so I think vogue does through movement what poetry does through words.

4. Where do you see Montreal’s ballroom community going in 2019?

I’m hoping it will get bigger and that queer and trans people of colour want to participate more and more. It does take commitment and years to get better at it, but it’s such an investment in art and talent that it’s worth it! We want to see the walker quality and quantity rise. 

5. How has the city changed since your arrival (and specifically since your involvement in both CRZN and voguing)?

Well, the percentage of bisexual men has increased considerably! Just kidding – or am I? I think both myself and the city has changed in different ways. My stellium-in-virgo ass is super obsessed with doing work for the community and stepping forward when there’s no one else doing it. We have a well-established party that doesn’t turn any profit but we’re able to keep it going and curate a unique space and sound where people feel safe. I’ve also been part of founding the Montreal Kiki Ballroom Alliance, which I think even though it has started only very recently, is already starting to do amazing work towards uniting and bettering the kiki functions in the city. So, on my end, I will keep trying to provide the city with events where you can perrear and voguear, be it a party like CRZN or a kiki ball like “Gasolina! An Urban Ball” or the “Labour Weekend Kiki Workshops”.

6. How has life in the LGBTQ+ community in Montréal affected you?

The privileged first world life that a queer can live here has made me really appreciate my opportunity of migration, but at the same time it has made me appreciate my upbringing in the third world because it made me who I am and has given me a grasp on reality outside of the North American bubble. If I could choose, I’d be born where I was born again and again. Sometimes the “gay community” – it’s hard to call it LGBTQ+, because it is very much centered around the G – I don’t know if “affect” is the right word, but it bothers me and makes me want to create my own social circles and surroundings! Ballroom is an entirely different story – it centers (or it should at least) the black transwoman experience and we are all guests there, but it definitely finds a way to include everyone somehow.

7. Who in the city inspires you?

Ballroom-wise, I am always inspired by Brian Amazon Disney and Chivengi. The way they move alone is truly beautiful and a learning experience on its own. My Benetton children – who I recruited for a reason – like Naomi. The way she commands a room is unbelievable! My music soulmate and collaborator Minas, who I organize CRZN and have infinite projects with. I know you asked Montréal, but I it wouldn’t be right in my book to acknowledge who inspires me in Montréal ballroom without mentioning the Toronto scene as well, so Twysted, Tamar, Ceasar and N9ne are huge ballroom inspirations! But, no shade, most of my inspirations for all things art and creativity are in Peru, New York and Puerto Rico.

8. If you were to tell visitors just arriving three things about Montréal that you love, what would they be?

I’d say first of all come during the summer and not to toot my own horn – but totally – I’d come when there’s a CRZN. Also, my bed is one of the best tourist spots out there, just saying.

[violet--minds-blog]

‘The Bold Type’ and Surface-Level Intersectionality

Piper Gibson | July 26, 2017

Long time, no write, I know. It’s hard, as a mentally ill person working and going to school and trying to stay politically aware in these trying times, to update this blog. But I’m back with another post, because I am annoyed.

I’ve caught up with The Bold Type, a new Freeform series which is about three friends who work at a women’s magazine and is currently airing its first season. As I’m writing this there’s four episodes, but each is packed with so much that rubs me the wrong way that I’ve been incessantly livetweeting on my (private) Twitter about it. I don’t even know where to start, so I suppose I’ll begin with a few things I like.

I like that it’s a women-driven show. I like that we get to see women in power and at the top of their game. I like that the side characters are kinda diverse. I like that it passes the Bechdel test in a major, major way. I like that they are at least trying to come from an intersectional feminist perspective. That’s actually why I’m really frustrated with this show, but I’ll talk about that more later.

Firstly. Jane, the kind-of main character (To me, she’s clearly the main protagonist, but it could be argued that her, Kat, and Sutton are all protagonists) is boring. I’m sorry. She just is the human embodiment of plain yogurt. I cannot bring myself to care about her budding career or mediocre hetero love life. I don’t care when she wins, and I don’t care when she loses. I guess to some, her story might be interesting, but I just... don’t... care. I feel basically the same about Sutton, but she’s a teense more likable because the glimpses of her backstory spark an interest in me. For Jane, I think the writers were going for a Gifted-Child-Who-Grew-Up-To-Need-To-Please-Authority-Figures vibe, which I can relate to, except I see basically nothing of myself in her. Maybe it’s the bland cishet girl thing, but she’s not doing it for me.

My main problem with this show is that they focus on Plain Jane (low-hanging fruit, I know, but I had to do it), who has the personality of a lightly-salted potato chip, way more than they focus on Kat, who is IMO the most interesting person on the show. For a series that’s at least kind of trying to be diverse, it’s frustrating to me that 2/3 of the main characters are white and cis and heterosexual, but anyway. They have two cis, heterosexual, white woman main characters and then a black woman main character who is questioning her sexuality. Who do you think a large portion of the viewership for a show that claims to be feminist is gonna gravitate towards? Not the pasty heteros, probably.

Kat is dynamic, and interesting, and good at her job, not to mention gorgeous as all hell. Yet they give her storylines like "Black Girl Who Grew Up Upper-Middle Class Has to Have Poverty Explained to Her by White Girl” and “Black Girl Living In Modern-Day America Somehow Doesn’t Understand Why A WOC Immigrant Might Not Want to Interact With Police” and “Black Girl Who Works at a Feminist Magazine Doesn’t Seem to Know About Bisexuality For Some Reason” and y’all. It’s honestly so tiring. I understand that Kat is the one with the majority of the interactions with Adena to set up the queer romance between them (which I love and appreciate) but this also means Kat is their point-girl to explain xenophobia and immigration issues to the audience. 

I would like that they’re showing interracial ignorance issues, because people of color can be ignorant about and discriminatory towards other people of color, but I don’t think that’s what they set out to do. I think they wanted this to be a cool, hip, intersectional show, so they do a few kind of performative scenes where the Muslim lesbian woman on a work visa explains to another woman of color why she doesn’t take her hijab off or why she ran when the police showed up after a man assaulted her. At one point, Kat’s white boss actually explains to her that Adena ran from the cops because she could’ve gotten deported, which Kat hadn’t even considered somehow. What this actually does is tell the audience that Kat is ignorant on issues pertaining to women of color, and since Jane and Sutton literally never have race discussions beside one throw-away line about the Civil War from Jane, it feels like race is a topic secluded to only a few WOC characters. The women of color do all the literal and metaphorical emotional labor on this topic on the show, and the white women characters don’t have to deal with it. Which, I guess, is realistic to actual race relations between women, but I would like it to be acknowledged on-screen. For Kat to have to be the person with the brunt of the ignorance on xenophobia and queer issues while her white friends don’t have to deal with it is upsetting, to say the least. Because the show doesn’t address it, to me, it feels like them saying that white women are just so much better and more knowledgeable about these things than women of color, which is just... straight up wrong. I’d like at least one scene of Sutton and Jane not understanding something about race and Kat saying “Just Google it, I’m not gonna do the emotional labor for the both of you,” please, for the love of God. 

This isn’t even all of my problems with the show. It revolves way too much around romance and sex for media that seems to say women’s lives don’t have to revolve around romance and sex, for one thing. Both Jane and Sutton’s love interests are white assholes. Sutton’s boyfriend works for the same company as her and as such, is in a position of power over her. At least the show acknowledges that if this were to get out, the high-up board member boyfriend would not be the one in trouble and probably fired. But he’s still touted as this super sweet guy who tries really hard, despite him talking down to Sutton about how young she is and how he “remembers feeling like” there was no time to accomplish things like he’s so much more worldly and intelligent than her. Ew. Dump him, sweetheart.

Jane’s love interest is the. Literal. Worst. His name is like, Tyler or Aaron or something douchey, and he’s my least favorite guy archetype. Tyler-Aaron works for the “rival” men’s magazine about sex and relationships, with stunning article titles like “How To Make Your Girlfriend Fuck Like a Porn Star.” I know. Obviously, White Feminist Jane hates him at first. But I am a smart person, so when I saw them get in a disagreement in which he condescendingly calls her article “cute” and she storms off, I said, “Oh no. They’re gonna fuck, aren’t they.” Because that’s what happens every time a man and a woman dislike each other in popular media. A woman thinks a man is sexist? Yeah, eventually she’s gonna see the error of her ways and they’re gonna have sex.

See, what bothers me about Tyler-Aaron is that they made him a Secret Male Feminist. He tells Jane, “You haven’t read my articles, have you?” after she calls them sexist, and everyone tells her that he’s a pretty good writer and not a bad guy. He told her there’s nothing he finds sexier than a woman speaking her mind, and he wrote one good article about how women feeling like they need to fake orgasms is the fault of men, so he really schooled her, huh? Jane stands there with her mouth agape as Secret Male Feminist struts away smirking, and then within a day or so she’s kissing him. Yawn. Puke. Etc, etc.

This storyline doesn’t work. It doesn’t work because he already was a dick. He already condescended her writing, said she was sexy when she called him out for legitimate reasons, and wrote shitty sexist articles. Him writing one good article or being nice to her now doesn’t change that. And making him teach her something about feminism or prove her ideas wrong is akin to gaslighting. Women are already told every single day that we’re imagining all this discrimination and violence, that sexism is basically over and we need to shut up, that Congress passed X thing or a movie had Y plot so we “won,” and it’s time to move on. We’re told this despite seeing and experiencing this violence on every level, starting with interpersonal and going up to governmental and global. Tyler-Aaron apparently being an okay guy instead of the sexist douche Jane once thought he was (and I still know he is) is basically the show saying, “Hey, crazy feminist, not all men are bad, and some can be feminist, so calm down, okay? Your gut-reaction of a man being sexist and condescending is a fake reaction and you’re just making things up and jumping to conclusions.” It’s gross. And I expect better.

That’s why I dislike the show. It’s clearly trying, at least a tiny little bit, to be feminist and intersectional. It could be a really great, diverse, ground-breaking show. Instead, it is still so limited, racist, and surface-level white feminist-y. Most of what it tries to do, it fails. And, okay, I recognize that it’s important that a show like this, with a large majority of female characters, even exists. But they’re doing a disservice to characters like Kat, a lot of characters are boring and one-dimensional, and they haven’t even mentioned issues like trans or disability rights. It’s just not great writing, folks. Personally, when a show claims to be feminist, I expect it to follow through.

[evilelitest2]

100 Days of Trump Day 56: Animal Farm

Welcome back to 100 Days of Trump where we try to explain WTF happens in 2016 through 100 Works.  And fucking Animal Farm, this is almost too obvious but I think it needs to be talked about anyways.  First off, let me make this clear right away, George Orwell was a socialist, when ever rightists bring him up, rub it in their faces that George Orwell was tremendously left wing and anti capitalist, he just also happens to be a critic of communism.  And that is good, the left needs to be much critical of communism and other Utopian leftist movements and we will get into that more in later posts (episodes?  I don’t know what to call this).  

   Ok so beyond that, I am assuming all of you have read it, go read it, its a classic for a very good reason, why is it relevant to us today, why is the rise of a far right leader related to the rise of a communist dictatorship?  Well totalitarianism looks similar no matter what system you are in because it relies on the same basic urges, and takes advantage of the same internal ideological tricks that you see everywhere else. The actions of the characters really do serve as examples of ‘What behavior lets you be taken advantage of by dictators” and it applies to both the left and the Right 

Lets go through a few

1) Love of Simplicity.  

A lot of people ideologically seem to believe that simplicity is a virtue, and I’m not talking Taoist here. People think the Tax Code should be simple, people think national debt should be simple, foreign policy, the military, Healthcare, religion, race relations, immigration etc should be simple, that these things are just being needlessly complicated by “EVIL” goverment types for its own sake.  And while that does sometimes happen as we saw in Yes Prime Minister, over all the fact remains things will never be simple, life isn’t simple, it never will be, and anyone telling you is taking advantage of you.  This desire for simplicity “Four Legs good, two legs bad” is evident in Trump’s supporters, they really want these complicated problems to have a simple problem with a simple solution?  Flat Tax, Border Wall, Bomb ISIS, Muslim Ban, the Natioanl Debt, all of this stuff is coming from a place of “Lets just done one simple thing and the problem goes away right?  Well no....no it doesn’t, none of those issue are remotely solved by any of those solutions because they are simple.  For example, most illegal migrants wouldn’t be stopped by a wall anyways.  The problem with a desire for simplicity is that if you have it strong enough, people can take a simple truth and alter it easily, like “Four legs good, two legs better”.  Things are going to be complicated.  The left does this too btw, like a lot, my tumblrs original goal was challenging the left’s love of simplistic reductionist definitions.  LIke “Racism equals power plus prejudice” or “America are the real terrorists” or of course thinking because capitalism is bad that means communism is good right?  We don’t live in a simple world, we never have and we never will, until you accept that you are what is politically known as a sucker. 

2) Pandering 

The fact is people like to be told that they are special and that they are in fact the most correct, that their way of seeing things is totally correct and true, and everybody else needs to come around to how great they are.  And when you have a politician come to you and says “yes, guess what, you are great, you have it totally wrong” most people indulge that rather than questioning it uncritical.  Obviously the Republicans have perfected that to a fucking art form, the whole “Rural Smalltown American”, “Good Christian Culture” and the entire “Real American” nonsense (you know, a minority of the country).  And we really see this with the whole “American Christian notion”  I like Christianity but the Bible Belt form is a fucking perversion because it isn’t about an actual ideology or theology, its about being smugly superior to the outsiders, its turned into a fucking cultural identity.  And if you just say the right phrases or close enough (Two Corinthians) then they will vote for you despite how many women you sexually assault.   ANd of course this is totally true among the left as well, I mean that is where these bullshit cult like left wing pseudo hippies conmen come from telling liberals that Vaccines are bad, that GMOS are this evil thing inherently (again see #1).  BTW, this is why Neoliberals centrists hacks keep being able to win primaries and then lose elections, because they will utter the words without any substance behind them.  

3) The Leader is your Friend 

“Napoleon is Always Right”.  Mindless support of a leader is something most of us laugh at as ‘those people so stupid” when talking about North Korea or the Soviet Union, but we do it all the fucking time, because when we like somebody and feel he understands us, we don’t like to see that person get criticized.  Like you know...Obama.  I like Obama, I like that he is a huge dork, I like how charming he is, I find myself thinking back on statements he’s made when i’m feeling down, I internally enjoy it when Obama does something silly and when ever he stands up to somebody I don’t like I go “FUCK YEAH, OBAMA FOR THE WIN”.  And when somebody says “Dude, Obama’s approach to TPP or his Drone Policy is really fucked up” I instinctively try to rationalize it, I either work hard to look at things from his perspective and try to explain it using his logic, which i’d never do for a Republican, or I try to distant him from the thing I don’t like, “Oh well Drone Strikes is more the military industrial complex” or “Oh well the NSA overreach started under Bush anyways” because I want to like Obama and make him an extension of my own mental identity.  A lot of Russian people do this with Putin.  Because the thing you should do, aka “I really like Obama as a person and I love all of these aspects of him while these other things are really fucked up” is hard.  People don’t like to think complexly of their leaders.  This is even more difficult if you have an identity connection to the person, African Americans have a lot invested in Obama, women, particularly women over 45 have a lot in Hillary Clinton, and that personal identification makes it difficult.  And before you think i’m opposed to identity politics oh wait look, Donald Trump, who does the same thing but for white men who are clearly the most oppressed people in the world...

That was sarcastic btw.   But no i’m not calling Clinton or Obama authoritarian, I”m talking about the psychological effect here.  

 And that is what Trump is relying upon for his core audience, that people feel like they know him, he is that one jackass at the bard who everybody thinks is kind of a prick but says what they are all thinking and ultimately stands up for them against the “Bad People”.  And that is how you get this sort of mental assumption of protecting a single person, because any blow to them is by extension a blow to you.  

4) The ENEMY/The Victim

Key to the creation of this world view is “The enemy” this vague nebulous external force of BADNESS that exists to do the bad things to you and are responsible for everything bad.  Because people love simplicity and are you know...stupid they want all the bad things in their life to be linked.  Terrorism is bad and so is Reaganomics corporate capitalism?  THEY MUST BE LINKED?  I don’t like atheists and I don’t like Obama?  HE MUST BE AN ATHEIST.  The notion of all evil things being part of one vast giant “other” (often just called Jewish because of course they are) is extremely easy to take advantage of, because it allows the leader to attack the universal enemy.  This is much better if you happen to be legitimately persecuted in some way, and that persecution justifies all of your behavior.  And in order to connect all these things, you get into conspiracy theory logic After all, I suffered, therefore anything I do is acceptable, particularly when THOSE Guys are out to get you.  And this is why this is so dangerous as a concept, because often times there is a group that is out to get you, just not a single nebulous one.  The left totally falls into this of course, which is why internationalist is so difficult pitting poor whites against blacks is an age old tactic of the rich and when the Left gets really crazy when there is an external force challenging them.  When the entire world is “US vs. them” there is no room for nuance, and the whole world gets toxic real quick and hey look, Maoism.  They will always appeal to the time when we fought the great battle and overthrew the great threat, and link what is happening now with that previous great conflict.  

 This is especially true of Say Israel, who are fighting against legitimate anti antisemitism and external threats in such a way that makes the whole conflict gets so demented that the ISraeli Far Right are siding with actual Neo Nazis. 

5) Nostalgia/Cultural Symbols

As we discussed in Bob Roberts, the right survives by co-opting other concepts, because their core principles are usually things people can’t really get behind, so they need to take advantage of existing cultural effects to justify and spread their ideology.  This is almost always be common cultural symbols we can get behind, and then they will use “defending” that thing to justify their behavior.  Founding Fathers, Patriotism, the American Flag, Christianity, Capitalism, all things that are far more complicated and not inherently bad that are kinda tainted because of this association.  This is why Gamergate calls its movement “Ethics in Games Journalism” because that rhetoric allows them to gain adherents even if it is paper thin.  Never give blind loyalty to something for its own sake and never trust nostalgia or sentimentalism, because those are the avenues where somebody will take advantage of you.  

   Animal Farm is a story about how something good is co-opted and morphed into something evil because of people’s desire for naive optimism, and when it comes to politics, you don’t have the luxury to look at things uncritically, because if you don’t you will find yourself made into glue. 

Basically what i’m saying is we should be like Benjamin not Boxer 

This...don’t do this 

[captainalwayslazycollectort-blog]

What are the listings for African American or black owned auto insurance companies and agents.?

"What are the listings for African American or black owned auto insurance companies and agents.?

I want to support my people,because no one else is going to support us. Many immigrants only support their business owned by their people,but we blacks have very few businesses. We need to unite and support each other to survive in this every changing country. It feels as if we are second class citizens in our own communities. We have to do business and pay for services of people who dislike us,because we have no alternative. We blacks need to control,manage,and build business in our own communities.   P.S. I love America  USA is # 1

BEST ANSWER:  Try this site where you can compare quotes: : http://financeandcreditsolution.xyz/index.html?src=tumblr 

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Which life insurance company is the best?

Insurance companies that offer...?

insurance for cars that are not yours.... ie cars that you rent etc... is it worth getting it? It's time to renew the insurance for my car, and as i was comparing quotes.. i was wondering should i get the extra insurance that covers rental cars..... or is it just a waste of money? The past couple of years ive had it added to my insurance..... but didn't really fly anywhere, where i needed to rent a car, and have not moved nor am i planning on moving.. but in case in an unforeseen event i have to rent a car............. my two main questions are 1) would the insurance that a rental company offer on their cars be cheaper than the insurance that my own insurance company offers for the rental... or about the same?? 2) if one was to have insurance for rentals, would the rental companies care about it, or force their own insurance upon you? Also..... if they were to accept your insurance company's insurance for their rental.. how would they do it? do you have to fill out extra forms etc? because if its a lot of hassle, and their rates are the same.. then there's no point in adding the rental insurance to my regular insurance right??""

Insurance for a 2008 Subaru Sti Hatchback?

Is the Insurance for the new 08 Sti hatchbacks gonna be cheaper than those of 04-07 Sedans? Im 18, have good grades and a clean record and was curious how much my insurance would be if i bought the Sti. Just a ballpark estimate. Thanx""

How much does a teenage car insurance for a 1991 chevolet corvette convertible cost per month?

my grades havent been good till this year i kinda have a bad record idk if that would effect it so ya i no i turn 16 on tuesday and im getting the car for my bday so i need to no quickly how much the insurence would cost thanks

Getting Car Insurance for an American?

I'm trying to get car insurance for my wife who only recently passed her UK test. She has held a US license for many years (about 6 I think) and drove during that time with insurance and made no claims. However, it seems that some UK insurance companies don't recognise an American license or insurance history which is making the quotes extremely expensive. Up to 1500 for full comp on a basic family car (2003 Vauxhall Omega). Is anyone aware of any UK companies that would recognise her US license and quote accordingly for her driving history rather than treating her like a 17yr old? Thanks in advance.""

Are my car insurance rates normal?

I'm looking to buy a 2004 hyundai tiburon gt and the insurance company said it would be 1100 every 6 months. My second choice was a 2005 mazda3 I. Once again, rate would be 965 every 6 months. Even the tiburon base would be over 1000. I'm a 17 year old boy. Which explains alot, but I've had no accidents and have the safe driver discount.""

How much would car insurance cost for a 17 year old female? More info provided?

I will be 17 yrs old when I get my intermediate license, which I will then have for 1 yr before I can get my full license. I'm looking for a general insurance quote for a 17 year old female in Iowa (does this have any bearing on the amt my parents pay). Also, I have about B average, but I'm taking AP classes if that makes a difference. I don't have a job but I will have an unpaid internship this summer (does this make a difference?). Both my mom and dad have one ticket each, but that's about it, they're both very careful drivers. I will also have taken a drivers ed course (reqd in my state). I'm also looking at purchasing either a 1998 BMW 528I or a 1998 BMW 740IL as both are under $5000 w/o taxes but if anyone can give me an estimate as to the total cost of both of these cars (after taxes, gas, insurance, etc) that would be fantastic. If any more info is needed let me know.""

How much on average would liability insurance cost after 2 dwi's (5 years ago)?

It's been over 5 years (and sober!). I'm on a tight budget though and need a car for work now. I already figured what the interlock will cost me, but I have no idea on insurance. I don't know if it will be $100-$300 a month. After the first DWI (bad college years), it was about $125 a month I think. So I'm really hoping it stays under $250 at least a month just for liability. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks :)""

Can I add my girlfriend to my health insurance if we live together?

Some states allow benefits for partners. Is this the same? I am insured by Humana (Open Choice PPO)

""Young driver getting a new car, insurance?""

Me and my fiance are buying a new car, im 20 and hes 22. Its a 2010 Mazda 3. We already went to the dealership and got a good price on it and even 0% financing. Signed all the papers and now we are looking at getting insurance but its putting us back a little bit. The car is all ready to go but not until we have insurance. Any ideas on good cheap insurance or are we basically screwed?""

Best health insurance?

Im looking for a great health insurance. One that is reasonable with cost. My location is kansas if it matters.

How can I get affordable health insurance for my family while i'm off work..?

I applied for medacaid but they said I make to much money. even thou i'm off from work with no insurance and very little sick leave pay.

21st Auto Insurance Company?

Any complaints regarding the 21st Auto Insurance Company? I am thinking about switching to them.

What is to stop people from taking the fines instead of paying for insurance?

it seems like they are not much different then a high deductible insurance plan

""Insurance rates for a 1996 Ford Crown Victoria in Chattanooga, Tennessee?""

My next car, just need to know the insurance. Asking you guys might prevent me a whole lot of hassle and harassment from the insurance companies.""

Can I write off the montly payment for health insurance I pay for my family?

Going to opt out of my employer paid insurance program, and buy private insurance for my family, can I write the entire payment off on my personal taxes?""

Insurance for a (2001/Y) Peugeot 206 first time buyer (17+)?

Im soon to buy a new car, and the most recent car i have been looking at has been (2001/Y) Peugeot 206, im just interested on how much the insurance will be - noting that i am a first time car buyer aged at 17, im guerssing this will dramatically raise the price ( i am nearly 18 if that changes things) any ideas on the cost of the insurance ? :)""

What are the listings for African American or black owned auto insurance companies and agents.?

I want to support my people,because no one else is going to support us. Many immigrants only support their business owned by their people,but we blacks have very few businesses. We need to unite and support each other to survive in this every changing country. It feels as if we are second class citizens in our own communities. We have to do business and pay for services of people who dislike us,because we have no alternative. We blacks need to control,manage,and build business in our own communities.   P.S. I love America  USA is # 1

Maternity Health Insurance?

I am in the state of MI..I am looking for some really good health insurance for pregnant women..I already spoke to blue cross blue shield and all there plans only cover the delivery..I need something affordable that covers everything from prenatal-going home from hospital..It doesnt have to cover it 100% but at least the majority. Thank you

Good auto insurance deal?

Which insurance company in Toronto offers good deal for one or two company cars?

If a health insurance company can't deny my pre-existing condition...?

Why should I buy insurance at all?

""Who, out of the two of us, is likely to pay more for car insurance?""

My partner and I don't live together, but we share her car. She has just recently had 6pts added to her driving licence, as for myself, I have always had the use of a family car now and again, I have been insured to drive, but haven't owned my own car, for over 25 years, which of us will have to pay more for insurance, at roughly what percentage?""

How much is car insurance for 17 year old?

how much is car insurance for 17 year old? i want to buy a 2001-2005 Vauxhall corsa 1.2 and i wondering how much the insurance is. also do i have to pay the full amount of insurance upfront or is split into months for example if the insurance is 3000 am i be ale to pay 250 a month

""Affordable Health Insurance, any suugestions?""

I am a nanny. My employer does not offer any insurance. I need primary, dental, and vision coverage. I used to have the best insurance. $5 dollar co pay no prescript payment for generic and coverage for all drs. That was when i was under my mom's blue cross blue shield ppo plan. I cant afford too much but need something. Any suggestions on affordable health insurance?""

What is a good cheap auto insurance company?

I had missed some payments from geico a while back, and havent had insurance for a couple months so now it is getting more expensive to get another insurance, but I need just a cheap, basic policy with minimum liability and collision, any suggestions/""

""Car Insurance / Mother or Father as First Driver, me as Second?""

I'm trying to sort out car insurance, but the problem is, is that it is very high, Ive never done this before as Im a first time driver, but a lot of people have told me to put my parents as primary drivers and me as secondary, how do I do this? I really have no idea, thank you I'm using gocompare.com but how do I enter my parents in and then as secondary, thank you very much""

How do I transfer medi-cal insurance to PA for college?

Hi guys, I'm 17 and currently live in california and have medi-cal insurance because my family is low income. I'm planning on going to Philadelphia for college, but I'm not sure how I can transfer my medi-cal to Pennyslvania? Is it even possible? Or do I have to apply again in Pennsylvania? I Need proof of insurance to enter school and I don't know if medi-cal is enough. I have health net as well. I need it by the 23rd of July and it is now the 25th of June. Will I have enough time to get insurance? any help is appreciated. Thank you!""

Home and contents insurance?

which company has the best home and contents insurance and contents inside sheds

""Car Insurance, and car choices for a new driver?""

I am 27 and just recently got my license. I know my insurance is going to be high regardless but I am looking into cars and was wondering what type of car would be cheaper for me to have insurance on? Should it be a 4 cylinder? Antilock brakes? A certain color? Alarm system? Are some cars higher than others? I would like to get either a honda civic or mitsubishi eclipse (my dream car). I'm just worried that the insurance is going to be through the roof. If those cars are going to be high, what kind of car would you reccommend?""

How do I find a good Health Insurance Agent In Texas?

Back in California where I am from I had a great Health insurance agent. He took care of everything. My health insuranc, home insurance, life insurance and auto Insurance. I get to Houston Texas and find out that most agents either deal with home and auto or life and health insurance. I now have a freat home and auto insurance agent but he does not deal with health insurance. His reason. He does not have time to keep updated with current trends in health insurance so he does not believe he would be a good health agent. I appreciate his honest but it kinda leaves me hanging. Does anyone have any agents they can recommend?""

Why not lower heath care insurance than universal health care?

I pay $450 a month for my health insurance, why dont they just cut the cost in half? Then people could afford it. Its alot for me but worth it, i had spinal meningitis at 18 and without id be dead.""

Who's the best company for young car insurance?

I know the kind of car to get for cheap insurance but i'm still looking at around 3000 for insurance, i was just wondering if there is any companies out there people my age can actually afford.""

I need a Dentist......I have no insurance....what should I do?

I haven't visited a dentist in years, but I really need to have a check-up. I have no insurance, What can I do? Where can I go?""

Can Obamacare reduce my health insurance cost? And when does this go into effect?

My annual income is low and my health insurance is blueshield active start35 and its $200 a month for the premium. Will Obamacare help reduce my monthly premium and when will this go into effect? What steps would I need to take? Thank you

What is the best and most affordable insurance for baby?

Or is anyone know if there is any pediatrician for free? I live in California. Thanks

What should I expect to pay for car insurance?

I am 18. I got my permit in March 2011 when I was 16 and I got my license this month. I will be taking a defensive driving course, the 5 hour course and I might also take a course with a driving school to reduce insurance cost. (I live in New York) I have enough money saved up to lease the car I want but the insurance seems like it will be very steep. The cars I'm looking at are a: 2012-2013 Mercedes Benz C300 4MATIC 2010-2013 BMW 3 series or 5 series What can I expect to pay on insurance based on this information and do you think I'd be able to get a quote for $400 or less? Also, what type of car do you have and how much do you pay for your car insurance?""

Does an expired MOT invalidate insurance when making a claim for my car stolen from a private driveway?

I had no idea that my mot had ran out, when my car was stolen from a private driveway (not on public road) My insurance say i was in breach of the policy. But where do i stand legally with the car being off road when stolen? The insurance quoted no payout if there's no mot when one is required by law! Is there a loophole i can use""

Insurance after a crash motorbike!?

My Son has a motorbike crash last month. The police managed to look at CCTV footage and tell me the crash was not his fault. It was the fault of the motorbike in front that swerved in front of him. Anyway my sons bike was insures 3rd Party With no legal cover The bike was so badly damaged it was going to cost over 2k for me to fix it up but 4k to get it looking new. The bike was brand new 4 months ago. I had nowhere to store it so let the garage keep it for 600 My question is as he was only 3rd party where does the claim lie. The insurance company tells me I have no legal cover and they do not seem to be advising me of what to do. Ive heard nothing from them The bike has 4k outstanding on it as a family member loaned my son the cash, which he still has to pay back. What can I do to get some of the cash back for the bike?""

Bmw insurance?

im almost 16, and for my birthday im getting a 10 year old bmw. any idea on what the insurance will be?""

How can I get affordable health insurance for my husband and I in the state of Florida?

I am a healthy 23 yr. old and my husband is a stable 32 yr. old.

What would happen to my dad's insurance?

My friend was driving my car and he has no insurance when we got pulled over. The cop asked for license and registration. My friend gave his license, but he gave my insurance information and my registration information (which is under my dad's). Would we get penalized for it? Would my dad's insurance rate go up?""

Why the health insurance are different than car insurance?

I mean insurance is protection and give you money when you got into situation that cause loss or expenses. But why car insurance are less picky and more willing to give money to pay out than health insurance? Why more rules and more restriction and more reject the coverage with health than car? I mean I understand insurance is business and for profit so they has to refuse the claims if loop hole. But it shouldn't be any different on health or car coverage.

Can i get a no insurance ticket if the car was insured but my name isn't under the insurance?

i got pulled over and i was driving my brothers car so the cop gave me a ticket for no insurance cause he said that my name wasnt under the insurance. If i go to court and show the insurance that i had in the car will they still fine me?

What are the listings for African American or black owned auto insurance companies and agents.?

I want to support my people,because no one else is going to support us. Many immigrants only support their business owned by their people,but we blacks have very few businesses. We need to unite and support each other to survive in this every changing country. It feels as if we are second class citizens in our own communities. We have to do business and pay for services of people who dislike us,because we have no alternative. We blacks need to control,manage,and build business in our own communities.   P.S. I love America  USA is # 1

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/health-insurance-quote-self-employed-berkshire-penelope-brickman/"

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RELATED QUESTIONS: 

A question about car insurance?

I am 18 and i just got my G.E.D. and I'm looking for a job. I do not have a drivers license so i was wondering how much will it cost me for car insurance per month when i get it.

Cheapest car insurance for 17 year old?

i need cheaper car insurance because most quotes are coming out at like 4 grand and i dont have that kind of money. the car is a 1.2 55 reg corsa, does any one know a cheap insurance company? cheers""

Do I need to be on someone's auto insurance in order to get my driver's license?

I'm in my 30s and I want to get my driver's license. I had my permit years ago, but I never kept it up just because I always thought it was a hassle to get my license. People would tell me it would cost hundreds of dollars to get my license. So I personally didn't know, but I want to know for sure. After I get my permit, I know you have to wait a week, but as for auto insurance, do I need to be on someone's auto policy? Also if I don't have a car yet, how can I take the driving test? The reason I ask because I see so many people who never had cars who get driver's license just like that. I've even see immigrants with license and they don't even come to America with cars, so how do they do it?""

Is the only insurance for abortion Medicaid?

What are other insurances that cover Medicaid or is this the only one?

""Hit by a person with no car insurance, now what?""

I was rear ended by a kid that has no car insurance. He license was also suspended because of this. I called the police and filed a report with my insurance company. Do I have other options? I feel I should not put out a cent as I was not at fault. I have to pay my deductible and I know my insurance will go up, no matter what they say...""

Car parts insurance company ?

Is there by any chance a(n) insurance company that covers your mechanic bills. Don't lose me here just follow. You know how you pay a monthly fee for car insurance incase you ever get in a car accident, well is there by any chance a company that covers your car parts bills. Kinda like how car insurance cover you incase of an accident, except you pay monthly fees to this company and they cover your car bills incase your car breaks down and you take it to the mechanic (example: alternator, starter, any car part, etc). I don't know if such a company exist but I remember a couple years ago hearing about something like this on the radio. If you know of such a company please let me know I would like to sign up for it.""

Can anyone recomend some cheap insurance companies for drives who have completed pass plus?

I'm 18, soon to be 19, and have been trying to get a quote on a 1998 vauxhall corsa, and the only 1 i got before was ridiculously high. I know it being an older model is going to make a difference, but does anyone know from personal experience or whatever which insurance companies offer decent insurance prices to young drives, who have completed the pass plus scheme? Thanks, much appreciated!""

How much is seasonique with blue shield california insurance?

please tell me. i'm on yaz now but four periods a year would be heaven. thanks.

Where to get the best price on event insurance?

Ive been throwing events for awhile now and just recently had a close call in damages to the property so i was wondering if anyone knew of something like a Event insurance company that covers Arizona events?

How can I get affordable health insurance?

I'm 19, in good health, not pregnant nor do I already have a child. I was told by the state that I have to either be under 18 or have a child to get Medicare. My job does not offer insurance. What can I do? I'm on a very low income, and can't afford very much, but I am willing to pay something.""

What would be a great (cheap) beginner motorcycle for a 16 year old?

I have been looking at a 1982 honda nighthawk 450 with 13k miles on it tht was in decent shape tht i could probably get it for 900$ (and i found out insurance would be 125$ a year).....i want to broaden my search and i was wondering if there are any other bikes out there that are good beginner bikes that are cheap (not AT ALL more than 1200$)

What insurance companies provide non-owner auto insurance in Ohio?

looking to insure myself for car insurance in columbus ohio but I dont own a car.

Car insurance in Florida?

Do i need to have a Florida license in order to have car insurance for a car registered in Florida?

Do you need motorcycle insurance in the state of Tennessee?

As a Tennesseean, I was wondering if motorcycle insurance is necessary in order to ride in the state.""

Can I drive without insurance?

hey people, so basically, I am going to turn 17 next month and will get my provisional. I am then going to take my theory test, along with driving lessons and then on to the practical test. Once I pass, I want to obviously drive, however the insurance premium for new drivers these days is ridiculous! I was wanting to ask if I can drive my parents car (which is insured to them) with their premission, or do I have to be insured as the next driver? By the way, the car would only be something like a 1.0 - 1.4 litre petrol. Thanks in advance!""

How much is car insurance for a range rover a month?

I'm almost 16 and I wanted to know how much is car insurance for a Range Rover HSE, since that's the car i want.""

""What insurance company is the best to work for,as an agent?""

Which insurance company is the best to work for as an agent?..Allstate,American Family,Statefarm,Nationwide...etc""

Need help buying and insuring a motorcycle.?

I am trying to buy and insure a motorcycle without my parents knowing. I am 21 years old and have moved out of my parents house. I have my own car and my own job, but my car is still insured through my parents' insurance. Is there any way I can start my own insurance plan, without my parents knowing, to get motorcycle insurance? Or would motorcycle insurance have to be tied back to the same insurance that covers my car (through my parents). What kind of monthly rates would that cost me? (I'm a 21 year old male living in Nebraska) Any and all help and advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!""

""How can i insurance my car, for only 3 months?

im finishing my college... i bought a car in us... for the year i was here... bour my car insurance expire.. like 2 months before i finish... and im not gonna buy other 6 months of insurance... cause i will be using it only 2 months more... WHAT I CAN DO!!

How much will be car insurance be for a 2.2l Renault Laguna?

Basically, I've got my hands on a Renault Laguna 2.2l Diesel. It's a 2002 model. I've also just passed my driving test 2 months ago, and would like to know what to expect with insurance. I'm not keen on selling the car, so I'd like to know which companies are best for young drivers. Oh yeah, and I'm 17 years old.""

What is the cheapest car insurance premium quote?

That you know of , for an 18 year old male driving a group 1 car. Thanks.""

Insurance on a 2006 Suzuki GS500F?

I am 16 years old, living in California. How much is collision insurance for the Suzuki GS500F? The minimal insurance possible?""

What is the diffrence between an 2007 Mustang and a 2007 Mustang Premium?

Another question is how much will insurance cost for a 16 year old with a license and driving certificate

Which insurance should i get?

Im 18 and i was involved in a car accident not my fault. well im look to get a new car insurance but i dont know which one to get. I want a low paying insurance, good converge, liability. I would like to know the insurance company and how much a month i would pay. Im think about getting freeway insurance but not sure.""

Why is car insurance rates so high?

Why is car insurance rates so high?

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waepa life insurance quote

Car insurance?

i currently have a car and am insured fully comp on this. my partner is about to purchase me a new one but as i still own the other one i'm not sure what to do about insurance. i'm tempted to take out another policy with a diffenret company for fully comp and run them both until i sell my old one. any suggestions

Cheapest car insurance for a minor?

Okay, I'm about to purchase a 1995 Volkswagon Cabrio, but I need insurance on it and I'm only 17. I have a missouri permit currently, but I will have my license as soon as I get the insurence so that I can take the test. If it helps at all I have a 4.5 gpa, near perfect attendence, volunteer work, dual-enrollment credit, and extra-curriculars. I just cannot afford the prices I have been seeing for the few companies that will give me insurance and I would appreciate any suggestions for cheap liability.""

Car insurance problem??? what can I do?

hello I been paying my car insurance for years know the day I had a car accident (which I am 100% not guilty) I notice that the vin # on my car was not the same vin # on the insurance I was paying my insurance made the correct change and did respond with my coverage but I don't think is fare for me to had been paying so many years for the wrong car what can I do? can I sew them or make any legal thing to get back my money for irresponsibility and there mistake? they said it was my fault for not checking the documents but we all know that when we open a car insurance policy we bring all our documents in including the car title and they type it in . please answer if you only know the answer this is not a place to be playing around and not answering right to be earning points only THANK YOU

Could you give me a rough estimate of my teen auto insurance?

I want to get either a honda civic or toyota corolla (those have best insurance rates supposedly) and I am 16. Great student, no record, no driving problems etc. Could someone give me just a really rough estimate. Thanks!""

How much would insurance be for a 17 year old girl driving a 2003 350z?

how much would insurance be for a 17 year old female driver...for a 2003 nissan 350z.

California Car Insurance?

Hi, I am a 17 year old girl who just bought my first car. It is a 1992 Buick Regal in perfect condition with a clean title. In addition, I just graduated High School with a 4.0. With these elements, what would probably be the best insurance company to go with to get a low rate? Or, what insurance company would you reccomend working with for a new teenage girl driver? Thanks!""

Firm choice has lower grades than my insurance?

My firm choice has lower grades than my insurance choice. My firm choice is 240 points or CCC but my insurance is BBC. Will this effect which university i go to? If i was to get the grades BBC will i still get into my firm choice?

Eye and Health Insurance ( College Student)?

Just recently I was diagnosed with Uveitis in my left eye. I had previously been diagnosed with it and my left eye just flared up again this year. As a 21 year old College student I can barely make ends meet and well now my question is, what kind of Medical/Eye/RX insurance would you guys recommend. I'm not ensured and I still have to go trough treatment, see specialist, blood test, chest exams, etc. My visit to the specialist was already around $120 and $75 per eye drops. I wanted to get glasses but seem how this slapped me in the face I would rather pay for an insurance before I'm forced to drop out because I can't pay my tuition.I'm also very unfamiliar with Insurance policies and as much research as I have done I have found little to nothing. I'm really not on a good enough financial status to pay a 100+ a month Insurance as a college student. Hopefully someone has some tips or tricks or at least some recommendations. P.S. excuse the bad spelling the brightness of the computer hurts my eye a bit and its hard to see my errors.""

Can my car insurance company do this?

I have recently been involved in an accident which i was at fault. My car is written off so they said they will pay out 3,000 for my car minus 250 excess on the policy. so i am left with 2,750 but they said because my insurance was renewed two weeks ago they will deduct my remaining 11 month insurance premium. So I am only left with 900. can my insurance company to that?""

Questions about car insurance?

Is it illegal for someone to drive someone else's car if they do not have car insurance, but their friend (who owns the car) does? What would happen if they got pulled over for a ticket . . . would there end up being a big problem? What about if they had an accident . . . would they be covered under their friend's insurance? And are there are some types of insurance that would cover an accident if it was caused by the uninsured friend of the insured car owner? Thanks so much :)!""

Where can I get the cheapest motorcycle insurance with tickets?

I am 20, and have 4 tickets on my record...3 disobey traffic devices and 1 seat belt ticket. They were from 2 years ago..I am a new rider and I took the MSF course. I just bought a 2008 kawasaki ninja 650r. Progressive gave me $231 a year with no collision or comprehensive(I am ok without having either)...Can I do better than this? Where should I try?""

Will insurance cover transmission damage?

Someone stol my car I reported it the insurane company is saying my transmission is out will they cover the cost of this or say its normal wear and tear it was working when I was driving it

Cheap Car insurance in Montreal?

Hi, I moved to Montreal on a new job and would like to take new insurance for my Toyota Corolla S 4DR. Any idea which insurance is cheap??""

Is it important to have insurance?

Is it important to have insurance for a motorbike? I was thinking of buying a 125cc learner bike. How much would insurance, mot etc cost roughly""

Where can i get on birthcontrol cheap and without insurance in dc or md?

I really need to get on birthcontrol and i'm looking to get on the pill. i need something affordable and i dont have insurance. I also go to school in a different state than where i live so i would need to get it comehwere that allows me to pick it up from different pharmacies depending on where I am at the time.

How will this affect my CAR INSURANCE?

Hi, I recently drove my dad's 2005 Infiniti G35 into a ditch. It was a rainy day and I lost control. There was no apparnt cosmetic damage but around 3500 dollars damage from hitting one of the wheels on a hard object as well as a torn gas tank underneath. There were no other vehicles involved. Im 18 and have no previous records or offences. Im going back to University residence soon so I'll be taken off the insurance. I was wondering if my parent's insurance rate would increase even though im not listed?""

Lexus IS300 insurance rate?

Im thinking of getting an IS300 but im only 16 years old. How much do u think the insurance rate is goin to be?

""Which car would be a better buy. altogether thinking about fuel costs, insurance, & maintenance.?""

I'm thinking of buying a european sports car which one; thinking of all around costs. 2006 BMW 330i Sedan - 31,000 Miles - V6 $26,000 2000 BMW 323i Coupe - 80,000 Miles $6,500 2003 Mercedes E320 - 60,000 Miles $16,000 2001 BMW 740Li - 83,000 Miles $11,000""

""My Daughter starting driving lessons, { she 17 } where is the cheapest place for insurance for when she pass?""

I drive , could she go on my insurance ? would that go up? I have 7 years no claims. Thanks .""

What happens if you can't afford the affordable health insurance?

What happens if you can't afford the affordable health insurance?

What country has the best and most affordable health care system in the world?

it cannot possibly be the united states. in the united states the only ones that can afford healthcare probably cannot actually afford it, their insurance covers it. take away ...show more""

Car insurance for a peugeot GTI?

Ok, so I'm 18 and a girl!! i have been driving for a year. i want a peugeot 106 GTI 1.6 16v. i have seen one for about 2000 in good condition, BUT because of my age, I'm struggling to get insurance. does any one no of a good site where i can get a reasonable quote. thank u!!!""

How much would the insurance cost for me?

I am a 19 year old boy. I got my driver license last year, and I never got ticket from police. I want to buy a Honda CR z. The car is two-door hatchback with manual transmission, which is considered as a sporty car. Besides it's a hybrid car.""

Will getting a speeding ticket raise my insurance?

Will getting a speeding ticket raise my insurance? I was helping my friend move her car today and got pulled over for going 10 mph + the speed limit (in a different state). I showed the cop her insurance and my license. He said he is going to mail me the ticket. Now, I am wondering after I pay this ticket, will my insurance increase even though this was not my vehicle, vehicle insurance, and it was in a different state (California). Please help with any advice, I cannot have my insurance go up. Cop still gave me ticket even after ten hours of driving and crying afterwards..""

I wanted to now about car insurance liability?

my boyfriend is on his mums insurance, but the other day, he had a little bump, which wasnt his fault, the person in front kept breaking spontaneously on a very busy road which caused him to slightly go in to the back of her car, theres no damage to his mums car and hes says (and i fully believe him) that the only bit of damage to their car is a few screws missing, yet they have still got the insurance company involved, but he really wasnt liable for the little bump, it wasnt his fault, the other person kept putting breaks on and i know you can fail your test for breaking like that on a busy road, i just want to know what will happen about his mums insurance now as hes really worried.""

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waepa life insurance quote

What's the cheapest insurance for an 18 year old?

Where can I get insurance coverage for a very low monthly price?...for an 18 year old

Need car insurance help?

how much a month would it cost for a 16 year old and a 78 corvette please help

Where the best place to get a good deal on cheap insurance?

I have a 98' cadillac sedan deville that I just paid off but i still want full coverge for it, if something would of happen to it.""

Insurance for a newly licensed driver?

I'm an underage driver; do I need insurance if my parents are in the car with me? Or does their insurance cover me? I'm in TX btw

Can Racing Seats lower Car Insurance?

If you have a car that has no airbags and you put in Racing seats with a 4-point safety harness would that lower the payments?

What should I do about my 19 year old sons car insurance?

I have a son who is nearly 19 years old. He may be putting in for his test soon. The problem is I am worried about the cost of car insurance. He is nagging me to go on my insurance but I don't really like that idea because I am worried if he has an accident I will lose my no claims and my insurance will go up considerably. The other option is that I buy him a really cheap car with a small engion, but only cover third party. That way he can build up his own no claims. I was wondering if anyone knows how much he would be expected to pay if he decided to do this?""

""I'm going to be 18 when i get my car, and i was wondering how much car insurance usually costs in general?""

I always hear car insurance is like $800-$1000 for a new teenager in a sports car, but is that per month or per year? And if its per month, is there a way you can drive without insurance? or is that completely illegal...? 'cause that much a month would be f***ing ridiculous for a teenager going to college and working part time...""

What are the variables included in the cost of car insurance?

What are the BASIC variables that are included in any car insurance? i.e...car color, car make, type of car, horsepower, year, age of driver, ethnicity...? Which things do they look at car wise/and driver wise that affect how much insurance you end up paying in the end? and does the speed of the car effect the cost greatly?""

""How did the United States healthcare system develop? e.g. health insurance, Medicare.?""

Why does the United States have health insurance? It is optional to have health insurance, because it is not required by any law, unlike auto insurance. I would like to know where the system of health insurance got it's roots.""

Best car insurance for college students?

I need to know what the cheapeast car insurance is... ....

Why bother with insurance?

it seems like a big waste to me. The whole point of it is to save money. But it does the exact opposite. the insurance people always screw you over and find some way to get out of paying for whatever it is!

Are Insurance company annuities insured by the government of the USA?

Are Insurance company annuities insured by the government of the USA?

Need help with car insurance!!?

i am new with the whole car insurance thing so i need help. how much is car insurance for an 18 year old just got my licenses and with a 1996 pontiac sunfire SE..how do you pay for car insurance please help thanks

Does anyone have any idea how much it will cost to insure a learner in the UK?

I am just wondering if anyone vaguely knows how much it would be for me to be insured on my dad's insurance so I can learn with him as well as an instructor? Thanks x

""If u have state farm and ur wanting to get ur hardship license at 15, how much a month would insurance cost?

i am about to be 14 and in a year i want to get my hardship license and i REALLY want a camero..... i have been dreaming about mustangs and cameros and chargers in general for as long as i can remember..... my parents say that i cant get a camero or any sports car bc the insurance rate will be raging!!!! but i really wanna work this out so can you please tell me about how much More it would cost a month for insurance when i turn 15?

Where can I get the best price on private medical insurance?

Where can I get the best price on private medical insurance?

Purchasing car insurance?

I need a step by step guide to adding another car and driver to my mom's policy. I have a 1995 Ford Contour. How long will it take for her to get coverage on my car? How do I get proff of insurance?

""I'm turning 19 in August, Is there any free health insurance?""

I've had All kids for the past several years and now that I'm turning 19 in August they're taking it away. I'm a full time college student, I can't afford health insurance, what can I do? All of the money that I make goes towards my schooling.""

Car insurance liability question?

I was recently in a car accident. A vehicle was attempting to pass me on the right in a parking lot and hit my car. My insurance company said that I am not at fault. However, the other party's insurance said that I am at fault for the accident and will not pay to have my car repaired. I am positive that it is not my fault and it is easy to tell by looking at the damage to my vehicle. How can I go about having the insurance company pay for the damages to my car?""

Where can I get moving insurance?

I'm moving cross country. This involves lots of companies, packing, boxing, loading, unloading, car haulers, etc. Does someone sell a blanket moving insurance?""

Could switching to Geico really save you 15 percent or more on car insurance?

Does the early bird catch the worm? Geico. 15 minutes could save you 15 percent or more on car insurance.

Insurance for penis ?

Is there any Insurance scheme for penis ? i'm worried . beacuse i use it too much . need help .

Cheapest type of insurance for 17 year old?

iv heard of black box insurance but this doesn't appeal to me most? so what companies or types of insurance are cheapest??

Is there insurance for Antique Cars?

Hi, I have a 1971 chevrolet camaro. Wanted to ask if there was insurance for antique cars? I know i could just get liability for this car but i was wondering if i could get better coverage for my vehicle? Thanks.""

""How much to insure a 94 ford pickup w/ 120,000 miles for a 16y male?""

Numbers only please(no, well its alot or Get a quote online ) its gunna be insured either under a friend at 35+ or by my self. also some advice on what companies will take a 16yo alone would be very helpfull""

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waepa life insurance quote

How long do you have to file a claim with car insurance?

I hit a lady on january 25. I made a little crack on the inside of her car. She sais to just give her money to fix it and she won't claim it. How long does she have to claim this with her insurance?

What does an insurance carrier mean?

Is it the person who makes the monthly payments on your behalf if you can't do it? What does it mean?

Is it misandric that young men have to pay more for car insurance?

I mean, its noted that young men tend to have more severe accidents, than women and older men - but isnt this just another case of generalising based on age and sex? A similar generalisation made about women, would have caused an uproar and certainly no policies would have been based on such generalisations about women - as it would face immediate protest, then why is it OK to generalise young men like this? Source : http://education.yahoo.net/auto-insurance/articles/why_do_men_pay_more_for_car_insurance.htm""

Car insurance prices for 19 year old workers?

i am after getting a car because i have just passed but i am getting a sports car or a convertable and the insurance for them are so expensive! its unbelievable i got a quote for a x reg audi tt and it was 6000. how much would it be for a 8000 mini one?

What is the difference between the insurance for the cars and motorcycles ?

Which one is cheap in terms of insurance ?

Pontiac Grand Am GT Insurance?

I am 20 years old. Looking at a 2 door coupe Pontiac GT. Never been in an accident, never had a ticket. Was wondering what the insurance is roughly going to cost me a month? I have All State. My dad doesn't want to call them because we just called them yesterday about another car, and we don't have the vin number. Thanks! Oh! It has power locks, a spoiler, and a sunroof too! As well as a single disc CD player.""

Cheap Car Insurance for a 20 year old...?

I'm 20 years old I live in Houston, Tx 77045 I have a 2003 Toyota Corolla CE. I never had accidents, or traffice tickets. I need a insurance that will not be so high. Any suggestions? Thanks..""

Motorcycle totaled with no insurance?

Ok long story short I bought a bike few weekends ago on a Saturday morning with a loan on it from a dealer. That same weekend which would be Sunday night I hit some gravel on a curved road and the bike flew from under me and it sounds like its totaled according to the dealer. Problem is I didn't have insurance on it yet because it was the weekend still. And I added insurance that week after it happened but I think they're going to find out I didn't have insurance on it at the time of the accident . Sooo what happens now ? Am I stuck paying for a bike that's totaled ? Does the gap insurance on the loan help me out in anyway ? Please help cause I'm really stressing out about this..

Will my auto insurance go up?

I am a California San Diego resident. Four days ago, it was raining very heavily and I was driving a carpool lane on the freeway at about 60-65mph. All of a sudden my car hydroplaned and spinned 360 degrees about 3times and then it finally stopped when my car's rear crashed into the concrete median. FORTUNATELY, it was 4am and this accident did not involve anyone else. I had to leave the place like nothing had happened, because I was on my way to the airport. When I arrived at the airport I looked at my car's rear and the bumper and trunk was heavily damaged. Now, I am in a foreign country enjoying my vacation. My questions are following: (1) Will my insurance go up if I report this accident to my auto insurance? I have a full coverage. (2) Will I be in problem if I report this accident when it has been 4days? I really had no time until now because I had to fly and then settle a problem over here in Asia. Any thoughts/opinions are very welcome! Thank yoU!""

How much would car insurance cost ?

I'm an 18 year old male that just got my license but I'm wondering how much would car insurance cost monthly since I'm a new driver what's the cheapest it can get too ?

How much do you think my car insurance will be ?

im 17 and not sure what car just a small little one about 1 ltr ? and im male how much routly do u think it will cost ?

Where is a good place to get classic car insurance that will let me commute - not only use the car for shows?

Most insurance that I'm looking into for classic cars are not willing to insure your car if you commute to work and school. They only want to insure cars that are used in shows, parades, etc. I will not drive my car every single day to work...maybe a few times during the week. I bought the car to enjoy it, not let it sit in the garage!""

How can I see a cheap doctor w/ no insurance?

I am 23 years old and I don't have insurance. My husband got a huge pay cut and we had to cancel it. We just can't afford it at the moment. However, I am having some serious issues and I really want to see a doctor badly. I am having horrible pains in my hands and the rest of my body and pitting edema in my legs. I don't want to rack up a huge emergency bill, but I can't afford $200 for a doctors visit. Is there ANYWHERE I can go to see a doctor for really cheap??? It's to the point where I can hardly use my hands to even type this and I am scared. Thanks..""

Affordable standard transmission car for teen?

Any suggestions for a cheap manual car for a 17 year old male? I don't mind if it's a 2 or 4-door. Anything that is known for low insurance so my parents could afford it.

Can I buy a car 4 months before my 17th birthday but not pay any insurance?

My 17th birthday is not until April and I've found a really good price second hand car but as I can't drive it until April is there any way I can buy the car but not start paying insurance until April? or not pay as much

Will my Car Rental include insurance?

I'm hiring a car in Texas from Avis, it says it Includes Unlimited mileage, CUSTOMER FAC FEE, TRANSPORTATION FEE, VEH LICENSE FEE, Additional Liability Insurance (ALI), Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - does this mean I won't have to arrange my own car insurance (I live in the UK) to cover driving the hire car abroad?""

I need some Insurance Help?

My father, just yesterday tried to commit suicide by slitting his wrist, luckily he had called the cops, but he also had to take an ambulance ride and another ambulance ride to the county hospital where he will be held for 72 hours. He does not have insurance due to his work laying him off, and him not being able to afford it. Is there any kind of insurance that will cover this kind stuff. He has been suffering from depression and high blood pressure for quite sometime, so I don't know if those are pre existing things that would stop insurance...but him and my mother cant afford this at all right now. They live in southern california, if anyone knows of some kind of insurance, please please respond!""

What is Excesses and cover level in Car Insurance?

Hiya, I am just trying to get Car Insurance quote, in some of the web sites I am being asked to enter the amount for Excesses and cover level , the more amount I am selecting for Excesses and cover level the less insurance premium it comes up with. Can any one tell me how does it work? What is the benifit of paying Excesses and cover level, should I go for less or large amount for Excesses and cover level? FYI.. I just got my Car Driving license so I don't have Driving experience in UK.""

Astra van Mk4 Insurance for 17 year old...?

Hey, I know its probably thought as weird but for my first car/van I want a Vauxhall Astravan as I love the shape and the car/van itself. The thing is the New model (06-TO current) have the 1.3 CDTI engine which is good but if you want a decent one there all 3000+... The Mk4 astravan (98-06) only go as low as a 1.6 Deisel. Could I be insured on this or would it be a big bill, or is it just worth getting a normal car? Chris""

Question about Car Insurance?

At the moment i have a G2 lisence. If i get my full G lisence will my insurance be less?

Quick question about a 16 year girl's car insurance rate...?

My daughter's about to turn 16. Anyone have any idea what we can expect her insurance rate to be on a 2011 Mustang V6?

Why don't republicans want Americans to have access to affordable health insurance?

Why don't republicans want Americans to have access to affordable health insurance?

I could be pregnant... with no health insurance!!! what I do????

I am not sure, But maybe I am Pregnant... I do not have health insurance... I was thinking on buying a policy but would they accept me pregnant??? Someone knows about a cheap health insurance??? I believe it will be cheaper than paying like 9,000 for the hospital right???""

Health insurance rates. Switch or stay?

In the past 2 years my family's health care plan (which is offered through my husband's work) has gone from great to way too expensive. We pay 250 a month as a premium, then we have a 1,000 each deductible, then our copays kick in 25 for office visit, 35 for specialty, 100 emergency room visit (must be okayed by dr. first, or they don't pay anything), 100 each day in the hospital. Perscription copays are 25/30/50, and not all things are covered. Two years ago we paid 275/a month and had 20 copays for everything (except hospital stays were always 100 and perscriptions they were 5/10/20). They do not pay for any vision, dental, or contraceptive. Certain (most) perscriptions are not covered. Is this similar to what everyone is paying, or should we start looking outside of his work for insurance?""

Medical Health Insurance Florida: Family Plans?

I am looking for affordable medical health insurance plans for my family. We live in Florida.

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waepa life insurance quote

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/insurance-2010-camaro-ethan-slater/"

[pcurrytravels]

Why I Wanna Go: Mexico

Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the second post in the Why I Wanna Go series. Today, I’ll be talking about my interest in travelling to Mexico.

Oh boy, where to start? One of my aunts has been to Mexico innumerable times (Tijuana, Cancun, Chichen Itza/Yucatan, Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Yeah, she’s been around). Growing up in the Southwest U.S., I’ve always been around Mexicans and their culture. I seem to always be eating Mexican food. Basically, what I’m trying to say is, it seems like all signs point in this direction: You need to take a trip to Mexico, P.

Of course, that goes to beg the question.....exactly where in Mexico? Do I want to explore ruins and archaeological sites like Chichen Itza or Teotihuacan? Lounge around at the beaches of Acapulco or Playa del Carmen? Party like a rock star in Cancun or Cabo? Dodge the cartel in Tijuana? Hmmm....why not have a little bit of everything? 

While not as large as the U.S., Mexico is still a fairly large country of it’s own which appears to have a lot to offer. After all, it’s divided into 31 states, and contrary to what the average American thinks, no two states in Mexico are the same. Observe:

This is Sonora.

This is Jalisco.

And this is Quintana Roo. You can tell just from these pictures that these are three radically different locales, and I’m sure it goes far beyond climate and aesthetic. 

Also contrary to popular belief, Mexico’s culture is a bit of a melting pot. Most people assume that the culture of Mexico is merely the modern-day result of the Spaniards bloody conquest of the Aztecs and Mayans when it’s actually a bit more complicated. For starters, while the Aztec and the Maya were the most dominant, there were actually a TON of indigenous cultures (like Olmec, Toltec, Zapotec, Mixtec and Yaqui, just to name a few examples) throughout Mexico’s history, many of which still survive to this day.

There was also a period of time where the country was a hotspot for European immigration (another thing that’s contrary to popular belief: the U.S.A. wasn’t the only place in the Americas to go through a period of mass immigration), particularly with Irish, Germans and the French. Even lesser known: a deep and intricate historical connection with the Philippines which includes many Filipinos moving to Mexico and vice versa, a longstanding Japanese population and the West African component. Each of these groups have left some sort of impact on Mexico’s modern day culture, in ways big and small.

Oh yeah, about that West African component: just like everywhere else in the Americas, Mexico has a history with enslavement of West Africans. However, it’s no secret that many Latin American countries in particular, well, don’t like to talk about that side of the family, if you will, Mexico included. However, unlike places like Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Colombia where African cultural and genetic components are as clear as day no matter how much the society at large refuses to admit it, Mexico has managed to be successful in hiding it almost entirely. 

There’s many theories as to how and why this came to be. In spite of the other groups and cultural influences, Mexico has a historical and kinda stubborn tradition of insisting it’s a Mestizo country, acknowledging only the Spanish and indigenous components and effectively erasing everything else. And then you also have the Spanish colonial policy of encouraging intermarriage in an attempt to eventually make everyone a Spaniard. However, in comparison to a lot of their other territories where the West African population was in proportionate relation to the European and indigenous populations, if not in some cases outnumbering them, in Mexico this was reversed, which likely led to them getting assimilated much more quickly. (Although, I personally believe that a significant amount of their descendants are actually modern-day black Texans, but that’s a different conversation entirely)

Tangent: Not going to lie, I do find these facts a bit unsettling and disappointing. The Spanish really did a number on not only Mexico but all of Latin America in general. Being a Black American who is quite enamored with the histories and cultures of Latin America, I was quite ecstatic when I started learning more about the black histories of these places.....only to feel quickly disappointed when reminded of just how far these places and/or communities have to go. Hell, despite the fact I’ve known better for a very long time, I still find myself getting confused when I encounter a black person from places like Puerto Rico thanks to how American and Latin American media both are insistent on portraying everyone from these countries as a lightly tanned, ambiguously Spanish with just a ~little~ bit of Indian, J. Lo/Sofia Vergara/Enrique Iglesias stereotype. 

Ok, but anyways, enough about that, let me break down some of my reasons for wishing to visit Mexico:

Reason number one: The ruins. I’ve always been fascinated with the ruins of past civilizations, of which Mexico has plenty. You have the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Tulum and Uxmal, the remains of the great Aztec city of Tenochtitlan in the middle of Mexico City, Monte Alban which was a historical center for the Zapotec and Mixtec cultures and then there’s sites of dubious origin like Teotihuacan. 

There’s a number of things that pique my interest about these sites. For starters......seemingly benign structures like cenotes and ballcourts which played a pivotal role in the culture of human sacrifice, thanks to religious belief systems in which the gods had insatiable bloodlust. The astronomical connections because, after all, the Mayans did make some impressive strides in the field of astronomy without so much as even a telescope, which ties into the silhouette of a serpent that appears every equinox. Oh, and the mysteries! Mmm, the mysteries. Exactly how did the Mayans manage to have such a deep and intricate understanding of astronomy with such limited technology (well, as far as we know at least)? Who built Teotihuacan and why was it abandoned? How much truth is there to these alleged hiding places for their gods and other monsters? One can’t help but to wonder. 

Reason number two: To party it up. I’m sure you’ve all heard the cry for “SPRING BREAK IN CANCUN BABY! WOOT WOOT!″ Okay, my college years (which were a disappointment anyway) have long past, but that doesn’t at all change Mexico’s worth as a party destination. The country does offer a wide variety of festivities.

The Catholic Carnival is a really big deal in those parts, with the biggest celebrations being held in Mazatlan and Veracruz. Another big deal is Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, a multi-day celebration in rememberance of fallen loved ones, rooted in ancient Mesoamerican traditions, that has become so well-known that cultural diffusion has led to it being widely celebrated in United States, even by people without any Mexican heritage. 

Of course, there’s plenty to offer that doesn’t necessarily involve tradition. There are two ~riviera~ regions: The Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast with Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen and the Mexican Riviera with Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. The former is particularly known for the debaucherous, aforementioned “SPRING BREAK!!!” thing, but there’s a lot more to offer if one is tired of being around the hullabaloo of drunken American college students. The latter tends to avoid that reputation, in addition to having a lot more history and culture integrated into the party scene. (Mazatlan happens to be the location of La Vinata Tequila Factory. My aunt brought home some of their distilled agave extract after one of her many trips to Mexico and I’m tellin’ y’all: Completely blows Jose Cuervo out the water). 

Another place that catches my attention is Veracruz. Being on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, with a longstanding Cuban community and a strong Afro-Mexican presence, this city in particular is at an interesting crossroad between Mexico and the Latin Caribbean, which definitely piques my interest. Oh, and I’ve been told Mexico City is no slouch in the party department either. 

Reason number three: Real Mexican food. People of Mexican descent won’t hesitate to tell you that Mexican-American food is an almost completely different thing from what’s actually eaten in Mexico, and we’re not just talking Taco Bell either.  

In Mexico, a burrito is usually only filled with meat, beans and sometimes cheese. The large burritos containing five or more ingredients that can be found at places like Chipotle were invented in San Francisco’s Mission District. Hard shells for tacos are also an American invention; in Mexico tacos are almost universally made with soft corn tortillas, and they aren’t filled with ground beef either. Where jack or cheddar is used in the U.S., oaxaca or cotija is used in Mexico. I could go on about the differences, but we’d be here all day. 

For a very long time, most of what’s thought to be Mexican food on this side of the border is by and large either an Americanized variant of cuisine from the Northern regions/states of Mexico or, well, given that Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California were all apart of Mexico prior to the 1850s anyway, pre-existing culinary traditions from the aforementioned regions that have long since been anglicized. Recently, this has begun to change however: as to be expected with an increasing population, it has become far easier to find more authentic options in American cities than it was in the past. Especially in California, Texas and the Southwest. 

As authentic Mexican cooking slowly becomes easier to find, it may seem unnecessary to travel to Mexico for the food, but as already stated, most of what can be found in the U.S. comes from the Northern regions. That leaves out everywhere else, yes? As the parts of Mexico I’m more interested in visiting are in the Central and Southern regions, I imagine I’d probably be treated to something much different. 

Reason number four: The scenery. Mexico has a lot to offer in terms of both natural and man-made scenery. As you can see from the pictures posted above, there’s a number of climate zones present. People commonly think of the country as being one giant desert, when this couldn’t be any further from the truth.

The desert regions of Mexico are mostly limited to the north. A lot of Baja California has a more Mediterranean climate. The aforementioned riviera regions are as tropical as can be. The country can boast snow-covered mountain ranges, heavy rainfall from June to October, vulnerability to both earthquakes and hurricanes, volcanoes and even glaciers. Yeah, for real. 

In addition to the countryside, Mexico is also a hotbed of wonderful architecture. Another interesting thing about the Mesoamerican ruins is that each culture had it’s own unique style of architecture. As for the Spanish Colonial period, well, not to downplay the horrors of this era of course, but it did provide some wonderful Spanish-styled architecture which can still be seen in towns and cities all over the country today. Post-colonialism, it became commonplace to combine the Spanish Colonial with the Mesoamerican, which makes for an intriguing end result indeed. 

Reason number five: The stories. From what I’ve gathered about Mexican culture, storytelling, folklore and urban legends are a pretty BIG deal. This in turn leads to some pretty eerie stuff; see: La Isla de las Muencas, or the Island of the Dolls in the Xochimilco borough of Mexico City. 

The story goes that a man whom lived in isolation on the island discovered the drowned body of a girl floating nearby one day, and was so troubled by it that he began to collect and hang up dolls all over the island in an attempt to appease her spirit. Already unsettling enough in of itself, general consensus among those who were close to the man and residents of the area appears to be that he made the whole thing up. Hm, raising an eyebrow? Well then, wait til’ I tell you that back in 2001, only FIFTY YEARS after he began his disturbing habit, his drowned body showed up in the same spot where he alleged to have found the girl’s body so many years prior. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

If you thought this was scary, wait til’ you hear about La Llorona! You know, the weeping woman doomed to search for the children she killed for all eternity? Or the Alley of the Kiss in Guanajuato? A site where two star-crossed lovers were killed and are alleged to haunt til’ this day? (Alas, just like the tale of Romeo and Juliet, this tragedy has come to be misunderstood and twisted into the perfect romance, what with couples making the trek to that spot just so they can be photographed taking a kiss there. Reading comprehension is a virtue people) Or how about Juan del Monte? A spirit of the mimic variety who imitates familiar voices in order to lure wanderers to oblivion in the jungles of Quintana Roo!? Ah, Mexico is no slouch when it comes to frights, lol. 

My Dream Itinerary:

Locations: Riviera Maya (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cozumel), Yucatan (Chichen Itza), The Mexican Riviera (Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, Rosarito, San Jose del Cabo and Ensenada), Veracruz, Mexico City (and Teotihuacan) and San Miguel de Allende.

Sights and Experiences: The ruins where Aztecs, Mayans and other Mexican Indians once dwelled, Colonial Spanish architecture, the canals of Xochimilco, La Vinata Tequilla Factory, the parties and nightlife of Cabo, Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the beaches on the Pacific, Gulf and Caribbean coasts and Museo del Frida Kahlo. 

Oh Mexico. One day. 

[oldguardaudio]

PowerLine -> Today in Sexual Harassment + Al Franken: The movie

Powerline image at HoaxAndChange

Help Hillary lost and can’t shut up at HoaxAndChange.com

Daily Digest

Today in Sexual Harassment

Loose Ends (31)

Tweet of the Day

Springtime for Marx and Germany

Al Franken: The movie

Today in Sexual Harassment

Posted: 21 Nov 2017 03:23 PM PST

(Steven Hayward)I didn’t think the morning news that Melissa Gilbert has accused Oliver Stone of sexual harassment way back in 1991 (I’d kinda forgotten who Melissa Gilbert is, and Oliver Stone is best forgotten on general principle), but then I saw the news that came out later that Pixar’s major creative force, John Lasseter, is “taking a leave” from the animation powerhouse because of the usual problem:

John Lasseter, the head of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios and one of the most powerful figures in the entertainment industry, acknowledged Tuesday that he had crossed the line with employees. He is taking a six-month leave of absence.

Lasseter sent a memo to staff apologizing for making employees feel disrespected or uncomfortable, Variety has confirmed. . . His name has continued to be mentioned privately, with a number of former Pixar employees telling Variety that he has behaved inappropriately and describing a culture at the company as “toxic” and “sexist” for women.  . . Since the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke in October, however, some female employees have begun to discuss how Lasseter’s behavior has crossed boundaries, describing it as creepy.

Lasseter isn’t quite the Hollywood presence that Weinstein was, but I have long held to the axiom that only Pixar should be allowed to make children’s movies, as their offerings were so far superior to the formulaic Shrek fare of Dreamworks, IMHO. The Dreamworks stable of kids movies always try too hard to make subtle nods to the parents and almost invariably have an annoying baby boomer music soundtrack. Pixar movies are consistently more original. This just isn’t debatable.

A reminder of how the next Oscar night is shaping up:

And here, a special schadenfreudetastic moment—Kevin Spacey defending Bill Clinton on . . . Charlie Rose. It really doesn’t get better than this:

   Loose Ends (31)

Posted: 21 Nov 2017 09:45 AM PST

(Steven Hayward)• The Financial Times has an interesting article on Chinese universities, and especially how the authoritarian regime would like to exert better control over foreign-funded universities and branch campuses. The government is going to place trusted Communist Party members on the board of trustees on all these joint-venture universities, and make them vice-chancellors as well.

This passage, in particular, stands out:

“This changes the nature of the game and has ominous potential [consequences] for academic freedom,” one of the people said. “The first line of control is self censorship. The next line is [more] overt.”

In other words, the Chinese are modeling themselves after American universities!

• Germany sub-alles? Angela Merkel is unable to form a government, and may call for new elections. The sticking points between her and her potential coalition partners sound familiar: immigration, and energy policy. Her potential right of center partners wants to restrict immigration and back away from green energy nonsense, while her potential left of center partners demand open immigration and a pledge to abandon coal-fired power as well as Germany’s remaining nuclear power. Good luck with that. Apparently, a coalition with the new Alternative for Germany Party, which went from zero to 95 seats in the Bundestag in the last election, is not even being remotely considered. Merkel’s survival as chancellor is in doubt, like Theresa May in Britain. (Though ironically Merkel’s sudden weakness may help bail out May, as May’s government can now demand a better Brexit deal. Merkel was clearly intent on punishing Britain for its temerity in rejecting the EU.)

Great. Just what we need. Parliamentary instability in Germany in a time of populism. Maybe the supposedly “gridlocked” American system isn’t so bad after all. At least we get an administration that can function.

• Finally, about the brewing Capitol Hill sexual harassment scandal, in which millions of dollars have been quietly paid out to settle harassment claims. Anyone care to make book on whether Joe Biden was one of the figures involved? Rumors are starting to circulate. . .

I’ve been thinking about coming up with a 1 to 10 Weinstein Grossness Scale to calibrate the problem of male predation. Here’s a first draft:

Flirtatious emails/texts.

Lame pick up lines at a bar.

Wolf whistle on the street. (Hard-hat optional.)

The Joe Biden (uninvited hugs and general grabbiness).

The George H.W. Bush (pinching/patting derriere).

The Full Franken (uninvited kiss).

The Roy Moore (stalking teenagers).

The Ted Kennedy-Charlie Rose maneuver (turning up without pants).

The Louis C.K. (ick).

The Clinton-Weinstein maneuver (aka rape).

   Tweet of the Day

Posted: 21 Nov 2017 08:47 AM PST

(John Hinderaker)The tweet of the day (it was yesterday, actually) comes from Dan McLaughlin. So many have been swept up in the tide of sexual assault and harassment accusations that it is hard to keep track of them all, but arguably the second most consequential figure implicated so far (second only to Bill Clinton) is John Conyers:

John Conyers settled charges of sexually harassing staffers during the time his wife was in prison for taking bribes on the Detroit City Council.

The perfect Democrat power couple.

— Dan McLaughlin (@baseballcrank) November 21, 2017

Via InstaPundit.

   Springtime for Marx and Germany

Posted: 21 Nov 2017 07:24 AM PST

(Paul Mirengoff)I suppose it was inevitable, given the left’s re-enchantment with Communism, but I still found news of the 2017 film “The Young Karl Marx” jarring. The American Film Institute will be showing the movie as part of its “European Union Film Showcase” next month in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Here is how the AFI describes this German/French/Belgian co-production:

Following his documentary I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO, Raoul Peck takes on the story of the formative friendship of Karl Marx (August Diehl) and Friedrich Engels (Stefan Konarske). From Germany to France to England, the young thinkers pursue justice for the working class, who toiled under obscenely exploitative conditions to enrich their employers (including Engels’ father, a mill owner) during the peak of the Industrial Revolution.

Peck crafts an accessible biopic about these two larger-than-life thinkers, taking them down from their historicized pedestals and allowing viewers to relate to them as young strivers disrupting an inequitable status quo through the power of persuasion and organization.

Official selection, 2017 Berlin International Film Festival. DIR/SCR/PROD Raoul Peck; SCR Pascal Bonitzer; PROD Nicolas Blanc, Rémi Grellety, Robert Guédiguian. Germany/France/Belgium, 2017, color, 118 min. In German, English and French with English subtitles. NOT RATED

I had thought Marx was “taken down from his historicized pedestal” 25 years ago. The left is striving to restore him to that platform. This film strikes me as part of that effort via “an accessible biopic.”

It’s a fine strategy. Students can now claim close familiarity with the founder of Communism without undertaking the laborious — and if we’re talking about Das Kapital, nigh impossible — task of reading him.

Young Marx will be portrayed by August Diehl, a 42-year-old German actor best known in America for playing SS-Sturmbannführer Dieter Hellstrom in Inglourious Basterds. Diehl may not be as good looking Gael García Bernal, who portrayed Che Guevera in “The Motorcycle Diaries,” but he’s a damn sight better looking than Karl Marx.

Che is chic. Maybe now Karl Marx will be too. T-shirts of him are already being sold.

   Al Franken: The movie

Posted: 21 Nov 2017 05:40 AM PST

(Scott Johnson)I have written a lot about Al Franken on Power Line over the years. I posted this review of the Doob/Hegedus documentary on Al Franken in September 2006. The movie was a complete and utter commercial bomb (domestic gross: $102,990). Just about no one saw it. As Franken rides out the scandal deriving from recent disclosures of his past behavior, I thought back to the film. A.O. Scott reviewed it for the New York Times. Stanley Kaufmann reviewed it for the New Republic, writing: “This film by Nick Doob and Chris Hegedus forces us to make some decisions about him. For myself, I find him generally gross, in person and in manner.” I thought some readers might find this of interest, however slight, in the context of the recent disclosures. Before the Scott and Kaufmann reviews appeared, this is what I wrote (slightly edited):

Last week I received a DVD screener of Al Franken: God Spoke on the condition that I post a review on our site between September 6 and September 13. The film is scheduled to open in theaters on September 13.

I watched the film over the weekend and again last night. It’s hard for me to believe how bad it is. Directed by Nick Doob and Chris Hegedus, the makers of The War Room, their new film might more aptly have been titled The Bore Room. Although Franken made his name as a comedy writer for Saturday Night Live, the film provides additional evidence to support my view that Franken hasn’t been funny since the expiration of the Al Franken Decade in 1990.

I have been a fan of Franken for a long time. In June 2005 I was given a press pass to attend the Democratic fundraiser in Minneapolis where Franken was the featured speaker. The fundraiser was held on the west bank campus of the University of Minnesota within shouting distance of where I had first seen Franken perform with his former comedy partner, Tom Davis. The film shows Franken in 1977 performing the same skit on Saturday Night Live with his parents that I saw Franken try out in Minneapolis in the summer of 1976 at the Dudley Riggs Workshop.

What kind of a documentary is God Spoke? It feels like a 90-minute vanity production cum campaign video, geared to promote Franken’s apparent candidacy for the Senate seat currently held by Norm Coleman. In that respect, however, the film closes on an extremely sour note. Franken is at the wheel of his car driving from the airport in Minneapolis and musing on some advice given to him by Minneapolis attorney Tom Borman. In an early scene in the film, Franken is seen telling his favorite joke (from Buddy Hackett) before a Minneapolis audience. The final scene shows Franken reflecting on Borman’s statement that his parents (wisely) thought Franken should stop telling that joke at political appearances. Franken is incredulous and unhappy about the advice.

Whereas The War Room portrayed the inside of a successful presidential campaign, God Spoke appears to be a study in failure, though no one knows it. The film opens with Franken promoting Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them before an appreciative audience. Thereafter it’s mostly downhill with Air America. God Spoke portrays Franken’s involvement with the debut of the liberal radio network, Franken’s coverage of the 2004 Democratic and Republican conventions in 2004, Franken’s campaigning for John Kerry, Franken’s disappointment on election day, Franken’s announcement that he’s thinking about running against Norm Coleman and Franken’s related move from New York back to Minneapolis.

At what appears to be an Air America planning session for a meeting with investors, Franken is asked what Air America is to be. “It’s about answering the fuckheads,” Franken says. On his first Air America show in March 2004, Michael Moore is Franken’s in-studio guest; together Franken and Moore interview Al Gore by telephone. The film shows Franken exulting that his ratings for the first month of the show beat those of Rush Limbaugh in New York.

The network’s financial difficulties are intimated by reference to a missed payroll, but the abject failure of the network’s lineup to generate an audience remains a deep secret of the film. The film portrays Franken hinting darkly of network difficulties deriving from the “active intimidation” of advertisers and leaves it at that. “Less is more” seems to be the spirit with which Doob and Hegedus approach the story of Air America’s difficulties and disappointments.

The film includes a kind of “Man from Hope” element, showing Franken returning to the house he grew up in for a look around and reminiscing about his father. It also shows him on one of his USO tours impersonating Saddam Hussein to entertain the troops in Iraq. It is an unfunny sequence that appears to have been edited to show the troops laughing uproariously over Franken’s routine.

Doob and Hegedus work hard to portray Franken in a flattering light, but ninety minutes with Franken is about eighty minutes too many. Franken does not wear well; he comes across as a boor and a profoundly ugly man. Doob and Hegedus have blundered into the truth, though I can’t for the life of me imagine why they think an audience would want to pay to see it.

   PowerLine -> Today in Sexual Harassment + Al Franken: The movie PowerLine -> Today in Sexual Harassment + Al Franken: The movie Daily Digest Today in Sexual Harassment…

[eitherandor-blog]

White Flag

It’s been a month.  

A full month and a day.  If we only go at this for four years, that means we have only (roughly) 47 months remaining.  React accordingly.

In that time, we have said goodbye to one president, and hello to another.  Although to be fair, I don’t think Adele is singing to this man..

We will get to Trump momentarily but in the interim, take a minute to reflect on where we have been:

In 2008, we elected Barack Hussein Obama the 44th President of the United States.  I remember where I was, early in my Sophomore year of undergrad.  With ample uncertainty- and my house divided- I cried- happily, to be clear- after listening to the acceptance speech from Obama.  I watched and listened as he was met with applause amid a dark November night, near my hometown in Chicago.  Shortly after, I rushed to central campus (colloquially referred to as “The Diag”) to celebrate.  I was met with a mix of students, pouring out of dorms- I mean, residence halls.  Music was played as we frolicked across campus, filling streets, singing and chanting.  It was one of a few moments in my life where I was filled with a tangible synergy, some shared sense of unity between myself and others, some students who I knew, some strangers, to commemorate this occasion.  

Barack Obama was not perfect.  He deported more people in his tenure than any president (..before him), and had a different but related immigration ban to some countries ‘of concern.’  Obama did not enter office supporting Gay Marriage or [initially] recognize the multiple identities part of the LGBTQ+ communities.  He was instrumental in the creation of the Affordable Care Act (mostly a positive) but left it suspect to critique and possible erasure by his successor.  Though war and conflict were not prominent to his presidency, they were present.  Our systems of prejudice were sadly not undone.

Some thought he did not live up to the hype, did not change enough; others feel like his 8 years in office were THE WORST.  There were those that thought the president spent too much time talking about issues of race and equity, while other people *hoped* he could undue the historical, cyclical American pattern of subjugation so core to our country.  He also- fairly or not- will be connected and blamed by some for an inability to unite the Democratic Party and pass the torch to a subsequent Democratic President rather than our current status.

Not perfect nor exempt of fault.  No politician, president, or person, is perfect.  Nor am I, as is reiterated in one of my favorite films, “Now I ain’t saying I’m perfect cause I’m not.”  That is not an excuse, merely a fact to consider as we evaluate his time in office.  

Like him or not, he was our President.  He was definitely my first President: the first I really, truly remember; the first I voted for; the first I followed.  As a young person- and maybe as someone liberal though I would argue it exceeded ideology- President Obama made me care about politics.  I feel like I learned a lot and took an interest in our political system in a new and vital way.

Some of this was that he coincided with my own maturation.  This may have been relevant for many young adults before me and their corresponding president.  Some will say he was one of the greatest, while many others may say he was chronologically speaking, just the 44th.  He was mine, and one for so many.  I know his goodbye as President was something I focused on, I critiqued, I felt, and will remember.  And, as someone now living in Chicago, I welcome his arrival and return to the city where he got his start.  You never forget your first.

...

Okay, enough nostalgia, back to the current reality.  We got this new guy in the White House (and how fitting that THAT’S the name of the building.  Remember that portion of FLOTUS’ speech?  The 360 from then to now is eery).

The day after getting elected, people showed up, the world over, to “acknowledge” this election.  Women’s marches spawned around the world as millions of people stood, rallied, and protested the Trump election.  Several marches had to be redirected or even canceled due to the expansive turnout.  Though these were dubbed as marches for women’s rights, it seemed like the whole world participated..but they didn’t.  People in part avoided the march due to messaging that it was exclusive or narrow-minded, and other people ended up surprised as they were welcomed into the fold of activism and action of Women’s Marches.

I know for me, I was always going to be marching.  Although I identify as a man, I know there were too many people, too many reasons to march.  For me, this felt like something much bigger than me, than gender, than a binary.  I know not everyone agrees, and it’s why we have to work to keep being inclusive, making space and seeing the full scope of identities, experiences, and issues that affect more than the most privileged among us.  

Now I want to take a minute and talk about the intersection of privilege and activism.  Anyone can participate, right?  Well, kinda-sorta.  In my humble opinion, everyone should always be included, engaged, and wrapped up in the work as it’s our struggles are all interconnected.  However, we also know that there are gatherings that media, politicians and police may describe as “peaceful protests” and others “riots,” often based on who was in attendance rather than any action/inaction that transpired.  

The costs are also higher for those with more at risk.  For me, to show up, to march to be civilly disobedient, I’m pretty much guaranteed safe passage from home to event and then back home.  This is in part due to my whiteness, my cisgender, ability status, being a US citizen, among others.  For other folks, even the mere possibility of speaking up or out can be met with law and order, or worse.

What we also need consider is not to step on one another (the lesser, weaker, quiet or oppressed) in our efforts.  Many may have grown familiar with the ‘Hope’ Obama signs during the campaign trail many moons ago (refresher here).  Well, the artist returned to demonstrate nationalism across the broad American landscape.  Unfortunately, this was done without fully considering impact or the folks offended- specifically the woman wearing an hijab of an American flag (here).  If your action, your activism and your protest denigrate another, what have you done but further your own at the expense of another.

...

Still, he’s president.

There have been subsequent marches, protests, rallies and- dare I say it?- riots, too.  I hope if you showed up for the first, you have continued to support the others that have followed, however you can.

While the marches may get the most publicity, there are innumerable other forms of activism, now and forever.  Letter-writing campaigns may be a thing of the past (though please, go ahead and send that email!).  However, there’s no shortage of online petitions or politicians to call.  Can we find a way to text Paul Ryan?  Or better yet, if Barack wants my number, I’m cool with him getting in touch..

Other than texting with former presidents, you can do so much more.  I know, some folks are not super comfortable cold-calling a political figure and complaining/advocating on a topic (Me too!  Here’s a road map to get started.).  We have to keep doing, because we have so much more to do.  Others have contemplated next steps to take. 

So to prepare, first educate yourself!  There are a bounty of resources out there to learn more about politics and lauding (fingers-crossed) the system of checks and balances in play.  You can learn more about how we have gotten to this point in our history, even hidden aspects that uphold our hierarchy and systems.  You can also arm yourself with words and reading from this list of defiance.

The concrete moments that have followed are hard to track.  As one who follows the sports world (maybe too much sometimes), I have appreciated witnessing the political climate evident among athletes and the sports world at large.  It’s on the lips of the outspoken and the more soft-spoken, even brought up by nasty coaches; politics of the SuperBowl halftime show as well as some victors’ plans to celebrate (or not) at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.  

This is not without cost- for athletes and the rest.  That does not mean to speak; instead, it requires speaking louder.  It requires listening, making room for other voices beyond one’s periphery.   

Now there are a plethora of opportunities to savor the artistic licenses employed in response to the latest president.  Sure, there are the memorable memes and SNL performances- eager to see where these go next.  A few European countries are taking part in the fun, responding to the notion that America need be 1st, exclaimed by the new President.  

And while that humor is important, it is rooted in truth.  Truth of a new president, a fragmented nation with many echoing his actions and provocations, and a country with a history to support it.

Recognize too the power of the people.  I am a bit embarrassed to say that I am just learning this truth now.  There are so many others, leaders and true activists, who have been knee-deep in the filth for quite some time.  When I look across my world of people, I am reminded of the chorus to the blog title, White Flag:

I could surrender but I'd Just be pretending, no I'd Rather be dead than live a lie Burn the white flag Burn the white flag

I do not often know what is the right action or next move to make.  I know that I am weary from the world but that I am also safer than others.  It is on me, on us, to respond, to hold our government accountable, to work toward a more perfect union.  Nevertheless, she persisted.  She was not alone.  We too must remember: we are not alone.  We are not obligated to endure.  We are obligated to object, to mobilize, to act.  No time for a white flag.  Not now, not ever.

(This blog is named after a song written by Joseph, not to be confused with the Dido hit.  As I would guess most are not yet familiar, Joseph is a trio of sisters, singing and harmonizing on a mix of topics.  This song seemed appropriate, one of many I listen to to stay motivated.  The full album is one of my recent faves; check it out and get a little introduction via White Flag.)