#or find some way to get around the licensing issues online

[talesfromthebandgeekmafia]

The Fifth Elephant is so fucking good

[is-this-yuri]

I'm so sorry to continue asking for help this way, but I'm seriously stuck.

ko-fi

to summarize my situation:

I'm living in a small car. I've been living this way for 10 years, with stints of couch surfing. I'm trying to get a van so I can outfit it with all the essentials of a home, which will allow me to live comfortably and cheaply and improve my life significantly. There is no way I'm going to afford an apartment or house, I've been trying for 10 years, all I want at this point is a van.

The fundraiser has been successful to the point where I can currently afford a van and want to start shopping. This is fantastic, since I really need to get out of my car before winter hits so I can insulate the walls of the van and be safe. I've spent winters in this car, and I do not believe it would be healthy for me to attempt again. Before I can purchase a van, I need a license first.

I'm currently facing a legal issue regarding my license. Over the past 4 years I've been unemployed and unable to renew my license and registration, or afford insurance. I've accrued about $2,100 of citations that I must pay before I can get a license. Keep in mind that I've been mainly living in my car, and while I've tried shelters and transitional housing programs, they have not helped me.

I wish I'd taken care of this sooner, but I've been living minimally to save as much money as possible while still affording my daily basic needs, and I've only recently had success fundraising online in general. It took me almost 4 months to save the ~$2,500 I currently have from the fundraiser, $1,800 of which is in my savings account. If I spend it now on legal fees, I'll be out of luck for winter and won't be able to afford the rest of my plan to escape the homelessness that has caused this issue in the first place.

Over the past week I've been in contact with the court, local community services, the DMV, and even my senator to see if there's some way to waive these fees or transfer a title to my name without a license so I can be safe this winter. They've all suggested going to a shelter, getting a job, and earning the money that way. All while somehow not getting pulled over again since I'd have no other way to get around but driving my illegal car without a license.

If I get pulled over again, there's a chance my shelter will be impounded and I'll be in an even worse situation. Insuring and registering this car is not a possibility while I'm living in it, as I'll still be ticketed and so will the licensed driver I'll have to put on my insurance plan to get the car insured, if I could even find someone willing to do that. I NEED a license.

Community services CAN NOT pay court fees. The DMV CAN NOT proceed with a title transfer as long as my license is suspended. The court CAN NOT waive or dismiss these fees. I MUST pay the court $2,100 and get out of my car to continue living my life safely.

HOW AM I EXPECTED TO COMPLETE THIS TASK?

My options are to pay the whole amount immediately, or get on two seperate payment plans (one for each courthouse I owe), one of which will last a year and require a down payment of $150, the other at least two years and a down payment of $200.

I desperately need your help.

Please consider donating to my Ko-fi. I've set a goal for the total amount I owe. Since I have the money for the down payments, I'll start the payment plans and pray that my ko-fi funds will replace the money as it goes. I'll make larger payments as long as the ko-fi funds exceed the $100/mo I need to continue paying for this. AS LONG AS I'M ON THE PAYMENT PLANS, MY LICENSE WILL NO LONGER BE SUSPENDED AND I CAN CONTINUE IMPROVING MY LIFE.

I have a seperate issue being that the DMV's driving tests for licenses are booked up until spring, which means even if this legal issue went away right now, I'd still have to live through the winter to be able to get a van, but there are more open solutions to that problem. Right now, my main concern is these citations draining all the money I was going to use to survive the winter.

[scientia-rex]

Hello, I appreciate your medical posts very much and having seen a post the other day where you said migraine was in your areas of special interest, I'd love to ask a related question. You talk about bodies and medicine and patient experience etc in a way that makes a lot of sense to me and I'd trust your take.

I have chronic migraine. I'm currently at 100% pain days, with varying severity. Very hard to pin down what is prodrome, the main event, and postdrome as it's all blurred into one. My migraine team want me to reduce painkiller usage (currently dihydrocodeine and paracetamol daily, and ibuprofen maybe every other day on top) due to rebound headache. I want to cut down because they're fucking expensive and I'm scared for my liver and kidneys. But I literally can't cope with life without them. I went off them for four months a few years ago and the pain was so severe and so debilitating I was the most suicidal I've been in my life. Without painkillers I can't get to the toilet unaided, rarely leave bed, even more rare to leave the house. It's hell. And that's not even considering the effects on everyone around me who has to pick up to care for me.

So what do I do? The way I see things, I need something to help the pain improve before I can use less painkillers, but the longer I go on trying to find something that works and not getting there, the more I think maybe I'm wrong in that. I know a bit about how codeine based painkillers can reduce your pain tolerance / pain baseline. I don't think it's an addiction issue because I've been at the same (over the counter) dosages for 4 years now. I just want to do all that I can to be better, but I also need to be alive to be better. I am stuck.

TL;DR - If you have any thoughts on the relationship between chronic migraine, painkiller use, preserving quality of life while finding a treatment, and increasing the chances of a treatment working, and where on earth the balance between all that lies, I'd really like to hear them.

Again, I absolutely appreciate if you can't answer this, don't want to etc. Giving advice online is notoriously tricky and all that. But a big thank you for your time in reading, and all your weight and exercise posts especially which make me feel so much better about my body. Wishing you all good things! 💖

I won't speak to your case directly, since I'm not your doctor, but here is my personal algorithm for escalating treatments for migraine (note that "abortives" in this case means something you take after a migraine starts to try to end it, while "prophylactic" means a daily treatment you take to reduce likelihood of developing a migraine):

-OTC combination of magnesium, feverfew, and butterbur, taken daily

-Triptans (insurance will usually demand patients fail at least 3 to cover a more expensive treatment)

-High-dose NSAIDs (as abortive treatment given risk of rebound headaches if used daily)

-Daily topiramate (insurance will always demand this is either failed or there's a clear contraindication)

-Daily calcium channel blockers

-Daily beta blockers (higher dose than used for anxiety or low-grade arrhythmias)

-Daily anti-epileptic medications (such as Lamictal)

-Monthly anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody injections (Aimovig or Ajovy; expensive so insurance will demand you've failed some or all of the previous meds)

-Abortive anti-CGRP orals (Nurtec or Ubrelvy)

-Abortive ergotamine, usually Migranal, a nasal spray (very expensive and must be repeated 15 minutes after initial dose regardless of whether symptoms are improving or not)

-Prophylactic Botox (I believe this is every 3 months, must be done in the office of a trained and licensed professional, usually but not always a Neurology provider)

-Sphenopalatine ganglion blocks (done by dripping lidocaine far back into the sinuses to reach the sphenopalatine ganglion, again in the office of a trained and licensed professional)

-Cephaly (transcranial magnetic stimulation at-home device), expensive so insurance hates covering it

Now, one of my newer tools, and my current personal favorite, is a greater occipital nerve block--easy and fast, low risk, and I've had about 90% success with my patients in aborting current headaches. Effects seem to last 3-4 weeks in most cases and since it's straight lidocaine (you don't have to include steroids, though you can) you can do it as often as needed. I generally do this in my office, but I did train one patient's spouse to do it at home given how frequent their headaches. The pharmacy lost their fucking mind about letting an outpatient have lidocaine. I don't know why.

I currently manage my pretty awful chronic migraines with a combination of monthly Aimovig, as-needed Excedrin (the combination of caffeine, Tylenol aka paracetamol, and aspirin is effective for many people but is a real risk for causing medication overuse headaches, the more official term for bounce-back), as-needed Ubrelvy (I can sleep after taking Ubrelvy but not Excedrin so it's a good option), and roughly monthly greater occipital nerve blocks (I teach my trainees to do it using myself as a subject). I wouldn't mind trying the Botox but it's a PITA to get in to see our only local Neurology provider and since my migraines are relatively well-controlled (probably 1-2 headache days a week right now) I don't think it's worth the effort.

I also really got a lot out of this lecture, so give it a try.

[ethereal-multiplicity]

⟡ "Lazy" Witch Tips ⟡

─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─ ⟡ ─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─

Hello!

My name is Nora, and I am a Eclectic Pagan Witch ♡

I am 17 years old, and I have been researching witchcraft since I was 7 years old, and practicing since I was 12.

⊱ ☆ ⊰

If you are a witch but you find yourself constantly losing motivation to do your practice but you want to still connect to your beliefs, this is the post for you.

I go back and forth from my craft all the time because of mental health, school, etc. Sometimes I just get into a slump but I really want to practice or research, so I had to find ways around my executive dysfunction and depression.

⊱ ☆ ⊰

Make a online altar and just take a few deep breaths while looking at it. Here is the link to an altar picrew

Stir intention into your drink

Take a bath with Epsom salt and add the intention of cleansing your energy. That's it, let the bath do the work

Use an online journal for whatever witchy purpose you want instead of physically writing and wearing down your energy

Put a crystal near your bed or in your pillowcase to help build your motivation back up

Cuddle your familiar and whisper thanks for all that they do

Sleep.... just let yourself sleep and forget about your craft. After a good sleep you can return

Listen to a witchy podcast, youtube video, or music playlists to remind yourself of your roots. Just hearing stuff about witchcraft can help fuel your motivation

If you work with some sort of divine, ask them if they can lend you energy/good vibes/motivation. After you feel good in your craft again you can ask them if they want an offering in return for when they helped you

Take a walk. If you can't sit outside your door or open your bedroom window. You need some fresh air babes, fresh air will make everything better

Sex/Masterbation, I shall not expound

Make moon water and chug that bitch (I'm joking, drink it slowly)

Pray over a meal and ask for spiritual guidance/help

Following the one above, you could also just vent to any deities you work with. Great way to bond, + it gets your feelings expressed if you can't express them to the people in your life

I personally age regress as a way to cope with my mental health issues and allow me to have a childlike wonder about magic again lmao (ofc thats not for everyone, thats just what I do most frequently)

Do what feels right. Follow your heart and intuition, your higher self knows how to heal your current self.

Above all else, if depression or motivation issues are kicking your ass, tell a licensed professional

⊱ ☆ ⊰

That's all I have folks!

All of these are things I have done or have wanted to do.

If you have any tips you would want me to add, or if you want me to explain any of the tips I put above, leave a comment or dm on this blog ♡

[space-specs]

Your Guide To Voting in 2024

Yes, you may feel like everything is horrible and hopeless, and you don't want to vote. I'm here to not do that, and give you tips and info on why. Ultimately, I do not care what you actually vote only that you try to go and fill out something.

Make Sure You Are Registered to Vote

Check your registration status. This site has a drop down to select your state, which will link you to the website to check and see if you're registered.

Not registered? Go here. This site will tell you how to get registered in your state and will link you directly to the online registration if your state offers it.

Make sure you have a government issued photo ID. Driver's license, state ID, passport, etc. Many states require to you to present some form of ID to vote. Find out what counts in your state (and exceptions and provisional ballot rules) here.

Know you'll have difficulty making it to the ballot box? Check the rules for voting by mail/absentee voting in your state and see if you qualify.

Look up your sample ballot ahead of time! Lots of places provide a sample ballot which allows you to see what all the issues are ahead of time. Since this will vary by local elections, the best way to this is to look up "[your county name] sample ballot", possibly with the year tacked on to the end of the search. This may not be available until closer to election day, but it is a great way to get prepared for voting.

Other Voting Tips

This is where I get into the bit where it matters more to me that you vote than who you vote for. This is a personal principle of mine: everyone has the right to vote regardless of if I agree with what you choose to do with that vote.

You do not have to fill out every box on the ballot. You can leave some blank! Don't want to vote on President this year? Fine! Only want to vote on President and don't want to research other issues? Also fine. In fact, you can turn in a completely blank ballot if you want, and that is a political action, too. (Tip: parties note a blank box on issues because it indicates to them you were dissatisfied with your options)

You can bring notes with you! Too many issues to keep track of? Write yourself a note, print out a sample ballot and fill it out in advance to copy over, finding a voting guide and print it. As long as it is ON PAPER, you can bring it with you. (I verified this is universally allowed here)

Don't know where to start on research? The sample ballot is a great place to start just looking up candidates, but I also recommend checking out your local chapter of League of Women Voters. They put out a voters guides for each election that list pros and cons to various issues on the ballot.

The most important and most neglected elections are your local ones. Real grassroots change might be possible in your city, if you pay attention. Too overwhelmed by all this? Pick a few local issues to focus on, like the school board or city council. My city passed a trans-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance in a red state because people rallied around a handful of progressive city council members that swayed the vote. Even if everything feels hopeless, you make things better for yourself and your loved ones by actively engaging in your local politics.

Remember it's voting AND not voting OR. I know a lot of people are extremely dissatisfied with their options for this year's election, especially at the national level. Don't stop doing what you're doing. Don't stop protesting and boycotting and donating and talking about the things that matter to you. Get involved in your community. Find ways to make a difference. But also, go vote. Please.

Thank you for reading this. I hope something in here was helpful for you, and if it was, please consider reblogging this so that others can find it as well. If I've forgotten anything important, I welcome any helpful additions and will do my best to reblog those or add them to the original post as needed!

[hellsite-hall-of-fame]

listen... listen. i'd love just as much as anybody to get to make a fool of myself in person with all my fellow fools, as opposed to making a collective fool of ourselves online. I just don't know if we have the brainpower to organize it. The first dashcon, as far as i know, was a logistical disaster. I know there's a spreadsheet side of tumblr, and... *shudder* a business side (I checked) but are they willing to help? are we willing to accept their help?

More issues to consider: With the cost of living and travel and the very decentralized tumblr userbase, on what continent would dashcon 2.0 be held? would there need to be online signups? payments? a website? who would create and oversee those things?

What if we tried to have a number of smaller cons for different regions? Only around 600 folks have answered 100% YES on your poll - How many users need to show up before we have folks from enough major communities to feel like a true tumblr party? How do we guarantee those numbers? What about major blogs? do we just hope they show up or pay them to sign autographs? is it a multi-day affair, like dashcon tried to be, or do we aim low?

There is so much that goes into an event like this- transit, trucking, storage, space, sign-ups, accounting, licensing, begging, scheduling, convincing, emailing, hiring, firing, decorating, ordering, packing... I haven't even gotten to the tip of the iceberg meme.

Do we hire planners and event companies, or are we too embarrassed to ask? How does everyone work around their day jobs and careers? Who is organizing dashcon 2.0, and what is their stake in it? How do we not repeat the mistakes of those who came before us?

Anyway, if you're gonna do it, I want to help. let's talk.

hmm alright I have thoughts

because I agree, I don’t know if we have the brainpower or money to organize it. my sincere hope with posting about a hypothetical dashcon has been that some super determined millionaire would be like “hey here- have this money and here’s a bunch of connections I have to people to help you organize this”…..so basically lots and lots of wishful thinking lmao.

while the business side of tumblr does seem terrifying, we might have to accept their help if they’re willing.

all of the logistics you mentioned are very very true things that I imagine the original dashcon creators didn’t fully take into account (or i’d assume as much based on the chaos that ensued lol)

as for location, yeahhh that’s the definite hard part. in my head, I keep seeing this as like a vidcon (which is terrible because it wouldn’t be as big but idk) which is held in California. but idk how feasible that is for the average Tumblr base. and that does definitely cut down the amount of people that would be able or willing to come so idk.

and I also imagine having like panels and possibly meet and greets or something with major blog owners, but idk if we’d just beg them to come or find a way to pay them.

As for the whole last paragraph- aaaaah I have absolutely no idea.

i’m definitely not going to spearhead organizing such an event (mostly because I don’t want my real name associated with it in case it goes to shit again lmaoo) but if someone else had more resources to do so, I would absolutely be willing to help.

and if anyone sees this and has conference-planning experience and wants to help make a bunch of wishful Tumblr users dreams come true…. please let me know and i’d love to help!

[iamsuggestingthatcoconutsmigrate]

Re-re-re (xinfinity) watching Moonlight (2007) and

~ Joseph asks Mick if he's been working out. and we see in later episodes that Mick does indeed workout. So we can assume that unlike other vampire media, they aren't static, they can actively change their bodies, just not age. We also see Mick with longer hair in the 80s than both when he was human and in the present.

~ His PI License is only good for three years. How has he been renewing this every three years for the last 25 years (at least) without anyone noticing he doesn't age. It's not like he could do it online. And it has his picture on it, wouldn't that have been a bit of an issue for him prior to digital cameras in the 90s?

~ "You know, some people even find [vampires] attractive" Beth, with scrunched up nose probably thinking of Nosferatu "really" Mick, the vampire, getting the most disheartened look on his face. Dude, what? If she had said yeah me too were you gonna confess?!?!

~ Beth legit held Micks hand for a good 6 seconds, which doesn't seem like a lot, but surely if it was long enough for her to realize it was awkward it was also long enough for her to realize he was cold. And she thinks nothing of this?

~ I hope the vampire study group gets regularly checked for blood-borne diseases.

~ Mick just made a Spinal Tap reference

~ Maybe my college was unique in having bare classrooms because every room was a multi-purpose room, but why are there so many masks and posters and skeletons? Are all of the classes meeting there leaving their stuff and hoping it doesn't overlap too badly? Is Christian bringing all that and setting it up before every class for ambiance? Is he making Daniel do it???

~ Mick legit just appears in this man's office and starts closing his blinds and playing with his stuff.

~ The way Joseph is just in Mick's apartment when he gets home. Like I get that it's his best friend and Mick probably gave him a key, but I also think it would be funny if Joseph actually owns the building and is abusing his landlord powers

~ Mick it's going to take more than lemons, apples, and coffee to convince people you're human. Like I get that coffee and lemon water are probably things you offer clients, but please tell me you're not just giving people whole ass apples while they cry about their missing person to you.

~ Stop looking so surprised that Khloe's dead, you knew that already.

~ Love how Sophia Myles can't hide her British accent around fellow Brit

~ Christian how many girls have you felt up that you know the difference between an underwire bra and an under-bra wire?

~ I love how this episode ends in My Immortal which samples from Moonlight Sonata, which is also the name of the last episode. Something something it ends where it all began.

[robinsnest2111]

as a kid I thought my parents were so badass for running their own bar in their early 20s (mother was 22, father was 24) and their stories of things going sideways some nights sounded so fun the way they told them

but now that I'm in my late 20s these stories appear a bit more scary and life ruining actually, considering all the dead ends and wildly different business ventures that failed sooner or later my parents got into before they had me after almost 20 years of that messy stressful financially ruinous lifestyle...

anyway. I don't know if I want to discover any more of the dark abysses of my parents' lives before I was born.

still trying to come to terms with how my father's short alcohol addiction stint cost him his driver's license for good in his 20s and how he cheated on my mother a whole bunch (probably still does online tbh) and how I was most likely meant to fix my parents' relationship (didn't quite work out. they're still together for societal and economic and financial reasons but they're always fighting and yelling and screaming and never affectionate with one another and just all-round try to avoid each other as much as possible)

also thinking about the fact I should probably try to forgive them (they're old and have health issues and probably aren't long for this world anymore either) for what they did to me when my mental health plummeted and made me act all unreasonable and disruptive and caused all kinds of trouble when i was a kid/teen.

they try to talk to me sometimes but they're still stuck on the version of me I was when we were closer. when I was around 10-12. when I still clung to them and tried to connect but they didn't really reciprocate. as if the physical and emotional abuse never happened. but after all they did to me I cannot find it in myself to ever forgive them. I don't want to be closer to them. not anymore. I can't. and I feel kinda horrible and monstrous for it. idk...

things are tough and the thoughts and memories are ganging up on me. thank fuck tomorrow's a really short shift at work... and I'll try to go to a little concert after that to get out of the house and take my mind off of this whole emotional and mental mess i'm constantly surrounded by 🤞

[selfpositiveundertale]

Hey. Vent post and update. Not a happy post.

I'm not okay. I don't know when or if I will be okay. My health seems to be getting worse. I'm having a problem that, going from the symptoms, seems a lot like hypoglycemia, but my most recent blood work says I am not diabetic or prediabetic and everything looked normal. As I understand it, hypoglycemia without diabetes is a rare condition, but with my luck and my medical history I would not be surprised. I'm needing to eat more and more frequently and it seems like the specific types of food that were helping to keep the problems at bay just aren't as effective anymore, and now I can barely even tell what specific thing I need to eat. Do I need protein? Do I need greens? Do I need complex carbs? Do I need sugar? Who knows! Not me! I just have to guess and hope I guess right, or else my body is going to throw a fit about it and give me a matter of minutes to consume the Correct Thing before it just makes me go to sleep.

I dare not stray outside my list of safe foods, and by safe foods I mean foods that won't make my issues worse. Most candy, soda, white bread, anything with a lot of simple carbs or refined sugars is out of the question if I want to stay awake, upright, and functional, with few exceptions. Even honey, eating fruit, plant based protein, most vegetables besides dark leafy greens and potatoes and sweet potatoes, and things like white rice or bread that's been enriched with nutrients, at best does no good and at worst makes me feel like I'm going to keel over, which really sucks because my ultimate comfort food is soup beans and cornbread, and if I could eat that to get me through the day I would. The only things I can at least somewhat rely on are animal protein(preferably red meat but seafood, poultry, or eggs will do in a pinch, and whey protein is a last resort), dark leafy greens(kale, collard greens, that kind of thing), fruit juice(MUST be 100% juice) or fruit smoothies, and complex carbs(mostly whole grains, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, but oat milk works for a quick fix).

I'm trying to find solutions and work around this whole thing so I can go on with my life. I'm baking a lot of whole grain cornbread these days because it's easy to make and is the perfect thing when I need my carbs. I might need to invest in a bulk amount of beef jerky. I had been getting bulk amounts of cans of apple juice online but that's been harder to get in recent weeks so I've just been getting a 90-something-oz jug of grape juice from the store instead. My therapist suggested I start making green smoothies rather than just eating my greens cooked, so I might start getting my greenery in that way. Throwing the green stuff into the blender with some oat milk, chopped fruit, and a scoop of whey protein powder might make my life easier. I'll also discuss it with my chiropractor when I see him later this week, as he is a licensed nutritionist and can probably help me figure something out.

I'm so dang sick of being tired or hungry or both 24/7 and my body being like a fuel inefficient car that guzzles a whole tank of gas just to get you to the other side of town. If I go longer than an hour or so without eating or if I eat the wrong thing, I start getting hit by fatigue, dizziness, headache, shakiness, confusion, blurring vision, weakness, stuttering or slurred speech, and it'll get worse until I either eat something or fall asleep. If I fall asleep, I usually at least wake up with just enough strength to get something small and quick into my system and give myself the energy to think of what I need to do next.

I don't know what this is or why it's happening. I find myself wondering if it could be related to my fibromyalgia, or a long term side effect from when I caught covid a year or two ago, or if I've messed up my liver by taking Excedrin Migraine for the chronic headaches I've had since 2011, or if I'm alone in this. I haven't met anyone else dealing with this exact thing. Every time I go a-googling, I only ever find articles about diabetes and I want to scream BUT I DON'T HAVE THAT SO WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO??? They say a problem well defined is half solved, but what can you do about it when you don't even have the resources to define the problem?

I have cried so much in the last week or so because I'm so frustrated with this. It's ruining everything in my life. I can't complete my personal responsibilities, I can't keep up with most of my friends except for the small handful of my very closest friends, I haven't been active on here in ages, haven't been able to get any crochet work done, barely been able to practice any self care beyond eating whatever I have the strength to put together, and I'm starting to lose sight of the point of existing if it has to be in a body that hurts all the time and can't hold onto fuel. I'm frustrated, I'm tired, I'm scared, I'm sad, I'm angry, I'm lost, and it's getting harder and harder to not lose hope. I'm really trying to hang in there, but it's so hard.

I don't know what to do anymore.

It's after 2am, so I think I'll stop there and try to get some sleep. Maybe tomorrow will be better. One can hope.

Stay determined. I'm trying to.

[merrybrides]

100 Wedding Tips Every Bride Should Know

Congrats! You're newly engaged and eager to dive in to planning the details of the big day. Before you get overwhelmed by the choices, costs and innumerable possibilities, read these tips that every bride should know.

Planning

Set the date! Make sure you leave plenty of time for planning details and coordinating vendors. A wedding checklist may help you keep tasks and timing in order.

Outline a budget. Set the budget so you know what you’re working with from the get-go.

Consider time of day. There may be a time of day that fits you and your significant other’s personalities, party style, budget, or guest list best.

Wedding Party. It’s never too early to ask and get the commitment.

Research Vendors. Pick up some local wedding magazines and hit the net to scope out what’s out there.

Ask around. Ask a few friends for their advice and what they learned from planning their own special day.

The ones you love. Make sure the people that are important to you know how you would like for them to be included.

Consider wedding size. Will it be a large bash or a smaller more intimate gathering?

Help needed. Loved ones asking how they can help? Set up an online list of helpful tasks and allow them to sign up and help as they can.

Location/Venue/Atmosphere

Book in advance. Many venues book up very far in advance. Narrow down a short list and make visits as soon as possible!

From here to there. Consider travel distance between ceremony and reception.

Back up plan. Outdoor venue? Consider weather influences and always have a “Plan B.”

Beautiful “As is”. Décor not your thing? Find a beautiful venue that already has a look you love.

Seasonal décor. If you’re getting married near a holiday or other special time of year, make sure to ask if the venue will be decorated in a special way.

Food and drinks. Ask about banquet permits and alcohol license needs. Don’t assume anything!

Consider room flow. You will want a space where you will be able to mix and mingle with guests easily.

Ask for referrals! See if your venue has recommendations for other vendors since they are likely to have worked well in the past.

Guest list

Talk about it. It’s a conversation to have early on with your fiancé. Establishing a guest list can get VERY complicated if you don’t set parameters.

Traveling guests? Consider how many out-of-town guests you will have to plan for.

Lots of out-of-towners? Consider setting up activities for the weekend or couple days surrounding your big day so they can meet others and visit.

Discuss family needs. Who will you want involved in the ceremony, reception, etc.? Set clear expectations from the beginning.

Save the drama. Handle family issues with grace. Have conversations with those that may need to be reminded to put personal issues aside for one day.

Undercover agents. It’s not unreasonable to “assign” a trusted friend to keep an eye on a guest that you are worried about getting out of hand.

Keep people in the loop. Set up a wedding website where you can post important details that guests will need to know.

Hotels. It’s always nice for the couple to set up hotel options and block rooms for guests.

Welcome basket. Welcome traveling guests at the hotel with gift bags including a few simple treats or some information about the location where they are visiting.

Budget

Discuss budget EARLY. Planning a wedding can get expensive and you will need to set parameters.

Who’s contributing? Give family members the chance to help financially however they feel comfortable.

Prioritize. Decide what is most important to you and your fiancé. Plan your budget accordingly so you don’t blow too much of it on a low-priority item.

Leave some reserve funds. There are always little things that will pop up later on, so don’t plan your initial budget estimates down to the very last dollar.

Plan for tips. Plan in advance for vendors that you will need to provide a tip to for day-of services.

Gifts. Many couples give gifts to the special people involved in their big day, like parents and bridal party members. Set money aside for this.

Consider assistance. Know someone who is great with money that has asked how they can help? Put them in charge of your budget to keep you accountable.

Establish a range. When speaking with vendors have a budget range in mind. This may eliminate some vendors before you get in too far.

DIY. Need to save in certain areas? Get creative. Enlist crafty friends and family to help you create the look and feel you are going for.

The Ceremony

Select an officiant/pastor. Does your ceremony location provide one, or do you need to find your own?

Marital counseling. Are there any requirements you must meet before walking down the aisle?

Get your marriage license. That’s kind of important, err, necessary, and the ceremony won’t happen without one.

Consider the feel. Will your ceremony be formal or not?

Timing. Length of the ceremony may be something you want to discuss with whoever will be marrying you.

Vows! Discuss with your fiancé if you will be exchanging traditional vows or writing your own.

Kids or no kids. If you would prefer guests not bring children to the ceremony, make sure this is clear. You may even want to have childcare available.

Choose words wisely. Carefully consider scriptures, poems and songs that will be part of your day. Make it meaningful.

Guestbook. Have everyone sign a guestbook so you can look back on the special people who were a part of your big day!

Programs. Provide a printed program to guests when they arrive. If you need someone to hand them out, choose someone who may know the majority of guests – it’s a nice warm welcome!

Reception Considerations

Does your caterer… cater? Whether you’ll be providing a sit down meal or hors d’oeuvres, make sure your caterer has options for those with diet restrictions.

Music sets the mood. Create the atmosphere you desire by choosing you music option with care. Will a DJ help to get the party going or is a live band more your style? Some may even opt for an iPod with a playlist.

Who’s directing traffic and flow? Make sure you have a point person for the reception activities. It is helpful to have someone keeping things on pace.

Money and tips. You my find that certain companies outsource people to handle day-of tasks. Ask in advance if it is necessary to tip those individuals.

Favors. Donate to a charity in your guests’ honor or provide an item they can use later, like a matchbook. Make it personal by having your initials printed on it.

Selecting Wedding Vendors

Do your research. You want dependable people and companies involved so that you can stress less that day.

Create a short list. Researching vendors online and in magazines as well as collecting recommendations from others is a good place to start.

Hire a professional. If the task just seems too overwhelming, consider getting a wedding planner to help you shorten the list of options out there.

Don’t rush. It may take time to find the right people or companies to handle each task. Know it doesn’t all come together immediately.

Ask for proof. Are you going for a specific wedding theme – perhaps a beachy, rustic or theatrical flair? Find vendors that have created the look before and always have them provide examples of their work.

Use your head. Listen to recommendations from the vendor, but don’t be afraid to ask questions, negotiate or ask for other options.

Face to face meetings. You are juggling a lot, but it is still smart to meet in person and not take their website as their word.

Under pressure. If a vendor is putting unnecessary pressure on you to commit before you are ready, it may be a red flag. The goal is to feel good about the decisions you make.

Pre-Wedding Celebrations

Bridal showers. Celebrate with friends and family at a bridal shower! Gather those you love for a more intimate-sized party a couple weeks or months before the big day.

Guests and gifts. If you have registered for wedding gifts, make sure you have plenty items on the list to accommodate all guests, and use stores that are convenient to those attending.

Don’t duplicate. If you are having multiple showers, watch for guest duplication. Inviting guests to more than one can make you appear selfish or unorganized.

Consider an engagement party. At an engagement party guests won’t feel obligated to bring a gift. The party can be elaborate or totally informal and include guys and gals.

Consider groups. If you run in several different circles and it seems overwhelming to try and include everyone, divide people into separate events.

Themed parties. Have party-throwers set up a themed shower where guests choose gifts with a certain idea in mind. Suggestions include a “stock the bar,” “kitchen essentials,” “barbeque,” or “around the clock,” where gests buy a gift based on a time of day.

Hostess gifts. Make sure you get a little something for the fabulous hosts that throw a little something special in your honor!

Bachelorette Celebration. Whether it’s a girl’s weekend away, a spa day or a fun girl’s night filled with your favorite activities, coordinate a fun way to celebrate your last days of being single in style.

Wedding Party Brunch. Some couples host a bridal party or family brunch prior to or early on the wedding day. Connect with those close to you before it gets crazy!

Registry Tips

Consult a friend. Someone who has registered before may provide insight into what worked and what did not.

Focus on needs. Focus on necessities and think long-term when you are walking around the store scanning or on the website clicking.

Get creative! If you don’t need many standard household items, create a honeymoon registry, a registry where you encourage guests to buy stock in your name, or even a charity registry!

Groom’s registry. Creating a registry can seem boring and monotonous and let’s face it, your groom may not care what sheets you get. Yet, when it comes to the things he does care about, let him have some say!

Go GREEN

Buy vintage! Consider a vintage wedding dress or choose eco-friendly attire.

Natural light. Choose an outdoor location or an earlier time of day so you can use less lighting indoors.

Email invitations! Coordinate your entire guest list, collect RSVP’s and even gather meal preferences through online sign ups; such as SignUpGenius.

Love the earth. Use eco-friendly paper for programs, favors or other paper needs. Now you can even find plant-able seed paper that can be printed with environmentally friendly ink!

Something borrowed. Borrow décor or rent it for less waste.

Go digital. Digital photos will save the money and chemical processing that goes into film photography.

Wedding website hub. Create a wedding website to get important information and dates out to your guests.

Perfecting Your Wedding Day Look

Selecting a dress. When selecting your wedding day attire, keep an open mind! Try on many options and make sure you factor in comfort.

Be patient. Some brides “just know” the moment they put that dress on that it is made for them. If that’s not you, that’s ok. Take your time!

 Veil. Whether it’s to the floor or short and sweet, a full headpiece or none at all, anything goes, so stick with the choice that’s right for you.

Dancing shoes. Choose comfy shoes and break them in before the big day.

Hair. Hire a professional or if you are able do your own hair, do it. Make sure to do a run-through before the day-of so you know what to expect!

Makeup. Keep it natural, clean and fresh. You may consider asking your photographer for any tips about what looks best in photos, but do not go outside of your comfort zone.

Emergency kit. Stock a day-of emergency kit with a couple essentials – lip gloss, hand lotion, band-aids, mints, a small comb and anything else could come in handy in a pinch!

Get rest! It may be challenging with all the excitement, but it will help you feel your very best.

Stay hydrated. Make sure you are drinking and eating so you stay healthy and nourished leading up to and during your wedding day.

Document the Day

Discuss photography style. Choose a photographer that “gets” you and the style that you want.

Set up site for sharing. One great way to see all the photos from friends and family is to set up a photo sharing website where people can upload.

Make a list. Develop an image list for your photographer of “must-have” shots, so you don’t forget to get that photo taken with certain people or settings.

Photo booth fun. Many companies offer opportunities for your guests to get in front of the camera in a photo booth style set up – props and all. This can offer a lot of added fun for all.

No tech? Worried about people sharing dozens of photos on social media before you get the first look? Consider telling your guests you’d prefer to have a “no tech” wedding.

Remember the Meaning of the Day

Plan ahead! Make sure things are done prior so you can actually enjoy your wedding day!

Marriage should be the focus. It’s wise to keep reminding yourself throughout the whole wedding planning process – it’s not just the wedding day that matters, it’s every day that comes after i

Stay grounded. Keep people close to you that can provide a sense of calm through the chaos and who can help you make good, quick decisions if need be.

Make time for the special people. Set aside specific time for those you are close to during your wedding weekend or the weekend will pass before you realize you didn’t get that extra time.

Express yourself. Exchange a card or letter to be opened the day-of the wedding – write something truly from the heart to the special person you will be sharing the rest of your life with.

Be thankful. On your wedding day, pause from time to time and take in all the love that surrounds you!

One-on-one time. Plan time with your groom amidst the craziness so you can connect.

Here’s to you creating the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. Best wishes as you set out on the wedding planning journey!

[mbti-notes]

Hi, Infj here, I feel paranoid, most of the time, I'd guess you'd say an Ni-Ti balance issue, but I don't know what to do, I feel like a joke seriously, some people around me are taking me as a joke and sometimes play with this idea, they know I can get paranoid, I honestly want to fix this dumb part of me but don't know how,its ruining my life, my career, my relations, Thanks!

[con't: btw, I don't have access to professional therapy in my country, if you'd like to suggest some online therapy, it would be much appretiated!]

If you leave out the details of the problem and don't provide any context or examples to illustrate what's going on, there is no way for me to understand the problem fully. What does "Ni-Ti balance issue" mean?

Paranoia is defined as an irrational or delusional belief that leads one to grossly miscalculate the likelihood of being persecuted or victimized. When a belief is "irrational" or "delusional", it means there is no basis for it in reality. Yet, it sounds like you actually have legitimate reason to believe it, because you often find yourself the victim of mistreatment?

Calling this a "dumb part of you" isn't helpful. Every part of you serves a purpose, whether small or large. Being a psychologically healthy individual means accepting, embracing, liking, and loving every part of yourself.

When you've been mistreated, it is only natural for a part of you to work extra hard at protecting or defending yourself from further mistreatment. When you've been lied to or deceived, it is only natural for a part of you to view people with skepticism rather than just blindly believe everything they say. When you have repeatedly been made into the butt of cruel jokes, it is only natural for a part of you to fear socializing and want to avoid getting humiliated again. Wanting to protect yourself from harm is a sign of a healthy survival instinct.

The question is: Do you really have paranoia? Or is your "paranoia" really an expression of deeper pain and suffering? Have you been through real negative experiences that necessitated the formation of a "part" within you that helps protect against the hurtful behavior of others? If so, there's nothing "dumb" about it, but you do need to be more conscious of it and learn to use that part of you more constructively, in ways that help rather than hinder your growth. If not, if your paranoia seems to come out of nowhere for no reason, then maybe you need therapy to get to the bottom of it. A therapist could help you understand it better and guide you in improving your mental health.

If you believe you need therapy for whatever reason, check out the professional mental health associations in your country for authoritative information about mental health as well as references to licensed professionals. In the U.S., this would include organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). You may be able to receive therapy online from a professional in any country, but it is important that the therapist have some understanding of your cultural background, otherwise, you may suffer many misunderstandings or miscommunications.

If you have been very unlucky in relationships through no fault of your own, in terms of frequently encountering mean, abusive, or exploitative people, then you need to take more control over your social life. Distance from those people by setting better boundaries or remove them from your life completely whenever possible. Work to surround yourself with people who are more kind, caring, and compassionate.

[cinematicnomad]

hi! i hope this is okay to ask, but i was just wondering if you could tell me/us a bit more about how you landed your job (which seems SO cool)? like, is this something you were always interested in? did you have to go to school for it? i'd love to work on the comm/marketing team for a university in my country--because i really miss the feeling of being on a busy, bustling campus--but idk if there's a better way of going about it than just cold-calling or emailing the hr dept about vacancies...

(2/2 uni job anon) comm/marketing and recruitment (which is what you do, i think?) are quite different ofc--i just think that these particular universities could really use a hand with their various english-language dispatches and know i could really help them out if i found a way onto their staff roster...

hey anon! i'm definitely happy to answer any questions. i can't comment on how your countries university's handle hiring. in the states, universities tend to list all of their open administrator/staff positions online. you can literally google a university name + jobs and you'll find a link. once on it, you can usually narrow you're search—so in your case, you could potentially narrow it down to positions with the words 'marketing' 'communications' 'social media' etc etc. then find the position that fits your interest and fill out the application and submit it. then you just have to...wait. which for universities (at least in the states) can take some time.

i put my personal journey in my work below the cut if anyone's interested:

i didn't originally go to school with the intention of working in higher ed. i got my bachelors in english lit with a minor in history. i thought i might become a writer or go into publishing or something. i v much did not know what i wanted to do by the time i finished undergrad. i traveled some the summer after college and didn't really seriously thinking about my post-school plans until late july. i didn't have a drivers license (let alone a car or easy access to public transportation) and i was living in suburbia with my parents so my options were really limited—but i lucked out in that we lived about a 15 minute walk from a large public university so i just kind of...applied to everything? i didn't have much by the way of experience—at this point my resume amounted to 3 summers working as a clerk in a doctor's office, a summer as a day camp counselor, a summer working as a sales associate at homegoods, and an internship at a british private publishing company. basically i had customer service skills and i knew how to function in an office and i could string coherent sentences together. the one guiding point i had when applying to jobs was that...i'd grown up traveling around the world and so i was intrigued by the jobs i saw that had to do with international admissions/students/etc. i prioritized those applications, but honestly i would have taken anything.

i luckily got an interview and an eventual offer for a part-time assistant job in the office of international admissions. and my career kind of just...evolved from there? about 6 months later my supervisor moved into a new position and i was asked to apply for his job so i did. it wasn't exactly what i wanted to be doing—i spent my days sitting in an office reviewing international transcripts to determine a) if the school was recognized/accredited; b) the US degree equivalency; and c) the student's equivalent US gpa AND i was given the task of processing and issuing immigration documents for incoming int'l students. these are two incredibly niche, vital processes for international admissions and having that baseline expertise was good for me. i stayed at that university for a total of 4 years before accepting a position at a smaller private university in DC—by this point i had a license and a car and could afford to move closer to public transportation. career-wise it was lateral move—i didn't get a title bump, but i did get a decent salary increase AND the job was more generalized. which was good for me! all of my work up until that point had been SO specialized and isolated that i spent a lot of time on my own cooped up in an office doing work alone—and bc my job was so isolated and no one could cover for me, and it was so reliant on being in the office, i was never given the opportunity to travel. which sucked. my new job let me experience different facets of admissions with a team of people and also allowed me the chance to get some experience recruiting domestically.

after i'd been there for a while i took advantage of one of the common benefits of working in higher ed in the US—tuition benefits. i applied for and was admitted into a master's program int'l education and my job covered 90% of the tuition. whenever i had a performance review or check in with my supervisor i let her know i was interested in recruiting internationally for the office. halfway through the program my boss offered me the chance to apply for a new position in my office with the understanding that it would come with a pay increase, a title bump, and FINALLY: int'l recruiting. i applied, got the job, renewed my passport so i could be ready to travel...and then COVID hit.

that derailed plans a little but i stayed in my job and kept working. i finally got to start recruiting internationally for my job last fall and around november i had another conversation with my boss about a new position—this one would be focused on recruiting internationally and on developing partnerships with other universities and designing joint programs. so that's what i'm doing now! and that's how i got here.

not sure if anyone is actually here still reading this! but if you are, i am happy to answer any questions you might have about preparing for interviews, what to expect, other nitty-gritty details, etc.

[theghostofpennsyltucky]

Mask Making Ethics: Rehauls, Conversions and Recasting.

Many folks within the masked community have probably heard the terms “rehaul,” “recast,” or conversion from time to time. You may be surprised that these terms do not solely exist within the mask community, but also branch out into the art and costuming communities as well as many more. While some long term members may already be versed with these words, I’ve spoken with quite a few newer members of many communities that are a bit confused as to what these terms are. This post will hopefully answer those questions as well as highlight what is and what is not ethical within the community.  Rehauls

Rehauling is the process of taking a mask and “amping it up,” if you will. One can typically see this with licensed character masks. No doubt you’ve seen some masks around and have thought to yourself: “That looks okay, but maybe it could look a little better.” By no means am I dumping on any artist or studio, but in a mass production setting, sometimes things get put on the backburner in an effort to get as many products out on the market as they can. It looks good, but it’s not 100% “there.” Maybe the sculpt is great but the paint job is off. For example, let’s take the Trick or Treat Studios Michael Myers mask from Halloween Kills. Like many fans and collectors, I found the mask to be sculpted very well, but lacking on the paint job. This is where rehauling comes in. Many have taken to buying these masks and rehauling them to their full potential. They can be sold online, which is perfectly ethical and legal AS LONG AS YOU MENTION IT IS A REHAUL. An example of this can be found at the link below, where Nick Mulpagano rehauls a TOTS Halloween Kills mask from start to finish.  Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joLHAYRiw5o&t=765s Conversions

Conversions are in the same vein as rehauls in that they are perfectly legal and ethical. Still, it is good to give props to the original designer and distributor of the mask. But a conversion is exactly what it sounds like: taking one mask and converting into another mask. Examples of this include some of the masks worn by Slipknot in their earlier years. In my experience, when new members find this out, they’re blown away to learn that these masks started their life as a completely different thing all together. Chris Fehn (#3) wore a converted Distortions Unlimited Liar mask, which was made by and given to him by a prior member. James Root (#4) used a converted Forums Novelties Jester mask. The band purchased these, made modifications and turned these masks into their own thing. Nothing at all wrong with that. To see how this was done, check out the video by YouTube user iamtheniko to see a #3 Liar Conversion from start to finish (Or for the Slipknot Mask community, the “Spit It Out” Liar). Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4mwXy4c034

Recasting

Recasting is not okay. For the most part. There are *some* exceptions, but generally it is frowned upon within ALL communities. Recasting is the process of creating a mold of a piece and creating casts of that piece. The reason this is frowned upon is because THIS IS OURTIGHT THEFT. In recasting the work of an independent artist, you’re taking the work an artist has put into their piece, their skill, their money and everything that went into it. Not only is this stealing the work of an independent artist, but recasted pieces are generally smaller and have lesser quality to them. On the opposite end of that spectrum, recasting mass produced pieces comes with its own series of issues as well. Mainly, the pieces being mass produced means that there’s some company that owns the image of whatever the piece may be. If you are caught, this could result in a Cease and Desist notice (which is a nice way of the respective Trademark Holders saying: “Hey, how about you don’t do that,”) or a possible lawsuit. 

Sometimes, it is given an OK, but these always fall under certain circumstances. Firstly, the Company or Trademark Holders are no longer in business, in which case, the pieces were probably sold off to another company. Second, the piece has been discontinued. Third, which may fall in line with the second, whoever owns the piece simply does not care. Either way, track down the rightful Trademark Holders first. AND DO NOT RECAST UNLESS YOU GET AN OKAY FIRST. “It’s easier to ask for forgiveness instead of permission” is stupid advice and you should never follow it. Also, don’t try to be slick. People who are passionate about the community are obsessive (not an insult), and there’s always someone out there who’ll notice. No matter how well you try to cover your tracks, eventually, you WILL be caught. 

I hope that clears some things up for anyone who was curious about what recasting, rehauling and converting is. If you have questions about any piece, there’s no shame in asking someone who’s been in the community for a long time for their opinion. Call me biased, but I think we’re a good bunch. But, support your passions, the arts, small businesses and have fun collecting, rehauling, converting and making good art... without recasting. 

[emergencydamage]

How to Choose the Best Storm Damage Restoration Service on the Gold Coast

When a storm hits, the damage can be overwhelming, and restoring your property can feel like an impossible task. Whether your home or business has been affected by flooding, fallen trees, or wind damage, finding the best storm damage restoration service on the Gold Coast is crucial to get your life back on track. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?

Assess Your Needs Take some time before searching for storm damage restoration service to analyze the extent of the damage. A storm can create a multitude of issues such as broken windows and damaged roofs to flooding and structural damages. It can help narrow down what type of restoration service you are going to require if you know the kind of damage you have incurred. Some of the considerations include:

Water Damage: If your property has suffered flooding or high water infiltration, a water damage restoration expert is required. This will include water extraction, drying, and dehumidification to prevent mold growth.

Wind Damage: Storms bring gusty winds that can cause windows to break, destroy roofs, or create tree falls. For these services, you'll need a company specializing in structural repairs and debris removal.

Mold Removal: In the case of water damage, mold can quickly develop if not treated properly. Look for a company that offers mold inspection and remediation services.

General Restoration: If your property has extensive damage across multiple areas, a full-service restoration company will likely be your best choice. They can handle everything from emergency board-up services to complete rebuilds.

Experience and Reputation Experience is one of the most critical factors when choosing a storm damage restoration service. Restoration is a complex process that requires knowledge, skills, and expertise. A company with a long history of storm damage restoration on the Gold Coast will likely be better equipped to handle various types of storm-related damage. When researching companies, look for those with years of experience in the field and a proven track record of successful projects. Established companies will have the necessary tools and trained professionals to deal with storm damage efficiently. You can also get a good sense of a company's reputation by checking online reviews and asking for references. An excellent firm would also be happy to offer reference from customers that had earlier done work similar to the one required here-something akin to storm damage restoration. It will also make a great way to hear if any friends, family or neighbors have engaged storm restoration services around town. Your best options tend to result from word-of-mouth suggestions.

Check Validations and Covers Before hiring a storm damage restoration company, it is essential to ensure that they are properly certified and insured. Certification indicates that the company follows the standards of the industry and carries out proper procedures for handling storm damage restoration. Some key certifications to look for include:

IICRC Certification: The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification is one of the leading restorations in the industry. Companies that hold IICRC certification are trained in the best practices for water, fire, and storm damage restoration.

Building and Trade Licenses: Restoration services requiring structural repairs should be undertaken by licensed professionals. The company should be fully licensed to carry out repairs in your region.

Insurance: Your restoration company should have complete insurance coverage, such as liability coverage and workers' compensation. This way, there is no risk of being held accountable for accidents or damage on the restoration site.

Availability and Response Time Time is of the essence in storm damage. The sooner you contact a Storm Damage Restoration Service in Gold Coast, the quicker the damage can be mitigated, thus reducing the risk of further issues such as mold growth or structural weakening. Therefore, it is important to choose a company that offers 24/7 emergency response services. A good storm damage restoration service should respond very quickly, especially during a storm, because many homes and businesses may have been affected by the same disaster. It should be able to reach the location within a reasonable amount of time to inspect the damages and start restoring them.

Consider Their Customer Service and Communication. This would, therefore, make effective communication key when handling storm damage restoration. From the very first consultation right up to when the project is completed, you should have a company that gives you clear and proper updates as the work unfolds. The restoration service must:

Present a clear timeline for restoring the work that shows just how long each phase will take to be completed.

Offer clear pricing without surprise charges. Ensure that you receive a comprehensive estimate before starting the job, and inquire about payment options, claims against insurance, and warranties.

Provide you with updates of any problems or delays that could be experienced in the process of restoration.

Good customer service extends beyond just repairing your property; it means that it is providing you with a positive, hassle-free experience all the way through the restoration process.

Assess the Equipment and Techniques Used Advanced equipment and techniques are usually used in storm damage restoration to ensure effective and thorough restoration. These include:

Water extraction equipment: For flood damage, high-powered pumps, wet vacuums, and dehumidifiers are necessary for removing water and preventing further damage. Drying equipment: Industrial-grade air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters are necessary for ensuring that the property is thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth and structural damage. Mould remediation tools: If mold is present, the company should have specialized equipment to safely remove mold and disinfect affected areas. Be sure to ask the restoration service about the equipment and techniques they use. A company that invests in the latest tools and follows modern restoration methods will provide more efficient and effective services.

Get Multiple Quotes Last but not least, get quotes from several storm damage restoration companies. While price should not be the deciding factor, comparing prices will help you understand the going rate for storm damage restoration in your area. Be cautious of a company that offers much lower prices than others; this might be a sign of bad service or hidden fees.

Conclusion Choosing the best storm damage restoration service on the Gold Coast requires research and consideration of various factors, such as experience, certifications, availability, and customer reviews. In this article, you are going to learn how to make the best decision by selecting a company that will restore your property quickly and efficiently. Never forget to emphasize professionalism, reliability, and quality in service so that your home or business is in good hands after a storm.

[fullfinance]

Got an Older Vehicle? Here’s What to Expect When Getting a Car Title Loan | fullfinance

Introduction

Car Title Loans are an excellent solution for quick cash, especially when you need it the most. If you own an older car or a high-mileage vehicle, you might be wondering whether your car qualifies for a title loan. The good news is that many lenders offer title loans for older cars and high-mileage vehicles, but understanding the process is crucial. In this article, we’ll guide you through what to expect with a car title loan on an older vehicle and how to secure the best deal.

1. What is a Car Title Loan?

A car title loan is a secured loan where you use your vehicle as collateral. The loan amount is based on your car's value, and the lender holds the car title until the loan is repaid. If you're facing an emergency or need quick cash, this can be a fast and simple way to get the money you need, especially if you don’t have access to other forms of credit.

2. How Do Car Title Loans Work for Older Vehicles?

When applying for a Car Title Loan on an older vehicle, the process is very similar to applying for one on a newer car. However, there are certain factors that may influence the approval:

Car Age: Older cars generally have a lower market value, so you might be offered a smaller loan amount.

Vehicle Condition: The better condition your vehicle is in, the higher the loan amount you may be eligible for. Lenders often require an inspection to assess the car's worth.

Car Title: Lenders typically require a clear, lien-free car title, meaning you must own the car outright with no existing loans on it.

Even if your vehicle is older or has high mileage, you may still qualify for a loan as long as it is in good condition. Lenders will evaluate factors such as the make, model, year, and mileage to determine the loan amount.

3. Key Requirements for Car Title Loans on High-Mileage Cars

High-mileage vehicles may pose a challenge when applying for a car title loan, but it’s not impossible. Lenders generally look for the following:

Car Title: Ensure that your vehicle title is in your name and has no outstanding loans.

Vehicle Inspection: Be prepared for an inspection. Lenders will evaluate your car’s physical condition, mileage, and overall value.

Proof of Income: Lenders want assurance that you can repay the loan. Providing proof of income (like pay stubs or bank statements) is usually required.

Valid Identification: A government-issued ID (like a driver’s license) is necessary for loan approval.

Lenders may also assess your credit history, but it’s often not a major factor in securing a car title loan. The focus is more on the vehicle itself.

4. Best Lenders for Car Title Loans on Older Cars

When searching for a car title loan for an older vehicle, it’s important to find the right lender. Here are some tips for finding the best lenders:

Specialized Lenders: Some lenders specialize in offering title loans for older or high-mileage cars. They may have more lenient requirements and better terms for your specific situation.

Online Lenders: Many online lenders offer fast approvals and nationwide coverage. They allow you to apply from the comfort of your home and provide competitive rates.

Local Title Loan Providers: Local lenders may offer personalized service and quicker access to your loan. It’s a good idea to shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders.

Be sure to read reviews and check the lender’s reputation before committing to any loan.

5. Tips for Getting the Best Deal on a Title Loan for Your Older Vehicle

To get the best deal on a title loan for your older car, follow these tips:

Research Multiple Lenders: Don’t settle for the first offer. Compare terms from different lenders to find the best interest rates and repayment plans.

Check Loan Terms: Make sure you understand the interest rate, fees, and repayment schedule. Look for a lender that offers reasonable rates and flexible terms.

Improve Vehicle Condition: If possible, make repairs or improvements to your vehicle to increase its value before applying for the loan. A well-maintained car can fetch a higher loan amount.

Have Documentation Ready: Be prepared to provide documentation like your car title, proof of income, and ID. The more organized you are, the smoother the application process will go.

Read the Fine Print: Before signing any loan agreement, carefully read the terms to ensure there are no hidden fees or penalties.

6. Conclusion

Car title loans on older vehicles or high-mileage cars are possible, but it’s important to understand what to expect in the process. By researching the best lenders, preparing your documentation, and taking steps to improve your vehicle’s condition, you can increase your chances of getting approved for a loan that fits your needs.

At Full Finance, we understand that securing a car title loan on an older vehicle can be a bit more complicated than applying for one on a newer car, but we’re here to help. Contact us today for expert advice on how to get a car title loan for your older vehicle and find the best lender for your needs.

Visit Our Website: www.fullfinance.com

Publication Date: 10 December 2024                                Author Name: Mark

[aaabailbondsmichigan12]

Affordable Bail Bonds Service in Michigan: Your Guide to Quick and Reliable Bail Bonding Services

When it comes to dealing with the legal system, time is of the essence. Getting yourself or a loved one out of jail can be a stressful and costly experience. That's where bail bonding services come into play, helping to secure a timely release without having to pay the full bail amount upfront. In Michigan, finding an affordable bail bonds service is crucial for many families facing unexpected legal troubles. This blog aims to guide you through everything you need to know about affordable bail bonds service in Michigan and how bail bonding services work.

What Is a Bail Bond?

Before diving into the specifics of affordable bail bonds services in Michigan, it's important to understand what a bail bond is. A bail bond is a financial guarantee provided by a bail bond company to the court on behalf of the defendant. It ensures that the defendant will appear at all required court hearings. The defendant typically pays a fee to the bail bondsman, which is a percentage of the total bail amount, usually around 10%. The bail bondsman then posts the full bail amount with the court, allowing the defendant to be released from custody.

How Bail Bonding Services Work in Michigan

Michigan, like many other states, allows defendants to secure their release through bail bonds when they cannot afford to pay the full bail amount. Bail bonding services provide a quick and effective way to help someone get out of jail while ensuring they fulfill their legal obligations.

Contact a Bail Bondsman: Once you know the bail amount set by the court, the first step is to contact a bail bonds service. A licensed bail bondsman will walk you through the process and explain the terms.

Payment of the Premium: As mentioned earlier, the defendant or their loved one will need to pay a percentage of the total bail amount, typically around 10%. For example, if the bail is set at $10,000, the defendant will pay approximately $1,000 to the bail bondsman.

Securing Collateral: In some cases, the bail bondsman may require collateral, such as property, vehicles, or other valuable assets, to secure the bond. This ensures that the bail bondsman can recover the full amount if the defendant skips court.

Release from Jail: Once the bail bond is posted, the defendant will be released from jail, usually within hours, depending on the facility.

Court Appearances: It's crucial that the defendant attends all scheduled court hearings. If they fail to appear, the court may issue a warrant for their arrest, and the bail bond will be forfeited.

Why Choose an Affordable Bail Bonds Service in Michigan?

Cost-Effective: Legal expenses can add up quickly, and paying the full bail amount upfront may not be feasible for everyone. An affordable bail bonds service allows you to pay a fraction of the bail while still securing the defendant's release. This is particularly important for families on a budget.

Quick Release: Time is critical when someone is in jail. A reliable and affordable bail bonds service will work quickly to post bail and secure the defendant's release as soon as possible. This reduces the emotional stress on families and allows the defendant to return to work or home life.

Payment Plans: Many affordable bail bonds services in Michigan offer flexible payment plans, allowing families to pay the premium over time. This makes it easier for individuals with limited financial resources to access the help they need.

How to Find the Right Bail Bonds Service in Michigan

Finding an affordable and trustworthy bail bonds service can feel overwhelming, especially in the middle of a legal crisis. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right provider:

Look for Licensing: Ensure that the bail bondsman is licensed to operate in Michigan. Licensing is a sign that they comply with state regulations and standards.

Read Reviews: Online reviews can provide valuable insights into the experiences of other clients. Look for bail bonds services with positive reviews for their reliability, affordability, and customer service.

Ask About Fees: While the industry standard is 10%, some bail bonds services may charge additional fees. Be sure to get a clear understanding of the costs involved before signing any agreements.

24/7 Availability: Arrests can happen at any time, so it’s important to choose a bail bonds service that operates 24/7 to ensure quick assistance.

Conclusion Dealing with an arrest can be an emotionally and financially challenging time for any family. By choosing an affordable bail bonds service in Michigan, you can minimize the financial burden and ensure a swift release for your loved one. Whether you're seeking immediate assistance or just looking for more information on bail bonding services, understanding your options and working with a licensed professional is key to navigating the bail process successfully.