#<- or rather people just dont want to give credibility to black people talking about it i think is a better way to phrase that

[meteorherd]

pavitr 🥲

[thegoodomensdumpster]

I WATCHED GOOD OMENS IN FRENCH SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO

and it wasn’t that bad. Here are my thoughts, barely edited as I wrote most of them while watching the show.

EP 1

OK i like god’s voice so far

possibilité d’embarras gastrique is a good formulation, I wonder if it’s the same in the book ( I think I kinda need to read it in french now...)

aghghdhgs « primo-délinquants »

of course subtitles don’t match the audio for a variety of technical reasons but when you get things that have very different underlying meanings i find it… not good This one about Crowley being evil / a demon : subtitles : « c’est ton travail » - « it’s your job » audio : « c’est dans ta nature » - « it’s in your nature » i mean dang

crowley sounds like a little shit asking az about his sword

« T’AS FAIT QUOUA » - he just loses his shit (kinda giving me some le coeur a ses raisons vibe)

ok crowley sounds very nerdy when he tries to explain that he took down the phone network, i think i actually like this voice acting

ligur sounds… very suave (im a little ill at ease)

crowley getting called mon chou by satan freddie mercury is a thumb up from me

i see the part where aziraphale speaks japanese wasn’t dubbed over and we can still hear michael sheen. it’s a bit disturbing considering french aziraphale has a higher pitched voice (and he sounds soooo much more anxious than sheen, give this angel a xanax )

“sandwich bœuf cresson” ( beef and cress sandwich ) deirdre really who makes this kind of sandwiches

im being reminded that the chattering nuns prepared little cut outs for their explanation about the antichrist switch… such dedication to useless crafts (it made me laugh on my first viewing and it’s still funny to imagine that some of them either ordered or built these things themselves just so they could make this two minutes long presentation for the most important act of their satanic nun careers)

retire-toi vil démon infernal, créature des abysses XD i swear az doesn’t sound even remotely convinced when he is saying the « get thee behind me foul fiend » line in french, it’s just too over the top for credibility, it sounds like it’s straight out of some super intense dnd session

they still can’t say bouillabaisse (which, like, weird because french, but still valid). nice touch is crowley couldn’t say soupe de poisson (fish stew) either and said poupe de soisson (sish ftew)

warlock mah boy how can you be a teenager and not like dinosaurs

c’est un dinosaure un nullosaure plutôt - apply burn heal

La façon dont warlock s’est exclamé « C’EST NUL » m’a fait penser au nain de naheulbeuk

the english version has nothing on french speaking aziraphale for the second hand embarrassement during the magic tour. it’s over 9000 i literally hid my head in my jumper when he was presenting harry the bunny. Horrible experience, 0/20, would not recommend

EP 2

oooh agnes has a lovely voice !

why is young newton having such a quality dub for the three sentences he has to say

dick turpin’s name is jesse james (tbf dick turpin is not known AT ALL in france, i discovered him reading good omens)

shadwell is pure chaos (as expected). No particular accent for him though, the chaotic energy was probably enough. Would have made me laugh if he had like, a chti or a marseilles accent.

aziraphale is so fucking stressed out by crowley’s driving i thought he was gonna explode

« tu es un gentil garçon » => « you’re a nice boy » said az to crowley DANG THAT’S SO INFANTILIZING AZIRAPHALE YOU’RE TALKING TO A DEMON FROM HELL NOT TO PINOCCHIO

ARGH FIRST MON ANGE OF THE SERIES i’m hit straight in the heart

anathema’s mom doesn’t have a spanish / latino accent at all when talking in spanish…. why...

dog being called toutou is definitely adorable (it’s basically « doggy » but way cuter imo)

tickety-boo has become ça gaze. that’s valid. it’s corny but i still use it unironically from time to time so ... i stan

EP 3

« je répands la fomentation » « i’m here spreading foment » « quoi tu fais des crêpes au froment ?????? »  « what you’re making crêpes with wheat ??? » love the fact that we shoehorned in one more ref to crêpes

az called crowley mon cher camarade, unintentionnal communist propaganda ftw

« pas de repos pour les… bah, pour les bons » « no rest for the… good »  – az was so deflated about the ineptitude he realized he was saying, he felt zero percent commited to his sentence

i was wondering how they would play aziraphale not being able to speak french in the bastille and they opted to have him stutter a bit and say to his executionner « excuse me i’m anxious » XD

« vous êtes le 999e aristo à mourir par mes soins. Mais vous êtes le premier en costume beige » « you’re the 999th aristocrat I’m going to kill, but the first one in beige attire » yeah i guess now that az isn’t english anymore his most noticeable feature is his cream aesthetic

« c’est au cas où ça tournerait en eau de boudin » « j’ADORE le boudin » => « in case it all goes pear shape » - the literal translation featuring food in french is « turning into black sausage water ». I don’t know what pear shaped inspires to english native speakers but the mere mention of boudin always make me giggle, it’s such a funny word and such a funny food

OH !!! no terrence rampa for the tv series, we’ve got anthony J. rampa. Rip terrence petit démon parti trop tôt :’(

« tu roules trop vite pour moi rampa » SERIOUSLY i know we can still infer « rouler » (here as in driving, but literally rolling) as a metaphor for their relationship but you could have said TU VAS TROP VITE that would have been so much better argh

has anathema got an emergency stock of potteries to break in case of emotionnal crisis ?

« Rampa, un démon très futé, il m’oblige à redoubler d’effort » « crowley, a very clever demon, he forces me to make double the amount of effort » oh so admitting you’re making an effort there aziraphale ? :))))))

dang i really want to know how shadwell said that major milk bottle died because not only did he die in combat but aziraphale’s reaction is a bit intense, it must have been quite a tale (this could be a crack fic prompt : «The Epic Tale of the Death Of Major Witchfinder Milk Bottle, by Sargent Witchfinder Shadwell» )

des sorcières et des phénomènes sorciéreux x)

CROWLEY CALLED AZIRAPHALE DUCON ?????? EXCUSE ME ????? #NotMyCrowley #CrowleyWouldNeverDoThat  #CancelAnthonyJRampa2K20  => ducon would be an insult, the gathering of du and con, con being a very nasty but common swear word, and associating it with du- makes it extremely patronizing. it’s like « absolute pathetic digraceful moron +++ ». thanks i hate it *frowny face *

EP 4

l’apocalypse c’est pour aujourd’hui juste après le goûter : it could be translated as « apocalypse is scheduled for today right after tea time » except that « goûter » is not quite tea time but rather the little sugary snack kids take when they come back from school and that most adults drop out of (i haven’t and i’m sure az hasn’t either). thanks aziraphale for having exclusively food related notion of the time because tbh same

ligur has no right to be this sexy between ariyon bakare and his french voice actor that’s just not allowed

radio crowley’s voice vs french ligur’s voice, who has the sexiest voice : FIGHT

(jk french agnes nutter’s voice is by far the sexiest)

gender neutral doesn’t ‘quite’ exist in french but pollution has been assigned a female voice actress and masculine pronouns (i’m saying it doesn’t quite exist because officially we have no gender neutral, but it’s a serious wip among lgbt+ circles to the point where it’s started being used in a few medias)

hastur « en attendant qu’un plombier vienne » / « while waiting for a plumber to come » does hell have a special plumber unit or do demons have to call on human plumbers for their pipes damages ? Dang hastur having to call a human plumber for hell’s plumbery is another damn good writing prompt for a crack fic

Michael is called Michel in the subtitles but Michael in the audio *shrug emoji*

EP 5 

to get a wiggle on has become « il faut qu’on se remue les fesses », literally « we need to shake our butts » like, yes, se remuer les fesses is a common expression to say « we need to act in order to get things done » but it really casts the image of people shaking their booty to some music and obviously crowley thinks the same Weirdly enough I have almost nothing to say for that episode. Sorry. But we’ve discovered most voice actors and actresses so far and no bit of dialogue really struck me as worth discussing or pointing fingers to mock it.

EP 6 

« on va BROUTER quelques derrières » - « we’re gonna lick some butts » OK THIS IS UNQUESTIONNABLY FAR SUPERIOR IN FRENCH THAN IN ENGLISH you thought LICKING butts was good ??? you really thought that ???? AZIRAPHALE HERE SUGGESTS TO GRAZE BUTTS. TO NIBBLE THEM. TO EAT THEM. TO. MUNCH. ON. THOSE. BUTTS!!!! not just licking, guys. This is as serious step beyond licking. (oh yeah he should have said « botter » instead of brouter btw, which is really just kicking, fyi)

« moi je crois en la paix, pétasse ! » wow, language, pepper (fyi i think « pétasse » is far far worse than « bitch » even if it means roughly the same, pétasse is almost never used while bitch is rather common, so it’s a swear word +++)

Dagon sounds like she’s got a nasty cold. #GetDagonIbuprofen2K20

I can confirm that Crowley offers Aziraphale to not just stay at his place, but to move in with him. « tu peux t’installer chez moi si tu veux ». omg they were roommates.

Bad translation strikes again : i don’t know why, but the french dub doesn’t have the « tickety-boo » / « ça gaze » being referenced as Rampa / Aziraphale is being knocked down, which is… a real mistep. It was narratively significant and I’m quite mad the translators missed it.

The Jesse James explanation from Newt has become very nonsensical, instead of the neat and to the point pun « wherever I go I hold up trafic » we’re getting a circonvoluted « because it’s a crime to mechanic’s diligence ». I’m not judging that one too hard, I have no idea how to make it better, and that’s probably how it was translated in the book as well thirty years ago, but it definitely doesn’t have the same impact. On the other hand, it definitely IS a very bad joke that doesn’t even deserve a chuckle, so Anathema’s embarassement really matches the audience’s (aka mine).

OVERALL :

I wasn’t convinced by Crowley… I mean, Rampa’s voice at first, but as the nerdiness showed up it really grew on me. I still think that french dubs have often problems with some voice inflexions every here and there, and for instance in Rampa’s case it was when he was annoyed or frustrated ( at the Globe when complaining about horses and Shakespeare’s plays that aren’t comedies, and also when discussing Azirphale’s magic tricks, it’s like… there is a step between having the right amount of grumpy complaining and overdoing it that is overlooked. It’s overacted, it should have been a bit quieter imo. I don’t mean to criticize voice actors too hard either but as an audience watching french dubs this is a very recurring problem and it always feels off to me. It’s actually one of the main reasons I avoid french dubs whenever possible.)

I have a hard time judging Aziraphale’s voice dub because it clashes so much with both the idea I had formed with it when I read the book and Sheen’s delivery that I just… kinda filtered it. It was too high pitched for me, and too anxious (though for this last point I must admit it could be funny at times, but I’m not fond of this character portrayal). The rest of the cast was rather good, nothing to complain about. There wasn’t anything stellar either, but everything that needed to be conveyed was and it was professionnal. It was also very homogeneous, no voice really struck me as being way too bad or way too good compared to the others, so it was really consistant.

So I don’t have much to complain about overall despite a few wonky translations here and there, BUT there is one thing I felt very robbed of : Crowley calling Aziraphale « mon ange » happens only once, when giving a lift to Anathema, and I’m almost certain they translated it that way because otherwise the joke about Anathama mistaking them for a couple wouldn’t work. So, they were forced to make it that way. The rest of the time Crowley calls Aziraphale « l’angelot », and despite being literally translated by « little angel », it feels sarcastic more than anything else ( the « L’ » in front of « angelot » is part of the reason why, it creates some distance, the other reason being that this word in itself has a very corny vibe and people being affectionnate to each other wouldn’t use it as a term of endearment). So, that’s a shame.

I like the English dub much much MUCH better than the French, but the french wasn’t nearly as bad as I was expecting it to be. The voice actors and actresses were quite good, the dialogues mostly faithful and endearing despite a few really missed steps. It really had its moments. Props to brouter des derrières, that one was fantastic.

[thetravelerwrites]

A New Generation (Pt. 2)

Rating: Teen Fandom: 魔法使いの嫁 | Mahou Tsukai no Yome | The Ancient Magus Bride Relationships: Hatori Chise x Elias Ainsworth Characters: Elias Ainsworth, Hatori Chise, Chise Hatori, Silver Lady, Silkie, Ruth, Titania, Oberon, Shannon, Stella Barklem, Angelica Burley, David Burley, Althea Burley, Lindel | Lindenbaum, Merituuli Trigger Warnings: Pregnancy, Childbirth, Babies, Infants, Depression, Anxiety, Discrimination, Unplanned Pregnancy, Abandonment, References to Abuse, References to Abandonment, References to Child Murder Words: 8551

As Chise's pregnancy progresses, Elias is consumed with worry that his child will be rejected by both fae and humans, as he had been. Chise struggles with the fear that she might abandon or harm her own children, as her parents did. 

When Elias returned home from London, he sat down with Chise and had a very long, solemn conversation with her about the pregnancy, and for the first time, they talked about a future that also involved their child. Or children, if Chise was correct in her belief that there were two.

He told her about going to speak with Lindel, Simon, and Angelica and what their advice had been. Like him, Chise found Angelica’s tale the most consoling. Knowing that the artificer had felt similar apprehension about procreating helped Chise feel less isolated.

Calling Angelica and talking to her at length also did much to improve Chise’s disposition, not just about Chise’s ability to parent but also about the pregnancy itself. It didn’t cure her of her worries, but having someone to talk to who knew exactly what she was going through was a great comfort to her.

Finally managing to convince Elias to install a landline in the house had been a pretty recent accomplishment. He fought this "modern indulgence" for quite a long time, but when he finally understood that it meant she didn’t have to walk to town to use the public phone every other day, he was more open to the idea, especially since walking long distances was going to become rather difficult for her as time went on. The noise the device made was annoying, but seeing her smile when she answered it was enough to keep him from being too bothered by the sound.

The change in her mood greatly eased Elias’s mind. Watching Chise spiral into a deep, black pit of terror and depression was difficult for him to bear, especially given there was little he could on his own to improve it. As much as he wanted to help her, he had eventually come to understand that sometimes people could only find solace in others who’d had comparable experiences. This was just not his ken, so it was better left to those suited to the task.

He tried to quash his own fears for her sake, but she knew him too well to let him get away with keeping those thoughts to himself. At night, before they slept, she would talk to him; just talk, not expecting him to respond if he wasn’t in the mood to do so, and it helped him. Hearing the sudden shift in her voice from cold despair to tentative hope had done much to alleviate his woes. She encouraged him to be honest with her about what he felt, but didn’t push him to talk if he didn’t want to. More often than not, though, he would. They would lay bear their worries to each other and try to find the bright side. They were both still afraid, but they were facing that fear together.

And it helped.

Summer was in full swing, and Elias was twice as busy as normal now that Chise was limited as to what she could do. He didn’t grumble about it much; after all, he had done everything himself before she had come along. But they had become a well-coordinated, efficient team over the years and he had come to treasure her reserved, supportive assistance in all things, whether practical or magical. He rather missed working in tandem with her.

Though she was no longer allowed to do any of her normal seasonal chores beyond a little light weeding and watering, she would often sit in the garden with him as he worked and help whenever she could, not content with staying in bed all day like an invalid. Besides, having Chise within Elias’s sight and hearing was good for his heart and mind.

Ruth spent his time keeping a close, watchful eye on her, reporting any physical ills that Chise might keep to herself to Elias. As long as she was at rest, though, they were happy enough.

Late one night, he walked into their bedroom to prepare for sleep and found her naked in front of a mirror, standing to the side, looking down at her belly.

“What are you doing?” He asked curiously.

“Look at my stomach,” She said, her hands gently probing her lower abdomen. “It’s bigger. And it’s hard, too. Feel.”

Elias came close and laid his hand on her stomach. It was indeed hardened, as though she had swallowed a large stone, and there was a swelling between her hips; not big, but definitely noticeable.

And perhaps he imagined it, but he thought he felt a strange swirl of energy embedded there underneath the flesh and muscle, lodged deep in her body. No, two swirls. Perhaps Chise’s instinct was more credible than he first thought.

“Hmm,” He said. “Why is that?”

“Angelica says the uterus thickens and becomes more solid to protect the fetuses,” She said, reaching for a book on her nightstand. “It says so in this, too. Alice sent it to me. I told her about the babies, by the way, but I swore her to secrecy. I haven’t told Stella yet, but she’s busy at university and I didn’t want to bother her during finals.”

Elias bent to peer at the book. “What is it?”

She flipped through the rather large paperback volume. “It’s a book about pregnancy and birth. It’s actually pretty informative. So many things make sense now.”

“May I read it, then?” He asked. “There is much I still need to learn. I have a distinct dearth of knowledge about this particular subject and I feel compelled to rectify that.”

“Sure,” she said, handing it to him. “I’ve read up to the third trimester, so I won’t need it for a little while. I hope it helps.”

In some ways it did, and in others it didn’t. During gestation, he learned, the woman’s body produces excess blood to carry extra oxygen to the baby, which in turn causes the mother’s heart rate to accelerate for the duration of the pregnancy, which in turn causes her core temperature to rise. That explained that part, at least.

But other aspects of pregnancy and childbirth were, to put it mildly, horrifying. Things like nosebleeds, strange cravings, extreme mood swings, increased sex drive, swelling of the extremities, sudden hair growth or hair loss, violent fits of vomiting that lasted for months, soreness almost everywhere, food aversions, heighten sensitivity of smell, touch, and taste… the list of physical oddities was extensive. Bones would often be pushed out of the way and change position to compensate for the growing child, sometimes even fracturing or breaking in the process. And all of this was considered normal.

And those were just minor possible symptoms. The more severe ones were downright ghastly. There was no end of ways that it could go wrong, no end to the possible damage to the mother, no end to the ways the child could be born ill or malformed, and that was just for regular, non-magical children. There was no telling what kind of ailments could befall the child of two mages, especially if both parents were cursed.

And the descriptions of the birthing process itself, including the many, many things that could go awry, was nothing short of nauseating. Several times, he had to shut the book and put it aside for a while, appalled at what he learned. He hated to admit it, but sometimes knowledge for knowledge’s sake wasn’t always a good thing.

Once the first physical changes had begun, time seemed to speed up. Chise’s body changed rapidly, her stomach growing larger every day to carry the new life safely. She seemed especially breakable these days, and Elias couldn’t help being even more protective than he had been before.

For years before he had bought Chise, nothing had changed. Things went on as they always had, and it was as comfortable as it was dull. Then, once he met her, things changed, but it was a slow change. Even though things happened that never had before, it came at a pace he could understand and absorb.

Now, everything was new and happening too fast for him to process, and he was trying his best to keep up. He did not adapt well to change.

One afternoon in late July, while Chise was having her afternoon nap, Elias awoke her with a touch to her cheek.

“I’m sorry to wake you, Little Bird,” He said softly. “But there is a guest downstairs who has come a long way to see you. Are you feeling up to greeting them?”

She smiled. “Sure.”

Downstairs, she saw a tallish, pale man standing in their sitting room in modern clothes, looking around the room curiously. His blonde hair was separated into two bunches and hung over his shoulders. The the pupils of his bright blue eyes were slits, like that of a wild predator.

“Lindel!” Chise exclaimed in surprise.

When he saw her enter the room, a wide smile split his face. “It’s good to see you, my daughter,” He said, his arms open toward her.

She rushed forward to give him a hug. “What are you doing here? The dragons--”

“Can survive me being gone for an hour or two. Besides, Merituuli is to inform me right away if anything should happen while I’m here. I haven’t heard from you in a while and I wanted to check on you.” He held her at arms length and looked at her belly. “You’re coming along rather quickly, aren’t you? I sense very strong life essences brewing in there. Your offspring will be incredibly powerful mages. I can’t wait to meet my grandchildren; you must bring them to the aerie once they’ve been born.”

“More than one?” Chise asked.

“Oh, yes,” Lindel replied. “Two separate, distinct energies, hale and healthy, growing well.”

“Ha,” Chise said quietly. “I knew it.”

“Now,” He took her hand and hooked it around his arm. “Why don’t you give me a tour and tell me all about your preparations for the little ones? I’ve never actually been to Thorn’s home, you know. The ungrateful brat has never so much as extended an invitation.”

Elias sniffed slightly and sat in his chair, picking up a book he must have been reading before Lindel arrived.

“Of course,” She said, turning. Silver was looking in shyly from the kitchen, where Ruth was having a snack. “This is Silver Lady. She’s a neighbor who runs the house and looks after us. She’s been a big help to me.”

Lindel bowed. “A pleasure.”

Maybe it was Chise’s imagination, but she could have sworn Silver blushed.

“Good to see you again, Ruth,” Lindel said pleasantly. “Keeping a sharp eye on our favorite girl, are you?”

“Of course,” Ruth said. “She’s been getting plenty of rest, but she’s not eating as much as I’d prefer.”

Chise sighed heavily. “Elias’s fussing is bad enough, but having a fae nanny breathing down my neck all day is really irritating.”

Lindel laughed softly. “I would imagine so.”

Chise showed him her old room upstairs with Ruth trailing behind, where Silver had surprised her one day by converting it into a nursery. Silver, at least, seemed very excited about the new additions to the family and was going to extraordinary lengths to make sure the house was ready for their arrival.

The brand-new cupboards were stacked with blankets and swaddling and dressing gowns and cloth diapers, all handmade by Silver. There were double changing tables and bassinets, set side by side, and even a rocking chair next to the window. Chise had no idea where all the new furniture had even come from. Silver had used neutral colors to decorate the room: a mix of light and dark browns and soft purples and blues. The walls had been painted with a mural of wildflowers and trees, and the floor was plush grass-green carpet, as though the room was outside in a meadow. It was beautiful. Chise had cried and hugged Silver for quite a while when Silver presented it to her.

Ah, mood swings.

Elias had not been prepared for these emotional outbursts and, quite frankly, neither had Chise. She’d go from really happy to really sad to really annoyed all in the span of a few minutes. It was rather dizzying for the both of them. Ruth tried to warn Elias when they were coming, but he couldn’t always tell, so they were often blindsided by a sudden explosion of emotion that even Chise didn’t always understand. He supposed there was some comfort to be found in the fact that she was just as confused as he was.

Chise showed Lindel Elias’s study, and her workroom beyond where she practiced her spellcraft, and then decided to take a break in the garden. Lindel sat with Chise, talking animatedly about the baby dragons and happily eating Silver’s sandwiches and cakes. It was probably a nice change from stew. He even coaxed a song from Chise, one he had taught her in Icelandic about a hungry raven that slept beneath rock rifts. She had missed singing with him.

The sound of their voices raised in song brought Elias out to join them. He hadn’t heard her sing in some time and was pleased to hear it. She only sang when she was in a good mood. The resonance of their voices made the trees stand straighter, the flowers bloom brighter, and the sunlight shine gently upon them without being overpowering. When Lindel and Chise worked together, everything they touched was magic. Elias couldn’t help but be a little jealous of that.

The visit was a splendid one that did much to brighten Chise’s spirit. Before long, Lindel felt the aerie calling his heart home and left Chise with a hug and well-wishes. He even shook Elias’s hand.

Lindel snapped and sparked and was gone in a flurry of snow and cinders. Chise was sorry to see him go. She really felt as though Lindel was a surrogate father. When he called her his daughter, there had been weight to it. He genuinely meant it.

Chise made to go inside, but Elias took her by the hand to stop her, looking off into the woods.

“I believe we may have further visitors,” He said, taking his veil and flinging it over his face. He pointed to the treeline.

There, almost invisible under the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, stood a fae woman of indescribable beauty. Her black hair trailed behind her and brushed the ground as she walked, and her skin was as smooth as the petals of a lily. Her eyes, the colors of which shifted as though iridescent, were locked on Chise from where she stood motionless in the shadow. How long she had been there, no one could say, but her attention was on Chise and nothing else.

“Lady Titania,” Chise breathed.

As though summoned, Titania stepped out of the shelter of trees and began to walk toward them. Spriggan stepped out of her shadow, the gold rings adorning his staff jingling as he walked. He looked as surly as ever.

“My dear, sweet robin,” Titania said, holding her arms out to Chise and she stepped forward. “Oh! Isn’t it so wonderful!”

“I assume the little folk have informed you of Chise’s condition,” Elias said.

“Oh,yes, my child. I can’t tell you how pleased I am! Oberon is beside himself.” She glanced back to the forest’s edge. Chise and Elias followed her gaze to see Oberon running to and fro, giggling like a child and throwing flowers into the air. Chise laughed softly and shook her head.

Titania returned her attention to Chise and touched her hand to Chise’s belly. “Look how far along you are! I must say, though, I am terribly put out that you hid it from us for so long.”

“I’m sorry,” Chise said. “I… it’s been… difficult.”

Titania took her face in her hands. “Poor child,” She said. “Do not despair. This is a blessing. What a wondrous gift it is to be mortal. The fae do not breed well with each other and as such, our children are rare. That’s why there are so many old tales among mortals about halflings, though such things are far less likely in this millenia.” Her gaze brushed across Elias’s tall form briefly. “I suppose it’s how your race proliferates so effectively. You’re like rabbits, in that way.” She giggled.

“Oh, what a wonderful turn of fate!” Oberon crooned gleefully, skipping around the group of them. “I can’t wait to see the new little mages. Is there any chance at all they’ll be blonde? Oh, nevermind, they’ll be adorable either way!”

“Titania,” Elias started, ignoring Oberon as he pranced around them, laying a flower crown on Chise’s head. “You have the gift of foresight. Can you…” He paused, clutching the fabric of his shirt over his chest, as though in pain. “Is there any way to tell… that is to say…” He stumbled to a stop.

“Elias,” Titania said kindly. “Ask your question plainly, and I shall answer as best as I can.”

Elias sighed. “The children… our children… will they be… like me? Half-creatures, hated and shunned for the sin of merely being alive in a world where they do not belong?”

Chise’s heart bled for him. It must have quite a blow to his pride to ask that question. She knew he’d never admit it to anyone, not even her, but the constant reminder that he was neither one or the other was something that caused him perpetual grief. The idea that he was terrified his own children would share this fate made Chise’s heart ache. She took his hand in hers and squeezed it consolingly.

“Oh, Thorn,” Titania said sadly. “I see branches; roads that split and diverge like serpents in the sea of potentiality. I see many possibilities, though some are more likely than others. I cannot give you a solid answer because the paths are still many and multiplying. I cannot tell you for certain what will be.” She laid a hand on his chest and smiled. “But would you like to know what I feel?”

He nodded, apprehensive.

“I feel love and joy,” She said. “I hear laughter echoing within the walls of this dwelling. Your children will have fragments of their father residing in them, as all children do, but they will have the protection and favor of all who love them. And there will be many who love them. They are blessed by the Queen of the Fae herself, and my blessing is no paltry trinket.”

“Titania, I…” Elias said, unable to continue.

Oberon slid over to his wife and winked at her, a wide smile on his face. He then turned to Elias.

“Do not fret, thorn child,” He said. “However tainted your lineage may be, you are still one of us, and your bride is beloved by our kind. Your children, then, will be doubly revered by all fae. You have no cause to worry.”

“Thank you. That is… very comforting,” He replied, though his tone said to Chise that he was still rather troubled.

Chise endured another few minutes of Titania and Oberon’s doting before they decided to depart. She felt rather relieved when they left. They could be a lot to handle all at once.

That night, lying in bed with Elias, the question he had asked the Faerie Queen revolved over and over in her mind.

“Elias?” She asked softly, trying not to wake Ruth. “Are you still awake?”

She couldn’t see his pupils, but he did answer. “Yes.”

She lay her hand on the back of his neck and stroked it. “Are you really worried about how the children will turn out?”

Elias sighed. “It does not matter to me what they will look like,” He said somberly. “But it will matter to humans. Experience has taught me well that mankind does not adapt quickly to things that are strange or unusual.” He turned his head to look at her. “The fae will not care about their appearance, either, but they will see them as my children, spawn of the halfling failure. That alone may be enough to draw the ire of the fae against them, despite what Titania and Oberon said. Those two have never failed in their kindness to me, but it is borne out of pity, not respect, and the rest of the fae are not so magnanimous. Some are indifferent to me, but most, like the Spriggan, are openly hostile. I do not wish for my children to suffer because of who their father is.”

“Oh, Elias,” Chise said, holding him close. “I wish I could--Oh!” Chise sat up abruptly, pulling the covers down and placing both hands on her belly.

“What?” He asked in alarm, turning to sit up. “What is it? Are you alright?”

“I felt them.”

“You did?” He asked.

“Yes,” She said, moving her hands around gingerly. “I felt a thumping on the inside. I felt some flutters before, but I was never sure what they were. That was definitely a kick.”

“Are you sure?” He asked, looking at her abdomen.

In response, she took his hand and laid it down on her stomach, instructing him to wait. He did so, and it took nearly five minutes, but there was a distinct nudge against his hand.

Chise looked up and smiled at him, but his heart was in his throat. He couldn’t decide if he was excited or panicked. Talking about the baby, seeing her belly expand, making preparations: for some reason, none of that made it feel real. But this did. Feeling the tiny movements of the child on his own skin from the inside of her body was what made it reality to him.

“We should call on Shannon tomorrow,” Chise said. “I’m twenty weeks. It’s about time for a check-up.”

“Y-yes,” He said vaguely. “Of course.”

She took his face in her hands. “Are you all right?”

“I do not know,” He answered honestly. “I am… frightened.”

“I know,” She said. She laid her forehead on his.

They stayed that way for many minutes, their foreheads touching, his hand on her belly, feeling the little jumps and thumps of his children moving about inside. Frightened was not an adequate word for what he felt. He didn’t know if there was a word strong enough.

Time seemed to move very fast for a while, and then suddenly slowed to a snail’s pace. Before they knew it, it was winter. Chise had grown very large, and Shannon expected the babies to come a few days after the new year.

Chise kept to the house exclusively now, since moving was more difficult, not to mention that Elias was highly paranoid about her catching an illness in her condition. She spent much of the time nesting, which is an instinctual habit among mothers-to-be to make sure everything was in its proper place and perfect. Silver had taken care of most of that for her, but it didn’t stop Chise from folding and refolding all of the babies’ linens and making sure things were just so.

As the time for the birth came closer, the atmosphere of the house grew more and more anxious. Chise was rather sick of being pregnant and was ready to be able to stand without assistance and not eat what felt like half her body weight every day. Ruth was restless and impatient. He could feel the time getting closer just as acutely as Chise did.

If Chise was anxious and Ruth was restless, Elias was downright terrified. He spent a lot of time alone in his study, unable to control this emotion. He didn’t want to worry her more than she already was, but he couldn’t push away the awful feeling of dread.

He had slowly grown accustomed to the idea of the children, but not the possibility that they would take after him. The idea that they could be subjected to cruelty and discrimination for simply being his children made his blood run cold. How could he protect them against that kind of hatred? How could he shield them from the animosity of both humans and fae? He could weather it just fine; he was used to it, and some of it was deserved. He had once been a monster, after all. But they would be innocent and guileless. They didn’t deserve to be treated as he had been.

As much as he tried to hide his worry from Chise, he knew she felt it. He could see it on her face when she looked at him sometimes. It wasn’t pity that she showed him, but empathy. If anyone would understand, it would be her, but this was just one thing he couldn’t talk to her about. She always tried to soothe him and tell him things would be fine, but she had no way of knowing that for certain. Blind optimism just didn’t work for him.

Very late on the night before Christmas eve, a sharp yelp of pain woke Elias from sleep. It had been Ruth: he had bounced out of his bed and shot to Chise’s side, immediately switching to his human form. Chise was sitting curled around her stomach, gasping.

“Chise?” Elias asked.

“I think my water broke,” Chise gasped. “I’ve been having contractions, but they weren’t bad until now. We need Shannon.”

“Shannon! Silver!” Elias called.

A flash shot through the room. Elias turned on the lamp and found Shannon standing next to Chise, trying to pull her to her feet. The silky came through the door in an instant, a tub of hot water and many towels in her hands. It was almost as if she were waiting for the call.

Shannon had Chise sit on a wooden chair with a curved back, urging her to recline with her pelvis tilted out, putting a pillow behind her to support her back. Silver helped Chise out of her underwear and flipped the hem of her nightgown up over her stomach, exposing her entire lower half. Chise didn’t have the wherewithal to be embarrassed about her tender bits out for the entire room to see. The pain was pushing everything else out of her brain.

“Is it supposed to hurt this much?” Ruth gasped, his arms wrapped around his stomach.

“There are two living creatures the size of watermelons attempting to tear their way out of her body, Ruth. Yeah, it’s gonna hurt,” Shannon said dryly.

“Sorry, Ruth,” Chise said, breathing heavily. “I’m trying to block it.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Ruth said. “I don’t really care about me right now.”

“What can I do?” Elias asked anxiously.

“You and Ruth, get on either side. Both of you hold her hand with one of yours and then let her use your other hand to brace her feet on. She’s going to need the leverage when she starts pushing.”

Elias and Ruth, took their positions. Chise had already begun to sweat profusely and was breathing shallowly. Silver stood at her head, stroking her hair gently and ready with a cloth to wipe her brow.

“Deep breaths, Chise,” Shannon said, kneeling on the ground and pushing a gloved hand into Chise’s body to gauge her dilation. “Nine centimeters,” Shannon said, removing her hand. “Not quiet ready yet, but it’s going to be soon.”

Chise could only nod, attempting with little success to take deep breaths as she was instructed. Her head rolled to look at Elias with fear in her eyes.

“It’s too early,” She said in a terrified whisper. “I’m not due for another three weeks.”

“It’s all right,” Elias whispered, knowing he might be lying. “It will be all right.”

Chise had no choice but to wait until her body opened up enough to start pushing, and it took a few long, miserable hours of pain and sweating. By the time Shannon got into position, it was only an hour before dawn.

“Okay,” Shannon said. “Elias, Ruth, take one foot each and push it toward her chest, but not forcefully. Chise, take several deep breaths. When I say, take a very deep breath, hold it, and start pushing. When I count to ten, you can let go and breath again. Understand?”

Chise nodded, already very tired from the waves of pain she had been suffering over the past few hours. She steeled herself and began to take slow, deep breaths.

“Ready? Okay, deep, deep breath and push!”

Chise pulled in as much air as her lungs could take and held it, bracing her legs against Ruth and Elias’s grip, and pushed with all her might, her face pulled back in a grimace of pain and exertion.

“One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten, and breathe,” Shannon instructed. Chise blew out her breath explosively and gulped in air.

“Okay, again. Deep breath, and push!”

It went on like this for quite a time. They only paused the pushing for Chise to drink water and for Silver to wipe the sweat from her face and neck. Elias talked in Chise’s ear during these brief moments of rest, telling her that she was strong and that he had faith in her. She seemed so tired, but she smiled at him and dotted a kiss on his nose in reply.

Finally, as the first rays of sunlight shone through the window, Shannon pulled a small, reddish-purple infant from Chise’s body. It shrieked as it took it’s first breaths of life, it’s color changing as it took in oxygen. Shannon placed the sticky ball of outrage on Chise’s chest for a moment, allowing the new mother to inspect the little creature for herself while Shannon detached the umbilical cord.

“It’s a baby girl,” Shannon said, smiling.

Chise let go of Ruth and Elias and wrapped her fingers around the tiny thing as it screamed it’s fury at them all. Chise was crying, too, but not in anger. Her face, red and sweaty though it was, lit with joy as she held her newborn daughter.

Suddenly, she seized up with a sudden contraction and hissed with pain. The baby was whisked out of her arms by Silver, who took it to a nearby dressing table to clean it.

“We’re halfway there,” Shannon said. “Let’s get ready. On the next contraction, we start the pushing again.”

Chise nodded, letting Ruth and Elias take hold of her feet and push them back.

Once the first baby was out, the second wasn’t far behind. It wailed more loudly than it’s twin, thrashing about angrily on Chise’s chest, though Chise clearly didn’t seem to mind.

“It’s another little girl,” Shannon said with a grin.

Tears poured from Chise’s eyes as she held her daughter, gasping from the effort of pushing. The touch of her mother’s hands had calmed the baby and she was no longer writhing spastically, but wiggling and making little grunting sounds, lying on her belly in Chise’s grasp.

After a moment, this child, too, was taken away for cleaning. Then there was more work to be done. The afterbirth had to be removed from Chise’s body, which caused a small fountain of blood to escape. Elias and Ruth panicked, but Shannon said this could happen sometimes and it wasn’t serious as long as it was contained quickly. She gave Chise a tea that would help stop the bleeding and once she had finished it, Silver lifted Chise as if she weighed nothing and took her to the bathroom for a proper cleaning. Shannon followed, leaving Ruth and Elias alone with the newborns, lying side by side and safely bundled up in the crib near Chise’s side of the bed.

While she was gone, Ruth went to inspect the babies up close. “Elias,” He called to the mage, who was still sitting in a daze. “Come and see.”

Elias stood with his heart pounding in his chest and walked to stand by Ruth, looking down at his brand new daughters with a lump in his throat. Now that they were cleaned, he could see them better. They were still wiggly and wrinkly, but there were distinct differences between the twins. One had a full head of white-blonde hair and a peachy-pink complexion, while the other had fine red fuzz on her head and was as pale as bleached bone.

“I remember the day that Isabelle was born,” Ruth said solemnly, lost in his memory. “I had only been with the family for a few months and I didn’t quite understand what was happening at the time. I didn’t know what a baby was. She was so tiny and weird-looking, but I loved her right away. We were together all the time after that. I existed for her; I’d have done anything for her.”

He stared down at the two sleeping infants, his eyes dark with recollection. “I took it for granted, thinking she’d always be there. I didn’t see the dangers until it was too late. I should have done more to protect her. If I had been a better brother, she might have lived a long, happy life. I didn’t do enough, and she died.” He reached out but stopped just short of touching the one with red hair. “For them, I’ll do better. I’ll be better. I promise.”

Elias did not respond. He stared down at his sleeping girls rather blankly.

Yes, He thought to himself. I, too, must be better.

Silver and Shannon returned with Chise, clean, wearing a fresh nightgown, and remarkably able to walk unassisted. Elias helped ease her back into the freshly changed bed, then Shannon handed Chise the white-haired baby girl. Shannon insisted that Chise try to breastfeed the baby, as it would help promote clotting. Silver went to work cleaning the gory aftermath off of the floor. Ruth, as a grim, sniffed each child keenly with his tail wagging.

It took a few tries and some urging to get the baby to latch to her breast; apparently babies weren’t born knowing how to do this and had to be taught, but once she found her way, she seemed to be content and fell asleep while feeding, her tiny arm resting on Chise’s skin. Elias watched curiously.

“You probably won’t be able to produce enough milk to fill both babies at the same time, so you might want to supplement with formula. You may even decide to go formula exclusively, which is fine. As long as they get the enzymes from your breastmilk at the start, it’ll be a big boost to their immune systems.”

Chise nodded without looking up, absorbed in the tiny little girl at her breast with it’s little fist around Chise’s finger. She seemed to finish quickly, and Chise lifted the baby for Elias to hold.

“Chise…” He said nervously. “I don’t… I can’t… I don’t think…”

“It’s okay, Elias,” Chise said with a smile. “You’re going to have to hold them at some point. Might as well be now.”

“Just remember to support the head,” Shannon said. “The neck muscles are underdeveloped.”

“Here,” She sat up and, holding the baby in one arm, used her hand to make a cradle of his. “Like this.”

Exercising more care than he ever had in his entire existence, he took the tiny bundle into his arms, cradling it gently. He could feel the warmth of it’s little body through the blankets, as though he were holding a glowing coal. He lifted her up so he could inspect her more closely. As he did so, she opened her eyes for the first time and looked up at him. Her eyes were the color of evergreens, like her mother. But unlike her, the pupils were not round but slits, like that of a wild creature. The eyes of a fae. The eyes of a mage.

“Chise, look,” Elias said, bending to show her. Chise, who had taken the red-haired babe and was feeding her from the other breast, peered at the child Elias held and smiled. Her smile faded and her eyes narrowed curiously.

“What is it?” Elias asked.

“Look at her head, a little bit above the hairline. There’s a bump. No, there’s two, one on either side. Do you see them?”

Elias brought the baby close to his face, examining her closely. There was, indeed, some sort of bump there. Carefully readjusting his grip, he felt the bumps with his finger. They felt like… bone? No, not bone…

“Horns,” Elias said softly. “She has horns.”

Chise laughed softly, her eyes warm with affection. “You certainly can’t deny she’s yours, can you?”

He looked down at her, a new warmth spreading though his chest. “No…” He said. “I cannot.”

“Have you decided on names?” Shannon asked, sitting on the other side, monitoring the mother and her little ones closely.

Elias was taken aback. It wasn’t something he had even thought about. He’d been so preoccupied with his doubts and fears that he hadn’t room to think of anything else.

“It is Christmas Eve,” Chise said, looking out of the snow covered windows. She looked at the little redhead, sleeping peacefully in her arms. “Her hair reminds me of holly berries, so why don’t we call her Holly?” She smiled and gazed at the white-haired child Elias clutched to him. “And with her green eyes, she should be named Ivy.”

Elias sat down on the edge of the bed next to her, bending to nuzzle her head.

“Yes,” He said fondly. “It’s perfect.”

After both parents had a turn holding both of their infant girls, they gave Silver and Ruth a chance. Ruth was anxious and attentive, fearful of being clumsy or accidentally jostling his new nieces and upsetting them, but Silver seemed overjoyed to hold the tiny babes, smiling brightly and giggling at their noises. A better nanny than Silver Lady could not be found anywhere, either in the mortal realm or the kingdom of the fae. Chise had a feeling she was going to be relying heavily on her for the next few months.

While holding Holly, Silver made a small noise of surprise.

“Silver?” Chise said. “What is it?”

Silver brought the baby to the bed and knelt down between Elias and Chise, where the parents could see the newborn’s eyes. The irises were solid black and didn’t reflect light, instead seeming to consume it. The pupils, however, were red. Not the bright holly red of her hair, but a dark crimson red, like blood on snow, and they too were mere slits.

“Oh,” Chise breathed. “Look at that. Aren’t they beautiful?”

Elias, seeing the trace his own eyes looking back at him from his daughter’s face, was at a loss for words.

His children were mostly human, it seemed, but they retained a piece of him, a fragment of his fae blood, just as Titania said. Before, this thought made him worry about their future, but seeing them now, he felt… what was this? It was a good feeling, but it carried weight with it. Pride? Was that it? Did he feel proud? Perhaps so.

After a while, Shannon insists that everyone leave the room to the new parents and their children, and Elias settled himself in a chair beside the bed, with Chise on his left side and the crib on the right. All three of his girls were sleeping peacefully. Ivy seemed content in being wrapped up in her swaddling, but Holly had kicked her way out of the blankets so that she could move freely.

He watched them sleep with mixed emotions, laying his hands on the stomachs of the babes, comforted by their warmth. As if waiting for this, they both reached out and gripped his fingers in their fists and held on with a surprisingly strong grip.

The world could have been falling down around them, but as long as they were safe and happy, it wouldn’t have bothered him. He found he didn’t care all that much at the moment about the concerns that had plagued him before the birth, though he knew they would come back eventually. He felt warm and calm, with none of the anxiety that had been gnawing at his mind for months. Was this feeling happiness? Peace?

He could identify at least one emotion well enough: love. It was different than what he felt for Chise, but no less consuming. Chains of gold and silver had wrapped themselves around his heart. They sprung from the touch of his tiny daughters’ small hands on his own, an unbreakable link that bound him to his newly-born flesh and blood. Instinct drove this behavior, and it was obvious what it meant. They had laid claim to him.

They do not belong to me, he realized. I belong to them. How fascinating.

He had lived for centuries never having tethered himself to any other being. Back then, loneliness and being alone were mutually exclusive concepts. He’d had friendships and acquaintances but felt no obligation to any of them beyond an occasional favor or trade. At the time, he had thought himself content.

When he had acquired Chise on a whim out of mere curiosity, he had not anticipated how his life would change. The connection that developed between them, as slow as it was to manifest openly, was unlike anything he’d felt before. It brought with it many good feelings, as well as many unpleasant ones. Chise’s love was easy enough to earn, but he soon discovered that while love could be unconditional, trust was not. He hadn’t known there was a difference between those emotions until he had betrayed them.

For a while after, their bond was fragile and could snap with any slight pressure he applied to it. It had taken much time and effort on his part to repair the damage he had done, and he had sworn never to do anything that could sever that link again.

But the bond he felt to these two new lives was instantaneous and indestructible, something over which he had no control. He was, for lack of a better term, spellbound.

“I don’t understand.”

Elias jumped slightly at Chise’s soft whisper. He looked over to see that she was awake and staring are her children.

“What is it you do not understand, Little Bird?” Elias replied quietly.

“I thought,” She said. “I thought when they were born, it would make more sense, but it doesn’t. I thought it would help me understand why they did it.”

“Your parents,” He said. It wasn’t a question.

“I thought that once I was a parent myself, I could see it from their perspective, and I’d understand. But I don’t. I would never, ever leave them. I could never hurt them. Never.” She looked at Elias and took his hand. “What they did still makes no sense to me. I guess you were right, Elias. I am different.”

“Yes,” He said, holding her hand to his cheek. “Do not be sad, Chise. That is a wonderful thing.”

She smiled, and her gaze returned to the infants. “You’re right. It is.”

During the first two months, which Chise and Elias used to get accustomed to the new routine of parenthood, the twins developed personalities that were as different as their appearance. Holly was an independent little thing and didn’t like to be swaddled or held for too long, while Ivy loved to be cuddled and preferred to be held by Elias over anyone else. He was more than happy to hold her at all times and soon became deft at doing things one-handed.

After this necessary adjustment time, they decided to have a small gathering of friends over to properly introduce their children. They had invited Stella, the Barley family, Alice, a few friends from the college including the brooding Adolf and enthusiastic Tori, and even Renfred. Over the years, Elias and Renfred had forged a tense acquaintanceship. Chise encouraged them to be better friends, but in the end, she figured anything was better than open hostility.

They had invited Lindel, too, but he didn’t want to leave the aerie again. He insisted they bring them to him instead, which they promised to do when the children were a few months older.

“Aren’t they darling?” Angelica said, looking at Holly sleeping in sixteen-year-old Althea’s arms.

“They really are,” Stella said, now nineteen, as she tickling Ivy’s feet while David held her. The baby cooed at Stella as she did so.

“Ya did good, Chise,” Alice said. “You cooked up some real nice babies in there.” She poked Chise’s stomach, which was now much smaller and thankfully no longer sore.

“That’s a weird phrase, Alice, thank you,” Chise said.

Renfred had been mostly quiet during the gathering. Alice had told Chise that babies make him nervous; he liked kids better when they were old enough to follow orders.

Elias was similarly uncomfortable with so many people in his house at once, and eventually, it drove him outside to the garden. Cold though it was, he sat at the garden table with his tea and sighed.

“Are they not lovely?” A voice said to him from his right. He turned to see a small, child-like figure standing there nearby. She wore a simple white gown made of thin silk and a crown of baby’s breath around her head. A circle of snow underneath her feet had melted away and flowers had sprung up all around her. Her hair was black, her skin like petals, her eyes like the wings of a dragonfly.

“Titania,” Elias said, standing. “You’ve come alone.”

“I have, though I shan’t be long,” She said, her voice belying her youthful appearance. “I bring with me gifts for your little ones.”

“Gifts?”

“Yes. The heartache you expressed when last we met has stayed with me. I felt compelled to do something to set your mind at ease.” She opened her hands, and lying in each palm was a ring carved of dark wood, one on a gold string, the other on a silver one. “I told you your offspring held my favor, did I not?” She asked. “That was not a lie. You need not worry for their safety from our kind. These will tell all fae creatures that your babes are my godchildren and therefore under my protection.”

Elias did not recall agreeing to such an arrangement, but accepted the rings with a bow.

“Thank you, my Lady,” He said. “This is most generous.”

“You must bring them to visit us, Thorn,” Titania said. “It’s been so long since there were children in the Faerie Kingdom. Oberon is dying to meet the new magelings.”

Elias nodded without speaking, not committing to this. He wondered if her favor extended to not trapping them in the faerie realm.

“Be well, Elias. Take care of our sweet robin and those beautiful children. Dwell no longer on the darkness in your past and look instead to your future. Your legacy now resides in those new souls that you created, and not the mistakes you have made. You have been given a divine gift. Do not take it for granted.”

“I assure you, Lady,” He said seriously. “I have no intention of doing so.”

She smiled at him, and the body she inhabited burst apart into flowers and floated away like the seeds of a dandelion, carried away on a sudden wind that smelled strangely of spring grass.

Elias lifted his gaze to watch the petals drift away, putting the charms in his pocket.

Once everyone had gone home and the house was quiet again, Elias picked up a wailing Ivy, who quieted immediately, and sat with Ruth and Chise as Silver laid out their dinner. Chise fed Holly with one arm and fed herself with the other. Once Holly finished, Chise passed her to Ruth to be burped and held out her arms for Ivy, who Elias passed carefully over the dinner table. Silver waited at Ruth’s elbow with a spit-up cloth. They all seemed to be easing into this new normal well.

Elias and Chise took the children to their room and laid them down for sleep, with Ruth curled up on the floor between them. He was better than a baby monitor. Ruth was taking his oath to Elias to protect the children very seriously and was just as involved in their care as every other person in the house. It seemed there was no shortage of babysitters to be found for the new parents, and Chise found that comforting. The nightmare she’d once had of being overwhelmed with caring for two children at once with limited help faded from her mind.

With the children abed for a least a couple of hours, Elias and Chise took this time to spend with each other, something they hadn’t had much opportunity to do since the birth. They sat together on the couch of the sitting room, Chise in Elias’s lap and wrapped up warmly in his arms. She was so tired, she could have fallen asleep if she let herself.

“I’m sorry the party got too claustrophobic for you,” Chise said, twining and untwining her fingers with his.

“It’s all right,” Elias said. “I am actually glad for it. I’d much prefer that the girls were introduced to all our friends at once rather than make many trips to achieve the same result.” Reaching into his waistcoat’s pocket, he pulled out the ring pendants he had gotten. “Besides, while outside, Titania left a give with me.”

Chise took the trinkets and looked at them curiously. “That was nice of her. What are they for?”

“Protection, she said. It’ll ward off any of her kind that would do them mischief.”

Chise smiled. “She’s very thoughtful for a fae.”

“Yes,” Elias agreed. “I wonder if she will extend the same blessing to any additional children we may have.”

Chise swung and looked up in surprise. “You want more children?”

“It's not outside the realm of possibility. We can talk about it later,” Elias replied.

“You're serious. You really want another baby?”

“I merely said we’d talk about it.”

“That’s not a no.”

Elias laughed.

“Give me a year, at least,” Chise said in exasperation. “My body isn’t ready for another one so soon.”

“If you wish,” He said, hugging her tightly.

They sat happily in each other’s arms for the next hour, taking a well deserved rest, until one of the babies began to cry. Elias released her and followed her up the stairs to the childrens' room, where he consoled Holly as Ivy fed. When Ivy was done, they switched. After feeding, the infants resumed sleeping. Before they left, Elias affixed the charms to the wall above their bassinets, the silver one over Ivy, and the gold protecting Holly. The parents, exhausted, climbed into their own bed and fell asleep at once.

Every day brought something new, and Elias was learning so much so quickly. His entire universe had shifted, and thought it had taken time to get used to it, he greeted each wonderful development as they happened with an open heart. He awoke eagerly every morning in his new life, looking forward to what might be.

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Thanks for reading!

My Masterlist

The Exophilia Creator’s Masterlist

[itsyourturnblog]

We most of the time struggle during a negotiation, not really knowing the best way to handle the challenge.

Frustration is the main outcome when this happens

Here below is a nine minutes summary of some negotiation ultra actionable practices.

Chris Voss, the author, developed the methodologies and tools as part of his job as an FBI negotiator in charge of freeing hostages in the four corners of the world.

In the book, he shares some real stories about the challenges he and his teams faced in some crisis situations and transposes what he learned to our daily lives situations. Because life is negotiation.

Before starting with the tools, a few words about the mindset.

You should engage the process with a mindset of discovery. Great negotiators are able to question the assumptions that the rest of the involved players accept on faith or in arrogance, and thus remain more emotionally open to all possibilities, and more intellectually agile to a fluid situation.

Be a mirror

When a request or a proposition seems unreasonable, try not to oppose it head-on. Be a mirror instead. It’s just four simple steps.

Use the late-night FM DJ voice.

Start with “I’m sorry…”

Mirror (repeat the unreasonable request)

Silence. At least four seconds, to let the mirror work its magic on your counterpart.

Repeat.

When using this simple framework, the person you are disagreeing with will by herself come to a more reasonable request or proposal.

Don’t feel their pain, label it

Tactical empathy is understanding the feelings and mindset of another in the moment and also hearing what is behind those feelings so you increase your influence in all the moments that follow.

Labeling is a way of validating someone’s emotion by acknowledging it. Spotting their feelings, turning them into words, and then very calmly and respectfully repeating their emotions back to them.

The reason why a counterpart will not make an agreement with you are often more powerful than why they will make a deal, so focus first on clearing the barriers to agreement.

We all want to reinforce the positive, anyway it’s very important to first neutralize the negative. We have to start by clearing the road and build a safe place for negotiation. Labeling is the way to do it and it can be declined in several versions.

You can simply label your counterpart’s fears to diffuse their power (eg. “It seems you don’t want to take the risk of…”).

You can also start with an accusation audit and label all the terrible things your counterpart could say about you (eg. “It sounds like you think we are the bad guys rejecting all modifications in the contract”).

The main benefit of such an accusation audit is that you get rid of the negative dynamics very early in the negotiation process and, because the accusations often sound exaggerated when said alound, speaking them will encourage the other person to claim that quite the opposite is true (or, at least, make some neutral and depassionate space for the negotiation).

Beware “Yes”��— Master “No”

“No” is the start of the negotiation, not the end of it.

“No” means “I am not yet ready to agree”, “You are making me feel uncomfortable”, “I do not understand”, “I dont’ think I can afford it”, “I want something else”, “I need more information” or “I want to talk it over with someone else”.

On top of that, there are three kinds of “Yes”: Counterfeit, Confirmation and Commitment.

A counterfeit “yes” is one your counterpart is using when she would like to say “no” but wants to take the escape route.

A confirmation “yes” is just a simple affirmation in response to a black-or-white question with no promise of action.

A commitment “yes” is the real deal. it’s a true ageement that leads to action.

“Yes” is the final goal of a negotiation, but don’t aim for it at the start. Saying “No” makes the speaker more secure, slows things down and protect people from making ineffective decisions.

So, next time, Start with NO in order to Get to YES.

Trigger the two words…

“That’s right”.

Combining listening, labeling, paraphrasing and summarizing what your counterpart says (and doesnt’say) is the right way to obtain a “That’s right!” from her.

“That’s right” is even stronger than “Yes” and can really close the deal.

Bend their reality

We don’t compromise because it’s right. We compromise because it’s easy and because it saves face. Most people in a negotiation are driven by fear or by the desire to avoid pain.

The rule here is: never split the difference.

Creative solutions are almost always preceded by some degree of risk, annoyance, confusion, and conflict. Accomodation and compromise produce none of that. You’ve got to embrace the hard stuff. That’s where the great deals are. And that’s what great negotiators do.

That said, the lever to operate here is the concept of loss aversion.

People wil take more risk to avoid a loss than to realize a gain. Make sure your counterpart sees there is something to lose by inaction.

The key method to bend your counterpart’s reality is anchoring.

You can anchor their emotions (prepare them for a loss) and anchor their starting point (set an extreme value).

By anchoring first, you will bend their reality toward yours.

Create the illusion of control

The idea here is to push your counterpart to suspend his unbelief.

Unbelief is the natural state and mindset of all parties when starting a negotiation. It’s the active resistance to what the other is saying, complete rejection.

The key here is to ask for help with calibrated questions. A calibrated can start with “how” and “what”, as these two words are the ones that more widely open the question. “Why” is also a possibility but can most of the time sound very accusative.”Who”, “where” and “when” usually provide short answers and do not start an open the discussion.

The power of calibrated questions is that they offer no target for attack like statements do.

Asking calibrated questions is asking for help. It will give your counterpart an illusion of control and will inspire them to speak at length, revealing important information.

Guarantee Execution

Once reaching an agreement, we have to be sure it will happen. Said differently, you have to avoid the counterfeit “yes”.

There are multiple ways of doing this through combination of the following methods, tools and tricks.

Use calibrated questions that start with “how”. “How” is about the execution of the deal.

Pay attention to the motivations of ALL people involved in the result of a negotiation, not only the ones who sit around the table. What are the interests of those who are “behind the table” ?

Follow the 7–38–55 rule. Only 7% of the message is based on words. The other 38% are based on the tone of voice and 55% on the body language.

Get your counterpart to reaffirm their agreement three times and avoid the counterfeit “yes”.

Detect if the person speaking has the power to decide. If she uses a lot of “I”, “me” and “my”, there is a chance she doesn’t. If she uses “we”, “they” and “them”, there is a high chance you are dealing with the decision maker.

Bargain Hard

No part of a negotiation induces more anxiety and unfocused agression than bargaining. Skilled bargainers see more than just opening offers, counteroffers, and closing moves. They see the psychological currents that run below the surface.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” — Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Yourself, and the negotiators you are facing have a specific style. And depending on the style, some specific tactics will better fit.

The Analyst is hyper sensitive to reciprocity and skeptical by nature. Silence is an opportunity to think for him. The risk, for him, is to cut himself from an essential source of data, his counterpart. Asking too many questions too early to him is not recommended as he will not answer them before gathering the data and understand all implications.

The Accommodator spends time building the relationship. He wants to remain “friend” with his counterpart. He is very easy to disagree with but it’s much harder to uncover his objections. He will have identified potential problems and will leave them unadressed by fear of conflict.

The Assertive believes time is money. He loves winning, even at the expense of others. He has an agressive communication style. Most of all, he wants to be heard and he has very few ability to listen. He tells rather than asks. Only when he is convinced you understand his point of view, he will be able to listen at yours. For him, silence is an opportunity to speak. With him, the most effective tools are mirror, labels, calibrated questions and summaries until you hear a “That’s right”.

Human beings tend to think themselves as being “normal”, and that the world will look the same to others than it looks to them. There is a high probabilty they are wrong. Considering other worldviews is a first step toward success in the negotiation.

Once you know who seats at the table, be prepared.

Know your target, or your target range, and prepare an Ackermann plan. It works as follow.

Set you first offer at 65% of the target and calculate three raises of decreasing increments (85%, 95% and 100%). Use different ways of saying “No” (eg. through “how” and “what” calibrated questions) and nonround numbers, like 3467, for your final offer to give credibility to the number. Plus add a nonmonetary item at the very end to show you are at your limit.

Be prepared to take a punch (receiving an initial offer that would anchor you very far from your target) and avoid the compromise trap by punching back (by showing real anger, using “why” questions or “I” messages to communicate your feelings).

Anyway, punching back is the last resort and de-escalating is the priority when you think you are the hostage of the situation. Asking for a break is definitely possible and even recommended.

Never forget that the person across the table is never the problem. The unsolved issue is. So focus on the issue.

Find the Black Swan

Negotiation breakthroughs are created by those who can identify and utilize Black Swans.

The concept of Black Swan has been popularized by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a famous risk analyst and author.

Basically, a black swan is an unknown unknown . Something that never happened ,that we do not expect, and that we even think is not possible according to our experience and knowledge.

As an example, the tsunami in Fukushima in 2011 is a black swan.

The black swan theory asserts that the past is of no use when predicting the future. There are events or pieces of knowledge that sit outside our regular expectations and therefore cannot be predicted.

This is a crucial concept in negotiation. We usually deal with known knowns and known unknowns. And now we have to add the unknown unknowns, the Black Swans.

In a negotiation, black swans are powerful leverages. They can either be positive leverages, negative leverages or normative leverages.

To cut a long story short, a black swan is a piece of information about your counterpart or the situation that will help you bend the negotiation toward your best interests.

To uncover unknown unknowns, the key is to collect as many data as possible about your counterpart through hearing, listening and observing. On top of that, if what your learn doesn’t fit any of the known models you have, or if the counterpart seems to be irational or act in a crazy way, avoid forcing it into an existing model because there is a high chance your would do a mistake doing so.

On the opposite, try to understand his worldview and the reason why he is behaving this way. The key answer lies there, sometimes well hidden.

There are many rational explanations. Your counterpart can either be ill-informed, constrained or have other interests. Discovering this cause is the path to success.

Negotation or manipulation ?

This is a question I asked myself when reading the book and writing this summary.

Should I promote tactics that could, for some of them, be related to manipulation ?

I think the answer lies in the cause you are fighting for.

Both Robin Hood and Prince John are stealing, but their causes are opposite. Does one cause justify stealing and the other not ?

Einstein developed the theory of relativity but did not invent the nuclear bomb. Is the discovery the problem, or the usage we make out of it ?

Chris Voss provides some efficient tools. These are enablers.

You are the one who decide why and how you use them. The change you want to make happen is yours.

And it’s definitely better if you play the infinite game and your cause is a just one.

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss was originally published in It's Your Turn on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

by Jean-Marie Buchilly via It's Your Turn - Medium #itsyourturn #altMBA #SethGodin #quotes #inspiration #stories #change #transformation #writers #writing #self #shipping #personaldevelopment #growth #education #marketing #entrepreneurship #leadership #personaldev #wellness #medium #blogging #quoteoftheday #inspirationoftheday

[myfinancialguideme-blog]

Here’s How to Start Saving Money — Even If You Don’t Have Room in Your Budget

New Post has been published on https://financeguideto.com/awesome/heres-how-to-start-saving-money-even-if-you-dont-have-room-in-your-budget/

Here’s How to Start Saving Money — Even If You Don’t Have Room in Your Budget

I won’t sugarcoat it: Saving money isn’t the easiest task.

But I’m here to tell you it’s possible to save money without living off ramen, without recruiting seven roommates and without giving up all of life’s pleasures.

How?

First, implement a strategy. Take a good look at your expenditures, and create a budget. Second, cut back your spending.

Ready to get started? Here’s your guide to saving money in 2019.

Table of Contents :P TAGEND

How to Prepare to Build Your Savings Ways to Save Money on Monthly Bills Ways to Save Money on Groceries and Food Ways to Save Money on Entertainment and Shopping

Is getting ready to Start Saving

Not sure this is right to start? Without a plan, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and frustrated.

Don’t worry. Just follow these steps — one at a time, please! — and you’ll discover the money-saving journey isn’t so bad, even if you are on a tight budget.

1. Track Your Expenses

Before anything else, you’ll need to take a look at how much money you’ve spent in the past few months. No, it might not be fairly, but you need to see this so you can identify your problem areas.

Instead of combing through your bank statements, use the Empower app to automate the process for you.

Empower can help you figure out how you’re spending your money and develop a budgeting plan to keep you on track.

Use its fee-free banking account or link to your existing ones, and it will keep track of your spending. It will also categorize your spending, so you can see exactly where you’re overdoing it.

2. Set Short-Term and Long-Term Savings Goals

Now that you have an overview of your spending habits, it’s time to set some realistic short-term and long-term savings goals.

Here’s the difference :P TAGEND

Implement a short-term savings goal when you need to save money fast. Perhaps you’re saving $200 for a plane ticket home. You could also start emergency cases fund and set a short-term target of $500 in three months.

If you have a loftier goal, commit to a long-term savings scheme. A few examples include saving for a down payment on a home or a college money for the kids. If you’re looking really long term, think about retirement.

It’s important to have both aims in place, so you enjoy the now while planning for the future.

3. Create a Budget

Personal finance 101: With your savings objectives in mind, take a look at your spending. Set some restrictions for yourself.

The key? Be realistic. If you spend $500 a month on groceries, don’t define your new food budget to $200. That will require an entire lifestyle change.

If you’re not sure where to start, find some structure with these two popular techniques :P TAGEND

The 50/ 20/30 budgeting technique breaks your expenses into percentages: 50% for people living, 20% for financial objectives and 30% for personal spending. People like this plan because it offers some built-in flexible with personal spending.

The 60/ 20/20 budgeting method also breaks down your expenses into percentages. In this case, 60% of your income is for lifestyle expenses( food, water, shelter — your needs ), 20% is for discretionary spending( fun money) and 20% is for saving. Financial consultants recommend these action plans, because it prioritizes your needs over your wants.

Creating and sticking to a budget takes some finessing, so be patient with yourself.

4. Be Smart About Where You Stash Your Savings

Where are you going to keep the money you’re saving? Consider some alternatives that’ll yield interest or returns, so your money isn’t sitting stagnant.

Here are a few ideas :P TAGEND

A high-yield savings account allows you to easily access your savings while also earning some interest. I indicate seeing an account that offers 2% APY or higher. It’s great for an emergency money or vacation hoard.

A certificate of deposit( CD) will earn you higher interest. However, Cds have fixed maturity rates. That entails if you put your fund into a five-year Cd, you can’t access it early, or you could face penalties and fees. You also can’t add money to a CD.

Stocks and bonds are two popular ways to invest. Both are ideal for long-term goals, like retirement savings. Stocks carry a higher danger, and you could potentially lose money. However, if you’re willing to ride out the market’s ups and downs through the years, it is unable to pay off. Bonds tend to be lower risk — but so are the returns. As a general rule of thumb, the younger you are, the more risk you are able to afford.

21 Ways to Cut Your Expenses and Save Money

OK, OK. Enough talking about it. It’s time to save. One style to get the ball rolling? Find ways to cut your expenses.

Style to Save Money on Monthly Bills

Thought you couldn’t escape those monthly bills? You can’t, genuinely, but you can find ways to save money.

1. Switch to a Fee-Free Banking Account

If you overdraft about once a month, you’re handing over an average $360 in fees each year, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. That’s in overdraft fees alone.

Your best bet is to ditch your fee-heavy bank account and got something that promises to never charge you fees — like Aspiration *.

The Aspiration account is an online-only account with no monthly fees , no minima and pays 1.00% APY. Yep! Instead of getting charged fees, you can actually earn money with this account.

What would you do with that $360 in reclaimed overdraft fees? Save it, duh.

2. Save Money on Your Student Loan Debt

More than 43 million Americans hold nearly $1.5 trillion in student loan indebtednes, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

We’re not totally helpless, though. Here’s a trick that’ll help you save money on your indebtednes and potentially pay it off even faster: Try get a lower interest rate on your federal and private loans by refinancing.

What’s that mean? It means you’re replacing your current loan( or loans) with one that has better( lower !) interest rates.

You can search for better rates through the online marketplace Credible.

It might seem like a small difference now, but a lower interest rate saves a lot of fund over hour. It’s helping grad Ashley Williams save more than $18,000 in interest over the life of her loan.

3. Get a Lower Interest Rate on Your Credit Card Debt

The average credit card carries an interest rate north of 15 %, according a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau analysis. That builds it difficult to chip away what you actually owe, your principal.

The solution? Refinance( or pay off) your card indebtednes with a lower-interest personal loan. This will alleviate those high charge card interest rates, so you are able to instead pay down that personal loan without as much interest getting in the way.

A good resource is Fiona, a search engine that can help match you with the right personal loan to meet your needs.

Fiona searches the top online lenders to match you with a personalized loan offer in less than 60 seconds. If your credit rating is at least 620, its platform can help you borrow up to $100,000( no collateral required) with fixed rates starting at 4.99% and terms from 24 to 84 months.

4. Cut the Cord( or at Least the Price)

If your cable bill is entirely too high, consider cutting it and opting for a streaming service or two.

If you’re not keen on cutting the cord? You can still find savings.

The negotiation bot Trim will negotiate your cable or internet bills down for you.

It works with Comcast, Time Warner, Charter and other major providers.

You can sign up simply with Facebook or your email address. Then, upload a PDF of your most recent bill, and Trim’s AI-powered system gets to work. If at first it doesn’t succeed, it’ll maintain negotiating until it can save you some money.

Also, if you have any outages, Trim believes you deserve a credit, and it’ll handle that for you. Trim takes 33% of the savings tab, and you get the rest.

5. Cancel Those Sneaky Subscriptions

In the days of the internet and impulse subscriptions, it’s easy to lose track of products and services you’ve opted into.( Ahem, that long-forgotten gym membership ?)

Thankfully, an app called Truebill can track all your automated transactions and provide a simple style for you to see, manage and cancels those recurring charges.

6. Switch Cell Phone Providers

Think anything outside the “Big Four” cell phone carriers will be unreliable? You might be surprised. Check out these six affordable cell phone plans.

7. Find a Lower Car Insurance Rate

Just like you compare the prices of flights, shoes and laptops before purchase, why not comparison auto insurance? You might be missing out on a ton of savings by settling.

The Zebra, an online car insurance search engine that offers “insurance in black and white, ” compares your alternatives from 204 providers in less than 60 seconds.

Artie Januario managed to knock off about $30 a month — a $360 yearly savings.

8. Perform a Home Energy Audit

If your utility bills are out of control, consider an energy audit. This in-home assessment will help make your home as energy efficient as possible.

Some utility companies offer the services offered for free, but they might try to upsell you products and services. Instead, you are able to perform your own energy audit; complete the following simple DIY measures.

9. Hunt Down Energy Vampires

Those sneaky energy vampires — the devices that suck away energy even when you’re not using them — can make up just as much as 20% of your monthly electric bill, according to Duke Energy.

Turn any corner, and you’re likely to find a vampire. Your coffee maker, your cable box, your phone charger. Once you identify these lurkers, simply unplug them when not in use.

Pro tip: Invest in a few power strips. Rather than roving around your house and unplugging each device, plug everything into a strip and flip one switching when you’re ready to kill … the vampires.

Way to Save Money on Groceries and Food

Aside from rent or monthly mortgage pays, food likely tops your list of monthly expenses. And you’re right: Food is an essential. However, you can probably cut back. After all, five wedges of exotic cheese aren’t precisely essential.( Just one .)

10. Use a Shopping List

Create a weekly meal scheme before you go grocery shopping to stay focused on what you actually need.

Keep your shopping list stored in your phone’s notes app. This allows you to add items in all regions of the week and move them around, according to their location in the store.( Stay focused !) Shopping for a full house? Share your notes with family members so they can add to the list.

11. Earn Cash Back on Your Purchases

Tired of clipping coupons? Save money instead by taking photos of your receipts.

Search for cash-back eligible items on your shopping list within the Ibotta app before you head to the store. When you get home, snap a photo of your receipt, and scan the items’ barcodes.

Some cash-back possibilities I’ve seen include :P TAGEND

25 cents back for any brand of bread. $2.50 back on Dunkin’ coffee canister. 75 pennies back on Tide laundry cleanser pods.

The app is free to download, and you’ll get a $10 sign-up bonus after uploading your first receipt.

12. Shop Seasonally and Locally

Shopping at your local farmers market can save you a crop of fund on your grocery bill, because the items are often in season and local — no shipping or international freight fees involved.

If you don’t have a farmers market in your region, you can still store seasonally in your grocery store. For instance, avoid buying that$ 6 carton of strawberries in November. Instead, purchase strawberries in peak season — between May and August, depending on where you live.

13. Change Grocery Stores

Grocery store loyalty runs deep. When was the last time you devoted another store a chance? Penny Hoarder Kelly Smith always loved Winn-Dixie, but she checked out Trader Joe’s and calculated a $57 monthly savings. That’s nearly $680 a year.

If you want to get genuinely technological, fill out a grocery comparison chart so you can see which store in your region has the best prices for the items you frequently buy.

14. Remember: Store Brand Isn’t Always Cheaper

We’ve been trained to think the store brand — or the generic brand — is cheaper. And a lot of times it is … if you’re exclusively considering the shelf price. But name-brand foods typically is eligible for more coupons, members-only discounts or rebates through cash-back apps.

Do the math before you instinctually grab the store brand.

15. Pack Your Lunch

It’s tempting to trench your brown-bag lunch and opt for fast food during the work week, but this habit will promptly drain your monthly food budget.

Instead, stick to those packed lunches. If “youre going to”, search Pinterest for more creative on-the-go meals.

16. Avoid Takeout

Takeout or delivery is convenient, so if you need a break from the kitchen, allow yourself a breaking once a week.

You can opt to dine out for maximized relaxation and to avoid takeout and delivery fees. Or, if you have a crying kid on each hip, then order delivery. Instead of calling in your order, place an order online or within the restaurant’s app, where you can easily apply a coupon code. Don’t have one? No problem — RetailMeNot is a great place to discover up-to-date promo codes.

For example, I only saw a 30% off coupon code for Papa John’s. Simple!

Ways to Save Money on Shopping and Entertainment

Up until this point, I’ve talked about the best ways to save money on the essentials. Now let’s have a little fun … without overspending.

17. Practice the 30 -Day Rule

Next time you’re out and about and spot the PERFECT jean jacket you HAVE to have RIGHT NOW, hitting intermission … for 30 days. The 30 -Day Rule is a simple practise to help you resist impulse buys like this.

Here’s how it runs: When you get home from the store, write down the day’s date, the name of the item, the price, and the store, explains J.D. Roth at Get Rich Slowly. Pin the note somewhere you’ll see it. At the end of the 30 days, assess your feelings. If you still want the item and can afford to pay for it outright, go ahead.

18. Get to Know Stores’ Price-Match Policies

Many stores — stores “youre supposed to” shop at — have price-match policies. That entails if an item you’ve bought drops-off in cost within a specific timeframe, you are able to request a rebate for the difference.

To keep track of these easily, use Paribus — a tool that gets you fund back for your online buys. It’s free to sign up, and once you do, it will scan your email for any receipts. If it detects you’ve purchased something from one of its monitored retailers, it will track the item’s cost and help you get a refund when there’s a price drop.

Plus, if your guaranteed shipment shows up late, Paribus will help you get compensated.

Disclosure: Paribus compensates us when you sign up utilizing the links we provide.

19. Hit up Consignment Shops

When’s the last time you ventured into your local shipment store? You might be surprised by what you find. Designer jeans for $18? Yes, please!

Heck, you might even find some items to purchase and resell for a profit.

20. Find Free Weekend Activities

It’s easy to get sucked into spending money on weekend outings, but there are plenty of free activities happening in your area.

Nab some inspiration from these free things to do in Orlando. Chances are, you are able to search your local newspaper, magazine or website for ideas.

21. Take Advantage of Your Public Library

Did you know your local library is a treasure trove of freebies? Yup — take a look at some of these unexpected library freebies, including free museum passes, board games and musical instruments.

Ready to Save Money?

Saving money doesn’t have to be doom and gloom. Celebrate your success along the way, forgive yourself for your mistakes and remain persistent.

Your hard work will pay off in the long run; I promise.

* Aspiration Partners, Inc. and its affiliates are committed to “All Extra Services Provided at Cost, ” meaning that it’ll only charge you what it costs them to offer the extra service( such as a wire transfer ), and not a penny more. Besides these at-cost service charges, the only account fee you pay is the fee you choose, even if it’s$ 0, which is why it’s called Pay What Is Fair.

Carson Kohler( carson @thepennyhoarder. com) is a staff novelist at The Penny Hoarder. Remember that one time she wrote up a list of 353 ways to save money?

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal tales, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

The Penny Hoarder Promise: We offer accurate, reliable datum. Here’s why you can trust us and how we make money.

Read more: thepennyhoarder.com

[clearsandwicheagle-blog]

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Rear ended someone.. how much to get fixed without insurance?

i just got my car like 6 months ago and i was with my friend and he had to stop suddenly cuz of something runnin out in the road and i wasnt paying attention and i rear ended him.. neither of us wanted to get the cops involved cuz he had someone in his car and just got his license which is illegal and i didnt want me insurance 2 go up http://i44.tinypic[dot]com/5obq8[dot]jpg can't link so just replace the [dot] with a period . thats a pic of the damage i dont think its too bad probably just need a new hood bumper fenders and lights right? also if i did end up going through insurance how much would it go up about im 17 yrs old? my mom is paying for it right now but she said if i ever get a ticket or anything that i cant get out of then i gotta pay the difference so idk if itll be cheaper this way or something

How much do you pay for your car insurance?

Just wondering - how much do you pay for car insurance, how old are you, and what year/model of car do you have?""

Car Insurance for Salvaged Vehicle?

Does anyone know if I can buy full coverage insurance for a salvaged vehicle?

Car insurance for you drivers?

i am a 18 year old male and looking for car insurance on something like a micra, punto, clio or something small like that but the cheapest i can find is 3000 with tesco and thats as a named driver on my dads insurnace. Is there anywere cheaper that anyone knows of ? how much do other people pay? also it is a full uk licence i have and i have had it less than a year""

How much will my insurance cost for a ninja 250?

I'm about to buy a bike soon and I am just adding up all the expenses... sales tax, insurance, registration, etc. If I buy a Ninja 250r (probably a 2008-2012 model) I have Liberty Mutual insurance company. My car is an 03 Toyota celica GTS and I pay about $1,300 a year. I know you guys can't give me a direct estimate (obviously!) But can you give me just a guess. Thanks!""

Homeowner insurance cost in Florida?

i know that homeowner insurance is high in Florida. but how high is it? What would someone pay for a 3bdr home in jacksonville? i am thinking of relocating to florida from Illinois. How bad do the hurricanes get in the Jacksonville area?

""When someone having AAA auto insurance full coverage, having uninsured motorist.?""

When someone having AAA auto insurance full coverage, having uninsured motorist. Does it also cover the one who caused the accident. In my case I caused the accident. Like there insurance is going to cover her car damage, is it going to claim me the amount of her car damage to pay back to her car insurance, or not ? The persons car I hit, is really sweet even though I hit her car. She told me that her insurance company is just trying to get money off of me, but she told me there's no reason because there is a reason why she pay full coverage having uninsured motorist included. But I did some research and it says that uninsured motorist only apply's if I hit her car and someone ended up injured ? . . . Help me out please ! If there claiming the amount that they are claiming I am going to be in debt. It's AAA insurance the company that the lady has. The lady's car I hit. But like insurances have CRS do there job having to work for insurances, which stands for Claims Resources Services. They sent me a claim amount that the insurance is asking for. They sent me a second notice, and it says if they don't here from me in any way of paying back the money they used up to cover the lady's car they will send the information back to AAA and AAA will end up increasing the claim amount.""

""On average, how much does SR22 insurance cost in Colorado?""

My boyfriend got a DWAI about 3 years ago, he has (finally) decided that he wants to get his licence back, but we aren't sure how much the sr22 insurance usually costs...This was his only driving offense if that matters. Can anyone tell me an average price?""

""If I am added as an added driver to a car, how much will the insurance be? Please see details:?""

If my parents were to get a mini 2004 for example, and they both have no claims and no license points, (so their insurance is about 350 each) how much would it cost to add me (a new driver aged 17) to their car. If one of parents was to be insured, and I was added as a named driver I mean. Roughly speaking. And yes, it would be a new car that my parents hadn't driven before. I am the UK by the way, so I am talking about  not $. Thank you for all contributions!""

What is the best health insurance?

Looking to find out what the best affordable health insurance for my 62 y/o father is? Do not want the obamacare!

Why is my auto insurance so high?

I'm currently buying a 2013 Subaru Impreza Sport Limited, but my insurance quotes are averaging over $600 a month. I'm 19, male, and have two speeding tickets, and I have friends that are paying under $100 a month. Why would it be so high for me?""

Would you purchase this type of car insurance?

I wanted to test a business idea. 1 million people come together each paying 225.00 membership fee. This membership fee includes one years fully comp car insurance. In year 2, all of the companies costs are calculated and split between members. So if costs are 30m then each member pays 30 and this fee includes a years fully comp car insurance. My question to you is, if this business idea were proposed by a large brand (to give it credibility) would you purchase this style of car insurance? If no why not? You don't need any no claims (although you still accumulate them should you wish to leave), there is no excess to pay on claims, the insurance category of your car isn't relevant (inc make and model etc), and your insurance is fully comp.""

Where can i get Cheap street bike insurance for first time riders?

I just bought my bf a bike a i want to get insurance for it, but i'm not sure where to get insurance from all i want is that little card that says i'm covered. i don't think i want full coverage. We live in California i don't know of that changes anything.""

Whole life insurance and medicaid eligibility?

My father in Dallas Texas has a life insurnace face value of 10,000 and cash value, about 3500. Per medicaid rule he can't have the life insurance with those cash value. He is not on medicaid yet but with his condition of alzheimer, he soon needs to apply for medicaid. Any idea what needs to be done for the life insurance?...I am not sure if he can simply cancel the insurance to meet the medicaid requirement. He has no other asset and has less than 2000 in his bank account. Of course he does not work. ( he can't with his condition and he's over 70).""

Can someone tell me what the cheapest car insurance is for college students?

Can someone tell me what the cheapest car insurance is for college students?

pennsylvania insurance code 32786

pennsylvania insurance code 32786

Auto Insurance agents in Tennessee... Does my 17 year old with a permit?

need to be listed on my policy? I have heard several different answers to this. Also, I've heard he has to be listed but the insurance company cannot rate him until he gets his license, therefore, they cannot charge me more for him. Any help is greatly appreciated.""

""Question for the car dealer...getting used cars for resale rock bottom..Manheim, Insurance Auto or co-part?""

ok.. I want to try my hand ( and if it works .. I will apply to be a dealer or some sorts myself ) at getting cars low price and selling them quick of like 10-20% profit. I 'd like to know what's the best place to buy cars CHEAP ( even if they are sightly damaged ) .....and resell them....Manheim ( I know thats a dealer-to-dealer auction . So I'd expect stuff to be very well marked on the price tag)... copart or Insurance Auto ( iaai as its called ) which one sells cars that are otherwise roadworthy , but very well discounted ( though some might need a cosmetic facelift )""

Would health insurance coverage for alternative health care increase consumer choice or decrease health care?

Would health insurance coverage for alternative health care increase consumer choice or decrease health care costs?

A 1967 FORD MUSTANG coupe Insurance (UK only please)?

Can anyone tell me what the average insurance is for this car is. I tried car insurance sites and all they want is my info and i dont have a licence yet i just want to know what one would insure for. An estimated guess is all i am looking for. Thanks. Also does the historic tax still in use? if a car was made before i think its something like 1974. That would a helpful thing to know as well. Thanks People.

What Cheap car insurance do you use?

What car insurance do you use?

CHEAP car insurance in US?

I am trying to find car insurance because i am about to lease my own car but all of the places I have looked at are crazy expensive. I even got a quote of $300 a month from geico. The other places i checked were all for the UK. Can somebody help me and suggest a cheap place to try?!

Motorcycle Insurance question?

I'm going to take the MSF course on Saturday and my understanding was that you're insurance is going to be cheaper and I will like to know why it will be cheaper

Quote for Car Insurance!?

Hello, I need some help in with Car Insurance...............So, I want to purchase a Honda Accord coupe iES 1997-1999, I went on those car insurance compare sites and was quoted over 4000pounds!!! Here is the information I gave there, i was born in 1990, have license for 5 years, I have an international drivers license, I started living in the UK in April 2013, unemployed......Can someone please tell me why i was quoted so much money!! I even tried putting my partner who has been driving for 14 years and no luck! Is there any way for me to get cheaper car insurance? And is comprehensive or third party cheaper for me? Thankxx""

Which is the best insurance company in Kenya?

Which is the best insurance company in Kenya?

How much does DMV charge for the 30 day car insurance?

How much does DMV charge for the 30 day car insurance?

What is full coverage auto insurance?

What counts as full coverage auto insurance in California? Thanks!

What would insurance roughly cost for a 17 year old as a second driver to some one who has no tickets/fines?

im looking to buy a 1994 nissan skyline gts-t for my 1st car and am wondering roughly it would cost im also looking a 1992 dodge stealth

Car Insurance - Accident (Please Advise)?

Today an OAP came driving down a one-way carpark (trying to get my car parking space). In the process, she attempted to drive along the side of my car to get to the space, and scraped the side of my car and bumper. She said she would give me 20. But i said that i haven't got a clue how much the cost would be and im sure 20 wouldn't cover me. So she decided for us to drive to the local police station. The LSTO took both our details, and said for us to go through the insurance company, as the OAP was in the wrong and liable. When we left the police station she said she has previously written off a car earlier this year, and doesn't want to go through the insurance company! She gave me her home telephone number and said for me to get a quote and she'll pay for it. I got the quote - its 450. after she offered 20, i don't know if she will pay this amount! If we go through the insurance will i have to pay my excess. and what exactly happens!? I'm clueless!! I am fully comp...""

Can you or spouse be denied group health insurance?

I have stage 4 cancer. I have insurance through my husbands job. If my husband changes jobs and is offered insurance at the new job can I be denied insurance due to the preexisting condition? I live in Georgia. I already checked and got information on cobra.

""Have get government assistance, can i get cheaper auto insurance?

I can't afford my auto insurance but I was told if I get assistance there are insurers that will give me a discount. Does anyone know where? I also heard if I was in states custody I can get it free or cheap.. is this true?

I am on permanent worker's comp disability. How can I get health insurance?

Because I have been disabled for over 6 months now, my health insurance went to Cobra, and my rate per month went from 82.00 to 390.00 per month. I'm only being paid 435.00 per week in benefits. Anyone know where I can get insured for less? I tried Obama care, and any policy is more than what I'm paying now. What the.....? I thought is was called the affordable health care act!""

Would there be a major insurance cost change between '99 Acura TL & '99 Honda Accord?

I will get one of those two cars soon, but for the acura TL, is the insurance going to be significantly higher than the accord, or do u think there wont be much a difference? thank you""

Can a health insurance company decline your request to cancel?

Here's the situation: I've had health insurance for the past few years through Nationwide, which is/was provided by my employer. The cost is taken out of my check every week. I received a letter from my employer last December stating that I did not have to change anything in regards to the Affordable Health Care Act. Two months later, I received a letter from my insurance company saying that I have inadequate coverage and need to visit healthcare.gov to find different coverage. I found new coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield through healthcare.gov (I was planning on going BCBS anyway). I asked the woman who I spoke with when I should cancel my previous insurance benefits. She replied Wait a couple of weeks until you get all of your new information from BCBS . Here's where the issue comes in. When I contacted Nationwide (my previous insurance company) to cancel they said I had to fill out and send back a form. Basically, the form asked why I was cancelling. Go figure there was no option for them not having the correct benefits. Anyway, I sent that back and proof of my new policy (they wanted the effective date) Nationwide DENIED my request to cancel stating that I only had 30 days from the time my new coverage began to inform them. Even though their coverage doesn't meet the AHCA requirements, I cannot cancel until my company's open enrollment (December) Can they legally decline my cancellation request?""

Does anybody know of a company that will insure me daily on hire and reward insurance?

I want to run a one vehicle WAV (wheel chair accessible vehicle for disabled people) car hire/rental business serving Hertfordshire the customer would hire the car and arrange for a person to drive it for them. On the odd occasion the hirer does not have anybody to drive the car for them they might want me to drive for them I have been told to do this I would need a private vehicle hire licence (mini cab drivers licence) also hire and reward insurance along with a mini cab office operators licence and the vehicle would need to be plated (tested) This is not a problem except for the hire and reward insurance which would be about 3000 per year and would not be cost effective for the amount of driving I would be doing (I would probably only be driving a customer 1 day per week). Does anybody know of a company that will insure me daily on hire and reward insurance?

Insurance help for teenagers?

I just got my license today and my parents were wondering if i still had insurance coverage or not? We have Grange insurance idk if that makes a difference or not. Help please!=]

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?""

Got a 150CC scooter for surface roads commute upto 20 miles/day. How much does it cost to get it on CA roads?

Classes + license exp + Registration + Insurance + locks (?) + Helmet + Hand Grip = ? a. How much is the rough running cost? (are these high maintenance?) b. Is it safe in an ungated community with chain lock? Should I move it inside my apt? And yes, primary transportation. Thanks for reading.""

Does anyone know exactly what Car Insurance Quote is?

I just can't find the right answer on Google. Please help me if u know...This is really urgent...Thanks a lot.

How much would motorcycle insurance be in ontario?

Okay, so I turned 16 this past december and I am getting a motorcycle. I'm also doing a motorcycle safety course which I heard decreases your insurance. My first day at the course is today and I should have a m2 by April 3rd (I got my m1 on Feb 1st). I'm getting a used Kawasaki Ninja 250r, probably between the years of 2008-2010. I will probably get the bike for around $3800. (the Kawasaki Ninja is $1000 more expensive in Canada than USA). I live on the edge of Brampton, Ontario, very close to where the farms start (literally almost on the edge of Brampton). I will be driving for 2 or 3 days a week for pleasure. Not really going to take it anywhere besides taking it to my school occasionally. My driving record is clean. So, how much do you think I will have to pay and can you recommend me some companies but please give me a estimate of how much you think I'll have to pay. Lastly, my area has no crime rates and I think that I live in a safe neighbourhood.""

How much does insurance for a motorcycle cost?

I currently don't own a motorcycle but am curious the cost of insuring it. I live in Vermont so I would only be riding it from June to September. I would probably be riding a 2002 Yamaha YZF R6.

pennsylvania insurance code 32786

pennsylvania insurance code 32786

Thinking of buying an Audi TT next year..Insurance quotes ect.?

im quite young..but ive researched this and if i keep my job down id be able to afford this. would be my 2nd car. Any advice? obviously wouldnt buy a new one.. what sort of price would i expect for a good quality one? also.. car insurance.. what websites are the best to find out approx. figures? ive been on ones before where they ask for your details and call you back..obviously dont want this just yet..just an average quote online where nothings written in stone so to speak// thankyou SO much for any help xx

Should i get insurance or not?

Im a 17 year old girl and i recently passed my driving test in the middle of October. I've bought myself a Corsa and found that the cheapest insurance is 1500. My mum is going to pay half of this aslong as i pay the other half, tax, mot and petrol which i think is completely reasonable. I can afford all this with money I get through college, but it leaves me with pretty much zero to spare. I've applied for about 30 jobs and have got either turned down or simply no answer back. Im someone that likes to have money but i also want the freedom of being able to jump in my car and go wherever I want. Do you think I should go for it? Or wait until i find a job which will enable me to have more income?""

""Ran a stop sign, will my insurance increase?""

I am 20 and accidentally ran a stop sign today and got pulled over. I am in FL and the ticket is 166$. I am under my parents insurance and was using my dads car. I was planning on paying it rather than doing traffic school or trying to fight it, i'd rather just get it over with and pay the dang thing. But, my question is will it show up on there insurance that 'someone got a ticket on this day for this price and this reason and raise their insurance even if I pay it off? Reeeally don't want them to find out! Also, how to pay it?""

What is cheaper to run on daily bassis Toyota Celica or Honda Civic Type-R?

I would like to maybe buy a Celica 190 I'm still deciding between this and the Type-R. I'd like to know does the Type-R cost a lot to run or is the Celica cheaper? I do about 100 miles a week would this kind of mileage be too expensive for any of the two cars? I'd also like to know what the average service charges are when it's due one. Also are they quick? I'm 34 so insurance is not too bad for me but I just would like to know from other owners of these cars what the real cost of these great machines are.Cheers

Does having a motorcycle license effect your car insurance rates?

I've been looking at taking the course, wondering if theres any other implications I havent considered. Anyone have some experience with this? Assume I'll have my motorcycle endorsement on my license, but not own a motorcycle. I live in RI, by the way.""

Motorcycle insurance for 20 year old?

Thinking about getting a bike, it would be probably a mid 90's to early 2000's enduro that I would use mostly for traveling back and forth to work here in michigan. looking for around a 300-600 cc bike that'll probably be worth about $2500. I have only one accident on my record. Any idea of a round about estimate for insurance prices of just liability? Full coverage? Also how much is it to get the licensing and take the courses in michigan?""

Which cars tend to provide the most affordable insurance rates?

Compacts & small sedans that provide the lowest monthly auto insurance rates.

What are the cheapest cars to insure?

What are the cheapest cars to insure?

If I buy a turbo car will it raise my insurance?

I have geico, I will be on my own plan. I am 19 years young ( Almost 20 ) Tomorrow I am looking to purchase a 2005 volvo s60 2.5 Turbo .... I've never owned a turbo car before, will it raise my insurance rates with Geico? If so by an enormous amount? or just a little more? I won't buy it if it doubles my insurance! Please help with previous insurance rates based on turbo cares and young drivers. Very important. Thank you""

What is the average cost to add a 16 year old to auto insurance?

I am 16 and I am trying to get my parents to let me get my license and put me on the insurance, but they think it will cost to much. I know it will cost more, but I don't know how much and I have an A average at school and I am a girl so that has discounts. I asked the insurance place but they asked to many questions so if you have a rough estimate that would be great.""

What is the estimated home insurance cost of $500000 home in littleton colorado?

What is the estimated home insurance cost of $500000 home in littleton colorado?

Teen Girl Insurance on Car?

I will be 16 in October, I am interested in a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX, I have a 4.0 GPA. How much would that cost? Ball park? Thanks :)""

How much would a convertible raise my insurance?

I'm 16 and my parents are thinking of getting me a convertible. I'm just curious as to how much insurance would charge us extra per month (ON AVERAGE) since the car is a convertible?? By the way, its a Chrysler Sebring Thanks for your help!!""

What to do with a conditional discharge and a car insurance?

My friend had a court on 25/08/2012, where he has been conditionally discharged for 12 months. His car insurance was due to be renewed on 28/08/2012. He was buying the car insurance ...show more""

California: Smogging an older car?

I have a 1983 Datsun 280zx, and I just got a letter in the mail saying I have to smog this vehicle. I thought there was an age bracket for classic cars that didnt need to be smogged ...show more""

How do you get car insurance for your car when you never had insurance?

I'm looking to put a down payment on a used car but I need to know how does putting insurance on it work? I never had my own insurance this will be my first car I get on my own, I will not be under my parents insurance or anything like that it will be completely brand new.""

Question about Car Insurance?

I'm 17 and going for my driver's test. My parents said that they were going to put my name under all three cars we own for insurance. That didn't make sense to me though. When I went to All State's website, and did an estimated quote, it would only let me pick one car for each person. Like just one primary driver for each car. My question is, how does this insurance thing work? Thanks!""

Health insurance question?

how is it that someone without insurance, and cant pay the medical bills not pay anything, and get the same healthcare..as a person with insurance...........???????anyone? why dont we just get rid of insurance?""

Who pays my car insurance?

As a Christmas gift my boyfriend bought me an X6. I didnt ask any questions because he and my parents got into a fight about it because they didnt think it was appropriate so I dont know anything about whos name its under or insurance or anything, anyways. Im almost positive the car is under his name, but will the insurance be under his name since the car is under his name or would the car insurance be under my name since it was a gift to me?""

Is car insurance policy number confidential?

brother is applying for his own car insurance to A. A asks if anyone else has drivers license, and requesting policy number from other family members and their respective insurance providers.. Is that necessary?""

How? First car insurance under 2k?

I've passed my driving test and followed almost every rule out there: Low insurance group car Park in a garage/driveway Try fully comp and third party Try pass plus discount Try a 'black box' scheme Use named drivers Get a lower engine size Etc. Everything I try, my insurance quote is always 3K+ however I did manage to get it to 2.6k with a 'black box scheme'. A lot of people I know drive and their insurance varies, some have paid a lot and some a little but everything I try fails. I understand as a 17 year old male car insurance is always going to be steep and 2.6K is probably a good quote but is it at ALL possible to get a quote for around 2K or less? That's still a lot in my opinion but would be just about affordable. I simply don't understand how a 17 year old at college 5 days a week is expected to be able to fund this, even if they do work weekends (which I do) It's extortionate""

Why do they ask your occupation when appliying for insurance?

Does it really matter? Or is it for marketing purposes?

Fun first car from the 90's/cheap insurance?

I'm at the age of buying a first car, and was just wondering what would suit me... Currently, I drive an automatic Kia Sedona(Automatic) along with a Toyota Tacoma (Manual). I'm alright with cars and mechanics in general, and I'd like to modify my first car a bit. (Ex. Turbo, engine swap?, etc). Not a lot but just to a point of understanding cars more. Here are a list of must haves: -Price!! 2-5k please! -0-60 in under 7( preferably stock ) -More than 20 mpg -Cheap insurance ( Old car? Maybe 90's?) -Manual transmission -Aftermarket parts!!! Must have a wide range that are plentiful! And pllllleeeeeaaaseee don't say anything with a 4-cyclinder unless it's truly the best option! I prefer some muscle ;) but not to the point were I'm spending all of my money on gas -.- Other than that, 'nuf said :) Thanks!""

""How can i get insurance if my car cost 20,000?""

How can i get insurance if my car cost 20,000?""

What kind of insurance is good and affordable for an 18yr old female and their first car?

What kind of insurance is good and affordable for an 18yr old female and their first car?

pennsylvania insurance code 32786

pennsylvania insurance code 32786

Is motorcycle insurance less than car insurance?

Alright so I am 18 and I just purchased a 2001 GSXR 600 and some tell me that it will cost more to insure than a car..and some say less..I personally think it will cost less considering that a bike will cause much less damage than a car would. Please help me out and tell me about how much a month this bike will cost, thanks!""

How much will cost to insure a mustang gt. I'm 20 years old.?

I'm looking to buy a 94 mustang gt and I was wondering how much it would cost me under my father policy. I'm 20 years old, I'm a guy and I have a good driving record. What would be the range on how much it would cost me. Don't say a lot because I know it will obviously be a lot that's why I'm asking the question.""

Car insurance/Finance?

I'm wanting to get a cheaper car on finance. I was looking at a few second hand Toyota Aygo's for around 4,000-5,000. But somebody said you need fully comprehensive insurance to be able to get a car on finance, i had forgotten about insurance. But i'm a young driver, so comprehensive is very expensive now, and barely affordable when you add the amount payable for the car each month too. Is it possible to take out a loan, buy the car out right, then pay the loan back monthly.? That way would i be able to have any level of insurance cover on the car?, as Third party fire and theft is much cheaper than comprehensive on a Toyota Aygo. Thanks a lot. :-)""

Whats a good health insurance company?

One that is affordable, has good coverage, good selection of choices? Fair, good quality, what do you recommend ?""

I need some help!!? Car Insurance prediciton:?

I am 16, and i have had my G2 for 2-3weeks....and got my G1 10months ago in ONTARIO. I am not the primary driver on a car(my parents have 2 cars....they are the primary drivers) Tonight i slid off the road and hit a tree( roads were slippery and wet as it was snowing) and maybe 3-4 thousand dollars damage was done to the front of the car!! How much will my insurance go up per month??( it was a 2007 hyundai elantra with snow tires)""

Cheap car insurance im 19 male 1yr no claims any ideas or websites?

i need my insurance to be as cheap as possible any help ? ideas ? any thing lol any websites or anything to help thank you i know im in the same boat as everyone but this is worth a try lol

Two-thirds of one months insurance coverage has expired?

I need accounting homework help! I'm stumped. Two-thirds of one months insurance coverage has expired? 2500 premium for 12 months. Please!

Insurance cost for a 16 year old with a 1986 iroc camaro?

I'm 16 have a 1986 iroc camaro 350ci and i live in an average neighborhood in western ny i'm a male. any insurance guestimates? I'm gonna need to be on my own plan.

Can I get sued if my son gets into an accident and has no car insurance. He's 21?

My son is 21. He has 2 jobs. He can't pay the car insurance so he has no insurance. Were worried about being sued cause he still lives at home and he's 21 years old in new york state. Are we still liable

Range Rover Insurance?

I know that insurance depend on a lot of factors however I'm just looking for a round about estimate for a 24 year old female with a clean driving record on a 2003 a range rover?

Cheap V8 cars to buy? (under $15k)?

I am looking to buy my first car in about April and I need something cheap to start with as I will be selling it for a better car once I make the money. I am going to start working after April so need a cheap car to get to work. I have always been interested in V8's because of the sound. I would like a 4 door too. What do you have in mind?

A question about car insurance....?

What if a guy parked his car in the parking lot and when he came back from what ever he was doing, his car was crashed He have no idea who did it. WIll his car insurance cover for the damage?""

Do you need car insurance for a primary car in the state of NJ even if you plan on using someone else's?

Hi, I am a probationary licensed driver in the state of NJ, and since I live with my mom, I was told by an insurance company that I need to have insurance on my mom's (primary) ...show more""

Do i need insurance to buy a car?

I have been put in a crisis and am being forced to buy my first car tommorrow. My dad has bought cars for me, but I've never owned one. I am buying my friends truck, which is past due on registration. Basically, I pay the late fees and the truck is mine. I however do not have insurance right now. I will get it ASAP but don't as of right now. I've been reading online and they all say, No dealer will let you drive off the lot without insurance. But none of them say if you're buying the car from a person, not a dealer. What do i do??""

Will my auto insurance be high if i was not insured before. even though i have my G1.?

Hello, I'm a 20yr old Male, and I'm planning on getting a used car ( 1999 - 2004 ) bellow $3000 CAD. The problem is that i was never insured before. I got my g1 on 2007, and my G at 2010. Most of those years i drove with my uncle beside me, because he worked close to my school. So I was wandering, how high will my insurance will be? considering the fact that i did not have any insurance and i'm a 20yr old male. I searched online for quotes and the lowest i got was 499 per month... I am a student, thus i'm only making around 450 - 600 a month doing part time job. And any suggesting on a car for a first timer is more than welcome. (colour, make, model, yr. etc. ) Thank you very much for reading this.""

Obama's Healthcare plan. Can someone define affordable?

Whats affordable for my neighbor is not affordable for me. So how does this work. Will I pay less than my neighbor? Will I be able to opt out on my own insurance and get the same Heath insurance Obama is on?

How do points on licence affect insurance premiums?

I was caught on camera doing 70 mph in a 60 area. Hands up, my stupid mistake, first offence after nearly 40 years driving. I will have to pay any fine imposed but, paying extra for insurance is sort of a doule whammy. No doubt it will cost extra for insurance now but, roughly how much?""

Which is better hmo or ppo insurance?

Which is better hmo or ppo insurance?

Who will give car insurance with a drivers permit?

My DL was suspended and I restored them today due to parking ticket but I have to start all over so I have a permit so who will give me car insurance with a permit need A.S.A.P

Health Insurance in NC?

Recommendations for Health Insurance in NC for adult and Child. Any good experiences with service and cost?

""Insurance policy,,,,,,,,,,,?

I signed a life insurance policy on the spot. It was an error at some point. I realize that what i needed was a retirement insurance. Is it possible to request the insurance company to change my policy?

Why is my car insurance higher than my sisters?

Okay I am kind of frustrated so I am hoping someone can explain this to me. My sister and I both have our car insurance through progressive. We both have 2003 Chevy Cavilers (4 doors). Neither of us have been in an accident, we live only a few miles apart. The only differences I can think of: Her car is red, my car is blue, and I am 23 and she is 25. Other than that we have the exact same policy, everything! Last month she paid 140 for her 6 months. This month they want me to pay 191!!! I don't understand!! Does me being 2 years younger really make a difference?? I appreciate any input! Thanks for your time! Also, who do you think has the best car insurance. I am going to switch if I can find lower than 191.""

Whats a cheap major health insurance plan?

im paying way too much right now and need a cheaper plan

Car insurance for new car....?

Hi all, I'm about to get my first new car but I'm not sure about the insurance. Do I have to buy the insurance first and then go the the dealer and finance the car? Or do I when I get the car from the dealer will they give me like a 1 day policy so then I can buy insurance? And no, I don't want to get insurance thru the dealer just the financing. P.S. If it is of any help, it is a Mazda3 that may cost me $18,000 as off 1/28/07. Thanks.""

Whats the average price of car insurance for a teen with a 97 jet ta ?

Whats the average price of car insurance for a teen with a 97 jet ta ?

pennsylvania insurance code 32786

pennsylvania insurance code 32786

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/aarp-insurance-quotes-online-nicholas-proctor/"

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Free Speech Slip and Slide

In the past I’ve written at length about my concern that the newly invigorated attitude that we must outlaw, or at least severely socially punish the speakers, racist/sexist/etc.. speech is a mistake. I have doubts about the efficacy of such punishments and believe that pushing racism adjacent views into a hidden underground where they fester and mutate1 creates more hate. However, the primary thrust of my concern was the usual slippery slope argument (importantly serious harms arise as soon as well-intentioned people start to fear that an epistemic mistake could land them in trouble). Unfortunately, evidence for a steep slippery plastic slope with extra soap arrived all too quickly.

Superiority of Western Culture

First we had this really stupid opinion piece that I would have guessed was written by a machine learning algorithm trained on 1980s era conservative values pieces if it had only mentioned crack (still managed a shout out to the pill for destroying our perfect 1950s society). Personally, I thought it was just as stupid this time around as I did in the late 80s and early 90s except these authors should have seen how that went and known better. However, as far as offensiveness goes it rates as a “kids these days…have no … always on their..” but somehow it has become the subject of accusations of racism and the subject of serious controversy (yes, that last article is written by a friend of the original author so take its slant with a grain of salt).

True, there is no credible effort to have the author fired from her position in the law school but it has generated enough outrage for students to get up in time to picket Wax’s class as racist and its not just some hasty people with signs. At least a non-trivial segment of the Penn campus left is willing to call this piece racist, sexist or otherwise suggest it isn’t just dumb and wrong but deserving of open moral scorn.

While one might try and charitably reconstruct some argument based on the text of the oped2 what is going on is what is always going on with accusations of racism/sexism/islamophobia etc.. Rather than parsing the literal content of a piece and asserting those claims amount to racism (or providing evidence that the author was being disingenuous) people decide to call something racist if it feels like the things racists would say. In this case there is no doubt this oped has that feel. Indeed, it hits many of the points that one would expect from a racist dog-whistle: glorification of European/western culture, suggestion that something associated with whites is superior, a nostalgic comparison to the 1950s, reference to some aspect of black culture the author disapproves of (“anti-“acting white” rap culture of inner-city blacks”) and even the obligatory focus on whites that have the traits you are criticizing.

The problem with taking this as grounds for accusations of racism is that it confuses being the sort of person whose strong affinity for traditionalism and reverence for long lived institutions and practices may make needed reform more difficult with actual racism. However, we are generally quite willing to let the earnest man who is such a strong believer in feminism that he frequently gives a piece of his mind to men who he views as pushing an aggressive male-centric approach on women and thereby does more to perpetuate the stereotype of women as unable to handle these situations than anyone he criticizes. This case is only different in that it is harder to imagine genuinely feeling that these old school conservative values are the secret to a better life and wanting to help minorities by sharing. Also in that often people who feel this way about morals and newfangled social innovations also feel this way about minorities but that’s just a stereotype.

Most importantly, it renders the standard for racism uselessly subjective. If it is no longer necessary to have overt animus or believe in some particular stereotype then it is insanely easy to apply the term to virtually anyone you want. Especially given that as the sphere of things that have been labeled racist expands fewer and fewer non-racists say anything in that sphere so just imagine the same dialog in 20 years about pieces supporting free speech. It would be something mostly racists talk about as a cover, anyone like me writing about it would explain that we believed in it for everyone (while detractors would point out that we kept focusing on the free speech of the racists as they don’t see it from the context in which that is the right place to make one’s stand), one could raise analogies to the contract rights arguments offered in the civil rights movement (yes its bad but the constitution…we just can’t do anything). The only thing this lacks is the subjective feel that comes from hearing lots of racists say something that sounds similar but we can’t cede to racists the power to decide what is and isn’t considered.

Also, as a practical matter this kind of use of the accusation of racism isn’t productive. The reason to use the term at all is to invoke our shared disapprobation of certain behaviors to change people’s behavior. Telling someone ‘suggesting that blacks only eat fried Chicken or look like Gorillas’ is racist usually results in an immediate change and the world is a better place but when you say that some vague thing about the gestalt I get from your article is racist doesn’t. If I were the author and was willing to sell out my views so I wouldn’t be racist how would I even know where to start?

Call these ideas out as stupid or even the kind of progress phobic thinking that perpetuates racism that’s great but its just not racism.

University of Tampa’s Impolitic Twitter Firing

Also, we have the University of Tampa firing a visiting professor for the following poorly considered and bumblinging inappropriate tweet

I dont believe in instant karma but this kinda feels like it for Texas. Hopefully this will help them realize the GOP doesnt care about them.

This is obviously just a case of someone not realizing how what he said would be taken in context. When he did he apologized. That should have been the end of it.

While at first glance one might feel that this isn’t really relevant to the broader picture at the moment. However, while it wasn’t exactly an academic paper this tweet is fundamentally nothing but an expression of a political sentiment. Indeed, suppose the author really believed this was some kind of divine vengeance on Texas for voting GOP. Surely that is core political-religious speech if anything is so its hard to see how this is anything but a direct attack on the idea that Professors get to comment on current events and broader social issues without fear of being fired for controversial views (assuming they don’t bear on their academic qualifications…mathematicians probably shouldn’t say $\omega$ and $2^\omega$ have the same cardinality).

Mistakes

We need room for people to make mistakes! Even mistakes about what to believe on controversial issues because only when people feel they won’t lose their jobs or be shunned if they get it wrong can they allow themselves to explore the issue and reach the right conclusions.

I know its really hard in these discussions to imagine any other perspective than your own but rarely is it the case that someone just wakes up out of the blue filled with hate and the desire to see another race suffer. Sure, sometimes the reasons are just visceral (your gang is white they are black) but in most cases there is some chain of thought and emotion that made every step they took seem reasonable so if you suspect the target of your criticism of simply reasonless hate you should probably reevaluate that view.

However, that is what makes the situation so dangerous as well. Given that even racists think they have good and sound justifications for their beliefs an atmosphere which imposes severe penalties for even minor infractions allows only one safe response: parrot back the official dogma.

But, if we are going to fix the remaining barriers and harms inflicted by problematic stereotypes and structural racism/sexism we need to find them in non-obvious places and that takes open speculation. We’ve picked all the low hanging fruit so more looking for white or male ‘perpetrators’ (if it could have been fixed easily that way we would have) we instead need to look at the less examined reservoirs of stereotypes such as members of the group themselves or the well-intentioned helper3. That means we need to walk on the edge and consider possibly offensive or unpleasant possibilities if we are going to figure out what is really going on so we can do something to fix things.

I’ve seen any number of scenarios in which the perception that certain topics can’t even be discussed doesn’t erase those ideas from people’s minds. Rather, it pushes them to form groups (the ones that go silent when a woman or minority comes by and we work so hard to eliminate) in which they feel they can comfortably express views they are sympathetic to but are too controversial for general consumption. Unfortunately, when people gather together for the purpose of feeling safe sharing controversial views creates a strong social pressure not to call anyone else’s views in that group out for sexism/racism/etc.. even in a polite friendly way. I’m constantly amazed at how quickly both such groups form and how quickly they descend to the lowest common denominator and serve as a breeding ground where hateful ideas can infect good people because there is no opportunity to apply the corrective of a good counterargument and criticism. ↩

Taking their complaints at face value would seem to suggest the problem is that suggesting WASP culture (not so named) is superior is racist or at least unacceptable and bad. While those of us immersed in liberal sensibilities naturally flinch a bit when the suggestion is made that one culture is superior to another that doesn’t make the claim wrong or racist. Indeed, we all believe that, at least in the modern context, modern western culture is superior to the violent revenge culture in some New Guinean tribes all things considered (of course cultures have so many traits surely we could cherry pick a few improvements but the original piece doesn’t deny this). Hell, the very idea of tolerance and equality that those on the left are fighting for is a rare value for a culture to have and we are right to identify it as something good and important. But I think this “can’t say one culture is better than another” line isn’t a very charitable interpretation. ↩

Everyone knows that a great deal of slut-shaming and outfit policing is done to women by women and we’ve learned recently that it is other women who do the majority of interrupting women and may very well be the ones preventing more competitive female involvement. This matches both my experience at caltech (women who had few if any female friends their whole lives were way more likely to just blunder in and shot their load on the conversation or dismiss someone else’s contribution as stupid) and what evolutionary psychology would suggest (men have little interest in policing women but each gender needs to police rivals). Of course, men aren’t on the hook they are just on the hook for something else perpetuating harmful male stereotypes which can harm women as much as they do men (say by men not being willing to become primary caregivers). ↩

Free Speech Slip and Slide was originally published on Rejecting Rationality