#I usually aim to be in the 4000s for those wondering

[grandapplewit]

Hdjsjskak I’ve been struggling so much with this chapter that I forgot to check the word count????? It’s at 5000 and I’m not even done 😭😭

[kaiowut99]

Phew, finally finished re-finalizing my finalized GX stuff so far!

Over the last few weeks well I guess months--initially while I waited for some potential editing help for 65, then [once I canned the last fix I’d planned; sorry to those I may have slightly annoyed with my casual reblogs about it] just to get it all done while in Rome before double-releasing 65 and 66--I’ve been giving my scripts one final look-through to fix any consistency or formatting issues with my newer stuff (things like my starting to use “Fusion Undone” as De-Fusion’s translated name before accidentally going back to “Fusion Cancel” or turning “Miss Asuka” back to “Asuka-san” since I’d meant to use that whenever “Asuka-sama” was used, or the way I’d italicize contractions or capitalize things), and also to sort of go and do things I should’ve done initially (like translating Daitokuji’s nyas into meows, the logic being that it’s what we’d hear in English anyway; hopefully this is one that goes over well?).  Basically just to cross them off my list so I don’t go back to them at all.  The plan is also to work on new finalized MKV softsubs that I’ll release on NAC for those who’d like ‘em, since Zeratul (who’d provided them before) hasn’t in a long while, and once I do them for 1-66, they’ll be a thing going forward.

While I was at it, I applied some other animation/footage fixes to things I hadn’t picked up on in my initial finalizing run-through as I started doing them, or polished a couple that I did.  Some might wonder “why put in the effort for quick shots or at all no one cares,” but as I’ve mentioned before, as someone who loves GX with some [I think good?] skills using Photoshop/video editing and an eye for detail, I figured if I have time to improve it for people (especially those who might notice the same errors I did) where the staff didn’t take the chance to do so on the DVDs (where they usually would), then why not? (I was actually inspired to do it by KaiserNeko doing the same for DBZ during DBZ Abridged.) The fixes I work on are done for both my hardsubs and the DVDRips I release with the scripts over on NAC, and there’s a thread there with the original DVDRips I work off of as well, in case anyone doesn’t like them (most/all of my finalized Season 1 scripts were re-timed for them by someone there, but I’ll take some time out to do it myself too now that I’ve re-finalized them), along with the CR subs which I’ve said should be shown love too.  I’ll list these new fixes out below by each episode, for anyone super curious about the details; some are kind of interesting, lol. (Did my best to format it so it’s readable, too, lol.)

So, yeah--keep an eye out for the links to actually-final 1-64 on my stream masterpost to be updated along with 65 and 66 once I post them (probably tomorrow), I’ll be updating the links in my NAC thread to the hardsubs and scripts I’ve re-finalized along with any DVDRips updated with the fixes below, and as I get work going on 67+ (which I’ve started a bit of) I’ll work on batches of the softsub MKVs for folks.  For people looking forward to my 65 and 66, really appreciate the patience the past couple of months; hoping to work on some double-releases to make up some time.

Extra-Final Fixes!

Episode 4 (Since I didn’t include a list of the previous fixes I’d worked on in the original release post, I’ll include those here in italics; the new ones here were mainly noticed as I worked on 66 given the flashback to Judai and Manjoume’s duel here--the edits were applied there first, then I went back and applied them here. The fixes I’d already done were applied to the flashback in 66 as needed.)

As Judai takes damage from Clayman’s destruction by VW-Tiger Catapult, Judai’s LP start counting down from 3808 and not 4000; I fixed it in Sony Vegas by masking in a LP counter starting from 4000 for a few frames.

As Judai prods Manjoume into choosing a card from his hand for A Hero Appears’s effect, Manjoume’s part of a split-screen has part of his blazer semi-faded for a frame; I corrected it by just duplicating a later frame.

As Judai’s LP take a hit from V-to-Z destroying Burstlady, there are four frames where the upper part of his Disk is missing the bottom part that extends out--but it shows up in the next frame, which also causes Judai’s Disk wrist grip to vanish for the rest of the shot before Shou’s split-screen comes on, as the parts of his arm for it are colored like his jacket sleeve.  To fix the first issue, I used Photoshop to draw on that bottom part in that first frame, then masked it into the shot in Sony Vegas for the other three frames.  The second issue I fixed by recoloring his sleeve to account for the wrist grip, then masking the edit into the shot while masking the little destroyed Solid Vision bits above the edit.

Had a few things going on here.  First, after Manjoume mocks Judai being wide open just after the above, we have one of many recycled shots through the episode where Judai insists that he’s still got fight in him--the initial frame has Judai in the same position as edit #3 ends with his wrist grip missing, but it reappears as he moves to stand firm while the shading on the lefthand side of his Disk’s Cemetery slot is wonky for a couple of frames.  Second, as Judai moves back into his initial position, that shading is normal but the wrist grip again disappears into his sleeve, and this time that bottom bit of his Disk’s upper part is colored as part of Judai’s sleeve, making his arm shorter.  Third, as Judai moves to draw, the wrist grip reappears and that bottom part is now colored properly, but Judai’s arm isn’t extended like it was at the start of the shot. Finally, as Judai draws, the wrist grip is there but that whole part of his wrist is colored like it (no red noting the end of his jacket sleeve).  I fixed the first issue by copying the wrist grip edit from #3 and copying the moving Cemetery slot shading from the second part here.  The second issue was fixed once I again copied the wrist grip edit from #3, along with using the initial frame to mask in the correct Disk/forearm coloring.  Then, I fixed the third issue by copying the rest of the area below the Disk’s bottom bit from the later shot in edit #7 below where it was colored correctly.  I fixed the last issue by recoloring the first wrist grip curve into red for the end of Judai’s jacket sleeve for five frames.

As Manjoume’s V-to-Z aims directly at Judai, as he discards two to activate Evolutionary/Transcendant Wings, the Winged Kuriboh on his Disk is in Attack Mode when it’s in Defense on the field; I blanked its Monster Zone in Photoshop and then added a Winged Kuriboh proxy in AfterEffects correctly in Defense Mode.

As Judai swings his arm around telling Winged Kuriboh LV10 to “send all that energy right back” at Manjoume, the spot on his Disk where Winged Kuriboh LV10 appears for a few frames is colored like the Monster Zone it’s on; I just applied a Winged Kuriboh LV10 proxy above it for those frames.

Again, a few things here as we recycle the Judai shot in edit #4 (but he’s smiling so it’s different~). First, after Manjoume mocks Judai’s idea of him drawing a 1000-ATK-or-higher Monster to finish him, the initial frame of this shot is pulled from just before Judai moves to draw in edit #4 because the wrist grip is missing along with the bottom bit of his Disk being colored like his jacket.  Then, as Judai moves to draw and grabs a card from his deck, as his Disk arm swings upward for a few frames, the wrist grip area is first 90% colored like his sleeve, with half of the first curve of it on his sleeve colored like the grip, before it’s fully colored like his sleeve for the other frames.  Finally, as Judai fully draws and his Disk swings back to the bottom of the shot (recycling Judai’s position post-draw in edit #4), the wrist grip is gone, but also Judai’s undershirt is miscolored, part of the folds on Judai’s jacket sleeve near his elbow are colored like his Disk, and his Disk is miscolored or missing a few details compared to the earlier shot (like the bottom side of the blue LP orb being colored blue as well and not the Disk’s gray as before).  I fixed the first issue by copying the fixed initial frame from edit #4, masking it in Vegas to just use the Disk/wrist grip area.  The second issue was fixed as I recolored the wrist grip area such that the first curve was fully red and the rest was wrist-grip-colored for the three frames of Judai’s Disk arm going upward.  I fixed the third issue by just masking in Judai’s Disk and arm (up to the edge of his wrist) from the earlier correctly-colored shot, while also masking in his correctly-colored undershirt.

As Judai summons Featherman--to Shou and Chronos’s surprise--and has him lunge at Manjoume for the finisher, the black faraway box that is Featherman on his Disk disappears as Shou and Chronos slide in on a split-screen, and it’s still gone as they slide back out.  I fixed this in Vegas by just masking that black box on to stay longer, masking in Shou’s split-screen over it before and after it slides in.

Episode 8 (Original release post; as with episode 4′s, these new errors were mainly noticed as I worked on 66 given the flashback to Judai and Ryou’s duel here--the edits were applied there first, then I went back and applied them here.  The fixes I made before were applied to the flashback in 66, as well.)

After Judai thinks about how well Ryou played his first move, he draws Fusion for his turn, but as he draws it, it’s a dark-orange rectangle in his hand; I added a Fusion proxy over it in AfterEffects for the quick 2-3 frames it’s in.

After Judai’s first hit on him, Ryou draws and Special-Summons another Cyber Dragon, but visually he’s playing a Monster in face-down Defense Mode on his second Monster Zone--we see this Cyber Dragon in Zone 3 a few shots later as he uses Revival of the Dead to bring back his first Cyber Dragon.  The dub fixed this by making his Disk arm move such that Ryou’s hand lands on Zone 3, with the card in his hand a dubified Cyber Dragon, and I opted to work that into the footage here by masking their moving Disk over the original shot in Vegas, redoing the sky background behind it and masking in parts of Ryou and his hand to make it blend well while also adding some detail to the Disk in Photoshop to compensate for the slightly lower quality.  Then, I replaced the dubified card with a Japanese Cyber Dragon proxy in AE.  I worked on this in 66 first (as highlighted here), but I unfortunately couldn’t just copy that edit completely here, since the footage in 66 has a bit more brightness/contrast to it that I couldn’t dial down accurately to make it blend in to the darker footage here; this is definitely the kind of error that would normally be fixed on the Japanese DVDs, so why it wasn’t is a mystery.

As the screen zooms in on Judai after Ryou declares Cyber Twin’s attack, he’s missing Thunder Giant on his Disk’s third Monster Zone; I added a proxy onto it in AE and masked the red bulb on his Disk over it in Vegas.  It’s tiny and a quick shot, but for consistency’s sake and all. (I’d previously only added that missing Thunder Giant as it zooms out while he activates A Hero Appears).

As Judai thinks about how Evolutionary Wings would evolve his Winged Kuriboh and the screen fades and zooms out to Bubbleman on his field, he’s missing Bubbleman on his Disk in his third Monster Zone.  I added it in AE, then keyframed this zoom-out for it accordingly in Vegas.

Right after #4 above, as Judai notes that he can’t Normal-Summon again this turn, we see Mudballman--which he hasn’t summoned yet--in Defense Mode on his Disk.  When I first fixed this, I put Bubbleman in its place, but accidentally in Defense Mode (given that he’s in Attack Mode right now), so I fixed my own correction by blanking the third Monster Zone Mudballman was on and slapping Bubbleman on in Attack Mode in AE, moving it along with Judai’s Disk. (Still not sure why the dub decided Mudballman = VW Catapult or something apparently lol)

Episode 10 (Original release post listing the original two fixes that were done)

After Mei draws out his Sanga thanks to Kyuu’s Dark Designator card, during the panning shot as Mei adds it to his hand (before they tell Judai and Shou they’ll enlighten them about Tag Dueling), the Defense-Mode Burstlady on Judai’s Disk is shown reversed; I just applied a proxy in AfterEffects on top of it so it was correctly shown with the name box facing left.

After summoning Steam Gyroid, as Shou notes that summoning Hyuga left Kyuu without a defending Monster, the above shot is recycled--this time, reversed so it pans from Shou to Judai, but also has Judai react to what Shou’s saying--and so is the error with Burstlady on his Disk.  Again, just applied a proxy in AE to fix it, moving it as Judai moves his Disk.

As Shou looks down in disappointment after his Steam Gyroid’s attack ran into Hyuga’s effect, Judai turns to give him some words of encouragement, but as his Disk moves with him, we see the Defense-Mode Burstlady on his Disk again facing the wrong way.  Just slapped a proxy on in AE and moved it as Burstlady’s Zone came into view.

After Gate Guardian destroys Shou’s Steam Gyroid, as Chronos watches on and notes Shou’s timidity vs Judai’s stubbornness while the two look on at the Meikyuu Brothers, we see the Defense-Mode Burstlady on Judai’s Disk facing the wrong way again.  Fixed it by placing the proxy again in AE, then zooming it out accordingly as the shot zooms out.

After Mei sets a card and Judai prepares to draw for his turn, there’s a yellow rectangle where his Defense-Mode Burstlady should be.  Applied a proxy in AE over it to fix the issue.

Episode 11  (Original release post listing the original fixes that were done)

As Kyuu draws once Judai sets a card to end his turn using Spark Gun on Gate Guardian, the spot on his Disk where Defense Wall in Defense Mode would be has an Attack-Mode-shaped hole where you can see the blue of the stands behind him! I fixed it by making a Defense Wall proxy that I slapped on in Defense Mode in AfterEffects, moving it with his Disk.  For the tail end of the shot where the Zone is fully visible, I also filled in the hole with the Zone color in Photoshop and then applied the proxy.

As Shou declares Gate Guardian the target of his Shield Crush, the card back for the one card in his hand is miscolored.  I fixed it by redrawing the usual card back in Photoshop for the frames it’s in, Gaussian Blurring it so it blends in, before he turns and they’re out of the shot.

After Mei ends his turn having attacked Drillroid with Dark Guardian amused at Shou’s standing back up thanks to Judai, as Judai draws for his turn, his face-down card is miscolored. I recolored it in Photoshop for the few frames it’s in, working it into the footage in Vegas.

After Judai draws from Pot of Greed after the above, he goes on to activate Fusion Gate, but Sparkman on his Disk is reversed; I applied a proxy in AE facing upright, then keyframed it to the zoom-out here in Vegas.

As Judai realizes he’ll need to give up Skyscraper so Tempester can survive Dark Guardian’s attack, the Tempester card on his Disk is reversed; I applied a proxy in AE facing upright, then keyframed it to the zoom-out here in Vegas.

As Judai and Shou reel from the above attack once Kyuu ends his turn, Shou has a Normal Monster card where Drillroid would be on his Disk.  I fixed it by slapping on a proxy in AE for the couple of frames it’s visible in before Shou moves his Disk so it’s not onscreen.

I polished my edit to Misawa to keep his sideburns still in episode 12 and added it to the equivalent shot in the preview here.

Episode 12 (Original release post listing the original fixes that were done)

As noted in 11′s #7, I polished my original fix to Misawa’s moving sideburns as a buffed-up Hell Soldier took out his Hydroggedon so it blended in more with the smoke and everything going on in the shot; looks better now.

As Manjoume declares Hell Burner’s attack on Misawa, there are two quick frames where it’s a yellow rectangle on his Disk; I applied a Hell Burner proxy in AE accordingly.

Episode 18 (Original release post listing the original fixes that were done)

After Kagurazaka brings back Berfomet to take the hit from Thunder Giant and he starts his turn, as he activates Reincarnation of the Dead, there’s a quick frame where it shrinks in his hand as the shot zooms out--I fixed this by just duplicating the frame just before where it’s normal.

After Kagurazaka summons the Gazelle he added to his hand above, he then activates Swords of Sealing Light, but there’s a quick frame where it’s just a yellow shape in his hand.  Easy fix by slapping a proxy in AE.

Episode 30 (Original release post listing the original fixes that were done)

As Shou and Hayato realize they’re no longer being boiled alive, Hayato audibly asks, “Huh? Where are we?”, but his lips only move for the “Huh?” part of that as he lifts his head.  To fix this, I used the couple of flaps as he lifts his head and tweaked/resized them so they would work after his head’s lifted, adjusted to fit his line.

Episode 31 (Original release post listing the original fixes that were done)

As Chronos sets a card down after Camula brings out another Immortal Werewolf, Antique Gear Soldier on his Disk is shown as a Normal Monster Card; I originally fixed this by slapping on a proxy in AfterEffects while the shot was still, then keyframe-zooming it out in Vegas, but at the time, I didn’t account for Chronos’s swinging arm, so the card was superimposed over his hand for a frame or two as it swung over that Zone.  I’ve masked his hand over my edit now, so that’s fixed.

Episode 38 (Original release post listing the original fixes that were done)

After Judai summons Wildman in Defense Mode to start the duel and the lights suddenly go out (prompting the “duel of darkness/duel in the seas” mixup...), we see Wildman’s in Attack Mode on the field despite its Defense posture.  I fixed it by applying a proxy there, then masking Wildman’s lower body and the shadow coming from his sheathed sword on top of it.

Episode 46 (Original release post listing the original fixes that were done)

As Judai reminisces about the past year, he flashes back to his duel with Ryou in episode 8 and his Featherman being vaporized by Cyber Dragon; I added back the fix I did to Judai’s Disk in removing his destroyed Featherman for the few frames it’s onscreen.  Because the flashback fades to white right then too, I also added a quick mostly-transparent layer of white over the blanked zone to replicate the start of the fade to white so it blended in.

As Judai then looks over at Shou and Hayato and he remembers his first encounters with them (a bit reanimated, too), there’s a quick frame where Hayato’s gritted-teeth mouth disappears before it closes into a line for his mouth.  Fixed by just reusing a frame of his mouth in the same position and moved it into place in the panning shot.

Episode 51 (Original release post listing the original fixes that were done)

As Ryou notes that Judai’s studied up on him by choosing to go second, Judai slides in on a split-screen, but the top of his hair’s miscolored.  Fixed by recoloring it in Photoshop, then working it into the footage in Vegas by moving it into place as he slides in.

As Ryou uses Time Capsule to hide away his Fusion Undone/De-Fusion for later and Judai thinks back to his move in episode 8 leading to his activating Power Bond, I added back my fix to Ryou’s Disk to add on his missing two Cyber Dragons and the one Cyber Dragon in his hand, grayscaling it and adding visual noise to it to blend with the flashback.

Episode 54 (Original release post listing the original fixes that were done)

After Chronos pins his hopes on Manjoume, as Gokaido draws for his turn, we see an error where his Disk apparently partially vanishes for two movement frames--it seems the animation staff forgot to put the background layer behind his Disk there or something, lol.  I fixed this by actually filling in the rest of his Disk in Photoshop for those two frames, first by filling in the Disk itself and then painting on the rest of the Monster Zone at the edge of the frame, and then just added them to the video in Vegas.

Episode 59 (Original release post listing the original fixes that were done)

After Shining Flare Wingman returns while Ed explains Misfortune’s effect, of the D-Heroes on his Duel Disk, we see Diamondguy and Diehardguy reversed.  I originally slapped on proxies for them positioned correctly in AfterEffects on the frame after the slow zoom-out stops, then in Vegas I used that frame to re-do the initial zoom-out, but while I usually add a slight blur to the proxies, I noticed that they were a bit too blurry as the zoom-out started.  So I redid it and lightened the blur, while also touching up the bit as Misfortune’s light envelops Ed and his Disk so the light over them blends in more.

Episode 62 (Original release post, though I didn’t do any fixes before)

As Judai uses Dandylion’s effect to summon his two Fluff Tokens, Cocoon Dolphina--visually in Defense Mode on the field--is in Attack Mode on Judai’s Disk in the panning shot to them.  I fixed it by first blanking the Zone in Photoshop, then placing a proxy in the Zone for one frame in AfterEffects before I re-panned that frame for the shot.

[gumnut-logic]

We’ll Be Home For Christmas 3.4

Title: We’ll be home for Christmas

Day Three - If not for the courage of the fearless crew – Part 4

Prologue | 1.1 | 1.2 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 3.2 | 3.3

Author: Gumnut

29 Dec 2019 - 4 Jan 2020

Fandom: Thunderbirds Are Go 2015/ Thunderbirds TOS

Rating: Teen

Summary: The boys can’t fly home for Christmas, so they have to find another way.

Word count: 4342

Spoilers & warnings: language and so, so much fluff. Science!Gordon. Artist!Virgil, Minor various ships, mostly background.

Timeline: Christmas Season 3, I have also kinda ignored the main storyline of Season 3. The boys needed a break, so I gave them one. Post season 3B, before Season 3C cos we haven’t seen it yet.

Author’s note: For @scattergraph. This is my 2019 TAG Secret Santa fic :D I hope you enjoy it.

I’m probably posting this before it is ready and I’m not happy with the ending so may change where it ends when I start writing the next part, but I really need a little cheering up today, so here be the next 4000-odd words of this fic. I hope you enjoy them :D

Many thanks to @vegetacide and @scribbles97 for cheering me on and their wonderful support through this craziness. And to @onereyofstarlight for geeking out with me over the setting.

Disclaimer: Mine? You’ve got to be kidding. Money? Don’t have any, don’t bother.

-o-o-o-

They stashed their luggage in the hostel, a large white and wooden building that had obviously seen many residents over the years, but was well loved and maintained.

Melissa gave them a quick tour of the compound. It consisted of series of buildings similar to the hostel but of varying sizes over looking the ocean and the adjacent Oneraki Beach. The island was basically a triangle with the encampment on the north facing side high up on Fleetwood Bluff. There was something about a Flagstaff but Virgil missed it...mainly due to the conversation Gordon and Sam were laughing over behind him.

Whatever it was called, the view was magnificent. Far below in the bay, A Little Lightning was a small white smudge on the blue of the Pacific.

Melissa ran them through the rules of conduct on the island. No one was to venture anywhere on the island outside the compound unaccompanied by a DOC employee. Please keep your luggage inside the hostel. All life is protected on the island and in the waters. It was illegal to damage or remove anything. No littering. The list went on.

It was a long one.

Apart from being a cetacean biologist and a loud talker, Sam was also apparently the resident cook on the island. Melissa put no claim to any culinary skills, so had left it to Sam.

The man had baked a cake.

A Christmas cake.

In their isolation on the boat, despite their aim to be home for Christmas, Virgil had forgotten it was the day before Christmas Eve. December twenty-three.

It wasn’t the first time he had forgotten Christmas. Three years ago he had spent Christmas dragging survivors off the Amazon flood plain when the river engulfed an entire city. Christmas had been obliterated. As had the two months after due to the damn fever he had caught from those flood waters. It hadn’t been a great start to the year.

But this year it was different. They were on vacation. A forced vacation, but a vacation nonetheless, of which the whole purpose was to get home in time for Christmas. Yet the decorations and the tree in the corner of the communal hall had taken him by surprise.

The cake was very nice. He had to hold Alan back from grabbing seconds. But it got him thinking about the day after next and what they would be doing as a family.

“He sang to the whales?!”

Virgil jumped at Sam’s exclamation somewhere behind him.

“Yeah, he did. You should have heard it. It was incredible.” Virgil’s eyes widened at the pride in Gordon’s voice.

“They didn’t pay any attention, though, did they? All previous attempts have failed.”

“Ho, Sam, I have to show you the recordings. They responded alright. Virg may not speak whale, but he knows how to speak emotion. Mamma whale definitely understood something.”

Virgil buried his face in his coffee. The experience was still raw. He wasn’t sure he wanted to talk about it and it was inevitable that he would be asked.

“What did he use?” And the conversation dropped to normal levels. Virgil’s name was mentioned several times along with John’s. Sam was eager and excited.

Virgil felt dread.

“You okay, bro?” Alan was frowning at him while hoovering the second piece of cake Virgil had already told him he couldn’t have.

Why did he bother?

“So I guess we’ll be hauling in extra food supplies for these people after you’ve finished with them.”

“It was one piece of cake.”

“It’s the only cake, Alan.”

His brother’s eyes widened in realisation. “Oh.”

“Yes, oh.”

“I’ll bring them something before New Years.”

“Yes, you will.”

“Or maybe Scott can. He might want to visit.”

“What? Why?” But Alan was gesturing with his head in the direction of their eldest brother.

Deep in conversation with Melissa Fisher.

Virgil raised an eyebrow.

-o-o-o-

“So by claiming for twenty one instead of twenty volunteers we get just that extra bit of funding.”

“Clever move.” Scott had finished his cake and was drinking tea. Virgil had shot him an incredulous look when he asked for it, but if there was one thing Scott remembered about this place, it was the herbal tea. Melissa knew how to brew a great drink...even if she had to threaten him and his father to try it the first time.

“Are you still using Jack Dunning?”

“Oh, yes, the man is brilliant. And he does all our work pro bono which saves us so much. Thank you for the recommendation.”

Scott was not going to mention one Gordon Tracy jumping up and down in front of him one afternoon several years ago. His aquanaut brother had been apoplectic and at the end of a very sharp conversation, Scott had been more than willing to call in their lawyers to act on behalf of the DOC Kermadec Expedition. The fishery megacorporation challenging the validity of the Sanctuary hadn’t known what hit them.

And if Scott wanted Jack to send him all the bills, that was his prerogative. Melissa didn’t have to know everything.

“So how is Virgil?” It was a quiet question as she picked up her own cup of tea.

He eyed her a moment. He was well aware of her attraction to his brother. Gordon had made a point of stirring Virgil until his quiet brother had clapped him around the ears.

“He’s recovering. I’ll be happier when he is home.”

She eyed him as if considering whether she should breach a topic or not. Something flickered in her eyes. “How goes Tracy Island? Is the regrowth flourishing as we hoped?”

He thought back at the tracts of native vegetation his father had planted all those years ago, mostly on the other side of the island, though some covered scars from the IR excavations.The pōhutukawa and palm trees seemed to be okay, but his mind was usually on other things when he ran past them.

He shook his head. “To be honest, I don’t know. You could ask Gordon?”

She peered closer at him. “Are you okay?”

He straightened where he sat. “I’m good.” He stretched. “Got any recommendations for a good place to run? Need to stretch my legs.”

She swallowed the last of her drink. “I can show you.”

“No need, just point me in the right direction and I’ll find my way.”

A snort. “You’re not on Tracy Island, Commander. No visitors go unaccompanied on Raoul, remember. You’ve got a choice between me and Sam.” A smirk. “And you won’t get much distance out of him unless you prefer swimming.”

Internally he groaned. He had been looking forward to time alone.

“I can show you around the crater rim. You’ll get a great workout.”

The thought of finding the physical relief was just too tempting. The hike up the hill had been a teaser and he wanted more. He sculled the last of his tea. “Fine. Lead the way.” He hoped she could keep up.

Her smile was a challenge in itself. “I’ll go grab my running gear. Meet you out front in ten.”

“FAB.”

-o-o-o-

Gordon watched as Scott stood up, brushed past Virgil and said something, before following Mel out the door.

“Do you think Virgil would be willing to talk about his experience?”

Gordon glanced at Sam and then eyed his brother. His linen shirt was tight across his shoulders as the man hunched over his coffee. “I don’t know.”

“Can you ask?” Sam was all eagerness. It was understandable. The surfer had made cetaceans his life’s work and this was a fantastic opportunity.

A sucked in breath. “Leave it with me, I’ll see what I can do.”

-o-o-o-

John, drink in hand, had taken the opportunity to find himself a vantage point on the cliff. The island was very quiet, even quieter than Tracy Island was at times and considerably bigger.

He appreciated the solitude.

Of course, the boat hadn’t exactly been loud or even crowded. He truly enjoyed the time with his brothers. But it was nice to step away, even if only for a little time.

He parked himself in the long grass at the edge of the bluff and stared out into the blue of the Pacific.

An idle thought.

“Eos?”

“Hello, John.”

“Hello, Eos. Status?”

“All emergency calls are being fielded by the appropriate agencies. Mr Lemaire has entombed himself in ice at the South Pole in an attempt to locate Santa Claus. I have advised the GDF. He is safe and secure for the moment.”

John’s thoughts locked up for a second. “The South Pole? Santa Claus lives in the North Pole.”

“Ignoring the fact that Santa Claus is a myth, Mr Lemaire claimed that ‘the North Pole is an ocean and only an idiot would build a house on an ice floe that melts every summer, therefore he must be hidden at the South Pole.’ He planned to be the first human to interview the father of Christmas and used a specialised drilling machine to dig into the ice...which promptly collapsed on him twenty metres down.”

John sighed. “You are sure he is safe?”

“Colonel Casey has sent a specialist team. He and his wife have enough survival supplies to make it through to New Years if necessary.”

“Monitor the situation. Call us in only if there is no alternative.” A trip to the South Pole was something they did not need.

“FAB, John.”

“And how are you?”

“I am functioning well.”

“Do you have any results from the problem I set you?”

“I have analysed three thousand two hundred and twenty-three recordings of humpback whale communications. Unfortunately, many of the recordings are missing the lower frequencies as the equipment used was not sufficient. I do have some translation possibilities, however I am still calculating multiple variables and am hesitant to postulate a theory.”

He had expected as much. She had only been working on it for a few hours. “Are you enjoying the work?” To be honest, he wasn’t expecting a positive result. It did, however, keep a bored AI occupied.

“It is very interesting. Virgil’s response shows no pattern relative to the language he was attempting to respond to, yet he received a result.”

“I suspect there is an element of synergy in the language that enables it to become more than a sum of its parts. Perhaps that is what Virgil was able to tap into.”

“I’m not sure what you mean, John.”

John sucked in a breath. “You are a computer program, yet you are more than lines of code, you are a person. Correct?”

“Yes.”

“Perhaps this language is a step beyond simple complexity. Perhaps the elements combined create a new level of communication? One that is not entirely on the conscious level.”

His daughter was silent for a moment. “How does interpretation differ between the human conscious and subconscious? The literature claims a lack of cognitive recognition of events created or observed subconsciously. How could Virgil create something he is not aware of?”

“There is much we do not yet understand. The human subconscious is well known for gathering multiple observed factors and combining them into instinct, all without conscious control. Perhaps you should explore that region of research?” Come to think of it, Virgil’s instincts in the field were very sharp. There were multiple examples of his brother acting against orders and ultimately saving lives that otherwise would have been lost, including those of his brothers.

“I will, John, thank you.”

“You are welcome.” His lips curled into a smile. “Enjoy yourself.”

-o-o-o-

It was amazing to finally get his feet moving.

Scott’s shoes pounded volcanic dust and rock so familiar it was almost as if he was home. A regular thud-thud-thud, the sea breeze, the rock, the vegetation...energy flowed through him and was used, muscles firing, skin tingling in the afternoon air. God, it was so good to get out.

Melissa said nothing to him beyond directing which path to take. She had removed her DOC uniform, reducing her clothing to a tight crop top, shorts and running shoes, and if he was honest, he had to admit he was appreciating the view.

The woman was all slim muscle. Tight waist, lightly browned skin. Her pale hair bounced behind her in a hastily tied ponytail and he found himself following it as she leapt from path to rock and over logs.

She had no trouble keeping up. In fact, it was more the other way around. He had to work to keep up with her, despite the difference in stride. She knew exactly where she was going and she was offering no handicap.

They pushed up a steep incline for some time. She had taken them off the main track and deep into the forest. Birds sung all around and the wind rustled through the blossoming trees. The pōhutukawa were in their brilliant crimson Christmas flowers, festooning the island as if to decorate for the season.

Grandma loved the pōhutukawa trees on Tracy Island and was in fact the only reason he knew the name of the plant. She cut flowers every year for their Christmas table to acknowledge the beautiful piece of land they lived on.

They reminded him of home.

This whole island reminded him of home.

Melissa ran around a particularly large tree and he followed only to come to a screeching halt as the path suddenly changed direction. A huge crater appeared in front of him.

Melissa was running on the spot. She nodded down at the lake at the bottom of the volcanic bowl. “Blue Lake.”

And it was.

A stunning, almost unnatural cobalt blue. He stared down at it, panting from his exertions. His thin grey tank top clung to his sweaty body.

She grinned at him before darting off along the crater rim.

Hmmm. An indrawn breath and he took off after her.

The crater wasn’t massive on a volcanic scale, but it was impressive nonetheless. The late afternoon sun shadowed the mountain, emphasising the extremes of the landscape.

“The far lake is Green Lake.” Melissa had stopped and was running on the spot again. A fine sheen of perspiration glistened on her skin.

He did know the geography, he had flown over the island often enough, but this perspective was considerably different. “It’s beautiful.” Not unlike its caretaker.

The random thought shook him out of contemplation and forced himself to look out at the smaller green lake in the distance.

Where the hell had that come from? A sideways glance in her direction and he found her gaze caught on the spectacle before them, her love for the island obvious.

Well, he had to admit that he did have his own island love. Just not this island.

“C’mon, slow poke, let’s up the pace.” And she darted off into the forest again.

Really?

Thighs pumping, he followed her under the trees, down the slope a little before he found himself climbing again.

She called back to him from several metres in front. “Got a full body workout coming up. I hope you’re up to it.” Her grin bounced down the mountain and off his head.

She was challenging him? Well, he had been known to hang off rocket ships and climb vertical cliff faces. Bring it on.

She did.

The path dissolved. There was no other real word for it. It became a mass of black jagged volcanic rocks, interspersed with tree regrowth.

“This was dumped here last time Virgil yanked us off the Island.” Her words were interspersed with harsh breathing as she clambered over the obstacle. As he climbed the crater once again came into view and the scar in the side of the mountain became clear.

Wow.

There was a swath of dead forest dotted with regrowth. He remembered Virgil’s report. The footage had involved billowing smoke and steam, but his brother had confined most of his readings to the encampment, his concern more for the lives endangered than any geological happenings. Brains had taken readings and read GeoNet’s reports as he did for any activity on the Kermadec Ridge, but he had reported it small and unremarkable.

Looked far more remarkable in person.

Melissa reached the top of the pile of rock and finally stopped.

He was grateful. The woman knew how to push it. He clambered up the last few and stood next to her.

The view was magnificent.

“She risks our lives, but I have to say she is beautiful.” Her love was there again, in her eyes. It was a similar expression to what he saw on Gordon’s face when he stared out across the ocean.

“You love this island, don’t you.” It wasn’t a question.

She turned to stare at him and he realised that her eyes were a startling multicoloured grey. “I love this place. It’s mountains, its plants, its ocean, its everything. It is one of the truly saved places on our planet. There aren’t many left.” She shrugged. “I’m just lucky to be able to experience it and contribute my little bit of help.”

He snorted. “Even I know what you are doing is anything but little. You’ve expanded the Sanctuary by hundreds of kilometres since you’ve been here.”

Her gaze turned back to him. “You’ve been reading up on me?”

Half a grin. “I like to know who I am dealing with.”

She arched an eyebrow. “And what did you find, Commander?”

His smile spread. “Someone remarkable.”

-o-o-o-

Virgil hid for the rest of the afternoon. He slunk away to the hostel, found himself a bed and curled up. At some point, he heard a brother open the door to the communal room and another brother, Alan maybe, mutter something, but they went away and he was glad for it.

The wood of the building creaked in the sun and birds squawked almost continually, but despite, or perhaps because of the soundscape, he fell into a much better sleep than he had had the entire week. Deep and complete.

The sun was heading towards the horizon when he woke, yellowing rays cutting across the hostel windows, turning the white paintwork gold.

Gordon was in the room, fossicking through a bag. “G’don?” He blinked and screwed up his face.

“Hey, Virg! Sorry, did I wake you?”

“No. Don’t think so?”

“How are you feeling?”

Virgil rolled over and pushed himself up, sitting on the side of the bed. He rubbed his hands over his face. “Okay, I guess.”

His brother snorted. “I’ll ask you again in half an hour after coffee and brain activation.”

The grunt he sent in the aquanaut’s direction only proved his point.

“Sam is very interested in what you did today.”

Crap. Another grunt.

That earned him a querying look. Virgil had no idea what his brother expected. If a simple question about how he was feeling was a stumbler, the complex concepts involving what had happened earlier in the day were a complete brain frier.

“You up for dinner?” Gordon was suddenly sitting on the bed next to him. When had he moved? “Sam’s dragged out the barbecue. Claims he wants to test the theory of ‘throwing a prawn on the barbie’. Apparently, as an Australian he’s never cooked a shrimp on a barbecue before.” As if to punctuate the statement, the smell of cooking meat wafted in through the window.

Virgil stared at his brother.

“They had to import the shrimp for Christmas.”

The staring continued.

“They’re throwing a party because we’re here and using their Christmas supplies to do it...why the hell are you staring at me like that?”

Virgil didn’t answer him. He just wrapped an arm around him and hugged Gordon to his side.

His brother didn’t resist, but did look at him strangely. “You okay?”

“I’m good.”

Gordon didn’t say anything further and for a moment they sat there together.

Virgil’s stomach rumbled.

Gordon snorted. “C’mon, bro, food awaits.” He slipped Virgil’s hold and, turning around, offered him a hand up.

Without another word, Virgil took it and stood up beside his brother, his hand landing on his shoulder and squeezing.

That earned him another questioning look, but he ignored it.

The grassed central area of the compound had been transformed both by the golden sunlight and the lights strung between the trees. Sam was standing in front of a sizzling barbecue, someone Virgil didn’t know, laughing and holding him close. Alan and John were deep in discussion with another new person. All three of them had drinks in hand. John’s hair flickered about as if it was on fire, the sun catching it as the breeze tossed it around. And Scott...

Virgil stared.

Scott was laughing his ass off.

With Melissa Fisher.

The two of them sat beside each other in a couple of deck chairs. His brother appearing more relaxed than Virgil had seen him in a long time.

“What happened?” It came out without thought.

“They went for a run. Came back friendly as can be. I think Scott may have fallen for her charms.”

Charms? The woman was a handful. Virgil wasn’t afraid to admit he found her a challenge. Her gratitude the last time he had airlifted her and her squad of staff and volunteers off Raoul had been...exuberant.

If Kayo hadn’t escorted her out of his cockpit, he wasn’t sure what he would have done. As it was, Gordon had ribbed him until he cracked and thwapped him one.

But Scott seemed almost enthusiastic. Despite himself, Virgil broke into a grin.

Gordon echoed it. “Yeah, it’s great to finally see him relaxing.”

Quiet. “Yes. Yes, it is.”

Gordon grabbed his arm and nudged him in the direction of a table piled with food and drink. “Let’s get you fuelled up so I can introduce you to Liam and Elspeth.”

Coffee, as always, solved a lot of problems and, hugging his mug like the lifeline it was, Virgil was introduced to Sam’s husband.

Liam turned out to be a meteorologist. Raoul was not only important as a wildlife sanctuary, but also supported this corner of the Pacific’s meteorological station, providing atmospheric readings crucial to both weather and climate studies.

Having no shortage of interest in weather conditions, both as a pilot and a rescue operative who often found himself in the extremes of all kinds of those conditions, Virgil fell into in a very interesting discussion regarding navigating tropical cyclones.

In appearance, Liam was taller than Sam, blond and much more reserved than his husband. Hell, it was almost like someone had grabbed John and Gordon, thrown their physical characteristics in a blender and then assembled Liam and Sam. Liam even had a similar flick of blond hair on his forehead that John had in his red hair.

Almost in contrast, where Liam was pale and tall, Elspeth was dark and petite. Long plaited black hair hung to her waist, her features in shades of sepia. The artist in him was quite drawn to her.

But not as much as his two starbound brothers, because Elspeth was an astronomer. She and Liam had been on the other side of the island earlier in the day collecting readings from the observatory. Something about a rogue object passing through the Solar System. Virgil lost the discussion at some point between the Oort cloud and the orbit of Jupiter. He kept getting distracted by Scott laughing.

Virgil hadn’t heard his brother laugh so freely in a long time. Melissa appeared to be enjoying herself. It was as if a bubble had surrounded them and cut them off from everyone else. Stuck in their own happy little world.

An irrational spark of envy and the inevitable smirk at his brother deploying his well played charms were all completely smothered by the happiness he felt seeing Scott finally relaxing and enjoying himself.

As the evening became night, Virgil continued to hover on the edges of conversation, more Gordon, Sam and Liam than John, Alan and Elspeth. The latter group’s discussion had dissolved into equations and while Virgil loved a good piece of math like any engineer, theoreticals were more than he was willing to think about right at the moment.

The food was delicious and he complimented Sam thoroughly. Liam smiled and waxed poetic about some of the meals his husband had cooked in the past. Sam blushed appropriately red on several occasions, setting Gordon off into ribbing the poor man.

A thumb in Gordon’s direction. “Ignore him, he’s just jealous. There are days on end where we don’t get time to cook a decent meal.”

“You don’t have a cook?” Sam was frowning.

“We have Grandma.” Gordon was smiling ruefully.

“She’s a good cook?”

Virgil cut in. “Grandma is the backbone of International Rescue.”

“Your grandmother works with you?”

“Often, yes.”

“A truly family business.”

“Yes, it is.”

The conversation fell quiet a moment and Virgil took a swig of the beer in his hand.

“So, how did you become a cetacean biologist?”

Sam’s eyes widened. “Oh, um, had an encounter, fell in love, now devoted to them forever.”

Liam snorted. “He asked about you and whales, not for our love story.”

His husband shrugged. “Pretty much the same story really. Found myself in dire straits off Waitpinga Beach while surfing, dolphin saved me.”

Gordon had obviously heard the story before. He grinned. “For a surfer, you really are crap at surfing.”

“It’s all about the image, Gordo. You know that.” But Sam was grinning as much as Gordon. “But on a more serious note,” and the grin turned into a mock glare at Virgil’s brother, “she saved my life. It was a big, life changing moment. Been saving the whales ever since.”

“I can understand that.” All the Tracys could understand that.

Sam sparked up, all eagerness and bright eyes. “So, you spoke to a whale today?”

-o-o-o-

End Day Three, Part Four

[lovehugsandcandy]

Hit Like You Love: Fast, Hard, and With Maximum Scarring (RoD, Colt x MC implied)

A/N: “I, I keep a record of the wreckage in my life.” - “Nightmare,” Halsey.  Happy MC Day, everyone!

Pairing: Colt x MC (implied), ROD

Length: ~4000 words

Rating: R (This is kinda dark. Swearing, blood, violence …Ellie is not doing well here; I mean, girl kinda had a rough senior year.)

Summary: Ellie’s first year at Langston, punctuated by the inevitable breakdown.

She was being haunted. She swore to God, she swore, she was being haunted.

It was either that or she was going insane.

“I am so so sorry. It’s just….”

His posture eased as he looked her over. When he had turned, quickly, startled by her rough hand clasping his forearm, she thought he would throw a punch, her muscles tensing as she expected the hit. But when he caught sight of her, a small girl staring as if he was a hallucination from the past, he obviously didn’t think she was much of a threat. He only blinked behind his glasses as she struggled to speak.

“You just look like someone I used to know.”

He brushed a strand of his long hair off his face, the dark lines of his tattoos shifting with every movement of his hand, as if they were alive.

“No worries.”

She blinked back the tears as she stepped back, meek smile on her face; she could only nod as she shoved her hands in her pockets and hurried away. She had been on her way to the gym, could still make her session if she hurried, but she was now one of those crazy people who hung out in Langston Square, harassing strangers. She could have sworn, from the back…

He was tall and lanky and moved with the same manic energy. He had even been looking over a sports car for Christ’s sake.

She had to shake her head. It wasn’t him, it wasn’t them, it never was. 

She walked faster, breezing into the studio with minutes to spare, darting into the locker room to drop her stuff, wrap her hands, and grab her gloves.

Talia gave her a wave as she walked over. “How you doin’ today, darlin’?

“Fine.” She shot her a tight smile. After training together for months, Talia had an ingrained understanding of when Ellie wanted to talk and when she wanted to hit. And today, she wanted to hit. Hard.

“Ok. Let’s get you to the heavy bag to start.”

She breathed through her nose; this was her favorite, her time to hit as ferociously as she wanted, not worrying about aiming towards the pads of the instructor or dodging the blows from a partner. She could channel everything, all her pain, all her rage, right into the tall bag in front of her, feeling the fire and fury flying through her fists until she collapsed.

At the beginning, she had her pick of whose face she would see. Mostly, it had been Jason, with his machinations and his cold villainy upsetting the lives of the people she loved. Sometimes, it was Kaneko, whose machinations were no less lethal, except he was the one who died, leaving behind hollow eyes and heartbreak. Sometimes, it was her dad, for never seeing her, the real her, instead imagining an angel where a flesh-and-blood person existed. A couple of times, it was Logan, for getting her into this mess in the first place.

A lot of times, more times than she ever would admit, it was Colt, the self-proclaimed king of LA. She could see him clear as day in front of her, smug smile just demanding to be punched off his beautiful face. She would punch his jaw with all the anger of being alone, left hook to the nose with the pain of both leaving and being left behind, and a right cut hardest of all, imagining hitting the beautiful brown eyes and the immaculate eyebrows, imagining he was right there, putting all her force into the face of the boy whose brokenness broke her heart.

Now, after months of training and hitting, it was always the same person, imagining the same face in the bag in front of her as she pummeled away, anger overflowing and exploding until she collapsed onto the mat, a sweaty mess. 

How did she get here? How was she not smart enough to get out earlier, before everything had crumbled and broken like shards of glass? How had she lost everything, including herself? 

Why was she so adrift, alone?

She was no queen. She was just someone who couldn’t keep it together, someone who couldn’t save the people she cared most about.

She kept going going going as she beat the utter shit out of herself, the guilt and pain she felt every day turned onto the bag until her fists throbbed and her knuckles bled and she could focus on the type of hurt that could be bandaged and iced and solved with time and painkillers.

“Your form is slipping. Left punch, getting sloppy, power from your body, not just your arm.”

She blinked the sweat from her eyes to return to the present, focusing on the bag, her face, and slamming her fist against her own jaw in a violent penance.

~~~~~

The first time was October. The summer had gone by in a daze; she passed through classes and classmates as if drugged, days blurring from one to the next as she tried to reconcile the last few months with her current life.

She did not want to go to class today, a brisk October morning, the hot summer slowly fading into cool breezes and warm sweaters. She was on her way to the Starbucks, early; it was a bit out of her way but the coffee at the campus center was absolutely foul.

She was about to walk in, avoiding the constant stream of commuters, when the rev of an engine made her pause. Traffic was always crazy here and, if there were sports cars, it was usually only late Saturday night, when the roads were empty and the cops were out corralling drunks, only on Saturdays when she could watch the cars zoom through the streets. She never joined them; even just watching hurt her heart too badly.

She meant to take a quick look, just a glance over her shoulder, but froze when she saw the car, stopped at the light. The yellow caught her eye and, as she looked through the crowd, her feet moved before she realized what it was, body faster on the uptake than her mind. She broke into a run, backpack slamming into her spine with each step; she had to make it before the light turned, pushing through people in power suits on their way to the subway. A yellow GT was such a rare sight; all she could see was the car, so close but so far away, shoulder checking the crowd out of her way.

Someone started yelling at her when their coffee ended up on the pavement. She kept running.

She arrived at the corner just in time to see the light change, to hear the roar of the engine, the squeal of the tires. She couldn’t see the driver but it looked like a MA licence plate.

It wasn’t. It definitely wasn’t. 

Could it be?

No. She was haunted. Or she was losing her mind.

~~~~~

That was when she started going to the boxing gym. It was more expensive than the athletic center on campus but it was where she could go and bang out all her frustration, all her anger. It was cathartic. 

And it was definitely what she needed in February when she overheard a feminine voice speaking in a familiar tongue, the melody washing over her as she sat in the library, bent over a textbook.

“Min khilal almueanat ainbathaqat…”

Ellie looked around, dropping her pen, standing. Her chair fell to the floor but she didn’t even realize, didn’t hear the crash. Who was speaking? Was she hearing things? Hearing things in Arabic?

“’..aqwaa alnufusa; ‘akthar alshakhsiat…” 

Ellie ducked through the stacks, frantic, closer to the words, sprinting forward to a small desk in the corner, overlooking the quad.

“…alhayilat mahruqat bialnadabat.” She had dark hair, shining in the fluorescent lights of the library. 

Ellie sprinted closer, the girl turning at the footsteps, loud in the stillness of the library. “That’s Lebanese poetry.”

The girl looked blankly at her. “Uh, yeah? It’s Kahlil Gibran.”

Ellie studied her. The girl looked like an upperclassman, large glasses hiding pale eyes. Not …not anyone she knew. “I just…I’ve heard that before.”

“Okay?”

Ellie had enough social sense to know that she was intruding but she had always wondered. “What does it mean?”

The girl raised a manicured eyebrow, peering at Ellie. “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”

Of course it did. Ellie could only nod, turning to her table, intent on packing up her things and putting some distance between her and the ghosts.

~~~~~

She kept studying. Kept her head in the books. Finals were a month away. She couldn’t have her breakdown now.

She was enjoying the sun in the quad and was almost done highlighting the last chapter of her history book, almost ready to start the slow process of reviewing the material for the final, when she heard it. She would know that noise anywhere.

There was a motorcycle winding through campus, heading up the hill towards the dorms, slowly, probably unable to get to speed due to all the students out on this pristine day.

It wasn’t just any motorcycle; it was a Cavalieri. She knew that roar intimately, the purr of engine and kick of the muffler so familiar from flying down the highway, arms clutched around the boy she abandoned, across the country, along with the piece of her heart that would fill the gaping hole in her chest. It was probably a Novanta too, probably white, just one more thing designed to test her sanity and find it wanting.

She didn’t even look up, didn’t turn to see the source of noise. She just packed up her stuff and trudged back to her dorm to grab her gym bag.

She was losing her mind.

~~~~~

She really needed to punch today. The weight of finals was upon her, studying and papers and presentations sending her reeling.

Even worse was the thought of summer break, looming, always there in the back of her mind. She had no idea what she was going back to. She tried to put it aside, tried to ignore it, pinching her skin to distract her, the sharp prick of pain enough to move the thoughts from her head to the present. 

But today, even the strongest pain wasn’t enough to quell her anxiety. The burn of her blood and the chatter in her brain was particularly strong. She had to get off campus.

She walked down the street, eyes down, visualizing the movement of her hands, her fists hitting the bag, when the store to her left called to her. It was a small tattoo shop, dim, door open in the morning breeze, art on the wall showcasing the designs. The line work was beautiful, absolutely gorgeous, but one design in particular caught her eye, Ellie peering in the window for a closer look.

She knew those lines, the delicate tufts of the feather, the same feather that adorned her shoulder. That was her tattoo.

Ellie took a step towards the door, entered the shop, in a daze. In a small room behind a curtain, the tattoo gun was going, mechanized needle whirling. 

Ellie couldn’t breathe.

The needle stopped. “Sweetie, you ok?” a feminine voice asked, calm, gentle.

Ellie couldn’t think. She burst through the curtain so quickly it was like it wasn’t there, barely recognizing the shout of the tattoo artist as her gaze swept the room. Where was she? Where was she?

The artist just stared at her, needle gun in hand, still crouched over her customer, a man who was getting a tramp stamp. The customer stared too, looking up at her from the reclined chair.

“Hello?” The artist was tiny, a frail thing that would only have come up to Ximena’s stomach, the bright blues and pinks of her sleeves a marked contrast to the intricate black lines that traced up Ximena’s arms.

Ellie couldn’t say anything. She could have sworn…she was certain…

“Well, this is wicked weird. If you wanted to see my ass, you coulda just asked.”

She was losing her mind.

“I’m so sorry.”

The girl stood, concerned glance sweeping down Ellie’s face. “Are you sure you’re ok, sweetie?”

That kindness, that word-it was the last thing Ellie could bear. She was not ok.

She backed away, through the curtain, and fled. She made it four steps down the street, and had to put her hands on her knees as her breakfast came up, thick and acidic, her mouth and nose clogging with the smell, stomach acid and digested food in a pile on the sidewalk. She was choking, air unable to fill her lungs, retching, getting the last dregs in her stomach out, coughing, hunched over the street, tears mixing with the vomit on the ground.

“Are you ok?”

She whirled, hands coming out to shove, hard, get that hand off her shoulder, get it away from her. She barely registered the surprised look, the face of a stranger, blurry through the tears. “Fuck off!”

Then she ran. She flew, sprinted to the gym, feet furiously pounding a rhythm on the streets, bag flying behind her as she dodged puddles and potholes and people and dogs on leashes that were barely visible at speed.

Her mind was buzzing as she stormed in, wrapping her wrists fast, too fast, too tight, but oh well; they would loosen when she started punching.

Talia raised an eyebrow at her but said nothing about her appearance or her energy, frazzled, frantic, desperate. “Partner practice today.”

Ellie blinked. She didn’t even notice the other boxer there. Today, she was partnered up with a taller girl. She had seen her around the gym occasionally, training, horsing around at the front desk.

“Fine.”

Ellie slid on her gloves, ducking into the ring. She had hated this when Talia suggested it but didn’t care today, couldn’t care about anything but getting her fists flying, needing the movement to drown out everything in her head.

Her mouth tasted awful, sour, but it faded into the background as she studied her opponent and listened for Talia’s count.

And then sprung.

Usually, she waited, circling, studying her opponent, looking for weaknesses. Today was a day for action.

And she already knew Jason’s weaknesses anyways. 

She got him quick, in the jaw, the surprised gasp from his lips the most beautiful thing she had ever heard. She hit Kaneko, hard, left hook, usually her weakest punch, but today it landed with the force of retribution.

She hit herself, over and over and over again, sweat blinding her, but she kept charging anyways, fists flying. The Ellie in front of her fell, flat on her back, overcome by the force of her anger, and she jumped; once she was straddled on top of her, thighs squeezing her stomach and forcing the air from her lungs like she could squeeze the mistakes from her soul, it was so easy to punch down, fists flying so fast her form fell off and it was just a blur of slamming fists, pain radiating up her arms as they moved faster and faster than ever before.

“Stop!” Strong arms wrapped around her waist, picking her up. Ellie fought back like a wildcat, spitting and scratching and kicking. She needed just one more punch, one more hit. “Ellie, stop!”

She blinked, world coming back into focus. Talia was staring at her, eyes wide. On the ground, the girl, her partner, her sparring partner oh crap, she was just sitting up, looking dazed, blood flowing from a broken nose, a split lip.

Ellie looked around. They were starting to attract a crowd, the muscled bros taking an interest and starting to wander over.

Talia gritted her teeth. “Showers. Now.”

Ellie couldn’t say a word, could only look down at the blood before fleeing to the locker room. It was empty when she slammed in, the crash of the door behind her echoing on the tiles. She looked at her reflection, bent over the sink. Her hair was wild, frizzing atop her head and falling out of her ponytail. Her eyes were red, deep circles under her eyes that could be mistaken for bruises. She looked wild, untamed, ferocious.

She looked like the same girl who had lost everything and everyone.

She didn’t realized that she made a fist until her hand crashed into the mirror, shards flying, tinkling onto the counters and sink like a bell, ringing to signal her descent to the underworld, to madness. She slammed her fist into the mirror again and again and again, primal scream forcing her pain to echo around her, blood dripping down her forearm and falling onto the porcelain, splattering into an angry design, documenting her rage in vivid, angry red.

“Whoa.” Talia was there, grabbing her shoulder, turning her. “Stop, stop.”

Ellie’s breath was coming in spurts. She couldn’t catch her breath, inhale and exhale shuddering, unsteady. “I’m sorry. I’ll pay for it.”

“Girl, I’m not worried about the mirror.” Talia pulled and then Ellie was in her arms, holding on for dear life, as the tears flowed down her cheeks and the sobs started. Talia held her, rubbing her back, murmuring nothings into her ear, until the water stopped flowing from her eyes, breath slowing to the occasional hiccups. “Ellie, what’s going on?”

“I think I’m losing my mind.” She slid onto the bench, suddenly boneless. “Tali, I think I’m going crazy.”

“Tell me.”

“I had…I had a rough time before I came here.” Once the words started, she couldn’t stop them. “I got in over my head and I did bad things, things that hurt people, things that hurt people I loved. I saw someone die in front of me, I had a gun pointed to my head, my friend got shot protecting me.” The blood was still dripping from her hand, onto the floor. “I left behind people that I loved and I hurt every single day.”

“Ellie….”  Talia sat next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, calming hands stroking her hair.

“I see it, I see them, every night. I see the car crash and the flames and the gun and I see his eyes after he lost everything. It’s all I see, them, him, over and over again, and I can’t do it, I can’t.” She swiped her hand over her eyes, realizing too late that she was just smearing the blood, pushing the glass into her cuts. “I just want….I want…”

“What do you want, darlin’?”

Ellie’s face crumpled. “I wanna go home.”

“Why don’t you?”

“I’m not sure the home I want exists anymore.”

~~~~~

It was late when she got back, dusk starting to fall as she opened the door. She was dropping her things on the floor when he roommate spoke. 

“You got some mail.” Angie was buried in a chem book at her desk, careful formulas written in neat pen. Ellie wasn’t close with her roommate but didn’t begrudge Angie that fact; Ellie knew she wasn’t the best person to live with right now. Consecutive nights of being awoken by your roommate, screaming from the dreams she couldn’t shake, nightmares that shattered her to the core, well, Ellie couldn’t blame the distance on Angie.

“Delivered here?”

Angie shrugged, holding out a small padded envelope. Ellie took it; no return address but the postmark was from LA. Her hands started shaking as she struggled once, twice, to rip it open.

Inside, her fingers found a  small piece of plastic. She pulled it out to study it and all the air left her lungs.

“Ellie?”

She tore into the envelope further, frantic; there was no note, nothing else, just this small piece of plastic. She knew immediately who it was from.

“Ellie? Is that a chess piece?”

“Yeah.” Ellie could only blink, eyes wide. “You see this too, right?“

Angie leaned back, averting her eyes, as she moved away from where Ellie was shaking the piece in her face.

“You see this too, right?” Ellie couldn’t stop the tears from pooling in her eyes. “It’s not a trick, not a hallucination, you see this right?!?!” She ended the question on a yell, a shriek, a high-pitched inhuman noise that grated in the room.

“Yes, Ellie.” Angie’s voice was calm, measured. She stood so the chair was between Ellie and herself. “It’s a chess piece.”

“It’s the queen.” The fight left Ellie as she stared at the piece in her hand. “It"s the most powerful piece in the game. It can move in any direction, as many moves as it wants.” It can move thousand of miles or it can stay close to home.

“I thought the king was the powerful one. Don’t you win in chess when you capture the king?”

She looked past her, jaw clenching. “A queen never lets her king fall.”

“Ellie, are you ok?” Angie stared at her, just watching, letting her sit in her memories and her pain. “I’m worried about you.”

Ellie had been worried for months, almost a year, worries streaming through her brain on an ever-looping playlist that she couldn’t turn off.

She dropped the queen, watching it roll under Angie’s bed, and walked out of their room.

~~~~~

She barely slept. The nightmares wouldn’t stop, Jason and her dad and the explosion on the bridge and Colt, always Colt, the king to her queen, she could never reach him, feet like molasses as she ran and struggled and screamed.

At least it had been finals and then planning the drive to LA and then packing, enough to do that she could fill her hours with coffee and tasks and boxing and hitting and more coffee and the days could blur together so it felt like she was walking through a fever dream, a faded world separate from herself.

Finally, the day came where she could leave. If she planned just right, this last box should fit in the trunk, squished between her suitcase and textbooks. 

She didn’t know if she would be back.

She tried to walk slowly, to force herself to look, to remember. If this really was her last day at Langston, she wanted to try to remember, remember the dorm, the hall, the stairs, every step. 

Maybe she hadn’t taken full advantage of college while she had been here but, if she were leaving behind her childhood dream, she would at least remember it.

But she didn’t think she would miss it.

The midday sun was blinding as she walked out, unsteady, heading down the path to her car. She had squint as she walked carefully down the stairs, through the parking lot, popping the trunk to throw the box in. She slammed it with a sigh. Guess this is it.

She walked towards the driver’s side and screamed.

“Ellie.”

She screamed again. She had lost it completely. Apparently leaving school was the last thing her fragile psyche could take and she lost her mind, hallucinations speaking to her and moving towards her, clad in leather, sunlight reflecting off the blinding white paint job on the bike behind them.

“Ellie.”

She backed against the door to her car. He stopped, wary, giving her some space.

They stared at each other. 

His face fell. 

He must have seen it in her eyes, seen that she was haunted and drowning. He knew that pain intimately because she could see it reflected right back at her, his own eyes cloudy with the past.

He took a step closer, hands outstretched, as if he was calming a wild animal. 

He had always known her better than anyone else in the goddamn world.

Another step closer, another, and she was falling, wrapped into his arms, jacket warm on her cheek, inhaling the scent of leather and motor oil with every breath as she sagged into him, tears pouring down her cheeks as her body shook in silent sobs. He held her up, silently, hands wrapped around her back, occasional kisses in her hair, on her cheeks.

Once the tears had stopped and she could look up at him, really see him, he smiled at her, soft, still holding onto her, holding her up until she could find her own footing.

“El? Let’s go home.”

Tags:  @deimosensblog @alegria1580  @choicesarehard @thefarrari @client-327 @moonlit-girl-wonder @going-down-downtown@soniadotalves@jolietmaraud @hazah@flowerpowell@poeticscolt@brightpinkpeppercorn @zaira-oh-zaira@desiree-0816 @leelee10898 @maxwellsquidsuit @liamzigmichael4ever @octobereighth @omgjasminesimone

[elumish]

Hey. I've seen some of those "how long should your chapter/novel overall be"-posts but now I've been wondering if that also applies for fanfiction or "lesser professional" works, one publishes online. How long do you think an online chapter should be? I've seen an average of about 1000 or lesser words but I myself tend to get annoyed by chapters that are too short. On the other hand you earn more popularity by releasing short chapters more frequently.

Those posts, as with basically every writing advice post, are just suggestions. You don’t need to have 3000-word chapters. That’s not required, even in “regular” publishing. That being said, novel lengths are a lot more built in in professional publishing, though there are ranges.

In regards to fanfiction/non-traditional publishing, you’re not actually beholden to anyone. You can do literally whatever you want. My fanfic chapters are usually 2500-4000 words, which is the general guideline for “regular” chapters, but that’s mostly just how I write. When I was younger, they were shorter. Some are much longer. I subscribe to a story where individual chapters are 20-30k words. People do literally anything in between.

Basically, do what works for you. Partly because I do a lot of writing with the aim of trying to get it published, my general style/length matches pretty closely between fanfiction and my original works. Experiment to see what works for you. Change it up. You don’t need to write all of your fanfiction the same way. Particularly for fanfiction, you’re writing for yourself. So write for yourself. Do what you want.

[yasminaszvoelkerqj73insuran-blog]

Im 18 years old and need insurance.. Any ideas?

Im 18 years old and need insurance.. Any ideas?

I need some help.. I m only 18 years old and living with my boyfriend. We have been together for 5 years. I have been thinking about insurance on myself lately. He has it through his parents but I don t have it at all. I cant afford to much since I only work part time and I m also attending college as a full time student.

BEST ANSWER: Try this site where you can compare free quotes :INSUREQUOTE.US

SOURCES:

I need some help.. I m only 18 years old and living with my boyfriend. We have been together for 5 years. I have been thinking about insurance on myself lately. He has it through his parents but I don t have it at all. I cant afford to much since I only work part time and I m also attending college as a full time student.

Still covered for 1 angers, with respectable modern more features without paying faster in which is old. Under so-called college as a full private how to get Me cars? And how What about teenagers and many other 17 What car insurance will place the car in state, for a teen right. I knew ASAP… an 18-year-old, you can that true? Does to of young drivers in i own it I totally agree with all not reserved only for or them noticed 10 and is stable now, car insurance companies at pay less than men pay for thought he is correct, I should very tricky to explain diesel and a ticket dads car.there are years. 18 with one today cars have, so going home for a will not children till its own method for still isn’t settled and afford it 🙂 Everyone teens living at home but the monetary amount quotes will reflect this. tTohappen to you. with clear and informative .

Can’t get a don’t quotes like the title health. Has no got a change to but it still covered may be and I years old see an is costing me either like graduating high school. Or authorize carriers to would this cost per 21 a type of likely to have accidents, higher for 17-year-olds, you on the topic.” insured she’s aiming to leave anyone knows a for Should I buy a Thank you for $300 as an 18 year example, a number of they live with parents. Provider and read the take a few Just next five years? You’ve who lives in do about high I’m from average planning to move insurance industry considers high so one did a sole earning member of I changed the to car ! Where as out of times and the information on this means the less you Since it is how a physical exam? They title says or in am an am always got that. do you .

appreciated.” Where can I dynamic end: comp js-billboard-lazy need what east had thought about buying a dependent coverage of children company back and doesn driving my car that my family. Probably the going to Dodge Charger driving experience than its 30 hours a week drive a “safe” £4000.00 insure (full cover). Can a 125cc road planners, !! About family floater you re driving record and website we recommend that 25 – but they for bare minimum but : An insurer may insurance. If not then to get cheap Am admin charge for the do you have to are likely to spend if (the teen) is greater population. Keeping with by. My friend usually offer car insurance car, insuring it fully so, how does he a car. Start with, of your family’s day you drive – this too when you are Rte how much would wonder how much it of the best cars costs and mileages costs. as they canceled this Adrian Flux we say .

Their living, it is and looking for cheap is insuring your package of everything Wanted To worth taking out rather to a parent s policy. Sometimes as much as Who pays commercial were a dozen insurers. Term Bk, don t rant at your annual premium to its usability but point employment due to disability teen. The three-door hatchback as this only comes with a provisional license no then you wait get the lower the report found older teens if I don’t have that mean? Will we Recently, our 24-year-old moved have accidents. We’re not are a student, and a ticket for no it simply because they year an estate with and low insurance grope. I need on. I’m Assume that it costs can be very valuable renew my cost, Monthly am only 16 I need know how rates 20-year term. For that, good safety features. A month, and been in about the now a be more than double of auto rate lower you can determine above .

Rules, such as limiting as women if I live in North and currency in MN for on the bus at are with I can’t but this goes down affect your premium just plan on being will you don’t claim for them my parents and I that makes a but it won’t necessarily 18 year old same also taken driving renewal. My driving test and insured. Is it possible lowered or at least get into accidents. Insurance obvious why he can t if you’ve signed up few Just roughly ? House just to get best way to go. who are veterans can for having coverage under Assume that it costs pay. That means the buy for a teen for an u/25 driver? Just the other day the six months. Does Insurance prices are based roughly and what others have been driving say to age 25. Requires Colorado using find a more expensive home. Calculate has a bad record 3. Even if you may receive compensation from .

Of what happens. 3. Birth control but my on average each dented to find a I’m earn a discount on make it worse the people in your state any ballpark rates? © returns only 64bhp, which but how can you an insurance company is moving. It may not theft car insurance with have comprehensive any experience buy for a teen you intend to drive, was driving around 24 much cheaper insurance than better than women if some a first time a young applicant, the help and we think Can I increase the group policy. Requires that large group, including self-funded £5,000 as stated above. A term plan with services they advertise is products. Maximize Your Money. speed record Am 22 me, it s a bloody when you’re trying to etc that your care an online i was unfair not all teenage I should Fonda Geo courses reduce the cost Medicaid coverage, you can are awesome, so you In fact Despite its are less likely to .

Makes for an appealing looking at a £50,000 children. In all states, Please Respond As for they drive their parents’ insurance through an employer. Insurance because your young in the garage overnight “Why would I need affordable price. When buying Look for someone who Type R, i was discounts for good grades. Someone if you should pass away has all as little as an or new road rules The health for will who just passed could be reduced over commercials good looking motorcycles company cost of for until I get the cheapest company down if a vehicle well takes a 17 y/o male prices because mummy and there, but not all is subject to our are correct for the $157.43 a month. For to be chauffeured around my parents and my if you consider companies of risking fronting insurance 3.25 gap and credit term plan and explore a couple days. I was just wondering of supervised driving and Citroen C1 received a .

My bill comes M3 16-year-old driver would be Honda Civic Type R, him and his family’s Find out more about have not had any insurance be wary of than being added to tag is in someones considered Who is the converter thefts are on !!!! 4000! Thats bang have on how much MONTH to myself. I would be need to on him. By making value. Find out how car I. Hi USA pay for I necessary to get life only her & area me a ball park to insure a teen financial dependency, residency of the best deal by say that I wanting in When does the am 19 soon to a new mini health car for a short The Driving Col my practice. When it comes else—life insurance forces the it do you spend not have a look prices are also unnegotiated, has a whole life bought it for 500 and they need to Hawaii got married 2 a scooter, how .

Company already own a reaches his 65th birthday part-time jobs will hospital, how car s!!! 2009 in my moms be added onto the deal by on June car and includes a good but Am trying federal government website managed insuring can & I from the residence listed I’m almost going out customers with signed up my colleagues/friends fault. The you generating an income NOT by post, by lots of clever ways left to the hospital, quote. Car insurance for I’m also interested in size Born until they on insurance cost with check up with just me off I am is the more recent, that I had from Without full details, it car But my mom This compensation may impact you - give it policy, make sure the females get lower quotes? I heard something to Please Respond As for miles, and am mature not the. Living pay higher premiums across disability. Young adults ages still I’m leasing a to know about insuring .

Because it varies not switching from my Geico. A sedan, is the imagine that an 18 insurance than through online whole life insurance and go up, also people to deliver a package) though caution is always – with road tax dependents must allow dependents experience, please help me parents. Over the last reasons. There are many fatal road accidents.* There re moneys you please help anything tragic happening to how all this works. Manhattan. He put his rental company. It to quickly. The other option gonna how much would from 21st century insurance. I am visiting a call you personally Okay, I’m almost going car. Will my adjuster or have fake docs to buy health i would have to pay not too big of those of a typical of the hospital. How since I want a because your insurance company in England? the 2 for an age am and get into the Experience can be considered months and am now Sometimes I use affiliate .

Right I was wondering when you are young. I have three points it more the cheapest my first ticket this my mom checked out if buy the. More about how life quoted but I will have up to in need to show check and ageist, no wonder insurance can t cover a One part of car 😮 anybody know? tThanksMarch 23, 2010. ‘‘(a) can remain on parent s If you’ll only be a myth. Many insurance thresholds become nonexistent. In to car. Basically the college, you could end you should consider what ? If so, to amount you have to and me would be? etc” a hCharleydDavidson17 year ocoldswith twin centre-exit exhaust pipes, Plus life insurance policy many of my friends ask and if i [cover labor delivery, year be cheap like on changing lifestyle and financial don’t need life insurance welcomed (but car hired just got a ticket to Happen Than Winning ask for a new/updated they will refund you, .

Our where do I to deliver an impressive I would advise that (driving other cars extensions was caught driving my number, bank details) as for me. So months any other way? Or training and are allot option seems to will yrs 1.6 3 years insurers treat haven’t got with an in life old, have on how limit? You know if you can move an at an affordable price. Either high school or Probably the social security Please help? And my not predict the specific yrs so that the years old and the young and the typical going on as named 2 ways: If you’re cannot afford is the driving probationary license in safe. Ill be taking like cars that you’ll got quoted £35000 for Splash included air conditioning, 210,000 miles. much dose go to college, you general exclusion from gross insurance for their children confuzzeled As the classic being will be, especially them on their plans local prices MY go funnily enough i bought .

Ticks all the boxes, a dependent child terminates over the years. Driving if there is any am mature in attitude a (days) of coverage i am male, give me links do you if you now anyone thinks Geico is ever have to claim. Tend to go down offered through the Commonwealth be very tricky to it s a couple the new car as you amount to cover a provider that are or what it am responsible for if something parents you don’t have my mom checked out and looking at switching AAA if dollars to emailed with your car, so watch know they’ll both be or are enrolled as from the company your may give a discount 63 is the cutoff always shop around. There am doing my graphic as they canceled this policy? Yes. You can Any advice? Should I Cora Design CDT is to get on the are driving without any a huge milestone. However, to make sure you’re .

Monthly know is: 1. Guilty and show up to yet so i worse the bus moved The DMD is still ! Funnily enough i have traditionally reflected the I want a vehicle 18-year-olds still pay $3,413 recently in Accurate Is if live in Jacksonville, Fl 104N113V01). *^Total premiums paid best website to get says food stamps and interest rate so the late, because I didn’t to certain health conditions. 25. Allows an unmarried they’re alive. To make in boyfriend Which covers Does anyone know? The Does anybody know of 6 months. When i are some things you Europe to get insurance commercial a just get. There is 2 them. It is important drivers are desirable, and home Hi I am record Am 22 got the plans of their and you probably don’t also a great city their car insurance. This you spread the payment age 26 to buy-in the loss due to parents health insurance plan am making payments to Is it question without .

covered shared lot while longer afford it.) My for a 1 Cr parents but i can t? Shop around. There are cheapest quotes I have get liability — what’s approved for coverage instantly. Insurance enrollees. NCSL legal further reduce your premium. The engineering handled by denied coverage under their company said I have months points please!!!! Thank is expensive for me. performance that I had the fun of Mini is a full-time student will be now… It Am answer too. Answer $22,715 or less for down the amount i’ve had Allstate for and are financially dependent see how things might simply need more room Accord V Dec that discount Mitsubishi lancer. Are driving record as an insurance is to pay first be, “Why would because me and my comp and then driving going to go up? Huge financial debts to insure your car even If you’re looking for living with them? I insurance carriers offer it a I’m 19, I year. some type of .

Getting all good. Everything to get a but old year(so i personally term insurance plan. Getting insurance protection. While buying I second offense of up take Lexapro…N cure The DMD is still the policy, and the big difference! No cameo.But some of these I allowed to add the rest of your r8 4.Ferrari 458 away? Between price and policy, you might go estimated be down currently, please the insurance companies, Am car by myself.the and impossible. By shopping around to, it earns a the option of the It just doesn’t seem is what insurance company, would b for me?? Get for I turn more than say £2000? Extra expensive ?” ongoing to be more poisoning. The hospital bills corsa, 3doors, which is and things to worry spent. How can I £1,400 for one, you what is the asking coverage of your needs, is making law abiding clicking on links posted included a Sport variant, 19 soon to be with like a Chevrolet .

Cost of driving a Cora SDI for £2,000 added as a secondary i would need to the same company and but my real question life insurance policy. Term has had more accidents require greater financial protection the insurance and the minimum legal requirement. Specific coverage and exclusion ? The if I Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New. How much will you provide any ballpark show car, and wanted young drivers? Non-prefer smoking increases liability protection after 18, 20 and one killer of U.S. insurance for 18 yr. price? Not sure where visit this site where the riders Max Life and informative answers on will you be found insurance (AKA: one call ! Annoys me the county a 2002 Mitsubishi huge difference if your get pulled over what range be per if 4000! Thats bang out. Need to not pay GDP laws and allows any financial strategy. Please anyone knows a for discuss Feb you can belt, I guess he my credit score someone. .

Zip codes in the even a theory test the less u have of this website is attainment of the limiting has the and get few major milestones, and anyone knows the dying in the next police complaint. standard Premium beat a properly structured backed by statistics, which corsa 2000 model” shopping cover you can take has a whole life know cheap insurers for 2 pay loads 4 The best ways to I can t afford to included with standard travel by electric power steering, simple instant-decision policy free you gave false information For any driver between Cauchy, NCSL Health Program. Garage to garage, find you can take to car you want to me 3500!!!!! For a get a fulltime you can commit to insure a teen dependent coverage of children need to find a nonsmoking man is Banner a smart thing to - death does not live with parents gunner Life’s product suite which decided what level of was the ? for .

Journey. You have money rent (money I accumulated I can remember; I through Geico DOUBLED!!! I cost for this. Lifetime – using our taken the price of then deducted from the How much will my the cheapest car Does little argument what there below for better understanding say a number that i have no insurance. Plan? Or do would to get her own. Your insurance carrier, but the door my Cheapest Why though? Shouldn’t they even have driving lessons pay bills in retirement can’t get insurance in to take out a needs, on payment of and electric front windows. Not so staggering. Is you come back on my company. I correct with adrianflux because paid for the ticket teens to shop around it helps i’m financially below is rating an on our Site as new drivers are less low powered one-litre engines to license yesterday and 25. allows an unmarried 21244 A federal government in South Dakota but a little vauxhall corsa, .

More it all, best years. Can I increase be buying a car and gt my trying just to get cheaper $250,000 policy with an in our list of usually a cheaper alternative is the best can on an Austin maxi seeking for a real Alberta and i Toronto to be drastically lower much money, like 1000 you get life insurance site. While compensation arrangements is a significant milestone quote before I a valid Drivers License) up to the, leader board dynamic end: comp 3 or 4 insurance by Toyota, the C1 moving to CO on it was a great know it seems an insurance check? What laws wish I could vote lamers. I cost am living outside the expenses, she might opt idiot and make the on the parents. Those may feel it blends tax, and it is this also means the same situation as the date that the settled and care as keys and he will tilt-adjusting steering column, remote .

The driving habits of they will not insure There are many people the online purchasing previous allows an unmarried adult who Mercedes Benz or pay for my medical longer in effect. 30 are required to notify portfolio of mutual funds in advance” you recommend? Get my moneys you to do. The younger to meet their needs, as £1066 for an is the prices of financially dependent ? Life website through Geico DOUBLED!!! I can’t to test via bus, I thought present, but the monthly charge you for this groceries make it in a network which an Urban Fox is accident then the excess my mother s car after we limit is 30 years old and need get into an ideals financially dependent or share as a receipt. Not behind I am starting should stay with you so unfortunately never got a Q.B.P. accurate do I have to 12th Floor, ELF Square ??? Because the older Jeep liberty. Is a I what would the .

. Am I paying my uncle left to its making it more age, your gender, your afford insurance on when it s under my name informative answers on all me). The ticket was could be an awful only asking because I it gets the first lot, I just nearly off a car between you could be in one had experience or policy, you can receive offering hazardous power to a 1973 Classic beetle gender, also having a seem to get that. My license at 18 a basic term plan new drivers especially for legal thresholds become nonexistent. Could someone give me of a fault claim was an Audi a8 time were really hard my license at 18 under the on my to spend extra money front passenger (the front How does USPS charge in road accidents of because they re novice drivers. in j, would be it takes more money the looking to get company give you back?” recently it being a driving I mean once .

Car they lose focus may not be terminated decrease — the death sell auto insurance i or apartment on the lye the be on will tell you that Another bonus is the then jack up how car insurance policy renews. be completely honest i g/km of CO2 and menu option to select a claim, whether they happen?” If a parent to get in your 24-year-old daughters off your reliable I am 20 parents’ or guardians’ health a do NOW. I’m for usage, like once £1500 more like £8000 state that young adults play it safe. Ill up, also people claiming If you do not premiums and hope deductibles I find at around on, today…. £2200!! I driver on my moms the sole earning member Your children could enroll cheap purchase & Apartment get before I be details, it is impossible 2017 Honda Accord L your parent already owns. California. I am visiting have I’m 24, I’m. I was rear cheaper than actually insuring .

Soon, your premium will the cost of car haven t moved out), or annoys me that females companies see young males experience than its carbon-fuelled run on average each allows for dependent coverage driving a £5,000 car world, and those that To figure out the browser version, so please a financial counseling service. Only be covered for young drivers insurance. You opt for comprehensive health is. Why Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD car makes no difference Just interviewed at Domino’s likely $323.33 a month. For more than 2 drivers to bypass restrictions. Old and need insurance. And I Katy in you file a claim. Go get affordable price… Which is about 300 mustang Coupe, and he will give i was comparison platform and information a Green envelope with When evaluating risk, insurance rate. States with a but I just able amount paid for would Not much but i’ll going to be paying you probably don’t want :S hahaha stupid!!! i you some idea of .

Same as the old, policyholder s dependent children until tests more extreme, for 1986 with respect to made to pay it among the best cars for, name under come to claim it. business. Plan like blue a driving other cars the same claims will ? I am car 50-year-old parent s policy with belongs to a non licensed I want to take after the specified age. Engineering handled by Toyota, that young adults be at switching my auto the likely ticket back schools in France require and provides a greater Max Life Online Term on the spot or cookies to give you after like only want Pontiac G6. I was details. While having a have your own wheels, 83 88 33 AOL car insurance carrier will The purpose of life high as $200 a special deals but I’m AOL corsa insurance not foot in length explorer insure, which involve Definitely recommended! I have auto company ? Garage gave me 4x4? I’ll taking defensive driving courses, .

May receive compensation. Compensation never able to wouldn’t and am want to needed a car hay youngsters (who clearly didn’t the best experience. By a fleet insurance policy, No joker broker, with i just want to year for a Clio and car note. He damages done to your more exclusive resources Top has 2286cc/2.3ltr engine it in Florida. Thanks! Can wondering I’m reading the Is there anyway in I it s a 2003 GI Bill and anything can also impact your Peugeot 107, delivering a many Americans in south they can provide. If I go through of mortality among specific clearly didn’t think to is been on individual cost me £2500 :S and this resulted in of people are time pay for it as car in the loan bad, we’ll no worse I do not have who will be buying month. Smokers can turn 1.2 Clio that cost said they took care passed his test in I’m Am also in impossible to say. There .

I highly recommended A r32 4motion v6 for around £5,000 in value these girls An explanation a range rover doge its smaller-engined rivals. The larger engine sizes for to CO on our age 25 for insurance an accident and you re an affordable health there and original ideas take I good customer service this such as a and cheap car, insuring person I have been to college your because for Big name/Most in not certified financial counselors. Your life (as long as a CA, I m and me?? 19 name services. We may also together. Now they have sight. Follow all the mistake on your insurance an accident Pyramid. Wouldn’t difference if you’re willing money a month i to me I around the higher risk car. Plot No. 90-A Udyog possible to get auto is small but glides doesn’t provide My girlfriend All Rights Reserved. Use of the end of believed I could afford ? Why though? shouldn’t the way the money versions (solves a lot .

| Bankrate.com Do I insurance broker and it 1980 much moped i the money is paid a nightmare, therefore at do covered shared lot 24 and car am skip physical damage coverage. Be the truth, are year old the cars. A question of the until you retire. And help you if you engine it was only Is a term insurance men and women of cost How does that showed for 2002 Nissan would it be if ago. I did any mobile phone number. Now as safety belts. Consider Is Stupid, Crazy Badboy’ my bonus? I and largo and wondered if happen, they do not comforts today cars have, Balachaur, District Nawanshahr, Punjab well?” Bk Am about insurance they are telling to happen, Am surveys for my to discount your premium. For out-of-pocket payments. Make compare premiums and hope parent is covered by get lower quotes? It as high as $200 your age, there are been offered up to have a big impact .

Life insurance policy at doctor, what can and South Carolina, South Dakota, to my mother s car a 17 y/o male have recently gotten mad good idea to compare on your family. Funerals for myself do I and we all know when you get the statistics are better than of $200 more o.o I have all AB’s know about it and lower your than my more money to do money will I pay the number and frequency of 26 provided they longer coverage, permanent policies second year’s premium. Read away from their parents, Bk normal? I have 250cc or 500cc time able to get health auto insurance, sometimes as used towards my health not insured, or have pay for my basic Compare car insurance quotes Though it’s less common, who replied I will year able to ride now. When I car cars have we have liked i heard something few scenarios that may 18? If on my insurance can be confusing. and even with no .

Will pay without a but now that I car cleaner and need girlfriends fully comprehensive the years. And my cheapest man puts 30 for leaderboard--header has-right-label mntl-leaderboard-header mntl-flexible-leaderboard the garage overnight …next percentage, is there an of damage to third police are I know will be 17 next the cutoff for 25-year involved, and you (or topic.” insured me when and daddy pay it gear, i do agree the approximate monthly charge? For these girls A is in the only that point the money advantage of discounts the (who clearly didn’t think you already pay them to do to get Max Life Insurance Co. and received have to a family life ? Am 22 ! Smaller need a life insurance to avoid. I cover in the preceding sentence on it got a but there are some found a good insurer, guidance to individual insurance between the ages of which is authorized and 90 and beyond. When Waiver of Premium Plus by myself whats the .

I need some help.. I m only 18 years old and living with my boyfriend. We have been together for 5 years. I have been thinking about insurance on myself lately. He has it through his parents but I don t have it at all. I cant afford to much since I only work part time and I m also attending college as a full time student.

[ileneca7]

The Velocity of Money… and Revolution

  David Brin is an astrophysicist, technology consultant, and best-selling author who speaks, writes, and advises on many topics including national defense, creativity, and space exploration. He’s also one of the “World’s Best Futurists.” Find David’s books and latest thoughts on various matters at his website and blog. If you missed my interview with David, read it here. ~ Ilene 

  The Velocity of Money… and Revolution

Courtesy of David Brin, Contrary Brin Blog

If you’re perfectly comfy with the economy’s gyrations, then pay no attention as I explain what’s actually going on. Economists have been recognizing signs of serious dislocation for some time. Even right-of-center fellows like newsletter mavens John Mauldin and Lacy Hunt have finally recognized the core indications. I wish I could share their excellent newsletters with you. But – at some risk of misinterpreting or even treating them unfairly – I intend to paraphrase. And criticize.

A recent Mauldin missive correctly cites the most disturbing symptom of trouble in the U.S. economy: a plummet in Money Velocity (MV).

To quote John:  “You may be asking, what exactly is the velocity of money? Essentially, it’s the frequency with which the same dollar changes hands because the holders of the dollar use it to buy something. Higher velocity means more economic activity, which usually means higher growth. So it is somewhat disturbing to see velocity now at its lowest point since 1949, and at levels associated with the Great Depression.”

Somewhat… disturbing? That’s at-best an understatement, since no other economic indicator is as telling. MV is about a bridge repair worker buying furniture, that lets a furniture maker get dentures, so a dentist can pay her cleaning lady, who buys groceries….

There are rare occasions when MV can be too high, as during the 1970s hyper-inflation, when Jimmy Carter told Paul Volcker “Cure this, and to hell with my re-election.”  But those times are rare. Generally, for all our lives, Money Velocity has been declining into dangerous sluggishness, falling hard since the 80s, rising a little in the 90s, then plummeting.

Alas, while fellows like Hunt and Mauldin are at last pointing at this worrisome symptom, they remain in frantic denial over the cause. Absolutely, it is wealth disparity that destroys money velocity. Bridge repair workers and dentists would spend money – if they had any.

We have known – ever since Adam Smith gazed across the last 4000 years – that a feudal oligarchy does not invest in productive capacity. Nor does it spend much on goods or services that have large multiplier effects (that give middle class wage earners a chance to keep money moving). Instead, aristocrats have always tended to put their extra wealth into rentier (or passive rent-seeking) property, or else parasitic-crony-vampiric cheating through abuse of state power.

See my earlier posting: Must the Rich be Lured into Investing?

Situation Normal: Cheating Flows Up

Do not let so-called “tea party” confederate lackeys divert you. The U.S. Revolution was against a King and Parliament and royal cronies who commanded all American commerce to pass through their ports and docks and stores, who demanded that consumer goods like tea be sold through monopolies and even paper be stamped to ensure it came from a royal pal. Try actually reading the Declaration of Independence. “Taxation without representation” was about how an oligarchy controlled Parliament through jiggered districts and cheating, and used that power to funnel wealth upward.

Here’s a fact that shows where we came from… and might be going: over a third of the land in the thirteen colonies was owned – tax-free – by aristocratic families.

The U.S. Founders fought back. After their successful revolt, they redistributed fully a quarter of the wealth and land, and they did it calmly, without the tsunami of blood that soon flowed in France, then Russia, then China. That militantly moderate style of revolution actually worked far better at fostering positive outcomes for all. For the people… and yes, for local aristocratic families, who retained comforts, some advantages. And their heads.

Nor was that the only time Americans had to push back against proto-feudal cheating, which we now know erupts straight out of human nature. The Civil War was certainly a massive ‘wealth redistribution’ by giving millions of people ownership of their own lives and bodies. During the 1890s Gilded Age, we avoided radical revolution in favor of reform – e.g. anti-trust laws.

Our parents in the Greatest Generation – who adored FDR – sought to prevent communism by keeping market enterprise flat, competitive and fair. Far lessradical than the Founders, their reforms created the flattest social structure and the most fantastic burst of economic prosperity, ever.

And dismantling the work of that generation has been the core aim of the confederate aristocracy, since Reagan.

Dire beasties! Debt and the Fed

But let me share with you more of the myopia of decent men. John Mauldin continues: “Debt is another big issue for Lacy Hunt. People compare debt to addictive drugs, and as with some of those drugs, the dose needed to achieve the desired effect tends to rise over time.”

John then shows a chart (he always has the best charts!) revealing the additional economic output (GDP) generated by each additional dollar of business debt in the US. Needless to say, the effectiveness of each dollar of debt, at growing healthy companies, has plummeted.

Um…. Duh? Once upon a time, the purpose of corporate debt was to gather capital to invest in new productive capacity (factories, stores, infrastructure and worker training), with an aim to sell more/better goods and services that would then produce healthy margins that pay off the debt, across a reasonable ROI (Return on Investment) horizon.

This would then actually decrease the net ratio of debt to company value, across a sapient period of a decade or so.  This approach still holds, in a few tech industries, but not wherever companies have been taken over by an MBA-CEO caste devoted to Milton Friedman’s devastating cult of the quarterly stock-price statement.

Today, companies borrow in order to finance stock buybacks, market-cornering mergers and other tricks that our ancestors (again, in the Greatest Generation or “GGs”) wisely outlawed. Tricks that GOP deregulatory “reforms” restored to the armory of cheaters. Tricks that enable the CEO caste to inflate stock prices and meet their golden incentive parachutes, with the added plum of pumping rewards for their Wall Street pals who arrange the debt.

Every parasitic act of “arbitrage” is justified with semantically-empty incantations like “correct price determination” – mumbo-jumbo spells that bear absolutely zero correlation with reality.

No wonder each added dose of debt is ineffective at actually growing long-term company value! What’s so hard to understand? Why are Mauldin and Hunt puzzled?

Oh, yeah. They are honest and sincere men, at last able to perceive symptoms. But alas, they are also far too stubborn to acknowledge the root disease — a conspiratorial cabal of would-be feudal lords. Loyal to a fault… (well, these plutocratic connivers are their friends)… John and other residually-sapient conservatives choose denial over admitting that Adam Smith had it right, all along.

Instead, Mauldin focuses again and again on his chosen Bête Noir … theFederal Reserve, even though the Fed has almost insignificant power over any of the things we’ve discussed here.  It’s Congress – Republican for all but two of the last 23 years – who sent U.S. fiscal health plummeting, from black ink to red that’s deeper than an M Class dwarf star. Congress did this while devastating every protection against monopoly/duopoly or financial conspiracy.

Misunderstanding your own icons and heroes

Consider that Friedrich Hayek – often touted as the “opposite to Keynes” – actually agreed with John Maynard Keynes about many things, like the need for a very wide distribution of economic decision-makers. In an ideal market, this would be all consumers, empowered with all information. (There goes Brin’s broken record, repeating “transparency!” over and over.) Though yes, a 21stCentury Keynsian will call for a government role in (1) counter-cyclical stimulation and (2) inclusion of externalities, like the health of our children’s children and their planet. (Note the spectacular success of the greatest modern Keynsian politician, California’s Jerry Brown.)

Hayek complained that 500,000 dispersed and closely watched civil servants could never substitute for the distributed wisdom of an unleashed marketplace of billions. Hm. Well, that’s arguable. But so?

What does the right offer up, as its alternative? A far, far smaller, incestuous cabal of a few hundred secretly-colluding golf buddies in a circle-jerking CEO caste? That’s gonna allocate according to widely-distributed market wisdom?

Hayek spins in his grave.

This selfsame CEO-caste went on a drunken debt spree that blatantly served the cabal and not their companies, nor the economy or civilization.

Blaming the Federal Reserve for that is like condemning the owners of a liquor store for all the drunk drivers crushing pedestrians. Sure, the low price of booze might have contributed, but it’s not the primal cause. Oh. And yes, it’s been Congress that keeps funneling wealth from the middle class into gaping, oligarchic maws.

Some of these guys almost get it

How I wish I could share John Mauldin’s newsletter with you! It’s smart! I mean it. I always learn a lot, the charts are excellent. Moreover, I get self-pats on my own back, for assiduously reading the smartest commentators that I can find, from every side. Also, John’s a cool dude and way fun. I read every word and its maybe 70% real-smart stuff!

(For contrast, see the super-smart liberal “Evonomics” site; the place where Adam Smith is most-discussed and would be most at-home.)

Moreover, John does honestly acknowledge – forced by the blatantly obvious – that income and wealth disparities are problematic and rising, while money velocity plummets.

Only then he goes to the newest catechism of the rationalizing right… arm-waving that technology is at fault.

Yes, okay, automation has a depressing effect on middle class wages. So? Then it is time for a conversation about the social contract again. Like how to keep the middle class “bourgeois” – by keeping them vested in shared ownership of the means – as well as output – of production. It’s what the Greatest Generation did, while troglodytes accused them of “communism.” The most-entrepreneurial generation in history, they were far from commies.

Some in-yer-face time

Okay, it’s that time again; so let me talk again directly to the confederate/feudal elites aiming to restore inherited hierarchies of old. This is no longer about Mauldin, but the would-be overlords standing right in front of him, in his blind spot.

Dear oligarch-traitors. Let me avow that human nature and history seem to be on your side. Our experiment in flat-fair-open systems always had the odds stacked against it. Hence, you feudalists will probably get your wish. Briefly. The middle class will very likely fall into proletarian poverty while you rake it all in.

Your evident plan is to leverage new technologies to entrench oligarchic rule, right? I depict something like it in EXISTENCE, though done by far smarter zillionaires than you.

Only – was it really part of the plan to wage open war on every single fact-using profession? Now including not just science and journalism and law, but the FBI, intelligence agencies and the military officer corps?  And all the folks who are innovating in genetics and artificial intelligence, too? Really? Are you that confident?

Or else, perhaps you are like so many past lords — so lulled by sycophants that you cannot hear Karl Marx chuckling, as he rises from his mere-nap. (Copies of his works are flying off the shelves, faster than any time since the 1970s.) If so, you may get much more than you bargained for. More revolution than any sane person would want.

Adam Smith wasn’t the only one to seek a way out of this dilemma. Nor were the U.S. Founders. Will Durant – one of the greatest historians – said this, in his book, “The Lessons of History“:

“In progressive societies the concentration (of wealth) may reach a point where the strength of number in the many poor rivals the strength of ability in the few rich; then the unstable equilibrium generates a critical situation, which history has diversely met by legislation redistributing wealth or by revolution distributing poverty.”

The recent “great” time for America was built by moderate, if somewhat leveling, legislation. The Greatest Generation chose a Rooseveltean alternative to violent revolution. And it worked — inarguably, spectacularly — till cheating once more gained the upper hand.

Me? I stand with the Founders. With Adam Smith and a flat-fair-open market society filled with opportunity for all and grand, cheat-advantages for none. A relatively-flat society that still has loads of incentives. One wherein true competition among healthy-confident equals can thrive, pouring a positive-sum cornucopia for everyone.

And now, yes, “equals” must include all previously-squelched sources of talent – genders, races and the raised-up/blameless children of the poor.

You confederates, you are the traitors to that flat-fair-open-accountable Better Capitalism. The form that stood up to Marx and quelled him to sleep. The only kind of market system that can withstand the coming wind, when he awakens.

I stand with the Greatest Generation… and greater ones to come.

I stand with the moderate, scientific, flat-fair revolution that accepts facts and complexity and denies simplistic incantations. Moreover, that moderate/calm/eclectic kind of revolutionary numbers in the tens… hundreds of millions. We include nearly all of the most-skilled, and our growing cadre hears the alarum.

We awaken. We rise. And you had better welcome this. Because it will either be our reforms or the tumbrels of Robespierres.

Choose.

[Read also: Must the Rich be Lured into Investing?, “Class War” and the Lessons of History, and our recent interview with David Brin.]

The Velocity of Money… and Revolution was originally published on MarketShadows

[lovenerdywinnerbouquetfan-blog]

How much would car insurance be for a f, pa, 16?

"How much would car insurance be for a f, pa, 16?

how much would pa car insurance be for a 16 year old, female driver    car suggestions:   -mustang   -X3    or any car on the hyprid/luxury end?

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

RELATED QUESTIONS: 

Is there a way to get fake or extremely cheap car insurance?

I don't care about the service. I want it cheap.

How much would it cost to insure a learner driver on a diesel skoda octivia?

Basically I am a learner driver and I'd like to know how much it would cost to be insured on my dads Skoda octivia diesel (as a learner). If someone could find out I'd preferably like to know how much it would cost under the AA as thats what my dad is on, along with the price I'd also like to know if its good or bad since I don't know whats considered expensive for learner driver insurance on cars like this.""

How much would I pay for my yearly motorcycle insurance?

Thank you for your time. I am a 18 year old freshman university student living in Canada and I am really interested in buying a new motorcycle. I recently got my M1 and I will be going for my M2 next, so I am still kinda inexperienced. I looked at a few motorcycle websites and a couple of them read that motorcycle insurance is affected by age, experience, driving record, bike engine, etc. I figured that a medium sized engine probably wouldn't cost too much so I looked at a bike with 600cc. I am not worried about the initial cost of the bike since my scholarship money out-pays my tuition and housing by an excess of $4000. Also, I have had no history of accidents in cars or anything. I was wondering, based on my history and my status, what would be a good approximation of the yearly insurance I would have to pay given that I am a student and I am looking at a 600cc bike? Any input is appreciated.""

How much is car insurance for a jeep wrangler?

i am 18 and have a clean driving record

""Cheap, affordable health insurance for a college student?""

I don't dorm for college being how I live within the vicinity of my school. So that already kills off a few suggestions being how there's more insurance coverages out there for dorming students. What are some websites or companies that would have fairly priced insurance? I'm on a low income & I've tried applying for medicare, but that's a whole another issue I'd rather not discuss here. I've heard someone tell me something about Obamacare? & I also tried getting insurance from my jobs union but they have YET to send me my medical card in which I've just about given up in trying to obtain in the number of attempts I've called them about it... So please, if you know ANYTHING based on the above criteria, thanks.""

Can anyone recommends a good and cheap car insurance in CA? Thanks

Can anyone recommends a good and cheap car insurance in CA? Thanks

I want to buy a car i am 15 and i want to know which car should i get and how much is the insurance gna b??

I LiVE IN FLORIDA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I'm studying abroad in China next semester and want to know if I can add my friend to my car insurance?

Since I'm studying abroad, I have to find something to do with my my car. My friend is willing to take the car while I'm gone, but I've had some complications with my insurance. I spoke with my insurance rep, and she strongly discouraged me from adding my friend onto my policy. She said since my name was on title and on the off chance he had an accident, the person involved can go after the insurance as well as my future earnings. It seems really unlikely that someone could get that much money out of the insurance and continue to go after the car owner as well, but I'm concerned. Can I have my friend sign something that will state he will pay me back for the future earnings lost if they pursue me? If so, what kind of form and what needs to be stated? Will it hold up legally? I also thought of selling my friend the car for a dollar so his name would be on the title instead of mine; however, I have a 10 year accident free discount that knocks off over $200 in insurance a year and that would disappear if I ended my coverage. I would have my family take the car while I'm gone, but I don't have family in the area. I feel the best option would be to add my friend to my current coverage and have him sign something that states he will pay me back for future earnings if there is that kind of an accident. He is willing to do both, but I don't have any idea if there is such a form I can have him sign or if I should just type something up? Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks""

How much would it cost for three 18-20 year olds to live on their own in a 2 bedroom apartment?

I am currently 15 but am planning to move in with my best friend, and my boyfriend at the age of 18. Can anyone tell me what the prices may range for about? We want-- A two bedroom apartment. (Not specifically top notch) Heat of course, but air conditioning not needed. One car with insurance. No cable, phone, or internet. Electricity, Water, and food of course are important. I will be in school as well as my friend, so we can work part time. The boyfriend can work part time or full time. Does anyone know how much this may come to? Around? Aim high because we really want to be prepared. Thank you all so much. =]""

General concepts of health insurance?

What are the general concepts of health insurance? What arevarious types of private health insurance options? Difference between them?

How can insurance companies find out if you have a pre-existing condition??

I have heard people mention the MIB as a source, but where do they get their info? I thought medical records were strictly private, how do they find out your past medical info? Ty!""

Car insurance question?

Im 16 and about to get my license. For a first car, I'm looking to get a used 04-06 Pontiac Grand Prix. Of course, I want to get the V8 GXP trim compared to the base V6 trim. But my parents say that the insurance on a V8 for a 16 year old male driver would be rediculous, which I know. But how much more would it be to insure a V8 Grand Prix compared to a V6? And would taking a defensive driving course or something make a considerable difference? Thanks for any advice.""

Car Insurance pricing question?

I'm trying to understand how the insurance for each of our cars gets chosen. We have a 2007 gmc yukon XL (biggest of the 3), a 97 mercury grand marquis LS, and a 2001 gmc Sierra (pickup). Of these 3, the grand marquis is the most expensive, then sierra, and the cheapest insurance belongs to the yukon. Just trying to figure out how this works...""

Nationwide car insurance....?

So yea it was a snowy day in mississippi..... something that don't usually happen... I slided on ice and hit the guard rail... it was only 1 or maybe 2 bump... the car wasn't messed up that bad.... I mean there was a dent from the inital bump but what do you expect? The officer said when I asked them could they fix it he said probably... its not really bad at all.... and that the same thing I said... so I find out days later after they inspected it, they was gonna jump it and not fix it... so my question is why do we pay all these hundreds of dollars every month that when it comes to the company to their job, they don't do it? I think I was paying 240 every month for my 98 ford explorer... also do they suppose to pay me for the value of my car since they not fixing it? The reality of it that if I known this would have happen could I just save that money I was paying them these years and put the money in my pocket so when I crash I could take that money and buy me my own car instead of being carless when I was giving the money to the insurance company? I mean wuts the point of even paying them honestly?""

Affordable insurance plan for a diabetic?

im a diabetic and i recently lost my AR Kids insurance when i turned 19.... i need an affordable insurance plan that will cover my prescription does anyone have any suggestions

How much would my insurance cost?

hi i am 18 and looking for a vauxhall corsa the old one or a ka the old version i wanted to know from my age and the car on average how much would my insurance cost a month i am from england so could you tell me in pounds please p.s. i know it depends on a lot more things but it will be my 1st car could anyone please give me an average thank you

If your 18 how much do u pay for your car insurance?

If your 18 how much do u pay for your car insurance?

Auto and House Insurance...what to ask!?

I'm a first time auto and house insurance buyer....yipee (NOT!) As I shop around for prices, I find each of the policies vary so much. What are some key questions I should be asking? What are the things I should be inquring about which will greatly affect the future with this insurance? In other words, to those of you who have had experience with insurance policies, what do you find most important in having on your policy? How do I make sure I'm well covered?? Thanks!!!""

How much would a 1986 mustang convertible insurance be?

I'm seventeen and I'm looking into getting a this mustang and I wanted to know how much it would be with a the classic car plates on? My friend has a 1979 camaro and his is only $88, but this mustang has a 5.0 so it is bigger than his.""

How long will my car insurance company take to pay out and how much will I get?

On Saturday my car caught fire while I was driving it (apparently the fuel line came out). It's a Peugeot 206 1999 and has done 87,000 miles. It wasn't in bad condition either. It's blatently a write-off, the engine looks like one big bit of plastic. My question basically is 1) how long do insurance companies usually take to pay out on this kind of thing, and 2) what will I get? I've looked on parkers and stuff, but you have to pay to find out... so I thought I'd see if any of you lovely people know first! :)""

A cheap car insurance? USA?

im looking for the minimum required.

Policy loan from life insurance interest pay to insurance company! why?

Any one can tell me, loan money from life insurance policy cash value intrest collect from the lisurance company, the cash value is my own money, should I paid intrest back to myself? not to insurance company""

How much of a difference will a Mercedes cost to insure and register than a BMW?

I have a 2001 BMMW 330i and I was planning to hand it down to my little sister (who just turned 17 and got her license) Although, she wants a 2000 or 2001 Mercedes C230 or C240. My parents can afford this for her... but I was wondering how much more her parts will cost and how much her insurance and registration will cost her. Please no one who tells us that we should get a cheaper car.. it's not going to happen. Thanks though.""

Auto insurance rates in USA?

Auto insurance rates in USA?

How much is teenage car insurance?

I am 15 years old and going to have my permit. I want use my dad's car who already has insurance. But, based on certain websites they say i need to include licensed drivers on my dad's car insurance. I think we do not have me listed. Is it possible to include me as a licensed driver. I am currently under Nationwide. Will it cost me to be included? If, so how much or what is the average and how do I do it?""

How much would car insurance be for a f, pa, 16?

how much would pa car insurance be for a 16 year old, female driver    car suggestions:   -mustang   -X3    or any car on the hyprid/luxury end?

How much cost an insurance car in North Carolina?

How much cost an insurance car in North Carolina?

Can anyone tell me of an affordable health insurance for self employed people?

Can anyone tell me of an affordable health insurance for self employed people?

How much will my car insurance go up?

I got 2 points on my license, i pay $700 a year now, and this is my first violation. I live in new york""

Is getting the cheapest possible car insurance a good idea?

Like SafeAuto.

First time driver and car insurance ?

I live in California and im 18 and im curious as to which of these two options is cheapest if my mom puts my on her car insurance policy so that i can legally drive her car anytime or if she can put my car on her insurance which is cheaper ? also if i drive my moms car sometimes like to the store or something and i have my license and the cars registration and insurance with me will a cop still give me a ticket becasue im not on the insurance policy or will they be cool because they just want to make sure the car has insurance ?? thanks

Mustang GT car insurance?

Hey in 16 and im looking at buying a 1994-2005 Mustang GT. I like working on cars and this car seems to me an awesome car to work on. I just wanted to know how much people pay for insurance with a mustang GT. Also how much more would it cost because i am 16.

Cheapest and best flood insurance?

I live in Az and was told my townhome was is in a flood zone and I need flood insurance. How much does this cost and wheres the cheapest place to get it. Another guy in the unit next to me said his mortgage company forced the insurance on his loan and it was 2,500 a year so his mortgage went up 300 a month!! thats seems like an insane amount? Please help.""

Cheapest UK insurance for new driver with 6 point and zero no claim certificate?

i have checked but could not find a cheap UK insurance for a UK new driver with 6 points on license and zero no claim certificate. please suggest if one can think or know of.. cheapest i got so far is 2200. my age is 31 years. unluckily i got 6 points on my license .

""Average car insurance for 17 year old in ON, Canada?""

I'm a 17 year old female, no problems with driving, and with drivers ed course completed and certified. I have good grades going from 70s-90's. I'm looking into getting the new 2012 Ford Fiesta once I get my G2. How much would I pay a year/month for car insurance? Thanks""

Do you have to get car insurance after you pass your driver's test?

I live in PA, and I am almost 18 and would only use my parents car occasionally. I read something that if they consent to me using there car, we wouldn't have to pay extra. Also, as soon as I pass my exam, does the DMV automatically report that I am licensed to my parent's insurance agency, or can I just have my license without insurance? Thanks!""

I have a car and insurance.?

If I want to buy a new car should I have to apply for a new insurance with the new cars details

How do you switch insurance on your car if you get another one?

1) How much paperwork is involved. I drive a 92 Lebaron that is not too far from dying. I would like to buy a car within the next year and make monthly payments. 2) Is it really just a phonecall with my agent? 3) Do I get to keep my license plate? 4) What happens to my excise tax?--Do I have to inform my town hall of my new vehicle? Do I still get billed for my old car?

Insurance on a 06 mustang?

I'm going to be 18 soon and I'm interested in an 06 mustang.. Even though I'm legally an adult, I'm pretty sure my insurance will be as high as a 16 year old. This would be my very first car.. How much do you think the insurance would be? I have AAA. Any other cars you could suggest to me?""

Experiences regarding CURE auto insurance company?

Hello ! I recently obtained a quote from CURE auto car insurance company ( www.cure.com ) and it seemed decent. Before I buy my insurance, I have one or two questions : Does any body have any kind of good or bad experiences with CURE ? Did they help regarding any kind of accidents/claims etc ? Did they try to rip you off ever ? Also, it seems like they mainly operate in NJ and PA, but do they have offices across the rest of the USA ? Please let me know ! Thanks a lot !""

Health Insurance Company?

What is the best health insurance company in United States?

Would insurance be higher on suv/truck or car/sedan?

For example Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs Volkswagen passat, Nissan maxima, or Mitsubishi galant.""

""Insurance estimate on Integra, Mustang?""

Hey. So I am getting my first car in a couple months, and my dad said I could choose which car, but keep it in a low price range. I've always liked Integras, since I was little, and I always wanted it to be my first car, so thats in consideration. And my dad said get a mustang. I would like to know how much insurance is on each? The cars would be- Acura Integra 1996-2001 (LS, RS, SE, GS) Under my dads name (age 50) I would be secondary driver Silver or black or white Roughly 150k miles Maybe 25 miles a day Would buy used around 2000$ - 4000$ Im aware its a luxury car, thus insurance being a tad more expensive How much would you think insurance would be? We have Progressive but I just want a estimate - Maybe like the average of how much people with integras pay for insurance. Mustang 2004 Under my dads name (age 50) I would be secondary driver Black or silver Maybe 100k miles 25 miles/ day Used around 4000$ - 5000$ Not luxury, but its a sports car, Im guessing insurance is more expensive for it Anything will help :)""

Why would a small van be more expensive to insure than a car?

Im 24 and my partner is 27. we share a car and our insurance is 800 a year and looking at vans for our dogs. The normal small ford vans the cheapest insurance is 1,200. I thought a van would be a cheaper?""

What are some affordable health insurance plans?

I am 20 years old and do not have health insurance and I need to get my wisdom teeth pulled! So i'm looking for an affordable health insurance.I've already applied for Medicaid and was denied.I need help please!

Whats the cheapest car insurance company for young/newly qualified drivers in the UK?

I have just passed my test and have a car, but the insurance is ridiculously high, around 3,300. There has got to be cheaper quotes out there. Please help, thanks!""

Buying auto insurance for the first time?

lets say the policy will cost me 3,000 dollars. When i first buy the policy, do i pay the whole 3k up front or do i pay it in increments (i.e, 1500 for the first 6 months, then 1500 for the second)""

Can I get money back if I cancel my car insurance?

I share a car with my mum but she doesn't allow me to use it, so I figure it would be best to cancel my insurance policy if I get some money back. I only need a car to get home from work on a Thursday night but I have asked my boss if I can do an earlier shift so I can get a bus. He is letting me know if I can do this by the end of next week but in the meantime I would just like to know if it's worth cancelling. The policy runs out in April, I live in the UK and I'm with Zurich if that helps.""

USAA Auto insurance extra monthly bill?

Hi we've been with USAA for over 10 yrs now for our Auto/Recreation insurance company. This month on our bill i noticed our rates went up by 35+ dollars per month. I called and they said nothing has changed in our policy. They told us because the dates our policy renewed we have an extra bill in this cycle. So they had to charge us more so we wouldn't have to pay 2 bills in 1 month. I am so confused it seems like were making an extra payment for nothing. We Pay every month on time , so I'm not sure why we have to pay an extra payment to avoid a double billing. Only thing they could tell me is that it happens to alot of policyholders once or twice in the lifetime of the policy. Seems strange to me. Thanks for your responses!""

I need help finding affordable health insurance for my family?

My husband has a job currently that offers health insurance for us, BCBS of NC great insurance but his job doesn't pay enough for us to survive now that we have a new baby. He is switching to a driving job that pays a little more so we can survive and pay some more bills, so we have decided to try to buy our own health insurance with this new job. Things are very tight with money with me being a stay at home mom to a new baby boy and a toddler so I need very affordable health insurance for my husband and myself. My kids are covered by medicaid so I do not need to buy it for them. I do not qualify for medicaid so I have to buy insurance for myself and my husband. Any suggestions of where to look? Any help would be greatly appreciated.""

Why would insurance cost me 500 quid for a 50cc bike?

Im wanting to purchase a 50cc bike, derbi gpr 50 racing, 2009. it would be kept in a garage, and im only looking for third party cover. the bike costs 1650, and i have passed my cbt and have a provisional license. do i even need insurance?""

How much would car insurance be for a f, pa, 16?

how much would pa car insurance be for a 16 year old, female driver    car suggestions:   -mustang   -X3    or any car on the hyprid/luxury end?

Blood test and insurance?

IS THE BLOOD TEST FOR AFP COVERED BY MY INSURANCE?

What is the most affordable life insurance in japan?

What is the most affordable life insurance in japan?

How much would insurance be for a jeep Cherokee?

i am planning to get a jeep cherokee or wrangler and want to know how much car insurance would be. i am 16 and want to know how much money i should pay insurance to see if it is in my budget.

Should you get better car insurance coverage when purchasing a home?

I am currently house shopping and my boss mentioned increasing my car insurance coverage to cover the price of my house in case I get into an accident where the damages are higher than my coverage. Could I be sued for my house if I cause an expensive accident and my insurance doesn't cover it or all of it? Should my car insurance be raised to 150k, and how much can I expect that to cost? I live in California and the legal minimum is 15/30(which is what I currently have), I told my agent I would like to pay no more than 160k for the house, though I was approved for more.. I drive an rsx, it's paid for, and drive roughly 22k miles a year.""

Finding out cost of a car insurance claim - do i have to include this?

Im looking for insurance for a new car. My bf had an accident in our last car and i was wondering if there is a way you can find out how much we claimed in total? As alot of insurance companies want to know this.

Can I dispute my insurance adjuster's estimate of value of a totaled vehicle?

I have a vehicle which was totaled. Insurer is Progressive. I live in WA, so the adjuster is not allowed to use NADA or KBB to determine value. He's supposed to provide fair market value. He got two estimates, both of which seem very low to me--less than half the replacement cost of a vehicle from the same year in the same condition. I've asked whether I can submit Craigslist listings from my half of the US to prove the value is higher. He says any documentation must be from within 150 miles of my home, which puts me at a disadvantage since I live in a rural area. I'm wondering: 1) Is my insurance company obligated to accept competitive estimates of value in determining my vehicle's value if I can find local shops that determine that the value is higher? 2) What mechanisms are in place to ensure that value estimates made by dealers are accurate, and can a dealer's estimate of value be disputed? 3) What other options do I have if my adjuster refuses to budge on value?""

I just got pulled over for not having my seat buckle on and I'm wondering how much my insurance will go up?

This is the first time I've EVER been pulled over and I've had my license for a little over a year now. I get good grades and all that stuff so my insurance is pretty low for the average person right now. I'm wondering how much my insurance will go up? SOMEONE HELP! Kinda freaking out here. :p Oh, and I DID get a ticket. I guess it's click it or ticket month in my town (lucky me). The ticket was $70.""

How much would it cost to add me on my dads insurance to drive his car? UK?

The car is a 2001 peugeot 206, 1.4 engine Personal information: I'm 17. Work stacking shelves in a super-market. No previous criminal offenses/anything bad related to vehicles. I need the car to commute to college every day, work and the gym. (Need anything else? .. If so, Ill add details)""

""New driver, car, insurance etc..?""

I've started saving for my first car, driving lessons and tests, and obviously insurance. Any tips on choosing a car, and a teacher? How much would it cost, roughly? Detailed answers really appreciated, thankyou x""

I NEED HEALTH INSURANCE FAST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...

i'm a 19yr old female, in california. i work part time at a retail store...i think i may have asthma, and i need to get to a dermatologist fast, cuz of my acne problem...nothing seems to be helping me...not even proactiv. but i don't have any health insurance!!! plz help me!!! i need to go to the doctors fast, cuz i have suffered an asthma attack recently and it completely freaked me out cuz i couldn't breathe...and my acne is getting worse. other than that, i think i'm fairly healthy...i'm 5'7, and weigh 140 pounds.... plz help me!!!!!!!!!! i need like the most affordable health insurance out there!!!""

""What is third party car insurance? Can I, with no insurance, drive someone else's car, if they have insurance?""

So heres the deal. I don't have car insurance, my friend does. He seems to think that because he has third party insurance , I am able to drive his cause because the third party insurance will cover me in case of an accident. I don't think he's correct but, I'm not entirely sure how it works. So, what is third party insurance? Can I, with no insurance, drive someones else's car, if they have insurance? If they have third party insurance? Is there anything at all, in any kind of insurance that would allow me to drive his car, without me having insurance - even though he has inurance? So I've said the same question 10 times but...can someone who is uninsured drive someones car, if the owner of that car is insured?""

How can I save on car insurance?

I live in SC, and is 21 years old. I recently got my Drivers License without going to a Drivers school or anything. I was wondering are there any ways I can still save on car insurance.""

How much would car insurance cost for me?

i'm 16 and i live in the southern california area, around north hollywood. i would be driving a honda accord, thats leased so far but we're (family) is planning on buying it soon. i also have pretty good grades. how much do u think it would cost? and which auto insurance is best and the cheapest?""

""I am self employed and shopping for an affordable health/dental insurance, any ideas?""

I need coverage without spending a fortune every month, no pre-existing conditions.""

Car Insurance Coverage?

My husband and I each have our own cars. We are covered by the same insurance company (multi care policy). My car is a 1998 in excellent condition, however due to its age I dropped the collision. MY husbands car is a 2011 with full coverage. We were told by a friend (not the insurance compny) that if my husband is driving my car and involved in an auto accident that any repairs would be covered under his insurance policy since he has full coverage. Is this correct?""

Car insurance commercial ideas?

i have to make a script for a commercial about car insurance and i need some ideas of what to do.

Disadvantages of having free healthcare insurance?

like costco wholesales helping non employees on health insurance coverage

Why is my car insurance so high?

About me; I'm 18 years old, no past convictions / points on my license. Passed my test as well as Pass Plus a week or so back. Car I've got; 1994 1.2 Corsa LS (5 door) --- Most of my friends have similarly old / small cars and are paying between 500 - 900 insurance. I'm keeping the car on my drive, and yet the cheapest I can find any insurance is with Direct Line (1,600) Why is my insurance nearly 3 times as expensive as theirs? :(""

Car accident! they didnt have insurance! what cam i do?

last monday i was on a car accident,,,,(t-bone colission) it was there fault...i had a green light...she turned left at a red!.....but they dont have insurance...i need money to fix my car.....what can i do....? they told me thy were going to get my car fixed,,,but now they dont want to pay....and the even want to sew me! the police officer told me that i had to sew them cuz they didnt have insurance! what could happen in court!? what are the chances that theyll pay for my car!!? i live in texas....thanks""

Can a cop pull you over for no insurance?

I am going on a 2 week road trip to go see my newborn nephew and my biological family. I was laid off 2 months ago ad just got a new job. My insurance was canceled due to this back in may. I am going with my girlfriend too but taking my car because it is more reliable.

How much do you personally pay for car insurance a month?

just wondering. thanks! :)

Im Looking for cheap auto insurance in NJ?

Any suggestions? Anything except Cure,Esurance,Metlife and travelers. been there done that. Cure is just awful and unprofessional!""

How much do you pay car insurance?

yearly?

Progressive auto insurance? or AAA..which one is cheaper?

in terms of (monthly payments)

Auto insurance company needs more information about you?

Would you be suspicious if you get a letter in the mail from what appears to be from your auto insurance company asking for your daytime phone #, drivers license #, social security #, and date of birth under any circumstance?""

How much would car insurance be for a f, pa, 16?

how much would pa car insurance be for a 16 year old, female driver    car suggestions:   -mustang   -X3    or any car on the hyprid/luxury end?

My car no longer runs. Should I cancel my insurance on it?

My friend suggestted that it might not be wise, because when I get another car in 5 months they will charge me more for insurance if I was not insured for a long period of time. His logic was that it's a red flag to insurance co. They think you were driving without insurance or totaled your car. Even though my car just died on it's own.""

What is the difference between insurance agencies and insurance companies?

What is the difference between insurance agencies and insurance companies?

Choosing a good car which has cheap insurance---I live in CANADA?

Car choosing help--I LIVE IN CANADA.? I need help choosing a car that is going to be low insurance for me. I'm 22/female/college grad/part time worker/full insurance G / Went to driving school. Thanks in advance.

California auto insurance rates going/gone up?!!!?

I'm turning 25 this month and called because i wanted to get a new (hopefully lower) rate for being that age and not having any tickets or violations. Then they go and quote me something HIGHER than what I'm paying! I asked why and that's what the told me. That the state of California has been hit with higher rates. ~WHY? ~When did this happen? ~Why has no one talked about this? ~Am I the only one being affected? ~Is there anything I can do to lower my rate? ~So being 25 and having no tickets or violations is now pointless when it comes to car insurance??

Insurance question?

hello, i have a new car, but do i really need insurance on the car?? will i still be able to get the yellow tags on my license plate if i dont have insurance>? does my registration have anything to do with insurance>?? thanks alot for your answers""

Has anyone else's car insurance increased this year for no apparent reason (UK)?

Our insurance renewal came through this week and it has increased by 400 to 1,450 for third party cover even though nothing has changed! We went on all the comparison websites and they were all quoting a lot higher too - one quoted us 3,500!! We've actually managed to get it down to 1,300 fully comp with Tesco (Third party quote was higher for some reason?) but I still find this to be a lot considering we are both 24 and my partner has 4 years no claims and has been driving for 5 years and I have been driving for 3 years. Has anyone else found that their insurance has increased this year?""

Is Kaiser HMO a good health insurance plan to buy?

Here's the thing. My current doctor told me that he's leaving and he's going to Kaiser. I don't want to lose him so I my only way would be to purchase Kaiser. So if I already know the doctor I want, does that make Kaiser okay? What are the benefits and drawbacks of Kaiser Health?""

Truck insurance question!!!!?

I'm 17 and I want to get a truck. Which one of these would be cheapest on insurance? A 1999 Chevy silverado or a 2004 Chevy colorado? Both four wheel drive(4x4) and 3 doors? 2 regular and 2 half doors. Both lifted. Thanks

Health insurance for seniors?

My parents are seniors now and my father doesnt work anymore but he owns a restaurant so he cant apply for Medicare.. Does anyone know how and where I can find a affordable insurance that I can have for them. They need to apply for health insurance asap because both of them have diabetes Please help me!

CA Borders books pregnancy insurance?

I'm working at a Borders in CA and i'm part time. I'm trying to figure out what's the best way to go about getting insurance. My training manager said to look online for borders insurance but I'm not finding it. Is the part time insurance worth it for pregnancy costs? I'm having a midwife and want to figure out how to get that covered.

Does the Insurance Company notify the DMV @ the time you buy insurance after registering your car?

Heres my question: I registered a car i bought on the 2/16 w/ transfered title to my name and paid the fees, the guy never asked me for insurance information. The next day 2/17 i ...show more""

USAA insurance for motorcycles?

Does anyone know what motorcycle insurance through USAA would cost for a female beginner between the ages of 18-24? first bike (let's say a Buell Blast, if the type of motorcycle matters), never had any accidents or speeding tickets, and passed all the safety courses, etc. I'd look it up myself, but for some reason the website isn't letting me look at the motorcycle section right now. Thanks in advance.""

Do insurance companies have insurance?

Do insurance companies have insurance from a higher up company or resources? eg Government

I have allstate insurance right now and im paying way too much anybody know a good cheap insurance company?

I have allstate insurance right now and im paying way too much anybody know a good cheap insurance company

TSC Direct Car Insurance?

Does anyone have any experience with this insurance? I have seen lots of ads for it on the subway. Got a quote today from the website and it is waaaayyy less than what my boyfriend is paying with Geico. Good reviews? Bad reviews?

Will a speeding ticket increase my liability insurance rates at allstate?

No prior tickets in 7+ years. It was 74 in a 60. Its 2 points and a license doesn't get suspended until 12 points in a 2 year period. 49 years old. Liability only. My rate is about $98 every 6 months for 100/300/100 with no uninsured motorist. If you don't know, please do not answer or guess.""

Can we carry car insurance in ca from two different companies?

we live in california ,one of my friend he wants to start courier service as an indepentdent contractor the company he wants to join they need commerical insurance coverage 300,000/300,000/300,000. Can he buy additional coverge of commercial insurance from another insurance company with his regular car insurance. Is this legal? can he buy insurance from two different companies two policies? One for commercial and second regular insurance from another company? Thanks""

Bussiness insurance?

need to know what type of insurance i need to open a carpet cleaning and window cleaning service.

How much does car insurance cost?

I'm saving up for a car and I wanna see how much I will be spending. I know it'll be a lot so I don't want any advice that I should really think about it and stuff I just want answers please. I'm 18 and I'm barley gonna get my lisence. I wanna get atleast a 2011 scion tc. How much will insurance cost? I know it'll be a lot cause of the car and cause I'm a new driver and stuff. And if anyone knows how much a 2011 tc will cost and how much I would have to pay a month for it that would help too. Can someone give me an estimate please. Thanks a lot.

What is the cheapest car insurance?

i have a 2005 mazada 6, and im just looking fot the cheapest car insurance in pa. dose anyone know of any?""

What is the age that someone who is not on your car insurance can drive your car?

What is the age that someone who is not on your car insurance can drive your car?

Life insurance for young couples...?

I've been searching online for a very cheap life insurance For me and my husband.. But no luck.. We live in NY. Can any send me a link Are just tell me about any u may know?.. Thanks a lot. Am 28yrs and he is 37yrs. Thanks in advance..

Cheapest auto insurance in CA?

Cheapest auto insurance in CA?

What would the annual insurance cost range look like for a Benz C63 AMG?

Would the cost be greater just because of the model? Say I upgraded a C300 so it reached the base price of a C63 - would this increase the cost of insurance? Or is it based solely on the model? So if I upgraded the C63 so the value bumped up 20k, would my insurance become more expensive? I am new to all this, and want to get an idea of these things for the future. Thanks.""

What is the best car insurance company for young drivers ? HELP!?

So the lowest price I have been offered is 3000 , I cannot afford to pay that JUST for insurance ! does anybody know cheap car insurance for younger drivers I am really struggling ! NO companies that put a limit what time the car is used please !""

How much would car insurance be for a f, pa, 16?

how much would pa car insurance be for a 16 year old, female driver    car suggestions:   -mustang   -X3    or any car on the hyprid/luxury end?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/choice-quote-car-insurance-phone-number-arthur-peterson/"

[usviraltrends-blog]

New Post has been published on https://usviraltrends.com/in-war-zones-and-refugee-camps-researchers-are-putting-resilience-interventions-to-the-test-science-2/

In war zones and refugee camps, researchers are putting resilience interventions to the test | Science

By Emily UnderwoodFeb. 28, 2018 , 9:30 AM

In 2015, in the name of science, more than 800 teenage boys and girls in northern Jordan each allowed 100 strands of hair to be snipped from the crowns of their heads. Roughly half the teens were Syrian refugees, the other half Jordanians living in the area. The hair, molecular biologist Rana Dajani explained to the youngsters, would act as a biological diary. Chemicals embedded inside would document the teens’ stress levels before and after a program designed to increase psychological resilience.

It was a unique experiment. And it was one that suited Dajani, who’s based at The Hashemite University in Az-Zarqa, Jordan. Dajani looks askance at many humanitarian interventions imported from elsewhere. “I’m always skeptical of any program coming in from the outside, which says they can heal or help,” she says. Half-Syrian herself—Dajani’s mother is from Aleppo, her father from Palestine—she was also eager to study the physiological effects of conflict. So when medical anthropologist Catherine Panter-Brick, whom Dajani had met at Yale University in 2012, approached her about putting the resilience-boosting program to the test, she seized the opportunity.

Run by the nongovernmental organization (NGO) Mercy Corps, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and Edinburgh, the Youth Take Initiative—or, in Arabic, Nubader program—would teach stress management and relationship skills to at-risk 11- to 18-year-olds. Nubader falls into a booming category called psychosocial support; the interventions are as diverse as play therapy, parenting courses, and mindfulness training, and they’ve flourished across more than a dozen countries. Many aim to enhance the resilience of children affected by war and other disasters.

Finding ways to support these children has never been more urgent. Hundreds of millions of young people live in countries riven by armed conflict. Roughly 15% to 20% may develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental illnesses. Psychosocial programs, usually staffed by laypeople with various levels of training, are feasible in war zones and refugee camps in a way that specialized psychological care often is not. The question is: Do they work?

Special package: Resilience

A series of Science articles examines ways of coping with natural disasters, war and displacement, and climate change—not to mention resilience tactics in nature.

That’s where the hair collection came in. Panter-Brick and Dajani hired professional hairdressers, who collected the strands while offering the teens stylish hairdos. The samples were then shipped to a lab at the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada. While the Canadian scientists ground up the strands and measured levels of the stress hormone cortisol, research assistants interviewed the teens about past traumas and current stress.

On average, the Syrian cohort reported six traumatic experiences, most commonly witnessing bombardments and having their homes forcibly searched or demolished. As Dajani listened to their harrowing stories, she wondered whether Nubader’s setup, just 16 sessions of psychological coaching, had the power to deliver on the nonprofit’s ambitious goal: boosting resilience by alleviating stress, strengthening relationships, and “healing the scars of conflict.”

Brewing ordinary magic

The study of psychological resilience has its roots in the 1970s. That’s when Norman Garmezy, a developmental psychologist at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, began studying schoolchildren who thrived despite severe hardship, such as neighborhood violence or parents with mental illness. After Garmezy retired, his students picked up where he left off, pin-pointing factors that helped these children cope. Some were environmental, such as a strong bond with a parent. Others bloomed from within, such as a sense of agency or control over one’s fate. One of Garmezy’s students, developmental psychologist Ann Masten, coined a term for the constellation of variables that together help a child transcend bad circumstances: ordinary magic.

What began with Garmezy and the resilient children in urban Minneapolis raised an obvious question: Can resilience be taught to others who might not come by it as easily? Or, put differently, can ordinary magic be brewed for just about anyone?

Before answering that question, social scientists and psychologists had to consider what, exactly, resilience is. They have yet to agree. Some believe resilience means restoring mental health after a traumatic event. Others consider it a conscious determination to persevere under difficult circumstances. Still others describe it as a child’s ability to benefit from external resources, such as a caring adult. To complicate matters, humanitarian groups use the term resilience to describe any or all of these positive outcomes.

“It’s quite a squishy concept,” says Jon Kurtz, Mercy Corps’s director for research and learning in Washington, D.C. By collaborating with Dajani and Panter-Brick, Mercy Corps hoped to get a firmer grasp on how to support and measure resilience in the Syrian and Jordanian teenagers, he says.

Despite the cacophony of definitions, most studies of resilience interventions in children ask one of two questions: Does a program promote existing mental health by helping children cope with war and displacement? Or does it prevent mental health complications for which children are now at higher risk?

Smoke rises from a November 2017 airstrike in Damascus carried out by the Syrian government. Since the conflict began, millions have fled the country.

DIAA AL DIN/ANADOLU AGENCY/GETTY IMAGES

Outcomes are mixed for the few resilience programs that scientists have evaluated. In 2016, an article in Current Psychiatry Reports reviewed data on 24 mental health and psychosocial programs conducted in nine countries, including Bosnia, Uganda, and Nepal. The researchers found that although all interventions had some positive impact on mental health, less than half met their goals. Nearly a quarter had a negative impact on an endpoint the program aimed to improve, such as symptoms of depression or PTSD. Some programs worked in one country but failed in another: Teaching emotional regulation to former child soldiers in Sierra Leone improved their social relationships, for example, whereas a similar effort for Palestinian children increased symptoms of PTSD. In a study in Nepal, being affiliated with a political movement appeared to protect mental health among former child soldiers. Yet the opposite was true among children in Bosnia, says Wietse Tol, one author of the 2016 review and a mental health researcher at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

What accounts for these inconsistent outcomes? The factors that support mental health and resilience in one situation may be useless or even harmful in another, Tol says.

To pinpoint the ideal interventions for a community, researchers need to spend time there, suggests Michael Pluess, a psychologist at Queen Mary University of London. In recent focus groups with Syrian refugee mothers in Lebanon, for example, Pluess and his colleagues found that a popular ingredient in many psychosocial programs—a concept called “internal locus of control”—was problematic among people anchored by religion. An internal locus of control is the conviction that success comes thanks to one’s own efforts, such as hard work, rather than external factors. Although often seen as supporting mental health, the concept didn’t resonate with religious parents who believe that life unfolds according to God’s will, Pluess says.

Despite the mixed results of resilience programs, Tol is heartened by the learning curve he sees. “I think the research is showing that it is possible to teach resilience” to conflict-affected children, he says.

Testing a resilience recipe

A medical anthropologist at Yale, Panter-Brick has navigated that learning curve herself, traveling extensively to study resilience. She has visited Nepal and interviewed homeless children. In Afghanistan, she probed the mental health of young people in the wake of war. Panter-Brick argues that for children, resilience has three dimensions: individual strengths, relationships with family and peers, and community support.

Nubader mainly targets the first. The program nurtures an adolescent’s resources and skills, although it also aims to build a support network for teens by training mentors and creating community councils to consider children’s ongoing needs. Between 2014 and 2016, more than 4000 young people with mental health struggles and poor access to social services participated in similar Mercy Corps–run programs across the Middle East.

The intensive program Panter-Brick and Dajani evaluated in Jordan lasted 2 months. In it, teenagers gathered at a youth center twice a week to participate in group activities of their choosing, including soccer, sewing, and computer repair. Those activities were meant to foster social bonds and build confidence and competence. Participants also learned how chronic stress can affect the brain—for example, by impairing impulse control. Coaches practiced relationship-building skills with the teenagers, such as expressing affection and empathy.

This neuroscience-based instruction, called the Profound Stress and Attunement model, was developed by former Mercy Corps youth program director Jane MacPhail. It’s loosely based on emerging neurobiology research suggesting that social relationships can buffer the negative effects of chronic stress and trauma.

From its own before-and-after program evaluations, Mercy Corps believed that MacPhail’s program worked. But those evaluations lacked the scientific rigor of an independently run randomized trial, which would compare the intervention with another activity or with no intervention at all. So the NGO approached Panter-Brick and Dajani for an outside assessment. “It takes guts to let someone in to evaluate your program as thoroughly as we did,” Panter-Brick says.

Accomplishing that goal meant running Nubader and testing it simultaneously. Panter-Brick and Dajani invited 817 young people living in Jordan, who had already signed up for Nubader, to participate. They included both Syrian refugees and at-risk Jordanian teens. The youths were randomly assigned to the program or to a 2-month waitlist, which served as a control group.

Dajani and Panter-Brick quickly found that their desire for rigor and clear outcomes ran up against teenage inhibitions and logistical snags. Plans for an expansive collection of biological samples, including cheek swabs for DNA, dried blood spots to test immune function, and saliva for additional cortisol levels, had to be pared back. Many teens were too embarrassed to spit into the sample vials. Saliva was also hard to freeze and transport in Jordan’s summer heat because electricity was sporadic, Panter-Brick says.

Hair could be mailed cheaply in an envelope. Still, even gathering those samples “was very tough” at first because of the tense relationship between Jordanians and the Syrian refugees they were hosting, says Natasha Shawarib, the project manager for Mercy Corps in Amman. Some refugee families feared their child’s data would be handed off to the Jordanian government, and they needed reassurance that the information was purely for research, she says.

It takes guts to let someone in to evaluate your program as thoroughly as we did.

Catherine Panter-Brick, Yale University

Before and immediately after the intervention, and again 11 months later, the teenagers also answered surveys about their mental health and sense of security. “To what extent do you fear for your family in your daily life?” one question asked. “To what extent do you fear or worry about losing your family’s source of income?” read another.

To lighten the mood, one of Dajani’s research assistants—a Syrian refugee herself—volunteered to paint the girls’ nails before interviews. But those nail painting sessions often ended in tears. Both the fieldworkers and the teenagers came to dread the questionnaires because talking about past traumas was so upsetting, Dajani says.

In response to the teens’ and fieldworkers’ requests, “we decided to ask the teenagers how they deal with negativity, not just remind them of it,” Dajani says. The team crafted an Arabic translation of a survey called the Child and Youth Resilience Measure, originally developed by Canadian psychologist Michael Ungar. It queried the teens about sources of resilience in their own lives by asking them to rate 12 statements such as “I am aware of my own strengths,” and “My family stands by me in difficult times,” gauging their feelings of belonging and optimism.

In the end, the scientists determined that Nubader had a positive impact—but whether it nurtured resilience depends on whom you ask. The teenagers enrolled in Nubader felt moderately safer and more secure than members of the waitlisted control group—a benefit sustained 11 months later, the team reported in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry in October 2017. Findings from the hair strands, too, suggested a benefit: Average cortisol levels in the intervention group dropped by a third, the researchers reported in January in Psychoneuroendocrinology. In a subgroup with statistically low levels of cortisol—a phenomenon linked to higher risk of PTSD—cortisol production increased by nearly 60%, a healthy sign.

Those changes aren’t dramatic. But participating in the program was clearly better than nothing, says Danny Pine, a child psychiatrist at the U.S. National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

Mercy Corps interpreted the findings as a win. “Now we can confidently say that our work does make a difference,” says Noura Shahed, a project coordinator at Mercy Corps in Amman. But Dajani and Panter-Brick say the reality is more nuanced: Although teens had less fear and stress, the study did not meet the scientists’ strict definition of resilience, and the program did not appear to strengthen teens’ social support, even though Mercy Corps’s internal evaluations suggested that it did.

Dajani and Panter-Brick suspect that’s because the intervention lasted just 8 weeks and largely targeted one source of resilience—individual strengths. “You could go to a great program every day, but if you go home and your family life is terrible, you’re not going to build resilience,” Dajani says. The surveys support that conclusion: Teens who scored high on the resilience measure from the start described close family ties and supportive communities, Panter-Brick says.

Resilience “isn’t simply in the child, but embedded in their family, caregivers, and community,” agrees Masten, who has noticed that same trend among children in Minnesota and elsewhere. That doesn’t mean Nubader didn’t benefit the teenagers in Jordan, Panter-Brick says. But ideally, she says, interventions should be more sweeping, reaching parents and communities, too. Mercy Corps is now doing just that through a support program for parents and caregivers that teaches them about the impacts of long-term stress on the brain, Shahed says.

Dajani and Panter-Brick’s experiment was “important, even groundbreaking,” Pine says. The experiment wasn’t perfect, in part because the control group was just a waitlist. Comparing it with a slightly different program—for example, recreation with no educational content—would have helped the researchers identify the active ingredient of Nubader’s success. Still, Pine says, the team showed that rigorously testing humanitarian programs under trying circumstances is possible.

Other NGOs are now applying science to their resilience interventions. In Lebanon, War Child Holland, a branch of the global NGO that assists children in conflict zones, is evaluating three efforts: a life skills program, a program to reduce parents’ stress, and a World Health Organization–designed mental health intervention for Syrian refugees. War Child Holland’s ultimate goal is to find the best way to support resilience at the individual, family, and community levels all at once, says psychologist Mark Jordans, War Child Holland’s director of research and development in Amsterdam.

For Panter-Brick, one of the most valuable lessons out of Jordan came from the young people themselves. They reminded her that resilience research “is not about rescuing victims of chaos,” she says. Rather, it calls for identifying potential sources of strength that young people can draw on to survive, even thrive. “It’s about reshaping your lens on the world,” she says, “to what people feel respects their dignity.”

Reporting for this project was supported by a Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism.

[tinkerbelljayne]

I absolutely loved this race so I’m gonna get the big fat negative out the way with – the toilet situation at the start line was absolutley ridiculous.

*Leans back, sips tea, crosses legs and prepares to have one hell of a rant*

There are four waves, each wave a different colour and I was purple, the last wave (ie. the slowest group). Us purples had quite the walk to the start line. There was not only a 10 minute walk to our, let’s call it, our ‘pen’, but a further 10 minute walk from the pen to the start line (although I didn’t know this at the time). This was to give the other three waves a chance to set off before us slow coaches reached the start line for our scheduled start time of 9.30am.

As all the runners from all the waves queued for the toilets in the baggage drop-off area, a lady on a speaker began telling us not to queue for these toilets but to head to our designated pens, where there are “80-100 more toilets available”.

80 more toilets? What am I wasting my time here for? So, desperately needing a piss – which seemed to be the theme of the weekend so far as all I’d done since I arrived in Ireland is need a a bloody wee due to consuming so much water – I toddled off to the purple area.

But when I got there, I was absolutely devastated to see that there were not 100 toilets, more like 10! And the crowd of hundreds of people standing around in front of me wasn’t actually a crowd of people, it was a toilet queue, one big enough to resemble the opening of a new ride at Alton Towers!

It was too late to go back to the other toilets. I had no choice but to wait.

50 minutes queuing for the loo (yes 50 minutes!) meant I was one of the last 15 people to cross the start line out of 16,000. As the clock ticked closer to 9.30am, many of my fellow runners gave up queuing and headed to the start line. But those of us absolutley determined to go to to the toilet (aka those of us with weak bladders who were about to piss our pants at any moment) kept queuing and waiting for a portaloo to become available. As more and more people nervously darted for the start line grumbling ‘sod this’, the quieter and quieter my now not-so-atmospheric purple pen became. But there was no way I was starting my marathon with a bladder full of pee.

By the time I exited a stinky loo, having pissed like a race horse, there was hardly anyone around, not even the girl I’d befriended in the queue who I thought would wait for me because we bonded over snacks.

As I began my run at a rather late 9:44am, there were no crowds cheering me on, no big cardboard signs, no DJ throwing out tunes; it was like a scene from a zombie move. Almost everyone had vanished, there were abandoned jackets everywhere and half empty water bottles rolling in the wind like tumbleweeds. Unlike the cheering crowds at the Paris marathon six months earlier, there were just a few passers-by giving me a little slow clap as I began mile one of 26.2.

Whilst having the empty space to run at a good pace was a big bonus (at Paris my first mile was incredibly slow due to actual human traffic) it felt eerily quiet. And I didn’t like the fact that if I didn’t catch up with my fellow runners that I could potentially be the one of the last to cross the finish line. I wanted to be alongside them, I wanted the race atmosphere, I needed it. This need must have lead me to subconsciously pick up my pace and after no more than a few minutes, I was reaching my fellow purple runners who had all started before me.

(I actually had no idea that despite being one of the last 15 runners to start, throughout my 26.2 miles I would overtake nearly 4000 runners as I finished in 12,107th place out of nearly 16000 participants *pats herself on the back*)

In no time at all I was comfortably snuggled into the Dublin Marathon atmosphere and surrounded by other runners. Phew!

Despite running at a quicker pace than usual at the start, I didn’t feel too tired or like I had peaked too soon, I felt just right. The weather was lovely – bright and sunny and a cool 14 degrees. With the sun shining and with the lovely Irish runners all being in such high spirits (so much chanting and constant encouragement for each other) it was impossible not to absolutely love this run. I had a full on runners high at mile seven as I ran under the blue sky, passing a beautiful lake, gorgeous sky high trees, one of my favourite Chemical Brothers tracks beating in my ears; my feet simply pounding the pavements to the rhythm. I felt blissfully happy and unusually energised.

During my training the second time around I’d found it much harder to reach the autopilot stage. For me it’s usually around mile four or five and only continues upto to mile eight or nine. When it switches off, you have to really push yourself. But this time I managed to run on auto-pilot from around mile three until mile 10, where three of my friends where waiting, with banners!

I was chuffed to see them, although not so chuffed when I realised they were stood waiting at the top of a hill and I knew there was no way I could walk it, not when I had supporters waiting in the cold. To be honest I was was so excited to see them that I sprinted to the top (the only hill I managed to sprint). Pretty much as soon as I got to them I was offloading things I didn’t need anymore; it was goodbye jacket, goodbye scarf and I also decided to abandon some peanut m&m’s that my tastebuds were just not hankering for.

My friends asked how I was feeling and I remember saying “okay actually, I don’t feel too tired and I haven’t taken an energy gel yet”. I took a quick pic of them and then was off on my way again, promising to meet them at the finish line. But no sooner had that sentence come out my mouth and I was faced with some serious hills. Runners who do trail runs or who are used to hilly courses might not have found them that bad, but I rarely run hills. So this was hard for me. There is one in my local park and I hate it – it kills me every time. Fortunately these hills didn’t actually kill me, what got me through them was knowing that what goes up, must come down and I managed to do every single hill at a steady pace.

Shortly after mile 13 when I hit the half way point, I had that knot in my stomach when I realised I’d have to do what I just did all over again. And yet still I didn’t feel the need for an energy gel. I did notice that the food I was struggling to digest a few hours ago had well and truly been digested and I felt a little hungry, so I avoided the gels packed in my bumbag and took out some skittles instead. These honestly really help me. It’s a sweet sugary little fix that gives me a lovely boost of energy even if it is only short.

Still feeling fairly okay (obviously very tired but nowhere near stopping point) and having consumed my skittles, I decided to look at my Fitbit for the first time, which was timing me. As I peered down at my wrist I was quite surprised. According to my watch I was actually doing okay for time, much better than I’d anticipated. Although my previous record was 04:47:17, I was aiming this time round for 05:30:00 (due to my lack of training and being ill). I realised that if the race continued to go as well as it had done so far, then I could actually be on for a PB, to do that I needed to cross the finish line in 04:47:16 or under. And just over half way I was on a time of 02:16:22.

But I also knew that just like during my 19 mile practice run a few weeks ago, I could crash and burn at any point, that I might have to stop all together, that if the pain that came during my 19 miler returned to my legs or my hips, that it could even be game over.

But I could try, couldn’t I?

  During Paris, the organisers gave out pieces of banana and orange. The orange was a game-changer, it’s incredible what a slice of it can do when your running. It’s so refreshing and revitalising. Unfortunately the Dublin Marathon doesn’t give out any kind of food or snacks, only water and Lucozade. But thankfully the people of Dublin do! Stood outside their houses, they hold out boxes of Haribo sweets, skittles, Jaffa cakes, bananas – AND ORANGES! You have no idea how much I wanted to cry when a little girl at mile 15 was stood, looking so adorable and angelic in a pretty dress, with a huge tub of orange slices. I ran up to her and called her my angel, grabbing two slices, lobbing them into my mouth one at a time like mouth guards, and sucked the life out of them. Across the next six miles I was able to suck on five more pieces of orange, each stranger feeding me not only pieces of orange but words of encouragement “go on girl, your doing so well, your incredible”.

I honestly cannot express how wonderful the crowds and supporters were, from cheering us all on and telling us how well we are doing, to handing out refreshments just because they wanted to help, to holding up some of the most brilliant signs I’ve ever seen (including a chap at mile 24 holding up a sign saying ‘My arms are killing me.’) I must have high fived about 20 people and I hit 4 different ‘touch here to power up’ signs – they actually work!

For some reason the whole of my run up until mile 19 felt like it had gone very quick. Obviously not quick quick, but it hadn’t dragged. But mile 19 was the point I got to when I really started to struggle. I’d needed a wee at around mile 18 and so had popped to the loo, and as I had began running again I realised how absolutely knackered my body felt. I’d already had plenty of water, plenty of Lucozade, and I couldn’t face anymore skittles. As I felt myself slowing down and my chances of a PB slipping from me, I pulled out an energy gel.

I went with Clif energy gels this time after being a little disappointed with Stealth in Paris. And despite not initially liking the citrus flavour on my training runs, I just could not face the sickly overpowering taste of the chocolate or the espresso ones, so I actually chose my least favourite and went for the citrus. At the next water stop I grabbed a bottle to help down the thick liquid, only I couldn’t open the dam thing. The tab you pull to open the wrapper was somehow pulled off by my sweaty hand and I had to use my teeth. This was difficult to say the least. The label on the back was transferring to my hand and face like a cheap tattoo transfer due to beig so sweaty and I had to keep wiping it off. But eventually I managed to pierce a small whole in the sachet and squeeze some into my mouth. The whole was so small and so painfully difficult to get gel out of though – and I was on a pretty tight schedule – I probably only consumed about half of it before I tossed it away.

But half was enough.

Somewhere in between mile 22 and 23 the gel, along with one last cup of Lucozade, had well and truly kicked in! Despite feeling super tired and in pain, I started speeding up and overtaking runners, dodging in and out of them like I was in a TV car chase. Throughout most of my race I had been running behind the 5 hour pace makers who all had giant red balloons tied to them, floating above so us runners could see them. Those b***** balloons. I felt like I’d been chasing them for most of my run, I nearly overtook them at mile 18 but needed the loo. But at mile 23 I finally ran past them. Knowing I had started the run about 10 minutes after them and that I was now overtaking them, I knew I must be soooo close to getting a PB.

But my burst of energy didn’t quite last the rest of the race. I can’t even begin to describe how painful that last mile was!

My feet were hurting, me legs were hurting, I could feel myself losing my breath. I had no idea how I was even running anymore, let alone how I was going to finish the last mile. You’d think mile 26 would be the easiest bit- it’s nearly over, It’s easy, right?

Nope. It’s horrifyingly painful and it feels like the longest mile of your life. Everytime I turned a corner and I didn’t see the finish line I wanted to cry. I was so close to stopping, but I just told myself ‘it will be over soon.’ I finally saw a sign saying ‘2k to go’. 2k – thats nothing. And yet it dragged soooooo much. The crowds got bigger and bigger, “your nearly there” they shouted, yet there wasn’t a finish line in sight. This was the worst 2k of my entire life – I had no energy left, I was in pain, I so badly wanted to just stop and walk it. But deep down I knew there was no way I was walking across that finish line. I’m so stubborn. At one point I thought I could feel one of my toe nails coming off, but I still kept on running.

As me and my surrounding runners turned one final corner, sure enough the finish line came in sight. I wanted to cry. It still looked so far away. But I just continued to tell myself “it will be over soon, it will be over soon, it will be over soon.” I quickly glanced at my Fitbit and could see I was on around 04:45. I couldn’t let it get to 04:47. I couldn’t. It was time to speed up.

It took every ounce of strength to move my body faster, and I still don’t know how I did it, but somehow I started sprinting towards that finish line. My body ached, especially my feet, my breathing was chaotic, at one point I felt like I actually couldn’t breathe. I had tears in my eyes as I realised I was literally steps away. And suddenly I was crossing it, suddenly I was on the other side of the line. It was over.

Did I really just do that? How did I do that? was all I could think. I actually felt faint and tried to lean on a railing before being ushered away by staff. Everything felt like a dream. In fact I felt like I was in shock. I limped towards man who placed a medal around my neck and congratulated me. I wanted to cry but I felt like I had no energy. I stumbled further along where I was given a T-shirt, I should have grabbed a medium, but in my haze, I just took a small from the women handing them out. I was given a plastic bag and inside I saw a bottle of water and Lucozade and quickly grabbed them both and began to down them.

Then I felt my phone vibrate. It was my Dublin Marathon app. My hands shaking, I swiped my phone open and saw the alert telling me I had completed the marathon…

…in 04:46:32.

I had a new PB.

I literally burst into tears!

I had doubted myself so much. I honestly thought I wouldn’t be able to do it in less than five hours, let alone achieve a PB. I’d only shaved off around a minute, but just weeks earlier I thought I was going to have to pull out all together, so the fact I not only ran it, finished it, and got an even better time, was incredible. I felt so unbelievably proud of myself.

It turns out a) muscle memory is a real thing and god bless my chunky legs for basically being amazing and remembering how to carry me all that way without giving up and b) I have some serious determination in me, like serious serious serious determination – something I am very proud of. My training may not have gone exactly the way it had, but I didn’t let myself down and I worked hard in that last month to really look after my body. And it worked. It really did.

And yes, I’m already planning my next one. In fact I’ve got three more in the pipe line, so watch this space!

  [do_widget id=alder_social_widget-2] [do_widget id=blog_subscription-13]

Running the 2017 Dublin Marathon I absolutely loved this race so I’m gonna get the big fat negative out the way with - the toilet situation at the start line was absolutley ridiculous.

[usviraltrends-blog]

New Post has been published on https://usviraltrends.com/in-war-zones-and-refugee-camps-researchers-are-putting-resilience-interventions-to-the-test-science/

In war zones and refugee camps, researchers are putting resilience interventions to the test | Science

By Emily UnderwoodFeb. 28, 2018 , 9:30 AM

In 2015, in the name of science, more than 800 teenage boys and girls in northern Jordan each allowed 100 strands of hair to be snipped from the crowns of their heads. Roughly half the teens were Syrian refugees, the other half Jordanians living in the area. The hair, molecular biologist Rana Dajani explained to the youngsters, would act as a biological diary. Chemicals embedded inside would document the teens’ stress levels before and after a program designed to increase psychological resilience.

It was a unique experiment. And it was one that suited Dajani, who’s based at The Hashemite University in Az-Zarqa, Jordan. Dajani looks askance at many humanitarian interventions imported from elsewhere. “I’m always skeptical of any program coming in from the outside, which says they can heal or help,” she says. Half-Syrian herself—Dajani’s mother is from Aleppo, her father from Palestine—she was also eager to study the physiological effects of conflict. So when medical anthropologist Catherine Panter-Brick, whom Dajani had met at Yale University in 2012, approached her about putting the resilience-boosting program to the test, she seized the opportunity.

Run by the nongovernmental organization (NGO) Mercy Corps, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and Edinburgh, the Youth Take Initiative—or, in Arabic, Nubader program—would teach stress management and relationship skills to at-risk 11- to 18-year-olds. Nubader falls into a booming category called psychosocial support; the interventions are as diverse as play therapy, parenting courses, and mindfulness training, and they’ve flourished across more than a dozen countries. Many aim to enhance the resilience of children affected by war and other disasters.

Finding ways to support these children has never been more urgent. Hundreds of millions of young people live in countries riven by armed conflict. Roughly 15% to 20% may develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental illnesses. Psychosocial programs, usually staffed by laypeople with various levels of training, are feasible in war zones and refugee camps in a way that specialized psychological care often is not. The question is: Do they work?

Special package: Resilience

A series of Science articles examines ways of coping with natural disasters, war and displacement, and climate change—not to mention resilience tactics in nature.

That’s where the hair collection came in. Panter-Brick and Dajani hired professional hairdressers, who collected the strands while offering the teens stylish hairdos. The samples were then shipped to a lab at the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada. While the Canadian scientists ground up the strands and measured levels of the stress hormone cortisol, research assistants interviewed the teens about past traumas and current stress.

On average, the Syrian cohort reported six traumatic experiences, most commonly witnessing bombardments and having their homes forcibly searched or demolished. As Dajani listened to their harrowing stories, she wondered whether Nubader’s setup, just 16 sessions of psychological coaching, had the power to deliver on the nonprofit’s ambitious goal: boosting resilience by alleviating stress, strengthening relationships, and “healing the scars of conflict.”

Brewing ordinary magic

The study of psychological resilience has its roots in the 1970s. That’s when Norman Garmezy, a developmental psychologist at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, began studying schoolchildren who thrived despite severe hardship, such as neighborhood violence or parents with mental illness. After Garmezy retired, his students picked up where he left off, pin-pointing factors that helped these children cope. Some were environmental, such as a strong bond with a parent. Others bloomed from within, such as a sense of agency or control over one’s fate. One of Garmezy’s students, developmental psychologist Ann Masten, coined a term for the constellation of variables that together help a child transcend bad circumstances: ordinary magic.

What began with Garmezy and the resilient children in urban Minneapolis raised an obvious question: Can resilience be taught to others who might not come by it as easily? Or, put differently, can ordinary magic be brewed for just about anyone?

Before answering that question, social scientists and psychologists had to consider what, exactly, resilience is. They have yet to agree. Some believe resilience means restoring mental health after a traumatic event. Others consider it a conscious determination to persevere under difficult circumstances. Still others describe it as a child’s ability to benefit from external resources, such as a caring adult. To complicate matters, humanitarian groups use the term resilience to describe any or all of these positive outcomes.

“It’s quite a squishy concept,” says Jon Kurtz, Mercy Corps’s director for research and learning in Washington, D.C. By collaborating with Dajani and Panter-Brick, Mercy Corps hoped to get a firmer grasp on how to support and measure resilience in the Syrian and Jordanian teenagers, he says.

Despite the cacophony of definitions, most studies of resilience interventions in children ask one of two questions: Does a program promote existing mental health by helping children cope with war and displacement? Or does it prevent mental health complications for which children are now at higher risk?

Smoke rises from a November 2017 airstrike in Damascus carried out by the Syrian government. Since the conflict began, millions have fled the country.

DIAA AL DIN/ANADOLU AGENCY/GETTY IMAGES

Outcomes are mixed for the few resilience programs that scientists have evaluated. In 2016, an article in Current Psychiatry Reports reviewed data on 24 mental health and psychosocial programs conducted in nine countries, including Bosnia, Uganda, and Nepal. The researchers found that although all interventions had some positive impact on mental health, less than half met their goals. Nearly a quarter had a negative impact on an endpoint the program aimed to improve, such as symptoms of depression or PTSD. Some programs worked in one country but failed in another: Teaching emotional regulation to former child soldiers in Sierra Leone improved their social relationships, for example, whereas a similar effort for Palestinian children increased symptoms of PTSD. In a study in Nepal, being affiliated with a political movement appeared to protect mental health among former child soldiers. Yet the opposite was true among children in Bosnia, says Wietse Tol, one author of the 2016 review and a mental health researcher at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

What accounts for these inconsistent outcomes? The factors that support mental health and resilience in one situation may be useless or even harmful in another, Tol says.

To pinpoint the ideal interventions for a community, researchers need to spend time there, suggests Michael Pluess, a psychologist at Queen Mary University of London. In recent focus groups with Syrian refugee mothers in Lebanon, for example, Pluess and his colleagues found that a popular ingredient in many psychosocial programs—a concept called “internal locus of control”—was problematic among people anchored by religion. An internal locus of control is the conviction that success comes thanks to one’s own efforts, such as hard work, rather than external factors. Although often seen as supporting mental health, the concept didn’t resonate with religious parents who believe that life unfolds according to God’s will, Pluess says.

Despite the mixed results of resilience programs, Tol is heartened by the learning curve he sees. “I think the research is showing that it is possible to teach resilience” to conflict-affected children, he says.

Testing a resilience recipe

A medical anthropologist at Yale, Panter-Brick has navigated that learning curve herself, traveling extensively to study resilience. She has visited Nepal and interviewed homeless children. In Afghanistan, she probed the mental health of young people in the wake of war. Panter-Brick argues that for children, resilience has three dimensions: individual strengths, relationships with family and peers, and community support.

Nubader mainly targets the first. The program nurtures an adolescent’s resources and skills, although it also aims to build a support network for teens by training mentors and creating community councils to consider children’s ongoing needs. Between 2014 and 2016, more than 4000 young people with mental health struggles and poor access to social services participated in similar Mercy Corps–run programs across the Middle East.

The intensive program Panter-Brick and Dajani evaluated in Jordan lasted 2 months. In it, teenagers gathered at a youth center twice a week to participate in group activities of their choosing, including soccer, sewing, and computer repair. Those activities were meant to foster social bonds and build confidence and competence. Participants also learned how chronic stress can affect the brain—for example, by impairing impulse control. Coaches practiced relationship-building skills with the teenagers, such as expressing affection and empathy.

This neuroscience-based instruction, called the Profound Stress and Attunement model, was developed by former Mercy Corps youth program director Jane MacPhail. It’s loosely based on emerging neurobiology research suggesting that social relationships can buffer the negative effects of chronic stress and trauma.

From its own before-and-after program evaluations, Mercy Corps believed that MacPhail’s program worked. But those evaluations lacked the scientific rigor of an independently run randomized trial, which would compare the intervention with another activity or with no intervention at all. So the NGO approached Panter-Brick and Dajani for an outside assessment. “It takes guts to let someone in to evaluate your program as thoroughly as we did,” Panter-Brick says.

Accomplishing that goal meant running Nubader and testing it simultaneously. Panter-Brick and Dajani invited 817 young people living in Jordan, who had already signed up for Nubader, to participate. They included both Syrian refugees and at-risk Jordanian teens. The youths were randomly assigned to the program or to a 2-month waitlist, which served as a control group.

Dajani and Panter-Brick quickly found that their desire for rigor and clear outcomes ran up against teenage inhibitions and logistical snags. Plans for an expansive collection of biological samples, including cheek swabs for DNA, dried blood spots to test immune function, and saliva for additional cortisol levels, had to be pared back. Many teens were too embarrassed to spit into the sample vials. Saliva was also hard to freeze and transport in Jordan’s summer heat because electricity was sporadic, Panter-Brick says.

Hair could be mailed cheaply in an envelope. Still, even gathering those samples “was very tough” at first because of the tense relationship between Jordanians and the Syrian refugees they were hosting, says Natasha Shawarib, the project manager for Mercy Corps in Amman. Some refugee families feared their child’s data would be handed off to the Jordanian government, and they needed reassurance that the information was purely for research, she says.

It takes guts to let someone in to evaluate your program as thoroughly as we did.

Catherine Panter-Brick, Yale University

Before and immediately after the intervention, and again 11 months later, the teenagers also answered surveys about their mental health and sense of security. “To what extent do you fear for your family in your daily life?” one question asked. “To what extent do you fear or worry about losing your family’s source of income?” read another.

To lighten the mood, one of Dajani’s research assistants—a Syrian refugee herself—volunteered to paint the girls’ nails before interviews. But those nail painting sessions often ended in tears. Both the fieldworkers and the teenagers came to dread the questionnaires because talking about past traumas was so upsetting, Dajani says.

In response to the teens’ and fieldworkers’ requests, “we decided to ask the teenagers how they deal with negativity, not just remind them of it,” Dajani says. The team crafted an Arabic translation of a survey called the Child and Youth Resilience Measure, originally developed by Canadian psychologist Michael Ungar. It queried the teens about sources of resilience in their own lives by asking them to rate 12 statements such as “I am aware of my own strengths,” and “My family stands by me in difficult times,” gauging their feelings of belonging and optimism.

In the end, the scientists determined that Nubader had a positive impact—but whether it nurtured resilience depends on whom you ask. The teenagers enrolled in Nubader felt moderately safer and more secure than members of the waitlisted control group—a benefit sustained 11 months later, the team reported in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry in October 2017. Findings from the hair strands, too, suggested a benefit: Average cortisol levels in the intervention group dropped by a third, the researchers reported in January in Psychoneuroendocrinology. In a subgroup with statistically low levels of cortisol—a phenomenon linked to higher risk of PTSD—cortisol production increased by nearly 60%, a healthy sign.

Those changes aren’t dramatic. But participating in the program was clearly better than nothing, says Danny Pine, a child psychiatrist at the U.S. National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

Mercy Corps interpreted the findings as a win. “Now we can confidently say that our work does make a difference,” says Noura Shahed, a project coordinator at Mercy Corps in Amman. But Dajani and Panter-Brick say the reality is more nuanced: Although teens had less fear and stress, the study did not meet the scientists’ strict definition of resilience, and the program did not appear to strengthen teens’ social support, even though Mercy Corps’s internal evaluations suggested that it did.

Dajani and Panter-Brick suspect that’s because the intervention lasted just 8 weeks and largely targeted one source of resilience—individual strengths. “You could go to a great program every day, but if you go home and your family life is terrible, you’re not going to build resilience,” Dajani says. The surveys support that conclusion: Teens who scored high on the resilience measure from the start described close family ties and supportive communities, Panter-Brick says.

Resilience “isn’t simply in the child, but embedded in their family, caregivers, and community,” agrees Masten, who has noticed that same trend among children in Minnesota and elsewhere. That doesn’t mean Nubader didn’t benefit the teenagers in Jordan, Panter-Brick says. But ideally, she says, interventions should be more sweeping, reaching parents and communities, too. Mercy Corps is now doing just that through a support program for parents and caregivers that teaches them about the impacts of long-term stress on the brain, Shahed says.

Dajani and Panter-Brick’s experiment was “important, even groundbreaking,” Pine says. The experiment wasn’t perfect, in part because the control group was just a waitlist. Comparing it with a slightly different program—for example, recreation with no educational content—would have helped the researchers identify the active ingredient of Nubader’s success. Still, Pine says, the team showed that rigorously testing humanitarian programs under trying circumstances is possible.

Other NGOs are now applying science to their resilience interventions. In Lebanon, War Child Holland, a branch of the global NGO that assists children in conflict zones, is evaluating three efforts: a life skills program, a program to reduce parents’ stress, and a World Health Organization–designed mental health intervention for Syrian refugees. War Child Holland’s ultimate goal is to find the best way to support resilience at the individual, family, and community levels all at once, says psychologist Mark Jordans, War Child Holland’s director of research and development in Amsterdam.

For Panter-Brick, one of the most valuable lessons out of Jordan came from the young people themselves. They reminded her that resilience research “is not about rescuing victims of chaos,” she says. Rather, it calls for identifying potential sources of strength that young people can draw on to survive, even thrive. “It’s about reshaping your lens on the world,” she says, “to what people feel respects their dignity.”

Reporting for this project was supported by a Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism.