#No extra credit entry was too busy alas

[laonii]

Prompt #9: Hesitate

Alja had quietly slipped away from her sisters as night fell. She knew Hatia would have harsh words if she saw her cry, and though there would be no malice behind them, Alja’s heart was still raw.

They’d returned to the village, to find it aflame. Whether the Garlean bombardment that had fallen upon hit by design or chance, she would never know, but now, the only home she had known was burning. Faol was the first to spring into action, calmly listening to the voice of the Wood to guide her, to find the wounded, to help others escape. While Hatia and Alja had panicked, Faol remained unflappable. After saving as many as she could, she lead her sisters out into the depths of the forest, saving them too.

Her face buried in her arms, curled up sitting on the ground, she felt someone sit next to her. She needed no words to know it was Faol, as an arm wrapped around, she was pulled against Faol’s chest. They sat in relative silence for a while, until Alja’s tears were spent, before she lifted her head, red eyes meeting Faol’s pale pink.

“You’re torn, little one.”

Alja did not deny it, instead looking away in guilt. Faol hummed ever so slightly, before gently tilting Alja’s head back up with a finger.

“You know Hatia intends to leave. She hears only the roar of the flames of rage, it drowns out the Wood. And you know I must stay. Revti is not gone. It remains, here.”

She pressed that finger to Alja’s chest, over her heart.

“Our paths are set. But you, little one. You stand at our crossroads. You do not have long to decide, and I am sorry for that. But know. We are always together, no matter the distance.”

“...Will she hate me?”

The wind rustled through the boughs, and Faol gave Nerine a gentle smile, before leaning in to kiss her forehead.

“The Wood could never hate her daughters. Her heart breaks, she desperately longs for those who leave, but hate? Never.”

“Will you?”

“Our hearts are as one, little one. That’s a silly question.”

They stayed like that for a moment before, before Faol pressed a kiss to the top of Alja’s head, releasing her and standing. 

“...Hatia intends to leave at dawn. You will need to decide before then. Know no matter what, you will be loved.”

[fizzyxcustard]

Diary (Richard Edition) - 5

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Complete fan fiction masterlist here

Fandom: Richard Armitage (real person)

Pairings: Richard Armitage x fem!reader

Warnings: Smut, sexual references, masturbation, loneliness, insecurity, reader insert, first person perspective for diary entries (maybe more but they will be added as the story continues)

Comments/Notes: This imagine was originally written for Thorin and a fic started around him. However, many thanks to @fangirlextraordinaire for sending me the above image and inspiring me to write ‘Diary’ for Richard. I’ve kinda written my own team leader into this story. Hehe. He’s called Chris as well; however, he’s not quite as much of an arsehole as the version in this story. 

Follow Forever tag list: @himoverflowers @shikin83 @theincaprincess @deepestfirefun @nowiloveandwilllove @houseofrahl @mynameisnoneya1991 @blankdblank @captainrainbowpanda @cd1242 @c-s-stars @thorins-magnificent-ass @patanghill17 @trees-and-ink @inumorph @leah-halliwell92  @msjava1972 @bespectacled-bunny @ghostlyandee @raindancer2004 @dottiechan @captain-almighty @hobbitlover23 @catthefearless @epicallychrissy @nelswp @adaliamalfoy @spn-obsession @armitageadoration @peneigh-dzredfohl @here2have-fun @xxbyimm @greendragonette @littlebird54 @thophil2941btw @princessoferebor94 @banlaochranda @wilhelmyna @gabrieleaquaman @rachel1959 @serpensortia06 @rcrispina @kategorically-challenged @tigereyesf @jumpingmanatee @alae-megallen @tschrist1 @inlovewithamantwicemyage @aspiringtranslator @princessofthefandomrealm @letsbeinspiredby @lilith15000 @lealina-scarsdale @scarsfanfictiontrash @mechromancing-cinnamon-roll @lembas-and-wine @ra-of-light

Diary (Richard Edition) tag: @sherala007 @sdavid09 @inhabitant-of-the-void @kayleighhalliday2203

You were absolutely astounded by Richard’s admission. You remained silent, breath tight in your chest. 

“Are you still there, angel?” he asked softly. 

“Yes. S...sorry. I just don’t know how to comprehend all of this.” 

“You’re right. I did read your diary, but without it we wouldn’t be having this conversation now.”

“I’m sorry that you had to read all that crap,” you said, heat rising on your cheeks. The heat began to burn as you realised Richard had been reading all your darkest thoughts, insecurities and mental struggles of the past eighteen months. 

“Never be embarrassed. If I had a diary, I’d let you read it.” 

You giggled, the embarrassment subsiding. 

Suddenly you noticed your team leader standing the other side of the door, his dark eyes burning through the window in the wood. He held his wrist up, tapping his watch face for emphasis. Prick!

“I have to go now, Rich. My manager is being an arsehole. He’s putting so much on to us and even timing toilet breaks,” you said with a sigh. “It’s been a nightmare since coming back.” 

“You take it easy, angel. Can I ring you again tonight and we can talk more?” he asked, sounding so hopeful. 

“Of course. I...I....” 

“You...what?” Richard asked. You could sense his smile down the phone line. 

“I....love you.” 

“I love you, too. I’ll speak to you later.” 

You ended the call with Richard and opened the door leading back into the main office where you worked. Your team leader was scowling at you. 

“Did I say you could have an extra break?” he snapped. 

“We’re often reminded, Chris, that we can’t have our phones out on the floor, so I was just doing what everyone else does and stepping away from my desk,” you answered, your voice holding traces of annoyance. 

The rest of the day passed very slowly. But thoughts of Richard helped you through, like a gentle wave, pushing you gently towards the shore of home time.  Jen had noticed a change in your demeanour, and watched you from the corner of her eye, smiling to herself. She dared not make too much noise as Chris had already threatened some of your colleagues with a disciplinary for being loud. 

“It’s like being back at fucking school,” Jen hissed quietly under her breath. “Fuck you, Chris.” Then she saluted the team leader rather rudely with two digits, making sure he didn’t see her from his desk where he was glued to the stats screen in front of him. 

At four o’clock sharp, you vacated your desk and walked briskly towards the exit. You could still hear Richard telling you he loved you, his deep voice resonating within you, curling around your heart and making butterflies flap in your stomach. 

In your car you began to sing along to Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen from their Greatest Hits album. The upbeat tune made you grin to yourself, your body swaying a little in the seat. 

State-side, Richard sat on his bed with your diary in his hand, reading one of your many entries. However, this one detailed you both partaking in quite pleasurable pursuits. Richard’s other hand was grasped tight around his erection, teasing it back and forth. He imagined it was your hand, caressing him carefully, whispering whilst your hips bucked back and forth against his, you straddling him. 

Richard groaned your name, his hand getting faster and his eyes closing. In his mind you were both one, pounding back and forth, skin flapping furiously. 

Then it hit. Richard’s climax hit like a shockwave; warm and like electric, surging from the very pit of his stomach and outward. 

He was breathing hard, the result of his ejaculation glistening on his bare chest. One day it would be you who would physically make him come. Your body would be around him, moist, inviting and soft. He sincerely hoped that day wasn’t to be too long away. 

At home and you tried to busy yourself, checking your phone constantly for signs of Richard. And then, just as you had flicked on your kettle for a cup of tea, your phone rang. You grabbed it and answered. 

“With how quick you answered, I’m guessing you were eager to talk to me?” Richard teased. 

“Am I that obvious?” you replied, grinning. 

“Not always, but today you are. How was work? Your manager didn’t put on to you too much, did he?” Richard asked, concerned for your wellbeing. That part of your relationship had not changed, and you guessed it never would. He was always concerned for you, asking about your day first and foremost, wanting to make sure you were alright. 

“He’s just a prick, Rich. He won’t change. But I want to talk about you,” you said, biting your lip, swaying from foot to foot. “It’d have been far better if we’d have done this in person.” 

“I know, angel. I was considering coming to see you on a break. I’m going away tomorrow, but I’ll have breaks in filming and was thinking of coming to see you...unless...” 

“Unless what?” 

“No, you wouldn’t agree to it. I shouldn’t have even thought about it.” 

“Please, Rich. Talk to me,” you encouraged. 

“Would you maybe...want to come out and stay with me for a while? But I know you have work and can’t just up and leave...” 

You could hear the disappointment in Richard’s voice and felt hurt for him. “When would I have to give you an answer by?” you asked, feeling as though you were about to fall into a fit of laughter in sheer joy at the prospect of what was happening. 

“You’re considering it?” Richard asked, shocked. 

“Of course I am. I can’t waste this chance. I just haven’t got a lot of money and would probably have to use my credit card or ask for help somewhere...” 

“No, I’d pay for you. You know what. Think about it carefully....” 

“My answer is yes!” you exclaimed in absolute joy. 

[sole-cuore-amore-e-droga]

Tel Aviv 2019: Straight outta Finland to Eurovision with a meme icon and his side-kick

“heeeeeey what is that song on that video???” Definitely not Darude - Sandstorm. Grow the fuck up.

I mean that they basically threw off the open call for songs from Finnish artists, instead opting for having one artist national final, usually one very known but very gettable-bored-of name so that they could get some more viewership rather when they pick a random nobody from a bunch of other random nobodies. Last year YLE got themselves an artist whose Eurovision ticket was long overdue, but this year they went the extra step and brought us HIM.

No, not that HIM. They can't go anyway as they've already disbanded. I'm talking about HIM.

Yes, THAT HIM. Meet Toni-Ville Henrik Virtanen, which thankfully has a pseudonym to publish his music with - Darude. Almost 20 years ago he published this beautiful techno single "Sandstorm" with lyrics like "du du du du du du du du du du du du". And now it's become the big-ass target of memery for the past few years on the Internet, with Darude being very well aware of it all - I don't think he has escaped questions about "Sandstorm" now that the Eurovision interviewers media is on horizon and interviews literally every single representative, no matter if they're shy or unpopular with the bookies at all.

And even if "Sandstorm" was the only thing to shake his tiny little Finnish world, it did not break Darude to be just a one-hit wonder (well he still looks like one but yeah) and he's got more music out ever since. And it probably sounds a little too tragic when YLE resorts to just nagging and begging Darude to represent their nation, even kinda secretly hoping that thanks to him Finland can have a qualification just solely for the meme factor. Darude even said so that he at first rejected their calls, but this year became THE year for him to go, and he's not alone obviously - his credited vocalist friend for this ride to Tel Aviv became Sebastian Rejman, a bit washed-up media star who already did some collaborating with Darude.

So the format was basically the same for this year's UMK - artist announced separately, then each of their 3 songs gets published every week on a specific weekday, with single cover art and a music video already, and the Finnish people together with international juries vote for the best track. Simple as that. Unlike with Saara Aalto though, all Darude & Sebastian songs were barely even distinct from one another in sound - just techno songs that have a piece of "Sandstorm" with themselves. Well only 2 do anyway. But still, techno/house songs to listen to on the radio when you're driving and minding your own business. And I had hard time picking favourites but all of them were alright I guess. Yet somehow my least favourite happened to win... and that was "Look Away", very much so inspired by natural disasters and how do we all ignore everything around us. No matter if it's a storm or hurricane or tornado or wind throwing sand at our eyes.

I don't know why the song didn't click with me all that much at first, I suppose it was because it's just a mindless gloomy techno song that raises global awareness (we already have Denmark talking about that, but they're insisting that "love is forever", while Finland is just... getting up more seriously in all this), and besides that, it's just incredibly repetitive. It consists more of the pre-chorus-ish chorus (I mean the line "is it in my head? Am I the only one?" and that other line preceding) and the actual chorus that mostly goes like "look away, look away, look away...". Even to the point when the song ends with some additional “look away”ing but under a different drum beat. What's it with Finns having a passion for the word "away"? We already had seen them sending a "Sing It Away", which was basically a cheer-up tune telling you to sing your problems off... while this year? We're trying to NOT look into the problems dead in the eye. We're looking... erm, uh, away.

But now I do have to say that I somewhat like it. Tell it to ya - the B minor chord is possibly one of my least favourite music keys, so I might as well be a little bit more negative on it if takes the song with itself to sound incredibly dull and painfully meh. So thankfully we'll be hearing it live half a step lower (idk if that's what it is with most EDM singers in Eurovision that shit like this can be possible, as well as idk why are they allowed into Eurovision in the first place. But seriously, why can't you just choose the same key you sang in in studio for Eurovision...), which made the song sound better to me - as a Nightcore junkie, I am passionate about hearing songs in different keys all the darn time, to see in what key would a certain song sound the best. It's usually the song's key that makes me like a song better or worse live rather than a live performance itself (though in some NFs I can see which of my favourite acts are DoA by not even emoting towards them - my emotion has to be evoked, and if I evoke it on purpose, well then, I'd just rather stay motionless completely on anything and only yelp if a song causes me to do this unexplainedly). We'll see how Sebastian will execute his singing live. As for now, he's the captain of this sinking ship that hit a small iceberg (another one of the disasters we usually "look away" from until it's found in our history books). Not Darude. Darude's just merely a musical hold-up of the disaster. It all has to depend on the vocalist and if the staging clicks with the audience. Sure, Darude can put on a red wig and green sunglasses so that he could click with the meme audience, but that won't get the Finns far.

So I like this song, it actually has some cool musical moments thrown in (I like the piano for one), I can enjoy this off my free time. But Estonia does it better at the "Finno-Ugric EDM-ish entry about Mother Nature's tantrums" category and I ain't even sorry for saying this. But I gotta be sorry for Darude. This year's UMK had the lesser care about it because... well, these songs weren't exactly inspiring or anything, and with people wanting something groundbreaking, their hopes kept on vaning away with each and every song release of the UMK entries': "oh so the next 2 two songs will be good right?" "oh so then the last one will be the best one, yeah right?" "...oh, okay then .-." And him, as the Finnish meme king, should have deserved a better year for a better Eurovision stint, so he could have become something à la Epic Sax Guy. Right now I mostly see a middle-aged DJ with 2 kids, not a redhead dude with green sunglasses looking shadily on us. And that's okay sometimes because memes don't necessarily need to be remembered for memes (just like I mostly remember Kanye West for music, and then memes come second), but Finland's gonna take a miracle to get through, and I hardly see any. That's an aina mun pity.

Approval factor: Eh, it's alright, but I would certainly not hold it up to high regards post-contest? lol.

Follow-up factor: it's kiiiiinda bleak knowing that after giving us probably one of the most favourable dark horse efforts for Eurovision they're now going down the dancier route, with one entry after being a banger, the other being a dad banger. Ah well. It doesn't flow so neatly in my eyes, it seems.

Qualification factor: almost dead in the tracks. Finland flows anywhere they can, having a lot of bad luck for 3 years this decade, and I doubt that the juries will be supporting this heavily, considering they are better at rating good vocalists over bad ones, so I don't think this will sail through. But I secretly have hopes in this. It's not that bad, but Estonia is in this semi too, and it's a friendlier EDM track, so I don't quite think that repetitive will out-compell the good formulaic. Plus, Sebastian has a lot to fix vocally, and I doubt that he will carry Finland any further if he doesn't fix anything, so so far the chances of Finland aren't looking up imo. Bottom 5 at the semi is more likely if not already the actual outcome. Maaaaybe 10th in the semi at best, but I doubt it.

NATIONAL FINAL BONUS

The more this section pops up in my works, the less I wanna recap national finals anymore. I hope there’s more breather moments with me having to review a lot of internal selection songs in between the ones from NFs, because this whole season was an utter disaster, and it’d help if the next one isn’t. So let’s check in on Finland's selection’s best:

• But seriously, did anyone ever see Darude as a Finnish representative coming??? No??? Me neither. I was just sitting there, waiting to see if there's a hope for Mikael Saari (you know, that balladeer guy from previous UMKs - I do believe some audiences love him just as much as Saara Aalto, who only was on one UMK and one Euroviisut) to be announced on this special separate programme. Nope - the trilingual hosting trio of the programme that included Krista Siegfrids in it as the token Swedish speaker just happened to happily proclaim Darude as THE Finnish hopeful... and the world was s h o o k e t h. Just look at him go. His smug grin is still iconic on here.

• During the wait for all the UMK songs to pile up, the excitement for Darude faded away and everyone moved on to support other countries. I can't blame them, because I have found like one decent song this UMK that's still worth listening to twice a year or so - "Superman". Where Darude becomes the everyday hero for ordinary people that have difficulties in live to do mundane stuff. Maybe this song would have made him look like a better meme than his current entry would have? Just watch him go on his DJ booth dressing like a knock-off superhero because EBU doesn't allow blatant advertising. A way better gimmick than Gromee's snakey hands. Alas, no one will have to hear "Superman" anymore. Granted it's just an EDM song just like any other, but somehow I liked it best, end of.

• There's at least one memorable screenshot from UMK as well, so I'm happy with that. I saw this pop up on my Twitter time line and I could not stop laughing inside. Seriously. Krista and this other guy should host ESC provided Eurovision is ever coming back to Finland. They had a lot of iconic outfit changes during the NF itself (and the NF itself had "Look Away" with some dancer on a cube but they scrapped the tall cube for Tel Aviv entirely), but those floral onesies are my favourite.

Now I kinda hope that there’s something that will alarm YLE in the meantime that Finland needs a better approach for Eurovision and we’ll see another fully-fledged UMK in the works next year, and then Finland can be great again. For now, I’ll just wish “onnea” to Darude and Sebastian, with hopes that people don’t look away from their song at all! (but most likely they will so what’s the point.)

[margiehasson]

When the World Crowds Your Ramadan – Seeking Introspection and Reflection

Editor's note: All this month, Haute Hijab team members are bringing you our Ramadan Diaries, posts about how our month is going, things we've learned and struggles we may be having. We are figuring out fasting and worship at home, strengthening our connection with Allah (S) and how to build community while in quarantine, just like all of you! This entry comes from our Lizzy Walsh, our CX Associate.

In all honesty, this Ramadan has been tough. I haven’t felt that deep connection with Allah that can bring tears to my eyes that I have in past years and have been struggling just to pray on time. I have been doing the bare minimum and barely making it to iftar without breaking my fast. In the last couple of days, I have had to take a good hard look in the mirror to figure out where the disconnect has been.

How did I let myself get so far from my Creator? Why had I let myself get so complacent regarding my ibadah (worship)? I needed to truly face my own nafs (ego) and reset. I realized that I have been entirely consumed with the dunya (the world). See, I work in customer service at Haute Hijab answering all the emails, phone calls and messages that come through our various platforms to help all of you with whatever you need. And, that work has been extra busy in Ramadan.

All month I have been telling myself that it was okay to focus solely on work since what I do is in service to Muslim women, and I truly do consider my work as part of my ibadah. However, I was also starting to use that as an excuse to be lazy with my prayers and all the good spiritual extra credit I could be and should be doing during this holy month. I had to force myself to take some time to sit quietly in solitude and really reevaluate my priorities and while also taking into account all the blessings that have been given to me.

After much difficult introspection and reflection, I was finally, in these last ten days, able to reset and regain my attitude of gratitude. Alhumdulillah. Subsequently, I spent Friday night ugly crying on the floor to Allah (S), partly asking for forgiveness and partly in an expression of pure gratitude. I am so thankful I was able to salvage what was left of this Ramadan, and I intend to keep the same energy moving forward.

From past years, I know the good habits I usually develop during Ramadan are all too easily dropped and replaced with my old, poor habits. So this year, I have a game plan to keep these serene Ramadan vibes going all year.

1. To start, I am being more gentle with myself for the last few days of Ramadan. I have been taking a “do what I can when I can” approach so that I do not completely burn myself out or get discouraged for not “doing enough.”

2. I have already started to prepare for the month of Shawwal in the same way I did for Ramadan. My Ramadan prep usually entails cleaning my house as if I am expecting guests; creating a special space to pray, reflecting on and reading Quran, decorating, and stocking up on food. This year as Ramadan comes to an end, I have begun my Ramadan deep cleaning process again and am turning my temporary prayer space into a permanent fixture in my home.

3. The most important aspect of keeping the same energy throughout the rest of the year is to maintain consistency in the small acts of worship and charity that I have implemented throughout these last ten days of Ramadan. The simplest and most impactful habit which I hope to keep up post-Ramadan is dhikr – specifically reciting La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay in qadir. It is an attitude game-changer. If you’re not already, recite this 100 times a day, and I swear it will change your life.

As Ramadan comes to an end, I am looking forward to the year ahead with a major attitude adjustment, feeling spiritually fortified and ready to take life on. May the rest of your year go strongly and beautifully!

When the World Crowds Your Ramadan – Seeking Introspection and Reflection published first on https://lenacharms.tumblr.com/

[keneerike]

“It IS You, Not Me.”: 4 Love Truisms You Won’t Find on a Hallmark Card

On the eve of Valentine's Day, four romantic proverbs to keep you sane:

1) Guard Your Heart.

Proverbs 4:23:

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Life isn't a Disney movie, where following your heart always leads to a great musical number.  

"Guard your heart"---letting wisdom and reason take the helm in times of uncertainty---is a best practice for life in general. When you walk into situations with eyes wide open and emotions in check, you are less susceptible to bad actors and foolish decisions.

You need not suffer through a toxic relationship yourself to appreciate this advice. The world is littered with people who've been damaged by matches they thought were made in heaven. History is replete with tales of misfortune that arose from carelessness. The bible itself has a few prominent examples (see: Samson, a seemingly-unstoppable force literally blinded by love.).

There's nothing wrong with a desire for true romance; that's natural. It's reliance on visions of love---to the exclusion of everything else---that brings trouble.

It starts when your newest dating prospect hits the scene: You like what you see and begin imagining what the future might look like. Along with visions of creating your very own magazine-perfect coupling, you can start quieting those very-real questions of "When-are-you-going-to-get-married?". In a bid to hold on to that dream, you silence the voice inside of you screaming that something is not quite right. Friends and family who disprove of your new beau? They're just jealous and judgmental; they don't know him like you do.

"Billy works hard all week. It's fine if he drinks a beer---or ten---to take the edge off."

Without the right safeguards, you become prematurely emotionally-involved and reason falls by the wayside.  

90 Day Fiancé: A series dedicated to those who did not guard their hearts.

We want to make choices by design, not roll with the tide because it's the path of least resistance. Objective decision-making is a tall order when you've already tossed the keys to your heart to someone---or something---else.

Decide what you must have from a potential partner (Religion? Level of education?) and what you will not tolerate (Is "social smoker" a real designation or just a euphemism to keep critics at bay?) before you even consider courtship.

Note that this is not a suggestion to create your own 100-point "Must Have" dating list. In lasting relationships, It doesn't matter what color your spouse's hair is or whether you like the same music.

But that's another discussion for another time.

"Guard your heart" doesn't pertain solely to affairs of the heart; It's solid advice in all matters of daily living.

The best type of learning is education by proxy, absorbing knowledge from the experiences of others. You soak up the benefits without having to endure the pain of experimentation or sport the scars of error.  

We'll see more of that below:

2) “It IS You. Not me.”

"It's not you, it's me."

Sometimes, that's true. Most of the time, it's not.

When someone doesn't want to see you any more, it probably is you.

I tackled that one here. A few other common mistakes, too.

People like you for what you can give them: Companionship, pride of accomplishment, financial comfort etc. Your romantic appeal is a direct function of what you have to offer.

The sooner you realize that it just might be you, the faster you can get to becoming someone more people want to hitch their wagons to.

3) Leave Your Pen at Home.

Hallmark has cards for every occasion, so I'm sharing expressions that hit multiple bases.

This is a phrase from one of my favorite websites, LivingStingy. Run by a former patent attorney. you'll find a range of topics there that touch all corners of life.

"Leave your pen at home" is simple, yet profound: 

You can't lose, if you don't play.

This is not an ode to fear or a suggestion to run from opportunities because you cannot stomach risk. It's a warning to avoid situations where you're likely to get less than you bargained for. You can't be snookered into signing on the dotted line if you don't bring your pen to the table.

Before your heart (and wallet) get involved in important decisions, your brain needs to perform due diligence. Triage ruthlessly. Choices need to be made with sound mind before the magic of marketing takes hold.

You will not mortgage your future if you shut the door on opportunities to do so.

Whether it's co-signing a loan, buying a [car/house/big-ticket item], or signing a marriage certificate; you protect your present and future by thinking ahead and keeping the end goal in mind.

Let's walk through an example: buying a car:

95% of the legwork should be done before you even consider going to see a prospective purchase. Price range? Clean title? Carfax? The specific model/class/year you've settled on? All done before that new car euphoria sweeps you into trouble.

If all checks out, go see the car. If the seller isn't shady, the paperwork is in order, and you can hammer out a good price, great.

But you're not done there.

Before you agree to buy the car, have an independent, trustworthy mechanic examine the car.There may be hidden defects below the surface. You should be able to get a work-up of the car for $100 or so.

If an extra $100 is too big a hit to your budget, you probably can't afford the car.

If you're following the advice to get your homework done before the quiz is given, you shouldn't be inspecting a dozen cars.

Even so, there are ways to mitigate your costs here. As much as you want to buy the car, the seller wants to offload it. Put a contingency in the deal stipulating that, if you agree to buy the car, the inspection fee will be folded into the purchase price.

Is the seller going to balk at $100 off the price if it leads to a sale? Probably not.

Life is a negotiation.

All of this seem like too much work? 

You can always skip steps and hope for the best. Worst comes to worst, you can rant on the internet about the shyster who took advantage of you.

There are forums for that.

Again,a lot of times when things go awry, it is you. Take accountability and stop blaming others for preventable mistakes.

4) Stop Trying to Get Something for Nothing.

This is a corollary to #2 and a continuation of the "removing barriers to good decision-making" theme.

Good things come to those who deliver value.

The world is not a fixed pie: More [insert value you care about] for me doesn't necessarily mean less [insert value you care about] for you. Get what you want by giving others what they want.

On the romantic front, you get the partner you're looking for by becoming the partner they are looking for. You want a man who's 6'3" with an athletic build and makes six figures a year. Are you the type of woman he'd go for? If not, what are you doing to get yourself there? Are you quick with excuses to justify complacency?

"It's who I am on the inside that counts."

We resent people who want something for nothing. Everyone wants value.

Ever play a game of basketball or soccer with someone who only wants to shoot the ball? They never get back on defense and asking them to pass the ball is akin to insulting their mother? It's infuriating, right?

The business world is full of these metaphorical ball hogs.

Multi-level Marketing (MLM) companies are habitual offenders. Low barriers to entry, business education, promises of an easy-to-follow program: it's an attractive business model to the masses hunting for financial flexibility.

They skirt the government's definition of a Ponzi scheme---and the jail time that comes with it---by offering a product of some value. And, to their credit, there actually are MLM companies that do have quality products.

Alas, their biggest money-maker remains recruiting and recruitment-related education. The more membership ranks swell, the more money there is to be had by the people calling the shots in the organization.

Before our buddy Chris Hansen was showing us what a "predator" looked like, he was asking hard-hitting questions to businessmen who purported to know the road to financial freedom:

"That's a year at Harvard."

Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5xu6bIFSeE

Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc4-34V75SQ

Eons ago, I actually spent a few months in a well-known MLM company. The recruiting process; countless diagrams that don't quite explain how the business works; pressure to get all your friends in on the "good deal": I've seen it all.

Every now and then, I run into someone who attempts to sell me on some MLM program. I spot the tells---patterns in their behavior, well-worn phrases designed to stoke curiosity---that let me know what I’m dealing with. Sometimes, I'll even humor them by discussing their business and what they can offer me.

Maybe even show them a better way to get people listening.

Most of the time, when you point out flaws in something someone is deeply-invested in, it falls on deaf ears. Those true believers will shout you down and resent you for it.

"It's not a pyramid. It's a diamond."  

The leader is good! The leader is great!

Bottom line: Sustainable businesses deliver real value. 

If you cannot describe what a business is in less than ten seconds, it's probably not a real business.

Yes, you can build a business that rewards you with growing autonomy over time. 

No, you cannot do it without putting a ton of (the right) work in.

Passive income is a pipe dream, a siren song that lures many well-meaning folks to ruin. Real business is not a game of Monopoly, where you can kick up your heels on Boardwalk and watch the dough roll in. Customers don't care about your "4-Hour workweek".

I'll have some passive income. And a side of fries.

There are all sorts of obstacles to contend with in the market and even those who have a vested interest in helping you succeed need to be monitored.

I’ve been there.

Life isn't a game of Three-Card Monte, where the only way to get ahead is to cheat the mark in front of you. If that's your mentality, you're going to squander a lot of opportunities. Play it straight and you get the added benefit of being able to sleep at night, free of fear of reprisals.

Create value and you'll be taken care of. Stop shoving your hands into everyone else's pockets.  

Enjoy your day. And send me your comments.

[addcrazy-blog]

New Post has been published on Add Crazy

New Post has been published on https://addcrazy.com/airtel-counters-reliance-jio-to-convey-5g-internet-iot-in-partnership-with-nokia/

Airtel counters Reliance Jio: To convey 5G internet & IoT in partnership with Nokia

Airtel will tackle Reliance Jio with a quick net carrier. Global generation giant Nokia and India’s largest telecom service company Bharti Airtel have announced that they have planned a method to reach the community evolution to 5G offerings.

They are additionally making plans to introduce the internet-of-Things (IoT) in India. The companies together will upgrade 4G carrier of energy, operations, and cost effectiveness, ensuring reliability and nice. In keeping with the organization, 5G generation will dramatically enhance height information speeds, agility, community latency and new potentials like community cutting. This move will basically allow network operators to help extra numbers of clients and an even huger variety of related IoT gadgets.

Abhay Savargaonkar, Director-community offerings (India and South Asia), Bharti Airtel, in an assertion stated, “The 5G and IoT programs have first-rate capacity to convert lives and we’re pleased to accomplice with Nokia to permit these future technologies for our clients.” While 5G comes to India, it’ll help even the rural regions as much as it will aid the smart cities that are in the works. This sort of technology will come to many regions inclusive of linked automobiles, business automation, healthcare and plenty of other potentials. inside the new deal, Airtel will use Nokia’s 5G give up-to-end 5G solution including AirScale radio get entry to portfolio and AirFrame information center platform. This will show the competencies 5G has in extreme broadband and reliability.

Sanjay Malik, Head of India Market, Nokia, “After our successful affiliation with Bharti Airtel for 2G, 3G, and 4G technology, we’re proud to associate to prepare for the future of cellular networks. We can leverage our Global experience in 5G-associated industry tasks and collaborations to permit Bharti Airtel to prepare their networks for extra ability, insurance, and pace.”

Telecom Secretary J S Deepak had in advance stated that the government has been working to make sure that India embraces 5G telecom networks fast.

The State of VoLTE in India

VoLTE might sound like technical gibberish to most people but this acronym may additionally thoroughly be the future of mobile voice communication. VoLTE will allow phone operators to streamline their statistics and voice infrastructure, making it greener. but what precisely is it?

purchasers won’t recognize it, however, 4G become designed completely to carry data which means that even customers who’re on 4G networks nonetheless rely upon 2G/3G to make phone calls. Voice over LTE or VoLTE is a technology that permits voice to be carried over 4G networks.

Why VoLTE Now?

but more than era is at work here. There are different motives why operators need VoLTE and this is the proliferation of VoIP calling through apps consisting of WhatsApp and Facebook messenger. those apps have already reduced SMS sales for operators and with the growing coverage of 4G networks, they may emerge as a formidable chance to voice sales in the future. VoLTE will allow operators to provide HD quality voice calls which can prevent users from switching over to other applications.

VoLTE Fame in India

However, at the same time as this generation guarantees to assist beleaguered cellular operators internationally, its extensive rollout is still very a long way in the destiny mainly in India wherein 4G networks are most effective now taking off. For VoLTE to grow to be viable, a number of factors should come together. clients need to get admission to VoLTE-enabled smartphones and operators need wide 4G networks across u . S . to make sure that there are not any dropped calls When users are on the move.

Currently best totally few operators like Airtel, Vodafone, and Reliance provide 4G networks in the first location. Moreover, VoLTE requires spectrum in the 2,300MHz band which handiest Airtel, Aircel, and newcomer Reliance Jio have at present. Even though Bharti Airtel gives 4G network get admission to at some point of most of India, it can offer VoLTE in best nine circles out of the whole 22 within u . S . A .. Then again Reliance Jio has a pan India license for VoLTE but has to build out its other infrastructure because it has handiest getting started.

The presence and availability of VoLTE capable networks are simply one part of the equation. No longer many customers in India have VoLTE-enabled telephones to make use of the service. VoLTE smartphones may be pretty expensive for a rate-sensitive Marketplace like India, although a number of producers have announced plans to convey lower-price gadgets with the desired VoLTE circuitry. It stays to be seen if vendors can seamlessly install VoLTE and hold customers or they may hold to lose the warfare with OTT VoIP/messenger apps.

What Self-Reliance Genuinely Means and the way One Achieves It

Due to the fact I do not forget myself an individualist, I thought I would write something about this essay primarily based on the identify on my own. Before everything I wasn’t Sincerely certain what this essay could encompass in its discussion however I speedy were given a sense of it from the first few paragraphs. And unnecessary to mention I used to be right away disenchanted. I recognise lots of people admire Emerson’s writings and paintings with the Abolitionist motion inside the overdue 19th century, but this essay promised much and alas did not deliver on its promise.

What “self-reliance” Method to me isn’t in any way remotely related to what Emerson wrote approximately. His form of self-reliance is just too based and too worried with the emotions and opinions of others. a great deal of his description of the man or woman who lives through self-reliant action is made with the aid of way of comparison. As opposed to putting forward what his thoughts about the individual who is self-reliant are, he selects several examples of traditional characters one reveals in the society of his time and opinions them to show how They’re Now not self-reliant. For instance, in place of stating what self-reliance is, he says, “The distinctive feature of most request is conformity. Self-reliance is its aversion. Whoso would be a man should be a nonconformist.” Simply, non-conformity isn’t enough of a person trait that guarantees one a decent threat at self-reliance. something more is required.

So this brings me to my chief unhappiness, that’s that “Self-Reliance” is not an essay demonstrating the significance, rarity, or features of the person who is self-reliant. Unfortunately, nor is it a type of manifesto approximately how one attains self-reliance gradually through adopting sure new behaviors or embracing a new philosophy. It is a great deal much less than that. Usual, it reads as a rant about the Status quo of his time and locale. Under a thin philosophical exterior, Emerson is genuinely a man attempting a small-scale highbrow revolution in 19th century American society.

but self-reliance Method something and the primary query that an outline of self-reliance ought to cope with is on whom or on what is a person Not reliant? Properly, reliance is a type of dependency and to reap self-reliance Manner that one is dependent for his or her own needs and wants on oneself and No longer others. Moreover, reliance comes from the phrase “depend onnotion,” which refers to trustworthiness and possessing honor. Self-reliance applies to the life of an character on a deserted island as a great deal as to the individual in society. Consequently, to be self-reliant by way of imparting for one’s self, more or much less equates to 1’s beingmotionand motion – independent of others.

Even more frustrating for me turned into how much Emerson valued and alluded to so-known as champions of self-reliance by using referring to non secular, biblical, and political figures – like Moses, Christ, Caesar, and Napoleon – alongside philosophers, thinkers, and scientist – like Newton, Shakespeare, and Socrates. The self-reliant character does not are trying to find electricity over others, as a substitute they are seeking for their personal leads to accomplishments in their personal doing. however to his credit score, now after which Emerson comes near nailing down what in essence makes a individual self-reliant. When he says, “Guy… but now and then wakes up, physical games his Cause, and unearths himself a true prince.” This factor is so vital as it identifies the number one form in which self-reliance manifests that is in concept or in the way one makes use of the thoughts by way of workout Cause.

additionally, towards the cease of the essay Emerson starts to reveal his genuine colorings as a mystic by assuming that a discussion on self-reliance need to include a connection with “that source, right away the essence of genius, of virtue, and of existence, which we call Spontaneity or Intuition… This primary awareness – Instinct.” Unusually, as you examine on you’ll observe you find no reason behind the relationship he makes among self-reliance and Spontaneity, Intuition, or Instinct. However, in advance I mentioned that it’s the exercising of Motive that defines self-reliance in idea and that if you want to obtain independence in motion one should first be independent in concept. To assume in terms of Spontaneity, Instinct, or Instinct and to behave on premises derived therefrom are sports that are absolutely opposed to Cause. Purpose is to independence and self-reliance as Intuition is to herd mentality and tribalism. There may be no connection among them, so Emerson’s linking of the 2 concepts – Reason and Intuition – is his very own particular form of intellectual booby-lure.

Some other problem that worried me about “Self-Reliance” is that he Simply didn’t Country in reality for what Motive one want be self-reliant and why that high-quality of person is proper. I is probably declaring the plain to lots of you, however I’m going to Nation it anyway that the simplest Cause why It’s vital to be self-reliant is to achieve one’s very own survival. Now whilst It is impossible to guarantee something like one’s very own survival, it is feasible to say that one’s survival is much more likely to arise if one is predicated on one’s very own assets and one’s ability to gather the goods and knowledge important for survival. Consequently, chiefly, the preservation of 1’s own existence is the Reason for the importance of self-reliance within the lifestyles of any independent person, self-preservation and nothing else.

That is why every body’s fundamental proper is the proper to lifestyles, the liberty to decide the direction of 1’s route in life. However the factor at which this right reaches its restriction, is the factor earlier than it begins to violate Any other person’s right to select the route in their existence. A loose society should shield the rights of absolutely everyone within its borders from those who could infringe upon this right to freedom of preference and the route one chooses to stay their life.

And for the ones of you who are questioning how it’s miles possible to live on with out different human beings, allow me just say that cooperation is feasible between independent ladies and men. The difference is inside the excellent difference among a collection that is fashioned out of a ethical responsibility to deal with all men as brothers versus becoming a member of forces on a voluntary foundation and simplest to attain goals where There is an alignment of pastimes. a set may be formed of unbiased men and women, But inside the case of self-reliant people, the organization is handiest as exact as every member is willing to present it support. So Whilst guide wanes and an alignment of interests ceases to exist, the organization dissolves.

In end, what you get out of “Self-Reliance” is a take hold of-bag of philosophical concepts derived from diverse resources and pasted collectively to make semi-coherent arguments for self-reliance in individual and action. As a whole, Emerson in “Self-Reliance” sets many conceptual booby-traps that with out a robust philosophical foundation the beginning or common scholar of philosophy will Not be able to make heads or tails. Firstly, I had high hopes for Emerson’s essay and needed that it turned into a gem I disregarded inside the beyond When I was first uncovered to Transcendentalism thru the works of Henry David Thoreau. but it did not meet my expectancies.

https://addcrazy.com/